The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-02-28
THE viKoINtsN \ TRUE PROGRESSIVE.

In another column viii be found letter from
Mr. Howard c. miller. Of Norton Va, Thc re-
elniau appreciates very greatly The kind words
which Nj Miller uses concerning the position
If the paper on all moral questions The Fir-
glnten was established by men who believe that
moral issues are the greatest issues before the
people, and that soundness in morals is the best
guarantee OF good government
To take up in the beginning the latter part
OF Mr.. MTler's letter. The Ftroiniaa very frank
iy admits that unless moral issue becomes
involved II docs not take sides in contest be-
tween men both Of whom admitted 10 be
good Democrats aud the only difference be-
tween whom Is that one is Il so-called "organi-
cation" candidate and the other an "anttorgani.
cation" candidate This does not imply that
the men who control The Firginian do not have
any preference In contest between candidates
for public Office The men who manage The
Taro3aiaH are like other men. They prefer
some men to others, They desire the election
of some men rather than others. And as citi-
gems they do not hesitate tofexpress and to vote
their preferences. But The Ffrginidn.
fer publin Office equal-Fishta III its columns,
and so long as candidates stand irpon the plat
form Of the democratic party The Vrginan
has NOT opposed or favored the other.
less some moral issue invoked; unless. in
deed The FtraiHiaH should be convinced that
nne man would make a very much more efficient
officer than his opponent
The FitgHqn has regretted to see that since
the Inauguration Of Governor Stuart appoint
ments have been discussed very largely with
reference 10 The relation OF the various candi
dates to one faction or the other Of the DemC
cratic party. and some men have been appointed
and some have been removed. as The virgtndn
considers regardless Of the question Of efficiency.
This The rHqinjdn greatly deplores. If a man
has made an efficient officer and served the State
we'll and his work has stood the test 1t Is
wrong to remove him from Office because he
may not train with faction OF the party.
or because he may be dsliked by leaders Of
lie opposing faction. The Tiroinaan holds that
efficiency should be the test. Therefore. The
l3rgiaian very frankly admits that ii has not
taken sides and does not intend 10 take sides
rpon the same Democratic platform. and which
are differentiated from each other almost en-
.treiy on the ground of personal leadership, one
faction proterrlng follow certain men
aeaders and the other faction, declaring with
Agaal emphasis for another set Of leaders. The
airgiRian thinks that Virginia has been greatly
blessed for many years by honest administra
ton OF state affairs and that there really has
been no contest on any matter Of vital Inn
portance The chief contest has been concern
Ing persons namely what men shall hold pub
lie Offices ana control appointments. The inns"
have desired to stay in, and the outs" have
desired to get in. We may be mistaken, but
that Is the way it appears from The stand
point If those who have desire 10 be either
In or out.
Mr. Miller thinks that The Tir0intan IS not
progressive, and asks the question. is it not
fact that Tie riroinion is opposed as a general
policy to the initiative, referendum and recall as
instruments of popular government" and furth
ermore. Take the subject OF presidential prefer
entail primaries. Has The I}r9inion advocated
any such SYSTEM"
Again me rH9inian frankly admits that It
has not advocated as a general policy the intia-
tive, referendum and recall. not because The
TiroiniaA is opposed to the initiative and the
referendum whenever 1t Is evident that such
method Is necessary to accomplish desra
bic purpose The Firgi4faA has not recognized
any great need for these methods in the con-
duot OF our affairs in Virginia except IN the
matter or prohibition Of the liquor traGfc, 3at
The rfgaiqn would not hesitate TO alvoca; .
the application OF these same methods To any
Z uTner question shDufd IT seem aecesSary SC "
do, and, therefore, The FirginiaR flas neye.' ex-
pressed any opposition to properly framed
statute providing for the initiative and the
referendum as part Of our governmental ma
ehinery. But The FirGiaidn would insisy that
At leas, twenty-five per cent of the Yolers should
he required to Join in cali before cleo
ton should be ordered on any question, for
we do not think that the initiative is desira-
biz method as is thc referendum. We b.
iieve that it is entirely proper and very desira-
il
Y f4