Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1879-02-11
WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.

s. b. No. 2, locating an additional hos
pital for the insane. in the Third Congress
sional District was passed by the Senate on
the Sd instant.
The resolution instructing our Senators
and Representative in Congress to vote for
tho Texas Pacific Railroad Subsidy has been
repealed by both houses-Senator Butler
being the only Senator voting in the Mega
tive.
A bill has been introduced in the House
of Delegates for the organization of the mills
tia of the State, which possesses some new
features and is said, in many respects, to
be quite an improvement on the old militia
system.
S. B. No. Sc, amending the laws in re-
gard to the fees of county officers, regulating
and fixing the same. and the manner Of their
collection, passed the Senate on the 5th.
Mr.. Lewis has introduced bill requiring
trustees in deods of trust to give bonds
before selling the property which they hold
in trust.
In the House on Thursday, during the
discussion of the bill in relation to raising
the school levy from 10 to 90 cents, Mr.
Melvin gained the floor and said
MIR. Speaker, this is q measure which
deeply affects my constituents, and 1 feel
that should say something in their behalf,
though am wholly inadequate to the task 1t
is measure, Mr. Speaker, which will fall
heavily upon them, and ono which 1 fear
they will feel and believe too intoerable to
be borne.
We are far off at the eastern terminus of
the State, and there is feeling now pervad-
ing my county that the interest of West Vir-
ginia 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 be verified with ven>
geance, which feeling, Mr.. Speaker, dep
! recate; and let US so act that there may be
| no cause for such feeling. Let US manifest
| by our actions that we have regard for the
rights of others. In word, adhere to that
| good old golden rule: Do unto others as We
would have others do unto you. And feol
sure, Mr.. Speaker, that under that test the
| proposition before the House must fall to
the ground.
l confess, Mr.. Speaker, that am at a loss
to comprehend the fairness and Justice in the
measure which my aged friend On my left,
|
it.
My observations since have been upon
this floor, have impressed upon my mind for
| chilly the liberalty and fairness which has
| characterized his course, and that he is pos
sossed 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 l must beg to be excused
from participating in your liberality. l mean
nothing personsl whatever and when use
the words "my" and your use it in its
plural sense for my people and your people.
This would be dangerous precedent, Mr..
| Speaker, the passage OF this bill Poor hu-
| man nature is very weak and selfish. If,
unfortunately for US, it shall be shown that
| you have the majority upon US, and hence
the power to use US, under the cover of law
| to your advantage, would not the same feel
| ing which actuates You now, prompt you at
! the next session to add e.other 10 cents to
the 500 worth of property? And whenever
| your necessities seem to demand it, make
your levy, apply the lash and whip US in
| Can we live together in harmony under such
q system of oppression and tyranny? My
| people, Mr.. Speaker, agricultural
| people, toling, laboring people, working
from Monday morning till Saturday night,
earning their living by tho sweat Of their
| brow
And if by their industry and diligence in
business they have accumulated some prop
erty, improved their homes and made them
moro valuable, hence larger tax payers, is it
right, is it just to the man because of his in
dustry, his close application to business, he
must be compelled 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 himself
and family? Would you not, by such
course, be offering premium for idleness,
while you destroy the incentive to industry?
l trust, M. Speaker, different course will
be pursued; different spirit prevail, and
that our young and growing State may not
be clogged in her onward course to pros,
perity by dSsentions and discords.
The bill to increase the school tax was ta>
bled on Friday, by vote of 33 10 3O-Messrs.
Lewis and Melvin voting to tsble-and We
are thus rid of this iniquitous measure.
MR.. LEWIS POSITION.