The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-06-07
Communications.
GREESv1LLE, VA, June 4. 1877.

;, The editor of the ''Vndcator' is not YET salts
fed but out in his last editorial under the
caption of The Root Doctors Prescriptions"
and says that the resolutions passed by the farm
crs who were gathered at the Court House the
other day by means of circulars, more repre-
scented the views OF the two thousand farmers of
hugusra than they did the professional ltchers for
legislative positions, or that nebuious organza-
ton kno wn as the whiskey interest, and points to
myself and four other gentlemen of the committee,
as having no better motive in this movement
than that OF using it as hobby upon which to
ride into The Legislature. 1t seems to me that
the "V1ndldator has jumped at the conclusion
without any positive evidence to justify it. 1t is
q we'll known fact, that. heretofore. the farmers
have been too Indifferent in regard to selecting
the best to represent their interest in the
legislature OF Virginia. and the fact is also obv-
GUS that Virginia has suffered severely from injq-
dicious enactments and unwise legislation. 1t
may be truthfuly said that Virginia.has been ours
ed by bad legislation and in view of the factshere
lawyers and politicians have been tried long
enough, and the time has come for change.
Just here want it distinctly understood that
am not an aspirant for any Office within the gift
OF the people, but am an honest and earnest ad
vocate of right and justice, both in political and
and private business, land my sole object in taking
part in this grand movement is, il possible, to
wrest the rens of government from the lands of
blatant politicians, and secure the best men pos
sible from farmers. merchants OF the county, who
are known to be practical business men, and men
who will know how to economze by saving i'm
mense sums from the revenue which might an
nualy be applied to the liquidation of the State
debt
This idea entertained some four years gO,and
spoke of it to several farmers in this end Of the
county. Two years ago, in the county conven-
ton. offered some resolutions looking to the
same end Whatever may DE said now of my
opinion then, care not. It seems to me more
and more clearly fact, that some definite adjust
ment OF the State liabilities must be had, and
do say that, in my humble judgment, the proper
men to settle this matter are the tax payers of
the Commonwealth, who alone have the right to
say what amount of tax they can pay, and believe
that by next November they aoiW say in spite of
the opposition which the band OF professional
blarneys 9 are hurting against them about the
Virginias honor than what they can make out OF
some petty Office.
know this is plain talk, but this is on an i'm
portant subject and ought to be dealt with so
plainly that neither party may be misunderstood.
know that the professional blarneys laud us in
stentoran tones when they are making stump
speeches and canvassing for offlce-they tell US
that we are the most intelligent people in all the
our nations liberty. and all such equally nausea
ting stuff. Now away with your professional
ior office who are not Office seekerscwho have
business habits and good, practical sound sense
and above all, men who are honest. These are the
kind OF aanen We intend to select and no office
hunter need apply, for we are determined to sup
port no man for office, either gubernatoral or
legislative who is not in sympathy with the ag-
ricnItural interests of the State
Now does my friend of the 'Vindcator" think
hard OF a few farmers for trying to arouse their
FELLOW farmers OF the Commonwealth to act for
their best interests mean the 'bone and sin
ew OF the land. the bulwarks of the nations lib
q
voice in the councils of the State?
But ali! ii you farmers were to go down there
you Mould middle things up SO that you would
upon the old State which stands so fair at home
and abroad.
There was day when Virginia had name of
which she could boast.and OF which her sons might
well be proud; but that day is past, and now She
Virginia. 1t is true she has had as much talent
as any other State but her present condition does
not prove that she has. at all times, made good
use OF it. Those great lights have all died or en-
igrated to other States for taking view of the
history OF the last ten or twelve years manage
appear as If any vast amount OF talent had been
used. We farmers don't ciaim to have any supe-
fior talent but we do claim to have brains just
other class and all we want is the opportunity Of
keeping them bright by constant use. This we
My friend seems to harp upon the string pretty
strong that the resolutions set forth NO plan Of
adjustment OF the State liabilities. That is true,
set forth any such plan until could be accurate
ly ascertained what the States indebtedness is |
and what are her taxable resources. For this rea-
son We left out any plan or suggestion that might
have been proposed. There have been various |
agreeing that to tax the present resources OF the
State sufficiently to pay the interest on the whole
dc d. as 1t now stands and pay the expense OF the
government would amount to about five per cent |
per annum, which would be nothing more nor |
less than confiscation OF private property. Thus
strain the taxable resources OF the State and Won
will SO depreciate the value OF property that
eventually there will be nothing to tax. But re-
verse it-reduce the tax, and properly. will en- |
nance lin value and create revenue, When the |
postage was ten cents on each letter. the depart
ment did not pay expenses. but when reduced to |
three cents, it yielded revenue.
Now, my plan would be to ascertain how much |
Virginia would be able 10 pay and not trammeI |
her or keep her too much strained. Make it easy
Tor her citizens to pay their taxes and have some
thing left to improve their farms and business |
without becoming bankrupt and being sold ont |
every few years.
feel sure that if a true and economical admin
lstratlon OF the government could be had it would
pc put a lew years before Virginia could redeem |
ofthe States. Respectfully,
H. ]. WILLIAMS.