The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-09-16

asked Mr.. Hicks n few questions mouth
or so ago he replied in a rather petulent
spirit to the effect that he could not give
a positive answer to the questions asked,
RS he would not presume to dictate or
outline in advance the policy OF the con
vention. Being Democrat he would &C
cepG what was offered and hew to the
line laid down. The convention met,
adopted it's platform and nominated Mr..
Hicks The platform contained three de-
mands as follows:
sWe demand strict economy in the APP
preparations and in the administration of
the government of the State, and that
S.ch changes be made in the laws as will
best achieve this result.
eve demand as liberal policy as the
finances of the State will permit be pur.
sued towards the aged aud infirm vete-
rams of the Confederate army, and their
widows and orphans.
1--WE demand that liberal policy he
pursued by the government toward the
free school system, recognizing that when
1t sinks there sink with it in one common
groove the best interests of the masses
and the security of the commonwealth
and demand the adoption of such books
therein as will give to our posterity a
true history of our country and the adop
tion of such measures as will secure to
the people cheaper price in the cost OF
the text books used therein
Not one word in the platform referred
to social clubs, prohibition or gambling.
In his speech opening the campaign at
the Old Opera House Tuesday night Mr..
Hicks utterly ignored the three demands
above quoted and put himself on an en-
tirely different platform of his own max
ing. 1t appear that there is not the
slightest kinship between July Hicks and
September Hicks. Perh APPS the August
moon threw a little light on his political
pathway and revealed the fact that it
was full of snags. September Hicks is
first-rate fellow, but if he could evolve
himself out of July Hicks in so short
time what may we expect from January
Hicks? Is he a sail trimmer!
A delegation of representative men from
the South, representing the large iron
sections, on Tuesday appeared before the
naval board in Washington, which is con-
sidering the question of establishing
Government armor- plate factory, and
pressed the South's claims for this enter
prise. The com mittee were prepared to
show that the section which they repre-
scented offers the greatest advantages in
cost of iron, labor, transportation, etc.
1t was argued also that an inland armor
factory in the South would be more Sc
cure from attack in case of war than one
near the Atlantic coast in the North
Sheffield. Ala, seems to be in the lead
Senator Chandler, OF New Hampshire,
who has taken an active part in the plan
of government factory, has written n
letter favorable to its establishment at
this point. Assistant Secretary Of the
Navy Roosevelt gave the delegation de
cided encouragement. He also stated
that he wished the armor board to visit
the iron producing sections of the South,
and would recommend to Secretary Long
that the powers of the board be broad
ened, so that they may investigate and re-
port on sites for the plant in addition to
their present duties. 1t is understood
that Col. j Ham pton Hoge also appeared
before the board in behalf of Roanoke
New seems to be the proper time to act
and the committee recently appointed by
the Roanoke board of t"ade should not
allow the grass to grow under their feet
and: II nothing else IL done, they should
spare no pains in seeing that the naval
board comes to Roanoke If our city is
honored with a visit from the gentlemen
composing the board, 40 effort should
be spared by the board of trade and Other