Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1899-05-17

as, AT no period have these deplorable
conditions been so pronounced as they
now are In many sections of the coun-
try, and, whereas, such conditions
should never be allowed to obtain
foothold IN this Commonwealth; now.
therefore, we, members of the demo
cratic party, embled IN conference,
resfflrming our devotion TO the doc
trines OF the party and our fealty to
Its organization, do declare as follows:
First. We earnestly favor an
amendment of the federal constitu-
ton so that United States Senators
shall be elected by direct vote of
the people of the several States in
stead of by the Legislatures thereof.
Second. In the effort to secure such
amendment we invite the CO operation
and assistance not only of the people
OF Virginia, but the people of other
States whose welfare is equally in
volved.
Third. Pending the adoption of
such constitutional amendment We
favor the nomination of our party
candidates for the United States Sen
ate by State primary elections and we
ask the General Assembly FOR legisla-
ton legalizing such primaries when
ever held.
Fourth. We urgently and respect
fully appeal to the State central dem
ocrstic committee to provide at once
for holding State primary or State
convention for the nomination of a
democratic candidate for the United
States Senate 10 be voted for bv the
next General Assembly. This appeal
shall be communicated TO the chair
man of the central committee bv the
committee hereinafter mentioned.
with the request that he immediately
convene the central committee for its
consideration.
Fifth. IN advance of action bv the
central committee, or in case it de-
clInes to act as recommended, We Nd
peal 10 the democratic voters of each
Legislative district TO nominate no
man Tor the next General Assembly
unless he favOrs the principles herein
expressed and Pile. yes himself To sup
port for the uiied States Senate a
candidate who is the open aud un
equlvocal advocate thereof. To this
end We urge that the preference, Of
the democratic voters il. each le.risla-
tive district for nited States Sena
tor be ascertained by party primary
IN the district or bv some other equal
~ fair method. The right of demo
Gratis TO resort 10 such local action i
incOntestable. In all cases where 10
cal action is taken as suggested it will
be the duty of every democrat in good
faith and in good spirit to abide the
result, whatever it NAV be. We hope
and believe that the necessity for To-
cal action will be obviated bv the ac-
ton of the State central committee
herein before requested.
Sixth. We now and here organize |
a democratic league for reform in the |
election of United States Senators, to |
consist of members of this conference
and all other Virginia democrats who |
approve this declaration of principles. |
To conduct the affairs Of the league
and give effect to its patriotic pur-
poses, committe of twenty shall be |
appointed by the chairman of this /
conference as soon after its adjourn |
ment as possible, to be known as the |
executive committee of the Demo |
cratic League For Reform in the |
Election of United States Senators. |
This committee shall have power to |
elect chairman either from within |
or without its own membership. TO fill /
vacancies and to adopt such measures /
within the limits of loyal support of |
the regular democratic party of the /
State as may be deemed proper to ad
vance the general objects in view, Sc
cure the cooperation of democrats in
other States and the election of our |
next General Assembly of a Senator
who is heartily in favor of the great
reform contemplated.