The advocate. [volume] (Charleston, W. Va.) 1901-1913, 1912-10-24
The Man Who Leads The People In Their Fight Against Corrupt Boss
A SKETCH DIR. HATFIELD

"a,
most interesting and romantic figure that has appeared in our
state politics in many years.
for that exalted office and is one Of vev few men Who have
been nominated by the old parties that does not belong to the
legal profession '0*",
Or. Hatedls physician and surgeon and heir ranks at
the top.notch Of his profession in this state. Any member of
1t VIII slbstantiate that statement $751;.
His entrance into politics quite by accident He be-
came interested IN reform movement among the better ee
ment IN his home county Of Mcdowell to bring about better
administration Of local government With two other men Of
he was elected commissioner "ceaning up' in McDow
ellis political affairs followed, with the result that today that
county has one OF the BEST most honest and most progressive
governments in the state. The building of many miles of good
roads by prison labor of the many reforms
originated and carried out successfully by Dr.; Hatfield.
His next office that of member of the state senate
been regularly nominated but who resigned shortly before the
election. Dr.. Hatfield was far distant from home at that
ne been consulted he would not have allowed his
to be used and hence he would not now be on the way to be
his profession than Dr. Hatfield and he had not taste for
When he to the state senate by that nexpicabIe
arouses its expectancy DR.. Hatfield pointed out a
young man worth watching as he had the elements Of great
ness in him. He was pointed out as comer' in the wide
field Of political life and official usefulness.
The most noticeable thing in his first senatorial session
was his serious interest in the work. He studied and he shaved
with the problems that presented themselves to him. He
was an interchangeable worker night and day. He impressed
those who watched him as being ghuy impressed with his
responsible duties and man who liked W0rk-Wh0 thrWed
on interchangeable effort He seldom arose to speak in that SEES
SION but when he did, he had something to say and was listen
ed He welded great influence his colleagues
but if he knew it he gave signs of it,
Another thing which noticeable in this yet Compar
avey young man, was his rapid development to what may
be designated as the arge vew At first he was inclined
to look at the state at large from the standpoint of his own
hoecounty environment and seemingly impatient when the
opposite view taken by others. This trait, the growing
knowledge OF legislative affairs, quickly eliminated in him.
and then he to that degree of perception which, when
possessed marks man as having in hi meements OF genuine
craftsmanship
His second session senator found him the only man
ed senate could unite on for its presiding officer He was
unanimously chosen, and in that trying position he was so
fa and so honest and SO courteous that he won the ghest
respect of everybody. AT the concluding session. the mem"
bers of the Senate Democrats as we'll as Republicans COM
peted with each other in flights of oraorca tribute to his
splendid record, and all joined in presenting him with one OF
the most beautiful and costly silver services to be procured.
As legislator his name is associated with every one OF
the few laws that were enacted his time, looking to social
justice and progressive development Laws for the help OF
labor the child labor commission and many other advanced
noted.
His reputation with his colleagues was as man abso-
utey honest and fearless man fair, honorable and court
eous broad minded big, splendid man. who was student
and very serious and terribly Woodworking senator.
His becoming candidate for governor was more by &C,
cident than design He did not particularly aspire to it. and
practice of his profession He seemed to desire that more
than anything e|se But conditions within his party made it
desirable to present new man, and one who had made
record that he could proudly stand on, and which the people
likely to approve So, after much reluctance on his
part he finally consented The story of his triumphant can"
ddaoy for the nomination is we'll known recent history
Everywhere he was the popular CHOICE He carried all ex-
Cept Seen OF the tyVe counties, and he received 6bOUO
81 the $4,000 votes cast in the parys statewide primary
In that preliminary campaign, he offered platform Of pledges
10 the people, and it met with their overwhelming approval
He running on that platform Of pledges today as we'll as the
platform of the party adopted state convention assembled
Dr.. Hatfield is man who is SOldy possessed Of the