The Washington herald., 1909-04-07
DEFENDS ELKINS
AS PARTY'S MOSES
G. D. Elliott Resents Relec-
tiOns Upon Senator.
WRITES CIVIC REFORM LEAGUE
United states Marshal Asserts TINT
Cries of @Machine" EmaHate from
Corporations Which Have Been
Compelled to Pay Their just Taxes
Under Republican Laws.



Parkersburg. W. Va, April tin a
letter TO the National Civic Reform
League. which he has just made public,
United States Marshal c. D. Elliott. one
o. those mentioned in the report Of the
league a few days ago, comes out in
defense of United States Senator Stephen
3. Elkins. whom he praises as the
Moses Of the Republican party" in West
Virginia
The letter was made public to-day by
Mr.. Elliott. following the report Of the
National Civic Reform League. It was
written to the league IN response 10
letter regarding West Virginia politics.
The letter. in part. follows:
Defends Senator EIkins.
Dear Sirs: Yours of December I'D
has been carefully read. and with much
interest
Il feel that it is my duty 10 answer
same in so far as I have personal knowl-
edge. inasmuch as you cast serious re-
Elections on some Of our very best citi-
zens, Senator S. B. EIkins. in particular.
These reflections. ! take it. are based
on ex parte evidence or information ema-
mating from those who have failed to Sc
cure his approval. either in political
way or in some get-rich-quiclS scheme.
"A bit Of political history OF West Vir-
Sinia covering the past twenty years may
shed some light and be helpful in aiding
yOl 20 reach proper conclusions.
Twenty s-aa~s 400 vr-hap y
came into this State he found the Repub-
Hcan party without aggressive leadership,
having had their candidate for governor
counted out by ballot-box stUffing OF the
gravest nature imaginable. Intimidation
and srong-arm tactics prevailed. To be
q Republican during those days in West
Virginia meant social and political ostrac
cism. The party demanded a leader with
the mentality Of a Blaine and the phys
ioal courage Of a Roosevelt.
Moses of the Party.
IS. B. Elkins with one accord was
chosen as the Moses OF the party. Its
young and virile element. man who could
look calmly into the muzzIe Of a gun and
meet all Corners on the hastings. rallied
under his banner At this time the tactics
Of the Democracy were 10 discredit this
new, aggressive leader. and their press
and speakers charged him with all the
crimes on the calendar, all Of which
were without foundation. and these same
tactics continue 10 this day as the Dem
ocrats fully realize that they cannot hope
10 gain control of the State so long as
Mr.. Elkins is in the saddle
"The frst victory came to this leader
ship IN 1891, and Mr. Elkins without a
dissenting vote. was rewarded by being
elected United States Senator from West
Virginia, as has been done twice since.
-Four Republican governors have been
elected in succession. all able. high class
men, who are the most active II those
who fought the battle under the Elkins
leadership With these successes came
the responsibility Of dispensing patronage.
q few places only for scores who felt that
they were deserving. AS a result, blck-
erings have been abroad in the land. but
this trouble would never have amounted
TO more than temporary furry had It
not been for other causes.
Corporations Cry 'sAIachine."
The Republican party on taking charge
OF the State found an antiquated system
Of taxation. the great corporations were
not paying their share Of the burdens of
the State, and this new leadership
sought TO remedy these evils.
Every man and a majority OF the cor
pOrations who had their taxes increased
under the new laws enacted began 10
howl machine and boss rule and most
Of the attorneys referred 20 with cor
pOration connections Joined in the refrain.
Of gD
chine you refer 10 is a myth, pure and
simple, existing only in the minds Of
those who would put from power the
present dominant party and those who
have failed 10 catch on within the party
Senator ElSins is a 'bossless leader
who accords to his fellow workers within
the party the privilege dear TO every
American citizen. that Of thinking for
ones self
Praises Gov. GIasscOck..
"As to whether or not Federal Office
holders in West Virginia were politically
active during the last campaign depends
upon the viewpoint taken. am not in a
position TO speak for all Of them. but
that they do not all worship at the same
shrine is certain. The list Of Federal of
nce-holders who were members of the
State central committee early in 1905.
which you submit, IS correct. and, barring
the writer. are as talented and competent
a lot 81 Americans as can be found in
any State William L. Glasscock. whom
you refer TO. is our goveraor-elect. the
soul OF honor. "a Hughes fearless. in do
ing the right as he sees il.
In conclusion, allow me 10 suggest
that there IS no twilight zons' IN the
politics Of West Virginia: we have not
yet reached that state Of political civili-
zation. I am confident. however. that
much misleading information he's been
strewn as 10 the political morals-accu-
/ Eations have been made hat had no
foundation in fact-and when your COM
mittea Glasses Nj Elkins as q INN