Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1904-10-25
CHATS BY THE WAY.

Republicans are claiming all the
credit for the rural free delivery sys-
TEN. The first. step taken for the e.
adjustment OF the system was by
Democrats In the House Of Represen-
tatives. The Republicans deserve
chiefly discredit, for when the system
was fairly started they used it AZ 9
means Of filching from the people.
The only instance yet furnished in
which the Administration has yet
shown itself reluctant to spend the peo-
pies money is out Of the fund Of $780,
900 appropriated by Congress for the
prosecution of the trusts. There Is Ftul
$450,00O of the sum unexpended and
available.
One of President Roosevelt's attempt
ed Qualifications of the pension order
is its popularity, as he supposes. No
doubt, indeed, it is popular among its
benefciaries who control great many
votes, but is it the part of a statesman
to attempt to justify questionable act
by the measure of its popularity? His
defiance of the opposition on that
ground is reflection upon the integ-
rity Of the whole American people.
The New York Tribune says "there
was no need for Mr.. Roosevelt to write
anything on 1.-The notorious denial of
the rights of negroes and notification
of the Constitution in the Southern
States" because This position is well
known" Yes, his position is well
known, so VIGOROUSLY well known and
so utterly indefensible that even he
was bafded for words to square him
self.
"What has the Administration done
to the 2" asks the Memphis Com
mercial. Address your communica-
ton to Mr.. G. C. Cortelyou, care Re-
publican National Committee" replies
the Washington Post
Hon. Charles ]. Faulkner. former
United States Senator from West Vir-
ginia: There is no question in my
mind that West Virginia will cast her
ker and Henry G. Davis. The cam
pdlSu Is a uOb 0ue OA UOlu c1QSS, Uul al
the indications point to Democratic
success at the polls next month. be-
neve our majority will be from 1900
to 10000"
Ere the earth had covered the form
of the martyred President whom he
succeeded Mr.. Roosevelt said that he
would wish only to serve out the unex-
PRED term. Now he not only wants
election, but it is unmistakable that,
If he wins in November. he will
want reelection. The signs are lumin-
Gus that the trusts have bought him
this time. but. o trusts. will he stay
bought?
The New York Evening Sun pokes
fun at your Uncle Henry Gassaway
Davis for using large words. AS
though the Sun were the only earthly
mental entity familiar with the use of
polysyllables.
1t is common talk, common joke, in
Wall Street, how complete has been
the surrender of the Administration to
the corporations and the trusts. The
late Secretary of Commerce and Labor,
with its bureau of corporations to Sc
cure publicity in the interest of the
public" has been busy delivering the
goods.
Cortelyou used to be "trust buster"
Now he is trust truster.
1--WE intend in the future to carry on
the Government in the same way that
we have carried it on in the past" says
President Roosevelt in his acceptance
letter 1t is the same kind of defiance
that is uttered by the footpad, armed
with a bludgeon or "big stick" as he
stands over his PROSTATE victim whom
he has robbed.
Chairman CorteIyou, when Secretary
of Commerce, had bureau of public
ity under him. 1t was there that, COM
ing into contact with the great corpor-
atoms, he seemed to be impressed with
the value Of secrecy. He is using it in
this campaign in his fat frying pro-
cesses.
Congressman William 3. Hearst.
President of the National Association
Of Democratic Clubs, has come back
from the West and taken firm grasp
upon the helm of the organization. He
has issued a stirring address to men,
bers urging them to special activity
and untiring energy from now until the
closing of the polls"
Where was Henry Cabot Lodge when
the Massachusetts, Bureau of Labor is
sued its recent report of the result of
certain investigations? Among the re-
plies to questions sent out seventy
seven merchants agreed that the trusts
had raised prices, and the unsatisfac-
tory condition of living was due wholly
or in part to ''the existing tariff"
It has been more than year and a
half since the creation of the Depart
ment of Commerce and Labor, with its
bureau of corporations, was estab-
1ished to open the books of the trusts
Gin the interest of the public" Chair
man Cortelyou was in charge more
than year. but the books have never
been opened. The public has not seen
page-not line Of them.