The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-06-07
The People,s Work.

uiu ilot rcpleSenG Cnc Two CnOuSauu IarineFS
OF Augusta. 1t is possible it did not repre-
sent every one of them, but the general pur-
pose declared and the influences which called
che meeting are shared by the great mass of
not only the farmers of Augusta county, but
the laboring men, and many of the profess
sional men. Not only this, but throughout
the entire Valley the same sentiment pre-
vaiis. and that is, that the debt question of
Virginia must be settled, so that the people
may know what it is and what they have to
pay to prevent their condition from grow
ing worse. The Funding Bill settles moth
ing, except TO discriminate between credi-
tors, oppressively. The people, however,
are not willing to concede the power to any
legislature to destroy the essence of the
State-the will of the people--and absorb all
the powers of government. They were
never consulted about the Funding Bill.
They were assured that it was settlement,
honorable to the debtor and creditors, and
upon such terms that it would not be oppres-
siye to meet the conditions of the settlement.
They were not disposed to create any dis
turbance about or to agitate so sensitive
matter as the public credit, or inquire into
the means used to fasten the Funding Bill
upon them, so long as the tax necessary for
its purposes was such as they could meet
without further burthens. When they found
that there was no legal virtue in the assign
ment of the one third to West Virginia
that Virginia was as much bound for that as
she was for any portion of the entire obliga-
tion-and that the revenues derived from
the present rate OF taxation fell short of
paying the interest on the two-thirds, nomi-
nally assumed, near million of dollars each
year-with the legal obligation to pay the
other third and the Interestingly became
dissatisfied. They have heretofore been in
duced to keep quiet by the party leaders, be-
cause they were assured that any agitation
of the question would divide the party, and
give the State to the Republicans. The fl
nancial condition of the State has never
been allowed to enter into a canvass. The
people have been deluded with the promise,
over and over reiterated, that new subjects
of taxation would be found, and that each
legislature would frame such a tax bill that
the present rate of taxation on real and per-
sonal property would pay the interest, at
least, on the two-thirds OF the debt, and the
current expenses of government. None of
these assurances have been realized. In
stead, it is found, that defaulted interest is
still accommodating at fearful rate-that the
Supreme Court of the United States, has de-
termined the responsibility OF the entire
debt to be with Virginia; and that as things
are now going on utter ruin must be the re-
suit. Not only the farmers of Augusta and
the State, but the great mass OF the people
Of the State are becoming concerned about
this matter, and it is enough to concern
them. With the revenues dissipated, and
the debt increasing each year, it shonld con-
Germ them.
| There is no party issue in the question
and no party capital can be made out of it.
Republicans and democrats feel the neces-
| sity of having some definite understanding
about it. 1t concerns the life OF the Com
monwealth, and Republicans will join with
democrats in electing Governor and Legis-
lature who will make an honest effort to set
tie it. Republicans will not, as an organi-
cation, enter the contest. They will have
no nominees. They will stand by the labor
interests of the State, for it is in this that
the future of Virginia is bound up.
| We do not cons.rue the motives which are
now moving the tax payers of the State, as
discrimination against the professions, nor
would we endorse it as such. The legal pro-
fession is essential to the wise regulation of
State legislation. 1t is essential to the well
being of the State. 1t is the professional
politicians and chronic demagogues who
have brought the present complications
upon the people that should be protested.
has run the legislature, and the Legislature,
thus dominated and directed, has almost
ruined the people. 1t is now time for the
people. with whom resides the power, and
whose interests are involved, to make an eff
fort to change this condition of things, and,
if possible, devise means of relief. And
in this work, there are very few farmers OF
Augusta or the State. who will not lend
willing help.
Politicians, in the higher sense OF the
term, are not obnoxious to the people, nor
do their interests antagonize those of the
people. Men who understand the theory of
government and its workings-who have
studied politics as they relate to govern
ment, and as part of the science Of the
law, are very necessary in the devisement
of appropriate legislation. 1t is the profess
sional politician, or demagogue, whose sci
ence is to run the rings and the primaries, to
defeat the will of the people, and then use
the machinery of party to infiict themselves
upon those they have cheated, who have
incurred the indignation of the taxpayers.
It is this class that will have to stand aside
for men of higher tone and more statesmen.
like grasp.
The complaint comes from all parts of the
State against these mere tricksters, who
have come to the front upon the current of
into positions of public trust by appealing to
partizan prejudice. They have combined
with the partizan press to stir up bad feel
ing and influence passion, and thus
have been enabled to control the legislation
Of the State to the damage OF all her best in
terests.
It is the work of the people to correct this
evil and elect representative men for all
places of public trust, affecting legislation
and the administration Of public affairs. Let
them do their duty, in defiance Of rings and
caucus politicians, al d the day of deliver
ance from their present difficulties will soon
appear. ''-st 1
Capt. Warren S. Lurty. !
The United States Attorney for the West |