Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1891-07-15
sENAroR FAULKNER's LETTER.
STUART w. WALKER,
Secretary.

CcllNtaAl
SENATOR FAULKNER'S LETTER.
MARrINsBURG w. Va, July ,, 1891.
Hon. YIN. c. HaadJan, Chairman "Faaitaer
Testimonial Committee" Wheeling, W.
"a,
Ny DEAR SRI have learned that an
organization has been effected in this State,
the object Of which is to give expression to
the appreciation Of her citizens for what is
kindly termed "my valuable services in the
defeat of the Ubiquitous Force bill, during
the last session of the Fity-irst Congress.
No one could more deeply and sincerely
appreciate such an evidence Of popular APP
proyal Of his public and official action than
do, but after giving to the subject careful
and deliberate consideration, feel it 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 OBJ
iect for which the organization has been
created.
That memorable contest made in the iu-
teres. Of good administration, the object Of
which was to preserve TO the people the
right to govern themselves aud to maintain
the purity of the elective franchise, will be
remembered by an lovers of their country
as the most remarkable parliamentary strug-
gle which has occurred in our history
Among thc Democratic minority, who for
days aud weeks, with wonderful patience,
superb CONTROL aud uudaunted courage, re-
sisted every effort Of the extreme element of
an arrogant aud partisan majority to enact
into law so un- American measure / know
of mo- one among that minority who faltered
in the performance of any duty to which he
was assigned, or who 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 ali were
so true and loyal to their convictions of
right and to the best interests Of common
country, question the propriety or the JUS
tice of singing out any one for special COM
mendation. save the great leader in that
UNPARALLELED contest, the Hon. A. p. Cor
man. Chairman of the Democratic Sena-
torial Caucus. To him, more than to any
other. all will admit the country owes debt
of gratitude it will be difficult to repay
Sleepless in his activity; watching intelli-
gently every movement of his opponents;
never suffering a surprise; ever ready to
conform his lines of defense TO those of at
tack. cool. collected and brave under the
varying phases of the contest, and above all,
natural leader Of men, his personal inhu
ence in accomplishing the defeat of that
measure presents him as the only excep-
ton which, in fairness to that faithful and
Jealous Democratic minority, should be Sc
lected by the people 20 receive at their
hands special honor for the part taken in
that struggle to preserve the integrity of our
institutions.
To the 6rmness Of the Democrats under
his magnificent leadership. aud to the cour-
age and patriotism of eight Republicans,
who loved their country and its institutions
more than they feared the frowns of par
ty caucus, do we owe the defeat of that
bill.
Il is exceedingly gratifying to one occu-
pying an official position, to know that his
public acts are approved by an intelligent
constituency. am not an exception to this
rule, and again beg to assure you Of nay
high appreciation of this evidence of your
endorsement aud that of your associates.
The consciousness of having been true to
the interests Of the State which has honor
ed me with her confidence, and to the wei
fare of the people of our common country,
as testified to by the hundreds Of letters re-
csived from all sections endorsing my Off
cial conduct. justifes me, in addition to the
reasons above suggested, in requesting that
no further action be taken by your commit
tee.
With sentiments Of the highest esteem for
you. each member of the committee, and all
Others whose kindness and partiality has
placed me under this profound obligation, l
remain,
Very truly yours,
CHAs. J. Faulkner.
TESTIMONIAL COMMITTEES ACTION.
The COMMITTEES appointed at meeting of
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