Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1879-11-19
THE SITUATION IN VIRGINIA.

The LEGISLATURE OF Virginia viii be the
scene Of a spirited and interesting con-
test during the coming winter. AS the
situation now appears the grand fight
o. the session Will be over bin to re-
peal the MCCULLOcH law, which will be
promptly introduced by the readjus-
tiers. The complexion OF the Legisla-
ture is understood to be such that it can
be promptly passed.
But right here will begin the interest
ing part of the contest. Governor HoL-
LIDAY has been STEADILY and sturdily
in favor of the MCCULLoCH bill and
against the policy OF the readjusters.
Therefore, unless he can be bulldozed
into stultiiying himself, he will veto the
repeating bill. Il will then be i'm
possible to obtain the twO-thirds vote
necessary to carry the measure over
his veto. What the next step will be
it is hard to predict, but it ascertain that
while the readjusters hold majority OF
the Legislature they will not relinquish
their opposition in some form, to the
MCCULLOCH measure. Being unable
10 repeal it, they will also, probably, be
defeated in any scheme 10 materially
modify or destroy its force. The Gov
ernor's veto will be an impossible bar
rier in the way OF any measure that has
this end in view Their only hope OF
getting rid OF the MCCULLOcH bill will be
to devise a scheme for the settlement OF
the debt, that is equally just and feasible,
and even more acceptable to the Nc
CULLOCH men. But this would cause
such delay in diSposing of the question
as to make it very uncertain OF adop-
ton.
But the moral effect OF the present
attitude of the people Of Virginia toward
their State obligations, as shown in the
election of legislators, will be damaging
to her credit abroad, whether they sue
ceed in defeating the repeal OF the Nc
Culloch bill or not. That the bill should
be saved by the accident OF having an
honestly inclined Governor does not
alter the fact that the bulk OF her peO-
pie are unsteady, if not thoroughly COM
United against an equitable adjustment
of the State indebtedness. The effect
upon her credit has been already made !
manifest in the decline of her securities !
in the New York market. The fact is |
recognized that although the McCOlloch |
law may not be repealed by the present !
Legislature, the declared sentiment OF a
majority Of the people has been spoken
in favor Of its repeal.
This disposition on the part OF States
and cities to repudiate their debts has
been working OF late a great damage to
the credit OF every State. We are not
certain but that it justities restoration
Of the old provision OF the Constitution
which made States amenable to the
Courts upon questions OF pecunlary lia-
biHty. Neither State rights nor National
rights should shield people who will
July do wrong to their creditors.
We doVirginia the credit, however, to
say that the rejection otthe MCCULLocH
bill, while it is prjma tlcia evidence Of
bad faith, is not conclusive OF 4 wish
On the part Of her people to repudiate
the State debt. They may be opposed
10 a certain mode or basis OF settlement,
and yet not opposed to another equally
lair and honorable. III the square qucs-
ton of population had been presented
to the people OF the Old Dominion we
are very confident that there would be
found very small proportion oil her
people supporting a measure dishonor-
lbleto the State. The zeal, courage and
ability with which the press and people
who favor the McCULLOCH measure, Ia
bored in the late campaign, was abund-
ant proof that the dignity and honor OF
the State does not lack Tor earnest de-
lenders, who may yet be relied upon to
her ancient standing.