West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1916-11-02
Has Been Lifelong Republican
but Thinks this Is not the Time
to Draw Party Lines-Urges the
Voters to Support the Present
Administration
Editor of the West Virginia Argus:

Editor OF the West Virginia Argus:
Along with many other Republicans
wish to state my attitude towards
the present campaign. l have been
resident of this state all my life. and
was born and raised in Preston county
and have noticed the corruption and
mismanasement OF the party in power
In this state. II is proper to state at
the outset that while / have never
been an extremist have always here
tofore supported the Republican tick
ct. Referring TO our own Presidential
candidates there is no person to doubt
that either is well qualified to fill the
Presidential chair. but there are good
reasons for believing that the country
would be far safer in the hands of
Woodrow Wilson. Wilson viewed from
certain standpoints in the eyes OF an
unprejudiced man has doubtless laid
himself open TO some criticism No
President has been confronted with
sSch grave issues since the DAYS OF
Lincoln, but he has met them by in
augurating a procedure that carries
conviction and radiates the broad prin-
ciple OF humanity from every angle
OF vision, and at the same time aims
terrible blow at barbarities that
haze descended to us from medieval
darkness. Wilson and his followers
are responsible for much beneficial
legislation that has found a place on
the statute books. And he has done
many other things that add greatly to
his credit and to the good OF coming
generations. But / consider the great
est service he has rendered his coun-
try and mankind generally is through
his peace policies in keeping this
country out OF war and demonstrating
that there are other very potent meth
DDS OF settling disputes between ma
tons consistent with our better ma
t!res and more I'm accord with the
principles that are now advocated.
But what is war. that many pass it
over so lightly? General Sherman's
appellation is not broad enough to
cover the atrocities attending the pres
ent war. The hells of many of our
ovangelsts would be pleasant summer
resorts in comparison. Consider for
a moment the enormity OF this dire
calamity. The darkest pages OF the
worlds history are being inscribed
Open this book OF horrors, il you
please. on the first page and note the
fairest of the land Fastening to meet
each other in mortal combat. On an
other page observe the demon of war
In full controls human beings madden
ed by the spell craving the blood OF
their fellow creatures, rush upon each
other, committing deeds OF carnage
that appal the lowest abandon Of hu-
man degeneracy. Read in another
chapter where millions of women and
children are starving. There is food
to eat but the obstiIacy OF the powers
forbids its distribution Open the
book again, and you will observe a
lull In the battle but the horrors con-
tinue to multiply, sinking into the
lowest depths of depravity.
Under wars degrading influence we
observe creatures that once called
themselves human beings dragging the
fairest women into their trenches. at
tacking them and then numbering
their victims. Voters. especially those
who are not in accord with Wilson
sentiwent, ask you to ponder well
over this question, DO you wish TO
see this state OF affairs repeated on
this side OF the Atlantic? DO you wish
to become party to these dolngs? Do
you wish to see your sons perish un-
der these conditions? DO you wish
to expose your wives and daughters to
wars drag net of depravity? If not
whom will you trust? Wilson. who
has kept us out OF war and retains the
friendship OF the great powers aud
with Arm hand correcting evils com
planned Of? Or will you trust Hughes
and his party who are clamoring for
vengeance and shouting in advance
tpae they Will demand certain retrac-
tions AZ the hands OF the powers
which powers, though not blameiess.
have doubtless not acted very differ
ontly from what others would have