Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1885-04-16
Yirsinia frse gress.
W. W. B. GALLAHER, Editor.
.arIesto,cm, Jefferson County, Vest Va.
april 10, 1885.
EDITOR FREE Press

EDITOR FREE Press:
In the distribution of ofices-bOth State
and Federal,-the principle, believe, is
recognized that respect should be had, not
only to fitness but to locality. The eight
Cis-Alleghany counties will stand compari-
son with any other eight counties in any
section of the State, both as regards materi-
al resources and men Of intellect and worth
and yet these eight counties have not at
tained single Office either State or FEEDER
al, except that Judge Green of Charlestown
was elected to the Supreme Court of Ap'
peals four years ago If we look next at
the five counties which constitute the 18th
Senatorial District the same condition of
things meets us, only varied by the fact that
within its bounds there is not single office,
State or Federal, held by any of its demo-
cratic citizens. And yet this same District
when called upon is sure to respond with a
democratic majority of 1000 to $500.
The foregoing is simple statement of
facts we have fought the battles of the de-
mocratic party; we have borne the burden
and heat of the Jay whilst others have come
in and carried off the spois. True, indeed,
we never fought for reward we had not in
view " the poor shilling day we did our
duty without respect to recompensc: but it
does seem hard that the men who have CIV
en- their time and talent and money should
be ignored in the distribution of the hOnors,
and only recognized and called out when
the next emergency arises. IL is proper
that it should now be known that dscon-
tent-to use Il mild tern-is widely and
deeply felt at this condition Of things; and
it is now given expression to only that
timely remedy may be applied. The abuse,
doubtless, has its origin in disposition, on
the part of those who largely control these
matters, to advance the interests of friends
by whom they are Immediately surrounded,
and in the difficulty of repulsing persistent
personal solicitation The failing, then, be
it admitted, leans to virtues side >" : but
along with the desire to promote friends,
there should be mingled a consideration OF
the whole field; so that private friendships
and associations may not pervert public JUS
tice and consign to obscurity men who, by
their ser, ices and talents. are entitled TO
prominent recognition. Such a course would
be unjust and unfair, and likely to be re-
membered and resented.
The office of District Attorney for the Dis
trict Of West Virginia is one for which the
Hon. Joseph Sprigg of Moorefeld is a lead
ing candidate, and which he Is, in every re-
spect. qualified to fill His seryices-ifser-
vices are to be considered in these transcen-
dental times-haye been earnest, honest and
/ effective. In the last campaign he welded
/ a marked influence upon the course OF E.
vents and it is known TO the writer and.to
hundreds Of others that his management and
labor and indomitable pluck were most po-
/ tent factors in determining the result. II
will not do for the democratic party to set
aside claims like these; it would be unfair,
ungenerous and unwise. The rich valley of
the South Branch-the garden spot OF the
worid-would hail with satisfaction the be-
stowment Of some place upon Mr. SPrigg
adequate to his deserts and the act would
tend TO conciliate and strengthen the demo-
cratic party throughout all this region. We
have hitherto been relegated to obscurity.-
The time for a change has come; and the
eminent fitness of Mr.. Sprigg as we'll ss his
conspicuous services and the place OF his
home point 70 him a. the man upon whom
the office ought to be conferred.
A LpvER Or JvsIyc4