The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-12-06
The Duty of the Legislature.

In Virginia it is especially so. There is
mole cheerfulness, more hope, than has
been manifested for half decade.
The Legislature which met yesterday will
have il in its power to do much to encotr-
age this feeling. Although the campaign
through which we have passed, was more or
less animated all over the State, in local
contests, and harsh purposes were assinged
to one or the other contcnding elements,
we feel assured that none OF this will enter
the halls of legislation. 1t is recognized
everywhere that some definite arrangement
OF the public debt will have TO be made.
The Legislature was elected with reference
to that-the interest of the State and her
creditors demand it, and public policy will
admit OF no doubtful or dilatory considera-
ton of the grave and vital subject. The ST.
preme Importance of this question must Sc
ri0l,siy impress the mind OF every member
OF the Legislature and drive away any mere
personal feeling or pa:tizan ambition. its
solnticn involves the very life OF the State,
and it will require the earnest study. the
most untirng devotion OF every member to
bring about an adjustment honorable to The
Commonwealth and satisfactory-to the crcdi
tors. 1t Will not do for gentlemen to enter
the halls OF the Legislature welded to crude
aid undigested notions, suggested dnrit e
the heat of the campaign and not fortified
by the equities that must necessarily enter
into any coasummated plan. 1t Is 4 matter
that must be thought OYER. opinions con-
pared, and conclusions reached BY method
and reason. With an honest purpose to
deal fairly ard justly with all the parties in
interest, readjusters and flinders, Conserva-
tives and Republicans, may find Il common
grocad upon which to stand, anG upon
which may be constructed scheme that
will restore and preserve the integrity of the
State. and address itself to the reason and
common sense OF the creditors. Precon-
ceived notions as TO the precise manner of
efecting the desired result, should give way
to some well injured plan, resulting from
may be no extragagant Or chimerical sug-
sestions TO disturb the popular mind and
confuse and obstruct legitimate, just legsla-
ton. For once it is to be hoped, the dele
gated servants of the people will rise above
the spitcs of factions, and the prejudices of
| partHans and consider that they are Fn.-
| giniana, RICE in council to rescue the old
State from the embarrass.nents which envi-
ron her and to DEVISE solution of the COM
plicatons, that will commend Itself to pub
| lie Justice and Il wise and statesmanlike
public policy. flanders and acti-funders,
readiusters and anti readjusters, Conserva-
tives and Republicans, should address them-
selves to settlement OF this kind, forget
| ting the acerbties of the late campaign,
4 and considerate alone for the fntnre welfare
of the State.
| We believe Q fair, honorable and accept
able adjustment cap be effected if the Leg
| isiature will proceed to the york in calm,
concliatory, earnest spirit, and with an
honest purpose to do WHAT is right and just.
The end desired cannot, however, be accom-
plished by inflammatory appeals, stubborn
adherence to preconceiyed notions. OF a
reckless disregard of public faith. Com
mon sense and common justice demand re-
adjustment-the interests of the creditor and
/ the d, btor join in this demand, and it will
be faulty itself to allow abstract sentimen-
talty to take the place of plain business
sense.
| Tile debt question i, eminently Il business
question: shonid be approached in a bust
ness-likc manner and governed and regu-
lated by business principles. Superficial
theorists will be of little use. They will
! only serve to obstriict the practical ends
necessary to be reached in order to save
the credito: and the State. With calm de-
Ii. Grafton and honest desire we believe a
satisfactory settlement can be effected, the
distrlIst, doubt and fear of the people re-
moved. and the State placed upon the high
way to prosperity.
! With this contaminated, the growth OF
! confidence will be assured, a better under
standing IN and ont of the State spring into
existence, a sentiment of national oneness
be inspired, and an era OF prosperity follow
which will compensate, at least in some de-
! gree, for the prostraton and the paralysis
under which the whole country has suffered.