Cooper's Clarksburg Register

For the Clarksburg Register.

Mr. EDITOR: In looking over your last paper I observed a communication signed "Rotation in Office," suggesting the name of Col. Jos. J. Winter, as a suitable person to fill the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court of this County. In reading the communication I was somewhat surprised after the prelude contained to find the result at which the author arrived. Whilst the reasons he advances might have applied with some plausibility if not force to the office of Sheriff, I think they were very far fetched when applied to that of Clerk; and I confess whilst reading the piece having heard Col. Winters spoken of in connection with the Sheriffalty, I thought the object was to bring him before the people for that office. Under our Republican Government any man has the right to be a candidate for office and his friends may resort to all fair arguments in support of his pretensions. But look at the reasoning of the author in support of his suggestions; he says that "Col. Winter has been an acting Justice of the Peace for about twenty years, and has never received any thing in the shape of a reward for his services. But, for the adoption of the New Constitution he would have been our next high Sheriff." Now, that being the case, why not name him for that office--the one he would have been entitled to--if he had not been cut off by the New Constitution. Certainly the reason advanced does not tend to support a claim to the office of Clerk.

Mr. Editor, I have given that subject some reflection and have come to the conclusion, that qualification and fitness for the office are the first and most important considerations. In this view what is the object of a change? The present incumbent, Col. G. G. Davisson is a candidate for the office he has discharged for a number of years, and admitted by all concerned, Judges, Lawyers, Suitors, &c., in a most faithful and satisfactory manner. One of the reasons adduced in favor of Col. Winter, will apply to, and strengthen the claims of Col. Davisson. It is this: "But for the adoption of the New Constitution he would have been our next high Sheriff" meaning that Col. Winter was a sufferer by the adoption of the New Constitution which prevented him from enjoying the Sheriffalty. How is it in regard to Col. Davisson? But for its adoption he would have been Clerk of the Circuit Court for the next six years and five months: for it will be remembered that he was appointed Clerk in July last, for the term of seven years; only seven months of which have elapsed. Now in accordance with the argument of "Rotation," would it not be but fair to continue him for his full term which he will not get even if elected under the New Constitution. I am one of those who are of opinion that in a matter of this kind, no regard should be paid to selfish and personal motives, and that the main object is to secure the services of a well qualified officer above every other consideration. And whilst we have it in our power to secure the services of so good a Clerk as the present incumbent, I think we should consider ourselves fortunate and spare no pains to secure his election.

Mr. Editor, I have said more than I intended when I commenced this communication, and could say much more relative to the qualifications, merit and character of Col. Davisson, did I think it necessary; but he is too well known in this county to require any thing to be said on that subject.

FAIR PLAY.