Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-10-24

every day to men who dare not resent
the insult.
The corporations which thus appeal
to force and fraud, strike at the very
Foundation of republican government,
and the lovers of free institutions must
arOunSe themselves 10 save the country
from its great peril
Especially should the wOrkingmen as
serJ their manhood rights. If they vote
their convictions and in accordance
with their interests the Democratic
ticket is certain Of election, and IN that
case the employing corporations will
have no desire TO embark upon a policy
of punishment On the contrary. they
will be eager TO cOnciliate employees who
will have behind the assertion of their
rights the vast powers of a Federal ad-
ministrauOn in sympathy with those
who toll. But should they submit to
coercion and elect an administration
that will be the creature of the corpora
tons and moneyed interests of the coun-
try those wOrkingmen whose entire sub
miSsiYeness is regarded with suspicion
Will find themselves replaced by men
who can be depended upon TO vote as
they are told. In the contest that is
raging the salvation OF the workingman
lies in the assertion at the polls of his
rights as a free and Independent Ameri-
can citizen.
The State laws providing for the
Australian ballot, if enforced, are ample
TO protect every citizen in the secrecy
of the ballot, and the corporate an
archist must be compelled TO obey these
laws, whether they are willing or not.
The preparation of this attempted
outrage upon free suffrage will work its
own cure. An indignant people, jealous
of their rights, will demand that the leg
islatures, State and national, shall pro-
coed at once by rigorous Measures to
prevent the possibility OF repetition Of
such attempts hereafter.
While the metropolitan press, with a
few honorable exceptions, is under the
domination of those incorporated con-
spirators. and is basely subservient to
their wishes, the country newspapers,
as rule, remain undeb3uched and are
still in sympathy with the principles Of
government established by Washington
and jefferson and Illustrated and main
tained by Jackson and Lincoln. They
will CRY out and spare not until such
legislation is had as VIII prevent ano,h-
er such shameful attempt at abuse Of
power.
In the meantime, the success Of the
present conspiracy must be prevented
The pending contest is already won by
an overwhelming majority, if the honest
sentiments of the people are permitted
TO find free expression at the polls
and this the people are ready to have at
any cost.
The National Committee appreciates
the need of vigilance. 1t has taken steps
to impress upon the people, and espe-
ciaIly upon every Democratic election
officer. the great importance of scrutin-
ling the marks upon every ballot and
of carefully watching every act at or
about the polls 10 make sure that no
Judge or clerk of election shall have an
opportunity to betray the secrets OF the
ballot, if be would.
And the National Committee. backed
by the full power Of the Democratic or
ganization in every State of the Union,
pledges itself that every scOundrel,
whether public officer or private citizen,
who is detected in any violation of the
law, shall be vigorously prosecuted and
sent to the penitentiary if possible.
JAMES X. JONES,
Chairman Democratic Nat. Committee.