Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1884-08-19

should be made for man who brings fruit
meet for repentance"
That Judge WooDs did repent OF his con-
neesion with the Confederscy and that be
did renoance the fundamental principles
upon which the Confederate government
was built, is q part of the history Of our
State. VIII not the IntelEgencer give Judge
woops credit for the sincerity of his deelara-
tons in "discarding and disclaiming the
false doctrine of State Sovereignty" During
the days of test oaths and registration laws
Judge WOODS applied to the Republican
legislature of this State for the passage OF
a special act removing his disabilities IN
der the attorneys test oath law. Before
acting upon that petition the Legislature
passed joint resolution requiring aPPh-
cants of this character to file written de-
nunciaton and remuneration, of former
wrongs an acknowledgment Of errors, and
discard'ng the false dogma Of exclusive
State Rights Sovereignty"
In response to this resolution Mr.. WOODS
did address letter to FESELoS HowEs, the
delegate from Barbour, and which was read
before the legislature and spread upon its
Journal. We give the letter in full as it ap
pears in the House Journal Of 1869, pages
81 and 50.
PH1IIFPI January 90, 1869.
Major Fenelon, House Of Delegates,
Wheeling, W. Va:
DEAR SIR: Your letter Of the 26th inst.
informing me, among other things that
some members of the General Assembly
did not consider my memorial as coming up
to the requirements Of Senate Joint Resolu-
ton No. 5, which Resolved, That We will
not fayorably consider the petition Of any
person who is disqualified by reason Of
participating in the rebellion against the
United States, to practice his profession
except ssch petition be accompanied BY a
written denunciation Of former wrongs and
an acknowledgment of notwithstanding the
false dogma Of exclusive States rights SOW
ereignty.'
at is due to myself to recall to your mind
the fact that memorial was written nearly
month before the passage 'fsaid resolution
and when the Legislature had not indicated
its wishes on the subject. 1t was not, there
fore. intended to meet the resolution, but
did thereby intend to declare in
the plsineSt possible manner tina
accepted the situation in which
the war left me, in good faith, thankful it
was no worse. The false dogma of exclu
sive States rights sovereignty never having
formed ans part Of INV political creed. ]
have no hesitation in discarding and dis
claiming it.
The doctrine of State Sovereignty and
Secession, as well as the institution Of sla
very, persisted in the war. A large major
ity Of the people of the United States be-
heyed them wrong and they have so de-
cided, in almost every possible manner. NJ,
own opinion and convictions were laid down
forever, when took the oath of amnesty and
pardon, Cd the 27th Of May, 1865, prScribed
BY President Lincoln. All these questions
so far as was concerned as an individual
were forever at rest From that day rested
Oh the mercy of the government of tn
United States. Thus depending,
have since that day endeayored
to show myself worthy oft. Thankful fOg
what was given me in this State ! have not
murmured at what has been withheld; for
l could never suppose that my privilege Of
practicing my profession would be withheld
longer than was necessary to be assured OF
nv patient obedience to the laws of nv
State. Thanking you for the interest mani,
tested in nv behalf remain,
Respectfully yours, &c,
SAMUEL WOODS
The Legislature was evidently satisfied
with Mr.. Woods penitential declaration for
it passed the bill removing his disabilities
Cannot the Inteligencer be as gracious with
the pardoAing power as Republican Leg,
islature, and "let a repenting rebel live