Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-02-28
a Reflection of Public Sentiment

HE outstanding commitments OF the New
i York Democratic State Convention ut
Albany. Thursday, are the expression of u
firm adherence to fundamental principles OF
sound democracy. and the unanimity with
which the convention concurred in tho plat
form may he accepted pretty accurately
rejecting dominant public sentiment in tho
State on the questions passed upon without
respect to usual party algnments.
Dcnunciltion OF the Federal prohibition
amendment as an unreasonable interference
with the rights OF the States as guaranteed
by the Constitution, and the assertion that
Its recent enactment was the imposition OF
the ideas of active minority against the
wishes Of the great majority of the American
people,. voices protest that is confined to
no one section. but is general throughout the
country, and resentment at the contemptuous
way i'll which the overawed Legislatures OF
the conserving states ignored the right Of the
people for an expression of their will in the
matter. referendum right reserved TO them
in many OF the State Constitutions. is grow
ing in intensity and will not down until this
iiouted right is restored and the people of
the several States have determined for them
selves their attitude toward such innovation
upon the form OF government bequeathed TO
them by he fathers
Hence, the wisdom OF the convention in
declaring for the speedy repeal OF the amend
meut falsely incorporated in organic law i'll
their name. TO the end as stated THAT the
personal liberty OF the people of our State
may be thoroughly safeguardcd until such
time a this repeal may be brought about"
and The further assertion of the fright OF
our State in the exercise of its sovereign
power 10 so construe the concurrent clause
OF the eighteenth amendment as to be in
accord with The liberal and reasonable views
OF ON people. The fact that this plank in
me platform commanded the unqualified sup
port @! the women delegates shows that re-
sentiment at The invasion OF popular rights
and usurpation OF State authority is confined
TO neither SEX but has alarmed both men
ana women as 10 the possible consequences
that may follow
The plank demanding ratification of the
.?eacc treaty and league OF nations '.withon,
destructive reservations. uudoubtcdlv voices
9uH!Ic >eHtiln ent without regard TO party
aihiin1onS. not alone in New York State bu,
IN all the States Nearly years discussion
VI mo treaty has convinced all classes Of the
people that the league Of nations is neres-
SarE IL the world is 10 be safcguurded against
future wars FOR territorial acquisitions and
while they favor the plan OF the league in
lis chlcf Undertakings. they Yet want accent
ahce "i II conditioned with such reasonable
reservations as VIII fully safeguard American
'ishiS ana interests This can be accom-
pushed without loading the treaty down
with destructive reservatious.', aimed ,,r, -,
me h'tter preservation OF Americas rights
nut rather with the sinister designs OF d.ae+rcy-'
'he the hecfivcness OF the league Itself
pom The platform thus promulgated tho
New Ork Democracy occupies vantage
sFoUhc IN It's appeal 10 the voters of th.,
state III The coming elections thai shouId
assure II a great victory