Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1916-02-03
ANNOUNCEMENT.

ANNOUNCEMENT.
To the Democratic Voters of West Virginia:
have decided to become candidate
for the nomination for Governor on the
Democratic ticket at the General Primary,
in June.
That decision has been prompted by
letters from various sections, personal
solicitations and the expressions OF some
of the newspapers OF the State, coupled
with the fact that the nomination will be
decided by the individual voters at pri-
mary election.
Anative-b born West Virginian, my forty
nine years have been spent in the State.
MY life, public and private, has been an
open book. My record. as member OF
the State Senate, had the white light OF
publicity turned upon il in the memorable
campaign of 1904, and despite many mis-
representations, brought no embarrass-
ment to the party, whose standard car
ried. need only say now to the friends
who stood so Loyalty by me in that strug-
gle against political odds, crooked deals
and fraudulent votes, that while during
the twelve years of private life since, |
have been outspoken and frank on all
public questions. sometimes wrong, and
more often, perhaps, indiscreet, | have
done nothing for which they or will be
called upon TO apologize.
While shall expect to be in accord
with the platform of my party upon its
fundamental policies, | may, nevertheless,
say with propriety, that should be NOM
mated and elected, insofar as it falls 10
nv lot the laws will be enforced strictly
and impartially, without regard to wealth,
position or influence ofany one. lwould
use my best efforts to give the people OF
the State an efficient, business-like ad-
mlnistration, having in mind that the
place to begin tax reforms is in the matter
of expenditures. Public money spent
unnecessarily constitutes crime against
those who bear the burden of taxation,
while the levying and collecting OF more
tax money than is needed. tends to breed
extravaganza in expenditures. Every
useless ofice, big or little, begets con-
tempt for rightful authority, and tends to
undermine faith and confidence in our
governmental institutions.
Hence, would pledge myself TO stop
the growing practice of padding the pay
rolls of the State with appointees, whose
tenure of office is fixed by executive will,
rather than by statute law, and whose
duties are political rather than government
tai.
make one other solemn pledge: I'm
der no circumstances will | make, or
authorize any one to make for me, any
deal, arrangement or bargain, with any
person, concern. combination, association
or interest, to further my nomination or
election. Unless can be nominated and
elected without complications or COM
mitments that would prevent my having
a free hand to do those things which my
judgment might dictate, after proper ad-
vice, counsel and information, do not
want the office.
am not unmindful OF the great re-
sponslbilities of the office OF Governor,
and its importance and dignity. like
wise realize that the State is confronted
with more than the usual number OF per-
picking problems which must be firmly
and courageously met, if we are TO escape
crushing tax burden, burden may
be pardoned for saying-I pointed out in
the campaign OF 1904 as inevitable under
the laws proposed and the political meth
DDS and practice then and since in vogue.
| further believe the people prefer COM
nonsense business methods applied to
their State governmentrather than political
demagoguery OF which they have had an
abundance
lnasmuch as am not stranger TO the |
people ofthe State, having spoken to them
in almost every county in other campaigns,
involving some of the same issues that
will be confronted in this one, | shall not |
exhaust my physical strength or diSSipate
my limited resources in making any ex-
tensive stumping tour OF the State TO OBJ i
tain the nomination, but prefer TO husband
them in order, if nominated, 10 be able 10 |
60 into every county, and ifpossible every |
school district, and present, with all my |
energy, the issues TO the people for their |
serious consideration and fair determine (,
ton.
ask your support in the primary and
will appreciate letter OF advice or in
formation from as many of my friends as
care TO write me.
Very truly,
John ]. CORNWELL.
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