Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-01-31

hrmer hold upon the esteem and con-
Moence OF the people Of the state than
that enjoyed by him when he, In 1913
was nominated by his party without
| opposition for that Office and was then
elected thereto without opposition. lie
| 1914.
1t was felt by the citizens OF the
| state that man OF affairs and oil
sound business Judgment was needed
| 20 mead the State government, and to
| TINS hour, while much has been at
tempted which was entirely now and
much accomplished for which the Gov
ernor's office had no precedent to guide
II, inc gubernatorial office has not once
been the target of adverse criticism.
GROWING ACHIEVEMENT
IS NEW TAX SYSTEM
The retiring executive regards as the
browning achievement OF his admins
tration the putting into successful
operation the segregation system OF
taxation. In his inaugural address and
subsequent communications to the Gen
eral Assembly, Governor Stuart earn
estly urged the necessity for q business
IKE reformation OF the states taxing
system. The session Of 1914 responded
oy providing for tax commission.
composed Of members of each house
and OF other members to be designated
by tho Governor. 1t was further pro-
NihUo tHdt tnlS commission snOui0 re-
port to special session of the Cen
eral Assembly In 1916.
The session Of 1915 was Of historic
Importance. Opponents OF the scgrega-
ton system were active. but this plan.
which was very earnestly favored by
tho Governor, was finally adopted aud
was improved and strengthened by the
regular session OF 1916. Not only was
the Governor large factor In procur-
ing the necessary reshaping OF the
states taxing system but as a mem
Der Of the State Tax Board he has ma
terfally contributed to the results
achieved hereunder. vigorous and ef-
lcient enforcement OF the provisions
OF the law having brought into the
State treasury hundreds of thousands
OF dollars from taxable values not
heretofore reached.
Governor Stuart in 1914 signed the
enabling act. Later he called the cleo
ton provided hereunder and ultimate
~ proclaimed tho result. AS a Demo-
crat he favored submitting this issue
TO the people. though in his personal
capacity he cast his own ballot against
Statewide prohibition. lie recommend
ed to the General Assembly of 1915
stringent laws to carry out the prohi-
bttion policy of the State. Before pro.
hioition became effective he was active
In the enforcement of the prohibition
law in the dry counties and cities Of the
wide prohibition he has co-operatcd
with Prohibition Commissioner Peters
SO cordially as TO earn hearty express
sions OF thanks from that Official
JAMESTOWN GAMBLERS
BROUGHT TO THEIR KNEES
One OF the most valuable services
performed by the Governor to the State
in the early months OF his administra-
ton was his vigorous and successful
campaign against book making and
other forms of gambling conducted at
the racetrack of the jamestown Jockey
club near Norfolk. Gamblers had made
It habit for years to make jamestown
on their regular racing circuit. defying
the Virginia law against gambling with
impunity largely by reason OF control
OF local magistrates In Norfolk County
\ change of the law, however, had
given circuit courts original jurisdic-
tion In such cases and the Governor
was prompt 10 seize the initiative in
the matter. In the spring of 1914 he
had the grounds OF the jockey club
raided. and large number Of gamblers
taken into custody. They showed fight
in the courts. but several convictions,
together with the Governors firm stand
that jail sentences would stand in event
OF further violations, soon had the en-
tire fraternity on it's knees. Since then
there has been no book making in Yir-
ginia.
MEASURES UP WELL AS
STATES WAR GOVERNOR
Governor Stuart has measured up to
the great and grave duties incumbent
upon his office by reason of war con-
ditions. In 1916 the military forces Of
the state were promptly mobilized and
sent to the Texas border on the call OF
the national government. Later these
commands were brought back to their
home stations only to be soon again
called into the service OF the country
IN the war with the GermanIc nations.
The handling OF the mobilization OF
Inc State troops and the duties oc-
casioned by the selcctive draft have
more than doubled the work Of the
Governor Office. How well these duties
have been performed by the Governor
ana his assistants is shown by the
iact that Virginia has the distinction
OF having been the frst State In the
Union to have all of it's men In camp
on the first selective draft
BRINGS ORDER OUT
OF IIoPEWELL CHAOS
The people OF Virginia have had OPP
portun!ty to Judge OF the initiative and
capacity Of the retiring Governor by
the manner in which he brought order
out of chaos in the new city OF Hone.
WELL municipality OF teeming thou
sands which sprang up overnight
without governmental organization,
virtually swampng the officials of
Prince George County. While there
were people by the thousands. citizens
were few and far between, Offering
small choice from which to select even
n temporary governing organization.
Henry c. Stuart took the matter in
hand. Hopewelr5 city government was
organized. the General Assembly very
properly placing the power for several
years in the hands of the Governor 10
appoint the administrative officials Of
the city. and Hopewell bscame a quiet
orderly. law-abidinG community.
And who Is this apprcachable. result
producing man who. without blaro OF
trumpets. has becn able 20 bring things
10 pass In Virginia with so little .nst
motion? Henry Stuart Is a big man
big In brain. In body, In heart. He
An Honest Old r,