Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-10-30
Virginia's Next Governor

n My one more week remains of the guber-
~ material campaign. and, while loyal
Democrat will relax his efforts to roll up a
magnificent ma jority for his candidate it is
well recognized that the Republican campaign
has wholly collapsed. Not per cent Of the
voters have so much seen the Republican
candidate for the governorship Fewer still
had heard of him before his nomination, and
fewest OF all will be those who will hear Of
MIN again when the election has demonstrated
now slight an impression he has made on
the voting population of tho State.
Westmoreland Davis is as good as elected
and his election will give as nearly perfect
satisfaction In the State as that or any other
man who could be mentioned. He went
through trying campaign for the nomna-
ton without once losing his poise or taking
advantage OF the many opportunities pre-
sented for him to indulge in personalities
He presented to the voters definite program
Tor political and social benefit, and preferred
TO discuss measures rather than men, He
made no attack upon any faction or group
Of citizens He declined to permit his hands
to be tied as to the questions that might
arise in tho future. He will go into Office
on the first day Of February next entirely
untrammeled and free to follow his judg-
ment and his conscience in the performance
OF the duties of his high Office
Though he has held no public office here
state His young manhood was spent here
IN Richmond. in a struggle with poverty be-
queathed by the Civil War After n sue
cessful professional career in New York, he
returned to Virginia to throw in his fortunes
with the farming interests of the State. Not
content with nurturing only his own pros
perity, he affiliated himself with farmers or
ganizations and gave Of his time and means
10 promote the general advancement of agri-
dozen bo
familiar figure at the State Capitol during
the sessions OF the Legislature where he has
oa't!ed strongly, often against formidable op-
position, Tor measures which his fellow
farmers thought necessary to their welfare.
mat he is esteemed by his neighbors who
kho" nm best is attested by the fact that
III the primary he received 90 per cent of the
vote of his home county. That Richmond
VIII be pleased to have him an official resident
10! -FOUR years may be inferred from its giving
MN more votes in the primary than it gave
po'h or MS opponents. though il was their
nome. Though farmer, his popularity was
as urban as 1t was rural. Nor is 1t confined
10 members OF his party. 1t is confidently be-
lieved that thousands of Republicans would
date.
Under these conditions It is easy to prophcsy
that he will make a most successful chief
executive His democratic disposition will
make him easy Of approach by all who are
interested in good government in Virginia
Having been laborer, a lawyer, a farmer
and a business man, he should understand
the needs and sympathze with the aspirations
or all classes. He is neither reactionary nor
radical, but conservative and progressive
The people Of Virginia have good reason TO
expect that his administration will be marked
by an advance In wise legislation and states
manship under his supervision.