Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1852-02-18
FoI tba oIark.bnTc RecIsfer.

For the ClarksOurg Register
Nh. ED1roR I'm looking over your
last paper l observed a communication
signed "Rotation in Office" suggesting
the name Of Col JOS j. Winter, as a
suitable person to fill the Office of Clerk
OF the Circuit Court Of this County. In
reading the Communication. was some
what surprised after the prelude in con-
tanned to find the result at which the
author arrived. Whilst the reasons he
advances might have applied with some
pIausibility if not force to the office OF
Sheriff, think they were very far
fetched when applied to that of Clerk !;
and I confess whilst reading the piece
having heard Col. Winters spoken of IN
connection with the Sheriffalty, I thought
the object was to bring him before the
people for that office. Under our Repub-
iican Government any man has the, right
to be a candidate for Office and his friends
may resort to all fair arguments in sup
port of his pretensions. But look at the
reasoning of the author in support of his
suggestions; he says that "Col. Winter
has been an acting Justice of the Peace
for about twenty years, and has never re-
ceived any thing in the shape of a reward
for his services. But, for the adoption of
the New Constitution he would have been
our next high Sheriff" Now, that being
the case, why not name him for that Of
fice-the one he would have been entitled
to-if he had not been cut off by the New
Constitution. Certainly the reason nd-
vanced does not tend TO support claim
to the Office of Clerk, 02
Mr.. Editor, l have given that subject
some reflection and have, come to the
conclusion, that qualification and fitness
for the office are the first and most inn
portant considerations. In this view
what is the object of a change? The
present encumbent, Col. G. G. DAVIDSON
is candidate for the Office he has dis.
charged for a number Of years. and adj
mitted by aliconcerned, Judges, Lawyers,
Suitors, &c, in most faithful and salts
factory manner. One of the reasons ad
duced in favor of Col Winter, will apply
to, and strengthen the claims of Col.
DAVIDSON. II is this But for the adop-
ton of the New Constitution he would
have been our next high Sheriff mean
ing that Cob Winter was sufferer by
the adoption of the New Constitution
which prevented him from enjoying the
Sheriffalty. How is it in regard to Col.
DAWSON? But for its adoption he
would have been Clerk of the Circuit
Court for the next six years and five
months for it will be remembered that
he was appointed Clerk in July last, for
the term of seven years; only seven
months of which have Elapsed. Now in
accordance with the argument Of " Rota
tion," would it not be but fair to contin-
ne him for his full term which he will not
get even if elected under the New Con-
stitution. am one of those who are of
opinion that in matter of this kind, no
regard should be paid to selfish and
personal motives, and that the main OBJ
jcct is to secure the services of well
qualified officer above every other con-
sideratiOn. And whilst we have it in our
power to secure the services of so good
Clerk as the present incumbent, think
We should consider ourselves fortunate
and spare no pains to secure his election.
Mr.. Editor, l have said more than
intended when commenced this commu-
munication, and could say much more rel
alive to the qualifications, merit and
character of Col. DAVIDSON, did think it
necessary but he is too well known in
this county to require any thing to be said
on that subject.
FAIR PLAY.