Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-06-15
THE CONVENTION QUESTION.
An Interesting Interview with Mr.. Eugene
Withers on the the Subject.


To the Editor of the Danville Register:
/ have noticed in the Register corre-
spondence that / am to speak at Chat-
ham Monday. the 18th, court-day There
mist BE some mistake about this. i
have not been asked 10 speak. am not
advised of any desire on the part OF
any one TO hear me speak. and VIII not
be able to attend court Monday, and, OF
course. cannot speak at Chatham when
not there. While / most earnestly adj
vocate radical and sweeping changes and
reforms in our Constitution and whole
method of State government, L am as
yet not prepared nor equipped to address
intelligentIy and comprehensively the citi-
zens of Pittsylvana county ON this sub
ject. Very respectfully,
EUGENE WRITER'S.
Danville Va, June 18th.
After the receipt OF the above, a IKE
gister representative called on Mr.. WIN
ers and had a very pleasant chat win
him In regard TO the current topic-an
extra session and constitutional con-
venton. The unnecessary expenses I'M
posed by the Underwood Constitution
were discussed at length, and the Re-
gister man asked ''Is there any way
to cut down these heavy expenses other
than by new constitution
Mr.. Withers replied: None, except the
slow process of introducing amendments
to the Constitution at one General AS
sembly, having them approved by the
General Assembly Immediately following,
and submitting them to the people in
such manner and at such time as the
General Assembly may prescribe
do you favor an extra session or the
Legislature to call n convention
II do not, unless the sentiment of the
people favorlng a constitutional conven-
ton becomes 80 strong as to compel the
Legislature to obey its mandate. That
sentiment Is strong in Southern Nir-
GINA 1 doubt whether ii ~ so else
where. This Legislature. In my opinion.
will not call "A convention unless the
demand for 1t is imperative"
do you think the people desire a con-
vention?'
II doubt il: that is. In the State at
large. The border counties of Southern
Virginia do desire it In my opinion.
They know something of the evils OF
our present Constitution"
you have of course, read the sug-
gestion Of the Norfolk Virginian and the
Richmond Dispatch that conference
be called To consider the convention
question. What do you think OF it,
IL think the suggestion an admirable
one. Every possible means should be
used to inform the people fully and
completely of the iniquities Of the I'm
derwood Constitution, for the attempt to
reform or change it will be persstently
and bitterly opposed"
How large a body do you think the
convention should be-"
Not over one hundred members at
the outside and smaller number II
possible. Should 1t be held, citizens
should see that the best, ablest. most
incorruptible and Independent man In
each community should be sent as its
delegate A constitutional convention is
dangerous thing. 1t Is capable of the
greatest good and Of the worst evils.
A convention controlled by a political
ring would be curse TO the State. If
II is held. every man should make it
his business to see that no ring. clique,
combination. or corporation controls or
In any wise influences the delegates
elected"