The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-04-27
MAJOR WOODS WITHDRAWAL.

MAJOR WOODS WITHDRAWAL
Major James b Woods withdrawal of his
candidacy for the Office of City Collector, in the
event OF the removal of Captain Cunningham.
man. anxious to serve his State in the capacity
for which he is best fitted.
Since Major Wood became the superintendent
OF the Virginia Penitentiary numerous reforms
for the better have been made in the admins
tration Of affairs at the institution. The peni-
conducted institution, Major Wood having
brought about material changes i'll the method
OF maintaining discipline and temperng cor
recton with a full modicum of humanitarian
ism. The duties of the superintendent of so
large an institution the Virginia penitentia-
ry are divers and tedious The responsibilities
are heavy, and because OF Investigations in
which the prison has been involved prior to
the iucumbency of Major Wood the institution
is practically at all times in the public eye.
The State of Virginia through its Legisla-
ture. has labor contract with shoe firm
IL,
because of the condign adverse criticism direct
ed toward it. This contract is unfair to the
State and the prisoners as we'll With this.
however Major Wood has not to deal. His is
but the duty of carrying out the contract made
by his superiors Criticism of the contract
should not, and is not. aimed at Major Wood
His administration mas been thorough success
and he has met the trying demands of the posi-
ton few men qualified to do.
AS the superintendent of the. penitentiary,
Major Wood is performing for his State proba-
bly, the best service OF which he is capable 1t
would be Il loss to ne penitentiary should he
sever his connections. Announcement OF his
candidacy for the Office of City Collector served
to emphasize Jhe high regard III which he is
held, not alone by the Board of Directors and
the people Of Virginia, who have an interest in
penltentiary and wish to see 1t properly con-
Quoted by a capable executive officer and hui
name dlsciplinarian, but by the prisoners When
the inmates of prison appeal TO the superin-
tendent to remain its directing officer, he
has been paid a high compliment.
In view of the many requests from various
sources that he remain the head of the peui.
Tertiary, Major Wood Withdrew bis candidacy
The superintendent found himself in an identi-
cal position with many other good officers whom
the people have TO respect and esteem
FOR their services. and expect 10 continue in
the capacity for which they we're selected
throughout the full term
II is not an easy matter to find men who
thoroughly qualified for the positions to which
they are elected and can administer affairs to
the satisfaction OF majority of the people. II
not an, When such men are installed in Office,
the public has right to feel that the position
has been filled for the full term. and although
one Office is regarded BY many men a step
png-stone TO higher one IN entertaining such
ideas the incumbent does not best serve the PEG
pie the interests entrusted to him,
II is therefore gratifying TO the friends of
Major wooT afG fife 'ptp1fc OF Virginia iii gen
eral to know that the Office Of superintendent is
filed BY the right man until the end of the term
for which he chosen.