Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-08-27
From the Wisconsin State Journal.
The Union State Nominations.

telt but on this occasion, we can make tnat
remark, under the full conviction that we
speak only what is fact, and with entire SIN
cerity on our own part We have never
thrown to the breeze ticket that gave us
such unalloyed satisfaction, as that presented
by the late convention. The members of the
convention, presenting every section Of the
State, had but one object in view, and that
was, to present ticket of unexceptionable
men-men who would unite the loyal senti-
ment of the State, and men whose devotion
to the country was far above all party consid-
erations. In this respect, we claim that the
convention was eninently successful. OF
course, there were differences Of opinion, as
to who were the best and strongest men to
place in nomination. If such were not the
case, a convention would be devoid of inter
est. But in canyassing the merits of the sew
eral men whose names were before the con-
vention for the various positions. it was done
in manly spirit. All were treated with per-
feet respect; and when the choice was finally
made, all acqGiesced with entire good feeling.
In fact no convention ever closed, with a
greater harmony of feeling; or where a more
profound conviction prevailed that its work
had been nobly and well done.
1t would hardly seem necessary, that we
should make reference to the candidates in
dividually, but as this is common usage, and it
may be expected of US, and as it always gives
us much pleasure to commend true worth and
excellence, we will briefly notice the men
placed upon the ticket.
Hon. JAMES t. LEWIS, the nominee for
Governor, is too old a resident in Wisconsin,
has occupied too many prominent positions at
the hands of an admiring people, and is too
favorably known to the voters of this State,
to need any commentator from US or from
any one His record speaks for ITSELF and
there is not blot or blemish upon it. Among
the first acquaintance we made on coming
to the State, was that of JAMES T. LEWIS.
We were both sixteen years younger then
than now. The acquaintance then formed has
been continued with intimacy ever since !;
and although for most of that time we have
belonged to different political parties, our
party relations were the only differences, and
they never interfered with our social rela-
tions. 1t therefore gives US great pleasure
to speak of tried and true man, as we
know Mr. LEWIS to be. Of the public po-
sitions he has held, we will make brief men
ton. He was a member of the Constitu-
tional Convention that formed the organic
law Of our State. He was then a young
man, but he was an able, active, influential
member Of that distinguished body of men,
among whom were the late Chief Justice
WILTON, the late Gov. HARVEY, Judge COLE
MORGAN L. MARTIN, Judge DUNN, and many
others of our ablest men. He was afterwards
member of both the Senate and Assembly,
where he was distinguished for his energy
and fidelity to the trusts committed to him.
In the fall of 1852 he was elected Lieuten-
ant Governor, and no man has occupied that
position more acceptably than did Judge
LEWIS. He was for term of years Judge
of Columbia county. His name has frequent
ly been prominent in connection with the
nomination for. Governor, for member of
Congress, &c, by the Democratic party, in
years past. When the rebellion took form
and bpolzo into opon WOO, Judge Ln~rro
took the position of true patriot-threw
off party shackles, and gave his whole efforts
to the cause of his country, and in sustaining
fha Il in; to
the rebellion.
Two years ago, his friends, without regard
to party, took him up and elected him Secre-
tary of State-not because he desired the
position-but because the people knew him
to be proper man for this responsible sta
ton. How well he has met the expectations
of his friends, we need not say. All concede
that he has filed the bill that the duties of
that Office under his administration have been
discharged with frmness, ability, and with
an eye single to the great interests of the
State. No fault has ever been found in this
department of the State government, since
Mr.. LEWIS has been in office. AS auditor, he
has guarded well and faithfully the treasury.
While creditors of the State have ever been
met fairly, and their claims duly considered,
no steal has ever passed that Office. But we
need not extend this notice. Mr.. LEWIS is
now before the people as candidate for
chief magistrate. With clean public rec
ord, with private character above rcproach,
with loyalty and zeal for the Union unsur
passed, his election by triumphant majority
cannot be a matter of doubt.
For Lieut.. Governor, with remarkable una
nimity, the Hon. WYMAN SPooNER, of Wal
worth county, was put in nomination. This
position cannot add honor to this able and ex-
perienced man, but he will honor the posi-
ton. From the commencement Of the State
government, large proportion of the time
Judge SPooNER has been in one or the other
branch of the Legislature and it is no disre-
spect to others to say, that no clearer headed
or purer minded man has occupied positions
in the legislative halls of the State He is
ever watchful and vigilant in looking after
the business Of legislation; no bill passes
without his knowing all about it, and his po-
sitions are clearly and ably defined, and sell
dom wrong. He is never confined to local
matters in his legislative career; but feels
that in his representative capacity the inter
ests of the whole State are to be guarded, and
no local interest interferes with his doing his
full duty to the State at large. The Judge is
always earnest in the positions he assumes,
and sometimes appears unyielding but no