Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1921-05-31
PROTESTS AGAINST CHANGE
OF NAME.

iTr Glowing communication from Mr..
r. pea which was unavoidably crowded
oat d e8 ssue of May "a, We now publish
by s.eeial request of some of his Charles
Tow friends: y
40 Midland Ave, Montslzir, n. j..
May 10, 1921.
near Mr.. Haines II have read with great
inte.cst the letters published in the Spirit
chang cf the name of Charles Town.
Ce-tat ly no one could be convinced by the
con M iica ions from my friends Miss Lucas
vernc7 Simmons, Wells Hawks, Harvel La
Boyteaax Norval Gallaher. and others.
But would feel remiss in the perfor-
nance Of a sacred duty, did | not add my
voice and pen TO the protests which have
been made against this proposed and out
TO ore at a distance, and Tot in close
touch with the ews or public opinion at
home, there seems to be something sinister
in this proposed, as evidenced by the fact
that not one word has been contributed to
the press in its favor, although some secret
influence seems to have been almost strong
enough to have changed the laws OF West
Virginia, and to have deprived the Commune
ty of the name it has borne and honored for
more than a century-only yielding to our
citizens at the last moment, as privilege
and not right, the opportunity to vote
upon the uestion-without which the pro-
posers were doubtless tardly advised that
the change would be invalid and their vic
tory barren.
Now can I understand why the people of
Charles Town have failed to use, in fuller
degree to the opportunity to give emphatic
and continuous editorial condemnation to
this scheme. Possibly you have condemned
it. but if so. have missed it. being confined
to my room BY illness and only able to read
little each day.
However, the historical the practical and
the sentimental arguments in favor of the
present name have been fully presented by
previous writers, and need no repetition by
me-
have a great and abiding faith in the
good sense and loyalty of the men and
women of Charles Town. and believe and
hope they will not submit to such an OUT
rage; meanwhile hoping that both of our
Town papers will fulfil their title to leader
ship, and come out in strong, clear and def-
nite editorial declarations before the cleo
ton, calling upon the voters to do their
duty and preserve the charter name and
, rights of the Town.
And at the next legislative session, let
Charleston change her name back to the
Indian word "Kanawha"- than which there
is no more beautiful and distinctive name,
and which cannot be confused with Charles
Town. our name, which they appropriated
forty years ago, with the elimination of a
Single letter.
This whole experience demonstrates the
wisdom of the old Lawgiver, who said:
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's
goods"
Is not name, established and used for
more than century, more valuable than any
other goods?
Let the verdict at the polls next week
teach this lesson to the people at the State
Capital and to them and all others interest
ed the further lesson which has come down
thro' the ages from the source of di-
vine wisdom
Thou shalt not move thy
neighbors' Landmark
What better Landmark" has Charles
Town than her ancient and honored name?
Sincerely yours,
TURNER ASHBY BEALL