West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1916-03-02
senator French Announces Candidacy


expressed wish OF many loyal Demo
Gratis from different sections OF the
state. have decided. after careful and
earnest consideration. TO become n
candidate for the Democratic nomina-
tion for governor at the primary cleo
zion TO be held June 9Th.
In becoming "A candidate, l am
prompted by no desire TO oppose the
distinguished gentlemen who have
announced themselves. but do so in
order that the Democratic voters OF
the state may choose from among us
whom they will have as their candi-
date for governor. However, in JUS
tice 10 those who support me. l shall
endeavor by all fair and honorable
means. to win the nomination and
AIRY the standard OF Democracy 10
victory in November.
In seeking so high an honor AT the
hands OF my party. deem II lust that
| express my views upon subjects
which. in my opinion. will demand the
consideration OF the public I'm the com
1g campaign.
In the first place. l heartily endorse
'he administration OF President VIII
son and the many great constructive
measures enacted for the beneat of
he people by our Democratic Con
;ress
Proud of our great President and
he achievements of his administra-
ion. ] view with shame and indigna-
ion the administration OF our State.
IN State whose very motto breathes
the spirit OF freedom, unjust and in
quitous burdens OF taxation are laid
upon the people for the support OF n
political machine which oppresses
hem and robs them OF their liberties
II am nominated and elected gov
ernor ] shall endeavor TO the best OF
ny ability. TO administer the affairs OF
our State strictly as a business prom
)sition. So far as within me lies. ev-
cry department of the government
shall be stripped OF it's useless Office
1olders and expenses, and the strict
ast economy, consistent with efficiency
and good government, shall be en-
forced.
Our tax laws. in so far as they are
unfair or oppressive. should be re-
Used or repealed
law should be enacted providing
uniform charter for the smaller
cities, reserving. however, the greatest
possible degree OF local self-govern-
nent to each city. The vicious and
PARTISAN charters enacted under our
present State administration. and
'eaching the climax OF infamy i'm the
disfranchisement OF the people OF
Williamson, cannot be too severely
condemned. Their tyrannical stain
should be wiped from our statute
books at the earliest possible date.
Registration and election laws
should be enacted to prevent illegal
and fraudulent voting and to preserve
% the citizens OF our State the right
o elect their officers without the aid
)r interference OF illegal and criminal
'oters. The registration law enacted
In 1911 was so amended by the last
legislature as TO permit registration
)n election day. thus robblng Il OF all
protection and opening wide the door
or fraud and corruption. The tax
payers must pay for a registration
which affords them no protection.
Under the cloak OF enacting a cor
upt practices act, this same IegIsla-
ure repealed the law against "Imper
'onating voters" at elections. which
aw made II an offense for any one to
attempt to vote or apply for a ballot
'nder any assumed or fictitious name.
The purpose Of repeating this law and
II permitting voters to register on
lection day is clearly apparent and
'hould arouse the indignation OF every
'itizen who is not willing 10 be dis
'ranchised by repeating and fraud at
he polls
The primary election law enacted
by the last legislature. should be SO
amended as to permit the smaller DO
itical parties to nominate their can
iidates for Office, either in the primary
or by convention OF petition. II is un-
-ortunate indeed, after the long years
Of effort by the people Of the State to
secure a primary election law, that Il
should have been made the means OF
disfranchislng the voters OF the small
er political parties, thus stamping a
measure which should confer greater
liberties, with the brand OF tyranny
and oppression.
The development Of the water power
Of our State should be encouraged by
Just and equitable laws. protecting the
public interest. and providing for the
safety Of all who may be affected
thereby.
The agricultural interests OF our
state should in every possible way be
promoted: the construction and main
tenance Of good roads should be syste-
matically carried on; the mining.
manufacturing, transportation and
other industries Of the State. should
be encouraged; and those who earn
their bread by the sweat OF their brow
should receive every safeguard and
protection the government can be-
stow.
Finally, n I am nominated and elect
ed governor. 7 shall strictly enforce