The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-04-20
THE ALL-ABsoRsING QUESTION,

THE ALL-ABsORBlNG QUESTION.
B We have devoted a great deal Of space
TO the discussions OF the question wheIh-5
or or not the new Constitution shall be
submitted or proclaimed. because that is
now the ali-absorbing question before the
voters CT Virginia, and We have endeav-.
ored to give the drift Of the discussion
as indicating public sentiment The
Blackstone Courier IN well-considered
article says that those who argue for
1 submission are really, IN favor of an abb
Tidged electorate. Let us say Just here
that our contemporary is mistaken in
that There are many people in Viz
Einia, who are in favor OF submitting to
the present electorate. Delegate j. c.
afysor. for one has taken that position
md other distinguished members of the
Constitutional Convention think that the
pledge if binding at all. binds them to
full submission.
Our Blackstone contemporary proceeds:
There arc strong advocates Of both Of
these methods, but to US the advocates
OF the submission plan give their case
dead away and admit their apparent
dcmagogery-we do not use the term Of
fei1sively-when they say 1t is a foregone
conclusion that with the abridged electo-
rate there can be no possibility OF de-
feat The s.dear people" must have their
say. although It IS apparent beforehand
what the dear people" will say.
Now we ask In. all sincerity and open
honesty: Is there any use for this 2. How
do we know the people are going to ratify.
st except through the abundance Of ex-
pressions from the people that they will
do so7 If we are satisfied about this, are
we not equally as satisfied that these
game people will be satisfied to- have it
proclaimed? Must we indulge in a little
buncombe just to tickle ourselves into
the belief that we are fooling the peo-.
Pile? The people qualified under the new.
electorate will not be caught with what
appears to us as being merely chaff.
There Is no more ardent defender Of
the peoples prerogatives than the Courier.
we do not wish to take from those en-
titled to a voice any atom Of their rights
unless satisfied that 1t meets with their
full approval. It is then not taking their
rights, but simply acting for them in re-
lieying them of unnecessary worry and
trouble. This is the view we take of
it and feel satisfied that fully ntne-tenths
OF the voters of this section agree Win
us in this particular.
D OF course we believe in keeping pledges
md promises We believe a. majority OF
The people expected at the time the cleo
!. lion was Held to determine whether or
mot a convention should be held. that the
new instrument would be submitted Tor
their approval. Many OF them were ln-
iuced to vote for it by this understand
Ing. But we also believe their sentl-
,nent has changed. We believe they are
satisfied, If not gratfed, and do not care
to be bothered farther.
We have talked with a. great NUMBER.
in all stations OF life, IN. this section, and
1t is very rarely that one is met who de-
sires submission. 1t would, according TO
our view, be equally as inconsistent with
the promise to proclaim a portion as 1T
would the whole. II submission is IN ac-
cordance with the promise then fuli
submission to the present electorate Is
what is required. if this would be tool
lshness then the. other would be useless
ness and the case falls to the ground:
This IS. at least, our view of the matter
There is no escape from this conclusion.
4 h was the general understanding when
The cali for a Constitutional Convention
1,as being canvassed that the new Con-
stitution would be submitted to the exist
ing electorate and many Of the Candidates
and other public speakers who advocated
the call so understood it and SO led the
people to understand.
So far as the party pledge is concern
ed. 1T is a debatable question how far that
pledge binds the individual members OIL
the Constitutional Convention. 1t is a
question for each delegate. to determine
for himself-a more important considera-
ton, personally speaking, for each 1ndi-
vidual delegate is. whether or not he
pledged himself to his constituents before
or after he was elected, to submit the
new instrument. Some of the Democratic
delegates made no such pledge and bound
themselves in no way whatever. These,
from a personal point Of view, are NOR
ally free to vote in favor Of proclamation.
Those who did make pledged must set
tie the matter with the:~ own consti-
tuents and with their own conscience.
Therefore. we have urged that the people
An the various sections Of the State can
yass the question among themselves and
ADVISE Inclr 1especuFo oeteS"tes "A4 ls.Ns
course to pursue.
But in the midst OF the confusion, it
seems to us perfectly clear, that II the
convention is pledged in any way. by
party dictum and declaration or other
wise to submit the new, Constitution, it
I will be no fulflmcnt of the obligation
TO proclaim tho suffrage clause and then
submit the other clauses Of the Consti-
ts,tion to a vote of the new electorate.
and all the specious and ingenious argu-
.ae,,t in the world will not alter that I'M
alterable fact.
POPULAR EDUCATION.
81 we print to-day in the Educational De-
part,nent of The Times two able and in-
.t,uctive communications from two able
-, co,n