Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-07-07
THE COUNTY MEETINGS.


Many Of the counties that have elected
delegates to the Roanoke convention have
also passed resolutions These, after
expressing preferences for candidates for
places on the State ticket, generally refer
to the Federal phases of the platform
and are emphatic in urging that the Chi
cago platform be endorsed and re-
affirmed.
1t is clear that at Roanoke there is 60
ing to be no question as to the propriety
of pursuing that policy. The original
free-silyer men and those other thou
sands who fell into line with them as
soon as the Chicago convention acted, are
a unit as to the propriety of our con-
vention's endorsing the national platform.
So we may as well consider 1t as set
lied that the Roanoke convention will
follow the lead of the Ohio convention
and endorse the. Chicago platform, land
lay particular stress upon the silver
plank.
All who throughout the closely fought
campaign Of 1896 helped us to win the
victory that we achieved in Virginia.
wish and expect this action. AS for the
gold Democrats who refused to vote for
Bryan and Sewall, we are satisfied that
many of them will support our ticket
against all corners.
So, in view of the expressions OF opin-
ion by so many counties. and the ut
terances of the Democratic press, we
may consider the matter of the national
features of the Chicago platform as de-
termined In advance.
But what of local features Of the plat
form? AS TO these very few counties
have spoken. As yet we see little dispo-
sition shown to press the work of amend
Ing the Constitution through the medium
Of the Legislature. Whether this is be-
cause Of public Indifference on the sub
lect. or whether It indicates a purpose
10 have the question OF convention or no
convention again submitted to the people,
we know not. Charlotte county has
spoken very plainly in favor OF retrench-
ment in public expenses, but we do not
now remember that it said anything at all
about constitutional amendments. Nor
30 we recollect that any other county has
hone so.
on the question of retrenchment in the
States expenses, we may be pretty sure
that the Roanoke declaration will be in
accord with general public sentiment.
There is not Virginia taxpayer to be
found who would be willing to bear any
more taxation than he Is now bearing
and II Is quite certain that the present
rate will not bring in revenue enough TO
enable us to pay 8 per cent. upon our
debt. when that time arrives.
The truth is. most people are ex-
pecting that State taxes will be lowered,
but how this can be effected we cannot
see. About one third OF our revenue goes
to educational purposes. Then, there's
the interest charge to be met-ieavng but
d limited margin for retrenchment.
Our criminal charges are complained of
IS burdens, but no great reduction In
these can be made, unless constitutional
amendments are adopted. But just now
there is an unwonted silence all along
the line as to what ought to be done.
The country people may be thinking
about these matters, but. If so, they are
not saying much about them I'm the reso-
buttons they are passing However, it
may be that they are perfectly willing to
leave all of these questions numerous.
intricate and vexatious as they are. TO
the judgment and discretion OF the good
men and true who are to represent them
at Roanoke.
But, sooner or later In one form or an
other, we shall hear OF the matter Of con-
stitutional amendments.