The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-08-23
State Auditor Will Decide
After Trip to Can
ada.
he TAKES HIGH GROUND
Thinks Man Nominated
Next Year Should Be
Well Qualified.

CHARLESTON, Aug. 23.-Prior to
his departure for Toronto, Canada, on
official business, State Auditor John
s. Darst made the significant state
ment that he was considering making
a specific announcement for the Re-
publican nomination for governor and
that IL he became candidate, he would
appeal to the voters in the primary
campaign on Clear-Cut American Is
sues, opposing government ownership
of railroads and the impractical appli-
cation OF BolsheVistic and Socialistic
doctrines in West Virginia"
II have advised my friends through
out the state in response to their in
quiries," said Auditor Darst, that l
nouncement for the Republican nomi-
nation for governor. shall give them
final answer within the next few
weeks"
"If become a candidate l shall not
hesitate to make the contest in the
primaries demanding 100 per cent.
Americanism, the kind for which
Roosevelt, Mckinley and Lincoln con-
tended and our soldiers fought, from
every citizen of this state. ! feel that
every candidate for governor should
be able to prove that he has been Just
that kind of an American during the
time of our country's great trial.
ut seems to me that the time has
come when every one must choose
whether he will stand with those who
hold fast to the basic principles of
government, upo2 which this country
has made such phenomenal and order
ly progress, or embrace for expected
political reward the dangerous and i'm
practical doctrines of Bolshevism and
Socialism, which would retard genius
and destroy individual initiative.
Here in West Virginia these evil
forces are at work and efforts are be-
ing made to use the Republican party
as vehicle to carry into power those
who seek to engender class hatred by
attacking those who have been sue
cessful as u result Of individual en-
deavor. Either as a candidate within
the party or as a private in that po-
litical organization, l expect to use all
my strength to prevent the surrender
of the Republican party to the Bolshe-
,$istic and Socialistic theories that
threaten our future safety.
Months ago before the railroads
were taken over by our government
in public statement announced my
opposition to government ownership
of railroads. | later emphasized my
position before the business and civic
organizations of West Virginia. The
failure of that socialistic principle aft
err further trial has given me added
conviction that the railroads should
be restored to private ownership.
'fWest Virginia has grown to be a
lgreat state because We have encour-
aged enterprise and industry. If we
isce men in public office who would
SfySnder to clamor, or fail to stand
firm and courageous against social
istic demands, then we have destroyed
the equal opportunity that is accorded
\ to every citizen of our state and coun-
try to succeed either in public life or
private enterprise, through merit and
l application to their duties.
1.-THE Republican party is pro-
gressive organization that has ever
stood for the perpetuity Of those prin-
ciples which give to every citizen the
right to labor for his own happiness,
and protects him by constitutional
guarantees from interference by those
who would limit or curtail his genius
OF industry.
I'VE must meet these and many 9TH
er important questions this year. The
candidate for governor will be asked
Continued on page four)