The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-01-18

# the action, and predict that it is the
most popular and the best action that
the convention has taken il the whole
course of its existence.
Congressman Flood, who was at first
elated over his success in defeating the
quadrenniaI session plan, after few
hours elaboration. was III a most gloomy
frame of mind over the abolition of hold
over Senator'S, and reducing their terms
to two years. He declared last night that
he intended to introduce a motion to-day
to reseind this action of the convention
Oh that point. In explanation OF his po-
sition on the whole question, he said:
The statement of Mr.. Meredith that
he friends OF biennial elections and ses-
;ions cared more for the hold-over Sena-
tors than for the principle for which they
were fighting is entirely erroneous. Many
If the Biennial men, such as Judge IN
gram, Mr.. keezel and others, voted to
abolish the hold-ever Senator's. The two
lights were absolutely separate and dis
tinCt.
Il was opposed to the abolition Of the
| holtl-over Senator's for the reasons I gave
| to-day. l think the convention made
| great mistake in the action it took, nor
| 10 1 believe it would have taken this ac-
| ion if the matter had been deliberately
| discussed and passed upon. 1t was inter
| iected between the two biennial iGnts
ri wos given hut scant consideration.
"I never heard q suggestion of u two
| years Senate until yesterday, and tnen
die not take it seriously. | believe all
| of the members who would have fought
| the abolition of hold-over Senators were
| taken by surprise. Certainly l was. The
matter was never discussed until to-day,
nd Eny n 1pr1ufh ONLY Sjv-
ty-seven members, or two-thrds of the
convention voted on the proposition
Some others were paired, but 1 don t
think great many could have been
paired, as the proposition was absolutely
new. l believe the convention made a
serious mistake in this particular, but IL
certainly did the right thing when II
adopted biennial elections and biennial
sessions
Mr. Turnbull sprung a sensation in the
conference last night by moving to strike
out the first sixty-five lines of the ma
| jority report and substitute therefor g
| plan presented by him. This motion was
| made Immediately or the assembling OF
tie suffrage conference and before any
| one had an opportunity TO begin speech.
There was considerable argument as
| to the right to move the adoption of 4
| minority plans had been discussed and
| acted upon. This view was taken by
| both Major Anderson and Mr. Watson,
| -cnreseptlns both sides OF the SUIT as
! Committee
II was finally decided 20 pass by con.
! s;deratiou OF the new plan until Mi.
| rurnbuu had introduced it in the con
| ventior and had it printed. ne plan
| 1sfered by Mr. Turnbull has sl0G prop
| 7rty qualification. a $3.50 poll-taH ana re-
;ures that ali polI-taxes for four years
| preceding the election, and property tax
| +0r six months preceding, shall be paid
From the property qualification: are ex-
| ,rnpted all old soldiers al! men over 60
wears of age. For five years all sons Of
| persons owning 500 worth of property
are to be exempted from the require
r,ent. The persons are required tc pre-
pare and cast their ballots without as
| sistance from anybody. All who fail 20
register within two years shall be de-
| barred from the privilege OF the eX-
! ernrtiors granted for the five years.
! After 4 lengthy discussion as to the
| method of procedure. in which it de-
| veloped that there were ten distinct and
| separate plans before the conference, 1t
was decided to limit all future speeches
| 10 one hour. After two hours disagree
| nent as to what was the best course 10
pursue the conference adjourned cat Y
| o'clock until next Tuesday night Ii
was announced by Chairman keezeli that
| every member had better be present
| Tuesday night. for there had TO De some
voting done on something some time
Most os the time last night was de-
| voted to hearing suggestions and advice
as 10 how TO get out of the box the mem
| bers seriously realize they are III.
Ex-Governor Cameron has been invited
TO deliver the address 10 the Old Vet
,rans' Association at Suffolk, on Mon
| day next, the occasion being the anniEer-
sarv Of the birthday of Genera! Lee
Governor Cameron has accepted the In
ritation. and at the urgent request OF
Commander Thomas ". Smith. DR.. Thorn
as Fl. Barnes will ais ODE present as an
| honored guest
Colonel Smith is one of the old vers
whose heart beats for others Vt ms
4