Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-11-25

the real average value, and II so, VIC pay tax ur
| on our lands in the same ratio: suppose the othe
classes should be compelled by law also TO pay Ia
upon their lands at an average valuation of on
fourth or one third of their real value, prcsum
il will not be denied but that the fine counties
Jefferson. Berkeley Shenandoah, Bottetoutt, Sc
&c. which now pay tax OF eighty FIVE cents
per > 100 valuation agreeably TO the eqiializinp
law, which fixes the average value of those land.
ut s. o., would pay more than five times as
much revenue as they now do and this calculation
may be applied with equal aptness to the other
classes--Let the lands then be revalued aud lie,
there be an equal distribution of the public bur-
thens between the Eastern and Western people
every consideration Of justice and sound policy :
demands it, and if our western brethren are Ia.
boring under any grievances, let them be relev-
ed by the same hand of justice which shall re-
quire them to bear greater share of taxation
than they have heretofore done--If this refDrma.
lion take place in our financial SYSTEM, the a.
mount OF our present revenue may be kept up as
hong as the exigences of the commonwealth
shall require it, and at the time many of the
present trfing and vexatious taxes may be dis
pensed with which now only serve TO vex and
perplvx as well the commissioners of the reye-
nue., as every other part of our community -
To pursue this subject further, would require
me to go much beyond the limits, which I have
here prescribed tor myself; having called your at
tention to the principle, shall leave the further
investigation of it with you.
4 do not mean to make any professions here, of
ny political opinions, because I think that am
| sufficiently known TO you, and if am not, in
| formation upon this point may be had by examin-
ing the journals of the house of delegates for Sc.
verai years past--I think it proper however to
remark that the political maxim which has inya-
riably governed my conduct, and which will con.
tniue to govern 1T, Is measures and not men, and
although much independence of character is re-
CURED TO act up to this rule, and collisions with
friends must sometimes grow out of its practice,
yet never can consent to be public man upon
any other terms--I will approve or condemn
measures, from whatsoever quarter they NAV
come, according to my best Judgment, regardless
of any consequence which may arise TO myself
and my country shall always receive my best sup.
port, Notwithstanding the measures which NAV
be taken by the government may not ALWAYS
meet my entire appreciation: forI deem it of much
more consequence that we should be united al.
though the measures of the government NAV not
be the best, than that we should be et,ified be.
cause the measures of the government do no,
please all. View the sad condition of France
and see what her divisions have brought upon
her, and can We expect that III our own country
the same causes will not produce the same ef.
fects Letus receive the fatal example which
she has given to the world, as an instructive les
son, and by firm determination TO be united
present a front of defiance to any trans atlantic
foe who shall dare to present himself. As Anne.
ricans, We shall have enough TO do, to take care
of our own country, and TO ensure success in this
great object, we ought TO be united. From the
monarchical and despotc powers OF Europe, we
ought not to entertain either hopes, expectation
or fears, we are envied and hated by them ali aud
most of then anxiously wish the destruction o
our republican institutions.
With these sentiments, ask your suffrages al
the approaching senatorial election, and IN the
event of my success, promise strict adherence
TO them, always remembering that my services
such as can render. be,ong to my luntry, AID
that whatever difficulties may surround her, she
shall never call for them IN vain.
am your fellow citizen,
. j. ROBERTSON, j..
| CIfien, Amelia 1871 .Nov. 1915.