The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-04-30
Chamber and Club Will
Support No Special
Candidates.
URGE MEMBERS TO
HELP BES T MEN
Attitude of Two Business Organi-
cations Clearly Defined in Let.
tiers Emphasizing Import
ance of Wise Action at
Polls-Pay Your Poll
Tax.

Announcement was made yesterday
by the governing bodies of the Chum
Der of Commerce and the Business
Mems Club that those two orsantzs
lions will take no action officially in
supporting any candidates for the Ad-
miristrative. Board. While renliz,u.
the importa. Y OF electing man OF uu-
questioned integrity and ability. and
urging all members TO qualify and vote
Tor the ATTEST candidates, the chamber
and the club Will remain hands-off.
In the course of his sermon at S.v-
enth street Christian Church on sun
DAY night, Rev. II. u. c. Maclachlau.
u. D., stated that many citizens believed
the Chamber of Commerce should TAX,
the lead in bringing out the abb .st
candidates. Other expressions of a.
similar character have been heard. al
though the chamber and the Business
Mems Club believa that IL wound ho
unwise TO enter into the fight. leaving
that to the members individually But
the Business Mems Club will put forth
a strong effort to have every member
not now on the tax books qualify be-
lore May T. so that ne can vote in the
Administrative Beard primary.
Attitude of Chnn,bcr.
The attitude of the chamber is given
In the following letter. sent Yesterday
to all members:
Richmond. Va. April ~. 1912.
The officers of the chamber have been
repeatedly importuned to inaugurate a
movement to secure the best material
for the five members of the Admins
trative Board. and feel most deeply the
Importance of proper men being &C.
lected TO constitute this board In or
der that there may be no misunder-
standing on the part OF its members
and it's friends in the matter OF the
chambers doing everything possible TO
III N lTgf IA I- a., 10, 4.
wise that n statement should De made
setting forth It's position.
the Chamber CT Commerce can and
does indorse policies and measures pro-
noting the interests OF our city, but
1t is not within the scope OF It's work
. to indorse individuals or promote the
interests Of any particular man, and
therefore It cannot ciflcially take any
part in the selection OF any particular
person for any place. 1t can. how
ever. and feels that IL is its Dounden
duty TO- most earnestly urge upon
every member TO lend his influence and
support TO any plan that may be- adopt
ed having for its sole purpose tn. Sc
lection OF suitable men for this very
important board
Depends on the Men.
The efficiency OF the plan will be
absolutely lost If this bo; rd is not ad-
ministered by man whose character has
community and VINO are so mentally
and morally constituted as not to be
influenced by self-intcrest or biased
motives. -
The opportunities OF this office will
be ever present to give advantage to
personal interests. 10 the hurt OF the
general good of the city. and men OF
courage and hrmncss are absolutely
necessary TO withstand the temptations
This board should not be filled by men
that need the Office. Its Importance
makes il necessary for them TO stand
aside for the men that the Office needs
The affairs OF our city are too i'm
portant and large 10 be administered
by men OF small calibre. and there
mus, be an aroused public sentiment
on the part of the citizens in general
TO see that the members of the Admin
istrative Board are men who measure
up 10 its requirements. both in ability
and character. In efficient and loose
administration would mean Il waste
that would reflect directly upon every
taxpayer ana any one VINO is depend
ent upon work for livelihood in our
city. Whether 1t be The man who
works with tools. or the clerk in the
counting rooms, or the heads % instl-
tutions, every one is VItally interested
In the economical expenditure Of the
city's money, that there may be lower
gas. lower water rates and lower taxes
generally. and reputation for an cih-
Client and economical municipal gov
eminent that VIII have q ~ ST potent
influence in conserving our present
great development and further iucreas.
Ing the general commercial and manu-
featuring business OF ouY city.
Above Personal CrnunJ.
The Administrative Board is too i'm.
portant for any personal friendships
or synnpathies II enter into the seleu-
ton Of any one % It's members
The election Of the Council now i'm
mediately confronts us. and equal in
Importance 10 tho constitution. OF the
Administrative Beard is tnc Zee .ssny
for electing good men 10 the eeisla-
tive branch OF our city government
Not only every member f tho cham
ber. but ev.ry citl1.n OF B3ramond. is
called on TO measure Up to his fun
duty in electing goad men 10 carry out
the measures which the chamber has
worked hard and so cffectiyely 10
have established.
By order OF the executive committee.
Il. 4. DCNi.OP. g.
Secretary
business Mems Club Acts.
After a prolonged and a. times
heated debate. the board Of directors
OF the Business Mems C.ub YESTERDAY
determined not to take any oficiaI
action as a body in favoring or 90.
posing candidates for the Admiuis,ra-