Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-07-22
LEGISLATIVE REFORM.


The Virginan- Pilot, as its files show.
while in favor of u. S. Senatorial lclec-
tion Reform by putting the election of
Senators to the popular vote. declared
from the first that this solution of the
diiiiculties OF the case was to accept
only as the last resort. and that the
people would neither be satisfied. nor
properly served, with less. The delays
In the special reform proposed: it's ma
tional scope; the distractions sure 10
arise. or be placed, in the way of con-
stitutional amendment: the conflict of
opinion and of real or fancied inter-
ests: and all the other lions or bugaboos
that frighten the timid.-all conspircd
to discourage hope. But as IL national
question, the deplorablc facts of the
case demanded reform (as they still
do); yet If relief could be obtained in
some less difficult and practical way
be every State for itself-why not?
Why not, if this relief did not con-
fiict with further and later measures?
We suggested two remedies: more
careful selection of legislators; the first
consideration to be incorruptible char
acter and good associations, personal.
political, social and business. The other
remedy was to pledge. or instruct.
every nominee for the General Assem-
bly, rs to men and measures coming
within his choice and scope of duty. in
a series of resolutions. or in a plat
form. Both suggestions seem reasoua-
Bile, just and salutary, under any cir
cumstances. and why it has become the
custom to nominate and elect represent
tatives SO important without instruc-
tons. in writing and publicly pro-
claimed. Is In accord with influences
that thus invite suspicion and that are
not above watching and guarding
against.
An honest legislator wants fnstruc-
mated, because. if he Is in conflict with
the constituency, he cannot represent
them. and he must either decline the
nomination. or resign later, as soon as
the conflict is clearly revealed. a dis
honest legislator it will be said, will
agree to anything and everything, and
evadc all things; but the people are in
eXcusable for nominating or elccting
any such man: because they are very
much TO blame for choosing anybody
they do not know, and do not know TO
be honest, when in every legislative
district at least one honest ana we'll
known Democrat or Republican can
surely be found: and if there be but
one in the county, or district he is
the man and only man TO trust. for
no amount OF brilliant qualities will
suffice. the essential honesty being lack
ing
The q. s. Senator is n member Of the
peoples national, or Federal legislature.
and his duty and allegiance are due TO
them primarily as their representative.
no matter how plausible the arCu.
ments employed to absolvc him from
this trust. II is as the peoples stew
ard and agent that lie serves the State
and the United States under the
powers granted" to them respectivelv
by the people in their constitutions So
reads his commission. to which he must
add.and from which lie must take moth
ing. Ile is chosen by representatives OF
the people in his State legislature. and
he should be the peoples choice. rs he
and all public servants arc amepah,a
10 the people at all times