The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1895-05-14
DANIEL ON THE CONFERENCE.
The senator Favors Convention, But
Advines Conservatism.

The senator Favors Convention, But
Advines Conservatism.
General Fitzhugh Lee informed Mayor
Jones and w. o. Hardaway, Esq, at
Lynchburg Saturday, that ne intended
to attend the constitu tional convention
conference TO be held in this city to-
morrow. Hon. John w. Daniel, in re-
ply to the question whether he favored
the calling Of conssitu tional conven-
ton. has addressed letter to MIR.
Hardaway on the subject, in which he
said he expected to attend the confer
ence, and that he was in favor Of q con-
stitutional convention. In regard to
the Underwood constitution, he said:
1.-THE Underwood constitution under
which we live would never have been
framed by the people identified with the
interests Of Virginia. 1t was inspired
and shaped by aliens. 1t was adopted
as the least Of evils to escape from car
petnbeg and bayonet rule. And 1t has
been endured rather because Of the
popular WEAKNESS of agitation than
from any favor IL has found in the
esteem of the people,"
a''~ Senator Daniel does not believe in
amending the constitution ty piecemeal
as amendments when voted on at the
polls receive but little attention. Vir-
ginia people, he thinks, must, in the
near future, contemplate such reduced
assessments OF land as will make the
question Of sufficient revenue one of
paramount Importance. Continuing, he
says:
The Democratic party from Its foun-
dation has been the peoples party.
Such 1t must remain, looking to economy
Of public expenditures and low taxes as
the best safeguards of purity in the gov
eminent and prosperity amongst the
masses. And believe the people of
the State will uphold it in it's efforts to
give them constitution according to
It's principles.
I'VE could lily afford as State to In
crease taxes either upon property or
commerce, for all sources of revenue are
already strained"
He believes that the dignity of con-
stitu tionaI convention would bring out
the best talent in the State, as ex-pres-
idents and men of national reputation
have been proud to sit in Virginia con-
ventions. Nearly all Of the Southern
States and many Of the Northern States
have had constitutional conventions
since the war, and with the exception
of the Underwood constitution our con-
stttut ion has not been remodeled since
1850. He closes by saying:
while have just stated my feelings
and opinions, should add, to be en-
tirely candid, that believe the reform
In contemplation will be surer of success
by moving with caution and conserva.
tism. We cannot separate ourselves
from the political and economic ques-
lions existing in the country at large,
and we must be in measure guided by
them in selecting the time for submits
sion Of this important question to the
people. The legislature to be hereafter
chosen by the people will be fresh from
their constituents, and circumstances
then existing can be best judged Of by
them.
~ would, therefore, sum up my reply
60 your question by saying that am in
favor Of constitu tional convention, the
time for submitting the question to be
considered hereafter by the general as
sembly, according 70 the lights then be-
tore It,"