The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-03-29
. GENERAL. IN TIE RANKS.

The decision of the Hon. Harry st.
George Tucker not to enter the next
race for the Sovernorship OF Virginia
brings intense regret 10 the hosts who
expected to rally behind his flag. As
surcd OF the support of not only the
loyal lcgions who have stood by him
from the beginning, but also of vast
army OF recruits. after lonG deliber-
alton he has cached the conclusion
that he can DO his best fighting AS a
private soldier OF the common good
and not as q seeker after office. Late
precedents doubtless heartcned him TO
make a second race FOR the governor
snip, but he is of opinion that the
place for him is In the ranks. believ-
ing that the people Will be more re
coptive TO the principles for which he
contends II he advocates them simply
as a public spirited citizen who is not
a candidate for public office.
The sorrow that is felt by those who
hoped 20 cast their ballots for him
is liGhtened by his declaration that
he will still be one of those who ac-
lively wage war on the forces OF in
visible government in Virginia. Hear
him: I'm this fight I shall engage With
enthusiasm and wherever / can help
In advancing the cause of progressive
candidates for the Legislature and in
exposing the hidden hand OF the ma
chine IN this state, that, failing TO de-
IA,
presidency, still seeks to continue TO
intrench itself in power in the state,
shall be ready TO respond" That
rings rs true as his speech al the
state Democratic Convention last May,
when in characteristic attitude and
ed with the Democrats OF Virginia 10
rally At the back OF the Virginian who
without their support has become
President OF these United states.
They that battle for progress IN
Virginia greet with slad acclaim MIR
fuckers declaration that the great
need OF the Commonwealth is progress
sive legislation. In their ranks ne
may march with muskct. but there he
VIII possess the authority and com
mand the respect OF acld marshal
at the head OF leglons that are sweep
ing down the field in victory at last.
He can be a mighty power in securing
the legislative adoption OF those poll
cics with which other States have
grown great, and without which Vir-
Ct vfa INT ri x,-flI @.
the citizen whom the state and nation
most need-he who takes part IN
politics commensurate with his abili-
ties and training. without seeking
Office
The reforms which MIR. Tucker Will
advocate are:
state antitrust legislation
LOCALIZED primaries.
Corrupt practices act.
Modification. limitation or abolition
Of the fee system of compromising pub
lie officers. %.
Tax equAiizanuon.
This platform embodies live issues
and 4, IS e matter FOR general retolc-
,ng that. although the next guberna-
torlal contest Will probably not he
such an extensive campaign OF educa.
ton as 1t would have been with two
strong candidates IN the race. there Will
s;.n be constructive work in THIS d.
Tection through valuable discussion o:
vital public questions. The time is ripe
Tor such airing OF issues. Mr.. Tucke,
can render lasting service TO the stat.
in his endeavors 10 stimulate the poo
pie 70 an enlightened interest in the
great question that must he solved
and solved right II common good :.
to he served
The people OF Virginia hayo Just
cause for consratulating ;hemsolvc.
ina; Mr. fuckers exit from tho nex,
subcrnatorial race IS al The same tin.
an entry into larger and finer hcls
OF public service, where I, IS altoge,he,
possible that he can achieve moro thar
he could under the limitations Of once
lie can teach the important but Of,
forgot lesson that tho private c!tizer
can be at the same ZINE the bcs, i'm,
OF public servant.