The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-04-13
CONGRATULATIONS ron vIncINIaNs.

Fellows Hall.
soNrREFLEcrIoSsF OH vIRGlNIANS.
A respected correspondent In Charloue
county Virginia. writes us that ne ho''ceu
.ooo time hack a statement In The
Times that the expenses Of government
IN North Carolina. Tennessee ana "eorsia
were not less than they are IN virginia
and that The Times could prove this 10
be fact He asks MS for the proof
we are not aware that The Times mas
ever made such a statement we 90 not
see how The Times could have made H.
for we have no knowledge respecting the
expenses OF government in either of the
States named and we do not know where
accurate and reliable information con-
corning them can be obtained. But this
we know: That even If 1t be true that
virginias expenses are larger than those
of the States named. no constitutional
convention is necessary 10 reduce her ex-
penses. Her Legislature has fun and COM
plete control over the subject, and 1t
can provide for reducing the expenses of
stitutional convention can. If we should
have a constitutional convention and
adopt a new constitution it would neces-
sariiy construct the frame of government
upon the>same lines substantially as those
that now exist. We see no reason. there
fore. for spending the very large sum ne
cessary to hold a constitutional conven-
tion. while we see a most cogent reason
for not holding one. The talk of a con-
vention TO reduce the expenses of the
State is a mere blind. The real purpose
which it's advocates have is to incorporate
a trick into our constitutional law where
by the negro would be DISTINGUISHED UNI
der the false pretence that something
else was being done. In our judgment, no
greater calamity could befall the people
Of Virginia than TO have their constitu-
tion basing their whole system of gov
eminent upon a trick and a lie. How can
the State expect her sons to be open.
frank. truthful and brave when she her
self holds always before their eyes the
spectacle of her own institutions pro-
is not possible. To found her constitution
upon a false pretence of that sort would
necessarily operate TO the degradation
OF the character and morality of her cit
liens. and she had better endure any evil
whatever that negro suffrage may bring
upon her than to start out to systemati-
cally corrupting the minds and the morals
OF her sons In the way this sort of a
provision would. We oppose a convention,
therefore because II can make no rcduc-
ton In expenses which the Legislature
cannot make just as wen, AID because
while its advocates nominally seek to
make a reduction in the expenses of gov
eminent. their real purpose is to frame
a constitution TO disfranchise the negro
by a trick and false pretence.
Our correspondent adds:
''The suffering in Virginia outside of
the cities is now extreme Only the we'll
TODD farmers now ever see a city. The
poverty o. our people is greater than YOU
can imagine. You have inspired confidence
IN your readers, and your paper occupies
a position which will enable you to do
great good for the general welfare Please
discuss these vital questions. Tell us how
we can draw immigrants to our
State" &C.
We thank cur friend for his very kind
reference TO The Times. and we hope il
will not be thought immodest in us 70
say that II deserves what he saws. I,
would be simply huncombe and falsehood
Tor The Times TO say II is Indifferent
about its own prosperity. The Times
earnestly hopes TO prosper but IL wants
no prosperity that proceeds from the very
smallest lack OF candor. frankness and
absolute truth. II would prefer utter
failure to millions earned in that way.
and II scorns 10 receive single dollar
so gained We tell our correspondent that
with one exception, 1t is not within the
power OF legislation to help the country
people. poor as they are. Legislation can
render them one important service that
would be OF the very last Importance 10 |
them. and that would be the repeal OF |
the tax on the note issues of State banks
They are unable 10 get any bank accom- |
modations because the national-bank |
law confines banking to the national
bank centres. The managers OF those /
banks do not know the country people.
and they will not grant them any ACCOM-
mcdations. therefore. II they were her,
mitted 10 have their own loSal banks
they would have one in every locality
that had business enough 10 sustain Il,
by the men Of that locality. who
would know the surrounding eople and
who would. therefore. grant to each sush
bsAk Recommendations ~ he was sautIed !