The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-06-07
PEACE BUT NOT srAGNATToN.

As far back as memories run and histories
record Virginia never has known in the year
81 a general State election such a condition
- now exists. The State is at profound peace
and a peace which is not stagnation.. The
thought OF the people is alive and the purposes
are definite. We have no exciting issues be-
cause practically all of us are of one mind or
have agreed on how to settle those questions on
which we differ among ourselves. The few
ssckly efforts that have been made TO stir strife
have failed because no reason for fghting that
could be given. Really the last three or four
contests We have had for governor and senators
have been personal rather than on opposing
doctrines or opinions. Now 1t appears that, SO
far as concerns the governorship. We are to have
not even a struggle between individuals. Henry
C. Stuart. of Russell, has been named as the
Democratic nominee without opposition. 1t is
doubtful whether the Republicans or progressives
viii nominate a candidate against him. He has
great personal popularity among people OF all
parties in Southwest Virginia. where the Re-
publican vote is strongest. That party is hope
Iessly divided. Most Of It's voters are farmers
and the farmers or the entre STATE are pieaseu
by the prospect of having a governor who is
one OF themselves. a practical and successful
man who depends on the soil for his living
and fortune. Mr.. Stuart succeeded in leading
one of the nercest political battles the State has
known, that for congress in the Ninth district
three years ago, and reducing the Republican
majority by $500 without arousing violent ami
vrnx{tv IL thu PapphIfcaua o. ~ through the
form of a campaign it will be a languid per-
fornance and entirely perfunctory.
Mr.. Stuart will be nearer a Richmon man
than we have had in the governors office in
generations. While his home and interests are
at the extreme end Of the State, his residence
here as member Of the constitutional conven-
ton and OF the State corporation commission
Identified him with the city, He IS in intimate
touch with Richmond. her people and conditions
and practically is one Of us, taking active in
terest In all our affairs.
It is safe to predict that Mr.. Stuart, as gov
ernor, will not concern himself with politics
or give any of his attention to promoting his
own advancement He Is forbidden by law to
succeed himself and therefore will not be ais
tEacted from his purposes by care of his oTn
fences. Those who know him best believe that
his one ambition is TO use his Office for the
service Of the State. He Is a practical business
man. He knows the defects, the needs and the
possibilities OF every part OF the State, CONNER
cial, agricultural and political, better, perhaps,
than any man in 1t. He Is a real road builder,
q real school worker and farmer, understands
the railroad situation thoroughly. He knows
the taxation problem from the standpoint of the
rural taxpayer and the large property owner. All
tits knowledge, acquired from contact with
actual things and details and common sense
observation OF them viii be applied to bringing
about the changes and improvements we requirt
and to promoting the interests OF the people.
There Is every reason to believe that an ad-
Ellnistration which promises to begin In unusual
conditions will give extraordinary results, for
Mr.. Stuart is a live. enterprising citizen who will
not be content merely to be governor and to
perform routine duties. All his influence and
energy will be given to advancement and de-
veiopment- The prospects of the State are not
only for peace but for continuance and accelera.
ton Of internal progress and prosperity.
yrrrr