Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1914-10-08
ROAD WORK HAS
RIG 1T Of WAY
OVER POLITICS

Montpelier, oct. e-The following state
ment is issued by Charles w. Gates, re-
publican candidate for the governorship,
and is sent to the press from republican
State committee headquarters
Important road construction is occupy
ing practically all the time of Highway
perform this work it will be impossible
for him to fill all the demands being
made upon him to address the voters in
all localities in the State. my highway
work comes first" says Mr.. Gates to the
committee, "but I shall meet as many
demands as | can. Knowing, however,
that | cannot meet all the requests TO
speak as governor candidate, l believe
a statement from mo at this time is
proper"
TO the voters Of Vermont
81 am republican because 1 believe In
the basic principles OF the Republican
party. the party which came into ex-
stoucc to defend and protect the rights
Of the common people. I believe that IT
should keep pace with the times and
be responsive to the lust demands OF the
people.
About 1900 republicans in Vermont
refused to support the republican State
ticket at the last election. A large ma
ior1ty Of these men. believe, were
prompted by high motives and had n
sincere desire to bring about certain re-
forms by their action.
My svmpathies we're then and are now
with the roformers. I remained In the
ranks with thousands Of other republicans
because Of my desire for real progress
and reform. believe such reforms as
are needed should come from within
rather than from without the party.
''Tf elected governor. shall give my
most earnest efforts to the accomplish
mcnt Of this work and I shall ask the
assistance Of all who are Interested in
the welfare Of the State.
"Tho nomination as candidate for
governor would he to me an empty hon
or We're It not for the fact that It brings
with It the opportunity for service to the
party, along the lines indicated above
and in the event Of my election an oppor
tuuity for service to the whole State In
La larger and broader sense wholly indie
pendent Of party lines. If elected, my
course will be shaped. so far as my in
telligenoe and ability will permit to the
end that moral, educational and nnan-
cal conditions may be improved In our
state. have made no pledges. promises
or agreements with anyone. I am free TO
perform the duties Of the office according
to my best Judgment and this propose to
do. Economy and efficiency will be held
to he of first importance In the manage
ment Of the financial affairs Of the State
The success Of the highway depart
ment for the past few years is due not
alone to efficiency in the state office
but In larger measure to the valuable
assistance and the loyal support OF men
in pra ctically every town In the state,
regardless of political affiliations No
suggestion or complaint that has been
received has been knowingly overl ook cd,
but each has been given the careful con-
sderRt!on il seemed TO deserve This
principle Of cooperation should In my
Judgment BE- encouraged, The governing
powers Of the state and the individual
voter should have a closer union II best
results are TO be obtained. Parties are
essential to our political life but the In
d!vidual is an active member Of the COM
munity regardless of what party may be
in power, and his advice and counsel
should bc available and it should be
his privilege to give II. Il is precisely
this assistance that | shall ask OF you
IL ! am elected. In dealing with the prac-
I teal affairs Of the State | shall welcome
tho views of everyone who desires to give
them to me. and Will accord them AS i'm
partial consideration as | am able re-
Earless of party affiliations The char
acter Of the matter in question alone will
be considered.
IF | could prevail upon the individual
voter to realize the importance OF cast
ing his vote at the coming election for
the men of his choice and also 30 realize
after election the Importance OF his per
sonal interest, advice and assistance. I
would consider that had accomplished
much for the good Of our State
| II ask you to assist the next governor
of Vermont, whoever he may be. and thus
help make our State government better
and more popular"
CHARLES w GATES.