The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-10-30
OffIcEHOlDERS
ARE USING PARTY
Democratic Organization In
voked to Help Treasurers
and Commissioners.
NOT DEMOCRATIC MEASURE
Surprise Caused by Methods of
Treasures and Commits
sioners' Association.
lNoT DEMOCRATIC MEASURE

In q mai effort to carry the amend
ments to the Constitution regarding
city trsasurers and commissioners Of
an attempt IL being made 10 use the
Democratic party machinery. Tho ar
gument Is put forth. In writing to focal
party committees. that the amend
ami commissioners 70 succeed them
selves indefinitely form Democratic
measure.
The circular letter. which IL signed
Roanoke and secretary of the Treas
urers and Commission ,rs' Association
OF virginia. An organization formed
to got through legislation desired by
these ofiiceholders. also says that the
proposition has been confirmed by the
Court Of Appeals OF the state as being
legally and properly done"
1t has caused some surprise. The
folk last May did mot indorse the
amendments. nor was It even asked to
do so. The matter was not before
any caucus Of the Legislature. and Mr..
msas aHa saying T. unknown
Those members Of the Legislature who
opposed the joint resolution submitting
the amendments to the people were
Voted Tor il. Yet Mr.. Davis Is making
an effort to bring Democratic voters
into line for 1t ca the plea that II Is
party measure.
Besides. 1, is recalled that the su-
prems Court has not as Mr.. Davis as
serts. CONFIRMED II "as being properly
and legally done" That court has only
passed on the question Of Jurisdiction.
and and ;houM it Be carried At the poll;
certainly be tested in the courts. many
leading lawyers believing 1t improper
ly done.
stiu further. the personal appeal be-
I'm hv nd q.
siOners Is held to show the fallacy
Of the argument being put forth that
the amendments are not In the interest
of onceholders. but are In the IN
terest of the people. The spirit be-
hind the anne adments Is thus shown.
Mr.. Davis goes 80 far as TO ask the
party chairmen to use the judges OF
election His circular letter, sent out
all over the State. follows:
To the Chairman Of the Democratic
Executive Committee:
Dear Sir.-The constitutional amend
ments allowing city treasurers and
succeed themselves will be submitted
to the people at the November cleo
ton.
This 10 a Democratic measure. passed
firmed by the Court Of Appeals
Of the State al being legally and prop
a, the last November election the
amendments 10 the SOHSkItubAcu oAAo~
| ing county treAsurerS and county com
lmissioners to succeed themselves were
passed and have become law: while
\ the amendments to allow city treasur-
ers and city commissioners the same
| privileges were defeated by the coun-
| ty voters. SO that under present condi-
lions every other oficer In the State Ii
allowed to succeed himself AZ often az
| the people choose to elect him. except
the thtrty-eight men filling the omces
Of city treasurers and city commits
sioners.
AS a matter OF right and justice. I
an writing to appeal TO you TO help
us get this matter before the county
voters and TO aid US In every possible
way that you can to secure their pas.
sage. It is important that the voters
iattention at each precinct shall be
called to the necessity of voting on
these amendments Will you kindly
help US to accomplish this In your
tcounty and greatly oblige.
| Please let me hear from you.
Yours very truly.
(Signed) l. 6. DAVIS.
Secretary.
| P. a-Kindiy call the attention OF
all the Judges Of election in your coun-
,ty at each precinct to the Importance
Of bringing these amendments to the
attention OF every voter at the polls