The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1895-05-15
ROANOKE, VA, WEDNESDAY MORNINGS, MAY 49, 1895


cure the holding Of constitu tional
convention at the earliest practical
moment. And while the discussion viii
undoubtedly assume wide range the
results Will be confined chiefly to this
one point u Ia expected that every
phase of the State government will be
deliberately discussed, and 1t Is probable
that there will be disposition to
recommend that the Democratic party
make this matter the chief issue in the
approaching State campaign for the
electing Of legislature. 1t Is upon this
point that the liveliest discussion Of the
conference may be expected. Whether
resolution to this effect will be
adopted is Of course uncertain.
Senator John w. Daniel, who has re.
Gently taken decided stand in favor OF
the movement, arrived in the city yes
terday evening at Ais O'Clock. He was
met at the station by Mayor s. e.
Jones, w. o. Hardaway and Chas. 1.
Stewart, of the conference committee,
Walter II. Saunders. Hon. j. Allen
Watts, Judge Sam. G. Williams, and
other prominent citizens OF the city. A
large number of tho Senator'S friends
called on him at the hotel, and he was
busily engaged all Of the evening Sew.
eral other gentlemen arrived on the
same train, among them r. Il. Barham,
owner and editor of the Petersburg
Index Appeal. At tbs p. NJ, on the
train from the west, Governor O'Ferrall
and party OF military officers arrived
from Pocahontas. The governor went
to Hotel Roanoke, whore he WAS called
upon by the conference committee and
othor prominent citizens of Roanoke,
including many of his friends here.
The governor found 1t impossible to
remain. as the pressure of State bust.
negs called him to Richmond at once.
DE left for the capital on the late train.
The greater part OF those who attend
the conference are expected on the carly
trains from the North, East and South,
which arrive here early to-day. Others
will come on the midday train from the
west, as 1t Is not expected that much
moro will be aeoomp, ished than to per-
fect organization at to-dav's session. It
is probable that others will come on the
o'clock train, as they will be in time
for the main pSrt OF the work. --
The committee has not yet decided
upon the temporary officers, but it 10
probable that Mr.. w. o. Hardaway will
be put in the chair until permanent or
ganization ia perfected, and that Mr.. &.
L. Barham, of the Petersburg Index
appeal will be temporary secretary. If
this program is carried out Mr.. Hard
oway will in taking the chair outline
briefly tho purposes of the conferences.
and introduce Mayor S. e. Jones, who
will deliver the address of welcome.
Then committee on permanent organs
iZation, and one on order of business
will be appointed. AS only few gentle
men arrived last evening there Is moth
ing definite as to who will be the per-
msnent presiding officer, but the name
of Senator Daniel Is being discussed in
this connection.
The scope and order of discussion viii.
on order of business. It is expec tied
that this committee will assign certain
phases of the subject to certain
speakers, q general discussion to follow
the opening address OF each particular
topic. 1t is expected of course that
Senator Daniel will make q speech,
whether he is the permanent presiding
officer or not. General Fitzhugh Lee
will be here If his health will permit,
and il he comes he will be expected to
make speech. Addresses will also be
made by Hon. j. Allen Watts, whose
discussion OF this subject attracted
much attention at recent meeting of
the State Bar Association, By State
senator ooutnali, Camm. Patterson and
others. IT is probable that the confer
ence will be in session Thursday and
Friday.
Governor O'Ferrall was asked by a
TIMES reporter last night what were
his views on the proposed convention
and In reply he expressed himself in
favor OF the convention. He said that
advantageous changes might be made
in the judiciary system and that the
criminal expenses might be reduced.
He expressed regret that he could not
remain over TO the conference, and be-
lieved that good would result. He said,
however, that prudence and care should
be exercised and he thought the con
florence should take no action as to tho
time for holding convention. This he
thought tho legislature could be trusted
to decide more intelligently.