Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1870-09-06
sg5 For the Spectator
& Voters of Staunt0n, &

3os st VOteTS OF oGaunCOn. 6iA -
The Council can not be Indifferent to the fact
that 35 of the voters of Staunton are non prop
erty holders, and it is questionable whether
they have any distinct and we'll defined idea of
the amount of $3.50, 600, and if their conception
Of such number be imperfect, how vague
must their idea be of the ability Of the proper
ty OF Staunton to assume a debt of $3.50, 900.
1t is evident, therefore, that million dollars
would as likely be voted as $3.50, 600, and would
as likely be paid. a aA 81 lo t491
The responsibility of the Council in adopting
this Ordinance Is a very great one, as it puts in
jeopardy the interests, the welfare and happi-
ness OF our Town, especially when the tax is
gong to exist through long course of years,
and the benefits (which are conjectural at best
may be entirely inadequate to relieve the prop
erty-holders against the accumulating tide of
taxation. Our desire is to avoid the too prob
able consequence that may result from taxing
the people beyond their ability, of seeking re-
dress in the courts or otherwise, in reputation
of bonds of doubtful validity, for we appre-
hend If this stock Is subscribed, there is great
risk to the bond-holders that this ordinance
will have no binding force upon the Town.
After this stock of $3.50, 900 is subscribed,
the Valley Railroad Company, to complete the
Road, will be compelled TO mortgage it to such
an extent that, if sold, the Road would be sold
subject to the mortgage, and in this way the
Town would lose every dollar of its stock, and
yet the Company might go on, and be solvent
and run the road, or what is more probable,
the Baltimore & @. Rail Road Company would
become the purchasers, and have the exclusive
control and benefits Of the Valley Railroad. =.
Viii not the taxpayers ask themselves, what
is the interest which thus prompts these Rail
road authorities to interfere with our Town,
and to dictate to US what policy we should pur-
sue? What relations have existed between
these authorities and the people, that should
SO deeply interest them in the destinies Of
Staunton? We are afraid they do not seek us
for our good, but the loaves and fishes are in
the answer. - tee11 9a'
In this crisis Of our Town, let us take coun-
sci from our duty and not from our fears that
'Staunton will not be made point Let us jeal-
ousy watch these proceedings while We have
the means of resisting tax that will be griev-
ousy oppressive, and will frighten enterprise
and capital from our Town.
Will any friend Of this subscription under
take to name to the tax payers one town in
Virginia, mot in the North or West, but in
Virginia, where the manufacturing interests of
various kinds have been built up, or the popu-
lation increased by Railroads running through
and by said town? The result in this case will
be just as it has been in years past, disappoint-
ed hopes, and not one Railroad promise real
lied.
The general prosperity of Staunton, as we
said in former article, depends more upon
the rich and populous County of Augusta than
upon the Valley Railroad. We want good
McAdamized roads from every portion of the
County, centerlng at Staunton. Then she
will become the mart of the County, and as the
County improves and develops her resources,
SO will the Town improve and increase in pop
ulation and wealth. VOTER.
FATAL AFFRAY.-An atfray occurred at Car
ter's Bridge, in Henrico CO., on Sunday week
between l. P. Mayo and Milton Ladd, which
resulted in the fatal wounding of Mr.. Mayo
The parties were discussing about the rent Of
some land when Ladd called Mayo damned
liar,' whereupon Mayo knocked him down,
and not knowing that he was armed, waited for
him to recover himself Ladd sprang I'D and
with pocket-knife stabbed his opponent three
times, inflictiDg slight wound ON the left side
Of the neck, another Immediately over the left
nipple, and still another and the fatal one in
the left side, about an inch long and penetra-
ting the abdomen between the eleventh and
twelfth ribs. Internal hemorrhage ensued,
and MIR. Mayo died.
A SENSIBLE THIEF. yesterday a colored
man was caught on the farm of Mr.. Peyton
BalleDger, near this city, stealing corn, and was
taken before Justice Mason, who was about to
commit the thief to Jail, when he requested
that he might receive whipping in the place
of other punishment, as he said his wife was
sick and he did not want to be sent aw ay from
her to Jail. His request was granted and he
received rs stripes, and was discharged, ex-
pressing himself we'll satisfied -Aler. Gazette.
The populations of France and Prussia are
not very unequal, but with less notice than the
Emperor, the King of Prussia was able to
overwhelm $50, 900 with 10000. Without bis
complete railroad system he could not have
done it. In time of peace he prepared for
war, not only by his excellent militia system,
but by. building railroads and increasing the
general strength and prosperity of his people.
We have seen the result Char Chronicle.
DOEs ADVERTISING PAY.-In answer to this
question, we would say that on Thursday last
we put IN two advertisements for situations
wanted, and since that time, in a day and a
half, the advertisers have had seven or eight
responsible applications. That is better than
loaflng around losing week or ten days and
then probably not getting good home.- Char.