The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-03-27
Our Richmond Letter.

THE MASsIE-SMITH INTERCOLLEGIATE DEBT BILL AND
THE RE-ADJUsTERs-THE RIyEs cAsE-NEw PAPER
LIFE INSURANCE PERSON
AL-&C. &C.
RICHMOND VA, March oath, 1879.
On Friday last the Senate OF Virginia was the
theatre of very dsgraceful affair between
Messrs. Massie and Smith, Senators from Abe
marie and Nelson countless which eliminated in
an uncarried motion to have both members
brought to the bar of the Senate for reprimand
or unparliamentary words in debate. There is
no good feeling between the re-adiusters and the
lunders, and some published remarks of Mr.,
smith, which appeared in one Of the city papers
on Thursday. caused MI. Massie to read rejoin-
er IN the Senate the following day, which SO an
gered Mr.. Smith that he denominated the Rev.
Mr.. Massie as liar and scoundrel or words to
that effect. Mr.. Massie was prevented from the
further reading of his repartee to Thursdays
publication. and resolutions, and motions and
substitutes were poured in from every side for
two hours. until the matter was temporarily qui-
eted down by referring the matter to the Com
mlttee on Privileges and Elections for report
Meanwhile members of the House and visitors
crowded into the unique little chamber to see
what was up. Mr.. Smith apologized to the Sen
ate, and Mr.. Massle said he would submit his
manuscript to the committee from which might
be taken every unparliamentary word or sentence
direct or inferential. Nothing SO harshly incon-
sistent with the dignity Of the State Senate it is
said, ever occurred in the chamber before.
Before this letter is closed, shall in all proba-
biity note the passage OF the McCulloch compro-
mise bill with the Allen-Henry amendments
From the House it will go to the Senate for con-
currence, which will be secured. This will end
the matter so far this Legislature is concerned;
but the opponents OF the bill have no thought but
to take the matter to every nook and corner Of
Virginia for the consideration of the people who
are alone interested in Just settlement, whatev
er mat may be. have never seen more per-
sistent body OF men than the re-adiusters, and if
there is any reason in the world to oppose the
final ratification of the compromise by the voters
OF the State, ii will be made known. The struggle
has now fairly begun. From present indications
another Funding miscarriage will be the result.
The excitement in the ranks Of the political
elite OF the Conservative party the arrest of
county judges by Judge Rives has somewhat
subsidized since the action Of the grand jury at
Lynchburg. 1t is now looked upon as a business
matter, and not thing to be shamed out of the
arena OF events. There are many colored persons
in Virginia who own property and are quite in
telligent enough to be regis tered subject fol
jury service. If they are not draaon there is no
harm done If drawn, it is only one of the results
OF the changed condition of affairs from Maine to
Texas since the amendments of the constitution
were ratified by all the States. The day for moon
shine sentim entalism is past.
On Saturday last the re-adiusters forced the
Funders to renounce one of the planks OF the Con-
sentative party, by voting down a proposition
declaring that, in the execution of the McCulloch
debt bill this nor any subsequent Legislature
f1,o
platform OF the Conservative party, as your read
ers know, announced it as the decided opinion of
the people that they cannot endure higher rate
of taxation than they bore in 1877. Here is leak
| in the Conservative ship which will surely sink
her unless that party get assistance from out
side of its ranks.
The prominent physicians OF the city have made
raid upon the Finance committee OF the city
council, and beg to be relieved from license taxes
because, forsooth, they do so much charity prac-
tice for which they get no pay. This is quite as
tonishing, since few of the applicants for relief
have an income OF less than $4,000.
IT our city is to be made grand eleemosynary
institution for the benefit of the rich and poor,
city bonds will tumble fearfully ere long.
Col. Popham's newspaper made its first appear
ance on Saturday. The comments of the city
press in reference to the journal are fattering-
We needed Just such paper as this promises to
be-ope not afraid TO praise an onnonann or CON
denim afriend when either do wrong. The Fund
ing organs Dispatch and STATE both nnrnoselv
omit in their reports of the Legislative proceed
ings, the resolutions which have above referred
to. There is certainly other city in the United
States whose press is so restricted in its nurpose
to give its readers the news regardless of party
interests.
Jury for the trial of ]. E. Poindexter for shoot
f,,o.,
is now going on: week or more NAV probably
be reuuired to close it,
Tn the case of Ro1linos, bairs VIC +ba piadroont
and Arlington Life Insurance Co tried in Jndoe
Wellford's court on FRIDAY q verdict for nlaiptiF
for S. 900 was the result A snecia1 inrv wasen,
pannelled This amount coyered tho claim
From the country nress T notice that candida+as
for county offices are increosinq in npuhers and
that none of them saw .suhiect To tho nomination
&C." Since the Democrats are masters of both
branches of the National Legislature. virenians
are enjoying their freedom. and if is not to be
supposed that the average office seeker can sub
ject his talents for office filling to the scrutiny of
men who are manned and equipped by the fiat of
Central Executive Committee! Oh no! The
good old times of low prices gold and silver hay-
ing returned the liberty of 1860 is come back to
the ambitious stump speaker AS for rings and
cl1ques, they must be decently inferred ane gen.
erously epitaphed Sic transit ozoria etc.
Alex. MoseIy, ESQ.,, editor of the Whio. is at his
home in King William county.
Messrs. Cameron and Elan are now editing that
journal with marked ability. There is no paper
in the state that can be compared with it so far
as its editorials are concerned.
1t is instructive for any plain citizen to visit
the Capitol occasionally and take quiet look at
the foolishness and fun INDUCED in by the Rep
resentatives (?) of Virginia. In the Senate you
find member. half drunk addressing that body
and endeavorng to smooth up a personal diff
Guilty between two excited brother Senators. 1t
is decorum to listen to him. One-armed and one
legged soldiers who want to introduce little dis