Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-12-21
state Conyention--Its Duty.

State COnventIOn--Its Duty.
1t is generally conceded. we believe, that
State Convention will be called for the
purpose of taking into consideration, prima-
rily, what action, if any, it is necessary for
Virginia to take in the present condition of
the country. Itmay be proper for Virginia
to indicate her position in formal manner,
and to lay down the rule of action by which
she will be governed. But this will not be
the only question of essential Importance to
the State, that will claim the attention and
legislation of that body. The present sys-
tenn of taxation is erroneous in principle,
and. to the West, oppressive in operation.
The ad valorem principle of taxation is that
which should obtain in this State, and the
only one that can reduce the relations of the
different sections to basis of equality
We cannot see the justice Of discriminating
in favor ofnegro slaves against other kinds
of property, for it is universally conceded,
or contended for, by the Eastern portion of
the State, that slaves are property. We
cannot, therefore, see the justice of taxing
lands, horses, cattle, &C., worth three hum
dred dollars, as much as negro worth one
thousand dollars, and to release from taxa
ton all negroes under twelve years of age,
it matters not what their value, while every
other species of property is taxed ad yalo-
rem.
We are in favor of State Convention as
much to arrange the basis of taxation as to
designate the position Virginia is to occupy
on the canvass Of the .'dissoiving view" Of
the Union. We are glad the leading poll
ticians and papers Of the State have unhesi-
tatingly and thoroughly committed them
selves to the proposition. We are glad,
also, that the movement originated in, and
has come from the eastern portion Of the
State. 1t is an exhibition on their part of
willingness to have fair basis of taxa
ton established, for we take it, they could
not have been so short-sighted as not to see
that the assembling ola State Convention was
but another name for re-arranging the mode
and manner oflevying the taxes of the State,
1t did not require the bred Scott Decision
to establish slaves as property in Virginia,
so far as the theoretical conviction of the
people is concerned, Notwithstanding the
discrimination made between slaves and
property in the system of taxation enforced
BY constitutional provision. We believe
with the bred Scott Decision, that slaves
are property and that they should be taxed
and protected just as other property is tax
ed and protected. and not protected with
out being taxed. We cannot see the JUS
tice Of taxing the means of one man, which
are invested in a house and lot to shelter
his wife and children, and releasing from
taxation the means Of another, whose prop
erty consists of little negroes under twelve
years of age, of treble the value Of the house
and lot.
The idea we have heard advanced, thai
the Legislature, in calling the Convention,
can limit the range of the legislation of that
body, is purely nonsense. A Convention
is invested with the highest and most ex.
elusive powers known to any deliberative
assemblage, and, if its wisdom may so d.
rect, can abolish the Legislature itself, sub
ject to the ratification of the people. It will
not only, therefore, be the privilege and
right, but the imperative and solemn duty
of the Convention to consider the domestic
and internal affairs and polity of the State,
as we'll as its federal relations.
We direct the attention Of the press in
the State, and especially that portion Of il
west of the Blue Ridge, to the Importance
of preparing the minds Of the people for in
telligent decision in the choice of delegates,
in the event Of Convention being called
When the work Of tearing down and recon
structing commences, let it be thorough and
complete, looking to equal and exact justice
to every section and all classes Of the State
We should be satisfied with nothing less than
! the ad valorem principle Of taxation on ev-
cry species Of recogniz ed property.
The two Senators from this State, many
Of the leading politicians, and all the metro.
politan papers, are committed to the call OF
a Convention, and we hope this step has
been taken in full view Of all the various
questions that will be presented for action
and adjustment. What say the Richmond
Enquirer and Wing?
A gentleman, of this place, stepped into
Sutton, Enders & Co.'S. banking house,
Richmond, few days ago, and pulling out
FIVE dollar Staunton bill, asked for change.
It was given to him, minus forty five cen S
of the five dollars, or ninep cent discount.