Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-01

doun County, where he has developed
ono of the most beautiful and produc-
tive farms in the State. and where he
has lived continuously for tho past six
teen years.
HOME AGAIN, TAKES ACTIVE
PART IN LEGISLATION
Upon his return to Virginia Mr. Davis
took an active and intelligent interest
In tho upbuildinE of tho agricultural
interests of the State. lie became pres
ident of the State Farmers Institute.
and to him Is due very. largely the
credit for many Of the most valuable
laws now on the statute books touch
ing upon agricultural subjects.
Among these measures may be first
mentioned the lime-Srinding bill,
through the operations of which the
State now furnishes at reasonable
price lime to the farmers of Virginia
from two plants. Before advocating
the measure Mr.. Davis travelled through
Middle western States and assured him
self of the necessity of such q meas
urc for the upbuilding of the farming
interests Of the state. The Legisla-
turc gave the measure favorable hear
ing at the session Of 1912, but the lime
interests made ia hot fight on the con-
stitutionality Of tho Las in the courts.
Mr.. Davis and associates employed
counsel to assist the state in the legal
fight and the courts finally sustained
tHc HledSuTe. winch mas sSlred0y proven
of incalculable bcfleht to the farming
interests Of the Commonwealth.
Another measure for which Mr.. Davis
furnished the inspiration was that
which provided the Legislative refer
ence bureau. the practical utility OF
which is now SO generally recognized
that wonder is expressed that the State
delayed so long the institution of some
such department.
Another measure OF practical utility
which was successfully urged before
the Legislature and adopted at the ses-
sion Of 1916. was that known as the
commission merchants bill" It's CT
feet is to drive the INSCRIPTIONS and
irresponsible out of the business by
requiring a substantial bond from each
firm, thereby enabling the consignor to
recover for goods shipped when re-
turns arc not duly made.
Another law for which Mfr. Davis was
largely responsible was the fertilizer
law of 1912. which specifies the mini
mum amount OF plant food allowed In
fertilizers sold in this State and requires
that the guaranteed analysis Of every
brand OF fertilizer or fertilizing ma
tarial shall remain the same through
out the fiscal year. and in no case, even
at subsequent registrations, Is the
grade to be lowered.
LOOMS LARGE IN HIS
1Sb6hNATURIAL FIGHT
Tho strength developed by Mr. Davis
In his campaign for the nomination for
Governor in the August primary sur
prtscd every student Of politics in vir-
GINA He carried strongholds OF his
opponents with apparent ease and
seemed to be even stronger in many
OF the cities than among the country
felix He based his campaign primarily
en- plea for an economical and efficient
system OF State government; an cxecu-
tive budget Of appropriations: care in
the administration Of the tax laws:
open sessions and recorded votes of
legislative committees: good roads; de-
veiopment OF the agricultural and in
dustrial resources OF the State; a full
term for all the primary schools: 2
tair workman's compensation act; and
no unnecessary Offices. One OF his
slogans was: Il am opposed to and
viii veto any bill passed by the Leris-
nature during my term Of Office creating
nc" omces. unless they are rendered
necessary by extraordinary circum-
stances incident to the present war"
II Is interesting to note that manv =,
the suggestions made by Mr.. Davis
during the campaign were incorpora,ed
III its report by the Commission ON
economy and Efficiency. and many az
them are now on the Legislative pro
Gram Tor action at the present, SOS.
SION or the General Assembly