The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-10-16

" t'aa'Ff NNNNHNA 's
.Wsps. Chol,am, Hllc. Daa,cr and
others:
Your note Of this date has just been
banded me, and | hasten to reply
briefly. Tho first question seeks to
know if favor Section |, of Article s,
Of the presen. Constitution. the sub
stance Of which is that "All property
shall bear equal taxation, and that no
discrimination shall be made in favor of
any species ofprOperty." This i. SO
maniicstly just that all must approve it,
and feel at q loss to know why any
person who knows me would suppose
that there could be any doubt as to my
opinion upon that matter
The second question ha1 reference 10
tho propriety Of contracting a State
debt by lending the credit of the State
or otherwise, This subject has been
much discussed and considered in the
last five months, and feel confident
that it ia the opinion Of large majority
Of the people of this State that it would
be bad policy TO allow the Legislature
power to contract debt for purposes of
internal Improvements. Whilst it
would be very desirable to have some
Improvements made to developc the
resources Of the country, it is uldOubt-
edly better that it should be done By
private enterprise than to allow the
contraction Of public debt. There
fore, after mature consideration, have
come to tho conclusion that the 9th
Section Of Article S Of the Constitution,
ought to be adhered to and be incorpc-
rated into any new Constitution that
may be made.
The third question is in regard to
our Free School system. | am in ia.
vor ofrctaining aud improving, il pos
siblc, that system. We have just en-
tered upon it, and while it is IN its in-
fancy, it is natural that i; would not bs
as satisfactory to all Us it can be made
by time and experience. The educa.
ton Of all classes Of our people is of
the greatest interest TO all in free gov
eminent Ike ours; because it is upon
the virtue and intelligence Of the peo.
pie that our hopes arc founded. There.
fore, whatever may BE- called upon to
DO in regard to this matter, my best et
forts will be to make the Free School
system perfect success.
The last question is in regard to the
Judiciary Of the State. This is mat.
ter Of great importance and interest to
all, and covers field too extended to
treat Of in a short note of this kind. l
have no particular scheme adjusted as
yet, but have no doubt that the sub
ject will undergo tho most thorough
and careful! consideration. My desire
will be to have the most cilieicn. and
economical plan adopted, so as to in
sure speedy and cheap administration
Of justice. Ny whole life having been
devoted to the study and practice of
law, | will cndeavOr to consider all
propositions that may come before the
Convention, and to support what | may
honestly think bost in reference to this
important matter.
will now beg leave simply to add
that il it be the pleasure Of the peopl:
tie elect me to the high position for
which | om now candidate, that it
will be my wish and desire to act upon
all questions with care aud thought,
and to favor what | think best for the
interest of the people, and to oppose
anything that think will not tend to
better their condition.
With great consideration, am,
Your Obcdient Servant,
NJ. JOHNSTON.