The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1909-01-14
pEsERyE RE-ELEcrIoN.


communication from Professor f.
II. Russell, president Of the Normal
aud Industrial School OF Fredericks-
burg, advocating the return Of
Messrs. c. O'Conor Goodrich aud r.
&. l.. Moncure to the Legislature
from she Legislative districts OF
fredericksburg and Spotsylvsnia
and Stafford and King George, re-
specsiyely.
We are not disposed to enter the
political arena ia advocacy OF any
candidate. but she future welfare of
she Normal School recently establish
ed here and for which provision has
only been partially made is OF such
vital Importance TO. fredericksburg
aud counties surrounding it that
We do not believe Is would be thepart
OF wisdom to undertake TO swap
horses until the stream is crossed.
We do not mean even TO intimate
thas there are not other men in
either OF the districts mentioned
who. II they had had the advantage
OF the experience Mr.. Goodrich and
Mr.. Moncure have had. could be
equally as efficient in securing what
is necessary to consummate this i'm
portant project, but both of these
gentlemen, by their ability. energy
aud zeal, have established beyond
peradventure that they form a team
OF remarkable efficiency. and in our
Judgment their return to the Jegis-
lature means an increased appropri-
alton and assured success for the
Normal School. This alone should
be sufficient to make the voters of
these two districts Unanimous In
their support of these gentlemen, II
we leave out of consideration entire
ly the fact that efficient service de
serves some reward Ii will be recall
ed that the fight to locate the Nor
NAL School here was made against
apparently insurmountable obsta-
cles. That In the Legislative scheme
only one school was contemplated.
and that Harrisonburg, through the
influence OF Senator Keezell, chair
man OF the Finance Committee. was
practically certain TO secure the
plum The fight which won for Fred
ericksburg a part OF the prize award
ed Was a notable one, and was a
masterpiece OF generalship and STRAIT
egg upon she part of Mr.. Goodrich
and Mr.. Moncure. under whose leader
ship il was conducted. Is was the
concensus OF opinion OF all who wit
messed the combat that the fight
was conceived and planned with
wonderful astuteness and executed
without a misstep. Can we safely
commit she contamination OF this
business TO inexperienced hands, and
are not those who began IL so sue
cessiully entitled to carry is out
and 20 have the sanction and APP
proval OF their constituents 10y their
return to the Legislature Is seems
to US shat it would be a gracious
act, and one expressive OF she graft
tude which is their desert, to elect
them again without opposition
either within or without the Demo
cratic party.
1t was largely through the efforts
OF these gentlemen that the r. F. 4
Z. repeal bill passed the House of
Delegates and became a law.
Mr.. Goolrick was one otthe leaders
on the floor OF the House in securing
the passage ola child labor law, and
She bills to increase the appropria-
lions for roads, schools and pen
sions.
Mr.. Goodrich and Mr.. Moncure are
both personally acquainted wish and
10 close touch with the political
leaders OF the State, a fact whicl
added to their ability and energy.
make them particularly desirable
and effective at this juncture.
We have heard Of no objection 10
either of these gentlemen, but it has
been intimsted shat there is senti-
ment in Spotsylvania that the coun-
~ is entitled to select the Democra-
tic nominee this year. Ii has been
the custom more or less to follow
some such plan OF alienation. but
Tor she common good, just at this
time, Is ought to be dispensed With.
even Ii is necessary in the future to
concede three terms to the county in
succession. 1t will be recalled. how.
ever, that In 1905, in spite of the
TACT that 1t was fredericksburg 4
turn to name the candidate.
Spotsylvania Democrats supported
Dr. Massey against Mr.. Swift. whom
Fredericksburg had presented.
We are not definitely advised what
the attitude OF Mr.. Goodrich or Mr.
Moncure Is in the premises, but We
know that the sentiment in favor Of
their reelection is SO overwhelming
In this city and in its immediat .
vicinity that they will find IL hard
TO refuse to allow their names to lie
presented to the people tor re-e,ec.
t}on