Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-04-04
Speech of A. B. Cochran, ESQ.

On Saturday, the 25th ultimo, in the House
of Delegates, A. B. Cochran, Esq, made a
speech upon the subject of the payment of the
Public Debt of Virginia, which was reported
as follows in the editorial columns of the Rich
mond Wig:
Judge Cochran advocated the bill and op-
posed the amendment, saying that he raised
his voice for the last time on the subject
There should be no uncertain voice on this sub
iect of plighted faith. AS representative of
the great county of Augusta, which, under the
new assessment, would pay more taxes than
any county in the State, he wanted it under
stood that her people were for paying the
State debt to the last farthing land the nation
al debt, too, he added in reply to question:
He argued that nothing could be gained by
adopting the amendment of Speaker Turner
The courts of the country would intervene and
enforce payment if the debt was due. Late
action of the Supreme court showed this -
This proposition was reputation without any
of its fruits How can it be ascertained that
we owe two-thirds, and no more? He glanced
at statistics to show we owe more. If we are
going to repudiate, we should secure its bene-
fits He replied to the non-intercourse argu-
ment. Admitting, for the sake of argument,
the fact of non-intercourse, be said that new
bond would take the debt out of the operation
Of that principle, and argued that such a bond
had been given by the action of the Legisla-
ture, He deplored that he who had been ele-
waited to the Speakership Of the House should
! be the first to tarnish the fame of Virginia by
proposition to repudate He spoke of Mis-
sissippi-the effect of reputation upon the
standing and credit of that State, and of the
humiliation that still clings to her people,
The same fate will attend every man who ad-
vocates reputation in Virginia. He may gain
temporary elevation, but disaster and shame
will eventually overtake him. The honor Of
/ Virginia must be protected-it must not be
bartered away for gold. One Esau sold his
birthright for mess of pottage The gentle
man from Rappahannock seemed anxious te
follow his example. The honor of Virgins
was the heritage of every one of her sons, anc
it must not be bartered away. He spoke o.
the widows and orphans of the State who hac
nothing but State bonds. He appealed to the
colored members to go against repudiation =
Should this question be carried into the mex
canvass, he, for one, would choose politica
death rather than advocate it, He would dt
no such dirty work as reputation, even shoul(
he be chosen by the people to do it. Virgini;
must look to her credit and maintain it. HI
regarded reputation as the poorest means O
escaping from obligations. If we would attrac
immigration and capital, we must assume thi
debt and pay to the last farthing."
| Expect nothing from him who promises
great DEAL
Give neither counsel nor salt till you are ask
ed for it.
Have not the cloak to make when it begin
to rain.
He who would catch fish must not mind get
ting wet
A fox should not be on the jury at goose
trial.
A nod from lord is a breakfast for fool.
A small leak will sink great ship.
Avarice increases with wealth.