The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-01-28

ieses and elections, amended in several impor-
tant respects and with a majority of one in com
uittee against il; the enabling act viii so on the
SENATE calendar today. This Is we'll The merits
of the measure harr been so thoroughly discussed
that there is little 20 be gained by further argu-
nent This was evidently the view held by both
tie committee and those interested, as none
Jared 10 speak.
With the bill on the calendar Of the upper
branch 1t is expected to take the regular course
III legislation There is no occasion for delay,
and 1t Is not believed that there will be any,
Only reasonable time win be necessary for the
proper consideration OF the measure.
II is matter Of both surprise and regret
that the bill was not reported favorably. Its
friends hoped that all of the senator's repre-
sentng dry districts would, In obedience to the
declared wish Of their constituents, give the
proposed law their support. Messrs, Hobbs and
aassfe, who we're among those voting against
The bin. both represent districts which elected
to the house men known to favor the enabling
act. On the other hand the change in sent
,nent in the committee is gratifying Two years
ago the vote In this same committee, with all
twelve members present. nine to three
ugalnst the bill, The vote yesterday was six
to five. Mr. Rison not present.
VIZ do not believe that the senate should, or
will. give its endorsement to all of the amend.
May, 1917, is date entirely too far distant for
Statewide prohibition TO so into effect II 1t is
approved by the people The Anti-Saloon league,
IN Its legislative committees report. emphasizes
the fact that whether Statewide prohibition
comes as IL result of the passage of the enabling
net and the calling of an election Hereunder, or
by the direct vote Of legislature so instructed
by the people, the Law must become operative not
later than July /. 1916 The advocates of the
enabling act will not, In our opinion consent
10 any amendment which fixes later time at
which the prohihitive law If passed. shall become
operative.
Again the senate committee has so amended
the bill as TO provide an electorate upon the
question Of prohibition qualified by the prepay
ment of poll taxes prior to December 9. 1913.
This Is a manifest discrimination against the
rural voters. for there are no spring elections
for councilman mayor and other town officials in
the counties. these spring elections being con-
fined 10 Incorporated towns and cities In an.
ticapation Of these elections large numbers Of
people resident in towns and cities paid their
poII taxes last fail in order that they might
vote. but in the rural districts without this
stimulus the payment of poll taxes was generally
/ neglected. This provision should be SO changed
AS TO youchsafe equal opportunities for the pay
nent Of poll taxes 10 all alike.
Again. the bill as amended throws no safe.
guards around the registration books and leaves
the door wide open for the Introduction of
vast number of voters who. under the spirit of
the constitution, should not he registered Under
y the stress of prohibition election partisans on
beth sides may abuse the constitution and i'm,
peril the future of the State by their zeal with.
out knowledge" Let the election proceed upon
sA-a basis Of e3e registration books as OF January
1914 thus closing the door Of temptation to ait
enthusiasts Under the reyisions above sug.
geeted all of the voters recognized by the con
gtitutinn and nosS upon the registration books
Will have fair opportunity for the expression
1. If the popular will
There is another amendment changing the
form OF the ballot Instead of reading
aEoF Statewide Prohibition
Against Statewide Prohibition"
N The committee suggests;