Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1905-02-01

"~oPe'oh, car'e out n successful
career and become factor in the
advancement of the Commonwealth
TO which he owes his allegiance.
Capital and labor thus combined
increase the basis of taxation, from
which the State will derive an in
creased revenue. We thereby Sc
cure funds which we may apply To
the Improvement of our schools
and roads. In 1865, Virginia
emerged from war desolate and
devastated, but with the spirit of
her men and women unbroken.
She has met the changed conditions
courageously, and has made steady
and rapid progress. We of the
present generation should take no
backward step in this respect.
heartily advocate the enlarge
ment of our Agricultural Depart
ment so as to advertise the advan-
tages of our State, and to encour-
age proper immigration. Our
waste lands, naturally fertile and
responsive to cultivation, can fur
nish homes for many thousands of
honest, industrious citizens, whose
presence will add much to the
material welfare of the Common
wealth.
have always advocated as lib
eral pensions TO our disabled Con-
federate soldiers as the finances of
our State would permit, and shall
continue to do so.
shall advocate the creation of n
Board of Charities and Corrections.
the board to be non-partisan and
non-political. the members of which
are TO serve without compensation.
We owe a duty TO our INDECENT
poor, TO our insane, and otherwise
afflicted, and even To our criminals.
Our pOor-hOuses, asylums, prisons
and reformatOries should be con
Quoted upon the most approved
scientific and sanitary principles,
and It should be the aim of our
State, not alone to punish a crimi-
nal, but To reform and make him a
good citizen. No difficulty will be
encountered in finding men of
character, worth and patriotism,
who will willingly give their time
and ability 10 the performance Of
the duties of such a Board.
i suggest an architectural super
vision Of the planning and erection
of all public buildings. We have.
within the last few years, spent
many hundred thousands of dollars
upon State buildings economically,
but | fear with little regard for
architectural beauty and effect.
These buildings should not only
fulfill the specific purposes for
which they are erected, but should
also stand as monuments of taste
and refinement. / feel that each
public building, however expen-
sive, should be one To which every
Nirginian may point with pride.
No act of the recent ConStitu-
tional Convention has been pro-
ductive of more good to our people
than the creation of the State Cor
poration Commission. | shall. by
appointment or otherwise, main
tain the same standard of efficiency
in that body as now obtains.
Each department of the State
Government should be operated
upon the same strictly business
lines as exist in private enterprises.
shall suggest improved methods
of auditing our State finances. The
methods in vogue are antiquated
and not up TO the requirements of
the situation. The State of Vir-
ginia, under a continuous Demo-
cratic administration of many years
has escaped serious loss, but only
on account of the character and in
tegrity of our public servants.
This, from business standpoint,
is not sufficient safeguard for our
people.
If elected, | shall assume the
duties and responsibilities of this
high office unpledged and untram-
meled. | shall bring to the faith
full discharge of these duties and
responsibilities my every energy
and ability. 1t shall be my sole
ambition, in the administration OF
the States affairs, to promote the
best interests of the Commonwealth
and to win the respect and esteem
of those whom | serve
Very truly yours,
JOS. +. WILLARD.