Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1916-03-04
TO THE DEMOCRATS OF WEST VIRGINIA.;

no THE DEMOCRATS OF WEST VIRGINIA:
In response to resolutions executive committees of
Mercer Mcdowell Mngo counties and the expressed wish OF
many loyal of the state have
decided consideration to become
nomination at the primary
election to be held June 9Th.
In becoming candidate, prompted by desire to OPP
the distinguished gentlemen who have announced them
selves but do in order that the Democratic voters of the state
choose from whom they will have their cand
Howeven justice to those who support me-
shall endeavor by all fair and honorable win the nominal
carry the standard Democracy victory November
In seeking high honor at the hands of party deem
just that express my views subjects which opn
ion will demand the consideration of the public in the coming
pagn.
In the first place. heartily endorse the administration of
President Wilson and the constructive
acted for the benefit of the people by Democratic
Proud of President and the achievements of his adj
ministraton, with shame and indignation the admnsla
ton of state whose very motto breathes the spirit
Of freedom, unjust and niquous burdens Of taxation laid
upon people the support Of political machine which
presses them and rubs them Of their liberties
If nominated and elected shall endeavor to
the best of ability administer the affairs of state strict
y business proposition So far within lies de-
parmen government shall stripped office
holders expenses the srctes with
efficiency and good government shall be enforced
Our laws in they unfair oppressive should
be revised repealed
law should be enacted providing uniform charter for the
smaller cities reservng however the possible degree of
local segovernmen each city The and partisan char
enacted under state administration and reaching
williamson be severely condemned Their yrannca
strain should be wiped from statute books the earliest pos
sible date
Registration prevent
Illegal and fraudulent voting and the citizens
state the right to elect their officers without aid
Of illegal and criminal voters The registration law enacted in
1911 amended by the last legislature permit registra
ton election day. thus obbng it of all protection opening
wide the door for fraud and corruption The payers
pay for registration which affords them protection
Under the cloak of enacting Corrupt Practices Act this
at elections which law made it oense anyone attempt
vote apply for ballot under any fictitious
The of repeating this law and permitting reg
lister election days. clearly apparent and should
Indignation of citizen who willing be dsfranchsed
by repeating and fraud at the polls
The primary election law enacted by the last legislature
should be amended permit the political parties
their candidates Office either in the primary or by
convention petition unfortunate indeed after the long
years OF effort by the people of the state primary cleo
ton law that should have been the dsfranchs
ing the voters of the smaller political parties thus stamping
which should greater liberties the brand of
tyranny and oppression
The development of power our state should he
encouraged by just and equitable protecting the public in
rest and providing for the safety of all who may
thereby.
The agricultural interests should every posi-
BILE be promoted the maintenance of good
roads should be Systematically on mining manufac
turing transportation other of the state should
encouraged and those who by the of
their brow should receive safeguard protection that
government testow.
Finally if nominated and elected governor shall strict
Y enforce the laws discharge duty to the best
OF ability and the whole people without fear favor or
partially.
Sincerely yours,
D. E. FRENCH
Bluefeld, W. Va. February &c, 1916.