Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-05-14
FOR A CONTENTION.
The Y. NJ. ID. G. Endorses It--Addresses by
Hon. George II. Bates and Others Last
Night Week.

Night Week.
The meeting of the Young Mems Demo
cratic Club last night week for the purpose
of considering the question ofsthe constitu-
tIonal convention was very well attended.
The Hon. George H. Bates was the first
speaker. He said that since lsll the DEM
ocratic party has been committed to the
question Of reforms III the State constitu-
ton. He viewed extemporaneously the
leading points in the demand for reform
inclusive of an extension of legislative
representation for New Castle county. A
large restriction of the appointiye power
as now vested in the governor and its rele-
cation to the people and the ballot box,
and judiciary reform.
Mr.. Bates eloquently described the posi-
ton of the citizens Of Wilmington and
New Castle county n their pres
identical with that of the revo-
lutionary colonists when they were
driven to tell Great Britain that there shall
be no taxation without representation
He reminded his audience of the city's
population, so large, in contrast to the rest
of the political divisions of the State and
its ridiculously small representation in the
General Asscmbly-just one senator to
represent 62,0O0 citizens. He demanded
reform in the appointive power and also
asked for Judge to sit in this county and
referred to the needs of court of appeal.
However, he added our present business is
not specially to consider the reform
measures but specially to see that the gate
way to such action full vote on May 18th,
is opened.
Mr.. Bates stated that he would be glad
to see an amendment of some nature
added to the famous ninth section of the
law referring to the calling of constitu-
tional convention, by which, should the
coming election by some at present un-
foreseen accident fail to succeed in its in
tent, the wishes Of the citizens of the State
may be more readily met and the way for
needed constitutional reform be readily
and without impediment opened.
The address was listened to with the
closest attention. On the motion of Victor
Il. Woolley Esq, a resolution of thanks
was passed to the speaker for his timely
and extremely interesting remarks;
Branch II. Giles, Esq, delivered mes
sage from the Hon. Thomas Il. Bayard
expressing his extreme regret at being
unable to attend the meeting. He is,
however, heartily in favor Of its purposes.
Mr.. Giles closed with expressing his indi-
vidual endorsement of the movement and
asked for vigorous action by the members
of the club in furthering it,
The following letter was read from
Judge Grubb;
DOVER, DEt- May 9Th. 1s91--To Chairman Of
comntutee-DEAR SIR: Your favor of Yesterday
conveying your committeos invitation 70 me
10 address the Young Mems Democratic club
of Wilmington this evening in reference % the
approaching election concerning the holding
of n constitutional convention, Is iustreceived.
regret to have to sny that my Judicial duties
in the courts now 81 ting compel me to decline
your very courteous invitation.
In doing 30, however, deem 1t proper 70
state that heartily approve of the purpose OF
your association to make due preparation Tor
securing a fair election and free expression
Of the sentiment OF the people upon the ques-
tion of calling constitutional convention.
Since the large but inefficient vote at the
special election of 1887, in favor Of a conven-
tlon, have earnestly believed that the q1es-
tion sh uld again be referred to the people,
and have steadfastly argued that the General
Assembly should provide by law for the hold
ing Of another special election for that pur-
pose.
The present Legislature having made pro-
vision for tho holding of such an election on
the 18th inst, think that the general welfare
requires that every proper effort should be
made to obtain the calm and deliberate iudg-
ment of the people as to the necessity for, and
the adylsahility Of holding q constitutional
Very respectfully yours,
IGNATIUs g. GRUBB.
The next speaker was Henry G. Turner,
Esq, who also warmly endorsed the move
ment by the club. Other speakers were
Horace G. johnson. w. II. Kurtz, John ].
Farra and John j. Cassidy.
The committee appointed for the pur-
pose then reported the following Tesolu-
tions which were unanimously passed;
WHEREAS The permanency of our State gov
ernment depends upon the submission by he
people to the constitution ordained and estab-
lished by them, and a wise exercise by them
Of their right TO change that constitution when
it's limitations prevent the continued develop
ments Of those principles which are the foun-
daticn of our liberti 81 and
WHEREAS, The General Assembly has di-
rected that an election be held at the time pre-
scribed by the constitution to determine the
sentiment OF the people upon the question of
constitutional reform and
WHEREAS, The members Of the Young Mems
Democratic Club OF Wilmington believe that
the time has arrived whom new constitution
is needed TO enable tho State OF Delaware 10
continue in the line Of progress in which IL has
been advancing; therefore, be 1t
Resoiped, That the Young Mems Democratic
Club of Wilmington endorse the calling of a
convention and pledges itself to
work earnestly for the sting of a suflicient
vote TO attain that end.
j. TRAvERs JOINS,
BRANCH ii. GILES.
VICTOR b. Wo0LLEY.
It was arranged that committee of the |
club take charge of the matter of seeing !