The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1894-11-24
KNoCK.AB NorEs.

since w est virginia WentWltn u Whlrl
into the column OF protection. carrying
the legislature with the congressman,
the United States senatorship has been
naturally the topic OF most interest to
West Virginians, especially to those on
the winning side. By something near
akin to unanimous consent Mr.. Elkins
IL the desire OF his party. At the
same time it must be admitted, and
am glad it is SO, that the men who
have served under General Golf on the
hotly-contested fields OF West Virginia
politics have not lost their friendly feel
ing for him as man nor their con-
fidence in him as leader. Until Gen.
eral Cot became Judge Cot OF the
circuit court OF the United States there
was very general and willing acquls-
cence in the expectation that he would
be the first Republican United States
senator from West Virginia under the
new regime. That was known to BIO
his worthy ambition, his fitness for the
high station was unquestioned. and the
Republicans OF the state looked forward
to the time when they might thus honor
their leader in many battles. The gen.
eral gave way to the judge, and the
party chose another leader under whose
generalship it has celebrated theglories,
and is about to reap the fruits, OF a
signal victory.
"Will Judge Got1 be a candidate?" Is a
question heard very often since tho VIC
tory. The Democratic politicians tried
to make him candidate, at least to
Jolly" his old and truo friends into
starting a Golf movement. Judge Golf
off The bench would give Democrat
presumably Mr.. William 1. Wilson, a
snug place for life. "If Golf isn't can
didate, why doesn't he come out and
shy so?" has been heard also. Mean.
while Judge Golf has gone on attending
to his work on the bench. Unless
something untoward happens to Judge
Goll no Democrat will get his place on
the bench. Judge Gotf has no present
thought Of resigning. He 10 not can
didate for the seat held by Senator
Camden aud will not be. Nor will he
write any cards or make any statement
whatsoever for publication. This /
know 10 be his attitude with regard to
tho senatorial question. whether ho
will end his days on the bench, or at
some time re-enter the political fold, Is
a story OF tho future which time will
tell. l know one other thing in this
onnectlon-there arc thousands OF
Wost Virginians ready to welcome him
back to the field when he shall be ready
to lay aside his gown.
Since General Cot went on the bench
have met many lawyers who practice
in his court, and as West virginan it
has swelsd my state pride to hear tho
good things said OF him. From tho be-
ginning he gave great satisfaction, aud
l have yet to hear anything but com
mendation. On my way home from the
southern development convention In
Augusta, Georgia, in company with
Governor MucCorklo and other fellow
representatives of West Virginia, we
fell in with South Carolina Democrat
who practices before Judge Col. The
South Carolinaiu said he had hearl OF
Golf as n politician only and was sur.
prlsed to find him II learned lawyer and
an accomplished judge. lie was sur.
prisod further to hear that for sixteen
years Coli had been United States dis
trIct attorney in West Virginia, in that
capacity locking horns with tho ablcst
lawyers in the state aud holding his
own against all coners. Senator Daniel,
Of Virginia, put 1t strongly in n talk
with Mr.. George ". Atkinson. '"Your
man Goti," he said, "ls delight and n
surprise. He Is charming man and a
wonder as q judge. I consider him a
star in tho profession" judge Gof has
earned areputation for being courteous,