The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1914-03-04
WEST IS NAMED
GEORGIA SENATOR
APPoINTEE ONE OF BEST KNOWN
MEN OF SOUTHERN
GEORGIA.
WILL FINISH BAC0N'S TERM
Has Been Prominently Identified
With Politics In the State for
Many Years.

acknowledgements Slaton appointed
William Stanley West Of Valdosta, one
Of the best 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 all rep
resented and spoke n 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 Slaton said:
at was only a moment ago that l
came to a definite decision. Any time
I'D to five minutes ago ! was free to
change my mind. I had told no one
Of my intention,
Colonel West was naturally gratuied
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: ..
IT have been in Atlanta for several
days, but I have not obtruded myself
upon 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 to the
governor. Many Of them asked me to
meet them In Atlanta for a conference
on the situation and I have been here
for a few days with that end in view.
81 was impressed from the beginning
that this was a south Georgia appoint
ment and my friends were good enough
to take the position that I was the
man for the place. Frankly / do not
know whether I am or not, but I do
know that 1 have at all times been a
loyal and a jealous supporter Of Gov
ernor Slaton and that l have been un-
tagging in my zeal in behalf of the
section Of the state from which I come.
! have never let my enthusiasm In be-
half of south Georgia lessen my ad-
vocacy of what / believe to be for the
best interests Of the state at large and
I 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 % ,1S49; was educated in Mer-
Ger university, where he graduated
with the degree Of bachelor Of arts,
subsequently, receiving the degree of
master of arts from the same institu-
ton, completing his education when
he was SO years Of age. While a stu
dent there he was honored with the
presidency of the Ciceronian Literary
society and was anuiversarian Of that
society in 1880.
In the early portion Of his business
life he was engaged in teaching, con-
tinuing in this occupation for some
time after leaving college. He was
then identified with sawmilling and
numbering interests, as well as other
enterprises, after which he graduated
in the law department Of Mercer uni
versity, and was admitted to the bar
upon completing his, course.
From 1892 to 1897 he served as a
member of the lower house Of the state
legislature, and in 1S9S-99 was a mem
Der of the state senate. In 1900 he
declined a return to the lower house,
but was elected to that body in 1902
and served until 1904. In 19O5-O6 he
was again returned to the state sem
ate without opposition, and was then
elected president Of that body. In 1908
he was sent as a delegate at large
from the state Of Georgia to the ma
tional Democratic convention, held at
Denver, Col.