Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1918-05-21

ana MS own QDllIlcal fortunes TO keep
us out of war. Not until the Central
Powers had thrown aside solemn trea-
ties and broken international law; not
then till the world acknowledged that
the drive in Europe was the precon-
certed forerunner of an invasion of
America; and not even then until a
solemn promise TO our government was
violated by murderous assault upon
the lives of American citizens, did the
President consent to war Well did
say in 1916: "He kept us out of war"
Well may we say now: HE kept us
out of the German trap" He now oc-
cupies the unique distinction of being
not only commander in chief of our
Army and Navy, but the counselor,
leader and arbitrator of the people
of all nations now united and
determined to crush one-man power,
and enthused with the purpose to free
the world from the necessity of bur-
dening the people with the cost of
maintaining excessive military estab-
lishments. The world can trust an
American President with almost any
kind of power necessary to win war,
because our institutions and the Unborn
love of liberty in every true American,
will automatically and instantly re-
store the peace status whenever the
war shall end. We gave great powers
to Lincoln and Mckinley during wars,
but during the war only" was written
into every one by common consent.
The greatest power we can give Will
our support of this war is of the heart
~ II
country and the approaching election
is the object of intense interest among
the Junker nations as well as amid the
tents of the Armies of Liberty. care
we in dead earnest 2" is the thought
of the Kaiser, Hindenberg, Ludendorf,
Czernin, and we, the democratic party,
who happen to have the responsibility
now, as did the republican party
twenty years ago, must answer in
thunder tones that will be heard in
Berlin and Vienna. We must then APP
peal to the spirit of 1776, the patrio-,
tism Of 1861 and the unity of 1918 and
it cannot be doubted that the answer
will show more Americans than repub-
licans; more patriots than democrats.
But we cannot camOufage. The peo-
pie are determined to win this war;
They admire the spirit which discards
partisan politics in this emergency and
calls to the country's service the real
ability and genius which has demon
strated its worth. The victory which
awaits Wilson at the polls will not
represent a test of political party
strength. 1t will reflect the patrio-
tism of all the people; the self-sacri-
| flee which causes us to forego lUXu-
ries, eat less wheat and meat and use
less gasoline; the common brotherhood
idea which makes captains of the poor
boys who exhibit merit; the spirit
which beckons labor to its utmost en-
deavor and induces our manufacturers
to forego some of their profits, and
makes Liberty Loan agent of every
bank. The pure public life, the ideals
and standards of Wilson must guide
our primary, and our candidates must
stand upon each and every part of his
record and must carry to the people
| the message and the pledge of fidelity
| to his purposes. The voters will see
to it that neither corruption, fraud nor
dissemination shall endanger the re-
suit which a united people want. We
have an opportunity to lead in real,
disinterested, unselfish service. Our
industries cry out for representation
| in the Senate. Here we have over
lseventy-fve per cent of the raw mater
ials from which all the worlds chemi-
Gals are made. We ought to produce
one hunderd and fifty million tons OF
coal. Our gas and oil ought to go into
more Of manufacture here at home.
These are not petty, partisan ques-
| 10 I.+ i
accusation, but big, economical ques-
lions which neither party can appro-
pirate; and they await solution upon
broad lines and with unselfish leader
ship. We must proceed from the
point now occupied and forget now
the mistakes of the past. We must
have more railroads, more rolling
stock and better terminals, by recog-
nizing present deficiencies and wasting
no more time upon the shortcomings
of the past. We must recognize the
fact that increased production means
increased foreign markets and if Will
son is not in a position to help US pro-
cure foreign markets, who is? West
Virginia should be as strong in her
agricultural and horticultural position
as in her mineral and industrial de-
velopment We cannot "talk" the boy
back to the farm, but we can, with
good roads, federal aid in scientific
farming, and the maintenance of good
prices, attract the young, bright minds
of our state to our unsurpassed graz
ing, farming and fruitgrowing lands.
We can and should product what we
eat, and the farmers of West Virginia
should reap a profit from our indus
trial markets. To accomplish these
purposes, West Virginia needs to fol-
low the business-like and energetic
lead which the Wilson administration
has begun; and there must be no re-
dictionary movement Too long has
the state been made the plaything of
railroad combinations Why is farm
ing, coal, timber and gas land worth
more in Pennsylvania, for instance,
than in West Virginia.? The story is
easily understood by anyone who is
more of West Virginian than par
tisan politician. 1t can be read in rail-
road discrimination, in coal car dis
trlbution, in "big interests owner
ship of railroads, in the inadequate
facilities of the railroads which serve
the state. Let us welcome the gov
eminent management of railroads,
during the war, if for no other reason,
because it brings out the facts and will
in the end, open the markets for our
products. 1t is mockery to have an
open market, and an inefficient rail
road with which to reach that market
The present administration will COM
pei justice for West Virginia produc-
ers, and we want nothing else. If
nominated, will carry the Wilson
standard into every county and will
help to the best of my ability to APP
peal to the patriotism of the people;
and if elected will help win this war
and support this administration in its
every effort to unite the people and to
mobilize our resources so as to accom-
'plish that purpose. | will try to put
this state where it should be, con the
map" Its every industry, every ac-
tivity, every section and every indivi-
dual will have a fair hearing; and in
every lepitlnnaf pptarntica | will he