The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-12-15
The Pablo Debt.
from tn, Nyhca)i-p se,I,tar


The remarks in Governor Walkers mes
sage to the Legislature Of Virginia in rela-
ton to the appOrtionment Of the State debt
between Virginia and West Virginia will
attract much attention from our citizens.
We believe there is no disposition among
our pcorle to shirk tair settlement of the
question at issue. 1t is generally conceded
that some norton Of the state debt Of Eir-
ginia is Justly chargeable to aud should be
paid by West Virginia. This, we believe,
has been admitted here ever since the for
nation Of the State. but q policy Of inaction
has heretofore prevailed; not denying the
validity Of the claim, but staving of and
postponing as long as possible the disagree.
able day of settlement. We doubt whether
this policy has been either honorable or
wise. The day of payment must come,
and we mag as well make up our minds to
look the matter squarely in the face. The
Legislature which meets next month will
probably feel compelled to take some def.
Mite action with view to an equitable divi-
sion OF the deot and to the liquidation of
our share of it in the best way we can.
The provision in the Constitution of
West Virginia in relation to this subject is
the eighth section of article VIII, and
| reads ~ follows:
"An equitable proportion of the public
prior to the 1st day of January, in the year
one thousand eight hundred and sixty
one, shall he assumed by this State and
the Legislature shall ascertain the same as
soon as may be practicable, and provide
| for the liquidation thereof by q sinking
fund sufficient to paw the accruing interest
| and redeem the principal within thirty
| four years."
More than seven years have already
elapsed since the adoption Of the Constitl.
ton, aud the Legislature has not yet found
1t practicable to ascertain our equitable
proportion of the public debt. Meanwhile
interest has been accruing since the LIST OF
january, 1861, and the longer we postpone
payment the more there will be to pay.
We regret exceedingly that tine new admin.
istrati0n. upon its first advent to power, is
to be burdened with the settlement of this
matter, but 1t cannot wisely avoid ODE.
dlence to this plain constitutional pro.
vision. It Is in no sense a party cues.
| ton, and is attended with no party
responsibility. 1t is q matter of com
mon honesty and honor, to which no
man can object who does not desire to see
our Constitution violated and the good
name of the State sullied by an attempt at
reputation. The Legislature ut its next
session can scarcely do more than to adopt
SONS means to effect an equitable appor-
tionment. When that is effected 10 such O
manner as to do justice to our people and
command the respect Of both States by It's
equity and fairness, We doubt not that
West Virginia will faithfully do her utmost
to redeem her obligations.
Governor Walker is, perhaps, unnecessa-
rily severe In his structures upon the con.
duct of West Virginia in this matter. For
the discourtesy Of Governor Stevenson In
failing to reply to the letter received Of
course there can be no excuse. But tho
Governor is in error as to tho appointment
OF commissioners. Commissioners 1rere APP
pointed by Governor Stevenson, In compli.
ance with the act of the Legislature, to
meet those appointed by Virginia, but so
fur us we are Informed the commissioners
never met, anu no action has yet been had.