The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-08-27
TIE RIGHT SPIRIT.
"Lebanon, Va,
august rs, 1g1t

From the outset of the discussion of
the proposed Constitutional amend
ments. we have urged upon the Presa
of Virginia the necessity of making
the people thoroughly acquainted with
the purport of these suggested
changes and the effect which they
would have, were they to pass at tho
polls in November. 1t is a matter OF
qualification to us that many papers in
all parts of the Commonwealth have
begun to discuss fully and Intelligent
ly these four propositions, and are
doing all they can to enlighten their
readers on the merits and dement's Of
the proposed amendments.
II has been cur observation that
the percentage of the electorate un-
familiar with the subject matter Of
these proposed alterations is very
great. We know of number OF good
citizens who have never even heard
that there was TO be any vote on
these matters. If the editors will in
quire OF reasonable number Of cIti-
zens i'll their respective communities
they will find we believe, only about
one man in ten who can state the pro-
posed changes in the organic law Of
Virginia that are to be voted on this
fall.
Such condition ought not to exist.
The vote on these amendments ought
to be an intelligent vote, thoughtful
and deliberate, not blind and haphaz-
ard. There is no more solemn act
than that of voting on the question Of
altering the law which lies at tho
root Of our institutions and govern
ment. 1t is far more serious and
far-reachng matter than the election
OF any man to office or the disposition
of some local question.
1t is to the Press that the people
must largely look for enlightenment
upon these important questions. AS
we have said before, full and free dis
oussion of these proposed changes is
a public duty which the Press owes
to the people of Virginia. No matter
what the view held by the different
papers, let there be discussion of these
matters.
Most heartily do we commend the
newspapers which have already begun
the campaign of education as to
the proposed amendments, for they arc
doing excellent work. The latest edi
torial utterance we have seen
rs that OF the esteemed Kenbridge ,rri-
bune, which shows the right spirit II.
the matter Of discussion Of these suE-
gested changes. 1t says:
There Will appear in our next
weeks issue comments on the proposed
amendments to our Constitution. We
are endeavoring to gather the opin-
Ions of our people on this question.
and will be glad to hear from any one
VINO wishes to come forward and on
press his ideas along these points. We
are not inviting any controversy be-
tween parties, but are anxious to get
our county people familiar With these
Important questions. before the COM
Ing election In November.
THE writer has approached several
partles In regard to furnishing us win
their opinions on these questions; but
some fear they Will get themselves
Into Il controversy, and q little dust
not mud--might rise from same.
1--WE do not expect letters from any
OF our good officers who hold Offices
under the present Constitution. We
want ideas and views from our non-
onlce holders: we want ideas and
Views from manly -couraged men--men
who do not fear dust, even though
they We're in the desert OF Sahara,
When we express ourselves with the
iNent Of doing good and toward the