The Farmville herald and farmer-leader. (Farmville, Va.) 1934-1957, 1956-01-06
Referendum Center Explains
After Convention Procedure
Local Government
Seen Vital Issue

Proponents of the constitution
al convention said this week that
they are counting on heavy vote
throughout the State on January
9 With the referendum on the
convention only a few days away.
final preparations were under way
to get out a large vote in support
of the convention.
The proposed amendment to
Section 14l of the Constitution
would enable the State to make
tuition grants for parents who de-
sire TO send their children to nom
setarian private schools rather
than to mixed public schools.
The referendum is being sup
ported by many prominent lead
ers and educators in the State.
including Governor and Lieuten-
Governor. four living En-
Governors. both United States
Senator. most members Of the
Congress from Virginia. the At
torney General. the State Superln-
tendent of Public Instruction. the
three living former Superinten-
dents of Public Istruction. Num-
erous farm and other organiza-
tons also have come, to its sup
port.
In statement issued today.
DR.. Dabney S. Lancaster, direc-
tor OF the State Referendum In
formation Center. declared that a
favorable vote on January will
assure Virginians Of the oppor-
tunity to continue to provide edu-
cational opportunities Nor all the
children of the Commonwealth
What Court Said
DR.. Lancaster is a former State
Superintendent Of Public Instruc-
ton and is President Emeritus of
Longwood College at Farmville.
The text of his statement setting
forth the implications of the ref
erendum follows:
The Supreme Court in its de-
cision of May II said that no
child should be denied admission
to a school on the sole grounds of
race. The Court did not say that
indignation should be enforced.
If then we are not to have enforc-
ed indignation there must be some
alternative. We believe in local
self government. The Gray plan
leaves to each city. county and
town the choice between full in
tegration. partial indignation. of
no indignation. If full indignation
IS d sired no constitutional
change and no legislation is re-
CURED If partial integration is
acceptable, the assignment plan
will meet the need in most cases.
II there Is to be assurance that
there will be no forced indignation,
the tuition plan is needed in addi-
ton to the assignment plan.
On January 9th the people Of
Virginia will vote ON one question
only-Shall there be a conven-
I ton.
After Convention
If the people vote in favor of
holding the convention. the legis-
lature will then decide when the
convention will be held and the
number Of delegates to the con-
vention.
When you next go to the polls.
probably month later. you
choose your delegates to the con-
vention to carry out your wishes.
Thus, you will have two OPP
portunities to express your wishes
on January. 9th. and again in
electing delegates to the conven-
ton.
Assuming that the vote on
January 9th for holding the con-
vcntlon and assuming that the
convention. when held, amends
the Constitution, then-and then
cnly-Will the recommendation
of the Gray report come formally
before the entire legislature. Then
public hearings will be held by
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