The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-10-20
Card from Professor Pendleton.

The following has been forwarded to
us, by its author, for Publication:
To the Voters of tie First Senatorial
District Of West Virginia
Very soon after the vote Of the peo-
ple of West Virginia in favor OF revis-
ing our Constitution, was urged by
many friends of both political parties
to accept, at the hands Of the people,
a place in the proposed Convention.
In reply to my objections. it was urged
that the business of the Convention did
not partake Of the nature Of partizan
politics and therefore, that it would not
be incompatible with my position as Il
Christian minister or professional
educator to serve nv fellow citizens in
its deliberations. Whilst / felt the
force of these views, and gratefully
appreciated the confidence so uneNpect-
edly expressed in my fitness for framing
the fundamental law OF our Young and
growing State, l did not feel at liberty,
under my already onerous engage
ments, to give my consent to he q
candidate The matter was still pressed
upon me, however, and by SO many gen
tlemen of both political parties, whose
judgment and friendship held in high
est esteem, that | was at length con-
strained to say that, provided it should
appear to be SO generally satisfactory to
the people of the Senatorial District,
as that no other candidate should
be proposed in opposition, then |
will agree to serve, unless there
should be serious official objection on
the part Of the trustees Of the College.
This, indeed. | could not anticipate from
a body of officers under whose generous
supervision have served the College,
with scarcely u single furlough, Tor
thirty years. Accordingly, | find that
nearly all whom | have consulted not
only consent, but urge me to accept the
position in consideration Of the interests
both of the College and Of the State.
Under these circumstances | have been
unanimously nominated by the Demo
cratic Convention, and with equal unan-
unity, as | understand their action, &C.
cepted by the Republicans.
/ think it proper to saY this much.
lest further silence might be construed
intodisrespect to the kindness and urgcn-
cy of my friends, or want of interest III
the important work Of the Convention.
Nothing can be more vital to the future
prosperity of West Virginia than wise
counsels in the framing Of the Consti.
tation. 1t is an occasion calling for her
most enlightened, unbiased, patriotic
sons-statesmen in head and heart, en-.
larged in the reach of their views by
the great lessons Of the past decade, and
ready to adjust the organization OF the
State to the progressive spirit which,
all around us, is so rapidly developing
financial prosperity, social happiness
and political greatness.
can conceive of no place for par
tizan politics in a work like this, but
only for patriotic and conscientious en-.
deavors to frame for the whole State and
all her people alike, fundamental law
under which she may win the admira-
ton Of her sister States, hold out incen-
tiyes to foreign labor and capital to set
tie and invest in her borders, promote
domestic harmony, educate and ennoblc
her children, and so transmit to sue
cecdng generations the blessings of
free homes, free schools and free insti
tutions.
This, | believe, is the spirit Of the
people in this movement, and it is in
this spirit that desire to be regarded
as consenting to serve them in the de-
alterations OF the Convention. be-
lieve that there is important work to be
done-that there is need for wise and
faithful men to do it-and am willing
and shall deem it high honor to con-
tribute what help | can towards accom-
plishingi it, should it be the pleasure OF
my fellow-citizens 10 entrust me with the
task. Respectfully,
w. X. PENpLEroN.