The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-06-17
MONDAY. JUNE II. 1912.
SPEAKER pYRp's REFINEMENT.

The announcement OF Mr.. Speaker
Riehard Evelyn Byrd that his poll
tical service is at an end will be me.
throughout the Commonwealth of Vir-
E,nia with unfeigned regret. The
Times Dispatch has not always been
In accord with Mr.. Byrd, but 1t
recognizes in him n power for con-
Etructive leadership and Jealous de-
sire 10 see the Old Dominion march
abreast OF the other States of the
Union In the front rank of progress.
Not content with the present order.
air. Byrd fought vigorously for the
adoption OF policies which would en-
,arge the welfare of the people Of
Virginia and endow them with enci
fnt government based on progressive
principles. In his battle for enlign-
tened legislation. he gave no quarter
70 tho demagogues who have retard-
sd the development and the advance
znent OF Virginia by taking the name
of the people in vain. His was an
intellectual leadership. He was no
mere passive parliamentarian in the
office OF Speaker; he was a real lead
er of intelligent initiative and cease
less vigor. Often he strove single
handed. but always ably and aggrcs-
sively.
When It takes the measure of the
men who will contend for his office,
The Times Dispatch realizes all the
more the loss TO tho Commonwealth
caused by Mr. Byrds retirement. Tho
setireing Speaker was no demaEogue:
he realized that he was legislating
not alone for the county of Frederick
and the city OF Winchester. but for
tho whole OF a great State. lie joined
himself with the forces that strug-
E!ed for better government, and he
hid not put hinNelt In opposition 10
them. like so many of the lesser So
called leaders OF the House. with
might and main, he fought for the
equalization OF taxation IN Virginia.
and TO his leadership is due much OF
the credit for the creation of the State
Tax Commission which narrow self
ishness and shirking OF duty caused
10 be discontinued. He strove for
adequate primary legislation, for far
sighted educational legislation, ana
his vote was generally on the side of
progress. Any measure that pro-
moted economy and efficiency In gov
eminent commanded his support at
once.
The Times Dispatch docs not com
mend all of Mr.. Byrds record, but it
r herAbers him. as the people OF Viz
s!nia will remember him. as n con-
stFnc,ive leader. q student Of govern
mental progress and formidable
champion OF measures making for tho
public good. AS & debater. he was
unmatched in the General Assembly;
as presiding. officer for three terms
In the House, his decisions were in
stantaneous. impartial and wise; as
legislator" he was Informed ana
constructive. He went into lecisla-
tive combat armed as only student
OF government can be armed. and he
put many bin through the House bv
sheer force OF his convincing logic
lie realized that his was an oppor-
'uhity for leadership. and he led lie
knew that there were policies that
the State ought to adopt, ana he
sought to have them adopted. lie
used his Office well and made It more
IMAM place of passive honor. and in
him the people OF Virginia lose a
seFvant' who In many things wrought
Gplendidly for their welfare and for
their progress.