Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1900-05-23
Vote for Constitutional Conven-
ton.

wnetner they wish revision of our
present odious constitution.
The democratic party, in its State
convention by viva yoce vote, scar
nestly urges the democratic voters"
of the State to vote for the holding of
a constitutional convention. There
fore, democratic voter, who disre-
CARDS his party's wishes by voting
against constitutional convention is
guilty of disloyalty to his party, as
much so as those, who may bolt the
democrstic ticket to be made stK snsas
City. Hence, democrats should turn
out and vote the party ticket and not
give by their example an excuse for
disloyslty to the National ticket to
some who may be disaffected. Re-
member, next fall we want all the
voters we can get to "down" McKin-
leyism, expansion and trusts.
The common enemy of democracy
the republicans-opposes revision
of our organic law, and urges all re-
publicans to vote against constitu-
tionsl convention.
And it is then, therefore, a fight
between the parties in Virginia. If
tho cOn vanfi0,, r,aae,,-o oLU e.1 >.
will be a defeat for the democratic
party and triumph for the republi-
can party. There is no escape from
it.
Now we desire to say, with all the
emphasis possible, that it would be a
bad thing for the democratic party
In Virginia and for State politics in
general for the republicans of this
State to beat the democrats in hand
to-hsnd fight. If the republicans
should gain victory in this contest.
be sure that they would be pulled up
by it and would attempt to turn to
good account. a republican triumph
In Stats politics is to be greatly fear
ed, and those who have the affairs of
the State at heart should not hesitate
to prevent such an occurrence.
AS some of the reasons, that are
expedient and urgent, why the action
of the democratic party should be
sustained in its recommendation for
constitutional reform, we give
l. 1t means the government of Vir-
ginia bv the white people of the State.
the declared policy of our party be-
ing that no white man shall be dis
franchised.
Z. 1t means economy in the admin
istration of public affairs.
3. BY the more equal adjustment |
of taxation, it means lower tax rate.
4. 1t means the extension and i'm
provement of the public school sys |
tenn, white schools being supported |
by white tax payers, and negro
schools by negro taxpayers.
5. 1t means that the Legislature
shall no longer have imposed upon it |
utterly trivial legislation.
1t means local self government in |
the counties and cities, with more ex
tended powers to the individual
citizen.
Further, it means we should make
some proYison to meet the increased
expenses incident to the new pension
bill and the increased rate of interest
on our State bonds.
The old Confederate soldier, "who
carved such splendor, glory on
heights so grand" are appealing to
us for succor. Disabled in defending
their State, it is the duty of the
State to assist them. The new pen.
non bill calls for an appropriation
u Sl35, 600, with increases that will
'un it over $25O,OOO in several
'ears. Besides, the interest on our
ponds will be increased by about ;
100000. We must make provisions >
or these increases in State expenses.
The taxpayer is now grooming be-
leath the burden of taxation.
Our remedy is to hold a constitu.
lonal convention that will frame an
instrument which will lessen the
Expense of conducting our State and 9
ounty affairs, and that will find new
ubJects for taxation, which are now =
ot reached by our present law, and /
bus relieve the farmer of part of the v
xcessive taxes.
Democrats, your duty is plain. Go >
the polls and VOTE FOR CON !;
TITUTIONAL CONVENTION. i
10 not scratch your ticket. d
We commend to orr readera fha