Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-05-05
TWELVE PAGES
FRIDAY. MAY 6. 1899.
LET THE PEOPLE CHOOSE.

: There can be no doubt or the neces-
s!ty of q reform In the choice of Sem
atore in Congress, and THE VlR-
GINIAN-PILOT has therefore con-
CURED heartily In the movement look
ing to that end and which has called
the conference of May 10th, in Rich
mond. The end avowedly to be
achieved is to secure to the people their
rlghtful influence In the choice Of U.
S. Senator'S, and the mode proposed is
by amending the constitution of the
u. S., so as to take this choice from the
legislature and place 1t directly In the
hands Of the people. But 1t is already
obvious that a mere alteration of the
constitution will not effect the real
end desired, if the people, or party
managers and methods. at once trans
fer this choice to a delegated conven-
fion. How much nearer Is conven-
tion-a party convention-to the people
than q legislature. or to q party. If the
party has a majority in both branches
of the General Assembly. We are told
that the delegates to a party conven-
ton go instructed; but a constituency
can as we'll instruct their nominee for
the legislature.
II takes no great deal of knowledge
or intelligence to understand that the
existing trouble about the choice Of
United States Senator'S is not wholly
attributable 10 the constitution. 1t in
deed puts the choice Of the Senators
in the legislature of every State: but
in doing this the trainers Of the con-
stitution knew that the legislature Is
composed OF Senators and delegates
elected directly by the people. and ex-
pected to represent the people truly
and faithfully In all they do. That
legislators are not really the chosen
representatives Of the people. but often
quite otherwise, results from some in
adequacy in party organization. or
that the nomination of Senator or
delegate is not by the people, or party,
but by a committee. or clique. or "a
combine" OF interests. or the faction of
some person. It IS thus apparent that
no constitutional amendment can avail,
q
still prevail; and If reform In party or
ganization and management were pro-
perly established, there need be no
change In law or constitution.
The nomination of the candidate is
the important thing In any and every
public department or office. The pow
t. %
panied by the power and the efficient
ways and means, to nominate; and IL
follows that If the people secure or re-
cover the power to name the u. S.
Senator, that Is the essential, let who
may elect him.
matter. has no axe to grind. II has
no candidate. nor is 1t opposed to any
one, though it has ample right to do
as It may please in either case. But
1t so happens that 1t occupies an i'm
partial position toward candidates. and
can consider all schemes suggested
without Partially or prejudice and
wholly with regard to the good of party
and the right OF the people. 1t Is for
and with the party; and when the
voice OF the people demands that they
shall be recognized as a potent factor
in choosing u. S. Senators. it must pro-
test against bare election, when the
real choice is in nomination, which is
kept from them and referred or re-
tained elsewhere-a concession to the
ear. but a denial to the hope.
We already have too many elections.
and there Is growing sentiment
among the people that the number Of
elections must be decreased. not in
. exeased;. and ere long there will be an