Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1905-08-18
WHY MIR. SWANSON SHOULD
BE NOMINATED.
tFrom Rockingham Register.

The fall contest between the Dem
ocratic and the Republican parties
from present indications, promises
to be one of the hottest political
campaigns in the recent history of
the State. 1t is evident that the
Republicans will make an active and
aggressive fight for the election.
OF their State ticket, headed by
Judge l.. l.. evils, a man Of
character, reputation and ability.
The Republican leaders, under in
spiration from Washington, are Ire.
pairing for vigorous campaign. They
have the promise of speakers IF
national reputation, such as Secre-
tary Shaw, Grosvenor, Hepburn and
others TO aid in this aggressive fight
The qualification of Republican,
voters, under the Sltmp reorgan!z4-
ton, has been carefuli, looked after.
and an examination of The tax r.-
turns reveals The fact that the capi-
tation tax of a large percentage of
the Republican voters has been paid.
Under these conditions, patriotism
and duty demand that the Demo-
cratic party select AS its chief stand
ard bearer its strongest and most
available candidate, without per.
sonal preference or partisan preiu-
dice, and one who is best qualified
to lead an aggressive campaign.
a careful aud impartial consider
alton of the merits of the three aspi-
rants leads TO the conclusion that
the best interests Of the Democratic
party, as we'll as the best interests of
the Commonwealth, will be cub
served by the nomination of MIR.
Swanson. If either of his opponents
is named there is reason to appre-
bend that the party will be put upon
the defensive.
Mr.. Willard was for ten years a
member of the House of Delegates.
His most ardent friend or his most
enthusiastic partisan can point to no
single act of legislation which was
introduced by him, or pressed to its
passage by his efforts, although dur
ing his entire term the General As
sem6iy was overwhelmingly Demo-
cratic.
There is no record that be even
introduced single one of the meas
ures which he now so strongly advo-
Gates In his platform and speeches,
such as the improvements of the ublic
highways, the public schools, cheaper
school books, better system of ac-
counting, or the working of convicts
on the public roads.
Again, though known to be one
of the wealthiest men in Virginia
his fortune running into the mill
lions-the fact that he paid last year
only 1924 of taxes in Fairfax county,
and prior to the present year no in
come tax, would be used with tell
ing effect by the Republicans.
The nomination of Judge Mann
would likewise be prejudicial to the
best interests of the party. Regarded
as a man of one idea, his candidacy
would ALLEVIATE and antagonize many
conservative voters.
The regulation of the LIQUOR traffic
IN Notwithstanding to its prac-
tical suppression as police measure
in the rural districts-has been ac-
complished by Democratic legislation
covering a period of more than
twenty years. Successive Democratic
legislatures have responded to public
sentiment on this question and will
continue to do so hereafter. 1t is
after all Legislative problem and q
local question in each community. 1t
is not legitimate issue in the guber-
Material campaign. Each one of the
candidates has declared his opposi.
tion to the repeal of existirg g law, and
the extension of repressive legislation
must rest with the General Assembly.
The nomination of Judge Mann
would therefore inject an issue that
would distract and divide the party,
to no good purpose, while grave
economic problems now pressing for
wise solution would be lost sight of
In campaign of explanation, denial
and defense.
The single fact that Judge Mann
is now and has been for years attor-
ney for the Norfolk q Western rail-
road would be no slight handicap to
a winning campaign.
The candidacy of Mr.. Swanson
would be free from these objections,
and his nomination would spare the
Democratic party a defensive and
apologetic campaign. With him at
the head of the ticket it would enter
upon an active and aggressive fight.
dis record as member of Congress
has stood the test of many campaigns,
each resulting in an increased Demo
cratic majority in his district. His
ability, influence, and high standing
are unquestioned. lie is acknowi-
edged to be one of the best debaters
IN Virginia, able to cope with any
antagonist. He has clean private
record. distinguished public career.
He is self-made man, who came
from the masses of the people, and
his candidacy would appeal directly
TO the people. His bearing in the
hour of defeat four years ago endeared
him to the rank and file of the party,
and his nomination would inspire
and enthusiasm. He would
make an ideal standard bearer for !
hot campaign and an efficient Chief |
Executive of the Common wealth. !
Every consideration of enlightened |
party policy, as the situation now
stands, suggests his nomination by
the Democratic party.
WANTED: A BUSINESS GOVERNOR
(Staunton Dispatch)