The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-06-20
Where Mr.. Richards Stands.

Where Mr.. Richards Stands.
The Hon. ]. G. Richards, of Liberty
Hill, was reared on the farm. and has
been a farmer all his life. For twelve
years a member Of the South Carolina
legislature from Kershaw county.
For six years floor leader of the
house Of representatives.
For four years a member of the
board Of trustees of Clemson College
Has served four years as member O,
the South Carolina Railroad Commits.
sion and is now chairman Of that
commission.
His Platform.
TO the Democracy Of South Carolina
1t Is impossible. of course, at this
stage, to give my platform in it's en-
tirety. but 1 desire to state in une-
quivocal terms what my position is
upon some Of the more important
questions that are of vital interest
to the people of the State.
My position upon the educational
question Is known wherever 1 am
known. and I shall continue to ad-
vocae equitable support for our
higher educational institutions.
Our public school system is the
vitalizing force that supplies our COL
leges and the main foundation Of our
republican institutions. 1 shall advo-
cate the fullest and most unstinted
support of our common school sys-
tenn, with particular attention to the
development Of our rural schools and
We are now making great
along educational lines,
but this question is Of transcendant
importance and demands our very
best effort. am in favor Of enlarg-
ing our free school system so that 1t
will offer to every white child in
South Carolina a good common school
education.
1 am In favor of erecting conven-
lent and comfortable school buildings
and furnishing all necessary text
books free of cost.
i am In favor Of paying our teach
ers, both men and women, salaries
commensurate with the dignity and
Importance OF their positions.
1 have always opposed compulsory
school attendance and shall continue
to do so. We should provide every
necessary facility and enlarge upon
our impelling system, rather than re-
sort to compulsion. Such legislation
Is fundamentally wrong; besides it is
inexpedient and unnecessary and
therefore unwise.
For Roads.
The building Of good and perma
nent highways will add more to the
value of our State than any other
public utility.
The effect of good roads through
out the State would lie felt in every
wall; of life. but such improvements
would be q special blessing and a
great economy to those OF our peo-
pie who live in the country districts
/ shall stand for the permanent
Improvement Of our highways, such
Improvement being made under 10.
cal self-government in the various
counties.
Farming is the chief and greatest
of all our industries; it Is the bed.
rock foundation Of our economic life
shall stand for legislative and ad
ministrati\e policy that will give Wig.
Orous support to all agencies which
make for the full development Of oul
agricultural interest. and for a pol
icy that shall foster all other business
interests, and shall tend to induce
capital to come into the State for the
purpose Of developing to the fullest
extent our splendid resources.
In the campaign which i made
for governor In 1910 advocated
Statewide prohibition. am still 6
prohibitionist by practice and from
principle. In my opening speech a
Sumter. and in many places through
out our State while discussing tn,
whiskey question and submitting m!
opinion as to its solution l used thi!
languages:
This question is an issue before
our people, their voices should b,
supreme. ! .clic., - 'ho lie Of tn
people, ana whtu ,N,v have spokeI
upon 6lvcu Vprauou, - is treach
cry upon tlto Part us Jho,r represen
tatives no, - hcad then viii as ex
pressed a. tho o,iiot box
Tho people of 5cotb G. rolina have
cxprcssel thcIr wdi at tho ballot box
option.
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