The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-10-26
yoTE THEM ALL DOWN.

= ! j " I = 4,
VOTE THEM ALL DOWN.
The most powerful blow that has
Sbeen dealt the four proposed amend
ments to the Virginia Constitution by
Sany man was dealt Saturday BY the
fJIon. Robert NJ. Ward, whose service
as Senator in the General Assembly
from Winchester has been marked by
cautious conservatism, great wisdom,
and practical craftsmanship. at the
last session of the Legislature Sem
ator Ward was recognized as a fear
less and impartial representative OF
the interests of the people, undomi-
mated by any special interest or or
gan,zation. and his pronouncement
9must. therefore, be taken as that Of
4s1nan who has no reason to speak save
the fac, that he has the cause OF the /!
whole people In mind.
In letter published on Saturday In
the winchester Evening Star, which. is
powerfully opposed to the proposed
amendments, Senator Ward sets forth
Ills Views, taking the ground which
gThe Times Dispatch has always taken
that all these proposed changes
sshould be voted down.
The tremendous significance of these
changes, which tile otfice-holders af-
Bfccted have tried artfully to conreal,
II is fully realized by Senator Ward. He
= says: 81.
These. amendments propose changes
In the fundamental law Of the state
Sof very great and far-reaching signln-
canoe. and us the people must vote
sone way or the other, they should In
torn themselves SO that they may vote
sintelligently. They Will not be called
upon III, many years to vote upon any
propositions that are more important
I'm their bearing upon the public IN
q terests.
Though in favor Of the two proposed
4 amendments affecting the session Of
tho General Assembly and the reading
OF bills therein, Senator Ward realizes
that the proposed amendments wlth
sioners of the revenue and treasurers
are too serious for slight and passing
consideration by the electorate. and
he. therefore, believes that all of these
changes ought to be voted down. for
fear that the last two changes
may be adopted. He says:
1t Is not practicable within the
limits of this article TO discuss the
merits OF tie proposed changes. ilor
"a is 1t necessary. AS to the principle
Involved, there IS of course, sonletninS
IL be said on both sides But this
should not influence the voter In max
ing his decision at this time. When it
IA is proposed to change the Constitution
aof the State think tho main con-
SHERATON should be Whistler the pruc-
stical operation of the provision in
question has bcen subjected to tho SUI
preme test OF a trial Throughout u
period Sufficiently long to develop It's
Bniticiency or deficiency.
The now Constitution has been
gS in existence barely eight years,
and although these new provisions
lit Is now proposed to return to the
policy which was in operation for u
"a generation prior to 1902. All the adj
rantaEes and disadvantages of Il short
session of the Legislature and of a
\: short tenure of office by treasurcrs
and commissiohers of the revenue We're
thoroughly considered by the Constitu-
tional Convention. and no great harm,
slscan result from giving further time.
in which TO test the wisdom OF the
Sy,enew policy adopted. After full and
~ fair trial, the amendment can again
81 be submitted and tile people will he
,z9s In n position TO decide more intel!i-
gently.
Ny observation and personal en-
perience would lead me to belieyo that
the public interest would be served
posed amendments With proper re-
strictions and BY the rejection OF the
two last tas to treasurers and COM
missionersl. But the obvious fact
should be emphasized that there is no
~ urgent demand on the part of the pubs
9s lie for any change in the Constitution
ut the present time. The question is,
ment, 1t is the part of wisdom to vote
down all of the suggested changes.
Why return to the old policy before
we have tried the new?
That Is what The Times-D Dispatch
has asserted all along. The questions
are prematurely put to the people. The
present Constitution has not been
given a fair trial. The proponents Of
these amendments would shift toe
Iss rapidly from the old to tho new. win.
out giving the old opportunity ~ Jus.
tify its existence,
From the first we have Claimed, and
we shall claim to the last, that ..herl
s Is no pub demand for these changes
sSSsg4 A band Of selfish and despotic pslbit
servants have banded themselves to.
gether TO effect these changes In gu,
Constitution. They have NOT qourtet
s3sl the sunlight. they have kept au,e, II
the shadow Never, since the agita,
ton Of these vital questions has
treasurer or commissioner of,he reye
13S nue. dared to come outIin the open AM
make answer to-eae charges whlcl
have been made against tho once
s4SS holders trust.
Every word that senator 'Nvard say,
85 " trne and We commend him to ri,
pf'osPle as wise and upright Judge
who has spoken the truth freely an.
conraEeausly The unanimous silenc,
which the ofiioe-hoIders Affected Ii,