Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-04-03
DIR STATE CONVENTION.

The Danville Register thus discusses
the basis of representation i'm and the
place for holding our next Democratic
State Convention:
'Danville would love TO have a session
of the Democratic State Convention held
here, but Danville could not accomooate
the convention as IL Is usually con-
structed.
This is no reflection upon Danville. but
is an argument that the Democratic con-
vention is. 10 use n vulgar phrase. too
big for it's pantaloons.
''It Is ridiculous that the convention
should be composed of some sixteen hun
dred delegates and as many alternates,
TO say nothing Of workers, hange. SON.
etc
with such a ridiculousiy large repre-
sentation, Richmond is about the only
town in the State that can hold the con-
vention. Other towns have tried ii TO
their own, as well as TO the delegates,
disgust.
THE fact Is, there is no sense in such n
large representation and the Executive
Committee ought to cut II down"
The basis OF one delegate for each 100
democratic voters has been in vogue
so long in Virginia. we doubt If any
serious attempt will be made TO change
II now. At any rate. in considering what
places are and what are not available
for convention purposes. we may as well
keep in mind the possibility, If not the
probability. that the basis will be un-
changed
Richmond. Newport News, Charlottes-
vile, and Roanoke will quite surely COM
pete for the honor of accommodating the
convention. We do not know what
Staunton will do. Something has been
said there about asking for the conven-
ton. but we believe that as yet. no con-
clusion has been reached by the people.
The convention held at Staunton last
spring was not as largely attended as the
one TO be held this summer will pro-
badly be; but we must say, that Staunton
acquitted herself on that occasion with
credit.
Each city intending TO compete for this
honor OF our party would do well 10
show not only that II has a hall large
enough for convention purposes, but that
II will be able TO afford hotel and board
ing-house accommodations for all who
may attend.
IL. in the wisdom of the State Demo-
cratic Committee. Richmond should be
deemed a suitable place in which to hold
the convention. we Richmonders would
be able to offer the convention. for its
sessions. the use OF either the Academy
of Music or the Auditorium. The Acad
envy OF Music is In the heart OF the city
and within two or three minutes walk
from the Capitol. The Auditorium is on
the Exposition Grounds (old Camp Lee
and Is reached by splendldly equipped.
double-tracked electrician line. running
the whole length OF Broad street The
Academy will accommodate 1900 people.
The Auditorium Will accommodate more
than three times that number.
on the score of hotel accommodations,
we feel that we need not say anything.
They are indisputably adequate.
II the State Committee should choose
Richmond as the convention city. we
should feel honored, and would DO every
thing in our power 10 make the conven-
tion a success; but on the other hand.
should the committee decide that the
interests OF our party would be advanced
by fixing upon some other place. we
should not only ecquiesce cheerfully, but
would be glad to assist our successful
rival. in any way possible. in the fulfil
ment OF its duty. Richmond's delegates
came back from the stanton convention
pleased with their trip. and so it would
be with our representatives. we doubt
not. should another city than ours be
agreed upon for the coming convention.