The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-02-17
THE CONVENTION.
Some Expressions from the Virginia
Il

Some Expressions from the virginia
Editors.
The EXPONENT would like very much
TO see the Constitutional Convention
make some radical changes in the gov
ernment of our public school system.
For instance, instead of the school trus-
tees being appointed by a BOARD COLI
posed of the county judge. Cot1iioii-
wealth's attorney and the county super
intendent of schools, as is at present the
case have one, two or three school trus-
tees elected every two Years by the
voters of each township, the same as
the township ma giStrates are no" eject
ed. Then have the school trustees, thus
elected, elect n county superintendent OF
the schools for a term OF two years.
Such a change will put the people-the
tax-payers-in closer touch with system
in which they are as much, if not more,
interested than in any other part OF our
government AS it stands now. no per-
sou can be a school trustee unless ne is
..in With two of the following named
officers. The county judge, the common
wealth's attorney, and the county super
intendent of schools. two OF whom, the
Judge and school superintendent, are not
even elected by the direct vote OF the
peoDle-their constituents The Exponent
wants to see the people of Virginia closer
to their own government, and we believe
the above proposition if adopted, Wouid
assist very materially towards bringing
about such q state OF .affairs-Cupeper
Exponent.
Many who went to the polls on the 6th
of last November and heedless,J voted III
favor of a Constitutional Convention
now in the height of the present as
cussions begin to realize the Importance
Of the questions involved. AS these dis
cussions daily disclose more and more
the gravity of the situation, CORE
spending tone of seriousness pervades the
press and the expressions of the public
This is hopeful sign, giving promise
of a judicious selection in the choice of
delegates to whom such vital interests
are to be trusted. Let each electorate
nominate it's best 1nan.-Pulaski News
Review.
In general terms. the News has already
said what sort of men should represent
US They should be honest men, not the
paid agents of any interest or faction
They should be careful men, yet not hide
bound economists who will look at every
great question through The inverted teles-
cope OF prejudice and at every little dol
lar through the magnifying glass OF
stinginess. 1t is no light work to Pre-
tuition, the heart and center Of future
legislation. 1t takes a skiilful draughts-
man. as well as sensible and honest man,
to prepare the simplest of good laws.
Therefore the members of the conven-
ton should be educaiionaily equipped for
their onerous task. hey should also be
men of enough eXpeciente and CT such
extended knowledge of the State ana its
diverse interests as 70 rertier them broad
enough to see further ahead than their
front gates and further around than their
own little communities. Virginia has had
seven Constitutional Conventions since
-1776. Such men as Peyton Randolph,
Edmund Pendleton, Monroe. Madison. L.
p Barbour, and John !. Mason have
figured in them. Therefore, with raser-
ence for the past, With a keen apprecia-
tion Of the needs of the present, and
watchful care for the future, the mem
bers of the next convention sould APP
proach their work.-Northern Neck News.
The convention has not been called to
ratify the Underwood job, and if not for
that, for what?
To add to and take from and so change
the monstrosity as to make it essentially
Virginian. 1t is generally agreed that
the machine OF State is too compiled ted,
and if SO nothing remains but to sim
plify it. If two men are doing one mans
work, reason says get rid of one. II the
saaried list, like the pension list, is too
long, ordinary good sense says reduce it.
If we have too many elections let's have
fewer. If money is wasted on some
things, let's save it and devote it to pub
lie roads. II ignorance threatens the
peace of our communities, the purity of
our homes, and the progress of our Com
monwealth, let's throttle it by law rather
than by violence or fraud. If the school
room doesn't make better citizens than
work on the farms, let's close its doors.
This is no blow at the colored people of
Virginia. The best of that class desire to
do that which will promote good citizen
ship, and that's what we contend fer, too.
We may differ as to means, but no sane
man will say that ignorance should rule
in the family, in'church or in State.
To restrain those who uureStrained
would do harm, is mercy and not ven-
geance, kindness and not hate. -Farrnvilie
Herald.
THO IF