Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1873-02-25
Letters from the People.

Mr.. Stuart's Letter-The PuDlc UeoJ.
Editor Spectator:
I have read with much inter
est the extracts published in "a late number OF
YOUR paper. from the letter of Hon. A. IL. II.
Stuart to the Editor of the Lynchburg Virgin
ian, touching the public debt, as l always do
everything that flows from the able and polish
ed pen of that distinguished statesman. In
these days of extraordinary corruption, whSn
our legislative halls are filed with men of me-
diocre ability and many of them OF easy polit-
ical virtue, it is refreshing to hear the honest
utterances Of such men as Mr. Stuart reverber-
ating through the State, calling the people
back to proper sense of public faith and NOR
al obligation. Such blasts from 'Roderick's
bugIe- horn" will cheer the hearts, strengthen
the hands, and | trust augment the number OF
those who desire to meet, like men, the stern
facts Of the impending crisis in our State
History and rescue the public honor from the
extreme peril Of disgrace to which it is ex-
posed
1t is passing strange that the first PROPOSE
ton discussed by Mr.. Stuart should require ar
gument. That Virginia is under moral and le-
gal obligations to pay her debt but few will can
didly dispute. The disposition prevalent among
the people is, not to deny the obligation-not
to dispute the bill but to refuse payment,in
defiance Of recognized obligation. That the
debt is not Just is but convenient and plausi-
bic plea; that the people are not able to bear
the burthen Of increased taxation necessary to
meet the obligations of the State, being false
in fact, is only pretext for hesitation and post
ponement; but underlying all this, is the secret
hope and ultimate design Of reputation. This
disposition, in my opinion fearfully prevalent,
is the result of demorazatlon begotten during
the war and abundantly nourlshed by subse-
quent legislation, affording the debtor every ia
cility to defraud his creditor and avoid the pay
ment of his just debts.
Acting on the false idea that whatever the
law allows is morally right, men have learned to
rob and cheat according to law, and are even
educated in sharp practice, little short OF down
right rascality, by gentlemen of Understanding
in the legal profession. Loose notions OF the
binding force Of pecuniary obligations have
been the legitimate results If men can satls-
fy their consciences SO far as to cover up their
property by Homestead Exemptions and pay
off their debts by Bankrupt provisions, Is 1t not
plain that they would rejoice over Repuda-
ton act that would sweep out their obligations
to pay any part of the debit
Our political aspirants, with the keen scent
of demagougism, have mosed out the popular
tendency, and instead of endeavoring to breast
the storm and save the public credit from wreck
and ruin, pander to vIfiated moral senti-
| ment and tremble in their legislative shoes, lest
thew NAV say or do something to offend the
dear people Unequal to the occasion, they
falter and hesitate, and fritter away time worth
six dollars day In current funds
The rlain duty of all right-thinking men is
| to take the position of Mr.. Stuart and meet
the difficulty of public Indebtedness fairly and
souarely''- Just as honest men they would
meet and endeavor to rid themselves OF lndivld-
| ual embarrassment. Men or integrity VIII not
avoid their pecuniary obligations by pretence
that the debt is not Just, nor profess an inabila
biity to pay while they have any property left
that will command money. 1t is only rogues
and swipdlers who play this game Mr.. Stuart s
method of meeting the obligations Of the State
is the only manly and practical method-vlz: {:
bv an increased rate OF taxation. What if it
does produce twinge in the pocket nerve of
the people? Better that than the poignant
pane which would follow the fatal stab inflicted
upon the honor of the State by an act Of Re-
pudiation. Let the legislators no longer place
their own interest and chances OF preterment
in one side of the scales, and the great and, as
vet. unsulied character OF the Did Dominion
in the other. What are they prohted if they
should continue to pocket six dollars day for
few more sessions and lose their own self-re-
spect and the good opinion of honest men. But,
| If knowing their duty they will not do it, let
us. under the lead of such men as Stuart, rally
to the rescue of the old Mother" and at the
Spring elections afix the brand Of stern disap-
probation upon her recreaut sons. Let all good
men unite in the eudeavor to elevate the stand
! ard Of pure morality among the masses and be-
gin by sending our best men to the Councils Of
the State. Let us, in the selection of men to
represent us, to whom we commit our highest
interests and the sacred honor of the State
cease to degrade the privilege of franchise by
making any other inquiries in respect to those
proposing to represent us. but the good ole
questions we used to ask OF yore' -, Us he honest
Is he faithful. is he capabe2" Then, and moi
till then. will the day dawn and day-star of oul
political puriGcatien arise.
WEST AUGUSTA.