The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-10-18
Gen. James A. Walker,

The article in another column, referring to
the position of Gen. James A. Walker on
the Public Schools, as Indicated by his Rich
mond speech, was written and in the hands
of the compositor before his speech in Harri-
sonburg was delivered, and conversation
we have had with him. He claims that we
have misconceived the purpose of that
speech. and done him injustice in CHASING
him as opposed to the Public Schools. In
his speech at Harrisonburg and in his perso-
nal statements to US, he declared his posi-
tive and earnest support Of the Public School
system, and felt deep interest in the edu-
cation of the children Of the State through
that means. We are perfectly satisfied with
his views on this question, and would not
have attributed to him any hostility to that
great interest had we not construed his lam
suage in his Richmond speech as iustifying
it, We know Gen. Walker we'll, and know
his sympathy with the people, and we were
therefore surprised that he should have as
sumed position, as we construed his Rich
mond speech, in hostility to their interest,
and as we believe, the best interest of the
State. All doubts, however, have been re-
moved from our mind by his frank and man
ly uttcrances at Harrisonburg and his views
| as personally expressed to us, and we glad
~ make this statement.
AS to his views on the public drat qucs-
ton, we do not think the most ardent re-
adjuster could reasonably find fault with
them. He is no friend Of the Funding Bill,
regards it as a great wrong to the State, OPP
posed it as member Of the Legislature, and
favors any legal and Constitutional means
to get rid of the coupon feature of it. He
recognizes the necessity of REIMBURSEMENT
of the public debt, so as to bring the ex-
penses OF the State within the revenues as
derived from the present rate of taxation,
and is opposed to any increase Of taxation.
These are Gen, Walkers practical posi-
tions-views bearing upon the practical is
sues before the people. We understand that
he has authorized the editor Of the Rocking
ham Register to teisely state his views, and
as we have it from that gentleman, they sub
stantially conform to the line OF policy main.
tanned by that journal, and IN harmony with
the demands OF the people Of that county, a:
well as great majority Of the people OF the
State.
We cannot see the practical Importance
or propriety of any further opposition tt
Gen. Walker by the friends OF re djustmcnl
I n tugF .k,.ara oil M n
know that they were governed by all homes
purpose to vlplieqte the great interest they
were laboring for ip the opposition they sci
on foot. 1t was no personal hostility to him
for there is scarcely u person in that grea
county, who has not a kindly feeling fol
him as man. His views upon the practical
and tangible issues before the people are
. substantially in accord with those they have
proclaimed, and We can therefore see NJ
necessity for any further opposition to him
1t only disturbs the harmony Of the canvass
keeps the people in a state OF unnecessary
excitement, and accomplishes no good.
The Legislature is at last the power to set
tie the questions at issue. Let the gentle
men elected i'll that county, and all over tn
State, be chosen because of their know
sympathy with the people and their cause
ard the method will be found to bring abou
REIMBURSEMENT Of the public debt, stop de
fault in interest, protect the public schools
equalize the creditors, and thus restore pub
lie credit, give impulse to public enterprise
Stimulate popular hope, and start the oil
State upon propitious future.