The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-02-06
Republicans and the State Debt.
MANASSAS, VA, Jan, 81, 1879


To the Editors of the Virgintan:
For two years past have been careful reader
Of your paper and h ave been especially interest
ed in the various discussions Of the great ques
lished in your columns. have been especially
interested because your paper is now the only
It must now be obvious to every mind, as it has
been obvious to me for years, that this issue,
which now overshadows every other issue of Ell
by the Republican vote OF the State. The Con-
sentative party is hopelessly divided on this is
sue and both factions are calling loudly upon
the Republicans for their assistance. The "soci-
ETY. for the preservation of the credit OF Virgin
ia" so-called, honored by the membership of
eadng aan ke ndge Hughes Judge
be reasonably assumed, vast financial resources.
together with the running machinery of the Con-
sentative party and OF the Executive and Judicial
Departments Of the State Government at Rich
mond have already declared that no man ought
to be elected to the next Legislature unless he is
in favor OF an Increase of taration.
On the other hand. the readjusters, controlling
the State legislature and no doubt a large ma
oriy OF the conservative v0ters OF the State have
called a convention to meet at Richmond on the
25thIof Feb. for the purpose of organizing their
forces for the great Battle OF Armag eddon.' -
which the fates seem to have set down for next
November.
1t is obvious to my mind that the Repub lican
party cannot act as unit on this question; that
which have sundered the conservative party will
also divide to some extent the Repu blicans New
ertheless, believe the great bulk Of the Repub-
lcan vote will go with the readiusters for the fol-
lowing reasons:
1st The greatest interest involved in q read
justment Of the State Debt, is the public school
interest. This was in its inception Republican
measure and it is proper and right when the very
life OF the school system is aSsailed that the Re-
publicans OF the State should rally to its support
3D. The Republicans are taxpayers, and al
though majority Of them may be poor they are
as little able to stand ian increase of their bur-
dens as are their more fortunate neighbors.
3d. The Republicans are sincere aud honest, or
they would not have stood so long by their con-
victions when they were unpopular with the
controlling powers Of the State. Being honest,
they are by large majority opposed to the dis
honest, corrupt, fraudulent and unconstitutional,
Funding Bill, and together with large majority
of that gigantic wrong, and the settlement of the
debt on an honest basis which shall properly re-
spect all the obligations of the State.
1t seems to me that the Republicans through
out the State who are opposed to the reputation
OF the public schools and in favor Of an honest re-
adjustment Of the State Debt, should organic -
once, either separately or in conjunction
conservatives that agree with the an as they
see fit, and send delegates to the convent
February 25th.
1t was, believe. Republican paper. the
Journal, then edited by Col. Edward Daniel
sisted by Col. John W. Wolff, that first bega
ventilation of the iniquities Of the Funding
and it is to be regr cited that the Republ
throughout the State did not follow up vigo
ly the line of policy thus inauguarated.
Now, when large element of the conserv
party is making move in the same direct
is to be koped that the Republicans WIFI
their hearty and generous support.
Very Respectfully &c.
GEO. C. ROI