The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-02-27

Mr. Jonn 4. EASY, tne oLneF IHaIn-
Ter representative who spoke. de-
clared he had been insulted by DR..
Wicker's remarks, and for time
excitement ran high. DR.. Wicker re-
manned quiet and made mo reply,
maintaining his composure under the
bitter words Of the Chambers repre-
sentatives.
Advocates of the bill asked for a
short hearing. They suggested that
one and one-half hours be given to
each side. To this opponents Of the
measure objected. declaring out-of-
town people wanted to be heard and
that If the rule were adopted they
would have no time to voice their
objection. For ten minutes the mat
ter was argued. The committee went
behind closed doors and came back
In a few minutes with the decision
that two nights were needed. an hour
to be given to each side at each hear
ing.
DIR. Cannon on Constitutionality.
DR.. James Cannon, chairman of the
Legislative Committee OF the Anti
Saloon League, began by stating he
was not appearing in a personal
capacity but for the league. He was
representing, he said. large number
OF the best people OF the State.
DIR. Cannon treated the question as
both moral and economic one, later
going into the constitutionality Of the
act. judicial decisions were cited
showing that the Legislature was act
ing within its rights and powers In
submitting the question to the people
Of the State. The speaker next took
up the statement that submitting the
question 10 In the nature OF the
initiative and referendum. declaring
the people could not initiate any
thing the Legislature first approved
This IL primarily" said DR.. Can
non. "a great moral issue, and as a
moral issue must eventually affect the
government and the economic wei
fare Of the State. 1t is a question
you cannot treat lightly. 1t must be
given the most careful consideration.
''Will the General Assembly allow
the voters OF Virginia to say whether
their own State shall grant license
to sell Intoxicating liquor? That Is
the question involved. 1t would seem
that anybody would say that Is a
simple question.
This Legislature will not at any
time declare 1t IL not here to enact
laws for the people of Virginia. Any
man who would go on the stump and
declare such policy would never be
returned here. The man who would
declare the people should not be given
LEGISLATION they want would most GER
tainly be defeated.
THE House Of Delegates has de-
cftled by two to one vote that the
people have tho right to vote on this
question What reason can the sen
ate give for not doing the same?
Answers Constitutional Objection.
taking the FIRST Objectionable con-
~titnttonality Of the act Already the
Senate has had printed constitutional
debates on the subject. went
through the debates and think the
very last thing said is most to the
point"
DR.. Cannon read Mr.. Barbour's rea-
sons for voting Against the D',nna-
way resolution IN which Mr.. Barbour
declared he believed local self gov.
erpr1sent the hest plan. There II
not TIE elirhtest intimatton," said DR.
Cannon. "that ~uch action would BE-
unccrsttt-ttcnal'
Lsciss.turs Has Full psessv.
IRE sreaker quoted other PARTS OF
the debate re9ardtnx the F0uor ostea-
ticn. 1T 10 clearly stated" he sAid.
s..that the I esisleturs has fallf rowsr.
nj = sasotvs ~ doubt this suAeu-