The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1874-07-29
THE CONGRESSIONAL NOMINA.
TION.
Col. Ben. Wilson's industrious Can
vass-His Claims Repeated.


Editors of the Register:
The Democratic and Conservative vo-
tiers of the First Congressional District
will soon be called upon to nominate a
candidate to represent them in the 4lth
Congress of the United States. The
names of several distinguished gentlemen
have already been mentioned in cOnncc-
ton with the position, and we feel graft
fled that as vet the name of no one has
been suggested who, if fairly nominated,
will not receive a cordial support of the
party. and if elected, will ably and hon
estly represent the interests of, and reflect
honor upon his constituency. But
parties, like individuals, must act
consistently and honestly. Mo party,
however strong or well disciplined,
can any more afford, in popular cstima-
ton, to disregard moral principal than
can an individual The Democratic and
Conservative party has hitherto almost
uniformally rewarded those who stead
tasty adhered to its principles, and when
necessary, cnergetically defended Its IN
tcreSts. All must admit that this rule so
long sanctioned by usage is in itself emf
nentlv Just and proper. If this policy Is
to be the future rule of action for the
party a it has been in the past, and we
imagine that no one will question but
that il should. it must be conceded byall,
and that. without disparadgement to any,
the claims of Col. Benjamin Wilson
are in this respect superior to those OF any
other gentleman in the District. In
the summer of 1872 when the for
tunes Of this party seemed in eminent
peril and its destiny suspended upon
mere breath of popular favor by reason
of apprehcnded disaffection in its ranks,
and the almost superhuman efforts of its
opponents, Col. Wilson accepted of the
nomination for Congress, which was no
sooner done than he buckled on his
armor. and. notwithstanding the most
sanguine were doubtful of success, and
the extreme heat Of the season, rushed
with characteristic energy into the can
vass. and was, thcncef0rth, ever found at
his post. Whenever and wherever his
friends thought his presence necessary
neither distance nor difficulty of access
prevented him from responding to their
call. As the standard bearer of his party,
he seemed to feel it an imperative
duty to make any and every sac
ritice for its success. Even after it was
determined, by his party friends, that the
10Th of August was not the day upon
which the Congressional election should
be held, his energies never tagged, hut
he continued to battle with more energy,
if possible, for the ratification of the then
proposed constitution, than he had pre-
viouslv done for his own personal success.
After the ratification of the constitution,
he having been defeated by a meagre
majority. as we honestly believe solely
for the want of concord of action on the
part of his friends, at the August election,
rcorganized and vigorously commenced
the fall campaign, Having received a
majority of votes at the fall
election, he, on the assembling
of Congress, presented his claims
and those of his party at the bar of the
House of Representatives For his
course in the contest which ensued, Col.
Wilson deserves the highest commenda-
ton. At his own expense he employed
TWO ablc ana ulsllHSul>Htu NouIlS'I w
conduct the investigation, spent nearly
whole winter. and incurred much eI-
pcnsc in contest which, though found
ed in right, seemed from the first eI-
tremclv doubtful. We are too well ac-
Quaintcd with Col. Wilson, and nave too
high sense of his magnanimity to sup
pose that he bases his claims upon such
grounds only, hut we are sensible that n
generous constituency appreciate them.
and that his party friends of
Wetzcl are anxious to acknowledc
their obligations to him. There
are other grounds, however, upon which
we ask that the ensuing Convention may
tender the nomination to Col. Wilson.
He is gentleman of splendid ability,
enlarged experience, high sense of honor,
and unqucstionable fidelity to his party
and friends, and will, if elected, make, in
every particular, representation of
which his country and friends may be
Justly proud. Let Wetzel, therefore, in
the approaching Convention, cast her en-
tire vote for Col. Benjamin Wilson.
PROCTOR.