The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-12-07
DAY SPENT IN
FUR TIER DEBATE
Convention Considering Judiciary
Report.
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Mr.. DUNAWAY's AMENDMENT.
1t Provides for a New Section on Circuit
Judges = Pollard Amendment Set
for Wednesday = No
Vote Taken.

Tho convention spent its entire session
in Committee Of the Whole yesterday.
further considering the report OF The
Judiciary Committee. The attendance
was large. There were eighty-two mem
bers present, and great many visitors,
including ladies and members of the Cen
eral Assembly.
Mr.. Pollard's amendment providing for
the appointment Of the Supreme Court
judges by the Governor, by and with the
consent Of the Legislature, was passed
by and made a special order for next
Wednesday. Mr.. R. Walton Moore gave
notica that he would favor 1t In a,
speech then.
Sections s, I and 8 were taken up and
disposed Of without debate. MIR. Dun
away offered an amendment providing
for thirty instead of twenty-four circuits
in the State. This was debated at grea.
length and finally withdrawn. He offered
another providing that the committee
report a new section and that no circuit
be made TO contain more than four coun-
ties.
The convention adjourned at P. or.
until o'clock to-day.
AfR. POLLARD SPEAKS.
Rev. Dr.. McIlwaine offered the opening
prayer. AS soon as the convention went
into Committee Of the Whole Mr.. Pol.
lard spoke in favor Of his amend
ment that Judges be appointed by
the Governor, by and with the advice
and consent OF the Senate. He said he
voted to elect judges of the Supreme
Court by the people, but as that was de-
feated he wanted the next best method
and that was to place the responsibility
in the hands of the Governor, who was
the chief representative Of the people. He
read extracts from a speech made by
Thomas jefferson, in which appoint
ments by the executive power was adj
vocated over election by the legislature.
He said when Jefferson made this declara
ton he had had forty years experience
with the Legislature selecting the judges.
LOG-ROLLING MERHOD.
nfr. Pollard again recited the log-rollins
methods Of election by the Legislature
and quoted from distinguished member
of that body who yesterday related an
instance Of the swapping Of votes OF
guard at the penitentiary for judge
He said when members here continual
ly called up the past he could not help
from thinking OF the couplet:
The lightning stroke is brilliant,
But it hasn't any mind;
It goes crashing through the elements,
But it's headlight Is behind.
He declared that there was no compari-
son between conditions to-day and those
of years ago. aud even In the haicyoa
past, Jefferson himself saw his mistake
in leaving the election Of Judges to the
legislature and advocated their selection
bv the Executive in conjunction with the
Senate. 80 lfsr
2Mr. Meredith said the present excellent
Supreme Court was se-ured by the grace
OF God by an accident in breaking OF
slate which had been made UP to secure
the election OF United States Senator.
- mr.
very important it; should not be pressed
at this time. He was inclined to favor
it, but preferred to have further time for
consideration. He moved to pass by.
OPPOSED DELAY.
Chairman Hunton Opposed any fur
Their delay. He said these frequent post
ponements OF important matters were
stumbling blocks in the way of progress.
He could not, however, insist on forcing
a vote when members stated they had
not been able to coside- a question ma
terially.
Mr.. Wysor said he wanted to vote.
His mind was firmly made up against
the amendment.
Mir. .Braxton favored postponement He
thought it too important a matter to be
rushed. He voted against electing by
the people, but was inclined to support
the amendment.
Mr.. James W. Gordon said he voted
against election by the people, but was
inclined to support the amendment, and
knew three. or four who voted his way In
the same condition. They all desired fur
Their time to consider.
Mr.. r. Walton Moore desired further
time to consider the amendment.
Judge Quarles said he voted for the
election Of judges by the people, but
thought he would vote for the amend
ment.
DR.. Dunaway moved that next We'd
nesday be fixed to further consider the
amendment.
Mr. Walker opposed postDonen1ent.
saying the convention might not be in
session next Wednesday.