Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-05-09
z- For the Spectator.
Our City Council!

TO all avlsoHa 1T may concern.
After having read, and given some thought to
the expose, made by Relief of the acts of the
Council for the City of Staunton, as published in
the Vauey Vsrgimian of the 4th inst, deem it
the duty of every tax-paye and good citizen to
go to work and try to rid the City (as public Of
ficers) Of this sore and grievous afhlctlon-the
present Council.
It was accepted and admitted by distinguish
ed and lamented Confederate General, when re-
lieyed of his command for suffering defeat In
battle, that though it might seem harsh, never
theless the rule was correct, that the ftness OF
every public officer should be judged by his sue
cesses. Nov taxpayers apply the e., rule to the
acts of this Council, as stated by Relief" and
saw whether you can ford to retain these Off
cial spendthrifts in office another year longer,
(they prayed the Legislature SO to do, says Re
lefty will not undertake here to state in de-
tail these acts, but would urge all who have not
seen them 10 get the Valley Virgiaaian OF the 4th
inst, and give this alarming. state of facts a
searching investigation as to all its bearing upon
the prosperity of our City, and thereby be pre-
pared to apply the remedy tat the ballot box, on
the 4th Thursday of this month, May,) to this
fostering sore and plague. Now taxpayers we
know what the evil is, and how 1t was put upon
US. It devolves upon US as GOOD cltlzens 70 go
to work, as to raging conHagratlon, ana use ev-
cry effort to put stop to this great wrong
What do we want? / answer: We want
Council composed of men who can show get us
apply the ru1e) by their successes In pupnc ana
private lie, that they are itss,St aHe1
be placed in the high and responsible position
of public guardians of our property. amounting
to more than two million dollars in value; and
further they should be men who, whep they
levy taxes. will have to bear some considerable
portion of the burthen. Such men will not fail
to be cautious and discreet in the discharge OF
their public duties elect such men to Office, and
we will no longer hear our citizens grooming un-
der this incubus of taxation, and offering their
property for sale as the only means of escape
ESPECIALLY is this the case with some Of our
large tax-paying citizens who have recently
bought lots and built upon them, with the view
of making our City their permanent hoines.l
We have ample material out of which to Sc
lect q trustworthy Council. Our business men
are noted for their thrift and energy; LET us APP
peal to them to take the helm in this our time of
need And now Mr.. Relief" to you, and to all
taxpayers and good citizens. say, let US JOIN
hands in this good work, and vie with each 9TH
er in putting the screws in the coffin of the sim
stricken and detested carcass of this self murder
err and let us bury it SO deep that the most un-
scrupulous, hungry and ravenous political Hye-
ma, chat turks in the junges of our city, will be
powerless to disnter it, to infect and pollute with
its offensive and baneful efluvia the healthful
atmosphere of our beloved City, and to this end
Mr.. Relief" pledge the hearty and energetic
cooperation of fellow & Is SUFFERER.