The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1909-04-12

I had n oppottunlly % 70 dos
frankly told III. Hsggerty nat this
Twas my attitude. on the night befors
the election u ofacers a situation de.
geloped to choose between one Of
two things: Have Mr.. Haggerty for
solicitor and reItnquish my police
force, or have a Republican for solici.
tor and also retain the efficient police
force which he have now. At 400
O'Clock on the evening Of the election
LOT ofdcers, explained that situation
to Mr.. Haggerty and while have
had no conservation on the subject
with him since that time, am sure
that he will bear me out in the as
sertion that explained my dilema
to him, and after he had considered
the position in which / had been placed
he unhesitatingly said that, under
the circumstances, he would not per
NIT his name to go before the coun-
Gil. That he was unwilling to be the
means of placing on the police force
set Of men who perhaps would not
enforce the law. Since that time I
nave been told by a Democratic eoun.
Gilman who had been earlier author
lied to present Mr.. Haggerty's appll-
cation, that the same was withdrawn.
So, under these circumstances, know
ing that Mr.. Haggerty's name was
presented, after he had told me that
he was out of the race, most reluc.
family cast the deciding vote against
Mr.. Haggerty. While commenting on
this particular transaction since you
seem SO loath to explain Mr.. Inns
political disloyalty in voting for Mr..
Haggerty, I may as well state for the
Information of the public that have
1t from reputable Republican tina:
on the afternoon of the election OF o.
! ficers, wnen Mr.. Linn was asked to
support Mr. Henshaw for this position.
an aspfrant of his own political party,
that Mr.. Linn replied that he was
going to vote for Mr.. Haggerty for
the purpose, as he expressed it, OF
putting the mayor up tree" 1t liz
not my province to criticize Mr.. Linn,
but I will say that ! would have to
have better reasons than this for vot-
ing against loyal member Of my
political party When he is an appli-
cant for Office. You further inquire in
your editorial that expect to gain
by my conduct in supporting a Repub-
tfcan applicant for an official posi-.
ton in the city. If you mean what
mercen7ry or political reward am
expecting, my answer is nothing, alb
solutely nothing. | am not seeking
popularity am trying to discharge
my duty. You. and those who assist
ed in the preparation OF your editorial,
have become so accustomed to trim
ming your sails, and you have learn
ed SO much in this respect from OBJ
serving the conduct of your friends in
office that you evidently think that it
is impossible for an official faithfully
to perform the duties of his office un-
less some political reward follows in
the wake Of sucn conduct. Let it
be understood once and for all that
while l have made and perhaps will
make many more mistakes, have
been, and am now, and intend to con-
tinue to do my duty in my official
position as | understand it. without
fear or favor OF anyone, political, mer-
cenary, or otherwise, and without any
speculation whatever as to what you
or your friends may seek to visit upon
me for my having walked in the way
that seemed to me to be right. My
present concern is to discharge the
duties OF my Office, and deal out equal
and exact justice to every man, wo-
man and child with whom have off.
cial dealings. The only reward that
l expect, or ask in return for this is
clear conscience, and the satisrac.
ton of knowing that | have done my
duty snd my whole duty to the very
best Of my understanding and ability.
OF course, persons have been crucified
in the past for this very offense, and
II 1t should come to pass that victim
is again demanded as a Precipitation
for this crime, the sacrifice is now
ready for the knife.
In conclusion. wish to answer your
question as to where I stand politl-
! only. unhesitatingly reply that I
am Democrat. and this, not only in
fair weather, but also in foul. l have
never expected, received nor desired
any remuneration, any lobbyists posi-
ton. or other reward for my loyalty
to the Democratic party. While the
cardinal principles Of the Democratic
party remain true to their ancient
moorings, firmly and deyoutly intend
to support them and expect to be
supporting them when some political
shysters in this neighborhood are still
trying in vain to explain their enron.