The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1910-05-24
Democratic Duty In
West Virginia.
BY CLYDE 3. JOHNSON, OF ST. MARYs.


Jacob B. Jackson was elected
governor has the Democratic
party in West Virginia had such
an opportunity to win SIS now
presents itself.
The opposing party is wild
and struggling in a maze Of dis
organization and popular disap-
proval that is the natural out
growth of corrupt methods,
bossism, machine politics. and
public deception
The people are sick and tired
of having the affairs of the state
administered to the sole end that
the political, machine in charge
may be strengthened and per-
petuated, and with total disre-
gard of the welfare of the peo-
pie of the state at large. And
this machine which has come in
recent years to be the sole bene-
ficiary of state government, is
not even a party machine. 1t
cannot claim the respect and sup
port of Republicans on the
ground that it uses it's power for
the benefit of that party. for
the times are too many when it's
power has been used to dominate
party councils, and crush out of
existence Republicans who had
incurred it's displeasure or had
the temerity to oppose it's can
didates for party nominations
1t is a steam roller built along
the lines of the tabled car of
Juggernaut, and it's progress has
been marked by the mangled re-
mains Of some of the purest and
ablest men the Republican party
has ever had in West Virginia.
No matter if they were life long
supporters of the party from de-
votion to its principles, and
borne the burdens of party or
CARNATIONS when victories were
few. This record could not save
when they dared 70 oppose ma
chine favorites,
This thing has come to its
natural fruition in unparalleled
extravaganza, reckless disregard
of platform pledges and the do
mination Of legislation at Char
lesion by influences so rank they
smell to Heaven.
The people of the state, re-
CARELESS of party, are Disguised
with present conditions and
would gladly rebuke the Repub-
lican machine and wipe out its
blot from the fair name of the
state, if they saw an opportunity.
This condition of affairs, and
this temper of the voters, con-
stitute the opportunity of the
Democratic party in this state.
This must not be regarded as
simply an opportunity to capture
the Offices. 1t must be recog-
nized for what it is-a chance to
become the instruments by
means Of which the people of the
state may meet this emergency,
and discharge a great public
duty. Remember, the people
will not choose us as the agency
through which they will act UNI
less they believe we deserve to
be chosen They will not choose
us if there is any doubt about
what we would do if intrusted
with power, and they will not
choose US unless our leadership
is a guaranty of good faith.
You cannot blame the people
for being suspicious, distructful,
and demanding to be shown.
A burned child breads the fire.
and no more fragrant case of be-
trayed confidence than these
same people have suffered dur.
ing the last ten years is not re-
corded in any history
Will the Democratic party rise
to the occasion and show itself
great enough to be safely chosen
for this great service?
This is improbable as matters
within the party now stand. No
party in any state has ever beer
advanced from a minority to Z
majority position while divided
and embittered by platform diff
ferences, leadership iealousies
and committe factions.