Birmingham age-herald., 1895-02-17
GOVERNOR OATES.

The people of Alabama made no mistake in calling William 0. Oates to their chief executive office. No one can tell who the true man Is or who the coward until some crisis comes to put the individual to the test. A man who has the courage to be himself, and not the shadow and echo of another; the man who exercises his own powers, thinks his own thoughts and forms his own opinions is the man of true courage whom the people delight to honor, and upon whom the State may lean with safety. Such an one has Governor Oates proven himself to be, even though his service to date has cov- cred little more than three months time. He has demonstrated mind resolute on the side of justice to an eminent degree.
 Ever watchful, thoughtful and careful of the peoples welfare, he has allowed no sectional, personal or corporate influences to swerve him in an exercise of his high prerogatiye.
 Recognizing the majesty of the law, and convinced of the abuses praoticed in some States by too free exercise of the pardon ing power, he has boldly put the criminal class on notice that while this power is held by him it must not be considered an easy means of escape from punishment due for transgression of the law.
 Accepting the trust from the hands of the people of the entire State he has not sought to find what particular individual. county or section primarily supported him and made possible his induction into the high office that he might distribute patron age as reward for political services. With a broad mind he is bestowing the patronage of the people for the benefit of the people.
 To him Birmingham aud Jefferson county owe peculiar debt of gratitude. Not that he has done for them more than they deserved or more than they expected from an executive in whom they had most implicit faith and conf nfdence. but because he has been quick to recognize their needs, requirements and just deserts. First in the appointment of one of our citizens on the Railrosd Commissioners man enjoying the confidence aud esteem of the business community, man young, active, pro- gressive and deserving. An appointment, too, which is accepted as a most graceful and encouraging compliment to the young manhood of Alabama; recognition of the fact that upon this class of our citizenship depends the future welfare and greatness
 
 of the State.
 In giving his official disapproval of the alien railroad bill by the veto power Gov ernor Oates exhibited degree of courage most remarkable in this day of corporate influences, pandering to the money power, prejudices against foreign investors and forgetfulness of constitutional rights. Un- der the light of an organic law he was not slow to discover how the people of this sec ton of the State were about to be deprived of their enjoyment of strong railroad com petition and estopped in their movement towards further progress and develop. ments, and he shielded the people against the encroachments of an impending evil. Firm, brave and determined the threaten ing cry of the lobbyist, the tactics of shrewd political manipulators and the siren voice of "cleverness'' failed to thwart his purpose to act in defense of the people.
 The success of Governor Oates adminis- tration is already fully assured. His astute statesmansnip has been forcefully demonstrated; his true courage goes with out question; his official character is with out blemish, and as the people watch his career they are learning more and more of his determination and strong ability to serve them. There are higher honors in store for this great Alabamian and no section of the State is quicker to recognize the fact than Jefferson county and the city of Birmingham.