Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-22

our information is that an immense ma
FORTY of the Democrats of Virginia from
the bottom Of their hearts favor changing
the existing methods of nominating and
electing United States senators.
The political situation in Virginia in
terests them, of course, but they are
looking beyond this narrow field They
are taking national view. In a day
when the aggressions Of trusts and pro-
1ected monopolies are so incessant and
bold. one great hope Of the country must
be in bringing the Senate into closer re-
lations with the people.
How can that be done so well as by
compelling the senators of all the States
TO look TO the people themselves for APP
pointment and approval? If We are re-
solved TO check the powerful combna-
tons which are destructive TO so many
private interests in the name of Heaven
how can we do it better than by making
senators directly responsible TO the voters
themselves?
This is far from being a personal or
local question. 1t is one of the biggest
and broades; questions that have
ever been raised in this coun-
try. Twenty-Five States are said
10 have expressed wish for
change-a desire that the Constitution
shall be amended so as to impose upon
the whole body Of voters in each State
the duty now enjoined upon legislatures
DO Virginians wish to join in this
movement or not? DO we want the
masses to have more power or not? Are
we afraid to trust the people?
That the sentiment in this State is
overwhelmingly in favor of the change,
the Dispatch hasn't the slightest doubt,
but we are told TO wait; told that the
May movement is ill-advised; that it is
intended to boom Somebody and injure
Somebody else, etc.
If we are to give heed TO such sugges-
lions as these we shall never secure the
change; we shall stand in our present
tracks for all time.
The call for the May meeting has now
been before the public for nearly month.
1t has stood all sorts Of assaults and criti-
cisms. II is very well understood TO be
All HOHtSN dIlNtA ~ ' 81 0ii'''"
10 come together and petition our party
authorities to give us a fair opportunity
10 test the general sentiment upon this
subject. 1t is to be a conference of friends
and advocates of the change They wish
10 make known their strength in
argument and numbers. and they wish
TO persuade our party TO adopt their
views. 3 46& .Es4i
Is there anything wrong in that?
Haven't we the right Of petition? If
our views are sound. ought not they to
be adopted by the party? II they are UNI
sound can't they be rejected?
The time for the May meeting is near
ing. and we trust that the Democrats of
this State will now give their attention
10 the main question. Let side issues
alone for awhile. Remember that no
change can be made in our system of
nominations until il is first approved by
our party authorities.
All that the May meeting will aim 10
do is 10 set the ball IN motion. 1t expects
10 impress upon the Democratic masses
the duty OF asking that the nomination
and election Of senators be placed in
the peoples hands. Does that propo-
sition strike you fayorably2 II so.
be sure 10 come 10 Richmond
on May 10th and take your place
among those who will be here on
that day TO frame an appeal TO the Demo-
cratic party Of Virginia 10 fan into line
with their brethren OF other States who
favor the choosing OF seniors by the
popular voice