Polk County news-gazette. (Benton, Tenn.) 190?-191?, 1914-03-05
WEST IS NAMED
GEORGIA SENATOR
APPoINTEE ONE OF BEST Known
MEN OF SOUTHERN
GEORGIA.
WILL FINISH BACON'S TERM
Has Been Prominently Identified
With Politics in the State for
Many Years. N

AtlaIta.-GOvernor Slaton appohteA
William Stanley West Of Valdosta, one
of the hest known men in the state.
to fill the unexpired term Of the late
Senator A. o. Bacon, whose death &C
Cured in Washington. February IA.
Governor Slaton did not write any
formal announcement. He merely
walked out into the reception ROOM
saw that the newspapers were ali rep
resented and spoke one word:
West"
In an instant the news Travelled
throughout the capitol and was flashed
to all parts of the city and state.
Commenting on the appointment
Governor Siaton said:
1T was only moment ago that
came to a definite decision. Any time
up to five minutes ago l was free TO
change my mind l had told no one
of my intention
Colonel West was naturally grained
when he heard the news of his ap-
pointment
When seen after the statement had
been made at the capitol that the gov
ernor had appointed him, Mr.. West
said:
at have been in Atlanta for several
davs. but | have not obtruded myselt
mon the governor. After the burial
Of Senator Bacon my friends not only
from all parts of south Georgia, but
throughout the state, notified me that
they would present my claims 10 the
governor Many of them asked me 10
meet them in Atlanta for conference
on the situation and l have been here
for few days with that end IN view
~ was impressed from the beginning
that this was a south Georgia appoint
ment and my friends were good enough
to take the position that | was the
man for the place. Frankly l 90 not
know whether / am or not, but 90
know that | have at all times Deen
loyal and jealous supporter OF Gov
ernor SIaton and that | have been I'M
| Tagging in my zeal in behalf OF the
section Of the state from which come.
! I have never let my enthusiasm IN pc
half of south Georgia lessen Iaayy-~apn 81
vocacy of what / believe to be for the
best interests of the state at large ana
| consider myself fortunate in having
as many friends in the upper part OF
the state as / have in the section
| around my home county"
William Stanley West, the oldest
surviving son of James and Mary A.
West, is a leading member OF the
| Lowndes county bar, with residence
and office in the city of Valdosta. He
was born in Marion county, Georgia,
August % ,1849; was educated in Mer-
Ger university, where he graduated
with the degree of bachelor OF arts,
subsequently receiving the degree or
master of arts from the same 1nstltu-
tion. completing his education when
no was SO years of age. While a stu
dent there he was honored with the
presidency of the Ciceronian Literary
society and was anniversarlan OF tnat
society in 1880.
In the early portion of his business
Wife he was engaged in teaching, con-
timing in this occupation for some
time after leaving college. He was,
then identified with sawmilling ana
numbering interests, as well as other
enterprises, after which he graduated
in the law department of Mercer UNI.
versity, and was admitted to the par
upon completing his course
From 1892 to 1897 he served as a
member of the lower house OF the staCe
legislature, and in 1S9s-9s was mem
her of the state senate. In lSoo rs
declined a return to the lower mouse,
hut was elected to that body IN lSoz
and served until 1904. In 1sOo-O6 ne
was again returned to the state sen
ate without opposition, and was then
elected president of that body. In lSos
he was sent as delegate at large
from the state of Georgia to the ma
tional Democratic convention, held az
Denver, Col.