Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-08-22
For the Consideration Of the Legis
lafure.

To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
We do not propose 10 make an adverse
criticism upon the action Of the Democratic
element Of the General Assembly in regard
TO limiting the scope OF legislation of the
extra session TO a few specified subjects -
which is at most but caucus rule: but
We do say and humbly submit that this ac-
ton Of the Democratic members may work
wrongs upon MANY OF the good people oi
the State in their business affairs and rights,
and a. a consequence may react with terri
ble effect upon the party. As TO the pOlit-
ical oli, ct Of such action we have nothing
TO ray. The leaders Of the party are pre-
sumed 10 know and to be able 10 protect
the interest Of the party: but who VIII do
justice to the Injured people-the power
that creates both party and legislators {.
The people elect these legislators, and pay
them fixed salaries-for what! In order
that they may assemble aud pass q
certain limited number OF acts? BY
no means. 1t is the duty OF every
Legislature when assembled to transact
all legislative business properly brought
before It, Just as it j. imperative on 4 court
TO try all cases ready for hearing ut the
term. Much Of the work Of citizens and
communities is dependent on acts Of the
Legislature at certain periods Of the work.
ana the law OF the land gives them the right
to demand and have such legislation. A
caucus rule may bind the members OF the
LEGISLATURE who enter the caucus: but il
can never bind the people nor abridge their
rights. 1t may. howeve be answered TO this
that this i an extra session. called scs-
siOn--and it, chief object was understood TO
he TO correct mistakes aud errors discovered
and developed In the acts OF the regular ses-
sion. This Is no answer. IL might be il the
members OF the l. gisatuTe had come 10
Richmond at their own costs and were
now correcting their mistakes at their
own expense. But such is not the case.
The people are paying the members their
full salaries for their service. here in extra
session. and the people have a right 10 de-
mand that all possible and needed work
shall be done while the session lasts. True,
the two thirds might not have asked the
call, and needed legislation. OF course, could
not have been had. but having secured the
call and the pay for services. it seems TO
uS they are bound to do all proper and
legitimate work while in session. Counties
and towns in their corporate capacities are
let in under the resolution to any legisla-
tion they need, but we would suggest that
counties and towns IN their corporate capl-
cite, pay no taxes and cast no votes.
We thinkthat when purely business legis-
lation is asked for the caucus rule Of no
party should interfere to obstiuct. Party
policy FOR national politics ought not TO OBJ
,truct the peoples rights.
The Democratic caucus would do well TO
ponder these things, and either enlarge the
rules 20 as 10 embrace all legislation OF q
purely business character. or so relax the
present rules in their application as 70 sat.
isfy all reasonable demands Of The people.
remembering that they are the servants OF
the people and not merely OF a party.
How VIII our members answer the charge
this fell that. although they were in session
and received their full pay, they refused TO
enact laws which were asked for and need
cd by the people. ard which were not only
uot improper but were absolutely ncces-
SarV