The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-10-04
Hon. &. w. Thompson.

Hon. G. w. Thompson.
Editors of the Register:
The selection of proper persons for
members ofthe approaching Constitu-
tional Convention Of West Virginia is
now agitating the public mind through
out the State. Our county is about to
move in that direction, and it is crafty
ing to learn there are no aspirants for
those seats of honor. Those most com
petent to serve are willing that the office
should seek the man, and not the man
seek the Office. 1t would add to our
qualification very much If we could be-
lieve that there would arise no personal
or other animositieS which would inter.
fere with the selection and election of
our best men to fill those seats.
is to be expected from what has &C.
CURED amongst us during the last ten
years, that something OF this sort should
exist, and that few Of our men are free
from prejudices which have been ex-
cited from one cause or another, and
which may influence our choice OF men.
From among the honorable names pub
lished in yonr valuable paper some days
since, | may be permitted to express my
preference, and also my reason Tor such
preference.
My own choice is Judge Thompson,
a gentleman whom | have known init
mately for forty-iour years. During all
that time he has been q laborious stu
dent, applying himself not only TO the
study OF the law, but to all studies con-
nected with the welfare Of man. Law,
politics, science and literature, each in
their turn have engaged his most pro-
found attention He is also a practical
man, being identified with the farming
interests in all its branches. AS a law
yer, when he was but youth he sue
cessfuly conducted a suit in chancery
for me, against the ablest lawyer at the
St. Clairsville bar. His subsequent,
success at the bar was the cause of his.
promotion to the bench. On the bench
be succeeded Judge Fry, an ablejnrist,
and suffered nothing by comparison
with him. For learning, ability, integ.
rity, impartiality and courtesy, his ad-
ministration of the law has not been eX-
celled in the whole history OF the State.
In politics, | have differed with him,
but have always admired his consistent,
straightforward firmness in his prin-
ciples, always claiming to stand up for
the rights and interests Of the people.
AS an evidence Of this, as well as OF his
trustworthiness in Office, allow me to
refer to his past services. 1t was while
acting as our representative in Congress
that he originated and carried through
that body the measure which saved
our great wire suspension bridge. This
he accomplished against the combined
force of the whole Pennsylvania drlcga-
ton, and against the weight Of the
decision Of the Supreme Court OF the
United States, which court had decreed
that the bridge should he taken down.
His success in this measure was owing
solely to his superior knowledge OF
constitutional law, and his energy and
zeal in defense of the measure. So our
bridge yet stands as proud monument
Of the enterprise Of our people and its
great value to this city and community
is known by all men.
AS one Of the commissioners to settle
the boundary between Ohio and Nir-
GINA, the Judge maintained the right
OF the State, and successfully defended
her jurisdiction OF the river His
address to the people Of the State on
the subject of common school education
was a mastery production, and pro,
duced a profound impression, and was
published by the House of Delegates in
its Journal OF Al. Whatever benefits
we as community now derive from the
Baltimore and Ohio railroad may be
largely attributed to the manner in
which he met and managed the
President of that road, Mr.. Louis Nc.
Lain, before committees Of the LegIs-
lature OF Virginia in the winter Of 1872
and lS43 as a special representative OF
our people before these committees.
In all places of trust that be has
filled he has proved himself equal to
the duties of the office. Whatever he
undertakes he does thoroughly. He
has declined more offices than he ever
sought. Nor do / know that he will
now consent to be a candidate for the
Convention, but am quite sure that
if he does it will only be from q desire
to have an organic law framed as per
feet as can be obtained, and TO secure
and perpetuate the welfare and the
liberties OF the people. ...'.
DioGEyEs