The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1916-06-01
GEORGE A. LEE
VERY OPTIMISTIC
Republican Candidate for Gov
ernOr Visits in Kennewikc
for a Few Hours

George A. Lee, of Seattle, republi-
can candidate for governor, was avis
itor in Kennewick Friday.
Discussing state politics, Mr.. Lee
said: "Interest in the campaign is rap
idly developing in all parts OF the
state. am both deeply gratified and
greatly encouraged by the manner in
which my friends in all parts OF the
state are rallying to the support OF my
candidacy. 1t is upon voluntary sup
port of this nature that shall rely
thruout the primary contest.
cit is my conviction that the direct
primary does not necessarily debar
the man of small means from oppor-
tunity for public service. On this
theory I shall conduct a modest and
inexpensive campaign. My only head
quarters are in my law offices in Sc
attic and shall not attempt to open
other headquarters. 1 propose to
make my appeal directly to the voters
and shall devote practically all of my
resources to trips over the state that
will give me chance to meet the peo-
pie and present my ideals and beliefs
from the platform. The people are
more interested in knowing what man
ner of man candidate is, what his
ideas are on public questions and his
knowledge of state government and
it's needs than they are in the size OF
his bank account.
"The fact that the cost of state
government has increased by leaps
and bounds in the past few years, and
that appropriations for state purposes
practically quadrupled in the last four
years presents a grave issue to the
people of this state. In my announce
ment I advocated constitutional con-
vention, which proposal was adopted
by the republican state convention, as
means of effecting consolidation Of
state offices and departments, the es-
tablishment of the short ballot and of
budget system in order that better
business methods may be introduced
and economy be effected in the con-
duct of the state government. Later
/ shall have more to say on this vital
question.
81 also made my position clear on
the prohibition question in my an
nouncement. That law was enacted by
the people, and I am unalterably op-
posed to any interference with it ex-
cept by direct action of the people.
The economic and social benefits due
to the elimination of the saloons are
so evident that I am convinced that
this state will never return to the old
order, and any executive who permits
legislative tampering with the law
will and should be politically excom-
municated.
Because of the grave Importance
of the questions to be voted on this
year and the equally great Importance
of selecting the right kind Of men for
office, it is the duty of every citizen to
register under the provisions of the
law passed by the last legislature in
order that they may vote at the pri-
maries and the general election. This
law requires registration in all pre-
cincts.
Later on / expect to make speak
ing campaign thru this county and
hope to have the privilege of making
my political philosophy known to the
people here. I heartily appreciate
the many assurances of support I
have received here and am encouraged
to believe that / can and will win the
nomination, which will be tantamount
to an election this year. The people
are determined to rid this state of
democratic administration which has
been marked by ineficiency, failure,
broken pledges and corruption"
Mr.. Lee formerly lived in Spokane
He was appointed from that city as
assistant attorney general. Later he
was named first chairman of the in
dustrial insurance commission, and in
1911 was appointed chairman Of the
public service commission. While, on
that commission he signed the order,
made at the request of the farmers
and hay growers, requiring inspection
OF grain and hay at interior points
as well as Puget Sound terminals. The
points designated were Toppenish,
Wapato, Granger and Outlook.
Among the other notable orders
made by the commission while Mr..
Lee was chairman was the distributive
rate order which reduced freight rates
in this state over 81 ZOO, 900 year.