Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-08
SATURDAY APRIL 8, 1899
THE REAL DEADLOCK.

The scottsviile Courier is opposed 10
the election or nomination OF senators III
the United states Congress by direct
vote Of the people. Its views are express
cd rather amiably, but we cannot agree
with the conclusions drawn. We quote;
$50 far as the primary plan IS con-
cerned. IL is but a superiority. Ihe people
have always had all the primary they
wished or asked i'm the election OF me
members Of the Legislature when eiecleu
the senator. In electing these meIhDeis
they have had and have exercised their
choice for the Senate. There Is pul Ht'e
reason to believe that the people or TINS
ctate have so completely lost confidence
An the gentlemen they send to represent
them in the state Legislature that they
cannot longer trust them TO carry out
,heir wishes I'm the matter OF the sena-
1orship. or that they are SO enraptured
with the casting of votes that they yearn-
inelv desire. as is stated, TO add the I'M
necessary burden Of "a senatorial primary
10 the already oppressive number OF con-
stantlv recurring elections. However no
objection is made TO the convention. Let
the gentlemen meet and discuss, and may
all be edited
The people have not had call Of the pri-
mary they wished or asked in the cleo
ton of the members of the Legislature.
In proof of this assertion We have only
10 refer to the fact that the State Demo
cratic Convention held at Roanoke spoke
up for the party and made the Hon. John
w. Daniel our nominee for reelection.
The circumstance that he had no oppo-
sition. and that the vote in convention
was unanimous. did not alter the fact
that the State Convention OF our party
took the matter out of the hands of the
legislative caucus.
1t is true that legislative caucus met
and again nominated Major Daniel, but
Il was wholly unnecessary. Every man
elected upon our ticket was committed
to the election of Major Daniel.
We do not believe that gentlemen who
purpose being candidates for the Legis-
lature would take umbrage If our party
determined to make its next nomination
Of senator by a primary election or State
convention. 1t is well known that
great many candidates for legislative
nominations are avowed friends of choos-
ing our nominees by some popular me
thod.
The truth is, we suspect that the vast
majority of them would gladly be relieved
of the duty in question. But be that as
1t may. the people of Virginia have, on
more than one occasion, decided that
duties performed by the Legislature could
be done better by themselves. For in
4
Governor and our presidential electors.
SO far as the proposed change of the
Federal Constitution is concerned, IT has
become necessary now for the people to
decide whether the United States Senate
or the United States House Is correct
in respect TO the position it has taken.
There is a deadlock between the two
houses, and none but the people can
break H.
If the voters of the country. after Civ
ing full consideration TO the question,
declare that the Senate is right. well and
good. But If on the other hand they say
the House is right. the Senate will have
10 yield and agree TO the resolution Of
the House proposing that the sense Of the
several States shall be taken as to
the amendment referred 10.
II there is any States rights" in this
matter it is in favor Of the position of
the House. The House proposes to allow
the several States TO say whether they
desire the Constitution amended or not:
on the other hand. taking its non-action
for what we suppose it means the Senate
is opposed TO giving 10 the States the
right TO vote upon this question.
Is that position which the Democratic
party can defend? We think not.