Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-14
SHOULD BE DISCREET
Governor 0'Ferrall Opposed to Radical
Changes in the Constitution.
OUGHT TO DE CONSERVATIVE.
He Thinks the Democratic Conven-
tion should Go ON Record ~
Against Interference with Popu-
lar state statutes and Systems.

Governor O'Ferrall was somewhat In
disposed yesterday and did not go to
his office at the Capitol He spent the
evening in his office at the mansion and
had a number OF callers, as is the case
almost every night. Touching the mae ter
OF what action the State convention will
probably take with reference TO the pro-
posed constitutional convention. his Ex-
ceIlency expressed himself as strongly
opposed to any interference with certain
popular statutes and systems of the State
and said ne thought It incumbent on the
Democratic convention to put itself on
record In opposition to such radical
changes.
"In my recent message to the General
Assembly" said the Governor, Il ex-
pressed the opinion that all the reforms
and changes desired by those who ia
vored a constitutional convention could
be brought about by legislative enact
ment or by the people by amendment
10 the Constltution-either a safer and
much less expensive mode than a con-
sti,utional convention. A majority OF tho
General Assembly. however. differed
with me, and determined that the ques-
ton OF holding convention should be
submitted 10 the people In May, 1897,
ana l approved the joint resolution.
CHARGES WILL BE MADE.
1T Is probable the State Democratic
Convention In Staunton will be expected
to approve the action Of the General AS
sembly II so, l think the convention
should put Itself on record as fayoring
certain restrictions. All kinds Of charges
as TO the intentions OF the Democratic
party In desiring a constitutional conven-
tion will be made by the enemies OF the
party. paramount among these will be the
following First that the homestead pro-
vision will be stricken out: second. that
road service will be made compulsory;
third, that provisions radically inlmicai
to the railroads of the State will bs en-
grated; fourth. that limitations unreal
sonable upon cooperative business enter
prses Will be inserted: NTH. that dis
elimination I'm the use OF the public free
school funds; sixth, that reduction OF tho
public free-school term and impairment
Of the public free-school system.
NO UNCERTAIN DECLARATION. .
while all such charges will be without
the slightest foundation" continued his
Excellency, yet they will be made by
the enemies OF Democracy. and the con-
vention should anticipate and meet them
by declaring In no uncertain terms that
the Democratic party favors the present
homestead provision. and opposes COM
pulsory road service, radical railroad
legislation, unjust restrictions upon CO.
operative business enterprise. d.scrlmi-
nation in the use OF school funds. or re-
duction Of school term, or impairment Of
school system. III this action Is taken
by the Staunton convention, In my opin-
Ion a constitutional convention will ha
called; II not the proposition will be de-
feated. IL the party fails to make a de-
claration along the llnes Indicated we
VIII be handicapped In the presidential
election. as we'll as the May election fol-
lowing"