West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1916-10-05
THe coRNwELL WARNING

When this state was turned over to
the Republican machine il solemnly de-
clared il would reduce taxation. Has il
kept Its pledge TO the people? At the
time il took over the state government
the state appropriations totaled 81, Co.,
600. Today the state appropriations will
approximately reach SIS, 900. 900 with a
deficit OF from one TO two million dollars.
During the period in which the machine
has had control of the state the increase
in population has been 30 per cent while
the increase in state expenditures has
been 500 per cent. DO you believe this
TO be a just and equitable increase-35
per cent population and 500 per cent
expenditures2
Those OF you who heard John Corn
well in 1904 will recall he stated that the
only object Of the Dawson laws were for
the purpose OF raising MORE REVENUE
and not to reduce taxation as alleged by
its authors.
MY friends" said Mr.. Cornwell in
one OF his speeches. "let me tell you why
they want TO fasten the Dawson tax laws
upon you. 1t is deep Unjust / say
damnable?) laid scheme of the Republi-
can machine. You are hearing great
deal about the Virginia debt. They tell
you this debt will not be fastened upon
the people of West Virginia. l want to
20 on record now as saying that il will.
although the machine men will tell you
it is Democratic campaign lies When
this debt is fastened upon the good peo-
pie OF West Virginia it will require a
colossal revenue to pay it. This genera.
ton will not live to see it paid. Besides,
good friends, the men in control OF the
Republican state organization are today
building up one OF the most corrupt ma
chimes that ever cursed a state, and if it
is not averted by the defeat Of the ma.
chine ticket you will not only live to re-
greet 1t, but be compelled to pay tribute
TO it in increased taxation. Many I'M
neces- airy offices will be created by 1t for
the purpose Of providing for its groveling
henchmen. These worthless offices will
carry with them large salaries and tray
cling expenses. And in order TO meet
the payment OF the Virginia debt and
provide for the members OF the machine
family they have hit on this scheme of
new tax laws TO provide this revenue by
doubling and quadrupling your assess
ment, which will yield an enormous reve.
nue.. OF course all kinds of excuses will
be offered by the machine for this in
crease in taxation. But it will be too
late. The machine will have fastened
the shackles upon you which it will take
years to unfasten. AS hope to live the
allotted age OF man / challenge any one
who is within the sound of nv voice to
in after years. confront me with: the
charge that lied to you about the Daw-
son tax laws in 1904"
Well does the writer remember the
earnestness with which Mr.. Cornwell
spoke on that occasion. His very soul
seemed to be aflame with indignation at
the thought OF the Republican machines
damnable scheme to rivet upon the peo-
pie OF this state the Virginia debt and its
horde Of unnecessary Office holders. Well
can John Cornwell face the people today
and say to them: 81 gave you fair warn
ing in 1904 what the Republican machine
would do to you if you did not defeat its
candidates"
The question 10, are the people going
to heed Mr.. CornwelPs warning in 1916.
There is every reason to believe they will.
They have had ample time to reflect over
the warning he gave them in 1904, which,
unfortunately for themselves, they did
not heed. They know that every predic-
ton he made about the Republican ma
chine in 1904 came true, and not even
the machiue organs and spellbinders have
the audacity TO enter denial. The same
old political grafters are still at the head
OF the Republican machine, and il they
can succeed in electing the Republican
state ticket they know that they will be
retained in office for the next four years.
And a. the end of that time taxation will
have increased 80 enormously few of us
will be able TO meet the tax ticket.