Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1918-06-06
Mr.. Davis Endorses Col. Watson.

Hon. ]. w. Davis, Solicitor General
of the United States and one Of West
Virginia's most highly regarded public
men, has come out strongly in favor OF
the nomination and election of Col.
Clarence w. Watson to the United States
Senate from this State. We doubt il
there is a man in West Virginia whose
opinion will carry greater weight, ano
the endorsement of Mr.. Davis will go
long way toward concentrating public
sentiment upon Col. Watson. The peo-
pie know that he would not thus public
ly favor him unless he honestly believed
it is for the best interests of our State.
Holding the important position that he
does, Mr.. Davis's judgment and ap-
probation will have, as they should have,
great weight with the people.
His statement is as follows:
OF course, am interested, as every
other citizen of West Virginia should
be. in the senatorial situation. Wnlle
this is certainly no time for partisan
politics or personal ambition, the cleo
tions must. be held and the people must
make choice of those who are to De
represent them. One need not be a
partisan to believe that in a Crisis Ike
the present, where unity OF counsei
and action is imperative, the country
is best served when the President
has a Congress controlled in ootn
branches BY those of his own political
faith. In countries like England,
Canada and France the executive ana
legislative branches are always OF the
same faith, because the majority III
the legislative branch choose the exc
cutiye. but with us, where the President
is chosen for four years, the people
alone can keep a Congress in accord
with him. In saying this | mean no
reflection upon the patriotism or loyalty
of the Republican party or any OF It's
members but | take il that all men
agree, for instance, that il the Demo-
Gratis, had captured either the House or
Senate in the elections of 1862 it would
have been not only an embarrassment
TO President Lincoln but a calamity to
the country.
hear of no candidates other than
Senator Chiffon and Senator watson.
Both of these gentlemen have proven by
their past service in the Senate their
right to aspire to the position. should
not like to indulge in any invldious
comparisons between them and VIII
cheerfully support either in the event
of his nomination. Since, however,
choice must be made, my vote will be
cast in the primary for Senator Watson.
During his service as Senator he acqult-
ted himself with distinguished credit,
and in nv observation of affairs IN that
BODY have known no one who in the
same space of time impressed himself
more strongly upon his colleagues than
he did. If he returns to the Senate Tor
a full term, as hope and believe ne
will, confidently expect him speedily
TO assume a position of power and
leadership.
Not only will there be great questions
of reconstruction and readJustments TO
follow the war, but we must remember
that the end of the war, itself is very
far from being in sight. For the
moment, am more concerned with the
speedy carrying on and winning OF the
war, with a secure and honorable peace
TO the United States, its allies and the
civilized world generally than with the
question which will follow that happy
result.
In my opinion Senator Watson's wide
experience, penetrating foresight and
balanced judgment will make him more
than ordinarily useful both at this time
and in the momentous days that lie
ahead. feel it my duty accordingly TO
give him my support.