Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-04-14
LET THE PEOPLE RATIFY 1T.
fDon1-;lIa

NDdnNliie keSlSter.)
1t is seldom that the Register has any
occa sion to disagree with Hon. Eugen
Withers. and especially is this true in
the matter of the constitutional con-
Vention question. on which Mr. With
ers is recognized authority. No man
IN the state has done more to educate
the people to the needs of a new con-
stitution than MIR. Withers, and it is
with exceeding reluctance that we ven
ture to call attention to a portion of
the resolution introduced by him and
adopted by the mass meeting Tuesday
| night. We refer to the third section of
| the resolution. which reads thus:
THAT the question of reference OF the
constitution. when framed, to the people
for approval. is one that should be left
to the constitutional convention, and
should not, in our opinion. be made in
advance"
AS we construe this language the
purpose and intent of the resolution is
to advocate giving plenary power TO
the members OF the constitutional con-
vention. should one be called, to frame
and adopt a constitution. without refer
ring their recommendations to the peo-
pie from whom their powers are dele
gated. This plan might be satisfactory
If the convention were composed of
men. all of whom. or n majority of
whom are as prudent and conservative
and jealous in the cause of economical
l.
But. unfortunately. there is no guar
antee that this will be the case. 1t
might be that the convention would ia
vor q constitution more objcctiona BILE
than the present one, despite the pro-
tests of Mr.. Withers (who will certain
ly be a member of such convention)
and other discreet and patriotic mem
bers. To give the constitutional conven-
tion such large powers without requir-
ing n ratification of their recommends
lions by the people before the new or
revised constitution shall become OPP
erative might result ftt-the adoption-of
what n majority of the people might
not approve. A State constitution is
vastly more important than n mere leg
is!ative statute and very much more
difficult to repeal. 1t is Il matter which
vitality concerns the people, who alone
have the right to frame constitution.
The members of the convention would
be but the delegated representatives OF
the people. and ii is the right of the
people to approve or diSapprove the
acts of their servants.
II is TO be hoped that the members of
the convention will frame such a con-
stitution that it will command the ap-
prevail of the people; but, in case they
should not. the people from whom the
power to act is derived should have the
opportunity to reject the conventions
work in part or in toto. Too many safe
guards cannot be thrown around the
rights of the people.
With the exception OF the section
noted, we see no objection to the resolu-
ton offered by Mr.. Withers.
General Lee: I'm response TO your
second question have no hesitancy in
saying that should constitutional con-
vention be called its work should be
submitted to the people for ratification
or rejection
Captain Patteson: 'I favor with all
my heart n constitutional convention to
make a new constitution for the State
of Virginia. 1 also favor the policy of
submitting the work of the convention
to a vote of the people for ratification
or rejection at the polls"