Trouble About It

The “unconstitutional ‘Constitutional’ Convention” strikes “the white Democratic office-holders squarely in the face” by endangering “the position of every county and city official in the state.”

If we are to be guided by the reports now being circulated it seems that the legislature of Virginia in ordering a vote upon an unconstitutional “Constitutional” Convention blundered as usual and struck the white Democratic office-holders squarely in the face. The colored brother is smiling at their predicament:
The Time says:
“Several days ago the Democratic Executive Committee of Norfolk County met in the city of Portsmouth, and we learn from the Norfolk Landmark that while the committee was in session the following paper was circulated:
‘Important to Virginians!’
‘If a Constitutional Convention is called, it will endanger the position of every county and city official in the state, besides occasioning a state of great uncertainty to every interest involved. You may start this convention, but no man can tell where it will stop. See to it that delegates are elected to the Democratic State Convention, which assembles in Norfolk May 2nd, 1900 who will vote against making the convention a party issue.’
This is indeed, ‘important to Virginians.’ It is important to Virginians that the Constitutional Convention shall be held, and important to them to know that some of the office-holders are opposing it. It is important to Virginians to mak the issue right now, and decide as to whether Virginia is run by the people or by the office-holders.”
This is strong language, inasmuch as the Times is a bourbon Democratic journal and was an ardent supporter of the “Jim Crow” Car Law.
Go it, ye cripples, and may the best man win.

“Trouble About It,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed February 14, 2026, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1320.