The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-10-19
Tie Barbour Resolution.

Editor of The Times:
Sir,-Two things as to the Constitu-
tional Convention have deeply impressed
the peope Of Virginia-its independence
and its fairness. 1t is these noble quail
ties which; have given to the debates of
that distinguished body q charm felt by
every one who hears or reads them.
Here are men bent on doing the best
for W gfnia. That is the gratifying
comment upon every hand. It is this
high character in tie convention which
has led the people to ask for the Bar
bour resolution. 1t is only thus that you
can account for the unprecedented num-
Der of petitions as to the saloon The
people make the earnest request, because
they believe that you, being Independent
and fair, will heed it.
+ 1t should be understood first and fore
most that the advocates of the Barbour
resolution are Observation-Disclosures
too, who are devoted to the principles
and traditions of the party in Virginia
and who are going to remain loyal to it,
whether this measure is adopted or not.
Ilb2ir adhesion to the Democratic party
is not temporary nor sordid They be-
long to it, not because they have an
axe to grind. but because they seek the
best Interests Of the State as a whole.
Their contention is not fight against
the Democratic party, but for it. Know
ing that this party can be dominant
Only SO far as it stands for Virginia's
highest good, social and economic as
well as political. the advocates of the
Barbour resolution desire to strengthen
the party by achieving through its
agency benefit to the whole people.
While the advocates of the measure are
Democrats. 1t is also true that the pr!n-
eiple Of the Barbour resolution COM
mends itself to all well-meaning citizens
of whatsoever political affiliation
Backed as it is thus by the united
desire of our people, the Barbour resolu-
ton will work no harm to the Demo-
cratic party. While the saloon affects
politics, alas! far too much and dire
fully, yet the people are, after ALL the
party. No moneyed interest has in t.iis
matter stressed the voice Of the people.
and yet they have sought to make known
to tue convention their desire for the
Barbour resolution by more than rec
hundred petitions. signed by thousands
and thousands of voters Let no one
mistake the significance of such an APP
peal. surprising alike in its spontaneity
and it's strength | would not under
state in the least the tremendous pres
sure which the combined liquor inter-
ests of America can bring to bear upon
our noble citizens in the convention with
a view to defeating the Barbour resou-
only nerve us the more to do our duty.
since it serves to measure in some de-
gree the enorrnity OF the evil which, the
convention is seeking to correct But
the buster CT the saloon has in it more
of fright than fight. 1t took a prophet
to discern that God was not in the
strong Wind, nor in the earthquake. no.,
in the fire. but in the still small voice.
While the dr,nago gives heed to the
growls of selfish interests, ever noisy;
the statesman knowin:: the superiority
of moral ever materi;s concerns. relies
courageoaslY upon tive primal forces in
society. civic virtue ana! public intelli-
gence.
NFlA.' IS THE DEMAND?
Mr.. Barbours resolution is as follows:
mo intoxica ting liquors shall be sold
Ia this State without 4 license therefor
first Obtained. No license to sell intnxi-.
eating liquors in quantities of less than
five gallons shall be authorized or grant
ed for q period tf more than. twelve
months no, without the written request
of q ma ;cr'tr of TIL. legally qualified
end Registered voters actually resident
IL the election precinct Of the city, town.
village or lnag'ste,:s rs district wherein
ouch liquors are intended to be sold.
The eist Of the measure is this: No
gsseon license Without the 81 signatures of
f,c