Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-11-26
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER &c, 1910.
TIE PROPOSED EXTRA SESSION.

News comes from Norfolk that
petition Ia being circulated calling
upon Governor Mann TO call an oNtra
session of the legislature TO enact
law lcgalizing the primary system.
Since the movement originated IN
Norfolk. the petition will DO circulated
In that city first. but II is assumed
that steps viii be taken TO give the
voters In all parts OF the State an OPP
poriuni,y to sign the paper
If tho general assembly should meet
IN extra session and enact an ade'
auate primary law. this paper De-
lfeycs the result would be worth many
times az much TO the State as the
few thousands OF dollars the session
would cost. We are convinced tnat
the necessity for law protecting tue
urinary r. sufficiently urgent TO war
rant the calling Of an extra session
10 give the legislators an opportunity
To do their duty In this regard, which
they so signally failed to do during
the 1910 regular session. But there
are two questions TO be considered;
Is there chance that Governor
Mann or the required number OF as
scmblymen will issue call Tor an
extra session? Is there chance that
the legislature as at present constr
tutcd. even If called together, will
pass a proper primary law, even II II
should enact law at all? We are
very much afraid that neither OF
these questions can be answered in
the affirmation.
Then. If the legislature is not TO
deal with the situation before the
senatorial primary is held. the hope
of people who desire TO see the pri-
maries protected lies in the movement
loosing toward the holding of a Dem
ocratic State platform convention
The same party leaders who have
been largely responsible for the negli-
rence OF the State Democratic esecu-
tive committee and for the failure OF
the assembly TO give us needed pa
mary legislation. very likely will use
their influence. some Of them work
ing directly and openly and others
working secretly and insidiously, TO
block the convention movement, but
If the rank and file of the party viii
rise In their might and demand ac-
tior they will get II.
The Norfolk virginian-Prot makes
this pertinent comment on the situa'
ton:
The primary plan needs
thorough revision. and the revision
10 be thorough must be formulated
BY the friends OF the system. The
best il no; the only hope for a com
picse response. to the just expects-
lions and urgent necessities of the
Democratic people is in a convention
to be composed Of their duly elected
representatives. II an assembly 80
chosen and constituted fails 10 meet
the full requirements OF the situation
as to this and other exigen; issues
or IL the majority should decide to
70 on In the same old haphazard
way: then the executive authorities
OF the parry viii have warrant FOE
future and vindicafion for past nees
.rcrcc in this respect n. CT the con.
frxry. as we feel certain viii be the
ease. the majority should address ~
self earnestly to the preparation and
PRONUNCIATION Of primary chart IS
fabIiehing the proper Relationship be-
tween the electorate and the o0icers
Of election. then every Vrcicxt fos
rzr.y dsssenslon win have been re-
moved and the nominations made VII