Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1916-03-02
senator French Announces.

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In response to resolutions OF the
executive Committees of Mercer. Nc
DoWell and Mingo counties, and the
expressed wishes of many loyal
Democrats from! different sections of
the state, have decided, after care
ful and earnest consideration, to be-
come candidate for the Democratic
nomination for Governor at the pri-
mary election 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 candl-
date for Governor: However, in JUS
tice, to- those who support me; I, shall
.epdeayor' BY: all fair and: honorable
means, to-, win the, nomination and
carry the Standard Of Democracy to-
victory in November = '.'';
-: In: seeking SO, high an :honor:at the
hands Of my party, ]: deem it Just that
/ express, MY views upon SUBJECTS
which, in my opinion, will demand
the consideration of the public in the
coming campaign.
In the first place, I heartily en-
dorse the administration of President
Wilson and the many great construc-
tiTe measures enacted for the beneht
CT the people by our Democratic Con-
gcess. .
Proud OF our great President anG
the achievements of his administra-
ton, / view with shame and indigna-
ton the administrator Of our State.
In State whose Tery motto breathes
the spirit Of freedom, unjust and in
iGuitous burdens of taxation are laid
upon the people for the support OF
political machine which Expresses
them and robs them of their liDer-
ties.
II am nominated and elected Gov
ernor, l shall cndeavor to the best OF
my ability, to administer the affairs
of our State strictly as business
proposition. So far as within me
lies, every department OF the govern
ment shall be stripped Of it's useless
ofice-hoIders ands expenses, and the
strictest economy, consistent with
efficiency and good government. shall
be enforced.
Our tax laws. in so far as they are
unfair or oppressive, should be re-
vised or repealed.
4 law should be enacted providing
a uniform charter for the smaller
cities. regcrving, however, the great
est possible degree OF local self-goV-
ernment to each city. The vicious
and partisan charters enacted under
our present State administration, and
reaching the climax Of infamy in the
acknowledgements OF the people OF
Williamson, cannot be too severely
condemned. Their tyrann!cal strain
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 pre-
serve to the citizens Of our State, the
right 10 elect their officers without
the aid or interference Of illegal and
criminal voters. The registration law
enacted in 1911 was so amended by
the last Legislature as t. permit reg
istration on election day, thus rob-
bing:it of all pro lection and opening
wide The docr fojt fraud, and 'nr-rr-
toll GX-p&yers now must pay
for alton which affords them
no !..n.
Under the cloak of enactlng Cor
rupt Practices Act. this same Legls-
lature repealed the law against i'm
personating voters" at elections,
which Jaw made it an offense for any
one to attempt to vote or apply for a
ballot under any assumed or fictitious
name. The purpose of repeating this
law and of permitting voters to reg
lister on election day. is clearly ap-
parent and should arouse the indlg-
nation of every citizen who is not
willing to be disfranchised by repeat
ing and fraud at the polls.
Finally. if l am nominated and
elected Governor, shall strictly en-
force the laws. discharge every duty
OF the office 10 the best OF my ability,
and serve the whole people without
fear, favor or Partially.
Sincerely yours.
D. Z. FRENCH.
Bluehcld. W. Va, Feb. &c, 1916.
Mr.. French demands certain
amcndements OF the State primary
election laws as some Of its features
he considers very Objectionable. lie
favors a proper development OF the
water powers of the State and
proper fostering of the agriculture
mining, manufacturing and trans
portation interests.
u,,pnrI;rc Endorses MIR COrnNeil.