Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-03-05

ofthe funds; whether we refer 10 the proyi-
slons Vi the law, the principles of our govern
ment, or the general principles of Justice
what that general rulo should be, was not SO
Important IN the eye of Justice. TWAS ques-
tiohoi policy or economy, whether the public
would contribute 2-5ths. l-2 or the whole funds
requisite to defray. ,g the expense of improving
roads, rivers, or canals, and the rule being es,
tablished, shall admit that small things are not
to DC regarded. 1t should be Judged of agreea-
bly, 10 the principles of common sense, and pur-
sued no farther than it promoted its object, and
the cause of justice.
From the year 1884 to 1915, the Assembly of
Virginia had no written rule, yet as far as
know or believe, they acted alike, TO all compa-
mes engaged in important practicable works.
VIII not say the government always took in
every company exactly the same proportion of
their funds. in some instances, the con. any
did not Tx the amount Of their funds; in others,
they were increased after the commencement Of
the work. But the Assembly, on application of
the companies, from time to time took an inter-
! est IN each, on the same terms and believe to
their perfect satisfaction. Without written
law, the principles of our government furnished
| a rule
| The General Assembly of 1915, finding that
our funds, would admit offurther aid to works of
tins character, commenced regular system of
Internal Improvement, appropriated fund for
that purpose, and enacted certain rules for its
application.
The rule here adopted for aiding in public
works is, that where individuals would subscribe
three fiiths the state would take two films. Is
it requisite, that should labour to convince "a
ny man, who feels himself no better than the
rest of his fellow citizens, that justice requires
there should be a general rule for the applica-
ton OF these funds; and that the same encourage
ment should be given in every part of the state ?
One article of declaration of rights is to this
effect, &c no man, or set of men, are entitled to
exclusive or separate emoluments or privileges
from the community, but in consideration of
public services" In like circumstances we
are to sustain equal portions of the public bur-
thens, and are to expect like privileges and e.
monuments. Ifthen from two persons residing
in different parts of the State, equally wealthy
you levy equal sums, say $50, and distribute
the public money in such way, that the estate
ofOne is improved 500, and the other receives
no advantage whatever, will you call this bear
ing equal burthens, and enjoying equal privi-
leges under the government? One has lost $50,
the other has gained $50, making the difference
$500 by this partial operation of government.
As to the justice of the case, you had ds well
pass law, with one of its clauses levying tax
of $50 on the one, and another clause, not only
exempting the other from tax altogether, but
giving him $50 without consideration. The
cause of justice is as much wounded by round
about state, as by one direct, nay frequently
morc.-lt is more difficult to be evaded. Now
all will admit, that the object of roads and ca
nails, is to enhance the value of our lands, by
bringing market for their produce, and the
convenience of the coun ry. But such is the
situation and extent of Virginia, that roads and
canals in one part add no;hins to the value of
lands in another. Suppose a law were propos-
ed that the people of one part of the State should
pay certain tax; another part OF the State
pay half tax, and the people flames River, Ka-
nawa, aud those adjacent to the ninety miles of
road, should pay no tax. Or what would bear
stronger resemblance, to the late application
of the public funds, that they should pay into
the Treasury with one hand $4,000 and take
out with the other 100000. Is it believed,
the man who would make such proposition,
would get single vote in our next election to
the Assembly? 1t is hoped, that even those in
whose favor he intended TO practise this injus-
tice, would spurn him from their presence, as a
man unworthy of theirconGdence.
What then shall say /; if the system which
for some years past, has been pursued by an in
huential party about the centre of our govern
ment, amounts tothis Is it rendered accepta-
bic, by being managed with address, and cloth
ed with popular names? Or has injustice lost
its character, when, by uniting the interest of
corporation with corporation, you can procure
for it majority ofvotes.
On James River, Kanawha and the interme-
date country, the public funds without the aid of
individuals is expended in such way as to give,
when their plans shall be accomplished, much
greater additional value to their lands, than the
am unable to say. There are statements in the
public prints, estimating works in their vicinity
at an average ofS6 per. acre.
Now there is a vast quantity Of land taxed,
to make these Improvements for the James River
people; the whole value of which, does not a
mount to 50 OF even IS. per acre. And there
is but little doubt in the minds of old fashioned
calculators; but much of this s 3 & IS, lanl
will come under the hammer of The Sheriff, to
pay for these Improvements, that are to ad Sc
per acre to the James River land. Let not these
calculations be considered erroneous, because
the public funds applied to these works, are
not Immediately drawn from the people by d-
rect tax. The government receives nothing
into their Golfers, but comes from the people di-
rectly or indirectly. After applying the income
arising from the public funds in hands, the de-
feet on every score, is to be added together, and
made good by public and general tax. Waste
any part ofour revenue, por lay tout partially, or
njudiciously, and the increase Of taxes flows of
course.
Should then be asked, whether am an en-
envy to the James River Canal, and think a
work of that kind under proper management,
would be unpro6table' 1 answer, no. 1 am
its ardent friend. My heart would rs;oice TO
see the progress of improvements in on rising
city, and the James River country. Tle mo-
tive that royerns me is not that low, Rich