The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-12-11
Governors Message.

OotOAA VA . AAASSo06S
The reader will find, in full, Gov. Holli-
DAVIS Message communicated to the Gen.
eral Assembly Immediately aft er its organ
zation on the Bird inst. We invite to it the
careful attention of our readers. 1t is brief
and comprehensive, and the most consider
ate and appropriate paper of the kind that
has emanated from the Executive Mansion
within our remembrance. If the recognized
and sworn officers of the Commonwealth
have not committed wilful perjury, it is
clearly demonstrated from the operations
of the McCulloch Bill thus far that all that
was claimed for it by its friends will be ac-
complished, and that if re-funding is not
arrested by reason of the result of the re-
cent election and the continued agitation of
the question of repeal, the balances pre-
sented during the discussion of the merits
Of the Bill, will be fully verified.
While we have never approved of some
of the features of the measure, nor given
in our adhesion to the principle involved in
them, in the abstract sense, we have taken
the settlement as a whole, and urged its ac-
ce ptance by the people. We believed dur
ing the recent canvass, and believe now.
that a settlement upon the basis of the Bill
would work out mutual advantages to the
State and her creditors, and that final
disposition of the controversy would result
in such an advancement in the material in
terests of the Commonwealth, and such
establ ishment of State credit as would en-
able the authorities in ten years-the Pc
Rod for the operation of the three per cent.
interest clause-to place upon the market
or 81 per cent. bonds, and retire the 4
and per cent. bonds. The possibility,
aye, probability, that this could be done,
will not be questioned by any one familiar
with the vast sources of material wealth
which await capital and enterprise to de-
yelop them, and VIII ich will come to our re-
lief so soon as the contention and turmoil
about the credit of the State cease. Refer
ring to this point the Governor says: 81
speak of my own knowledge, obtained by
reason of the office now hold, when | say,
that both are ready to come so soon as our
financial difficulties are satisfactorily and
honorably settled" That this is true, we
have abundant personal assurances, our
selves. Conversing not long since with a
Northern gentleman, who is now taking a
deep and active interest in the mineral
properties of Virginia, and who enjoys the
most unbounded confidence in the financial
circles of his section, and distinguished
alike in war and in peace, he remarked,
that with quiet restored in Virginia and the
debt question eliminated from public con-
troyersy, there would be within the next
twelve months at least twenty millions OF
dollars invested in Virginia, for the devel-
opment of her resources and the creation
of incalculable taxable values. While it is
true large amount of nor thern capital
has already been planted in this State, it is
equally true that the re is much larger
aggregate that is hesitating, and anxiously
awaiting some definite determination of
this vexatious discussion.
This view of the question should be i'm
pressed upon the popular mind, and care
fully considered by the representative body
now in session in Richmond. 1t will not
do for interests so vast and directly impli-
eating the material growth and public
credit OF Virginia to be thrust aside because
of the sentimental notions which have in
famed the feelings and excited the resent
ments of the people. The very destiny OF
the State is involved in these eonsidera-
tons. They rise above parties and factions,
and directly appeal to the patriotism and
sense of right of every man in the Com.
monwealth. AS mere party device we
might seek to perpetuate the antagonism
that has already rent in twain the political
organization to which we are opposed, but
we think we have the courage and devotion
to our native State, to consider hel
welfare as infinitely above any mere par
ty finesse, and to direct our labors to the
advancement of her interests. the mainte
nance of her faith, and the vindication Of
her integrity. We therefore appeal to oul
party friends in the Legislature to address
themselves to the great work Of putting al
end to the harmful strife which has so torn
and distracted the Commonwealth, and in
dictedmore material damage than the entire
amount of the public debt. And making
the effort to accomplish this end. their fail
IRE to do SO will not impose any response
bility upon them. They will have done
their duty, and upon those who shall con
suits which must follow.
The spirit of the message of Gov. Holli
day is no less commendable than the facts
figures and arguments are forcible and inn
pressive. ST proclaim to the world" hi
says, shat Virginia does not intend to repu
date her debt; that she spurns the. mean ant
horrid thing" Recognizing the fact thai
there are grounds for honest differences o.
opinion as to what is right and what is duty
he arraigns not the motives of those witt
whom he is at variance upon this important
and essentially vital question. There is NJ
part OF his communication whichwe can more
heartily commend and approve than thil
sentiment. He INDUCES in no high-sound
ing epithets or rhetorical phillipics towards
those who have seen proper to sustain
views antagonizing those he entertains, ant
properly we think, gives the assurance thai
there is no purpose on the part of the PEG
pie Of Virginia to repudiate the debt. Hal
this spirit and this catholic and consideratt
sentiment dominated before and since thu
election with those who supported the pres
ent settlement, the fierce resentments which
control in the opposing factions would moi
now exist, and the prospect for reaching
some common ground of agreement, consis
tent with State honor and creditors rights
be more assuring. We can well understand
how sincere differences could be enter
tanned, without purpose to perpetrate az
act of bad faith. And it was but rationa
and right to conclude that those who dit
differ with us, were governed by motives
just as pure and honorable as we protested
Instead, however. of arguing the question
at issue as Virginians, animated by com
mon purpose to subserve the best interest
of the people, and only differing as t,
methods, the press and the speakers on tn,