Original sentence: A strong federalist he was a representative of South Australia at the 1891 convention, was elected fifth out of 33 candidates in 1897, and sat on the constitutional committee.He took up the study of law and was admitted to the South Australian bar in 1876, but practised for 11 years at Strathalbyn as a solicitor
Edited sentence: Always a strong federalist he was a representative of South Australia at the 1891 convention, was elected fifth out of 33 candidates in 1897, and sat on the constitutional committee.As a judge Gordon was industrious and conscientious, quick in understanding, rapid and logical in his conclusions.He had shown himself to be a great leader of the Legislative Council and a good administrator.He took up the study of law and was admitted to the South Australian bar in 1876, but practised for 11 years at Strathalbyn as a successful solicitor.He was helpful to timid witnesses and a friend to young barristers.He would probably have had no difficulty in winning a seat had he elected to enter federal politics, but decided to stay in South Australia.It was generally believed that he could have become a high court judge had he desired it, but his health was imperfect, and the same reason probably prevented consideration of his claims to be chief justice of South Australia when Way died