Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1879-02-15
Capt. Melvin's Speech.

On Thursday Of last week in Che House
Of Delegates. whilst the School Bin was under
consideration, Capt Jacob S. Melvin submitted
some remarks in opposition TO the proposition
to increase the school levy one hundred per
cent. We append from the Wheeling Regis
Ter synopsis Of his speech
Mr.. Speaker this is d measure which deeply
affects my constituents, and feel That should
say something in their behalf, though am
wholly iualeq uate TO the task. IL is a meas
ure which will fall heavily upon them, a
one which ! fear they will feel aud believe
too ntolerant to be borne. We are aar of 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 aud drawers Of water, aud by the pas
SAGE of this bin would not that belief be yeri-
fed with i vengeance, which feeling. Mr..
Speaker, deprecaie and let Us so act that
there may be no cause for such feeling. Let
as manifest by our actions that We have a
regard for the rights of others. In n word,
adhere % that good old golden rule :, Do unto
others as We would have others do unto YOU
And feel sure, Mr. Speaker, that under that
teste the proposition before the House must
fall 10 the ground. / confess, Mr. Speaker
that I am az loss to comprehend the fairness
and Justice 10 the measure which my aged
friend 90 The leit, the champion of this bill
Stuart claims for l.. Ny observations since
I have been upon this l0or have Impressed
upon ny mind lorcibly the liberality aud fair
ness which bias characterized his course. aud
that be Is POSSESSED Of big heart. But per-
mic NE, my good friend, 20 say 10 all kindness,
when your liberal views aad large heart
prompt you 10 take my property TO pay your
debts must beg 10 be excused from particle
plting in your hbera.iiy. | mean nothing
personal whatever, and when use tie words
my and your" use it in its plural sense
for my people aud your people. This would
De q dangerous precedent, Mr. Speaker, the
passage Of this BILL Poor human nature is
very weak and selfish II, unfortunately for
us. It shall be shown that you have the majot-
it's upon as, and hence the power to use US
u1dcr the cover Of law TO your advantage.
would not tue same feeling which actuates
You now, prompt you az the next session TO
add on another 10 cents 20 the : 100 worth OF
property AID whenever your necessities
seem to demand il, make your levy, apply the
lash aud whip us in? Can we live together
10 harmony under such system of oppression
and tyranny? My people Mr. Speaker, are
an agricultural people, a telling, laboring
people working from Monday morning till
Saturday night, earning their living by the
sweat % their brow Aud &c by their industry
aud diligence ia business they have accumuat-
co some property, improved their homes and
made them more valuable, hence larger tax
payers, Is it right, is Il just 10 the man because
Of his industry, his close application 20 bust
uess, be must be compelled to divide his sub
stance with his ueishbor in an aijoiuing
county, who. it may be, from lack Of industry
or economy. has failed 10 provide for himself
and family Would you uo,, by such course
be Offering premium for idlenesS, while you
destroy the incentive 20 industry | trust,
Mr.. Speaker. different course will lie puT-
snei, q different spirit prevail, and that our
Young and growing State may not be cloeged
TO her onward course TO prosperity by dissen-
tions and discords
The Bill was laid on the table meat for
future discussion. we suppose.