Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-03-20
The Convention Question.
Norfolk LandmarkJ

The Dispatch has never SAID tnat the
Constitution Of Virginia does not need
revising; nor that the Legislature could do
the work as well as convention. We
have, for many years, held the opposite
opinion What we have said since our
party declined to adopt the constitutional
convention scheme as a party issue, Is
that the present is not a favorable time
for calling such conventon.-Richmond
Dispatch.
The foregoing paragraph Is the gist OF
the Dispatches comment upon an article
in the Landmark few days ago when
we expressed the opinion that there Is
really nothing for the Dispatch and the
Landmark to cross lances over concerning
the need for a constitutional convention.
This our contemporary admits. but says
that 1t does not regard the present as
suitable time for revising the Underwood
ingenuity The only reason 1t gives Tor
this attitude is that the Staunton con-
vention did not endorse the movement
OF course, IL is useless for us to argue
over this. The people will have to DECIDE.
We do not see why they should not trust
themselves to-day as well as tomorrow
The Norfolk Landmark.
Now, really. we should like TO know
If the Landmark is much nearer ready
for a convention than the Dispatch Is.
ton by a constitutional convention OF an
amendment restricting the right Of suf-
frage. so as to relieve the Black Belt OF
Virginia from that class of voters when
is a menace TO its political peace?
Would ii favor taxing each county ana
city of this State with the criminal charg-
es there incurred?
Would 1t agree to make each city ana
county of the State pay its pro-rata snare
Of expense for the maintenance OF the
insane?
Would It favor an amendment INTENDED
IN produce the greatest possible amount
Of revenue from our oyster beds?-not
taking into account whether the persons
who offer to lease backgrounds are citi-
zens of Virginia or non-residents.
Would II favor an amendment ABOLISH
ing county courts, thereby creating the
necessity for increasing the number Oh
circuit judges?
Would It favor the abolition of the Office
of County Treasurer?
Would 1t favor the division or the pubic
school funds between white ana coioreu
schools in proportion as said FUNDS nave
been derived from white and colored tax
payers? ...,,
These are some Of the things that would
come before a convention. We concede
that they are matters of importance. We
concede that though the Legislature may
propose amendments with respect TO them'
they are subjects that could be dealt with
better by a constitutional convention IMAM
by a Legislature. But, we ASK Is our
marty ready 10 assume the responsibility
for calling a convention to act upon tnese
questions forthwith ?-Richmond Dlspatch'
The Landmark would favor an amenc'
ment restricting the right or suffrage ~
would agree TO make each city ana county
i'm the State pay its pro-rata snare OF eA-
pense for the maintenance of the insane
II would favor the abolition OF the once
of County Treasurer except in the larger
counties but it would not favor dividing
the nuhlic-school funds according to the
Dispatchs inquiry.
The oyster question is not an issue
and cannot be made one. If there were
any considerable sentiment in the Sta'e
against the present management Oh tne
oyster interests. II would have shown IL
self in the Legislature. Without offence
TO our friend, the Dispatch. we regaru
this talk about oysters as political scare
crow, pure and simple.
As to the county-court system We
favor a thorough discussion OF its merits
and dement's in the convention, and that
body. after deliberation, can decide the
matter satisfactorily. We think that there
is room for economy in the department OF
the State judiciary; but the convention,
when II shall have compared the judiciary
system of Virginia with that OF other
states which conduct their government
M less expense. will be the best judge
as TO the application of remedy
Our contemporary seems to make one
vital mistake. 1t seems TO imagine thds
the people should map out the plan OF
revision and submit II TO the constitution
al convention, instead OF the constitution
al conventions mapping out the plan ana
submitting IL to the people. A convention
is needed for the very reason that such
bodv can best plan revision. III every man
in the State were OF precisely the same
opinion about the matter, and II every
nerson I'm the State considered himseI q
competent political economist, we shoulu
probably never need convention.
Yet. we are unable to understand why
the Dispatch propounds these questions.
The Dispatch is in favor OF revising our
Constitution-it knows that the consul
tuition is extravagant and foolish, and IL
knows that there is no hope of remedial
action by the Legislature. Its sole osten-
chile reason for opposing a convention
is the matter Of time. Now. we desire TO
ask the Dispatch a question. Would not
these same problems which II propounds
10 ms so categorcally be subjects for dis
QUESTION by q convention at any time
when II should be called? We except the
oyster bugbear. Of course. Why Is not
this inst as good a time to economic as
any other?
ne that procrastnates Is lost.