Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-25
STATE LEGISLATIVE WORK.

Some of our contemporaries who I'm May
last advocated the calling of constitu-
t,onal convention are becoming pessi-
mistic with respect to the prospect OF
governmental reforms in Virginia. But
they should not. While little thought
"a being given TO the subject just now as
soon as the attention of the puphe Is
withdrawn from the question of nominal
ting n State ticket we may confidently eX-
meet that earnest consideration will be
given both to legislative economies ana
constitutional amendments.
A time will soon come when the SUD-
feet of rotrenchmcnt will be uppermost In
the minds of the masses of Democrats.
and I'm the Roanoke platform it Is more
than probable there VIII be ringing de-
claration in favor of such economies as
will enable the State 10 meet all OF her
obligations without Increasing the tax
rate.
On the general subject OF constitu-
tional amendments it may also be eX-
nected that the convention will speak de-
cidedly. and we should not wonder If 1t
pledged the party TO appoint leSisla-
tive committee or State commissica 10
report thereon. and TO do whatever else
may be necessary TO advance the passage
of needed amendments. We think this
may be expected, because the men who
are active and influential in the leader
ship of our party-and whose views have
never failed to prevail at state con-
vention-are nearly all in favor OF consu-
tutlonai amendments Some of these
voted In favor of having a convention.
while others voted the other way with
the distinct understanding that the work
should be promptly undertaken by the
Legislature.
SO we think the next Legislature will
be elected under positive and unmistaka-
BILE instructions. not only to effect such
economies as may now be possible, but
10 forward the work of revising the Con-
stitution. We believe the result will be
that q series of amendments viii be sub
} mitted in good time for adoption or re-
lection by the people.
If 1t should DO possible for the two
houses TO adopt these proposed amend
ments at the coming session the work
would be advanced as far as possible--as
far as 1t could be by the calling OF an
extra session at a date later on. But IL
may be a question whether we would not
better incur the expense of an extra ses-
sion In order that the committee or COM
mission may have ample time to con-
kf- cn ha
houses may have ample time TO discuss
that report when 1t is submitted
But, be that as it may. let the Demo.
Gratis of this State rest assured that the
legislators who are TO be elected this fal
in addition to the usual legislative worl
will have upon them the duty and re
sponsibility of inaugurating such change.
In our state Constitution as may be de
manded by the people The obligation
upon us. therefore, is to send TO III,
Senate and House the most truly capabl,
representative men we can find, who arr
willing TO undertake that duty.
OF course, we know that at this mo
ment people generally are thinking
much more about state ticket thar
about legislative tickets, but at no dir
tant time the suggestions we now max
may recur TO them, and. we trust, viii
arouse interest in selecting legislativ
candidates.
Certainly 1t cannot be gainsaid that tn
work OF the next Legislature will be un
commonly important. Nor viii 4, b
seriously questioned that the better tn
material OF which the two houses OF GU
General Assembly Is composed the bette
ought 10 be the work expected OF them
And what is that work?
Why. the adjusting of Virginia
finances to her liabilities, present an
prospective. and preparation for amendin
the Constitution where that seems neces
sary or desirable.
BY the way. one OF the amendment
that are sure 10 be proposed Will be L
allow the Legislature 10 confer upo
cities. towns. and counties. the right I
exempt new manufactures from tax
alton for limited periods. AT present tn
hands OF the Legislature are tied. An
though there has been a demand fe
such constitutional change for tn
past twenty years, no real step to tina
end las ever been taken.
l - IA this matter the people Of tire Who'll