The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1912-01-19

CduOlQdle lux SOf uOT Ill lAo pAAA1
this year. A statement, which will ap-
pear in the Camden News, states MS
position and his reasons for not en-
tering the race. Maj. Richards also
comments on the rumor that a confer
ence was held at his home during the
summer regarding the race for gov
ernor. His statement is given below:
The editor of TIE News, who has
stood the firm friend of Maj. John G'
Richards in his aspiration to be gov
ernor of South Carolina, and VINO
was among the number who have tried
10 get him to make the race again this
wear, had an interview with him IN
Columbia last week and asked him to
give out some positive declaration of
what he proposed to do. Maj. Richards
has had the matter under advisement
for quite while, and having come to
= definite conclusion, has authorized
the publication of the following state
nent:
"I feel it is due my friends through
out the State that I should give a
positive answer to their many IN
quiries and urgent solicitations that
I become a candidate for governor
again this year, and I suppose that
this is just as good time as any Tor
me to make public my intentions.
"I will be perfectly frank in declar-
ing my aspirations and ambition to
serve my State as its chief executive.
I entered the race last year with the
\ end in view that, if I were defeated,
7 should try again. While last years
} race oroved an uneven one for me,
I have much to encourage me to rost-
er my ambition, and the issue LETT
for me to settle is the time when I
will make the race again. Many OF
my warmest friends, you among the
aumber, have urged me to DO so this
year; but, while I have appreciated
the friendly interest, thorght best to
take ample time for mature reflection,
and until now no one has had from
me any direct or positive declaration
as to my intentions. In fact, my de-
cision was reached only very recently,
Notwithstanding some did assume to
answer for me by weaving for them
selves a very ingenious but wholly in
correct conclusion.
,"@Following my defeat in the cam
paign of last year, and without So
licitation on my part, Gov. Ansel very
kindly appointed me railroad comm1s-
sioner to fill the unexpired term in ese
vacancy occasioned by tie death OF
Mr.. Sullivan. While I have endeavor-
ed by diligent study to familiarize my
self with the duties Of the Office, the
task of doing so has been difficult and
. am only now getting in position to
do capable and efficient work in the
Office along lines where it is most
needed. I see many things that in
my Judgment should be done, and as
my desire, along with my ambition, is
to serve the people Of the State. l
have decided to make the race to
succeed myself as railroad commits
, sioner for the full term, and, If elect
ed, to do all can to render the faith
full service that feel is due them from
one occupying the responsible posi-
ton. It is practically the only source
through which the public can obtain
relief from the wrongs they have to
suffer from railroads, express, tele-
graph and telephone companies: and
only one who is thoroughly familiar
with the duties Of the Office is in posi-
tion to render them the efficient ser
vice to which they are entitled.
"I am not without due sense OF
appreciation for the interest mani
Tested in me; and I feel that I an
largely under obligations to those who
have made efforts to induce me tc
make the race for governor this year
and for the assurance they have glVer
nae Of their support and influence.
sincerely hope, however, that they
will again agree with me in the wis
dom Of my choice at this time, ant
trust that, if elected, may be obl:
to render such service in the Office O.
railroad commissioner as will warran
them to give me their co1+inlat
hearty support Whenever shal! de-