The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1910-07-14
SWANSON WAS A =
POPULAR GOVERNOR

the ROANOKE I1meS.O
Writing from independence, Gray
SON county, a correspondent of The
Roanoke Times says everybody around
there favors Swanson for United
states Senator to succeed Senator
Daniel. So far as we have oppor-
throughout the State. Governor
Swanson is the logical man for the
vacancy so unhaOpily made. There
fore the thoughts OF the masses of the
people, not distracted or confused by
the inner twists and turns of politics,
turn to him naturally.
he is a politician, and a machine
politician at that, but he has made
good and gives every promise OF maxi
| ing good wherever he may go. He
has brains and energy, influence and
| character. No scandal has touched
his conduct in public life. He stands
by his friends, but he insists that his
friends shall be square, and that when
in public office they shall attend to
their business and give the public full
I value. He is a business man of ability
and nerve. While he was at the head
OF the state government il was con-
Quoted on the best business principles
and with enterprise and foresight. He
refused to hamper the onward move
ment of the State and people to Sc
cure Tor himself reputation for
cheese pairing economy and conserva-
t1sm. He had the nerve to spend the
States money freely for the advance
ment and development of the State
and the advantage of her people. Be-
fore he finished he had won for him
ser the approval and confidence of
those who had distrusted and opposed
him most strongly. He had a quick
keen eye for the welfare and protec-
ton Of all classes of the people. In
the panic emergency of 1907 he was
or vast service to the business inter-
ests. He used his strong influence at
Washington to secure protection and
tortlhcation for the Virginia banks in
case Of any sudden rush or emer-
gency. The knowledge that he had
done so was kept from the general
public, but it was a powerful factor in
giving comfort and confidence to the
hnanciers and bankers. In a panic
confidence and assurance of solid cash
backing are the best, and in fact the
only, safeguards.
From plain, common sense stand
point Swanson's ability. his double
experience in national affairs as MEM
Der of the House of Representatives
and in State affairs as Governor. his
intimate knowledge of the inside of
both Federal and State politics. At
hlm above all men in the State for
usefulness as Senator. His personal
popularity in Washington and in the
State constitute a large asset of dis
tinct value.
The Roanoke Times occupies the
same position as the great mass of
virginia people who have no direct
personal interest in office or jobs. We
are not machine or anti-machine and
40 not care a snap about either. we
are for Virginia. We think Virginians
are entitled to and should have the
service of the very best and most
useful men regardless of their fac
tional associations. We hone to see
swanson, who is machine man. go
to the Senate and Stuart. who is
a II -,
to the House of Representatives and
oe Governor some day. We believe
each of them would be Of vast value
10 the State in these respective posi-
lions. As regards the senatorship, we
see no reason why Governor Mann
who has the appointment in his own
hands, should hesitate and leave the
way open for any doubt or unrest or
complication. Probably he knows as
Wen as we do that the great majority
OF the people would like to see Swan
son appointed. If from any motives
or delicacy he thinks it better not TO
make the appointment at this mo-
ment, he can settle the business in a
minute by the simple announcements
mat when the time comes Swanson
VIII be appointed. We see nothing 70
oe gained by delay. We cannot
imagine that Governor Mann will con-
slder in connection with the matter
MS own personal or political obliga-
tons. He knows he was not made
Governor TO enable him to pay such
debts and il is not fit that a position
IKE the United States senatorship
from Virginia should be used for such
purpose.
swanson was the m 5st useful Gov
ernor the State has had since the war.
We say this without prejudice to any
other Governor. He had more on
portuhlty IMAM any OF those who went
i'm hnrf L.
ana dash TO use the opportunity and
10 drive things along. He deserves
the senatorship by right of service.
he deserves IL by right of proved abil-
lty TO do further service and to do it
promptly and effectively. He deserves
IT because il is certain that he will
De useful to his people and his party
ana that he may be trusted ALWAYS TO
do the State credit anywhere or in any
company or position.