Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-07-10
A VERY SENSIBLE ACT.

DereQ, nutupeT VI Iuc lrlenuS vi cCh
ator Charles ]. Faulkner, of this State,
got together and took steps to present
to the Senator a testimonial of some
sort in recognition of his most valua-
BILE services in helping to defeat the
force bill. The same thing had been
done to Senator German in Maryland,
and the West Virginians desired to
express themselves in a similar man
ner. An executive committee was
appointed to further the plans, and
on Monday last the committee held
meeting i'll Martinsburg. Much to
the surprise Of its members, the fol-
lowing letter from Senator Faulkner,
addressed to Chairman Handlan, was
read to the committee:
Martinsburg, w. Va. July 2, 1891.
HoS. WIN. G. HASDLAS, Chairman "Faulk-
ner Testimonial, Wheeling. w. Va:
Ny Dear Sir Il have learned that an Or
ganization has been effected in this State
the object OF which Is 10 give expression TO
the appreciation Of her citizens for what Is
termed valuable services in the defeat OIL
the iniauitous force bill" during the last ses-
sion OF the 5lst Congress.
No one could more deeply and sincerely APP
preciate such an evidence Unpopular approval
OF his public and official action than do, but
after giving TO the subject careful and delip-
crate consideration feel 1t just TO those who
have charge OF this movement, as well as TO
myself, TO request that no further action be
taken In furtherance Of the object for which
the organization has been created.
That memora BILE contest made in the In
terest Of good administration. the object OF
which was to preserve to the people the right
to govern themselves and to maintain the
purity OF the elective franchise, will be re-
membered by all lovers of their country az
the most remarkable parliamentary struggle
which has occurred in our history. Among
the Democratic minority, who for days and
weeks, with wonderful patience, superb self
control. and undauntsd courage resisted ev-
cry effort OF the extreme element OF an AFRO
CANT and partisan majority TO enact into law
so uu-American q measure, l know OF no
one among that minority who fatered In the
performance OF any duty to which he was as
signed or Tho failed TO measure up to the full
responsibility which confronted him. All
without exception did their duty, animated
by the highest patriotism.
Under these circumstances, where all were
SO true and loyal TO their conviction OF right
and 10 the best interests OF common coun-
try, 1 question the propriety or justice In
singing out any one for special commenda-
tn hot a rQ la IL
ed contest, the Hon. A. p. German, Chairman
OF the Democratic Senatorial Caucus. To him,
more than to any other. all will admit the
country owes debt OF gratitude IL VIII be
difficult TO repay. Sleepless In his activity,
watching intelligently every movement OF
his opponents. never suffering surprise,
ever ready to conform his lines OF defense TO
those of attack; cool, collected and brave un-
der the varying phases OF the contest, and,
above ALL a natural leader OF men, his per-
sonal influence in accomplishing the defeat
OF that measure presents him as the only ex-
ception which In fairness tothat faithful and
Jealous Democratic minority should be Sc
lected by the people to receive at their hands
special honor for the part taken in that
struggle to preserve the integrity OF our in
situations.
To the irmness of the Democrats under his
magnificent leadership. and to the courage
and patriotism Of eight Republicans who
loved their country and its institutions more
than they feared the frowns OF party eau
Gus, do we owe the defeat of that bill.
1t is exceedingly gratifying to one occupy
ing an official position to know that his pub
lie acts arc approved by an intelligent con-
stituency. / am not an exception to this
rule, and again beg TO assure you OF my high
appreciation OF this evidence of your en-
dorsement and that OF your associates.
The consciousness OF having been true to
the interests of the State which has honored
me with her confidence, and TO the welfare
OF the people OF our common country, as tes-
titled 10 by hundreds Of letters received from
all sections endorsing my official conduct
justifies me, in addition to the reasons above
suggested in requesting that no further
action be taken by your committee.
With sentiments of the highest esteem for
you, each member of the committee, and all
others whose kindness and Partially has
placed me under this profound obligation, l
remain, Very Truly Yours
CHAs. ]. FAULKNER.
We cannot but commend the good
taste and practical, sound sense ex-
hibited by Senator Faulkner in this
affair. His position that a public
officer should always do his duty, and
consequently should expect no reward
save the commentator of his constit-
uents, is eminently proper. We
should not like to see started in this
State the fashion of rewarding with
presents our public officials when
they distinguish themselves as states
men and patriots. The approval of
an intelligent constituency is none
the less emphatic and hearty because
it is unaccompanied by outward evil
dences of appreciation. In the case
of Senator Faulkner the reward will
come year or two later, and though
it will be in different shape it will be
none the less desirable.
The committee at Martinsburg,
after the above letter had been read,
passed resolutions regretting that
Senator Faulkner had declined the
proffered testimonial, and at the same
time expressing their high esteem for
him and confidence in his ability as a
patriotic and public-spirited repre-
sentative of our Mountain State.
St00 Reward fIOO