Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-01
TUESDAY. ,........ FEBRUARY l, 1898.
CONVENTION Or Nof

There can be no doubt that the failure
TO put into effect a vigorous policy of
retrenchment in public expenses would be
followed by a popular demand for a con-
stitutional convention. And yet. in the
ordinary course of events. such a con-
ventjon's work could not be productive
of economy until the year 1902.
Mr.. Withers's resolution contemplates
submitting the question of convention"
or mo convention" to the people at the
next November election. Should the de-
cision at the polls be in the affirmative,
the apportlonment of delegates could not
be made until the meeting of the Legis-
lature of 1S99-1900. Then. after the ap-
portlonment was made. the delegates to
the convention would have to be elected.
That could not be done sooner than in
the spring or fan of 1900. The convention
could meet in the winter of 1900.
Next the work of the convention would
have to be ratified by the voters. That
is the custom in Virginia, and in the
present temper OF the people we doubt if
any man could be elected to the cOnven-
ton who did not pledge himself in ad-
vance to vote to refer the conventions
work TO the voters for adoption or re-
lection.
So. should the conventions work be
done in l9OO-l90l, it would not be until the
Legislature of 19Ol-lgO2 was elected and
convened that the new Constitution could
be put into practical effect by legislative
enactment. And from now until then
we should be spending our money at the
present ratel Worse still, we should have
the per cent. interest period upon us
without having made any adequate pre-
paration TO meet it. That might be a
very, very serious matter, indeed.
Again, much is hoped for in the matter
OF economy by abolishing our county
court system; but We cannot be anything
like sure that that system would be
abolished. 1t may have been a mistake
ever 10 have engrafted il upon our or
ganic law; probably it was, but it has
now taken deep root and cannot be easily
changed. If a popular vote were taken
to-day. we doubt n the opinion of the
voters would be in favor Of abolshing
the county court system. Much has been
said against it, but really, the opposition
has never shown great popular strength.
Few public meetings have pronounced
against the system.
AS for the matter OF suffrage. since the
Australian ballot system was adopted in
"a modified form by Virginia, there has
been less complaint than in many years
before. We hardly dare hope that the
question is definitely settled; bat GER
tain It Is that it cuts no great figure"
in politics just now.
The report OF the joint Committee on
Retrenchment and Reform will soon be
presented. We know not what its tenor
VIII be; but the rumor Is chat If II is
adopted there Will no longer be any great
reason for calling a convention. eve
shall see what we shall see."
Certainly, the convention scheme Will
become very strong before the people If
This Legislature adjourns without giving
palpable proof that 1t has done everything
within the bounds of reason To satisfy
the expectation OF the Taxpayers.
Cheese-parings, SO TO speak, will not
satisfy the masses; nor provide for the
Increased rate of interest after July ],
1901.