Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1895-05-16
ROANOKE CONFERENCE.

! AS stated in the GAZETTE OF that
date conference of democrats was held
in Roanoke yesterday to consider the
question of holding constitutional
convention.
Mr.. Hardaway, the temporary chair
man, made brief speech, in which ne
discussed the needs of constitutional re-
vision. The fact that there was a
small attendance, he said, would not
be discouraging. He contrasted VIZ,
ginia's judiciary system with that OF
North Carolina, and declared tnaC
twenty judges aud twelve solicitors 40
in the latter what it requires IN the
former 126 judges and III common
wealth's attorneys. There were TOO
many officers of various kinds lnfllct-
ing burdens upon the people that are
grievous to bear. He favored the cleo
ton OF judges by the people.
Senator Daniel reviewed the consul,
tutional history of the State, and SAID
that convention had been held about
every twenty years up to 1869. He de-
scribed the manner in which the pres
ent Underwood constitution was made
and declared that while it had been
amended its cumbersome features ana
multitude of unnecessary officers re-
NAMED. He was out and out Tor a
constitutional convention. Changes
were needed to reduce the burdens OF
the State government to more eco
nomical basis and more suited to the
conditions of the day. Many of the
States of the union had held conven-
tons in recent years, and it was impor-
tant that Virginia DO the same thing
The Senator was of the opinion, how
ever, that the Legislature is the best
Judge as to the time for holding con-
convention, and thought the confer
ence should take no action as to that.
The small attendance did not mean
that there was no interest in this mat
ter There was strong sentiment
throughout the State in favor OF constl-
tutional revision.
The following declaration was adopt
ed at the night session:
The conference of democrats inform
ally held in Roanoke to consider the
question of a constitutional convention
respectfully submit to their fellow citi-
zens that in their opinion the time is now
at hand when the people of this State
must contemplate change III their
constitution or an increase OF taxes.
The reassessment of lands and personal
property will undoubtedly disclose
large reductions in values, and with ex-
listing charges on the public treasury
the present tax rate will, in all likeli
hood prove insufficient to sustain the
public credit, our educational and
eleemosynaro institutions and reason
able provision for our wounded ard
disabled soldiers and enable us to bear
at the same time the usual expenses
which are alike impossible to foresee or
avoid. The people have long borne
with the Underwood constitution. not
because they like it, but because they
were weary with agitation and bad
many other issues to deal with, and
now thai it must come in conflict with
their necessities and is likely to result
in increasing their burdens, We deem it
wise and expedient to recommend a con-
vention that will thoroughly revise that
crude and unfit instrument under
which we live, and give US constitu
ton adapted to the condition of our
State and necessities of our people.
1t has been nearly half q century
since the people of Virginia had the
benefit OF a constitutional convention
composed of the wise and substantial
citizens who were identified with them
by every tie of interest, and more than
half of that time we have lived under
the constitution framed by aliens and
out of keeping with our changed and
revolutionized affairs. We are not
lacking in true and wise men who are
capable of graphing with all the prob
lens we have to deal with, and we
have all confidence that the people
would command and would make sure
of their services. Unless we take time
by the forelock and anticipate the
difficulties which confront us it is
obvious that these difficulties will
be enlarged and multiplied, and
for these and other reasons we de-
clare ourselves in favor of q constitu-
tional convention and recommend that
the General Assembly submit the ques-
ton of holding such convention to
the people just as soon as in its judg-
ment that may be expedienty done, all
surroundings considered.
The conference then adjourned sine