The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-02-21

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cussion Will result in the defeat Of
the bill by the House. but that the
3 prohibition cause was greatly weak
cncd, at least in the minds OF mem
borg. was generally admitted last
night
1t is regarded rs probable that a
FINAL vote will be reached between s
and o'clock this afternoon. 1t is
agreed that the opponents are to
have four hours. of which they have
consumed one hour and thirty five
minutes. The advocates are to have
all the time they desire. ana have used
one hour and twenty-five minutes. The
'dea is that the matter should be set
tied before adjournment to-day.
Debate Is Begun.
When the special order was reached
yesterday Mr.. Jordan. the patron of
the prohibition bill, made brief
statement The matter had been dis
eussed for weeks, he said, and he
saw no reason for extended debate.
: But he had agreed with the oppon-
"nts that there should be reasonable
time for debate, and he hoped The
men who favored his bill would con-
sent to listen to the arguments and
not cut off debate. lie had consented
70 listen TO the arguments and not cut
OFF debate He had consented to give
tHc opposition three ilpulS.
on Mr.. Jordnn's motion. the consti-
'utional readings OF tho bill were dis
pcnsed with.
y. 4. Banks, of Norfolk, was the
first speaker, He called attention to
the fact that the bill would confer
upon 70 per cent. of the voters the
rover 10 force issue, and might
lead 10 many SUCH situations, with re-
current elections. 1t would open tho
gate to deluge of forced elections.
This pet project OF the Anti Saloon
league, therefore, should be shown
tic door as 1t came without creden-
tials. It would throw the state into
turmoil and into the agitation which
would inevitably result.
tIcrcsy and Failncy.
Prohibition he characterized "a n
political heresy and political fall
lacy. 1T is word" ne said which
should crate harshiy upon the Amer
lean ear; there is despotic twang
ahout it that should prompt the frown
Of indignation and the front OF re-
ss;ance Assuming that 1t possessed
every virtue claimed for 1t, it would
be still the imposition of an arbitrary
compulsion for the liberty of choice.
IN the ultimate analysis II may DO
defined as d sacrifice of the common
liberty in vain effort to save indi-
ldual vice"
u nOGF ttt provisions OIL tnlS Vii,
lie continued, "a minority of but one
fourth OF the voting strength of tho
state however isolated or conSested
its members may be. can. at their
pleasure. throw the state into the
tOrmoil OF AN election on issues which
may he unimportont and perhaps OBJ
jectionablc to the balance OF the cleo
torate. Statc-wide prohibitions OF /
which this enabling act Is merely the /!
herald and agent. is subvorsive of the
principle Of local option. OF the right
TO each section to govern itself ac-
cording TO its own needs and wishes
aud as such / am opposed TO It, do
hot believe that the country districts
should govern the towns can SEQ
agricultural interests making laws for
the government Of our cities"
byrd fakes Up CudisclS.
Speaker Byrd then took the floor
Colonel John 5. HARDWOOD occupying
the chair through the remainder of the
days session
COMBATING the statement of Mr.
Banks that the bill came without ere
dcntlals, the Speaker said that II
represents a majority sentiment of the
people rae wettest man in the state
he said could properly vote for It,
since It does not necessarily bring
prohibition, but only confers on the
people the right TO vote. nc sara the
citizens can substitute for Legislative
rule a rule by direct vote.
Accomac county, in 1853, had IA
nous case over its right to vote on the
establishment OF public school sys-
tenn Then the LEGISLATURE has con-
ferrsd on the people Of localities tho
right to have local option elections,
courthouse elections. bond issue cleo
tions the Law going into effect upon
an Affirmative vote This proposition,
io argued. was only an eXtcnsicn Of
the principle to the whole State.
Constitutions Restrictive.
Addressing himself then to the CON
stitutional proposition, AIr. Byrd said
that whan people can find no other
reason for opposing a bill. they say
St is unconstitutional. lie contended
that the people are all-poweriul Con
stltutions. he said are not enabling.
Nut restrictive Thcy say what the
PEOPLE may not DO ANA they may do
anythlne not expressly prohibited.
When ia -consfitution docs not
sneak the- tie re5iple have the power
~ Il a "a, Z