Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-11-09
r,,ra session Of the Assembly.

Governor McKIYSEY has recently reite-
rated his determination not TO call together
the General Assembly in extra session un-
less for some unforeseen reason or II be-
comes necessary to do it to receive q propo-
sition from the London and New York syn
dictates that have undertaken an adjust
ment Of the debt His conviction Is deep
and strong that there is no other need for
n session earlier than that which will come
in course in December.
The Constitution Of the State requires
that there shall be q reapportionment for
members of the two houses IN 1891, but the
Governors construction Of the provision
in question is that while the reapportion-
ment must be made next year, 1t need not
become operative until 1893. OF course the
redistricting for members of the House OF
Representatives cannot be done until Con-
cress passes tho reapportionment bill, and
may be done as well in December as IN
January, 1891.
The Governor il animated by the praise
worthy desire Of saving our straltened
treasury the cost OF an extra session, and
takes the ground, as we understand, that
If the members see necessity (Which he
cannot discovery for an extra session they
should exercise their constitutional right
and call il themselves.
The Dispatch has heretofore predicted
that IL will become necessary 70 have the
Legislature hero in the early months of
1891, and we are Of the same opinion still.
From all we can learn the gentlemen
who are "hiyingn the Virginia bonds have
met with good success, and in the course
of few months may, and probably will,
be able 10 formulate and submit a plan OF
settlement. In one way or another, directly
or indirectly, that settlement must be
passed upon by the people. II formulated
by the two houses constituting this Gene
raj Assembly, the popular verdict could bC
rendered in the legislative elections IN No
vember, 1891. II the bondholders look a
this question as we do they Will be DESTROYS
OF submitting their proposition as early a.
possible.
SO hero is one of many reasons why on
extra session may be reliably predicted
Another Is that the growing sections Of th'
State wish 10 haye--and really are entitle.
to hAve--awarded TO them an increase O
representation proportionate to their in
crease of population. Then we must re
member that there are numerous town.
and cities waiting for charters, and W,
hear that there are several large industrial
enterprises that greatly desire Legislative
action, either in the way OF new charters
or amendments to old ones. Again. as tn,
Governor knows, something must be done
70 provide additional accommodations a
the asylums for the insane people of tn
State, many OF whom are now confined il
jsils.
II may DO doubted il O legislative re
apportionment bill which becomes opera
tive in 1898 complies with tho spirit of III
Constitution. The trainers Of that instru
ment knew that the United States woul,
take o census IN 1880, and no doubt intend
ed that tie reapportionment should b
made as soon as the census figures wer
available for reference. Communities tia
are entitled to additional represeutatio
will hardly be content to wait for thei
dues until 1893.
We commend the Governors desire I
economize the revenues of the Common
wealth. Az best they are but barely sufl
ctent TO carry on tho government; but v
feel sure that upon q careful considerable
OF the question there must DO decision
favor OF called session to be held in 1s9
and.probhbly not sooner than February Is
by which time we would have before I
the proceedings Of the winter session ,
Congress. and would know number
things ofwhich we are new in ignorance.
However. there win DO plenty of time /
think about all these matters. With prope
evidence before hun Of the urgency for a
extra session. the Governor viii DO likel
- csllit. II he win not. why. as be say
lhe members have tho power 10 conven
n fkcSnaaIvos