Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1871-10-17
NUMBER 4.
Repudiatlon.

Reputation meets with but little couDten
ance from the masses OF the people. They be-
lleve II is right 10 return an equivalent foI
"nat we purchase from our neg hbnrS, and TO
pay oack the money we borrow They see in
MS old fashioned honest way of doing things,
nnt only the living up to that moral obligation,
Inlcn Iednlres us TO render unto Ceser, the
thihgs which are Cesers,'' but they witness in
| US workings remunerative ec0homv. which
| oy paying pays In return. 1t returns not only
ne rlch reward of conscious right-the pleas
log comfort OF having done what we konw to
be our duty, but in The long run, in all mate
ria. interest, they find it pays best
temporary relief may be the result of the
avoidance OF just obligation, but the bond
though Cancelled BY questionable Legislation, or
relieved by doubtful evidence, still hangs in
| the Conscience, and must be redeemed, if not
by cash, by those lashings of conscience which
enforce just penalty for all violations of the
golden rule of right
| As with individuals, SO with States. Mis-
slsslppl, years ago, tried the experiment of re-
pudatlon, but she has found that in attemnt-
ing to relieve her finances, she burthened her
people with load of modification and shame,
intoleTabie to be borne, and now, at this late
oay' they are taking steps to redeem the honor
OF the State, by paying her just debts. Such
must De the case OF any State which attempts
the dangerous experiment of reputation, in
his age OF civilization. To brook the senti-
ment OF the world, which demands that States
must, IN all pecuniary obligations. keen their
honor untarnlshed, incurs a responsibility
which no state can stand, and which no high
toned and chlvarous people would submit to.
State which has borrowed the money of
few of her people and from those capitalists
who trusted to her honor, and expended it in
works OF internal improvements for the benefit
OF her whole population, must see that those
obligations are met, or disgrace her population
IN the estimation of mankind
Virginia. true to her old renown has provi-
ded for her debt, by assuming two-thirds
which she owes, leaving the other third for
West Virginia. The obligations of her funded
debt will be met, and we have no doubt West
Virginia will meet the other third.
When men talk to you about reputation,
repudidfe them. They are not your friends
their advice, if followed, will lead to difficult
'leS in your private matters-and in political
bearing upon the State, their views are mere
twaddle, as no State will ever dare to repudate
her just obligations In this era of eullghten-
ment-Leesburg Woshiagtonian.
i The Fire in Chicago.
The city of Chicago is situated in the State
of Illinois. on the southwest shore of Lake
Michigan, at the mouth of the Chicago river.
II has been the most remarkable city In the
Uoifed States for the rapidity of It's increase.
In 1880 1t Was mere trading station, and IN
1910 had only some 500 inhabitants In
1880 these had increased to 81 go, and in
1855 70 80 900. la 1860 the population was
iO9, 260 By the recent census the city mum
oered within fraction of 100000 Inhabitants.
Ii extends along the lake for several miles, aud
inland beyond the bl,urcations of The river.
which flows into the lake not far from the mid
die OF the city north and south. There are
consequently three divisions of the city known
as the North aud the South, and the West di-
visions. Ii has been the great trade centre of
the Northwest. Twenty-Five great lines of
railroad radated from It's busy wharves and
streets. The Immense grain crops of that re-
glon were gathered here to be distributed over
the world. In the lumber business and pork
packing business it was without rival
The city Is about twelve miles long north and
south. and about six miles wide-being 10 some
quarters not very compactly built The first
accounts represent that the main conhagratlon
ragged from Harrison street to Division street,
and from the river to the lake" This is in
the Nor'h Division, and the extent covered ia
an area of over four miles in length by one in
width IN the busiest part of the city
But this was not ALL About 10 D. IN. Mon
day night the wind veered round and blew
from the north, driving the flames back on the
southern portion Of the city, between the South
Branch of the river and the Lake. The ruin
wrought here is summed up in the brief an
nouncemeDt: ''One hundred squares IN the
South DECISION are an ruins. "
The loss is estimated at 5000 900, 900. Ev-
cry bank in the city, with two or three excep-
tions-every newspaper Office every theatre
six of the largest elevators-the immense de-
pots of the Michigan, Southern, and Illinois
Central railroads. score of churches-the
post-offiee- court house-the chamber of
commerce-the academy of design-every ho-
rel in the Southern Division except the Mich
igan Avenue hotel-a the large wholesale
houses besides quantity of shipping in the
harbour fell prey to the devouring flames.
The fire originated in stable where woman
was milking cow by the light of kerosene
lamp. This was in the West Division, on Dek-
oven street, and the flames seem to have been
driven by the wind in an eastery direction.
Richmond Enquirer.