Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-04-02
The Proposed Conference.


The Times has had nothing to say
about holding a constitutional convention
because while there are many defects
in the State Constitution it was in doubt
as to the wisdom Of agitatng the question
at this time. However. as in the usual
course of legislation such a convention
cannot be held until the question has
been submitted TO "A vote OF the people
of the state. there can be no harm in
holding a conference of prominent and
leading Democrats Of Virginia 10 discuss
the matter with the view Of agreeing on
certain line of action.
The one proposed TO be held on the
18th Of May next will. it is hoped, be
largely attended by representative Demo
Gratis from all over the State. They will
meet with cordial and hosptable re
ception from the people Of this city, and
VIII have an opportunity Of seeing for
themselves the development and progress
Of this section. Roanoke has been called
boom town. but very few places in the
State or country have gone through the
panic and come out Of il In better shape,
all things considered. than this city.
The banks and business houses have
stood the strain remarkably well, and
while our Industries have suffered still
our people are full Of hope and are CON
fidently waiting for a return Of prosperity
10 the country. when they know they
will receive their fun share. They have
n fear of negro domination. and. as TO
election methods. those of no State or
section are fairer than in Roanoke and
the Southwest.
They, however. are deeply interested
in the material development Of their
section. and are anxious 20 remove all
drawbacks against such development In
the shape Of laws that impede the pro-
gress of business or prevent the invest
ment Of capital. Hence, II is natural
to suppose that. so far as a constitu-
tional convention is concerned, the ma
terlal aspects Of the situation concern
the people Of Roanoke and the South
west equally as much as the political
points involved.
Messrs. Charles T. Stewart. ". q. Hard
away. s t. Jones, and III. :. Trout. the
gentlemen whose names are signed 10
the call. are staunch Democrats, ana can
not possibly have any object in view but
the best interests Of their party and
State. They are prominent in the bust
ness and political affairs Of the COM
munlty, and have the respect and esteem
Of their fellow-citizens.
Mr. Stewart as editor OF the Evening
World. has been stesdfast in his Democ-
racY and true to the best interests OF
this city and section.
Mr. Hardaway. as commemorative At
torney and as a citizen. has been a firm
uphoder Of the law and vigorous de-
fender of Democratic doctrines
Mayor Jones is an able and fluent
speaker. and an excellent citizen. He
has already made his mark on the stump
in advocacy Of Democratic principles. and
gives promise Of future usefulness in
higher fields.
Mr.. Trout has represented the PEOPLE
OF this city and section in both houses
Of the Virginia Legislature with marked
ability. and as a Businessman his ga
gacity has been indicated by remark
able success. re not only understands
the political needs OF this State and Sec
ton, but Is thoroughly acquainted with
the best business methods and CONNER
cial requirements. When men like him
advocate a constitutional convention on
purely business grounds ii is time for
doubters 10 look well into the situation
SO far. then, as the Roanoke promoters
OF the conference are concerned. they are
well worthy of the confidence OF their
party and the public. 1t is well in such
movement that Roanoke should take
the lead. as II is In this city and the
Southwest that the most marked mate
rial progress has been made and the
greatest energy shown in the past decade.