Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1878-07-20
The State Debt.

HANNIBAL, MO-, July 1T, 1878.
10 the editor of tile Alecanari0 Gazette:
Though have been absent from Virginia
for nearly six years-a resident OF Missouri for
this period of time-yet have never lost my
interest in or my devotion for the noble old
State. Time and distance only intensifes my
affection for her; hence look With deep inter
est upon every event connected with her honor
and welfare. | sympathiso with her in her
distressed and impoverished condition, AN
poud Of her historic integrity, AID rejoice With
her at every event tina, tends to relieve her ADD
restore her TO her pristine glory
No one can imagine the intensity Of ny dis.
tress when the cry of population WAS Kissed
and ths respectable strength it gained ia her
halls of legislation. I felt as though the death
knell Of her honor and greatness bad been
sounded; that her SONS, reckless from poverty,
we're about to prove reoreant to the noble herl-
iage handed to them by our forefatbers and uo-
true to her history were about TO cover her With
infamy. [ almost wished her past history
should be obliterated to pEeYertitif1, Potor
ing 10 disgracefs, IN 49, :. from stand
B1A5S BEEE. 55IDparison With the present:
MIIT5gTfs was life aud honor in the old
COEtate. The triumphant election of Holiday
and the ignominous defeat OF the plans OF the
Wv
hearts of thousands of her sons and daughters
living 10 other States. 1t was like the flashing
of sunshine over threatening cloud, dispel!lng
darkness and dispair. and gliding the present
and future with bright hopes, aod showing that
her sons were true men, and would prove faith
fal to and guard we'll her honor and integrity.
/ write 10 the interest OF the State debt lt
is ajust and honest debt not IKE some OF the
Southern States the result OF carpet bag rule,
With its attendant robbery aud pilieIlng. but
leeitnate debt, and as such, should be paid at
any sacrifice, and it is with pleasure and feel.
i1gs Of profound pride that | have noticed the
grand efforts of Virginis's noble daughters to
take the matter 10 hand. Yes, and they will
succeed and God speed them in their noble
tniasiop. Iwould suggest, as an aid to their
efforts, that agents be appointed at the prncl-
pal cities id the western and southwestern
States, who shall issue 40 address. stating the
financial condition of the State, the effort being
made by the ladies. and appeal to all Virgin
ians to come To flie aid Of their mother State
by sending contributions to these agents. who
will forward the amount to any agent IN Vlr.
>'Rnia the ladies nnsy appoint. Let this appea!
be only to Virginians, fot it is their duty, and
they, should. esteem it q high privilege to
contribute f.. tba fslieE of tho "old State" 10
this the time Of her sore distress" There
are thousands upon thousands of Virginians
and their immediate descendants scattered all
80 through the west and southwest, and contri.
button from each, no matter how small, would
in the aggregate amount to- q large sum; for no
true son or daughter of Virsinia could or would
r., refuse to oontri5te his or her mite for this noble
. pnrpasa. ,t~ :, -. ;',r.
4 think the idea is q good .oae. and would
greatly aid 10 liquidating the State debt, which
once paid, and the people, relieved cf onerous
aud oppressive taxation, emigration would
food the State with good. Industrious people,
and the waste places be made to bloom with
- growing crops, aud the good old State would
soon enter upon q career OF wealth, prosperity
and happiness that Would place her, assha de.
serves, 10 the front rank with tho, western
States in the Union. .!is... ). an.,.. f..,s
aEsimply make these suggestions for your
consideration. Talk With those engaged i'd the
ladies' movement, and if thought possible; let
steps be taken ct once to put the work ia no.
ton. l am willing to DO all. 10 my power to
make the movement success, and it. aathorFz.
ed will take the iniatige,, and will correspond
with other points In ths States, and will issue
"a address to Virsiuisns to lend helping
hand think the amount that could he
derived from Missouri would not be- ingignI6:
can't. .~,. Yours truly, :" =; J.,G. McY!
:, The Tgris and Euphrates Valley n. ire 10 be
surveyed by two parties Of experts. by direction
:"'Nof the British Government. to ascertain the
best route for railway to the Persian Gulf.