The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-10-28
70 the Voters Of Augusta.

Previous to the late nominating convention,
[ was urged to suffer my name to be presenA
ted for nomination for seat in the House of
Delegates. ! persistently declined to do so.
Since the assembling of the convention, it was
represented to me that there was general DIS
satist action with its action and proceedings
and was again solicited to become candi-
date. I have, in response, said this much: l do
not desire the position, but if the people of the
them efficient service, in a Legislative capac-
ity-if they want my services, and will elect
mel will not refuse to serve them. This dec
laration does not bring me into antagonism
with the convention, nor can it be regarded
as factious in me to reiterate it here, since /
sense, a partisan.
have decided views upon most questions Of
public policy, but shall have no opportunity
to make them generally known, before the day
of election, and can only briefly indicate some
Of them here. The absorbing question OF the
hour, the one that presents the greatest Diff
culties. and that must find its solution at an
early day, is that connected with the States
indebtedness, her liabilities and resources
There is great uneasiness in the public mind
from this cause that portends evil, and the
sooner this question is grappled with, and set
tied forever, the sooner will the State re-
gain her wonted prosperity. This question, it
is true, is regarded by many as already settled,
and so far us legislation could determine the
States liabilities, it is settled. But how set
tied? By the act known as the Funding Bill
the consttutionalty of which has been affirm
ed by the highest judicial tribunal Of the State.
By tine terms of that act, two-thirds of the
debt were to be funded, and certificates of in
debtedness'' were to be issued for the other
thirdAthis third being assumed to be the pro-
portion that would be justly due from West
Virginia. In the contingency that West Vir-
gina will not agree to pay any part OF it, the
faith of Virginia is pledged for the payment
of it all. This contingency may arise and
Virginia may be called upon to meet the in
terest, not on So, 100000 in round numbers,
but on $53, 900, being about the amount of
the aggregate debt Of Virginia and West Vir-
ginia. Virginia finds herself in this dilemma.
The taxes ought to be increased now to meet
the current expenses of the government, and
to pay off the interest on Virginia's two thirds
of the debt, and she must repudiate West
Virginia's third, which she has recognized as
of binding obligation on herself, or she must
double the rate of taxation to be able to meet
all of her obligations. To do justice to the
State, and particularly that part of it west of
the Blue Ridge, there ought to be a readjust
ment, resettlement, of the debt. Repudia-
ton is oat of the question, and ought not to
be thought of, and the only remedy is. by
compromise between the State and her credit
ors. Reasons numerous and cogent, could be
given why there should be such readjust-
ment
All local option laws, all laws requiring
vote of the people to give them validity, tend
with the genius and spirit of our instittl-
tions.
Agriculture, the paramount interest of the
State, ought to be fosteredand encouraged
in all suitable ways.
The usury laws ought to be made more
stringent, and the premium for tie loan OF
use of money ought not to he variable, but fix.
ed by law.
There ought to be rigid economy in all de-
partments of the government, and all useless
offices ought to be abolished.
These are some of the views by which 1
have been impressed, and which, if I am
elected, will influence my conduct as your
representative.
GEORGE SEAwRTGTJT