The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-01-29

would have upon the movement started
IN Virginia. Air Reddy said.
'Tho people Of the United states are.
/ believe, beginning 20 realize that the
existing method Of electing United states
Senators Is not merely defective I'm its
workings. but fraught with danger to
inc body polite. This feeling has been
brought about by the snamefuness OF
tho proceedings the newspapers every
DAY resalo us with and hy the memories
Of the no less unsatisfactory attempts
10 elect United states Senators which
have preceded the present ones.
In West Virginia we are told that tho
listed States Senator was elected by de-
ception and trickory.
In Pennsylvania we see the power OF
the machine holding the Legislature to-
gethcr and provcntng a decision unless
10 bo IN favor OF "a man against whom
the mos. serious criminal charges have
been made.
On California We hear charge after
charge OF bribery and corruption. In
Montana IL Is declared that 5000 wa
Offered 20 buy a vote or votes, and the
newspaper reports say "tne grand jury
reported that money had been used on
both sides. but there was not sufficient
evidence 10 warrant an Indictment
In Nevada grand jury has had 10
investigate bribery charges. Ia Wiscon-
sin deadlock; IN Delaware a deadlock.
IN Utah deadlock. in Nebraska a dead
lock, I'm Washington deadlock.
"As I have said. were this the first
timo when such q state Of things con-
fronied us Il might be suggested that
20 WIS because OF some unusual and eX-
traoriduary conditions, but We know, un-
fortunately. that senatorial deadlocks
are the rule rather than tho exception.
THESE ARE SERIOUS MATTDRS.
sDeadiocks are serious matters" com
tnued Mr Reddy "They mean the waste
OF legislative time ana. in some instances.
the calling OF extra sessions. as I'm Ken
lucky about two years ago. and the cost
OF these extra sessions must De borne
by the people OF the respective States.
All this in addition % the humiliation
that must come from the miserable pro-
ceelings and charges we are hearing
daily In our papers being made in Diff
ferent States. Another unauswerabie
reason for tho change Is that to-day
members OF the various Legislatures are
elected, not with regard - their legis-
iativo fitness and qualifications. but
wholly as % how they shall cast a bal
lot in party caucus for q candidate for
he United States Senate. How can the
interests Of "a state be served by such q
system?
A REMEDY SUGGESTED.
''What So the remedy you would onery'
Mr Reddv was asked
"The remedy Tor an this lies On the
election or United states Senators by the
people" said be- TO bring this about
81 viii be necessary 10 amend the Con
etitution Of the United states. The Con-
stituti0n now reals.
The Senate OF the United States
shall be composed OF TWO Senators from
each state chosen by the Legislatures
thereof, for six years. ana each Senator
shall have one vote.
THE practical difficulty Of amending
this Constitution viii be readily per
oslved when 10 IS remembered that all
proposed amendments must have the
support OF two thiris OF both houses OF
Congress and be ratified by the Lcgis-
iaiures OF three fcurths OF the several
States With the United states Senate
composed Of members elected by tho
Legislatures. 70 seems Ear cry 70 an
amendment 20 the Constitution I'M THIS
respect Indeed q may be dismissed as
az present impracucable. There s., how
oyer. n practical and easy means OF
meeting nc difficulty. 10 is boy nomi-
tlna senatorial candidates by party
d. ~, 'ss iu the different States / say
a. s practical because IL Is alroaiy in
operation iH different States. Il Is easy
because The deals OF any party primary
are easy.
MIR REDnT'S BILL.
1T was M privilege during the last
session Of the Legislature 20 Introduce a
bul TO give The people an opportunity 20
express their choice OF candidates for
United States Senators by ballotung at
certain elections FOR members Of the
state legislature This bin was never
discussed IA the House OF DELEGATES. but
was defeated In the senate It's object
Was simply 20 provide a primary cleo
lion 20 determine VINO should be- the
oar,v choice for United States Senator
IL provided Tor tho nomination OF candi-
dates BY the petition OF $500 qualihed
voters lodged with no Secretary Of the
Commonwcailh and for the holding OF "a
p,nasale election fof nominations Tor
tinted states senators on the same DAY
ehst members OF the General Assembly
ware elected. OF course. - Is only
natural for me % say that II was feast
hls but so far the details OF the
measure were concerned was willing 20