Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-04-23
SETTING AN VI

The announcement from Washing
ton that United States Senator George
L.. Wellington will formally and for
ever leave the Republican party at the
close of the present session of Con-
gress has created something akin to
CONSERVATION among the leaders, and
there are open expressions of the fear
that his example may be followed by
others equally prominent in party cir
cles. Senator Wellington has stated
that he would not support McKinle!
if renominated, but says he will await
the formal action of the convention,
and will be guided by its course That
means his active participation in the
campaign to be waged on the part Of
the people, this summer and fall,
against the imperialistic clique now
in charge of governmental affairs, and
he will, from all appearances, not be
alone in his protest against the pres
ent order of things.
Senator Wellington's opposition to
Mckinley and his policy is conscien-
tious, and is largely based on the same
grounds held by ex-President Harri-
son, ex-senator Edmunds, ex-Speaker
Reed, Senator Hoar, and a large pro-
portion of the Republican press. He
does not believe Mr.. Mckinley is fit
for the high Office he occupies, and
utterly dissents from the Puerto Rico
legislation, the tratment of Admiral
Schley, and the suppression of General
Miles during the late and present war.
He has not, in fact, been in harmony
with his party since the outbreak Of
the Spanish war, and the fact has
been an open secret. He is one of
those who believe that McKinleyism
and all that term implies is not only
injuring the Republican party, but is
perialistic tendencies, acts and poll
icies, and has, therefore, determined to
no longer aid, by either voice or vote
or Influence, in a continuation of that
course. His declaration of personal
independence will be a~pplauded
generally, and no doubt his
example will be extensively fol-
lowed, if not by public utterances, at
least in the form of quiet influence
and the dropping of votes adverse to
imperialism on election day. The ma
jority of Republicans view the
situation with concealed impa-
tience, and only need a lead
er to head a revolt which would
sweep from State to State over the en-
tire country. The Republican party
needs a Moses, and he may appear at
any time.
In an interview published a few days
ago, Senator Wellington, after observ-
ing that, in his opinion. this would be
a bad year for Republicans, contin-
ued:
The Republican leaders do not realize,
~. my opinion, now deep they have gotten
themselves into trouble. There have been
many times when ] have not been in ac-
cord with the leaders OF my party. but
the people may show in November which
course they prefer. l don't care to go to
the convention at Philadelphia. and would
not go if elected as a delegate.
Il suppose Mr.. Mckinley will be nom
mated. although l think his remnom.na-
ton would be a mistake. The party in
power has always the opportunity to build
up a machine with the ofhceholders bound
70 the Administration with the strongest
ties.
II believe, however, thai the Democrats
have an excellent chance to win. The Re-
pubicans do not realize the disaffection
In their ranks. Party spirit is not so bind
ing as II was in years gone by. People
are more independent now. and If their
party does not do what they think right
they turn against il. Most elections are
lost where. the party in power Is defeated
by the voters staying at home.
I do not Intend to go to the convention
at Philadelphia" he continued. 'and Mr..
Master will probably be my proxy. / do
not care to be connected with the conven-
ton in any manner"
This sort OF thing. coming from a
Republican Senator, is refreshing. 1t
II also significant.