The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1905-01-14
Mr.. SWANSON'S ADDRESS
His Candidacy for Demo-
cratic Nomination for Governor
ship.

ship.
Hon. Claude A. Swanson, In his letter
TO the Democratic voters of the State,
announcing that he will be a candidate
for the Democratic nomination for Gov
ernor OF Virginia. at the primary To be
held during the present year, sayt:
| AIN glad that the candidate Tor this
high office will thus be selected. directly
by the great mass OF the u, mocratic
voters Alcandidates should graciously
acauiesce In the will OF majority OF the
party. This will can be expressed and
ascertained fully in fair and just pri.
mary. where the use OF all money and
corrupt influences are, as now 10 Nir-
ginla, expressly prohibited by law.
| am deeply sensible OF the grave re-
sponsibilties and important duties that
devolve upon this high Office, and, II elect
ed. would endeayor to discharge them
faithfully, fearlessly and to the best In
terest OF all the people. | would strive
10 have my administration specially
marked by the educational, moral and
material progress Of the state
fully recognize the vast Importance
10 Jnt olhlt VI a AnOiobkhf Riohh'o'aFN
and efficient system OF public education.
The public schools OF Virginia should
equal those OF any State. Nothing can
bring to a people greater blessings and
benefits than education. | am aware
that many of the teachers In the public
schools Of Virginia are inadequately paid
and that the terms OF many OF the public
schools, especially in the country dis-
triets. are too short. Funds should be
appropriated to give such teachers tair
compensation and TO extend the terms oil
such schools. The public schools OF Vir-
ginia cannot be progressive and thor
Ougbly efficient until this Ia done. My
experience both as a scholar and teacher
in the public schools Of the Stale has
made me thoroughly CONVEX ant with
the great good accomplished by our pub
lie school system and impressed upon me
the necessity for its further Improvement
and betierment III should become Gov
ernor of vi einia, the public school sys-
tenn and all Of her educational institu-
tions would receive my special care and
attention, and my best efforts to make
them efficient and successful.
The Agricultural Department, organ
iEed by the Legislature not many years
ago, has accomplished much good and
brought many benefits to the farming
interests of tie State. It's usefulness can
be further extended and increased. As
agriculture is the first industry OF Vir-
ginia, engaging the largest portion OF
her population, its development and
prosperity should receive her best care
and most generous aid.
The disabled and needy Confederate
soldiers. and their widows, deserve and
should receive liberal aid from the State.
There is no more important question
affecting the material welfare and pro-
gress of Virginia than the improvement
of her public roads and highways. This
il demanded alike by city and country.
Good public roads would enhance the
value Of farm lands aud products and
makerountry life more desirable and de.
Iightful. They would also greatly add
TO the trade and business OF the cities.
The extension OF rural delivery Ia the
country further increases the necessity
for good roads. The enhanced value oi
property and products, the demand that
would arise for farm lands, the impetus
which would be given TO immigration.
and the improved trade and business, all
of which would Inevitably come from
good roads, would more than pay for
the expenditures of money and labor
necessary to obtain them. | believe q
combined system oiexpendlture ofmoney
aud labor by local. State and federal Au-
thorities would accomplish good results
IN this direction. The State can derive
no greater benefits from the expenditure
of public money than for education and
for the improvement Of her public roads.
Under law, the Governor OF the State
IL empowered to make appointments to
office, to ill many vacancies to positions,
TO appoint the members of the Corpora
tion Commission and the various boards
of the State institutions. II | should be
elected Governor | would be controlled
absolutely In the discharge OF these duties
nv what believe to be to the best Inter
eat of the State and her people have
made no promise to anyone Tor any posi-
tion or appointment. | shall make none.
II | am elected Governor, | shall rece We
the office absolutely untrammelled, un
nledsed. and under obligations alone to
the peopIe to discharge it's duties iaith-
IuIly. fearlessly and to their best interest.
All the work and responsibilities apper.
tanning to the Office would have my con-
stant care and attention. ! would desire
10 be noted for my attentive and busl'
meas like administration OF the office.
would favor and seek to produee tn
the State a policy OF progress and growth
that would invite capital, encourage de-
sIrable immigration and develop her va
rious industries.
liza majority Of my fellow Democrats
should express a preference Tor me In the
primary and make me the partys nomi-
nee, my very best efforts would be given
10 achieve for the party q great victory
AT the election Ia November, and then
would receive this high Office as u sacred
trust to be administered for the benefit
Of the people Of the State.