Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-10-29

Department of Labor has issued a
statement showing that wages have in
creased an average of 8 per cent since
1890. The figures are correct, but the
table does not go back to 1897. If it
did the fact would be revealed that
wages are now 5 per cent lower than
they were in 1897. The average in
crease in prices of the articles which
wage earners buy has been 20 per cent
since 1890 and 25 per cent since 1887.
The wages paid have steadily decreas-
ed in purchasing capacity, and he rich
have constantly been growing richer
while the poor have been growing
poorer. So long as the government
employs over a hundred thousand ex-
ira men on account of trouble abroad,
there will be fewer idle but the admin
istration assures the people that these
troubles will soon be over and as soon
as they are there will be more men out
of employment than at any time since
1873. This is the condition of the
country SO far as the loudly proclaim
ed prosperity is concerned.
f~rOduccrS IteceINE Less
and pay more than at any
time in the past, while the spectators
are piling up fabulous fortunes. This
is the condition which the Republican
party seeks to have continued.
They assert with the utmost conf
dence that these conditions will be
continued and this confidence has had
it's effect upon many Democrats who
do not believe that Bryan can be elect
ed. All of the signs are favorable to a
glorious Democratic victory when the
situation is closely studied. In every
doubtful state the managers of both
parties have feared the apathy which
seemed to prevail. When the time for
registration came, the apathy disap-
peared, the registration was the largest
on record. ut is now known that this
silent vote will be cast against the adj
ministration and it is sufficient to elect
the Democratic national ticket. There
is every reason for belief that when the
votes are counted, the Republicans will
have the most complete and disagree
able surprise they ever experienced.
The American people are not going to
vote for the capitalists who invest
their capital for speculation and not
for progress TO become the dictators of
the government and the people.
That the
Fight in West Virginia
is a close hand one is known to every
man, but there is no longer room for
doubt that the state will be carried for
Bryan and Stevenson. The Republi-
cans will claim it up to the time the
last vote is counted, but their claims
will not be entertained.
The popular demonstration kOr VIM.
j.. Bryan wherever he has appeared is
proof positive that he has increased
the hold he had in 1896 upon the hearts
OF the people and it requires less than
one per cent change in the vote of 1896
to elect him by an overwhelming ma
Jority. He has maintained himself as
no other speaker ever did on the
stump and his receptions have been
without parallel in enthusiasm.
Both parties have issued statements
tabulating the returns expected. These
differ so widely that credence can
scarcely be placed in either. Both fig
ure upon percentages OF increase or de-
crease upon a basis of the previous
votes while conditions differ so greatly
and so much in favor of the Democrats
that even
The Democratic Figures
do not probably give justice to the
strength Of the Democratic candidates.
During the few days which will in
tervene between now and election both
parties will strive to intensity the en-
thusiasm Of their respective adharents
and the days will bring confusing re-
ports, but the silent vote which will
land Bryan in the White House will
not be changed. 1t is beyond the
reach of all known political methods.
1t is for Bryan and will remain for
Bryan.
The election of a Democratic Con-
gress is assured beyond all question,
and the election of Democratic legis-
lature in West Virginia is also assured
| believe that the election of BRYAN is
assured. know that it is, if the Dem
ocrats do their duty at the polls.
FRANK l.. WELLES.