The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1878-11-25
MECKLENBURG COUNTY.
of the Richmond Dispatch

correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.i
NOVEMBER 81, 1878.
Possibly this communication, in revealing
condition of affairs existing here. may in
terest the people Of more than one county.
There was an immense gathering Of the
substantial citizens ut our court last Mon
day, convened for the purpose OF consider
ing questions OF vital Importance TO the
taxpayers OF the county. The subject OF
salaries TO the county officials was consid-
cred, which, by the laws Of the State, is
made discretionary with the County Court
TO fix their compensation during the current
year. In view OF the present impoverished
condition Of the agricultural interests, the
general depression in values, and the
diminuton OF the duties and services
required, the allowance granted these
officials subsequent to the war, to
conform TO the changed condition OF affairs,
was deemed excessive and uni usiifable. TO
illustrate: In 1860, when the people were in
afiluence and prosperity, the compensation
allowed to the sheriff was 1926, in 1877,
800; to the two commissioners OF the rev.
enuc it was 500, now 500; to the Com
monwcalth's attorney $400, now 5000; to
the clerk Of the County Court considerable
increase over the antc-war allowance. These
are the amounts, or 4 near approximation,
and rerqusitcs OF the respective offices.
These positions were filled prior to the war
BY intelligent and responsible citizens OF the
county, who were identified by their nativity
and similar interests with whatever affected
the peace, security, and prosperity Of the
people. There was then no line Of party
,demarcation for county officials. Now these
positions are held bv neutrality-suspicious.,
with the exception OF the one OF Common
weaiths attorney, who was appointed to
fill vacancy occasioned by the removal Of
the former incumbent, who was a Republic
can. and removed for malfeasance in office
and gross neglect OF official duty. Thus it
will be seen taat all except one OF these i'm
portant positions are filed by men elected by
the non-property- holding class and adven-
turous carpet baggerS, with no sympathy In
common with the people. and whose sup
port and continuance in office are depend
ent upon appeals to The Ignorance and
preiudces OF the mongrel elements consti-
tuting the Republican party OF this county.
Colonel Thomas F. Goode, one of the
abes., most influential, and fearless OF our
citizens, was chiefly instrumental in calling
this meeting Of the people to consider this
subject. For several years be had retired
from active public life, but now, when mat
tiers OF such grave import affected the well
fare and happiness OF the people. be again
determined to enter the arena like true
and noble Roman and enlighten the masses
in regard to their fearful surroundings. In
AN address replete with unanswerable argu-
ment and feryid eloquence, he pictured TO
the people in q touching and mastery style
sheir situation, and vis,dly presented be-
fore them the burdens they were enduring
and directing them how TO be relieved
from this CALLING yoke Of taxatio'
and Radical domination. He assert e
unhesitatingly that there were con- pc
tent and deserving men who w oult
undertake to discharge all the dut' .es O
each county Office acceptably to the peopI,
Tor the pay customary previous to he war
ana Tor the commissioners OF the reyenu,
who are now paid S700. he w ould give
bond and security to have the work done
for the entire county for SIC 10, and thu.
save in one case $500. With e. ne white peo.
pie united, he believed that o. the election
soon to take place for cour lty officers the
vampires could be defeated by true and
good men OF the county. His speech was
well fortified by stubborn facts, and
opened the eyes OF the people to the
grievances under which they were SUI.
fering, and suggesting a certain and
Indoubtad mode of relief. He was
encouraged by the most enthusiastic de.
monstratioGs OF applause. and q large major.
ity OF the immense assemblage, amid the
greatest excitement, and in the presence OF
tue appalled, and Indignant 0fHce-holders,