Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-12-01
Getting Things" for Virginia

n his address before tho Richmond First
Club. Governor-Elect Trinklc made n
homely remark which at once explains many
things about which Virginia complains. and
should be borne in mind when it is inclined
to become querulous and ask why it is not
going forward more rapidly. I'VE cannot
get things for nothing" said the man who
during the next four years will be expected
To get things" for Virginia, and who will
he measured largely by his ability as n
"Eettcr. Leading educators having agreed
recently that moderate use of slang is
permissible when ii Is expressive. il may
be permitted us to observe that when Mr.
Trinkle said that he said .houthful."
AS he pointed out to the business men
who heard him, Virginia has reason 10
be ashamed of its status among the States
along educational, road or other lines OF
State cndcavor when its present standing
is e. gcd by the amount of money it has
been willing TO spend. What we have spent.
VIC have spent we'll. While there may have
been certain amount of waste because OF
occasionally injudicious methods, the loss
chargcable to that score has boon reason
ably small. and it is the States proud boast
that the waste through graft or wilful ex-
travaSancc has been nothing.
Our schools and our roads today repre-
sent practically full value received for the
cheeks flush when sec how far down the
list OF States Virginia stands in the item of
education. but it is improving its relative
position even with the funds now provided.
and II il wishes to go to tho top of the list,
ms it says it does. then only q more liberal
expenditure will place il there. We are dis
graced and Inundated by our shameful
roads. hut VIC are building az rapidly as
the money available will permit, and il we
really wan; an adequate system. such as
other States have or are building cash alone
will bring il to us.
we cannot get things for nothing" That
old-fashioncd formula OF the incoming Gov
crnor should be effective when the General
Assembly convenes. No one realizes more
kecnly than he tho difficulties Of tho posi-
ton in which he will be placed when he
takes over the rcins of Office Here among
ourselves let il be ada. that we have
talked much and loud ana long about the
things we want in Virginia. but we have not
always been willing TO loosen the purse
strings to satisfy our own desires Time
now is almost at hand when we must pro-
duco the money il We want results If we
have not the financial courage of our conyic-
tons. then we should cease our talking and
rest satisfied with what the money we arc
willing TO provide will purchase Virginia
is no longer poor State and while ex-
travagancc would not be tolerated. ii is in
position to purchase those things which it
must have if il is to rank in progressiveness
with its sister CONFERENCE.-The
Judged by his recent addresses. the new
Governor will go into Office in a liberal and
oren. yet sanely conservative frame OF
mind. lie knows what the State needs He
Knows what IL wants, but even he does NOT
Know how far it will he willing to go to OBJ
tam It's desires. At least his leadership
promises to lie along the line OF progress
Virginia can follow IL il will