Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1916-01-22
HON. DAVID e. FRENCH, OF MER-
GER COUNTY, is eUG-
GESTED
GANG RULE AND MfoMANAGE-
MENT HAVE AROUSED
THE PEOPLE
(Logan Democracy

of the state have shown a growing
tendency recently to scan more or
less carefully the rank and file of
their own party in the state with a
view to arriving at a definite con
clusion regarding the availability ana
strength of gubernatorial timber. 1t
is generally recognized that the com
ing election is one in which the fort
Unes of the Democratic party in West
Virginia may under certain condit-
ions be rehabilitated and firmly nstab-
lished. The situation was never more
promising for a. return to power in
the Little Mountain state of the Dem
ocrats than in this campaign and the
fact is generally realized and every
effort is being made to avoid any mis-
step.
Not too much weight is given to
the present split in the ranks of the
opposition. The circumstance which
makes the horizon look particularly
bright is the attitude of the general
public toward the present admins
tration, its deeds and misdeeds,
and the rapidly growing sentiment
that the bunch which have thrived
and multiplied at the political pie
counter for generation or more
must be ousted if the state is to
progress in Ike ping with the times
and throw off the stigma of bossism
and gang rule. Reduced Republican
najorities in recent years have shown
the drift of sentiment, but it has
taken the work of the present ad
ministration to bring the matter to
a head and the majority of the voters
to the final determination to make
change. They are ready to act, not
too hastily, to be sure, but still ready
and willing and eager enough if the
Democrats present men of high stan
dard and in whom the confidence of
the people may be safely reposed.
A name has been mentioned here
and there about the state, but as yet
there has not been any particular cry
talization of Democratic sentiment on
any particular individual. The elm
nation process is in progress which
should leave only the biggest and fit
test, and then, fatal manipulation ex-
cepted, will come glorious finish
Most of those mentioned to date have
been strong democrats residing in the
northern and eastern portions of the
state; men of experience and proven
ability and integrity, in most cases
men who have been before the public
too long to meet the present condi-
lions successfully. The popular or yis
for a change of faces at the state
house, which includes in the category
change in the personnel of Demo
cratic office seekers and leaders as
well, in fact a general political house
cleaning on both sides of the alley
Something and somebody that IS
bright and fresh, clean and clear, with
brief but successful record of
achievement. is what the people de.
mand before the full measure of their
enthusiasm will be directed into any
one channel.
The Democratic party is in the for
tunate position of being able, if it will
to supply this demand. It has within
| its ranks a man who is generally rec.
ognized as being big enough in ability
courage and integrity to creditably
/ discharge the duties of any exalted
public Office; one whose popularity
and influence is widespread yet is
not obnoxious to single individual;
one who has proven his worth to his
party and to the people in the fore.
front OF battle, and yet who has not
been too persistently connected with
political affairs to become marked
with the title OF politician His name
is David f. French and he is at home
in the county of Mercer.
Senator French is peculiarly fitted
for the campaign of 1916, both as a
candidate and worker Ii hardly need
be recalled that it was mainly
through his eiferts and brilliant
stamping tour through the state in
1912 that the normal republican
majority was cut in twain and tia,
Governor Hatfield was elected by
the smallest plurality candidate OF
his party had received in 16 years
! Nor is it really necessary 70 mention