Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-05-07
rHE SENATORIAL QUESTION.
Views m 10 the May Meet"g Oh
wise County Democrat.
Pennington Gap. Lee county. w.


Pennington Gap Lee county. va
May 3. 1893.
To the Editor OF tie Dispatch;
Democrats OF this county are Watching
,,,,,h The keenest interest the outcome or
IT, NAV conference OF Democrats TO
meet in Richmond. Some fear It's action
will be such as to offend many Democrats
of the State; that its discussions VIII not
he hrotberly and friendly. and that harm
will be done the cause II proposes TO pro-
mote. | trust this is pessimisuc view
tn the matter. Democrats and nearly AL
people of this county, I think, arc heart
Ily I'm favor OF a change OF the Consti,u-
ton of the United States on the question
OF the election of United States seiia-
tors-thoy m want United States sepa-
tors elected by the direct vote or the
people And until this change can De ei-
fected, l think our Democrats OF 'liiS
county arc In favor OF providing Ior
some other way Of nomination than
through a legislative caucus. II the same
can be done without injury to our party
But as to this conference, 1t is a SELF
constituted body, and can lawfully DO
nothing but recommend IL this view Is
correct, yet / do not think any eHcep-
lions could he taken, IL the conference
would pursue something after the follow
ing line:
% A respectful request TO the Congress
OF the United States asking necessary
steps TO be taken to have the Constltu-
ton OF tho United States amended. so as
TO allow the people TO vote directly LOT
United States senator;
CD A request TO the State Democratic
Committee to fix a time and place OF
convention Of Democrats TO discuss ana
pass upon the question OF the nomination
of a Democratic candidate 10 go before
the LEGISLATURE of the State for election;
c) An address TO the people and Demo-
Gratis of this state, asking them In chooS-
ing delegates to such State convention
that may be called by the Democratic
State Committee, 10 instruct for some
popular method of nominating Demo-
cratic candidate for United States seha7'
tor. this course TO be pursued until d
change i'm the United States Constitution
can be effected: and,
90 That it be recommended TO TINS
State convention. in the event 1t should
adopt some method of nomination OF our
candidate. otherwise than through party
caucus TO the members of the Legisla-
ture. that such nomination be made az
ter the November elections, and before
the meeting OF the Legislature which
elects. and each member TO the Legisla-
ture elected on the Democratic ticket be
pledged TO support and vote for the NOM
inee.
BY having the nomination made after
the election. we would get the full and
hearty support Of all aspirants; there
would be no sulking. etc Then, more
over. members OF the Legislature would
be relieved of the necessity Of choosing
between worthy aspirants.
l doubt whether this county will be
represented in the May conference, be-
cause Richmond is so far away, and not
because our people are not In accord
with the movement. | think the people
are fully capable of choosing United
States senators directly, and the Demo
Gratis Of this county will unite with the
Democratic party 10 secure that right.
The campaign for county offices is
growing rather warm. Both parties have
full tickets in the field. The Democrats
seem to be very confident Of electing
their entire ticket The Republicans con-
cede that T.. 5. Flanary Oemocrap VIII
be elected for Treasurer and y. b. Mum
sey OemocraD for Circuit Court Clerk.
Tho fight IS being made on County Court
Clerks office, Commemorative Attorney
and Sheriff. +. w. PENNINGTON.