The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-06-14
OATH AND CONSTITUTION.
Mere Detai'el Report of Discussion in the
Virginia Convention
Special to News and Ohserver.

Especial to News and Observer.)
Richmond, Va, June 13.--The Constitu-
tional Convention of Virginia was called
to order by Senator John W. Daniel, who
put in nomination Hon. VIM Il lett, of
Fluvanna county, as temporary president.
The secretary of the commonwealth, pre-
scented the roll of delegates elect and the
temporary clerk, j. w. Button, of Lynch
burg, called the roll, only two or three
members failing to answer to their names.
The question was raised as to the neces-
sity of the taking of the oath to support
the present Constitution of Virginia.
Judges Brooke. Quarles, Green Ca Univer-
sity of N. c. alumnus), United States
Senator Daniel and Hon Fred P. Thorn in
elaborate discussion, presented these
questions: "Is a Delegate a State Off
GER" why it is Attested that U. S.
Senator is Not an officer of the United
States" an opinion confirmed by the re-
cent work of Randolph Tucker, on the
Constitution. But did not the Underwood
Constitution assume that a delegate was
an officer? Is it Not Safer to Require
the Oath?" MAY not the Action of the
Convention be Repudiated if the Oath is
Not Taken?" Might Not the Federal
Court Refuse to Accept a Constitution
Prepared by Those Who Had Not Quail
fed as Delegates" Mr.. Glass, of Lynch
burg, non-legal, but learned and acute,
was one of the debaters of this question
of the oath.
After two hours of debate motion to
lay the resolution requiring the taking
of the oath was passed by a vote of SO
to 81. 1t is not supposed likely to show
its head again.
Hon. John Goode, the veteran ex-Con-
gresham, ex-Solicitor General of the Uni
ted States, vigorous, faithful, eloquent
was called by reclamation to be president
of the convention. His address of &C
ceptance dwelt on the influence of Virgil
MIA in building constitutions, and reviewed
the different constitutional conventions
that have met in Virginia 1t defined,
with singing sarcasm, the scalawag and
carpet-bagger instrument, know as the
Underwood Constitution. 1t insisted on
reduction of the expenses of county and
State government. 1t suggested the need
of attention to suffrage conditions, urging
that this right is not natural but
social right and must be regulated by
society in its own interest. He recapltu-
lated the experience of South C9ollna,
Mississippi and Louisiana and North Car
DINA and demanded that his fellow dele
gates rise to the point of securing a pure
ballot. Education, the trusts, the correct
listing of taxes and other questions were
eloquently presented as subjects to be IN
cluded in the New Constitution.
Mr. Joseph w. Button was made perm
anent secretary.
Governor Tyler was invited to address
the convention tomorrow. The convention
will meet at IL m. daily. This is the rec
ord to close of the first day.
The convention is composed of very able
men. The few practical legal repre-
sentatiyes are of the highest personal
character and broadcast views. President
McIlwaine, of Hampton Sidney College,
was re- elected because of his ripe wisdom
and judicial spirit, Presbyterian minister
as he is. Rev. Wayland Dunaway, ID. D.,
of Lancaster county, is of family who
know the law as we'll as the gospel and
he was constrained to stand for his peo-
nle