The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-12-22

enabling act, that many members are going
to vote against them, and they should Why?
Because they said by their actions and per-
sistent effort that they opposed to the
sovereign rule of the people. They said ii not
only by their recorded vote but proclaimed 1t
from the floor of the house day after day. The
reference in this article to their favoring
local option, rs argument in their behalf. The
members of the 1919 session were not asked
TO vote for against Statewide That was not
the question which we had to determine, but
were petitioned by the very best people
of the State, who stand for all that is good
true and noble to pass bill known as the Jor-
dan enabling act. through which the governor
could be asked to call an election for the pur-
pose Of submitting TO the people the question
of Statewide prohibition No was asked to
pledge himself how he was to vote He had
legal right, If not moral right. TO vote against
1t when 1t came up, but, no, they were opposed
to leaving 1t to the sovereign will of the people
and l contend whenever man takes such
stand. he should not be considered true Demo-
crat and upon this statement l challenge sue
cessful contradiction. Therefore, If for no
other reason than this they should not be
placed at the head of body of representatives
elected by the people to make laws for them
and they go into Office with record written
In glowing letters. Opposed to the will OF
the people" venture the assertion now that
both of them will vote against, submitting this
act to the people again at the 1914 session.
il left to their choice. The article referred
to says that these gentlemen have many aSsur-
! ances of support. 7 want to inform the pub
lie that !. too, have many assurances, which
l am proud to acknowledge / also have let
ters which can produce to men who are elected
to in the 1914 house, who say en-
phatlcaly they will vote for man for speaker
who opposed the Jordan enabling act or who
is allied with the machine politics of the State.
Now, Mr.. Editor, does that sound like the
enabling act will not be issue? I tell you,
sir, the enabling act will he an issue for a
long time 10 come with those who oppose IT..
Whenever man stands up and tells the people
that he knows more than they do and that they
shall not have chance TO express themselves.
then the next move is the peoples The very
fact that Judge Williams IS favorable to the
enabling act, is a good reason why he will get
votes that Mr.. Cox. and Mr.. White will not
get but II | recall correctly Mr.. Williams at
titude the tax question, which. in my Judg-
ment, is one OF the biggest questions before the
people today. is against him, as he opposed every
move of the 1912 session. which was for the
relief Of the people against this unjust taxation
In my article of October the 18th, ! asked YOU
to send through your paper to the candidates
for the speaker of the house, in interrogatve
form ire following questions namely. How do
you stand the enabling act? How do you
stand on the tax question? Do you favor the
aholishing Of the fee system? Are you IN favor
of the caucus appointing a committee to name
the standing committees of the house? Are
you in favor Of such legislation as will re-
public at all dangerous railroad crossings? And
10 provide necessary and suitable seats for pas
senEers upon that train. and the adoption OF
such equipment that VIII eIimfnAte as Tar as
possible the great disasters which are now so
j prevalent. and to give the public the same OPP
portunity to collect and adjust claim against
them as they require Of the publico Are you
in favor of increasing the appropriation OF the
AGRICULTURAL school? Are you in favor Of such
LEGISLATION as would tend to improve the pu
lie road system of the State? Do you favor
the election of all county and State officers? As
far as possible instead OF appointing them 2
Now Mr.. Editor. will you ask these questions
and lot the free press we hear much about en-
tighten the people to position Of each OF
the six candidates taken In these matters. The
State owes me nothing but owe the state the
best service that I render #. / want "a
saw further ] am under obligation TO any
man or set Of men for any special Legislation
iexcept such that will lead to the moral uplif
land progress and prosperity OF the State ano
nation; however. I sensible Of the fact tina
II am the servant of not only the people OF my
tcounty hut Of the State, and to their snvereigT
: will and God being my helper I shall serve
Z them to the best OF my ability. am a Wilson
=. Trvan ProsTe ssive, dyed In the wool, and have
no price placed upon My only ambition Is
' to serve my county, State and nation with my
whole strength mind and body,
Yours very truly,
j. MEBTZE