Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1898-08-11
The Congressional Convention.

enthusiastic conventions that has been
held in this district for years. 1t was
fully attended, and the large body OF
determined Democrats who particlpa-
ted in it gave evidence that they have
gone into the fight this year to win.
There was not one discordant element
in the convention, and harmony and
good feeling prevailed to an unusual
degree.
The convention was called to order
by Mr.. VIM. B. Cornwell, chairman OF
the executive committee. Hon. Henry
G. Davis was named as temporary
chairman, and in accepting the posi-
ton the venerable ex-senator made a
spirited speech defining his ideas OF
the Democratic policy. The various
committees were appointed, and the
convention took recess until after
noon.
Upon reassembling at 2 o'clock, the
reports of the various committees were
read and adopted, without a dissent
ing voice. Mr.. Stuart W. Walker, OF
Martinsburg, was made permanent
|
chairman, and Mr.. G. W. Boyer, OF
the same place, permanent secretary
with the Democratic editors present
assistant secretaries. Mr.. Walker
made a very graceful speech in assum-
ing the duties Of chairman, and pre-
sided with satisfaction to everybody
The roll of counties was then called
for the nomination Of candidates for
Congress. In a speech that for elo-
ouence and earnestness we have rarely
heard excelled, Mr.. VIM. B. CornwelI,
of Hampshire county, nominated Co..
John T. McGraw, of Grafton. His
name was received with wild applause,
which indicated quite plainly the SEN
timent of the delegates. Col. Forrest
w. Brown, of Jefferson, and Hon. VIM
G. Brown, Jr., of Preston county, Sec
onded the nomination of Mr. McGraw,
and upon motion Of the former the
nomination was thereupon made by ac-
clamation with the most enthusiastic
unanimity. A committee was appoint
ed to wait upon Mr.. McGraw and es-
cort him to the hall, and when the
cheers had finally subsidized the gifted
nominee made a thrillingly eloquent
speech. He announced his determlna-
ton to enter into the campaign with
the set purpose, with the cooperation
of the Democrats who had so honored
him, to win the fight, and there was
very distinct impression that Col. Nc
Graw was about to enter upon sue
cessful contest. At the conclusion of
Col. McGraw's address the convention
adjourned, and the nominee received
the congratulations Of the delegates
ond many other friends and support
ers.
The following platform was submit
ted by the committee on resolutions
and unanimously adopted by the con-
vention
The Democrats of the second con-
pressional district of West Virginia,
in convention assembled, adhering
firmly to the time-honored principles
of the Democratic party, aud believing
in the greatest good to the greatest
number of people, and in the largest
liberty of thought and action consist
ent with the well-being Of society, with
equal rights to all men and special
privileges to none, and believing in the
least possible government consistent
with the good order and security OF
society, and that the function Of gov
eminent is not to distribute benefits to
the favorite few, but to secure the
freedom of the person, the safety of
property, and individual rights, de-
clare:
1st. We reaflirm and reiterate the prln-
ciples of the Democratic party as de
clared in its national convention at Chl-
cago in 1896. -
ID We reafirm our adherence to the
Monroe doctrine. and declare that we are
opposed to entangling alliances with
foreign nations.
Sd. We are in favor Of the restoration
of our merchant marine to the proud
place it once held upon the high seas,
and to this end we favor the construc-
ton and ownership by the people OF TINS
country of the Nicaraguan canal as a
necessary measure for the advancement
of our constantly increasing commerce.
and for the protection OF our coasts III
times of war; and to the same end we
favor the acquisition of such coaling
stations and harbors of refuge as may
be necessary in distant parts OF the world
for the advancement of our trade ana
the protection of our commerce.
4th. And whereas our country is about
to emerge from a war with Spain. be-
gun and waged, as was solemnly de
clared By the President and Congress OF
the United States. not for the purpose OF
conquest or territorial ACKNOWLEDGMENT,
but for the purpose of extending to the
oppressed people of Cu6a the blessings
of free, enlightened and stable govern
ment, we point with pride to the course
of the Democratic minority in the Con-
gress of the United States. in the patri-
Otto course pursued by them in rising
above party politics and extending to
the administration their unqualified sup
port in a vigorous prosecution of the war