The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1913-12-05
Makes Gracious Speech to Mem
bers at Meeting of Organi-
zatiOn Last Night.
OUTLINES POLICY IF
ELECTED TO THE PLACE
Will Carry Out the Policies of Mayor
Murphy, Advocates Commission
Form of Government, Municipal
Heating Plant and Greenhouse
and Declares Campaign Will Be
Clean and Free from Personalities.


and Declares Campaign Will Be
Clean and Free from Personalities.
In a gracious speech delivered to
a small attendance at last nights
meeting of the Progressive league,
Alderman R. J. McGhee accepted the
nomination for the mayoralty and
partially outlined his policy if elect
ed to the place. He declared he would
adhere to the policies of Mayor MUIR
ply during the past two years, that
he stood for municipal heating
plant, municipal greenhouse which
might utilize for heating purposes
the waste steam from the incinerator
plant, the municipal ownership of all
public utilities and a general pro-
gressive policy that would be in keep
ing with the spirit of those citizens
of Virginia who believe there is moth
ing too good for the chief city of the
iron ranges in the way Of municipal
improvements which are within the
bounds of reason.
He indicated that his policy on law
enforcement would be identical with
that of the present administration,
that every saloon man in the city
would get a fair deal and that he
would play no favorites. Further he
declared unqualifedly for the adop-
ton of the commission form of gov
ernment.
Discussing his vote on the revoca-
tion of the liquor license of Patrick
Sullivan he declared that the evidence
that had resulted in it's cancellation
had been proven to his satisfaction
to have been given by bribed wit
ness. He had no apologies TO- make;
for his subsequent stand on the
matter and said that neither now or
in the future did he or woud he re-
gret his alignment on the matter.
But twenty-one members attended
last nights meeting of the league.
Owing to the fact that the city was
in darkness for the greater part of
an hour because of an accident at
the electric light plant the meeting
was not called to order until after 9
O'Clock. Mayor Murphy presided
and F. C. Whiting acted as secretary.
Mr.. McGhee's speech of acceptance
followed the opening routine. He
said he appreciated the honor con-
ferred upon by the league in ten
dering him its support for elec-
tion to the Office of mayor. He said
he had not sought the Office or asked
anybody to work for him and that he
had had many voluntary offers of
support since the nomination Of the
progressive league had been tender
ed him.
He said he appreciated the great
responsibility of the position and
complimented Mayor Murphy, who
he said had discharged that RESPONSE
bility nobly. He said he had urged
the candidacy of Mr.. Murphy, who
was entitled to reelection on his
record and that one of the things
that encouraged him in making the
campaign was the knowledge that he
had the conscientious support of Mr..
Murphy.
He felicitated the Progressive
league. Many people, he declared,
did not consider it of much impor-
tance. Nevertheless, it had won a
notable victory in the purchase of
the electric light and water plant and
it's successful consummation clearly
indicated that it had been popular
with the people of the city.
Concluding Mr.. McGhee declared
for a clean campaign.
Mayor Murphy stated that the
question of financing the campaign
was one which was urgent and need
ed immediate attention. William
Tritchler, E. c. Strauss and Carl Il
Johnson were appointed for that pur'
pose. The fund will not be large
and it is proposed to raise it by popu'
lar subscription from among the
membership of the league.
Mayor Murphy, Mr.. McGhee and q
third party yet to be chosen will con-
stitute the platform committee. The
issues upon which the leagues in
terest in the campaign will be basee
will probably be promulgated at it<
next meeting, Thursday evening o1
next week.
So far the city campaign is with
out issues. Alderman Boylan viii
promulgate his platform soon. HI
is at present out of the city for ter
days. Less interest is manifested
than a year ago and the prospects ar
that there will be very little doing
until after the holidays, when all par
= ties to the municipal election plan t,
get into the game in earnest. !