The Magnolia gazette., 1899-06-21
HON. r. A CRIGz,


Hon. Il. Al. Critz, of West
Point, a prominent candidate for
governor, came down on the ove-
ming train Friday, and addressed
an attentive audience in the
courthouse in advocacy Of his
claims. lie IS an earnest and
impressive speaker, and his adj
dress made a profound impress
sion upon those present.
He began by stating what he
believed to be the duty Of the
governor Of a great state; that he
should not simply sign bills pass
ed by the legislature, and see
that the laws are enforced, but he
should be the leader Of his party,
and throw the weight of his influ-
ence on the side Of morality. He
should be practical man and do
all in his power 10 help develop
the natural resources Of his state,
and make the burden Of govern
ment fall equally on all.
The speaker said ne was free
silver, free trade democrat. OPP
posed 10 expansion, SO far as the
Philippine islands we're concern
ed; is outspoken against the
trusts which threaten to destroy
American rights and American
liberties and would protect the
people from them. lie favors u
national, graduated income tax,
arguing that that is the only
method by which the extremely
wealthy can be reached and be
made TO share the expense of
government. He favored the
election of United States senators
by direct vote Of the people.
On questions Of state policy.
Judge Critz favors the election Of
Judges and chancellors by direct
vote Of the people; fayors an
equalization Of taxes, 80 that the
income Of the state might be
equal to expenditures; favors
making railroads pay taxes, but
favors liberal exemptions to fac
tories, arguing that we needed
cotton and wooden factories, and
as they are built by the people Of
the state, most Of whom are poor
| the state should encourage them
in liberal manner. Railroads,
he said, arc built by corporations
having millions Of money, and
are built and operated to make
still more money. They arc able
to pay taxes and should be made
to do so. He favors liberal PEN
sions to ex-Confederate soldiers
by the state, but is opposed TO
the erection Of a soldiers s home.
He is opposed to the abridgment
of the school law in any form.
He would let it remain in the
constitution that each child shall
have four months free tuition
every year, and let the several
| boards of supervisors levy addi'
tional taxes to extend the term as
they may deem proper. lie
would favor leaving the poll taxes
with the counties, so as TO put
this part Of the state on a par
with the Delta in the matter Of
Ipaying good salaries to teachers.
| He is in favor of a uniform sys-
tenn Of school books, and claimed
| that it would give US better and
cheaper books and better schools,
because it would enable more
children to attend school.
There was no uncertain sound
about anything Judge Critz said.
He made no attempt at oratory,
| but presented his views in a
plain, natter -of-fact way. He
said there were many things
which must be left to the discre-
ton Of the governor. and he
thought he had nerve enough to
say No when such an answer
would be to the best interests Of
the state and society. He would
nos make too free use Of the par
doning power, holding that after
the people had gone to the ex.
pense of convicting, the governor
should not release the prisoneI
i through sympathy for him or fol
, his family.
Judge Critz is past middle age