Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-03-28


inent Democrats of Norfolk on the
question of a Constitutional Convcn-
fion and the submission of its work to
the people of Virginia for heir ratin-
cation or dlsapproval
1t will be observed that there is no
division of sentiment among the leading
Democrats as to the ACCESSIBILITY of
calling n convention to revise the Con-
stltution and submitting the revision to
the people. the true source of power.
MIR. w. II. BROOKE.
Mr.. w. Il. Brooke said: "In my hum
bic opinion, the time has arrived when
some changes in our State Constitution
are advisable. 1t must be remember
ed that our present Constitution was
framed under the shadow OF the bayo-
net. and while it gave us the best gov
ernmcnt we could then secure, 1t was
not such an instrument as we would
have selected as frcemen.
mo Constitution should be possible
without being referred TO the people for
endorsement"
Mr.. Brooke said he agreed with
others that ono reason for framing
new Constitution was that the allusion
in the preamble of the present Consti-
tuition to the "Rebcl States should be
left out.
MIR. JAMES +. REID.
Mr.. James f. Reid. City Collector, is
in favor of n Constitutional Conven-
Mon. He said that he believed the peo-
pie should have the right to pass upon
the new Constitution by sections, as
some part of the instrument framed by
q convention might prove objection
able, while on the whole 1t would
probably be an improvement on the
present Constitution. He favors Il full
a Of
delegates will be chosen. He does not
believe in so important matter being
left finally to any convention.
MR. r. NJ. DOBIE.
Mr.. r. NJ. Dobe, n member of the
Democratic Executive Committee from
the Sixth Ward, said he had not been
made acquainted with the necessities
of Il Constitutional Convention: but if
ona was thought to be necessary by the
people he would favor It, He thought
proposed changes should be discussed
pro and con before the selection of del
eEateS to the convention which should
turn out the new Constitution. so that
the major sentiment of each communi-
ty would be represented in that i'm
portant body, and then after the franz
ing of the Constitution the people
should have another chance, by all
means. to pass judgment on the con-
vention'S work.
MIR w +. COOKE.
Mr. w. IT. Cooke said: Yes, think
the present Constitution, framed nearly
thirty-iiVe years ago, during a period
of chaos, needs revision. I have had
no occasion to look into the question.
and cannot specialize but it is only
natural that this Constitution should
need changing by now. and no harm
will be done IL the people are safe
guarded the right TO pass judgment on
the revised Constitution. This must, of
course, be the case. The people are
not always represented by their repre-
sentatives. 1t is, therefore, we'll that
they have the right to the final say in
the matter A Constitution. the basic
law of n government, is not made
every day, nor every year. 1t Is a Sc
rious matter. and a mistake would
work harm for n long time before 1t
would be remedied."
MIR. J. S. CULPEPER.
Mr.. ]. S. Culpeper, City Auditor. said
his views were in line with majority
of those published, and particularly
with those expressed in yesterdays
Virginian-Pilot by City Attorney w.
H. Taylor He favors n constitutional
convention and the submission of tie
new constitution to the people.
MIR. JOHN a. BUTT.
Mr.. John A. Butt. one of the mem
bers of the Democratic Executive Com
mittee from Brambleton Ward, was
asked for his views, which he tersely
put on paper and signed. They are
as follows:
IT favor q constitutional convention
IL the people are given n chance to vote
on the adoption OF the constitution
MIR. Fl. N. .POULSON.
Mr.. Fl. n. Poulson, clerk of the Sc
1ect Council, said:
For many years have tried to be
Democrat. and hope that I have so
far succeeded as to believe that the
people should rule themselves and be
permitted to say what they do or do
not desire by way OF government.
am not competent to judge the fine
points embraced in the Constitution of
Virginia, but look with suspicion on
any work done by the constituencies
wretches who disgraced Virginia about
the time the present constitution was
adopted. But am told by some who
should know that that organic law
should be changed; If SO. then let it be
changed by Il carefully selected Demo-
cratic convention, taken from the ranks
of the intelligent and patriotic, and by
them recommended to the people for
adoption or rejection.
1.-THE fears expressed by some timid
ones, that the politicians will prevent
the people from passing on a new con-
stitution,' are without foundation,