Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-07-24
Political Questions I'm virginia

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poIt,ic,I Questions I'm Virginia. ,
The Fredericksburg Free Lance should
know that when we gave II as our opih-
ion that the people approve the wal
ton law. we did not mean 10 affirm that
no amendments to the law are asked or
needed. on the contrary, the Dispa'ch
has repeatedly said that there are faults
in the law. Moreover. we have declared
our belief that the Democrats wouid
amend the law 50 as to satisfy all satis-
fable people And as TO the manner OF
framing these amendments. we Know OF
no better way than for the Democrats
az the General Assembly TO appoint Il
committee 10 revise and amend the law.
AS we have frequently said. we would
have the law perfected, not cut 10 pieces
The Free Lance TO the contrary not
withstanding. it is our opinion that not
n few who some time ago thought thal
constitutional convention ought TO be heIu
NJ once TO adjust the suffrage question:
are satisfied that the public approval
given the Walton law makes conven-
ton unnecessary just now. These same
men would. however. be In favor OF
convention If the Walton law were re-
nealed Mind. we are stating what we
helieve 70 be a fact: the Dispatch is stili
of the opinion that our state Constitution
ought 10 be revised and amended, but
las we have ever BEEN we are WILING
that the date for submitting the con-
vention question TO vote of the people
should be decided by our legislative eau
Gus.
As 10 what will be the issues OF the
coming campaign in this State. we quote
from a letter in the Free Lance from
Senator Hays. Of Madlson-a man OF marx
in the Legislature:
.In the coming legislative campaign IN
THIS State il seems TO me mat the
question Of a constitutional conVehtioh'
the question OF needed changes III the
Walton law: the question OF no" 10 cut
down expense SO as TO meet the dehciehcy
which will be occasioned by the falling
off Of values in the new assessment 'he
question of how to inaugurdte system
Inv which the public roads of the state
may he mt in some sort of a decent order
are the issues most important LOT
the consideration OF our own people. AS
IN the silver question. hardly think that
IL can be made an issue in TINS canvass
The LEGISLATURE Of Virginia certainly mas
M control over q financial system or the
country. our people are by no means as
much interested in the question as certain
political agitators would have us 10 De-
lieve."
In the same issue Senator George w.
lie Cato. Of Accomac. says:
eft may be taken for granted that the
matter Of national finance will not enter
into the canvass. Certainly nothing could
be gained by an illogical attempt
Ia make such question an issue IN the
election of members to the 1eherdi AS
sembly. ,.,,..
,ocb itself 10 the question of adjusting
The rate of taxation, if need be, to the
conditions imposed by the new assess
rnent. But it is difficult 10 conceive now
sI,ch q question could be made party
issue. ,.a
..The new ballot law will claim snare
If public attention. Various propoSeu
amendments may severally give rise 10
local issues in different sections, Dut
be,iave the main features of the Walton
law are becoming more accep'doie
they are better understood.
"The question Of amending the Cohsu-
tuition is Just now. in my opinion uie
most interesting State question before
the people of Virginia. That radlcal
changes are advisable. and generally ue-
manded. hardly admits of contention
THE desire for retrenchment in the pup
lie EXPENSES will sooner or later urge the
solution of this question, as oheflnS 'he
only practical hope in that direction
confess that. individually. / do not favor
the plan of temporizing with so urgent
nubljc necessity. The agitation OF ms
subject during the pending canvass VIII
doubtless lead to some expression OF the
popular will. and. therefore. to more IN
teIligent action on the part of represent
tatiyes. ~
THE question Of the United States
senatorship is probably too remote TO cut
much figure as an issue in the election
Of State senators.
'"The usual sectional demands Tor local
legislation will likely shape local issues
and furnish available platforms for con-
tending candidates. The oyster of
course will not be overlooked, though ]
know Of no radical changes contemplated
In the present oyster law. In fact from
present indications, and with the above
few exceptions. the coming campaign
PROMISES an off year In virginia po-
lfficS -