The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-07-31

When the people of the State come to
examine the question of the debt settle
ment for themselves, and this is what every
voter should do, they will find that the
terms and conditions of the bill, passed at
the last session, under which over sc, 000,-
900 of bonds have already been funded,
places Virginia in a condition Of promise
she has never occupied since the dark cloud
of debt has overshadowed her. If two
years ago, any man could have guaranteed
such an adjustment as we are now about
to realize, ne might have claimed any posi-
ton within her gift and been accorded it
without opposition. 1t is all that the most
sanguine Re-adjuster ever asked, all that
was ever promised, and everybody knows
that promises were scarcely limited by posi-
bilities, and far more favorable than most of
us dreamed OF securing. We never expect
ed to arrive atany settlement without MAX
ing some sacrifice. The claim of the true
re-adjuster was based upon simple justice
"a justice that recognized the rights Of both
parties to the compact, and conceded that
there must be a compromise. This middle
ground has been reached-the creditors up
on their part have agreed to surrender a
portion of their claim, and we are pledged
to make every effort to meet them. Is it
wise, is it polite to recede now? to give up
the prospect of placing the State in a posi-
ton to meet her obligations, and plunge
her back into the confusion in which all of
her interests have languished for nigh on to
a decade? In answer to the question,
what substitute will be offered for this
bill 20 Senator Paul grandly answers, "We
intend to restore the State to her sovereign
ty; we intend to do just as we please; we
intend to remove the foot of the oppressor
from the neck of the Commonwe alth % All
this sounds very fine, but it sounds more
like idle Wanting than an honest purpose
to benefit the State. 1t will strike candid
men as rather indefinite, and is not likely
to inspire confidence in those who propose
it.
We remember to have seen somewhere |
an illustration that is not inappropriate in |
this connection. An infidel in discussing |
with minister Of the Gospel, endeavored |
to prove that the whole theory of Chistiani- |
ty was delusion, and that reason. science |
and common sense equally opposed it. 1t |
was sin, he said, if there was such thing |
as sin, to seek to persuade men that there |
was any virtue in Christ's blood or any hope |
OF bliss beyond the grave. The idea of |
christianity was born in barbarism, and |
suited alone to the ignorant and supersti-
tious. 1t should find no following among
the enlightened, and advanced thinkers
looked upon it as an idle tale. The minis |
ter asked what substitute it was proposed
to offer for it, and the infidel answered
that it would be time enough for the sub
stitute when The old idea had been eXplod-
ed, and the old superstition eradicated from
the minds of the people. Taking his COM
panion by the hand, the minister led him in
to hospital near by, where the sick and
lying were propped on downy pillows
IN the easiest positions. ssTear those pill
ows from beneath these invalids,'' said the
minister, ''and tell them that you will bring
THAT would be cruel" answered the inf
lei, s'for whilst would be thinking Of
something better to offer, the patient would
lie of exhaustion In an instant the ap-
,lication of the incident was so apparent
hat the scoffer turned away mute and
restfallen.
Until these men can offer to Virginia
omething more substantial and tangible
han vague promises and high sounding
entences, let us firmly grasp the substance
within our reach, and not let it slip for
hadoW that will vanish in the light of rea-
on.