The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1919-08-29
STATEMENT OF
HON. JNO. s. DARST

itor John S. DarSt made the significant
statement that he was considering
making n special announcement for me
Republican nomination for governor
and that If he became candidate he
would appeal TO the voters in the prim-
airy campaign on clcar-cut American
issues. opposing government ownership
Of railroads and the impractical april
cation Of Bolsheristic and Socialistic
doctrines in West Virginia.
Il have advised my friends through
out the state, in response to their in
ourics" said Auditor Darst, that l am
considering making a specific announce
mont for the Republican nomination
for governor. / shall give them final
answer within tho next few weeks
IF I become a candidate. I shall not
hesitate to make the contest in ;hc
primaries demanding 100 per cent
Amcricnnism, the kind for which Roosc-
welt, Mckinley and Lincoln commended.
and our soldiers fought. from every Cit
izcn of this state. l feel that every
candidate for governor should he able
to prove that he has been just that
kind OF an American during the time Of
our Country's great trial
1t seems TO inc that the time has
come when every one must choose
whether he will stand with those who
hold fest To IN" basic principles o.
gov crnmcnt upon which this country
has made such phenomenal and orderly
progress, or embrace for expected polit-
ical reward the dangerous and imprac-
tcable doctrines of Bolshcvism and So
cialsm. which would rctard genius and
destroy individual initiative.
Here in West Virginia these evil
force; are at work and efforts are be-
ing made to use the Republican party
as u vehicle to carry into power those
who seek to cngcndrr class hatred by
attacking those who have been success
full as result of individual endcavor.
Either as n candidate within tn" party
or az Il private in that political orGani-
cation. l expect 10 use all my strength
to prevent the surrender Of the Rcpub-
lican party ro the Bolshcvistic and So
clalis'ic theories that threaten our flu
turc safety.
Months ago. before the railroads
were taken over by our government, in
n public statement. announced my OPP
position to government ownership Of
railroads. ! later emphasized my posi-
ton before Shc business and civic or
CARNATIONS Of West Virginia. TIL" fail
urc Of that Socialstic principle, aftc-
further trial. has given me added con-
vIction that the railroads should BE- re-
stored to private ownership.
West Virginia has grown 70 be
great state because We have encouraged
enterprise and industry. If VIC place
mon in public office who would surrcn-
der TO clnmor or fail 10 stand firm and
courageous against SoCiali$tio demands,
then We have destroyed the equal op-
portunity that is accorded to every cit
izcn of our state and country IL sue
coed either in public life or rrIy;,t" an
tcrpriSc through merit and applications
To their duties.
THE Republican party is n progress
i've organization that has ever stood for
the pcrpctuity Of those principles which
give to every citizen tho right TO labor
for his own happiness. and protects him
by constitutional guarantee from inter.
ference hy those who would limit VI
curtail his genus or industry.
We must meet these and many other
important questions this year. rh"
candidate for governor Will h" ASKED
specifically as 10 how ne stands on q
number Of issues in the state and II
must be willing and read! 10 make n
straightforward. frank answer
In my opinion. Tho p"opl" should
exercise the same cnmmon-Scnsc bust
ness methods in tho selection of Il gov
crnor that il used by any hig business
concern in selecting Il head for th"i:-
company ut salry OF $4,000 per
year \ business concern would re-
uuirc you 10 furnish II rrliticat" -:
character. proof Of your qualifications
for tn" position. your knowlcdg" Of the
business. an accounting of your stew
nrdship in any former position. AMI
this business concern would satisfy
itself that You wcr" possessed "f III"
necessary executive ability and thu
you had reliability and Judgment !" d
the right thing quickly in critical mo- :
mont wien it requires manhood 10 meet
the issue
IF these things be true with Il BUSH !
ness concern in n private industry. how
much NOR" important, then. in public
life when the state has job I" give. |
81 INF Of a1l h,. Sslt
ton of Il govcrnOr-that the same test
be made by those intrustcd with the
responsibility of the ballot.
IF. after careful consideration. ]
announce my candidacy for governor. |
I will mako my appeal for support to !
the average. clear thinking West Vir- !
gilman on these grounds. l am not "p.
posed 10 constructive criticism, but |
there can BE- no compromise with those |
who openly proclaim dissatisfaction
with American institutions or fccb2 |
politicians who. by their silence .gir2 |
encouragement TO the SocimliStIc men |
ace, in the hope Of political reward or !
who are too rowardly to frankly pro- |
claim their position upon any question |
vitality affecting the people of West |
Virginia.
Il an willing that my official record |
hc used as evidence of my good faith !
now and Of what may be expected Of |
me in the future. l do not want the |
office e cannot secure 1t standing and !
lighting for these principles. ADJ. !