West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1902-01-30
Never Banked or Kicked Outside
the Party Traces.

we have so many budding States
men in Preston county who are au
spiciously awaiting 10 be called
upon to go forth and represen. the
Banner comfy that many of them
are doomed to disappointment.
|, About the only Republican polite
ian in Preston who is enjoying life
and his daily laugh, is Neil J. Fort
ney. He is daily besieged by the
would-be Statesmen for advice and
his Endorsement, an antidote which
he administers TO all with recipe
to laugh and grow fat. One of the
Statesman who has gotten his full
growth, Col. Joe W. Davis, was in
town few days ago to see the men
who manufacture candidates to or
der. None genuine without the
Committees brand.
Every man woman and child in
Preston knows Col. Joe Davis. He
is a typical Yankee from Maine.
He came to Preston in the early
seventies with the Howe boys. Now
Col. Joe has always been faithful
newer of wood and drawer of water
for the Grand Old Party. 1t is his
boast that as hoop poler and
shooker he recognizes no superior
and few equals. Now it is on his
record as newer and drawer for
the party for the past thirty years
that he asks that he be given the
nomination for the House of Dele
gates.
AS the Journal is slightly handi-
capped in booming the brethren as
it has a claim in for prize-mon
itself, and the Republican has no
space to devote TO booming candi-
dates as its mission is to preach
Patriotism and Protection. SO it
falls TO THE ARGUS to introduce to
the public the prospective candi-
dates. In fact the public expect
THE ARGUS 10 keep them posted on
local politics.
But to return to Col. Joe Davis.
| met him just before leaving for
home. He was exceedingly happy
and in reply to the question, "what
are your prospects for the nomina-
ton for the House of Delegates, he
said "rhere is but two obstacles
in my way-taxatlon and death
AS | have paid my taxes | must run
the gauntlet of death. | have Just
had favorable interview with the
Committee and they assure me that
l measure up to the standard-'you
have been a faithful party worker
After submitting my case to them
the Committee were unanimous in
declaring me an old wheel horse
who had never banked or kicked
outside the traces when it was nee
essary to apply the party lash TO
keep others in line. They recalled
the fact that when Bros. Frank
Huffman and Nelse Baker, of Reno,
refused to follow when they heard
that | was crying out vigorously for
harmony" the recollection of which
caused Col. Joe to stop and
mediate.
"Yes," began Col. Joe, as he
fondly cast his eyes in the direction
of Charleston, "the prospects are
very bright for me to take trip TO
the Kanawha Valley at the expense
of the State and railroad pass in
my inside pocket. Now the Good
Book tells us suffer little children
to come unto me, and our honora-
| bic Committee admonishes us to
faithfully follow where we lead if
you expect US to bestow office upon
you As faithful follower Of the
Committee l am confident Of my
reward, as they have already assured
me that they will brook no opposi-
ton to my candidacy on the West
side Of the river" and Col. Zoe
lapsed into that serene confidence
which may be depicted upon the
face Of little children who are told
that if they arc good Santa Claus
will remember them ON Christmas
day Tur Epgvtrp