The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-07

To the Editor of The Times:
Sir.-No intelligent observer now coubts
that the original intention Of Che Cl9m-
Lcr's Committee was 10 frame a,1end-
monts to the charter, present tnem 10
the Legislature, and secure their passage.
The approval OF the city delegation m
that body was an after-thought. The
first appeal TO the city delegation devel-
oped division Of opinion Anxiety 10
unite the delegation suggested the neces-
sitv of "a compromise in the shape of
provision that the amendments should
not be effective until they had been SUBJ
mittee TO THE people for ratification.
The term the people" having raised
scmc doubts prudence suggested the offer
o. Democratic primary.
The Chamber having abandoned us
Original intention as hopeless, arranged
a conference with the city delegation FOR
the purpose of securing the pledge of
efupOrt from each delegate. I'm TINS pur-
nose the Chamber failed. Colonel iiar-
wood declined TO pledge himself to sup
port the amendments. His refusal made
an undivided delegation impossible, ana
forced the conces sion of reference 10
the people. Colonel HarwO0d agreed to
support the amendments with the pro-
yiso that they should not 30 into effect
until ratified by the people. but wrote
the committee that he understood the
peoDle" 10 mean the Democratic white
people This did not suit the Chamber
committee, and they tried TO hold him
10 the broader interpretatiOn-all Of the
ne0pie. Colonel HarwoOd listened 90 the
suggestion of a primary. but felt that a
primary. after the passage Of the act
committing the case 10 the people, could
not prevent the adoption of the amend
ments by a minority vote OF white Demo-
Gratis. aided by the solid black and white
Republican vote or their rejection by
minority vote of Democrats aided by the
solid Republican vote. In brief he be-
lieyed that the question OF ratification or
rejection. with a divided white vote.
would bee decided by the negro and Re
publican vote.
When the Committee on Counties. cit
les. and Towns decided 10 postpone, and
so for the present killed, the measure,
Colonel Harwood had
First. Prevented the mere will Of the
Chamber from becoming law without con-
sultation or reference.
Second. by dividing the delegation he
had prevented the will of the Chamber
from becoming law by the concurrence
of the city delegation without reference
20 the people
Third. lie had endeavored 70 get a pro-
per. limited. construction TO the words,
THE people"
Fourth. lie was consulting his constitu-
onts and his party and by every means
available trying 10 reach wise cOnclu-
sion.
Colonel Harwood cannot. therefore, be
fairly charged with being unwilling TO
let the people vote on the questions !n-
volved in the proposed amendments.
Colonel Harwood did not cause the
postponement which resulted in the de-
feat OF the measure. The Committee on
Counties, Cities and Towns is not respon-
sible for that postponement.
The simple truth is. that the postpone
rlent was made az the request of the
Chambers committee in order that they
might have time TO report and get in
structiOns.
The committee cannot Justly charge
their defeat 10 the man who has twice led
the ticket for the House in Richmond,
and has repeatedly received tho thanks
Of the business men OF the city FOR faith
full and successful efforts TO advance their
interests.
If Colonel Harwood delayed. eve de-
laved. the progress Of this movement for
amendments, he did ii in the effrt 10
secure TO the people the right OF passing
upon them, and in the light OF the record
the only effort on the part or anyeccy
to deny 10 the people the riSh, 10 vote
on them is seen in the effort OF the Cham
Der 10 carry out its original p.fTosc,
which did not contemplate any inter
ference" by the people but nnai'y Well.
upon conference with the city delegation
The writer has no personal interest in
the amendments: does not believe that
they would do as much good or as much
harm as some people hope or fear; Is rot
friendly 10 the original irtsnton" Of
the Chambers committee. end writes
more especially as
Richmond, Va. March 8. isss.