Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-02-01
WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY l, 1896


This Is a season Of scandals IN cohhec-
ton with the election of United states
senators. The Speaker of the House OF
Representatives of the California Legis-
lature has Just resigned. in consequence
of the exposures made there lie protests
that he is innocent Of any wrong doing
but SAYS that under the circumstances
he considered it due to the House that
he should retire from the presiding OFF,
GERS chair.
In Ouaysylvania the Legislature is post
poning the election of senator from day
10 day. awaiting the trial Of the boss OF
that state upon a charge of felony. AL
first tho boss made up his mind not to
allow himself TO be troubled by the pend
ing criminal proceedings, but owing 10
the interchangeable efforts Of Mr. Wanna
maker and other enemies of his, he hnds
himself short Of election by thirteen
votes. Hence he has graciOusly consent
ed TO submit TO trial. Ii is now believed
that If he is not convicted he Will be re-
elected Acquittal is hardly looked for
but there are such things as hung juries
Our opinion is That Mr.. Quay is in
tight place. The disclosures that will be
made upon his trial may lose him more
votes Meanwhile private detective is
engaged in watching the going out and
coming in Of each legislator Quay's de-
tectives are watching his opponents and
Wanamaker's detectives are watching
Quay's friends.
What a spectacle What an object les
son But Pennsylvania is not the only
State thus afflicted. There are others.
Money has already broken some of the
"deadIocks" What wonder, then, that
there should be a great public cutlery in
favor Of amending the United States Con-
stitution, so as 10 require senators to be
elected by the votes Of the people, instead
Of by the legislatures?
But. oh! il is said that then the ex-
penses OF canvass would be so great
that none but a rich man could run. Why
should that be so? We get very honest
and good men to run for Governor. Why
should the cost for senatorial canvass
be greater than that for gubernatotlai
canvass? Plenty of comparatively p,or
men are ready TO run for Governor. The
cost does not deter them; nor, indeed Is
that cost great
The Washington Star emphasizes an
other advantage that would follow
change in the Constitution with reference
10 the election of senators. 1t says That
a marked advantage would be in bring
l.. t.ttr no
ing all claims TO distinction brought UNI
der the white light of public discussion
True. How would Mr.. quay like to take
his chances before the people, How would
ne like TO be compelled 10 enter into JOINT
discussions with a fearless, clean, quick
vit,ed competitor? Not much. Would all
OF his money avail TO save him? No; not
even I'm PENNSYLVANIA. where corruption
i'm politics is SO deeply rooted would I've
dare 10 engage in such canvass. lie pre-
fers the present mode
1t will take long time TO secure the
needed amendment to the Federal Con-
stitution. but il can and will be secured
al last. The House has passed a joint
resolution proposing such an amendment,
and II is now before Senate committee
buried there. we fear Every one of the
Virginia members Of the House voted for
IL or IS on record in favor OF 1t, we be-
neyc. And II may not be amiss to say
right here that the Virginia delegation in
the convention which framed the Federal
Constitution was I'm favor OF electing
United States senators by the people
rather than by legislatures.
As great a change as that proposed
with reference TO the election of senators
has taken place with respect to the cleo
ton OF President and Nice-President.
Luckily. In that case the people were able
To take the matter into their own hands.
The President is no longer chosen ~
the electoral college. The actual election
II by the people. and the electoral college
does nothing but act as the instructed in
strument of the people.
Quite a number of State conventions
and State legislatures have already placed
themselves upon record as favorlng a
change in the Federal Constitution Other
States will soon fall into line Wherever
tile question is thoroughly discussed;
wherever public attention Is fully
awakened TO the importance OF the re-
form. success Is sure to follow. The chief
difficulty is that the possibility OF a