The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-02-24
LET THERE BE Az open FIGHT.

E LET THERE BE Az OPEN FIGHT.
@ Senator Folkes seems 10 be OF the few
members In the General Assembly who still
NtAink that the Jordan Act can have the wind
HAicked out of II by dilatory methods
StA day or so ago. he introduced and had
N yessed resolution involving a cos; to the State
ssw several hundred dollars. under which the
HElerk OF the Senate is required TO compile all
&3thc arguments had before the Constitutional
EEonvention Of 1902 upon the subject of liquor
EsAd liquor legislation.
This resolution had the appearance Of being
#Ar iilsimed Jest ppon serious subject. 1t was
Ssc declared b. several senators who could not
@see that 1t was necessary TO reprint matter
klrcady in print available for body Of men,
many or whom were moi lawyers aud all the
lawyers in which doubtless familiar with
HtAe matter contemplated 10 be published But
when Mr. Folkes insisted upon his good faith
ES3he Senate passed the resolution.
II Yesterday Mr.. Fokes again came forward
NTH the-r remarkable motion that the Senate,
which bad already referred the Jordan Act
4 PASSED BY the House on Thursday. instruct the
3tommittce having it in charge not to report it.
h Naturally, the purpose Of the reference being
sSt report, the resolution was declared ont Of
serder. When I; was suggested to the senator
1Aat the Temperance cns-pet4ia agree to Hire
S#niEcharse OF the committee and tho immediate
h Reconsideration Of tbs bill, he loaded bis ac-
b teptancc with qualification which he knew
would not be aeecp,ed~~that a vote be taken at
ence, and without argument.
rs During the debate in the House on Thursday.
& Speaker Byrd MT time refused to put the
d motion for division asked by Mr.. Montague on
4 sne OF twenty more proffered amendments,
Nkach one Of which 1t was known would stand or
&1au by the already established strength OF the
HOUSE He did the ground that the call
\ Tor a division not made In good faith and
sNas actuated by the desire fer unnecessary de-
Y lay. On Mr. Montague's solemn statement that
ne offered the amendment in the hope OF It's pas
/ xage and asked division with the sincere de-
sire TO ascertain the vote, the speaker put the
motion and later apologized to Mr.. Montague
for his expression.
MIR Byrds attitude toward Mr.. Montague may
well be reflected. by the people in their attitude
feward Mr.. Folkes and those other members of
the General Assembly whose efforts have had
Etke appearance of seeking to avoid and confuse
the issue which tho Jordan bill carries. If such
\ motions and resolutions are indeed serious and
S4n good faith, may accept them as such.
N while still wondering at the quality OF mind
that gives them birth.
III sThe Jordan Act however. has already proved
nv the consistency of its support and its triumph
\ a the House that it is a serious matter which
has the wide support OF the people. Its fate
will In great measure realize disappont
The hopes of a great body OF earnest people ami
4 mated solely by regard for the moral interest
\ M the Commonwealth, Such measure has
dignity of Its own superior to efforts at either
Ats humorous childish treatment Senators,
III least. in such crisis should exhibit an equal
4 tys They prast know ,thate whatfSar ,thcir.
6pal action shall be, ii win fail of popular
kpect If it shall be taken except In accordance
iSNith the orderly and decent procedure to which
&A matter of such moment is entitled
n The people are watching the Senate. They
! look To ii for good faith and fair treatment.
THEY expect IT 10 frown upon dilatory method
and tiivsrting tacttcs They look to rerort
sE the committee within. reasonable time
Snfter proper discussion They look then for
Sir fight and an open vote upon the door and
|spn the merits such demand is reasonable
skFom honeet men Of eifNer shade OF opinion on
#Ahis question The Senate. which is faced with
E4he solemn duty OF Interpreting the demand OF
kAAe people whom il represents. only stultify
mud belittle itself If il undertakes 10 meet such
NM question on any Jess open and candid plane
Sef action.