The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-11-09
From the Rockingham Register.
REPUTATION.

In accordance with request OF citizens,
whose past relations with myself have been
such that cannot properly disregard their
wishes, submit the thoughts which arc sug-
gested to my mind, to the public, on the ques
ton of Reputation. And as there has been
much said among politicians of rings, | ap-
pend my name to the paper, in order that
there may be no miscoueepton Of the object
which induces its production.
The doctrine of Reputation, as advocated,
of the State debt of Virginia, is presented IN
der variety Of views, as follows:
LIST. That it is just and right to refuse to
pay it.
End. That the State cannot be made to do
SO through the want of jurisdiction in the ju-
dietary Of the country to pass upon this qucs-
ton between individuals and State.
Those two are the general propositions,
embracing minor considerations Of policy.-
The alleged destruction Of Virginia as a
State organism-the damages imposed on us
by the Federal troops during the war.
Before discussing the verify OF these as
sumed facts, We state the position asserted,
that it is naturally an intended reputation
of the State debt by cctiue enactment Of the
Legislature deprecating the payment of the
debt, but by passive inactivity, in failing to
provide by taxation, for its payment, or by a
refusal to levy the same We do not regard
any difference as existing between these two.
That which is done by indirection is equiva-
lent to that which is done directly, in a
straight forward manner.
And in examination Of the arguments OF
Honesty.
This debt we look upon as fairly obligatory
on the people. 1t was contracted for vdhte-
for monies borrowed before the war was mi
tiated. Virginia obtained other peoples
money, and promised to pay it back. She
has had the benefit and use Of it. It.was ex-
pended on the various lines of railroads, ca
nails, or highways, now penetrating our State
in the various benevolent schemes for the ben
eft and relief of the afflicted In our midst
the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Stanton
the Lunatic Asylums at Stanton and Will
liamsburg- and the product Of these monies
in part, every dollar for which these bonds
were issued, Virginia received, and at rate
of interest less than that allowed by other
States, viz: per cent. interest.
IF the Biblical sentiment, that we shall
render unto Caesar the things that are Gao
sar's is correct-if the ethical principle that
we shall not lie, is just,-if the established
legal proposition that promise based on q
fair consideration is binding on the party
making it, as not fallacious-then there is NJ
escape from the adjustment Of this State deb
by payment. The conclusion must be true
Apart from this it is absolutely necessary tt
States eaistence that she should pay he
debts--for as no society could subsist wher,
| agreements Of individuals were not enforced
SO among nationazities-that goueranaen
which would fail to pay, and adopt the falls
| creed of robbing its sister States by fraud
would have the die of sovereignty erase
| from its crest, and be esteemed unfit to hol
relations Of amity and commercial in{ercours
with che world.
But the advocates of reputation do moi
we believe attack the fundamentalldea Of oh
legations directly. They excuse the paymen
Cd the ground Of the auar, and the losses Q
the aear. Is there any condition in thes
bonds saving their liquidation through an
contingency Is there proviso there, tina
in the event of any accident of war or other
wise. the same should not be paid? Tn
bonds are plain promises to pay, uncondition
al, certain in some certain time Their
would hardly have been any loans effected
! Virginia had gone into market asking for tn
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