Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-20
Gov. Wizards Speech.


Though not distinguished as an orator.
from the moment Mr.. Willard began his
speech until its close ne was given The close
and undivided attention of every individual
in the room. In opening his address he said
he wanted it distinctly understood that he
Is a democrat from conviction and not for
any ward or loyalty to party. He said
voters should not cast their votes for per-
sonal reasons but FOR the good of the com
mun.ty; that If they were convinced that
he WAS more worthy man for the guber-
material office than his opponent, then vote
for him. but not To do 50 for any personal
reasons.
He said. however, he would try to show
his fitness for that office-not the fitness Of
his own estimation, but the estimate OF the
pubic. He first took up his record in pub
lie life. of which he said he had nothing to
hide or to be ashamed but in submitting 1t
to his audience he only pleaded fair pay In
reviewing il. He said he had always voted
for good bills and never for bad ones.
Her" he announced that he desired 10
take up the charges which have been pre-
ferred against him by his opponents and
answer them separately and distinctly.
Replies to Charges.
He declared there was absolutely no foun-
dation for the story that he had opposed
or imTeded in any way the so-calie- Jim
Crow bill in the legislature. What he had
sent and advocate a reasonable amendment
to the bill In the interest of small and
struggling electric lines. Also. he said, his
alleged interest in electric railroad was
entirely unwarrar ed He confessed that
he had done all in his power have
electric line in his native town, but he had
paid quite of his own money toward
II and had made absolutely nothing out of
II. He also confessed to not being Vir
gfniaH by birth. but said that he had lived
here tn!Tty-fpur and had received his
entire education here. He added. further.
that ne thought perhaps he received more
credit for being Virgnian from choice
than If he had become one by accident
Another charge, he said was that Of his
being a wealthy man For this he made
apologies but he asked what man is there
living who does not want money. II IS only
power. he said and. too. the question is not
what he has. but what he does with it. His
money. he declared. had been fairly OBJ
tained and is being properly used Not any
Of his money had been spent In his candi-
dacy for the governorship in violation Of
law, and he was glad he had adequate
means Tor that purpose. He had not, how
ever. spent a cent toward the Crandau-
Nachey letter published In the Roanoke
Times, and. Furthermore, It was published
absolutely without his knowledge or ap
provaL
The latter part Of his speech was devoted
TO recitation OF the needs of the state
and 10 the Mann bill. 1t Is a crucial period
OF our history, he said. and Virginia wants
to gain in prestige and influence. First,
there IS practical need of better educa-
ttonai facilities in this state. There should
be longer sessions. better schools and more
capable teachers.
He also dwell on the necessity of good
roads in the state-rOads scientifically built
OF The Mann bill Mr.. Willard said IL was
no longer bill. but law. He expressed
his approval of ii and said he was In favor
OF q restricted sale OF liquor, but OPP
posed to fiat prohibition. What he desired
he said. amendment to that bill
The meeting closed about > O'Clock amidst
great applause and enthusiasm and Mr.
Willard left on the 6:+5 train for Round
Hill. where he spoke last night.
Camp Meeting Opens
Tn" Loudoun camp meeting was begun
yesterday near Unison. Va This meeting
lasts about ten days. in which time It is at
tended by immense crowds from all sec
tions of the state.
Monday VIII he old soldiers day, and Rev
x al vi