Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-04-29
7TW ENTY p PAGES. AGES.
SUNDAY. APRIL 20. 1900.
WHEREIN PLAIN FACTS ARE
STATED.

This week will determine the COM
plexion OF the Democratic State Con-
vention which meets here on May I'd
with regard to the question OF making
constitutional revision by convention a
+ yet to hold conventions to elect dele
gates shall maintain the proportion of
delegates instructed for revision by this
method. then 1t is assured that the
Democratic State Convention will
pledge the party to call a convention to
,>rexise the Constitution and Democratic
voters will be asked to support such q
call az a party measure. All the circum-
stances indicate this will be done.
There remains, however, an even
more important question of policy-the
question OF whether the Democratic
party shall guarantee to the people of
Virginia that any constitution for
whose revision 1t is responsible shall be
submitted to the people for ratification
or rejection7 Upon this paramount Is
sue the vast majority of delegates to
the convention will be unlnstructed. 1t
convention must determine There
ought not to be any doubt as to what
that determination will be. Precedent
and Democratic principles alike point
to the proper course; but unfortunately
principles are sometimes violated and
y excellent precedent disregarded. We
must. therefore. face the possibility
4 Tint 81 r11iStalxa rnou no made
TO the end that error may be avoided,
1T is Uppurtune- that certain pregnant
facts in the recent political history of
this State. and in this campaign for
Constitutional revision. he called to the
attention Of the people, and particular
ay to the attention of those who will
constitute the Democratic State Con-
Venion. There is time for their calm
consideration now. and righteous wis
dom may be had OF their study.
IS For years the Legislature of this
State has been dominated largely by
corporations. That body was packed
by them, and an unknown and mediocre
man was chosen to the United States
Senate over one Of tine States worthiest
ard most famous and popular citizens.
This is matter OF common knowledge.
In the State and out of it.
The Legislature could at any time.
have amended the present Constitution.
THE agitation for amendment has been
going on for a decade Each succeed
Ing Legislature has refused to make
amendments. There was no limit upon
ATS power. to amend. provided always its
amendments be submitted to the people
kor ratification or rejection. Such
81 method was declared to be
4cumbersome." '1mpracticable." Amend
Rdent by a convention was said
to be the only feasible way.
why? Because convention would
have the power to formulate n consti-
tuition, and put 1T into effect, without
slbmitting 1t to the people for ratifica-
ton or rejection. Hence, the refusal Of
the corporation dominated Legisla-
lures to offer any amendments.
,-------
The last Legislature passed a law
authorizing vote of the people on the
question Of amendment of the Constitu-
kion by convention. Promptly the cor
2oratlor organs of the state,-the very
5pfgans that have sought the overthrow
serid destruction OF Democracy. took nm
fhs CRY make the alteration Of the
constitution by a convention a
Tasty issue They have ignored
!ens q auestion cf Submission sof
ns'en e new Cons titution to the people 4
ef Aave Declared that at was TOO e early
y sSnsi dss =" 70 blind tho people sot