Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1879-02-15
WEST VA. LEGESLATEEE.
SPEECH OF CAPT. j. s. MELVIN.

In the House on Thursday, during
the discussion of the bill in relation to
raising the school levy from 10 to 20
cents, Mr.. Melvin gained the floor and
said:
Mr.. Speaker, this is measure which
deeply affects my constituents. and l
feel that l should say something in their
behalf, though am wholly inadequate
to the task. 1t is measure, Mr.. Speak
er, which will fall heavily upon them,
ana one which fear they will feel and
believe too intolerable to be borne.
We are far off at the eastern terminus
of the State, and there is feeling now
pervading my county that the interest
of West Virginia is inimicable to ours,
and that we are looked upon as hewers
of wood and drawers of water, and that
by the passage Of this bill would not
that belief lie verified with vengeance,
which feeling, Mr.. Speaker, / deprecate;
and let US SO act that thare may be no
cause for such feeling. Lei US manifest
by our actions that We have regard
for the rights Of others. In word, ad
here to that good old golden rule: Do
unto others as We would have others do
unto you. And feel sure, Mr.. Speaker
that under that test the proposition be-
fore the House must fall to the ground.
confess, Mr. Speaker, that | am at a
loss to comprehend the fairness and
justice in the measure which my aged
friend on my left, the champion of this
bill (Stuart) claims for IL.
My observations since / have been
upon this floor, have impressed upon
my mind forcibly the liberality and fair
ness which has characterized his course,
and that he is possessed of big heart.
But permit me, my good friend, to
say in all kindness, when your liberal
views and large heart prompts you to
take my property to pay your debts 1
must beg to be excused from participant
ing in your liberality. / mean nothing
personal whatever, and when use the
words my" and "your," use it in its
plural sense for my people and your
people.
This would be a dangerous prece-
dent, Mr.. Speaker, the passage of this
BILL Poor human nature is very weak
and selfish. If, unfortunately for us, it
shall be shown that you have the ma
iority upon US, and hence the power to
use us, under the cover of law to your
advantage, would not The same feeling
which actuates you now, prompt you at
the next session to add another 10 cts.
to the 500 worth of property? And
whenever your necessities seem to de-
mand it, make your levy, apply the lash
ard whip us in Can VIC live together
in harmony under such a system of OPP
preston and tyrannyl My people, Mr..
Speaker, are an agricultural people, a
toiling, laboring people, working from
Monday morning till Saturday night,
earning their living by the sweat of
their brow.
And if by their industry and diligence
in business they have accumulated some
property, improved their homes and
made them more valuable, hence larger
tax payers, is it right, is it just to the
man because of his industry, his close
application to business, he must be CON-
PEELED to divide his substance with his
neighbor in an adjoining county, who,
it may be, from lack of industry or
economy, has failed to provide for him.
self and family Would you lot, by
such course, be offering a premium
for idleness, while you destroy the in
centive to industry? / trust, Mr.. Speak
er, different course will be pursued; a
different spirit prevail, and that our
young and growing State may not be
clogged in her onward course to pros
perity by disseutions and discords.
The bill to increase the school tax
was taLled on Friday, by . vote Of So