Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-04-24

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object to any Railroad Commission which
would faithfully and fairly communicate
between the people and the roads.
After a long debate participated in by
the report of the committee was adopted
overwhelmingly.
MAKING IT EXCLUSIVELY A FARMERS
BODY.
The appearance of the report of the
Committee on Permanent Organization
brought on debate which showed clearly
that the convention intended the Far
mers' Assembly should be composed Of
farmers exclusively. The report was read
by paragraphs.
The clause allowing all connected with
industrial or mining pursuits to become
members was bitterly opposed by the far
mers and stricken out.
Mr.. Massey was opposed to any one as
member except those engaged in farming.
1t was said that if others than farmers
were admitted into the organization, in
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at the tail Of the Assembly.
When the paragraph naming August as
the time for holding the Farmers Assem-
bly, was read, Mr.. Robert Beverly said
that time was fixed so that the farmers
might get their just representation in the
legislature. While they are entitled to
Is per cent. of the legislature they had
never had over % per cent. At any other
time later, the influence of the Assembly
would not be felt in the coming election.
General Wickham said he opposed tn e
purpose announced by Mr.. Beverly. He
had understood there was to be no poll
tics in this meeting. He did not want
farmers undertaking to control a Legisla-
ture. It was not safe. Twenty lawyers
could beat an hundred farmers any time.
1t would be an unfortunate day when the
farmers took control of affairs as a politi-
cal party, antagonizing every other class
Of the great mass of people. The people
Of the counties could manage their politi-
cal affairs as they chose, but he was OPP
posed TO farmers arraying themselves as
such against all other classes.
Mr.. John E. Massey said he did not
think 1t a political question at all. He
wanted the Assembly to meet long enough
befere the election to have an influence on
the same.
General Wickham asked Mr.. Massey
what proportion of the voters of the State
would be Influenced by the suggestions of
this body in reference to elections, and
also if he did not think it q dang erous
time to introduce new attempt.
Mr.. Massey replied, and then went for
the railroad monopoIies," striking at
Gen. Wickham. perhaps. for he Jumped to
his feet and said that at the proper time
he would meet any one on that subject.
Mr.. Massey said farmers would not proba-
bly, select as representatives men connect
ed with railway companies. Loud ap-
plause.
The Convention fixed Tuesday, after the
second Monday in August, yearly, the
day for annual meeting.
PERMANENT ORGANIZATION.
The following is the plan of organization
as finally agreed upon:
Article I.-ESecti0e Franchise.
Every citizen of the State of Virginia engag-
ed in farming shall be entitled to vote as here
matter provided.
Article H.-Eaecattioe Department.
Section 1. The Executive Department shall
consist of State Executive Committee, COM
posed of two members from each congressional
district in the State. The first Executive
Committee shall be selected by the delegates
to this Convention from each congressional
district, and such committee shall serve until
the first meeting of the Farmers Assembly
hereinafter provided for and after the meet
ing Of that Assembly the said committee shall
be chosen by said Assembly and shall hold
Office for two years. And the said State Ex-
ecutive Committee shall have power to ap-
poiht secretary and treasurer (who may be
one person. and to prescribe the duties of
these officers.
Section 2. It shall be the duty of the State
Executive Committee to carry into effect the
suggestions and recommendations of the
Farmers Assembly.
Section g. 1t shall be the duty of the State
Executive Committee to designate farmer in
each county to hold an election for county
COllultbCO, dAu Uu0 ldIIuOIS VI ally
county fail to elect committee, then it shall
be the duty of the State Executive Committee
to appoint an executive committee for said
county.
article III.-Legiszati0e Department.
Section L. The Legislative Department
shall consist of twice the number of delegates
in the lower branch of the General Assembly,
except where two or more counties constitute
one electoral district, in which case each of
said counties shall send to- this Assembly one
delegate. This Assembly shall be called The
Farmers Assembly of the State of Virginia.
Section 2. Any person may be elected
delegate to the Farmers Assembly who is
qualified voter under the first article of this
constitution.
Section g. All qualified voters under the
first article of this constitution may assemble
at the court-houses of their respective coun-
ties at the July or August term of the County
Court, as the County Committee of each coun-
ty may direct, each. alternate year, and the
voters of each magisterial district of county |
or ward of city or town, shall assemble by |
districts and wards, and select two delegates |
for each district or ward. Such delegates shall |
assemble and appoint delegates !
for the county to the Farmers Assembly: Pro- |
vided, however, that the members of the |
County Executive Committee of any maeis. !
terial district or ward as aforesaid may upon
ten days notice, call a meeting of the voters
Of such district or ward at a point in such dis
trict or ward to be designated in such notice,
and at day prior to said County Court day,
and elect two delegates to represent them in
he nominating county convention.
Section a. The delegates to the farmers
Assembly shall hold office for the term of two
years.
Section S. The Farmers' Assembly shall
IN 4
Monday in August, at P. NJ in the city of
unless otherwise ordered by the
Assembly, and majority of the members
hall constitute quorum for business. A spe-