Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-05

MIS-. Cornick was on her way home and
just as she got within a few doors of
her residence negro stepped from be-
hind a tree and seized hold of her.
Mrs. Cornick retained her composure
and struggled to tree herself 1t soon
became evident that the mans only
purpose was robbery, for as soon as he
had seized her purse he fled. The port
mantua contained about SO and some
papers. The. highwayman made his
escape and nothing has SO far been
heard of him.
OUR INSECURE JAIL.
The attempted escape of the house
breaker, Charles Davis, from the city
jail last night, which came so near To
being successful, has again drawn pub
lie attention to the condition OF that
time honored structure, und Il general
cry is going up demanding L new
prison.
1t is stated that there is not a cell
in the structure that will hold n man
energetic enough to attempt to escape.
There is little doubt but that the esca-
Dade of Davis will give an impetus to
the new jail movement.
CURIOUS POLITICAL RUMORS.
Some curious rumors are going the
rounds in political circles regarding the
probable action of some Of the late Re-
publican candidates for congress in
Virginia. 1t was at first said that Gen
erol Walker had stated that he would
not contest Judge Rhea's seat in the
Ninth district, and now Il story is sent
out from Washington to the effect that
he is preparing for a contest. t was
at first thought that DR.. Wise had an
idea OF making n fight for Maynarcl's
seat in the Second district, but on what
appears to be good authority n member
OF his family Is said to have stated
several days ago that the Doctor had
thrown up the sponge. and would not
go up against" the 5000 majority by
which the Second district congressman
defeated him nj the polls.
Nothing is heard OF any effort on the
part of Colonel Hubbard. in The Tenth
district. to Gust Hal. Flood. ana it
begins To look as ii ii has all been Il
matter of talk, and that the ten Vr-
ginia representatives Will hold the
seats to which they We're chosen by the
Contests are not only troublesome but
costly, and men do not usually enter
upon them without strong hopes of vic
tory.
THE NEW CONSTITUTION.
1t is pretty generally conceded among
Democratic leaders that the new CON
stitution to be framed for Virginia by
the convention next summer will be
submitted TO the people for ratification
y
generally understood that the party is
pledged to such a course, and those ;lu-
thoriZed to speak for ii heraided forth
the promise to the people on every
hastings in the last campaign
Now and then a leader Is found who
says the convention VIII be n law unto
itself. and that for fear the people
might reject the new instrument they
should not be allowed 10 vote upon 1t.
Already mutterings are heard. in Ger
"a
they Will be denied the right to vote
on the new constitution, and il is evil
dent that should the convention refuse
TO submit its work for popular appro-
val great howl will be raised by the
voting population of the State. It is
commended by those who want the con
stitution submitted that the popular
vote is the-YerY cornerstone of Demo
cratic government, and that it would
be un- Democratic in the extreme to
without their approval or consent
There seems TO be but little doubt that
every voter of the State will be allowed
to pass upon the new constitution.
BLOW AT THE SOUTH.
The bill introduced in the house of
representatives yesterday by Judge
Crumpacker, of Indiana. having for its
object the reapportionment of the
members Of the lower house OF con-
Sress. strikes the south IL hard blow
The southern states will lose Is repre-
sentativcs and gain only in the event
of the passage of the bill, making Il
net loss OF members. The north and
west, or the states usually found in the
Republican column, Will gain is and
lose ,, making a net gain of 16 mem
berS.
The fight over the passage of this
measure, especially in the senate
to, I.,.itN
former days, when the force bin was
defeated in that body by IL narrow
margin There are no rules governing
debate in the senate, and members who
obtain recognition may hold the floor
indefinitely against time. Senator
Money. Of Mississippi. has said that if
ii becomes necessary lie Will speak six
months in opposition to the measure
and Senators Blackburn. of Kentucky
and Morgan, of Alabama. are expected
TO make great speeches against it, 1t
Is probable that Senator Daniel ana
many other great southern leaders Will
take an active part in the debate.
Should the bill pass. Virginia will
lose congressman. and there will be
an old-fashioned fight when the legis-
)ature takes UP the matter of re-dis-
tricting the state. The fate of the
measure will be watched with much
interest.
ANOTHER TOBACCO coMBINA-
TON.
1t is rumored in tobacco circles in
Richmond that another great tobacco
combination is about to be formed.
AS none OF the alleged promoters re-
side in this city, ii Is impossible to veri-
fy the report.
AS the story goes, some wealthy gem
tlemen, who have disposed of their in
terests In the American or Continental
Companies. are at the head OF the
movement.