Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-02-19
THE CONVENTION.

IT is conceded, we believe that con-
MENTION TO frame a new Constitution Tor
this State ought to be composed of our
greatest statesmen. if we expect the work
TO be well done. Then the question arises;
Are the times propitious for securing the
services of such statesmen?
Let each Democrat ask himself this
question. If he be of the opinion that
when the election comes off for members
of the convention We would elect the
ablest and most conservative Democrat IN
each county or city. let him vote for
calling a convention. But, on the other
hand. IL upon considering the question
thouehtfully, he should be of the opinion
that 1t is very doubtful, indeed, if the
election would result in the choosing OF
wise and conservative men as members
Of the convention, then it would be his
d-iy to vote mo" on the proposition.
In short. 1t is a matter for each Demo-
crat TO decide for himself.
Orr state Democratic Convention, held
at staunton last June. studiously avoided
urging our voters to take one side or the
other. 1t defended the Legislature for
submitting the question TO the voters
and there dropped the subject. But If the
Democratic convention had been of the
cp.nlon that this was q suitable time to
call a constitutional convention, it would
have urged every Democrat to so to the
polls on the 9Th CT Iay and vote AYE"
But IL did no such thins; it left it to the
individual voter to decide for himself
what TO do.
There are many very excellent men that
tive process is by far the most economical
and the safest method of amending the
Constitution. There are many others who
hold to the opinion that the work can
be done ever so much better by a conyen-
ton. And Of those who are of this latter
opinion there are two classes-viz., one in
sisting that now is the time" to order
the convention and she other holding ex-
actly the opposite opiaion. After all, the
solution OF the question at the polls Will
turn mainly upon whether our voters be-
lieve that during 1897 or 1898 we would be
able to gather together convention of
statesmen to do the work needed.
We want not only a well-meaning. but
q competent convention. Are we likely TO
get such convention now? We
fear not. And to see that others
have apprehensions on this point.
we need only look at the peo-
pie OF the oyster country, who are up IN
q
Why this fear on Heir part? Why, be-
cause they believe that conservatism ana
craftsmanship would not prevail but that
important interests of theirs would be
assailed by a convention. the majority OF
whose members would not take the pains
TO study the oyster question and deal
with 1t In a broad spirit. There are
other interests. too. that are now antago-
nistic TO a convention that would not be
antagonistic If conditions were normal.
The continued iteration of the hope that
by holding constitutional convention
about $3.50 900 per annum will doubtless
have some effect. But the fact is. that
the State. cities, and counties of Virginia
pay to public schools. colleges. and uni
yersities in the form of shares OF taxes
due, annuities. or extra interest, about
seventeen or eighteen hundred thousand
dollars per annum. We dare say il is not
expected that this sum would be cut
down. II not, then the cut would have 70
be made by remodelling our county-court
system and consolidating the offices OF
treasurer and sheriff. &c. Are we ready
TO do this? In our opinion public senti-
ment Is not yet crystallized upon this
subject The people need time 10 discuss
the matter thoroughly. We shall have &c
cut down expenses some way. but ths
question is, Is this the best way?
1t would. therefore. be well to take time
10 consider. The voting down OF the con.
vention question on May nth would sim
ply defer action until after the next Legis
lature meets II would not dispose OF the
question forever And II II should ap
pear-as II probably will-that the pro
position was rejected on the 9TH OF May
by majority Of Democratic votes. thai
rejection could in no sense be held 10 b'
. defeat for our party-particularly as WI
have never made II a party question.
ous judgment Is against calling q con