The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-08-22
AMEND THE CONSTITUTION.

We take from the New York World the
following trenchant article:
Misnt Senators.-Within the last few
wears there has arisen a demand Tor
business mem as congressman.
The time-honored principle that only
men OF fine intellect. broad culture.
high character and thorough knowledge
of the history and science of govern
ment should be chosen 10 the most I'M
portant legislative body in the World
practical business men and smart
politicians
Consequently in place Of Thurman
railroad wrecker; as successor TO
Marcy, Seward and Conkllng we have
Ed. Murphy, brewer; In the seat OF
Dayton and Freylinghuysen sits James
Smith. lr, sweat-leather marulacturer.
and under the broad toga of Reverdy
Johnson the eX-page German cieeps ia
and out
The betrayal and defeat Of true Dem
Ocratic tariff reform Is due 10 these four
They were all elected by money. by
wire-pulling or by both.
Two of them, at least. are incapable
them sits in the Senate not to legislate
for the welfare Of the whole country
or 10 redeem Democratic pledges, but to
protect his interests" This is what
for. This Is why the politician becomes
a trust agent.
Germans interests are in cOal-carry-
ing railroads and other monopies,
Brice's in corporations generally, Smiths
I'm local manufactures. Murphy 's-heavon
save New YOrk-in collars and cuffs
And 20 the greedy fingers Of most Of
them stick the drippings Of the Sugar
Trust.
These are the men who have success
fully held up" their party I'm Congress.
Office men who make a business Of
politics or make politics a part OF their
busincssi
il has come to be the necessity Of the
day that the Constitution shah be
amended so that the people may elect
their senators by their own votes, and
thus end the purchase Of their legisla-
lures and the consequent debauching
of all their elections.
Yet. although the House Of Representa-
tives has passed resolution for thus
amending the Constitution, the Senate
Committee on the judiciary has pigeon
holed It, and It will never be heard Of
again. Fortunately. however, the peo-
pie are not at the mercy OF the United
States Senate. The Constitution has pro-
vided another method for its own amend
ment The fifth article provides:
The Congress whenever two-thirds of
propose amendments TO this Constitution.
or, on Application Of the legislatures of
tw0-thirds of the several States. shall
call convention for proposing amend
menis' which, in either case. shall be
Vald TO all tntents and purposes, as
part of this Constitution, when ratified
ny the legislatures of three-fC urths OF
the several States, or by conventions i'm
three-fourths thereof. as the one or the
otner mode of ratification may be pro
posed by the Congress"
The people have secured TO them a
method by which they can amend their
Constitution and subject the choice Of
senators to their own vote. 1t is only
necessary that the legislatures of two
thirds of the States shall demand il and
Congress will be forced 10 call a con-
yention, which Will amend the Consti-
tuition In the desired manner. and whom |
It's work is ratified by three-fourtbs 90 |
the States, the change will be made Let |
the BAH be set in motion.