Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-09-18
We clip the following from the VIM

We clip the following from the Win
chester Times:
To the Editor of the Times:
Although the proper disposition and
arrangements, in reference to the public
debt OF the State, belong, appropriately,
to the Legislative and not to the Exec
utive department, under that practical
operation of our republican system,
which approves the exercise of the veto
power only in the exceptional cases of
improvident or fraudulent or unconsti-
tutional legislation, yet the discussion
OF the subject, during the canvass for
the GubernatOrial nomination, may re-
suit in eventful benefit, notwithstand-
ing the surrounding circumstances were
unpropitious for its dispassionate and
balanced consideration, and was ill.
timed, because it was not inaugurated
until large portion of the delegates had
been appointed There had existed
much smothered uneasiness and dissat-
isfaction, mistaken conception of facts
even, with some, as to the origin of the
debt-and crude ill-digested views as to
the duty and power and extent of the
resources of the State. The inflamma-
ton has been brought to the surface, and
some material progress has been made
in reference to the adoption of a viger-
GUS and efficient treatment for relief
We may anticipate, now, that some SUBJ
stantial and definite action will be ia
ken to reduce expenditures all along the
line, and to diminish, if possible, by
some friendly adjustment, the amount
of annual interest accruing upon the
debt, and thus avoid any increase of the
rate of taxation beyond that which the
State has heretofore imposed.
1t can scarcely be hoped, however, to
accomplish the great result without men
of the proper stamp in the Legislative
halls. Capacity, experience, energy, in
tegrity nothing selfish or time serving
must constitute the essential elements
of the representative body. The Con-
vention most considerably admonishes
the people of the necessity of commit
ting their trusts to the charge of men
who will scrupulously guard their inter-
ests and their honor, and you have, well
and earnestly, urged the considerations
that relate to the selection of such, not
only in our own but in all other coun-
| ties
Among those who have been present
ed for the House of Delegates, / observe,
| is Gen. John Echols, of Staunton. /
make no invidious distinction, when !
express the qualification, which will be
felt at the announcement, by all who
take deep interest in preserving the
good name and credit of the State and,
at the same time, of reaping the fruits
of comprehensive economy in the adj
ministration of its affairs There could
scarcely, moreover, be selected any
where gentleman who would render
more effective service in conferences and
the consideration of plans for the adj
justment, with the creditors of the State,
of the public debt, upon reduced ratio
as to its amount or its per centage of in.
terest. His business capacities and en-
larged views as statesman, united with
the possession Of those peculiar qualities
which constitute the reliable and sue
cessful parliamentary leader, point tc
him as one who would be not less an
eminent counsellor and benefactor in
the Legislative counsels, than an orna-
ment to the constituency which may
elect him. CIvIs.