Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-05-11
rur SENATORIAL CONFERENCE.

THE May meeting" was all its friends
hoped it would be. 1t was creditaole in
numbers and composition, and its work
was done decently and in order. We do
not know when before we have seen
more respectable a9d loyal body OF Demo-
Gratis. And their prl, >.sedngs were marked
by dignity, sincerity, and earnestness
which make an eloquent eulogium upon
the character and intelligence Of those
participating. There We're many good
speeches and some excellent ones. We
shall offend nobody by saying that that
of the Hon. John Goode, of Bedford, was
generally pronounced the best.
The first test vote in the conference was
as to its Willingness TO make nomina-
ton, and the result was just what we ex-
pected IL would be-utter and complete de-
feat OF the proposition.
The resolutions adopted by the meeting
approve the proposed change in the Fed
eral Constitution and suggest that Vir-
ginia. through her Legislature, shall take
the lead in the movement. A state law
governing primary elections, thereafter
held for senators. is asked for. An or
ganization is formed with the view of
srousing the Democrats Of this State TO
the desirability of effecting change in
the method OF choosing senator's.
So far as this years contest is con-
cerned, the plan adopted looks TO the
State Committee slcalling State Demo
cratic convention, or in default Of that
action upon the part of the State Commit
tee, then each county and city Demo-
cratic committee is TO be urged TO
adopt a primary election plan or some
other method by means Of which the
voters may make known their preferences
While i, is suggested that the State Com
mittee may either order State primary
or call a convention, we learn that there
IS no purpose TO press the adoption OF
the former plan, In view of doubts as tC
the committees power in the premises.
In advance of action by the State Com
mittee, or in case ii should decline ia
act as recommended, the conference APP
peals to the Democratic voters Of eacf
legislative district TO nominate no mar
Cor the next General Assembly unless HI
favors the principles expressed in the
resolutions, and pledges himself TO sup
port for the Senate candidate who is tn,
open and avowed advocate thereof.
In every case the friends OF the move
ment are pledged to abide the results o
primaries or conventions that may b'
ordered and faithfully support the nomi
nees Of our party. Indeed, 1t is charac
foristic of the resolutions adopted, and tn
speeches made. that they show tina
the gentlemen Of the conference are de
termined that their devotion 10 our part,
and their subordination 10 its constitute
authorities shall not be misunderstood.
In short. the business for which th'
conference was called has been admirabl,
done Already great public interest Il
the subject has been aroused. and thu
formation Of the League for Reform II
the Election OF Senator'S, provided TO
yesterday, will continue the work step b!
step.
The next movement will be in the di
rection OF an appeal to our State Com
mitteo TO call State Democratic Conven
ton. IL II does so. the convention, fol
lowing the precedent set az Roanoke
may make a nomination OF senator. /
not. then each city and county COMMITTEE
will be urged to take proper steps 10 as
certain the preferences Of its voters.
Our hope and trust Is that Virginia will
heartily adopt the principle involved. AM
that her action will be followed by man.
other States, with the eventual and graft