Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-05-09
FOR THE CONFERENCE, BUT
AGAINST A CONVENTION.

From the first, THE vIRGINIAN-
PILOT has been In favor of the May
Conference, as defined in the call made
by the respected and influential gem
tlemen who issued it; and we are still
in favor of 1t, although there Is rea-
son to fear that hot-heads, Influenced
by the very strength that the move
ment will show in the conference, may
endeavor to go too far. too fast, and
far beyond any limits fixed by the
call. and far beyond the power or right
of mere conference. We believe it
is time for the Democracy to confer on
this matter of the election OF u. S.
Senators by the people, and to come
to some understanding as to what
should be done to place the election di-
rectly in the popular voice. We have
no doubt that all opinions will be freely
and fairly heard.
We are not only for the conference,
but we are in favor of popular choice
in the selection OF the Democratic can
didate, or nominee. for Senator. In
fact, as THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT has
more than once plainly declared, we are
SNeit LII IldCluS the Whole SELECTION
and election of U. s. Senator directly
in the hands of the people. to nomi-
nate and elect by direct vote without
the intervention of n State Convention
at any point. Names have ceased to
deceive anybody, and TO call Con-
vention: q Convention of the people,
does not at all alter the fact that 1t is
q Convention of delegates. elected in
the usual way Of such proxies of the
people.
And this brings us squarely to the
main point: that while we favor the
conference. It's object. and all that 1t
may properly do in that behalf, we are
squarely opposed to a State Convention
of the party THIS year, whether to nOmi-
nate n U. S. Senator. or for any other
purpose whatsoever. We are opposed
to such a Convention this year any
how. and for many reasons of policy
and right; and especially are we op-
posed to convention to be called now
in connection with this Senatorial
movement. For the conference to have
any hand in debating or ordering such
call would be not only ultra wives.
and in bad faith. but in bad policy.
The national nominations for Presi-
dent and president, and the Pres
idental election. take place next wear.
Our party will then necessarily hold n
State Convention to elect delegates.
name electors, make n declaration of
principle and policy. &c, and the uues-
tion OF State Convention may well
wait the year OF national action, as far
as parties are concerned. But the stu
pendous powers of r State Convention
should only be invoked when absolutely
necessary. Conventions are only justi-
fed by necessity. involving interests OF
magnitude; and 1t is criminal to con-
vene State Convention on a less occa-
sion, or for an advantage that may be
gained in some issue inside party. A
conference is limited TO the terms of its
call; but q Convention, ipso facto, is
sovereign. having supreme power in
everything within its Jurisdiction, and
restricted to nothing, but free to act
On all matters within its scope.
The whole political field is opened by
a Convention to all its members, and
the Democratic party should not invite
wrangling and dissension. even from
the most Insignificant faction or mi
nority on men and measures. But that
Is what we shall have. If q State Dem
ocratic Convention be called; with no
result but to promote discord where we
need and must have harmony. If for
nothing else. but to gain little cheap
notoriety, we all know. we'll enough,
that any Democratic State Convention
IN this State will contain some gentle
snen cooked and pr1med; nay. bursting,