Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-01-20

homestead and other exemptions, prospective
in their operation. The provisions OF these
laws are believed to be not materially different
from those in the proposed constitution, ex-
cept in regard to past Indebtedness, as to which
we regard the proposed provision as clearly IN
conflict with the Constitution OF the United
States. The chief importance which we at,
tach to striking out this provision grows out OF
its injurious effect upon the minds OF the peo-
pie, whose necessities already incline them TO o
| look with favor upon any suggestion OF reilei
from pecuniary obligation. ,.e
The only remaining suggestion OF modlhca-
| ton is as TO the maximum OF taxation lor To-
cal free school purposes in article eight, sec
Il will be observed that we have made no
objection TO the school system proposed except
On far as il depends on the local organization
ia which we have already referred.
No objection is offered in any quarter to the
establishment of d thorough system OF Tree pub;
lie schools, at least as rapidly as the proposed
constitution requires; and although we have
asked to strike out the mode Of local taxation
proposed, we have sugge a modification which
avoids any diminution of the amount to be
raised by taxation for public free school pur
poses.
In suggesting the notifications referred to-,
we by no means wish to be understood as con-
cedng that the proposed constitution Is tree
from what we regard as important detects In
other particulars, but we do not understand 1T
to be the purpose of Congress to Interfere In
such matters further than may be required by
high considerations affecting the integrity OF
| the Constitution, and the maintenance of JUS
tice and domestic tranquility. We have, there.
| fore, confined our objections to provisions OF
| the proposed constitution falling properly, as
| we believe. within the scope Of such an inter-
| position.
The clauses which we ask to have stricken
out from the proposed constitution are OF dit
ferent degrees of importance, but the least i'm
portant we think, will be found to involve
| some grave public mischief or injustice. Those
| included in our first suggestion could not but
| plunge our State into civil anarchy and dlscord,
| and disturb the general and growing harmony
| of the two races OF our people, if not to array
them in deplorable hostility to one another
| They would arrest immigration, paralyze all
| forms of industry, destroy our domestic peace
and hope of prosperity, and render us burden
| to the Union, instead OF an important addition
| to its resources, wealth. credit, and power.
| In our personal interview with the commit
! tee we called their attention to provisions OF
| the proposed constitution, and especially to
| that relating to usury, as instances OF the IN
| sertion into constitution of matters peculiarly
| proper to be left to ordinary legislation. The
provision in regard to usury is one new in Vlr
| ginia, and will establish policy which, what
ever may be its merits, must seriously affect
all the material interests of our people.
1t is respectfully submitted for the consider
alton of the committee, whether measure OF
legislation so Important and in regard to which
opinion is so much divided, ought to be fixed
| in the constitution, and so placed beyond leg
| iSlative CONTROL
| As to the mode of granting relief from the
mschievous provisions to which we have re-
| ferred, to wit: by act of Congress, suggesting
notifications, as fundamental conditions pre-
cedent, we desire to say that it has been
suggested as the result Of an eXamina-
past legislation Of Congress, and upon
and mostexperienced members of both Houses
La the preparation of the amendments pro
posed to the pending bill we have endeavored
| fairly to follow the precedcnts established in
| like cases and we may be permitted to sug
| gest, in conclusion, that we believe it will be
found that the notifications proposed by US
will, in fact, conform the proposed constitution
to the principles and policy OF the reconStruc-
ton acts.
1t is, perhaps, proper to say, we, and those
with whom we act, though concurrring, as we
believe, with the people of Virginia, donOt
claim to lie authorized to speak for them.
Respectfully, your obedent servants,
ALEX H. H. STUART
JOHN B. BALDWIN,
WYNDHAM ROBERTSON.
w. H. SoUTHERLIN.
j. F.. NELSON.
j. L. JOHNSON.
w. L. OWEN.
j. L. MARYE, JR.,
j. Il. SLAUGHTER.
Committee.