The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1910-12-08
w atson Leads
In the Contest

ocrats carried the legislature. Very
likely. Davis like everybody else, ex-
eept the generous-givlng Watson and
a mighty few others, didn't believe his
party had ghost of chance to win
the legislature and. hence, he could
agree to the proposition with great
equanimity of mind. Besides, Davis
is safely in seat in Congress and his
party might, and. 1t is believed, very
likely would, lose that trophy should
he relinquish 1t.
1t must be admitted that Watson
was not SO very well known to West
Virginians when his party turned up
with legislature, and he is suddenly
and unexpectedly to the general pub
lie, turned up with very substantial
following among the lawmnEers-e elect.
/, Therefore. 1t was very natural for
Bllnks to ask his neighbor Blank,
Who is this fellow watson?" In
answer to that query universally go
ing the rounds Watson received much
discussion, and the newspapers hear
Ing the query, have been answering
lit more or less satisfactory to meet
the demand of the curious. Thus. is
the reason why Watson is more talked
Of than NcGraw and the others. per-
haps. Their personalities. their ca
reers in private and public life, are
known from end to end by the pub
lie, while little II anything, was
Known OF the Watson personality 9TH
er than he was known to he at the
head of one of the states greatest
coal mining enterprises. But now
that the Watson candidacy for the
isenatorship has assumed such large
proportions. the inquiry of the peo-
pie as to what matter of man he is,
is but natural. and little specific in
formation of personal nature Is
timely. What has been given in the
press of his party looks TO me to
have been prejudiced either for or
against him, and believe that the
reading public will appreciate a
brief estimate of the man from a dis
interested party. and from one whose
political sympathies are neither with
him nor the party to which he be-
longs.
There are those doubtless who as
sociate with Watson only his remark
able success as coal operator, and
who see in his candidacy only the as
piration of wealthy man to get
seat in the Senate without special
qualifications for the place. Those
who know Clarence Watson even cas-
ually know how unfair this concep-
ton is. Watson is not only successful
in his business, but he has culture,
education and ability which fit him tc
make capable representative Of the
people of the state in the Senate. on
the questions that come before that
body relating to transportation, ship
ping, the great problems of interstate
commerce. involving the distribution
of manufactures, food and other prod
ucts, he ought to have, and probably
has as intelligent conception as any
man in the state. He is an adept in
business and affairs. is a thinker
along all lines, and would not be n
novice when 1t came to the discussion
Of the most potential forms of indus.
trial and business enterprises and de-
lvelopments that are affected by in
terstate and congressional legislation.
,iEIe possesses an exceptionally clear
and logical mind. trained 10 anaIy2e
business and political propositions,
and has all his life been close stu.
tdent OF public affairs. While he has
not achieved a reputation as a public
speaker, his activities having been
aIong other lines he is clear and con
vincing in argument and exceptionally
strong in expression and Judgment.
He is fluent in conversation, earnest
and frank in expression, and leaves
no doubt upon all with whom he
comes in contact as TO the breadth OF
his intellect and the depth of his in
telligence. He is modest and unas-
Stunning in manner. His ideals OF
public and private duty are high; he
is Just and fair TO all. and in business
and other affairs 1t may be ruthfuny
said that his word is just as good as
his bond
Watson is native Of West Virginia.
having heen born in Marion county.
forty-six years ago, and is in touch
with the people and interests OF the
state. He thinks as native West
yirginian concerning the advancement
and the problems of this state and his
hest efforts have always been given
to her upouilding and the develop
ment OF the resources which have Civ
On employment at fair and just wages
TO thousands of working men and
brought prosperity to large section
Of the state. His Democracy has been
Of that sort that has stood the storm
and stress OF adversely and its prin.
ciples represent 10 him the best and
most satisfactory theories of govern.
ment looking to the rights and inter
ests Of the people.
That IS fair personal view of Wat.
son. ~ ! know the man. Much has
lheen said about him by his opponents