The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1910-03-09
Richards Announces FOR Governor.

Hon. Jno. G.. Richards was approached
recently as to whether or not he would
be a candidate for Governor, and what
would likely be his platform. Mr.. Rich
ards said:
"Yes, after seriously considering the
matter, have determined to enter the
race for South Carolina. For sometime
my friends In every section Of the State
have been encouraging Inc to run, and
after considering the matter carefully,
have decided to enter the lists.
while am not prepared, Of course, at
this stage to state in detail what my
platform will contain. I have no hesitancy
as is my habit, in stating clearly my po-
sition on some OF the more important
public questions that are OF vital interest
to the State and to the people OF the State.
"I shall advocate equitable support Of
our higher educational institutions and
the fullest and most unstinted support
Of our common school system with par
ticular attention to the development OF
rural schools and education. Our public
school system is the vitalizing force that
sunnlies our colleges and is one OF the
yery foundations of our republican insti-
tutions. We are now making great i'm
provements along educational lines IN
South Carolina, but the transcendent lm-
portance Of this question demands an even
greater effort on our part.
"I shall stand for and urge such legis-
lation as will make for the fullest develop
rnent of the agricultural industry OF the
State for it is the bed rock foundation Of
ali our prosperity. I shall stand for vigo-
rous support Of all agencies making for
the development Of agriculture aud for
such legislation as will tend to induce capt.
tai to come Into the State for the purpose
of developing to the fullest measure our
splendid natural resources:
II shall stand for and advocate State
wide prohibition with strict snd Impair
tial enforcement Of the law.
"I shall stand for retrenchment In the
expenditure Of the peoples money when
ever and wherever it can be done without
impairing the public service.
II shall stand for thorough and COM
plete revision and readjustment OF the
tax laws of the State, and the inaugu-
ration Of such system Of assessments as
will make all property bear it's honest and
lust proportion Of the burden Of taxation.
"The agricultural lien. law, 30 long, the
hindering cause Of lack OF agriculture
progress and independence, and the
greatest preventative OF the proper con con
repealed. I led the fight for the farmers
and I shall urge upon our people the
necessity of accepting tho changed con-
ditlons just brought about with determi-
nation upon their part to give the new
law q fair trial and I feel that the wisdom
of this legislation will be demonstrated.
"The building Of good and permanent
highways will add more to the value OF
property and to the wealth OF our State
than any other public utility. The effect
of good roads throughout the State would
be felt in every walk Of life, but they
would come as an especial blessing and 8
great economy to our people who live In
the country districts. I shall stand for
the permanent improvement Of our high
ways, such improvement being made
under the local self-government In the
various counties.
"If it should be my good fortune to be
selected by the people OF our proud State
to be the governor shall endeavor with
all the strength at'-my command TO
thoroughly familiarize> myself and Keep
in constant touch with the working force
Of all Of our public institutions and
branches Of the government, and endeaVor
to so post myself In regard to our pubic
affairs as to intelligently, recommend to
the law making power Of the State those
things that the public veal and needs OF
the hour demand.
II do not care to say any more at this
time than this; That every public spirited
citizen Of our State Is anxious for her well
fare, her prosperity and material advance
ment in all things, and none is more SO
than myself. In entering the race wish
to say now that I will make the Issues
clear-cut and to the point, looking eyer to
the substantial advancemt Of our State.
and will go before the people upon q
platform, every plank Of which shall stand
for the peoples interests and the upbuild-
ing Of our State"