Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-09-02
solution in which every conflict OF interest ,
would be adjusted to standard which would
amply safeguard every just right involved.
virginia's Assembly VIII Stand Firm

Y
General Assembly, is expected to voice
its sentiment toward the Susan b. Anthony
amendment to the Federal Constitution, the
instrument by which its advocates hope to
force equal suffrage on unwilling States. The
stage is set and the final act. that Of tho
ballot will take place in the Senate and the
House.
The nature Of Virginia's decision is as GER
tain as 1t is possible for human affairs to at
tain to certainty. Its General Assembly, in
rigid adherence to the popular will, will de-
feat the obnoxious amendment. and it will
defeat il so decisively that the hosts of suf
fragc who would invade the States rights and
compel it to surrender to the central govern
ment the regulation Of its own suffrage, can
retain no doubt as to the true temper Of Wiz
sinians on this vital subject.
Three times already in previous sessions
the House has defeated the suffrage propa-
gandists. and there is every reason to believe
that the membership of that body has not
Swerred from its allegiance to Democratic
principles. Never before has the Senate
voted on suffrage but, always wisely conser-
vative and watchful of the States welfare. the
vote there probably will be even more over
whelmngly against IL than in the lower cham
Der.
And it may he said truthfully that Presi-
dent Wilson's interference, with that OF the
chairman OF the national committee joyfully
greeted by the suffrage hosts as a mighty
weapon in their behalf. has proved a veri-
table boomerang. To his attempt TO lure
Virginia from its duty may be attributed
directly dozen more votes, now certain
TO be counted against the amendment which
up to the time of his ill-advised appeal. were
at least not sure. Members OF both Senate
and House feel themselves quite capable OF
performing their bounden duties toward their
constituents, without dictation from Wash
lngton or elsewhere. and by their votes today
they VIII forever prove themselves the true
representatives of Democratic people.
BY the same token they resent. and with
their ballots they will voice their resentment
the tremendous pressure that is being exerted
TO tear them from their allegiance to the
state and range them with the forces which
Tor political eNpediency or other reasons have
taken up the fight to rob this sovereign State
OF its birthright. Perhaps no more powerful
LOBBY ever has assembled in Richmond than
lhe one now here working frenzcdly among
me lawmakers. From every part of the State
from other States and from WASHINGTON the
suffrage leaders. conspicuous for their activi-
tlcs IN the national campaign and for their
success in influencing other LEGISLATURES
nave come. and it may be reasonably pre-
suhieu mat they arc working under their
notorious card-indcN system. which comes
dangerously near being blackmail But in
me very frenzy of their endeayor they are
oVerShooting the mark, and like the untimely
eHorts of the President and the party chair
man. their c!cventh-hour drive is opening the
eyes and ears OF tho Senators and Delegates
ana causing them 10 cling more closely to the
preservation of EirginiaS sovereignty
While, unless all portents fail, the amend
hch' VIII be deiea ted the suffrage propagan-
d'S's VIII he only checked. not definitely stop-
pea iheE may be expected to renew the
contest before the regular session OF tho As
scmoly But by that time it may be too late
oiher southern States today are looking to
Virginia for guidance II is a pivotal State
u IL stands firm and strong and true TODAY
olhcr States now wavering between duty and
eSpedicncy will follow its lead and the South
may be saved from the horrors which univer
sal suffrage would bring down upon il
Today. from coast TO coast and from the
northern border to the Gulf, the eyes of Amer
lea rest on Nrginias General Assembly
More particularly and more anxiously doe,
the South await its action, lest il be plunpcd
"sain INTO those unforgcttablc conditions
which surrounded the ballot box in recon
sfruction days. when it fighting for white
supremacy. 1t is impossible to fear that
Wheh the votes have been recorded they will
not send forth TO other States striving IN nrc
serve their independence new message or
courage and of hope.