Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-03-18
SIXTEEN PAGES
SUNDAY. MARCH IS. 1900.
TELL US, WHO is "wE"s

comes rolling down from the lofty
height of some seclusive position far
away from the humble voice and feel
ings OF the people of the Democratic
party. comes the glorious rap-tap-tap-
ping of our esteemed local morning
contemporary with advice to the de-
luded Democrats Of Virginia.
The Landmark tells why "we"want
n convention. That is exactly what
the Democratic people want to know;
what the Landmark and 1--WE" (who-
ever 1--WE" are) wants; for that is just
what the Democratic party does not
want.
Who is this "WE' that wishes to
advise Democrats what to do? Who is
this paper and this interest that wants
a convention and does not propose to
allow the people to vote on the ncces-
sary changes or ratify it's work? Ger
tainly this WE is not the people,
nor does 1t represent the people.
Is this the 1--WE" that bolted the
Democratic ticket; that undertook, by
advice, to deceive Democrats into turn
Ing traitors to their party and their
friends? Is this the oracle that daily
advised the white men OF Virginia To
vote against the Democracy that re-
spectability had looked to for protec-
ton since the days OF Reconstruction?
Is this the WE that would have de-
stroyed the very platform OF the party?
When trials came, and trouble WAS
broadcast; when capital turned it's back
upon the old Commonwealth, and her
public officers were not her honor, it
was the Democratic party that saved
the State, as 1t is the Democratic party
to-day that has made her what she Is;
say what one will against her poll
ticians, for even they cannot dim its
glory.
Is this "WE," then. the WE that
stabbed that party III the back; that
besought Democrats to desert the old
ship and fly to its own little side is
sue-the Palmer Buckncr craft, an en-
envy OF the party in disguise; traitor?
And so WE want convention! The
Virginian-Pilot can only say to the
Democrats Of Virginia that 1t knows no
better reason why they should not
want unknown changes made i'll the
constitution by convention. without
allowing the people an opportunity to
ratlfy or reject by their votes.
This is doubtless but another Palmer
Buckner move in disguise! The I'VE"
that deserted Democracy then, Gun as
easily desert 1t again-and more, it will.
Let WE advise those who would kill
the old party for selfish interest, but
let not we" endeavor to advise those
Democrats it so gladly deserted for
gold Experience shows that what
WE wants is not what the Demo-
Gratis OF Virginia wants.
The Vlrglnian-P Pilot does not object to
changing the constitution; in fact, 1t
does not hesitate TO say that It needs
revision: nor do VIC oppose u convcn-
ton to frame such changes as may be
deemed desirable. What we want is
that changes thus made shall be sub
mitted TO the people for ratification be-
fore they become the supreme law Of
the State.
Ward meetings, conventions, Legsla-
lures and even Congress frequently
pass measures which have not received
proper consideration. Cut and dried
bills are railroaded through. covered
with a cloak OF plausible language, by
q few Of ..the faithful" aided by smart
and well-paid lobbyists.
The constitution OF the State is too
important document to the people of
this State to run-the risk Of such treat
ment. The people have right to know
the changes proposed before they be-