The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-05-26
TO THE ANNEXATION COMMITTEE AND TO
THE PLANS COMMITTEE OF THE CITY
DEMOCRATIC CoMMITTEE--A WORD TO


THE PLANS COMMITTEE OF THE CITY
DEMOCRATIC CoMMTTTEE--A WORD TO
yoU.
To the annexation committee of the city coun-
ella word with you.
1t Is right and proper that you should hear
argument for and against annexation. Not only
is this necessary for full understanding of the
questions involved and for the acquisition OF all
possible light on the subject but 1t is due the
people of Richmond and outlying territory. Peo-
pie who interested should be given an op-
po-tunity to tell whether they favor or oppose
annexation and why. II helps you, it gives you
information. II aids you In reaching a decision
as to the propriety OF annexing any territory or
to what territory shall be annexed. If any, and
II gives the people a standing IN court. They
ere interested and they have right to be
heard
These hearings are not in the nature of
referendum however. Like the referendum pro-
posed by the CITY Democratic committee II is too
restricted Too few people express an opinion
To make it advisable or even sensible to count
noses and be guided thereby. 1t is what these
d
gree only. who they may be and not how many
appear for and how many appear against, that
!. should count with you.
Weigh carefully the arguments for and against
So shape your questions that they may bring
forth facts and figures and reasons. Do not
pay too much attention to those who speak for
themselves only individuals who think they
oaip {p5g
should be given hearing. but unless convinced
that what they say applies to large number
OF others little weight should attach to their
special pleas. In other words. disregard special
interests Seek knowledge and information and
act thereupon for the best interest of the whole
community you 1t. You represent the
whole community. You empowered by it
Go decide this question. Decide it according
TO your lights. seeking to gain more light,
and whether there be referendum or whether
that proposal be abandoned, you will have earned
the confidence and good viii of the public and |
what is more, YOU will be satisfied with your
self
The Ttroinfdn believes, Of course that the
committee will do this. 1t wishes, however 10 !
warn against paying too much attention to spe.
cal pleading and too little to the unexpressed
wish of thousands who do not testify. There
Is too much loose talk about the will of the
people" The will of the people of Richmond
and OF Virginia is expressed In the form of
government adopted hundred and fifty years
ago. That will is representative democracy.
That Will Is 70 elect representatives to act for
them and until they express a contrary will It
IL the duty OF the legislative branch of the gov
eminent SO to act. When the people want |
referendum like that OF Oregon they will ask
for It. When they want a referendum on a
particular question they will ask for It. They
lave not asked for II In this case
The annexation committee should do as 1t is
doing-study this question and then act The
council should do II apparently will do
study. the report Of the annexation committee
and then act upon, without regard TO a restrict
ed referendum. If, after. the annexation COM
mttee has reported for or against annexation
or has reported In favor Of particular plan and
there is real demand for popular vote on
the adoption Of that plan IL should be granted
Until this happens 1t ia the sworn duty Of the
council TO be what II is~-a representative body
with commission from the people TO art for
them.