James K. Vardaman

**James K. Vardaman** was an American Democratic Party politician who served in different political functions, including that of governor of Mississippi from January the 19th 1904 to January the 21st 1908. Prior to his entry into politics, Vardaman practiced law and also became involved in the newspaper business.

A wide range of social reforms were carried out during Vardaman's time as governor. According to one study, this included measures such as the adoption of a law reducing the legal rate of interest from 10% to 8% and laws governing life insurance companies. State regulation of utilities, banks and railroads was also increased. Increases were made in common-school appropriations by almost 20% while teacher’s salaries went up by almost 30.% Educational provision was also made for those classed as deaf or dumb. A uniform text book law was adopted, giving the same books in all of the schools throughout Mississippi. This saved people a lot of money in purchasing school books for their children. At a hospital for those classed as insane, the first open air hospital for treating TB in the South was built. A state home was also set up to care for old and indigent Confederate veterans. Laws aimed at improving public health and sanitation were also introduced. A Department of Agriculture was set up in 1906 which, according to one study, “was especially important, given the recent appearance of the boll weevil in the state. State and federal scientists working together would help the state’s cotton farmers cope with this new crisis.” Banks were also required to submit competitive interest-rate bids for deposits of state revenue, and the practice of letting private landowners use convicts from state prisons as free labor was ended.

While serving as senator in Congress, Vardaman supported various progressive measures.

Many of Vardaman's successors would continue his reform agenda.

Less progressive  was Vardaman’s views on race. Vardaman believed that African-Americans were inherently inferior and indolent. He was also opposed to the 14th and 15th amendments to the United States Constitution. These extended citizenship rights to African-Americans. Vardaman also opposed the appointment of a black postmaster in the state, along with an invitation of Booker T. Washington to the White House.

## Infobox (officeholder)

- **image**: Senator J.K. Vardaman, 1910 (cropped).jpg
- **caption**: Vardaman in 1910
- **jr/sr**: United States Senator
- **state**: Mississippi
- **party**: Democratic Party (United States), Democratic
- **term**: March 4, 1913 – March 4, 1919
- **preceded**: LeRoy Percy
- **succeeded**: Byron P. Harrison
- **order1**: 36th
- **title1**: Governor of Mississippi
- **term start1**: January 19, 1904
- **term end1**: January 21, 1908
- **lieutenant1**: John Prentiss Carter
- **predecessor1**: Andrew H. Longino
- **successor1**: Edmond Favor Noel
- **birth name**: James Kimble Vardaman
- **birth place**: Jackson County, Texas, C.S.A.
- **death place**: Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
- **restingplace**: Lakewood Memorial Park, Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
- **spouse**: Anna Burleson Robinson
- **branch**:  United States Army
- **rank**:  Major (rank), Major
- **battles**: Spanish–American War
- **nickname**: "The Great White Chief"
- **office2**: Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives
- **termstart2**: 1894
- **termend2**: 1896
- **predecessor2**: Hugh McQueen Street
- **successor2**: James F. McCool
- **state house4**: Mississippi
- **district4**: Leflore County
- **term start4**: January 1890
- **term end4**: January 1896