The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-02-24
ENABLING ACT CERTAIN.

Representatives OF tne nlBnest type OF clti-
zenship and manhood in Virginia have met in
Newport News. dealt with the liquor question
In lite every phase a high plane, and adjourn"
ed. feeling assured that a bill enabling the peo-
pie Of the Old Dominion TO express by their
votes their opinion as to whether or not the sa-
loon is to be longer licensed and tolerated in this
State
They believe. and there is good reason for the
people throughout the State TO expect, two mea-
sures making for greater social. moral and po-
htical advancement than has ever been known
In Virginia, will be passed by the Legislature OK
1912. One will give to the voters of the State
the right to voice their opinion the saloon,
and the other will provide for pure electorate.
The Anti-Saloon League OF Virginia is convine-
ed that a majority of citizens of this State re-
gard the saloon as the greatest menace of civil
ization to-day, and tina. improper registrations
have defeated the public will One OF the most
important results OF the Convention in Newport
News Is the demand for the passage of bill
making it felony for any registrar to make il
legal and unlawful registrations The Constitu.
ton OF Virginia has fixed certain qualifications
which must be possessed by every man in the
State who wishes to cast vote in public cleo
ton. Unless these requirements met no
man should be allowed to vote Unfortunately,
there is no law in Virginia making the placing
of names of wholly unqualified persons upon the
registration books punishable offense The
consequence has been that the constructive work
done by rightthinking men has been torn down
and their energies gone for naught- The de-
bauching OF the ballot in Virginia must cease,
say the Anti-saloon League members. and they
believe that with a pure electorate the cause
which they espouse will triumph,
So long as liquor is the burning issue in Vir-
gnia no Legislature or set of politicians has the
right to refuse TO grant to the citizenship of the
State the privilege of voicing It's sentiments on
this momentous question. The temperance adj
vocates are secure in the belief that the next
Legislature will yield to the public demand for
a settlement of the liquor question as to the peo
pie may seem best. They believe with a pure
electorate, none voting except those who possess
the mental, educational, property and other
/
this issue which will he expressive, final. and
! free from the charge that 1t was arrived at by
| polluted methods
| In the interest OF the enabling act the temper
ance forces purpose laborng most earnestly ane
make their victory so complete and thorough
that no misgiyng will obtain as to what the rea
sentiment of the people is on the liquor ques
ton They propose to enlist more men and t.
use all honorable means to persuade the voters
! to elect to the next Legislature only such candi
dates as will commit themselves to the passage
| of the enabling act
! The Newport News Convention was most prof
liable to the Anti Saloon League members, and
] time will, show its useful meaning 10 the State
and its people. Great progress was reported
7 the temperance shown to have advanc
! ed most encouragingly and the future view
ed with boundless hope and optimism. 1t was
/ convention. ...-. ...~, .,-.-.s.
! In electing the Rev. e. r. Wexford, ID, D.. oil
! Newport News. to the presidency of the League
I the members committed the destinies Of the or.
/ ganization into most able and worthy hands
] and placed leadership with man who will not
only measure up to the highest requirements OF
/ the dificult office, but bring great credit upon
I the League and himself The Rev. Dr. Wexford
is one of the cleanest, sanest, most practical and
! thoroughly admirable men in this State, q
] minister, Anti-Saloon League member, man and
citizen. and the organization has done itself
honor In honoring him. He is supported by ar
Executive Committee composed of men OF the
! highest standing In the various communities In
which they live, and the temperance work in vir
ginia win be pressed with vigor the coming year