Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-24


soul" II the Democrats would confess
that they committed great blunder
when the stanton convention refused 70
commit the party to a constitutional con-
vention-if they would acknowledge that
they did not better the thing when the
last Legislature submitted the question
to the people at time and In a manner
which II knew would ensure its defeat,
II would clear the atmosphere consider
ably Why try to dodge the only real
issue which is before the people or Nir-
ginia to-day? IL that craftsmanship!
Why could not the Roanoke convention
handle the office-holders like the Chicago
convention did the gold-bugs In 1886?
That was patriotism. and 1t was that
grand achievement which made the Popu-
list party willing to disband their or
sanization. and join hands with the
Democrats In the great work OF retrench-
ment and reform. Do you mean to justify
those Middle-of- the-Road Populists who
nominated Captain Cooke because they
did not think the Democrats were In car
nest. and could be trusted to carry out
the work OF retrenchment and reform? Do
you mean to drive out again those Popu-
lists who have left their party. and
united with you with the hope OF Sc
curing the success OF this necessary and
patriotic work? DO you mean to force
every honest man who loves his State
and country better than he does the
Democratic party TO leave It In disgust7
A BAD FIX.
It seems to me, Mr.. Editor, that the
Democratic party is ''in the middle Of
very bad fix" and those Populists who
put their faith In 1t are no better OF
| confess, Mr.. Editor. that did not be-
lleve that the Populist party could carry
out this work OF retrenchm@nt and re-
form, because II Is composed of such in
coherent and discordant elements that
they do rot agree upon either the ballot
or the money question. They are all
reformers but some OF them are too rad
zeal and visionary. / knew that the Re-
publican party, IL permitted to get into
power, would only make matters worse.
The only hope to-day Is In the Demo-
cratic party, which embraces large ma
iorlty OF our most intelligent and yirtuous
and best citizens.
The ticket which II has put into the
field is, to my mind. unexceptionable,
but the platform which It adopted barely
touched the real question at issue; an
other great blunder God save the Com
monwsalth OF Virginia. and the Demo-
richly deserves! What is the matter with
our leaders?
/ thought at one time that II this Lee
gislature would appoint, as soon as II
assemblies, a constitutional commission OF
fifteen, non-partisan. from outside OF Its
own body, which would sit and frame
Il new Constitution TO be submitted Tor
its adoption or rejection, before adjourn
ment, that 1t would be possible to tide
over the crisis which is now upon US,
but, upon further reflection, I have
changed my mind. No Legislature which
we can elect will be competent TO deal
with the real questions at issue. Any
Legislature, II II has a mind to ii, can
bring the expenses of the State within
its revenues at the present rate or tax
atioh, but any attempt to patch up the
present Constitution in the manner which
II provides will prove an utter failure
and lead to endless trouble. expense, and
confusion. The thing Is wholly impracti
cable.
There Is really but one solution to the
problem-a constitutional convention
This Legislature should submit the ques'
ton to the people at the election FOL
members of Congress next November
and at the same time provide for the
election Oh UlCD.DtlS ~ SSlQ NOhfChliSh
This will give time and ensure tho
rough and full discussion OF every
question before the people, and tn,
election of those who fairly represent
the views and wishes of the people or
every question at issue. BY this means
and this alone, we can be living Lndei
our new Constitution before the dawnini
of new century, II we choose TO do so
OUR YANKEE CONSTITUTION.
Virginia-"Old Virginia, never tire"-i
the only one OF the Confederate States
still living under the Constitution mad
for us by our dear friends, the Yankees
and our colored brother, the American
citizen of African descent. Are we ire
now, capable of acting for ourselves. ant
qualified for the work of selt-government
or are we still Military District No.
governed by a provost-marshal? ina
the Democratic party, In full possession
of every department OF the government
should have permitted US TO go on unde
such an instrument. which is an tnsul
to every true Virginian. for ten year
after II had expired by its own limitation
is by no means the least OF the sins which
II has committed against the peace ant
welfare of this Commonwealth. Trul,
the back IL fitted to the burden, w
have adjusted our ideas, our manner!
and customs, our morals. and our election
machinery TO Its iniquitous provisions
Why should we sickle now over mat
ter of few hundred thousand dollars |
year more than is necessary to run IN
State Government? What the old soldier
and lunatics and paupers and free
schools do not get Is necessary TO lubri
cate the machinery, and pay tho boy
who do the work. Let well enough alone
All of this, Mr.. Editor, Is pretty hare
upon an old man, who can look back upo'
the halcyon days Of "befo' de wah.'
why did we accept the gauge OF battl
and wage four long years OF bloody an'
relentless war? II such Is to be our fate
then can but envy those who laid dow
their lives upon the battlefield. ant
are now sleeping peacefully in Holly
wood. But q better day awaits US.
Science, civilization, Christianity, ar
tina three great forces which are movini
the world along, and we must keep stel
to the music of the times. Driven alonl
In the midst Of a great revolution-social
political, Industrial, and economical ant
moral-new ideas. new questions. new
issues constantly confront us .and de
mand our solution. lay governs al
things" Shall we shut our eyes and drift
along into anarchy. or permit the ship o
state to founder. upon the breakers OF G.
empty treasury, or shall we readtust Oh
organic law TO the new order OF things
and thereby guide the ship OF state safe
Is into the haven of peace and pros
perity? Hastily and truly yours.
RICHARD V. GAINES.
eve let our old friend have his say
but there is much in his letter that W
do not approve.-The Dispatch.)