The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-10-20
SUNDAY. OCTOBER 20. 1912.
rHF RIGHTS OF rur PEOPLE.

one OF the Two amendments TO the eonstl-
tQton Of Virginia to he voted upon in the cleo
ZION of November 9Th involves the very i'm
portant question OF the rights OF the people
10 determine matters Of public policy for
themselves Yht Ttrainigu believes in the rule
q. the people and therefore earnestly advo-
Gates the adoption OF the amendment which
will allow treasurers and commissioners of the
revenue in the cities Of the commonwealth to
be elected to succeed themselves. While this
question only affects the cities with respec, to
these important Offices the principle involved
affects the entire State and We are convinced
that If the people in the counties, as well as
The cities are made TO realize the Importance
cf the question at issue they VIII vote by over
wheirning odds. TO So change the constitution
AZ TO make the city treasurers and commits
stoners eligible FOR reelection as similar Off
eers in the counties under an amend
raent adopted a few years ago
What reason is there why the people of
Richmond should not have the right TO re-
elect Mr. Jas, p. Pace. City Treasurer and MIR.
Henry f. Tresnon. Commissioner of Revenue?
These we-known and honorable officials jim
whom The entire community has the fullest
caafaence are practical men. experienced, and
efficient in the discharge of the responsible
dhties of their offices. Why should there be a
law that would prevent the voters of the city
frcm continuing in office such faithful men?
what is said of these officials might pre-
sumo also be said Of those of Norfolk, Lynch
burg Petersburg and of other cities in the
commonwealth
But eliminating the personal question en-
tlrely are not the people OF this city competent
~ say whether or not the men filing these
respective positions Of public trust and re-
sponsibiitv shall or shall not be retained in
them II like officers in the counties may sub
nit their claims to their constituents for sue
eessiye terms why should honorable and cap
able city officials, without cause or warrant. be
forbidden the citizens privilege of Offering his
services to his people or be wantonly character
ized as a member Of THE BLENDERBUND?'
IT, indeed. there is any reason of public pol +cy
Why any official should not he eligible for ~
election this would not apply in the mos. re-
mote degree 10 city treasurers and commits
their offices is different from that of similas
offices in the country and they are free from
that personal contact with the voters in the
discharge OF their duties which might possibly
result in the exercise OF such an influence as
III affect the most complete efficiency Of their
administration.
The people OF Virginia acted wisely, il our
judgment. in restoring to the treasurers and
commissioners OF the counties OF the State
the right TO offer as candidates to succeed
Themselves. We believe the * even
greater why The same righteous and just privi-
lege should be accorded to these officials in
our cities There would be as much reason for
providing against the reelection Of senator's
and congressman or for great business inst-
buttons change their responsible heads and
managers Nv soon as' they have gotten II thor
oHgh grasp OF their duties and have come into
the fullest measure Of efficiency in service.
Yes let the people enjoy what is their ma
snral right in voting for men who they desire
for any office, and We have the fullest con-
hdence in their Integrity aud Intelligence and
feel satisfied that few mistakes viii be made