The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-05-16

VI tDt WHO ERt ut-
clared their Intention Of attending to.
days conference of Democrats oa the
question OF n constitutional Conven.
Non did not put in their appearance.
Out Of about $50 favorable responses
Az the invitation only about one third
we're present. The meeting was called
40 order by Charles !. Stewart, of tho
committee who issucd the call
Sir. Stewart read tho letter of invita-.
zion aud presented w. O. Hardaway
as temporary chairman aud X. p. Bar
hnm, of the Petersburg Index Appeal,
es secretary. MIR. Hnrdnwny, III tax
ing the chair, made 8 brief speech, in
which he discussed the needs of con
stitDti0ual revision. The fact that there
TRs a small attendance, he said, would
not he discouraginG.
"he movement had been started
Tbich would 30 on until success is at
iaiped. Tie Democratic party and tho
people would not submit to any Sitting
OF this question. iie discussed ut
length the manner in which the con
stitution had been adopted. 1t was tho
vork OF soalawags and carpet baggers
and never was suited 10 the needs and
conditions OF Virginia.
De contracted NirQinia's judiciary
system with that Of North Carolina and
declared that twenty judges and twelve
collectors do III the latter what requires
an the former l46 Judges ana III Com
monwsalth's Attorneys. There were
500 many officers of various kinds in
slicting burdens upon the people that
are grievous to bear.
lie favored the election Of judges by
she people. This plan was pursued bv
most of the States. The Virginia Leg.
asature, under the existing Constitu.
tion, Is largely nm Office brokerage cs-
ssblishment. He discussed law reform
and declared that the ,netliciency OF
she administration of justice WAS keep
sDg capital out of the State.
The Democratic party must continue
TO control Virginia and it should take
mold of this matter and insure the
revision Of the constitution.
Tho chnir announced tine Committee
oh Organization and introduced Mayor
Sc. jones, who welcomed the visitors,
and in this connection advocated a
convention, declaring that the Demo.
cratic party should make this question
on Issue In the approaching election.
There were loud calls for Senator
Daniel and he took the platform amid
loud applause. Senator Daniel re-
viewed the constitutional history of the
State and said that IA convention had
been held about every twenty wears up
20 1869. He described the manner in
which the present Underwood Consti.
tuition WAS made and declared thnt
while it had amended its cumbersome
brain work, many unnecessary officers
remained.
He was out and out for oonstitu
nonal convention. Changes were
heeded to retire the burdens of the
- ~ war ~ 20
cal basis, and more suitable to the con
ditions Of tho day. Many Of the States
OF the Union had held conventions in
recent years and it was important that
Virginia do the same thing.
Ihe Senator was OF the opinion,
however. that the Legislature is the
best Judge az to the time for holding
convention, and thought the confer
once should take no action rs to that.
The small attendance aid rot mean
that there was no interest iu this mat
Ter,
There was strong sentiment
throughout the State i'll favor of oon
stltutional revision. The committee on
permanent revision recommended X.
Z. Murray, of the Norfolk Landmark,
as permanent chairman, and l.. :.
0arye, of Lynchburg, permanent SEQ
retary.
Vice presidents First Congressional
district. j w G Blackstone, Accomac; :;
Second. @ Whlttle Sans, Norfolk;
d.Judge George S Christian, Rich.
mond; Fourth. Charles Davis, Peters
burg; Fifth, Eugene Witners, Dau-
vile; Sixth. Il w Scott, Charlotte; :;
Seventh, r Il Byrd, Winchester; Eighth,
b McCabe, Leeeburg; Ninth, Hubert
Peters, Bristol; Tenth, A A Withrow,
clifton Forge.
j.. Allen Watts was called for and
made brief speech, in which he de
clared his sympaihy with the move
Ment.
Mr.. Murray. in inking the chair,
taid that there was n strong sentiment
in fnvor of constitutional convention
In his part OF the State. although the
representation WAS small.
The Committee on Resolutions was
announced as follows: w O Hardaway,
Senator John w Daniel, w II Saun-
ders. Il " Miller, Charles ID Denit. B
" Bell, II L Barham and w W Berke
ley, after which the conference ad d.
}onrned 10 meet at $50 D. IN, III the
Ponce De Leon parlors.
The following resolutions were adopt
cd at to night's session, after which the
conference adjourned;