Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-01-26
,e raised by taxation for public free school pur

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poses. ssts Eu LF@
| In suggesting the notifications referred to
| we by no means wish to be understood as con-
ceding that the proposed constitution is free
| from what we regard as important defects 10
other particulars but we do not understand it
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 justice and
domestic tranquility. We have, therefore,
confined our objections to provisions of the pro-
posed constitution falling properly, as we be-
lieve, within the scope Of such an interposition.
The clauses which we ask to have stricken
out from the proposed constitution are of diff
ferent degrees of importance; but the least I'M
portant, we think, will befound to involve some
grave public mischief'or injustice. Those in
Guided in our first suggestion could not but
plunge our State into civil anarchy and discord,
and disturb the general and growing harmony
Of the two races of our people, if not to array
them in deplorabe 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 it's 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 insertion
into a constitution of matters peculiarly proper
to be left to ordinary legislation. The provision
in regard to usury is one new In Virginia, and
will establish policy which, whatever may be
its merits, must seriously affect all the material
interests of our people.
1t is respectfully submitted for the considera-
ton of the committee. whether a 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 legis-
lative control.
As to the mode Of granting relief from the
mischievous provisions to which we have referr-
ed-to wit, by act Of Congress, suggesting
notifications as fundamental conditions pre-
cedent-we desire to say that it has been sug-
gested as the result of an examination of the
precedents found in the past legislation Of Con
gress, and upon consultation with number of
the wsest and most experienced members of
both Houses. In the preparation of the amend
ments proposed to the pending bill We have
endeavored fairly to follow the precedents estab-
lished in like cases; and we may be permitted
to suggest 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 e sve5
1t is. perhaps, proper to say We, and those
with whom we act, though concurring, as we
believe, with the people of Virginia. do not
claim to be authorized to speak for them. .s
> Respectfully, your obedient servants,
,r.sa. ALEXANDER II. H. STUART, 1
7asg JOHN B. BALDWIN,, A4
9vrs WYNDHAM ROBERTSON,
w. T. SUTHERLIN,
JAMES NELSON,
j. f. JOHNSON
w. L. OWEN,
5i.--l J. L. MARYE, JR.,
fa j. T. SLAUGHTER,
Committee
Washington city, January 10, 1869