Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-01-11
IL, 1898.
WHERE THE SHOE PINCHEs.

The WithrOV resolution which has been
passed BY the two houses of our General
Assembly is intended 10 secure search
ing investigation of the expenses of our
State and State institutions. To this end
there Is to be no member of ii who resides
in a congressional district where such a
State institution is located Thus it IS
hoped that the committee will be as free
as possible from those local influences
which so often warp the judgment of
members.
Concurrence Of opinion cannot be said
10 have been reached yet as TO the mo
dus opersLdr' Of retrenchment; but
we think the general view is that If the
officers Of our State Government are to
be "cut" the officers and employees Of
all Of the State institutions must be cut
likewise.
From such expressions as we have
heard upon the subject, we doubt If any
bin could pass which did not include both
classes OF course, the bigger the drag
net the more difficult it will be to haul
it ashore. But should it be landed safe
ly-should it not break by the very weight
Of the catch-the greater the prize will
probably be.
Again, we believe IT, will be seen that
II the efforts of the Legislature fail to
effect a sufficient retrenchment there will
be a powerful revival of popular senti-
nent in favor of calling a constitutional
convention. If. towards the close Of the
session, that sentiment should crystalline
sufficiently, a resolution could be passed
submitting the question of convention
or mo convention" to the people at the
November election.
Let not the people think the members Of
the Legislature are spending their time
in idleness here. The contrary is the fact.
No reasonable man can find fault with
their Industry or zeal. But IL takes time
10 gather the facts and sift them and
draft bills and resolutions that will har-
monte with one another and with our
general system of laws.
That there is a wide divergence of opin-
ion as to the best way Of attaining the
object In view we concede. And this is
really the danger point. What IS most
lacking is coincidence of opinion as TO
how the States expenses may be reduced
so as to yield the net sum desired. But
as the inquiries and investigations now in
progress proceed, it may be that the de-
sired agreement may be reached. In that
event. we may expect the passage OF such
rctrenchment laws end such amending OF
our revenue laws as will put our State
Treasury upon a firm footing for many
years to come.
Again, we would say that this work of
the Legislature is laborious, vexatious
and disagreeable in the extreme Every
dollar saved TO the public treasury will
mean loss Of pay or perquisites to
that amount by some man. And We
may be quite sure that that man, and ali
OF his fellows will work industriously
TO defeat such legislation. 1t is human
nature TO do So II you. kind reader.
and we were similarly situated. the odds
are about twenty TO one that we would
do just as they are doing. "When self
the wavering balance holds" &c, sc.
Nearly every man whose income is en-
dangcred has a theory as TO bow the
desired retrenchment may be Effected
without touching him. But as yet no one
has suggested any plan by which saw
ings may be effected without touching
anybody That's the sort of plan that
seems 10 be needed Just now.