Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1900-04-18

The question Of holding a consti-
tutionsl convention 10 prepare a new
constitution for the State of Virginia
is being extensively discussed by the
papers and people in different sections
Of the State.
The Legislature, during Its last
session, passed bill providing for
taking the sense of the voters Of the
State. Whether or not the question
shall be made a party issue the Nor
folk democratic convention. 70 BE-
held in early May, will determine. If
a majority of the delegates of this
convention are instructed 70 endorse
the movement the matter is practi-
callysettled. The question will then
be submitted to the people az the
election TO be held on the fourth
Thursday In May, when county off,
GERS are elected in many sections Of
the State. Should the people decide
TO hold a constitutional convention Al
this election, the Legislature will be
convened IN extra session to deter
mine the representation Of said con
veution and apportion them through
out the State.
The men. to compose such a con
ventlon will then be elected by the
people.
The COURIER favors the holding
Of constitutional convention and
believes a majority of the democratic
voters of Clarke county endorse
the movement, and will so express
themselves If they attend the pri
maries to be held next Saturday and
vote their convictions.
That Virginia should have a new
constitution Is readily conceded by
all, but the fear of who shall compose
the convention to prepare one deters
many people from voting to have
same, as expressed by Taxpayer" in
his communication.
The present constitution, under
which We live, was devised by the
carpet baggers," who had control of
the State Immediately after the war.
and In the convention that adopted
1t the sentiment of the people who
reside in Virginia was not expressed.
It was sort Of a war measure and the
people had to accept it whether they
wanted II or not, in order to get back
into the Union. Why has not con.
vention been held before, then, may
be asked. Simply because the dem
ocratic party did not have what may
be said safe control of the State gov
ernment, and the majority of the peo-
pie do not want q new constitution
unless founded on democratic doc.
trine. Now the State is safe in the
hand of the united democracy, and
the time is now that the people should
revise their new constitution.
What benefits can accrue to the
State if our constitution is revised, is
asked by some.
The benefits and reasons are obvi.
Gus: For the abolition of our Nav
elections by providing that the Off
GERS chosen thereat shall be elected
when members to the Legislature are
chosen. This would save the coun
ties the costs they have to pay for the
May election. 1t is estimated that the
cost of holding each of these elections
Is $4,000. and holding the two at
The same time would save that sum. |
A consolidation of the duties of
treasurer and sheriff in one official. |
Many of the counties have to make
pecial appropriation of money to in
luce some one to serve in the capaci-
y OF sheriff, whereas, by comb ining
he two offices named no trouble
would be experienced in securing
heriff, because the per ct. allowed by
aw for the collection of taxes would
make the Office desirable one with
ut the extra compensation now an
ually paid.