Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-11-02
MADE VOTES FOR BRANNoN.
WESTON, W. Va, October 81.

To the Editor of the Register.
Sir:-For several days past the Re-
publicans here have given wide circu-
lation to hand bills announcing that
the Hon. E. Y. Bell, Of New York, and
r. r. Lala, native Filipino, would
speak at the opera house in Weston
tonight. 1t was shrewd campaign
scheme-character of the Senior
Senator from West Virginia-conceiv-
ed for the double purpose of drawing
crowd for Bell, (who is a consumate
political sophisD. and giving an alleg-
ed practical example of the possibili-
ties of civilization in the case of an
educated Filipino. 1t was also hoped
that the presence of the latter would,
at least in a measure, check the rapid
ly increasing opposition to the preten-
sions Of the imperialists in Lewis coun-
ty, and at the same time afford a sat
isfactory justification of the attempt
by the Mckinley-Hanna-E lkins admin
istration to subjugate foreign people
and govern them without their con-
sent.
With the usual aid of the employees
from the hospital for the insane.
which is now more of a political ma
chine than a humane institution, a
goodly crowd was assembled at the
Opera House by o'clock p. M, the ma
Jority perhaps having been induced
to go there through curiosity. The
idea of native Philippine speaking
against the struggles Of his own coun-
trymen for liberty and endorsing a
policy that would seek to govern
and control them without their con-
sent, proved a drawing card Lala
presented number of stereopticon
views, accompanied by a lecture on
his native country, sang some songs
and made a general exhibasion bf
himself, but Bell, the political timer
ant, became offended at some i'm
aginary grievance and declined to har-
ass the audience by his demagoguery.
Altogether the meeting was a most
unfortunate affair for Republicans,
and as a result of it they have sus-
tanned a blow from which it will be
impossible for them to recover in this
campaign. One thing is assured, and
that is that it has had the effect of
coneiliating all recalcitrant Demo-
Gratis who have heretofore been oppos-
ing the election of Hon. w W. Bran
non to the Legislature It will be
borne in mind that for a couple of
months past there has been some ap-
parent disaffection in the ranks of GER
tain element of Lewis county Demo-
cratS to the candidacy of Mr. Bran
noH on account of a misapprehension
which had it's origin in the last mass
convention. The Republicans have
lavailed themselves of every oppor-
tunity to widen the breach in the con-
fdent belief that it would operate to
the advantage and result in the cleo
ton of their candidate, Mr.. nv. l.. Dun
nington. To-night's exercises at the
Opera House, however, have entirely
changed the trend of affairs. Recall
eitrant Democrats are now in line for
w. w. Branpon, and will no longer
lend their influence to accomplish his
defeat. Personal differences have all
been laid aside. Their attitude is best
described in the language of DR.. NJ.
S. Holt, one of the hitherto most prom
inent opponents of Mr.. Brannon, but
from this time forward one Of his
most active and influential supporters.
Dr.. Holt, in discussing the meeting on
the street, said:
when | saw the hand bills announc
ing to-nights programme, circulated
by order of the Republican committee,
| at once knew it was to hide the pur-
port and purpose of the meeting from
the people; and when l saw the chair
man of the Republican Executive Com
mittee accompanying the reputed Fill
Pine, and carrying his valise to his
hotel, an indescribable feeling came
over me that could not be inspired by
anything less than patriotism. From
that moment my mind was almost
made up, and a mental battle ensued
which lasted until the band announced
the hour of meeting, to which | did
not intend to give my presence. At
the instance of r. l., Bland, chairman
CT the Lewis County Democratic Exec
utive Committee. to whom | was talk
ing, and said ! would not countenance
the infamy by being an auditor, l was
induced TO go upon the suggestion
that you may learn something that
may be used to advantage in your fight
against imperialism" etc. | listened to
Lala's lecture and watched his stereop-
tican views and my blood tingled in
every capillary at the thought that
the once great Republican party of
Lincoln had so far descended in the
scale OF political degradation as to ap-
plaud a Benedict unworthy of that
name in point of intelligence, but not
purpose), who would, as he did, advo-
cate the colonization of his people,
stating in plain terms that If one Eng
lshman could control ten men, Amer
lea ought to control one in a colony.
The negroes in the audience loudly ap-
piauded his remarks, and could not
help contrasting the 100000 African
slaves who were crowned with liberty
within day, and the 100000 Fill
lpinos who have been fighting for lib
erty for three centuries; and as our
allies helped to end the war with
spain. My emotions OF patriotism
lifted me above personalities and OBJ
Jectlons to leaders, and | sought the
Republican candidate for the Legisla-
fure, whom | had promised to sup
port, and publicly informed him of nv
reasons for opposing him from now I'M
til the closing of the polls. My time.
talents and energy will now be used
TO strike a death blow at an issue that
rises above everything known to
american citizenship since the days of
the bloody revolution. And my hope
Will be that every anti-imperialist in
this land will so use his influence in