The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-04-28
FRIDAY. APRIL 2S. 1893.


Our esteeemd contemporary. The Lynch
burg News. IS disturbed about what 70 is
pleased TO term 1.-The astounding incon-
sistency which has characterized the
utterances and actions Of some OF those
who inaugurated and have pressed upon
public notice tho so-called May confer
ence at Richmond" This soft impeach-
ment Is Of The Times as well as others.
and the postscript IS addressed to The
Times exclusively We quote:
Since writing the above we note that
The Richmond Times has assumed a much
more rational attitude. II plainly pro-
tests against making the conference a
scheme in anybody's behalf or against
anybody. II opposes making a nomina-
ton or doing anything else than recon-
mending a policy FOR the party. 1t goes
10 the extent OF saving.
NO Democratic delegate will he ex-
Guided. II will not be a cut-and-dried
affair. hut those who are opposed 10 IL
have equal opportunities with those who
are I'm favor Of IL 10 come il and vote and
10 govern its action"
This is radical changedn position for
The Times. We would like for that paper
20 explain how anybody can get into that
May conference" and ''vOte to govern
It's action" who is opposed To a direct
vote for Senators. albeit he may favor
party nomination by state convention or
h. primary? How can The Times recon-
Gle the statement just quoted with the
rejected declaration that admission is 70
be by card. and that no card Will be
issued 10 any Democrat who cannot pass
muster at the desk Of Mr. Jones secre-
tary7
The Times IS not amenable 10 the
charge ~ inconsistency. We have not
changed our attitude. The Times Is re-
sponsihle in a measure for the sentiment
in this state in favor Of tho election Of
United States Senators by popular vote.
for during the past six years eve have
from time 10 time shown how the present
system was abused. and We have insisted
IN the interest Of pure politics that ii
were necessary TO adopt some means
by which the people could express their
choice OF candidates. But VIC had nothing
10 do with tho cali for the May conven-
ton. and the first that we knew Of It
was when the call was sent 90 this Office
for publication. However. the facts and
arguments set forth I'm that call were
much the same as those which had been
employed by ms from time 70 time In dis
cussing tho necdful change. and az the
call was signed by reputable Democrats
IN good standing We accepted Fl IN good
faith and without inquiry as 90 any mo-
10
The invitation was extended "to such
Democrats as hold to tho prncip'. that
the people are fully capable ~ choosing
Senators and who are willing 10 unite
with VA In an effort 20 secure that
cherished right" We understood that
this conference was 20 take steps towards
securing ultimately an amendment 10 the
Constitution. and in the meantime TO de-
wise = practical plan. such as already oh
tains IN some Southern States by which
every Democratic voter in the state
might express by ballot his choice Of can
d.dates.
We understood that all Democrats who
were IN favor OF either OF these measures.
without respect 20 their personal choice
81 candidates were invited 10 attend The
conference. Indeed. we said on Az il 2d.
one week after tho call was issued that
"the call IS for a mass-mecting Of the
Democrats OF tho state. and that, OF
course. allows every Democrat IN the
state TO attend" Ii there are Demo
Gratis In Virginia who are opposed 20 a
change in the Constitution. or 10 tho
primary plan. we suppose that they ere
not included in tho invitation. yet we
do not suppose that any duly authorized
delegate. whether lie Is IN favor OF the
proposed changes OF not. would be eN-
cluded from tho conference
II there has appeared TO be any change
IN the attitude OF The Times & grows
out Of the fact that charges were made
from certain sources that the convention
was called simply and solely for tho pur-
pose OF working up sentiment against
Senator Martin aud OF promoting the
candidacy Of some man who would be
put up 10 defeat him
The Times was not taken into the con-
ndence OF tho gentlemen who formulated
the call and war not party to H. We
sQRsoSsd ihs Rosslaeni which was start