Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1924-04-10

Williamson, w. Va, April 7th.-Hon.
Wells Goodykoontz, whose distinguish
ed service as president Of the West
Virginia Senate, member Of Congress
and other places of public trust has
made him well and favorably known
throughout the state, declared himself
candidate for the Republican nom
lowing mass meeting here Saturday
attended by 900 Republicans of his
home county of Mingo at which he
was given unanimous and enthusiastic
endorsement.
Resolutions urging Mr. Goodykoontz
to enter this race rather than to seek
his old seat in congress were offered
In the mass meeting by Senator NJ q.
White, Chairman of the Republican
State Executive Committee, and fell
low townsman.
Republican leaders, particularly in
the southern part of the state and in
the Fifth district, which Mr.. Goody-
kOontz represented in congress four
years, have given close attention to
the developments and the crystaliza-
ton of sentiment since the recent
withdrawal of Hon. Edward Cooper, of
Bramwell, from the senatorial race.
Their observations led them to urge
Mr. Goodykoontz to become candi-
date.
Close friends of Mr. Goodykoontz de-
clare that he will become one of the
leading candidates almost at once and
that the chances for his nomination
are very bright
Mr.. Goodykoontz in response to the
acclaim rendered him at the mass
meeting stated that his formal an
nouncement will be made and his
platform announced at the earliest pos
sible time He will tour the state
and make an aggressive campaign. He
believes that his claims should be con-
siGered in the light Of past perform
ances rather than by mere political
promises.
In the house Of delegates; in the
state senate, first as majority leader
and then as president Of the senate
and in congress he has demonstrated
to all his position on public questions.
Columns would be required to catalOg
the measures he has supported in the
interest Of all the people, without
class distinction. The farmer the
railroad man, the miner, the postal
clerk, the teacher and above all the
soldier can testify to his unfailing
sympathy and active, constant support.
BY profession Mr. Goodykoontz is a
lawyer and has served as president of
the West Virginia Bar Association.
AS a business Ian he has been at the
head Of a national bank since 1t was
founded. During the war he was
state chairma.- of the committee Of
lawyers that directed the bar in assist
ing registrants and soldiers and wrote
a booklet giving a digest Of the laws
affecting soldiers and sailors, their
families and dependents. Many thou
sand copies Of this booklet were print
ed and circulated.
Mr. Goodykoontz is conservative
rather than reactionary; progressive
and liberal rather than radical. He
has never been involved in fractional
fights in the party. He stands for
the great primary Industries of West
virginia-coaI mining, manufacturing
and agriculture. He has ably defend
ed the good name Of the state and It's
people.
Mr.. Goodykoontz has voted time and
again for the soldiers compensation or
bonus bill and having very deep con-
victions on that subject Will, IL elect
ed, adhere to his old policy. The SOL
der, he points out, is to be the future
taxpayer Of the country end will
therefore carry his share Of the bur-
den.