Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-07
DAVIS CLOSES CAMPAIGN
At GREAT MASs-MEET|NG
Candidate for Governor Speaks to
More Than 1000 People at
Academy of Music.
MCDANIEL ATTACK is IGNORED
Only Allusion to Minister'S Refer.
ence to Candidates Wife Is State
mcnt That Campaign Has Required
Much Self-Restraint.

Westmoreland Davis. OF Loudoun
County. closed his gubernatorial cam
Paign in Richmond last night with a
striking address to more than 1000
people-many of them women-at the
Academy of Music, promising them that
IL elected he would Introduce scientific
business methods in the administra-
ton OF Virginia's affairs. The meet
ing was preceded by a band parade
through the downtown streets, with
boys carrying cards advocating his can
didacy, and long before the hour for the
address the house was well filled. When
Mr.. Davis appeared. there was no:
vacant seat in the theater, and many
people were turned away.
George Bryan presided at the meet
ing. and in his introduction told of
the early life Of the candidate: how
he had been raised in Richmond and
OF his struggles to attain success. He
said that Mr.. Davis had started his
career with the old Richmond and DAN
vile Railroad. and had only gone to
New York to complete his education.
Mr.. Bryan introduced Charles W Mere
dith. who. with few remarks. intro
duced Mr.. Davis.
SAYS CAMPAIGN HAS
REQUIRED sELF-REsTRAINT
In opening. Mr.. Davis declared that
he could only see in the magnificent
reception extended him in Richmond an
expression of Virginia arising to ex-
press her determination to rule her
own affairs, and an expression of dig
nifty for the ruling Of tho government
by the people and for the people. Striking
another note. the speaker said the cam
paign had been peculiar, and one that
required great deal Of self-restraint.
The audience anticipated some refer
ence to a published statement by Rev.
George w. Mcdaniel, D. D., pastor Of
the First Baptist Church. In which he
said that "he [Davis] said in Norfolk
that he went to New York to get some
Yankee money and came back to Vir-
ginia to spend 1t. There is where he
married a wealthy lady. and thus got
what he went after" The audience
warmly applauded, but the candidate
continued his address. declaring that
he was not conducting a vituperative
campaign.
believe have a message for the
people of Virginia" he said. land / do
not care for the demerits or merits OF.
my two opponents. Unless 1 believed
that did have a message of merit for
the people I would not be here to-
night"
TELLS OF EARLY LIFE
AND RETURN TO VIRGINIA
Then he told OF his early life, and
why he went to New York. where he
studied law at nights, and later how
he returned to Virginia fifteen years
ago. He said that an opponent had
looked into a directory to see where he
resided without finding out where he
was MIR. Davis also told of his con-
nection with the farmers, and denied
the charges that he was a wet" can
didatc. He said he had voted for local
option. but now the people had spoken.
he cheerfully accepted their verdict,
and did not consider prohibition an is
sue any longer
He pledged the enforcement of the
laws. and said that IL necessary he
would approve additional legislation to
enforce prohibition. He had been ask
ed. he said. about constitutional
amendment--an amendment yet unde-
fincd-and had replied that il was
matter requiring great consideration.
and he would not make any promises,
"uuihS tHhl IL ne must be tied hand
and foot and bound before entering
the Gubernatorial chair that he did
not want the position Throughout his
address he had been interrupted at
frequent intervals by loud applause.
Mr.. Davis touched on many matters
contained In his platform. devoting
some time TO discussion Of taxation
He characterized as purely fabrica-
ton the assertion that if elected the
country section would be favored in
tax legislation to the harm of the
cities. IL either of his opponents were
elected. lie said. the State Tax Board,
one of the most important orsaniza-
tions in Virginia, would he composed
OF all city men. and the country peo-
pie would not stand for that lie did
not object to the cities having tho
majority. he said. but wanted repre-.
sentation on the hoard. He next took
Continued on Second PaVa.l