Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1901-03-22
If Elected will do all In His Power to
Advance the interests OF the Grand
Old Commonwealth.
WAYNESBORO, VA,

March 10Th, 1901. !
To Messrs M. r. Ellis, J. F. Leonard
w. E. Fishburne, Charles Brooke
S. M. Brapaman, j. M. Coyner
L Kemper Huff, d. B Engleman
/ Pliny Fishburne, and others.
4 Gentlemen:-While l should not my
self seek the position of representative
from Augusta county in the constitu
tional convention which is to convene
in June next, yet l am not insensible
of the very fattering call which you
have given me, and | embrace this oc.
casion tn express my appreciation, and
to acknowledge my obligation
To prepare constitution for this
commonwealth an instrument which
shall secure the safety, happiness and
prosperity of our children aud our chill
dren's children, will demand the most
thoughtful and thorough cOnsidera.
| ton, and no man, OF set of men, can
! approach the task without feeling of
the gravest responsibility.
While have misgivings as to my
ability to serve you acceptably, | have
not the slightest distrust of my love
and loyalty to this grand old dominion,
nor of my willingness to do all in my
power for the advancement of her in.
terests. 1t is particularly gratifying,
therefore, that this demand is made
upon me by so many who have known
me from bOyhood days,-sOme of whom
have served with me in times of trial,
and among whom my business life
has been spent.
My occupation, as well as nv SYM
pathieS, are in closest touch with the
agricultural interests of our country,
but this, trust, has not warped my
views so that [ may not see clearly the
varied interests which must be con-
served, and which demand proper con-
sideratiOn.
To undertake to specify all of the
needed changes-and some of them
radical in my judgment-would be a
difficult matter, In fact, to outline at
this time an exact line Of policy would
not be wise, in view OF the many prob
lens to be met and solved However,
remodelling our Judiciary and public
school systems. so as to make them
more efficient, should receive especial
consideration. Reducing county Of
ticers, with their attendant expenses,
Is matter of great Importance. Elect
ing all public officers from the highest
to the lowest station should be pre-
rOgative of the people. Boards of
equalization should be established, SO
as to reach all personal property, and
to require all persons to bear their |
equal share of taxation for the sup
port of the government. Corporations !
and mbinations should be restricted !
and held responsible. All violations
should be punished by fine and impri-
sOnment.
The fee system should be abolished |
as far as possible, and all officers paid !
salaries and put under good and suf-
ficient bond for the faithful perform
ance of their duties
The right of suffrage is sacred to ev-
cry man, and should be exercised by |
bin; but, whilst that is true, the law
should be so guarded as to compel per-
sons exercising that right to have some
interest in the government.
Labor. the producer of wealth,
should have ample safeguards, not
losing sight of the rights of the employ
er and his capital.
One feature that deem of especial
interest to our state is such Legislation
as will tend to encourage and build up
the manufacturing Industries to such
an extent as quickly to fill up waste
places and develop the vast natural
resources which have remained hidden
so long.
To sum up the whole matter we
should have constitution prepared
by Virginians for Virginia
To be one of the representative of
The county of Augusta would be an
lonOr which few men without the best
Of reasons could decline. and, If my
and experience can be of SER
vice to you, do not feel that have a
right to refuse. Consuming, there
lore, TO your req uest, hereby announce
myself a candidate for the convention,
subject to the action Of the Democratic
party.
Should your wishes be seconded by
that authority, and my name be Sc
ected as one Of those to represent you,
[ can only add that it will be my pur
pose faithfully to discharge the duties
Fou impose. [ pledge YOU careful con-
aud conservative action in
all efforts to secure such reforms as
and changed conditions
nay show to be necessary,
'Or the greatest good to the greatest
Der, and, with an eye siugle to the
most economic administration Of just
avs, which shall guarantee to the peo-
pie of the state security, happiness
md prosperity, as my best judgment
shall enable me to decide.
Most respectfully, T.