The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-06-19
Republican Action is Discussed-Not
Believed it Will Count for Much-Ad-
vocates of Reform are not Alarmed.
Meredith Resolution to Pass.

the convention to proclaim, and suggest
ing that it might be we'll for the mem
bers to consider the advisability of not
taking the oath as prescribed by the
schedule framed by the convention.
Neither caused any very great surprise
or alarm among the sturdy advocates of
constitutional reform, but 1t is safe to
say that taken together they have rem
dered the adoption of Mr.. Meredith's
resolution to adjourn subject to the call
of the president instead Of sine deal
most certain.
Practical demonstrations of the patron S
reasons for introducing the resolution
were furnished in both the action of the
Republican Committee and in Colonel
Caton's letter, and some who heretofore
have thought the Meredith resolution I'M
necessary will now support 1t with cheer
fitness. The original advocates OF the
resolution say they had IN mind just such
emergencies as are arising. though they
hardly anticipated that any suggestion
of opposition would come from a. Demo-
cratic member of the General Assembly.
It is now believed that the vote on the
resolution will be about along the lines
of that on every other reform movement
in the body.
Democrats who favor the new Constitu-
ton are getting a great deal OF comfort
out of the expressed determination OF the
Republicans to fight the new organic
law in the courts, and they say 1t Will
do more than anything that could pos
sbly happen to solidify the Democratic
masses behind the instrument, and to
strengthen the great cause which is al
ready SO well grounded in the hearts OF
the people It is really not believed that
the Republicans will ever take the mat
ter to the courts, but in the event they
should do so, the finest array Of legal
talent in the State would be there to de-,
fend it to the last ditch. It is not I'M
likely that some of these in the case,
for the Constitution would be-besides At
tornev General Anderson-Messrs. BraX-
ton. Wysor. r. Walton Moore. Meredith
and Hunton While, of course, no bridges
will be crossed until they are rea ched. it
is perfectly safe to say that the new
Constitution is not going to be upset
without the contesting Of every inch OF
ground, and the conduct of one OF the
most prominent battles ever put up for
the organic law of any State.
The action of the Republican Committee
was in thorough keeping with every step
the party has taken since the inception
of the struggle. It's leaders, as we'll as
its rank and file, voted and worked
against calling the convention, and in its
State convention at Roanoke last year
TeSOluIlOH WAS 6OOplCo uCiioaiiStihS esAiS
Constitution before a single line of it
had been written. The vituperative
and sickening speeches of N1essrs. Pedigo
and Summers in the convention are still
fresh in the minds of the people, and the
record of their party on the subject
with the exception of a few members
has been one Of obstruction and objection
throughout.
1a4{o
Col. Cation has fallen like a wet blanket
wherever it has gone, and from what can
he learned itsis receiving but few. If any,
favorable responses from the Democrat
ic members A prominent Democrat from
the Norfolk section said yesterday that
all the members down his way would
take the oath cheerfully, and all the
talk heard about the Capitol was wholly
out of sympathy with Col. Caton's sug-
gestions.
ST shall not deliberately put myself
out of office by refusing to take the
OATH" said Hon. David II. Leake. of
Goochland, at the Capitol yesterday. MY
people elected me as their representa-
tive he continued. "and I am one of
those who believe that we will have no
official life when we reconvene save
that breathed into us by the new Con-
stitution. I shall therefore most cheer
fully take the OATH"
From what can be learned. there are
hit few Democrats in either branch
who will decline to respect the new in
strunlent, even though the movement
shall DE led by so distinguished mem
Der as Colonel Cation.
Among those who have replied adverse
" to Col. Cations letter is a member of
the House from a nearby county, who
has a long and conservative legislative
career behind him. He ridicules Col. Ca
toms suggestion in a characteristic man
ner and closes as follows:
..No. sir, we have just got to walk up to
the captains office and settle; no free
lunch this time; settle right up, and no
growing about it., Haven't you heard
about the Richmond office fellows: they
are all running to take the oath, pushing
by each other I learn that. they like
It so we'll that they all went to take it
again as soon as we meet and give them
a. chance Although they took their dose
before it was ripe. they say 1t don't grippe:
a bit. and they are now ready open
mouthed to swaller the second dose. You
must have forgot about that mash-trap
that Meredith set. Keeps the whole
show open at the side door for a whole
year more No. sir, the only thing for
us to do is to throw up our hats and
boiler like blazes and get In The front
seats of the band-wagon and let her go
with a. whoop. That's me. and you had
better Jump up behind quick while the
driver amt looking
In discussing Tuesday nights develop
ments. Judge James w. Marshall said
last night: There is nothing eth
er to surprise or alarm US
in the action of the Republican Commit
tee IT is presumed that the Democratic
party will keep itself abreast Of all
things earthly
Colonel Joseph Button, secretary Of the
convention said the Democrats should
rejoice at the action, as it would undoubt-
edly strengthen the instrument before
the people of the State
Secretary of the Commonwealth D. @.
Egeleston is pleased at the action of the
g GAr.c
This sienaturo is on every DO! Of the genuine