The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1875-12-01
The General Assembly.

--af Virginia meets la the Caplt0l, 10 this
civ. too day. HsgRy w: THoxAs. elected as
successor TO Lieutenant-G Governor, now
United States Senator, WirHERs, presides
over the Senate. The caucus elections made
last night (see local report) will insure the
early readiness Of both houses to receive the
Governors message and complete the open.
ing OF the session.
That tho session will be pleasant one we
see no good reason TO doubt. The election
Sof United States senator will be accom-.
piished at 40 early period, and that being
the only contest that could likely elicit much
Eelectioneering and sharp canvassing OF claims,
there should be plain sailing the remainder
&of TIE session. 81 /.
! For years the question Of the public debt
! has been matter Of much discussion and
the occasion Of . good deal of excitement.
, We think that It has reached q condition tba:
should give quietus to excited debate and in
! ducs all sides to acq1iesce.
The only course for Virginia to pursue is
TO stand By her obligations, accept the
grounds OF settlement already determined
upon, and go ahead earnestly and hope
fully to resstablish complete order and well.
regulated industry together with social
serenity and contentment. We should all
feeIthat without a State well governed and
in good credit-a State which the world re-
spec,s-we-. should each Of III suffer detri-
ment In our private interests; and what is
worse, that mortified pride at public dis
credit and public scandal which no true Vir-
ginian heart can bear without the deepest
pain. ~,
- The PROBABLE acquiescence of the great
body of the public representatives in the
present state of the debt will of course end
the agitation Of those gentlemen who, under
the delusve term of reimbursement" pro.
posed to put the Commonwealth at sea and
pile I'D o world of woes for State and people.
The great point Is to put the business OF
the State through in spirit of sincerity and
public devotion. The tax. bill is the grand
measure 10 which all look. That is suscep.
tible OF amendment without creating
Z heavy burtbens, we are sure That
properly disposed Of, every member will feel
better and happier. AS it might be expected
OF us to say something in the way OF iDJunc'
ton as to the behavior of members-that
being within the province Of the Press, which
Is appointed by the people to keep their re-
representatives. straight Owe have to say That
we never favored the idea Of ruling members
down to a short session. The Legislature is,
or ought 10 be, body Of gentlemen. 1t
would be churlsh constituency which
would deny them liberal and gentle
manly period for civilities and general in.
tercourse. Indeed, that sort OF inter-
course is properly part, and an important
part, of the life of legislator ia the Capitol.
Thus gentlemen fud out more about the
true condition, disposition, and wants OF the
= different localities of the State than by any
other means. And legislation cannot be
wise where an intimate knowledge Of these
things is wanting. ri.
So our opinion is that an unsocial legisia-
ter cin.Iearn. nothing, and if possible ne can
teach less. So, gentlemen, take your time
stand by the State-do for her both well and
wisely. AS for the rest, the constituent
body is too wise and liberal to impose upon
the representative body penurious restraints.