The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-05-13
Mr.. BarksdaIe Has Not Changed His
Views, But Says There Are
Liver Issues.
SLEEPY OFFICIALS WHO
DRAW FIVE THOUSAND
Mr.. Folkes Says Some OF Them Have
Not Fallen III Line With the Party
ON the Great Constitutional Con-
yention Question-Hon. Eu-
gene Withers is Highly
Praised and Honors
May Await Him.


tendance upon the meeting of the cray
Ward Actives at Belvidere Hall last night
Most of them were gentlemen who take a
very active part in politics. Among those
present were Mayor Taylor, City Attorney
Pollard Colonel George Wayne Anderson,
Hon. E. C. Folkes and Hon. Isaac Dlsss.
State Senator William p. Barksdale, OF
Halifax, who was the principal speaker
received an ovation. He was introduced
by Acting President Henry L: Garter.
Mr.. Barksdale made an eloquent address
in favor of the Constitutional Convention.
ITO speak plainly said he, "the defeat
of the convention will mean defeat OF
the Democratic party The present CON
stitution was foisted upon us by negroes
and carpet-baggers. 1t was designed to
operate to the advantage Of the negroes.
The time has arrived for Nirglnians 10
make a Constitution that will fit them
selves and fit the present conditions in this
State
THE OPPOSITION.
After Mr.. Barksdale had spoken at some
length Of the advantages that would accrue
from a revision of the Constitution, ne
said:
.'I am sorry to have to state that in the
higher quarters Of the party there seems
to be, at least, an Indifference to the great
party issue that is to be voted upon on
the 24th of this MONTH Some OF the big
leaders seem to be sulking in their tents =
The eloquent Senator argued that ma
jority of the white people of the State
want the convention. and those who ope-
rate the party machinery should not stand
in their way. The white people of Nir-
ginia. he said, are determined to make it
possible for economic questions to be voted
upon without regard to race questions.
Mr.. Barksdale said that while he was a
free-silver man ne realized that there were
liver issues. In fact, he could not see
how the currency question could be a live
issue now when it would be impossible
with a Senate adverse TO any change to
pass a free coinage bill. He favored fight
ing for live issues, and regarded the Con-
stitutional Convention as the liVest issue
now before tne people.
The Senator said a Constitutional Con-
vention would result in Tightening the
burden of taxes. Many useless offices
could be dispensed with, the suffrage
question could be so regulated as to make
it possible for the white people to divide
on economic questions, and the matter of
the appropriation of the school taxes as
to the races could be properly regulated.
Mr. Barksdalc paid a beautiful tribute
to the Democracy of Richmond, and was
loudly applauded. The club, by a rising
vote, returned its thanks for his able
address.
OTHER SPEAKERS.
Hon. e. c.. Folkes was called for. He
said that before the Norfolk Convention
met he was opposed to the convention.
But the party having spoken, The was for
the convention. He favored the re-
striction of suffrage by such method as
not to cause a white man to lose his
vote.
Mr. Folkes also referred to some pub
lie officials drawing $1,000 a year who
have been 'too sleepy to fail into line
with the party. He eulogized William
Jennings Bryan.
Hon. Isaac Diggs responded to calls for
a speech. He paid a pretty tribute to
Hon. Eugene Withers. the father of the
convention movement. and suggested
him as the proper person for chairman
of the convention. Mr.. Diggs also said
he would like to see Mr. Withers the
first Governor under the proposed new
constitutions The speaker jumped upon
the alleged machine with both feet He
said some of the most prominent party
leaders and Congressman We're opposed
to the convention. This movement. he
stated originated with the people. 1t
was strictly a peoples movement, and
the peonle would down the machine as
they have always done when aroused
Colonel George WayreE Anderson,> when
called upon asked to be excused from
making a speech.