The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-05-24
THEY WON OUT
BY 0N MAJORITY.
The Jefferson Ward Democrats
Are for ProcIama.
ton.

The mass-meeting Of the citizens Of
Jefferson Ward at Old Market Hall last
night to consider and pass upon tho
question of procaiming or submitting the
Constitution was poorly attended. Some
thirty-five or forty men were present
Democratic Committee, called the meet
ing to order. Mr.. Morgan r. Mills was
elected chairman. He introduced Nj.
James w. Gordon, one of the members
of the convention from Richmond.
Mr.. Gordon, in an informal speech OF
half an hour. very clearly and satssac-
torily set forth the provisions and
changes proposed in the new Constitution
IN the government of cities and in the
requirements for the enjoyment Of the
electric franchise. After Mr.. Gordon had
taken his seat Chairman Mills stated that
Mr.. A. c. Braxton, of the convention.
had been invited to address the meeting.
but had sent his regrets because Of a
previous engagement.
The matter next before the meeting,
Chairman Mills stated, was an express
sion by vote on the question of proclama-
ton or submission. Mr.. J. A. Harrison
moved that the sense Of the meeting was
that the Constitution should be pro-
claimed. Captain John A. Curtis was OPP
posed to proclamation. AS he YVES from
take a prominent part in the discussion.
Mr.. J. L. Botto was also opposed TO proc
lamation. He moved as a substitute that
the sense of the meeting was that the
Constitution should be submitted. Inc
viva voce vote that followed was not re
garded as conclusive. The point was
raised that several voted who were not
residents of the ward Chairman Mills
then asked that those voting raise thc'r
hands.
Before this vote was taken there Was
another flow of oratory.
Nil. Frank Murphy desired to set forth
that he was a submissionist. but Char
man Mills quieted him with a vigorously
wurded reminder that he was Repup-
l.en and that Democrats We're running
that meeting. Mr.. J. f. Don LeaVy was
also a submissionst. but did not give
his views at length Chairman MINIS Ia
vo.ed proclamation. The Twenty-Five per
cent. tax reduction clause pleased him.
The vote was then taken. The sub
rn,ssionists claimed that ten men held up
their hand for submission to only seven
for proclamation. Chairman Mills. now
ever, prefaced his laborS as official count
cr with the announcement that he was
only going to count Jefferson Ward resi-
dents, and concluded then with the an
nouncement that the vote was a tie
seven to seven. linen the Note "c1S ee''Neii
over again, but with the same result
It was clearly up to Chairman Mills but
he was equal to the occasion, and with
some hesitation and reluctance cast the
deciding vote for proclamation. which thus
won out by vote of eight to seven, and
the meeting adjourned
"Anyhow, we skinned Clay Ward to
ieath,' said Chairman Mills, as the
meeting broke up. "They had fourteen
men present and we had forty
Mr. Gordon's talk brought out the views
Of one or two Of the gentlemen present.
alderman Beck, OF Jackson Ward. thought
The Constitution should have provided for
a smaller number Of salaried members
Of the Council. Mr. Frank Murphy was
OF the same mind on this point A gem
tIeman Just in front OF Mr. Gordon gave
repeated indications that the matter Of
the support Of negro schools by white
tax payers rested rather heavily upon
his mind Mr.. Beck and one or two 9TH
crs called attention to the recent Demo-
cratic unanimity in Jackson Ward as an
argument that the negroes are not in 1t
AT this time, and that no franchise change
is demanded. Mr.. Gordon. however.
s;eered clear of all the pitfalls that were
set for him. and gave a valuable and in
terestinG explanation of some of the
provisions of the new Constitution,
which jefferson Ward would have been
fortunate to have heard at a more largely
attended meeting.