The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-08-02

them marriage and divorce. the protection
Of the people against trusts, insolvency
the descent and distribution of property
the execution and acknowledgment OF
deeds, the execution and proof OF Wis
and the forms of notarial certificates.
Continuing, the speaker said
While upon the subject of law reform
| submit that there a. urgent need Of re-
form In the organic law OF the State. inc
Constitution under which we now I've,
commonly known as the Underwood
CONSTITUTIONS WAS framed under the re-
construction acts OF Congress by aliens
ana newly-emancipated slaves. IL was
adopted by the people Of Virginia under
duress as condition precedent 10 the
readmssion Of the State into the Unlon
and its representation In Congress. II
Is not only obnoxious on account Of the
circumstances attending its formation
and adoption. but the government estab-
lished by IL Is unnecessarily expensive,
ana I'm many respects, wholly unsuited
70 existing conditions. How can II De
amended2 In the spring Of 1897. the peo-
pie rejected at tho polls the proposition
submitted 20 them 10 call constitutional
Convention. This action was takon. not
because they were satisfied with the eN-
isting Constitution. but because they con-
sidered the time inoppOrtune for the as
sembiing OF a State convention ana he
cause they did not deem II wise 20 incur
the additional expense I'm view OF the
financial condition OF the State
CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSION.
Under these circumstances. 1 recon-
mend that this body shall memorialize
the General Assembly 70 provide BY Ia"
for the creation Of a Constitutional Com
mission 20 consist OF twenty-one mem
bers, two from each Congressional DIS
trict and one from the state at large.
who shall be charged with the duty OF
recommending such changes In tho exist
ing Constitution as in their wisdom they
may deem expedient. submit that TINS
plan would be not only expeditions out
inexpensive and would be attended with
the best results. The Code of 1887. the
product OF three well-trained legal minds.
furnishes evidence that the work OF
amending our organic law would be wen
done by a commission OF tWenty-ohe
able. learned upright men 10 be elected
by the General Assembly or appointed
by the Governor"
Mr.. Goode cautioned against revoiu-
nonary changes I'm the proposed revision,
and defended especially the present sys-
TEN OF trial by jury
COURTS ARD OPEN
Upon the subject of administration OF
justice In the State. Mr.. Goode said.
The courts are open for the enforce
ment OF every right and the redress or
every wrong We all agree that the rend
IN human shape who makes a brutal as
sault upon a helpless female should BE-
summarily put 20 death. but fortunately,
In Virginia, there is now apparently no
necessity 10 invoke the application OK
iynch law Section 40i6 OF the Code as
amended by the act of the General AS
sembly, approved February Y, 1894 pro
vides that when an indictment Is found
against q person for felony in a codrt
wherein he may be tried, the accused, II
IN custody, or II he appear according
10 his recognlzance. shall unless good
cause DC shown for q continuance. be ar
raigned and tried at the same term"
Upon the subject of the proper standard
Of honor. integrity and courtesy IN the
legal profession. tho speaker touched N
some length upon the relation OF coun-
sci 10 client
Mr.. GOode recommended to the assO-
citation "a proposition emanating from
the Illinois Bar Association that the legal
professor celebrate Monday. February ..
1901, as John Marshall Day" That will
be the centennial anniversary Of the COM
mencement OF his career as Chief JUS
tice.
The rest of the address was devoted
principally 20 a consideration OF the
"magnidcent rewards that are held out
20 the faithful votaries OF our noble pro-
fesslou"
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES REPORTS
After the delivery OF the presidents ad-
dress Mr. Eugene G.. Massie OF Rich
mond. submitted his reports as secretary
Continued on Third Page)