The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-10-02

Of practical, tangible test, would meet all
demands, without leaving deficiency
This point is clearly gained, and more than
gained, in the cCulloch Bill. 1t is in con-
temptation of these conclusive figures that
refining is resorted to about the ''rate''
and aggregate of taxation,'' and the de-
mand that neither shall be increased, al
though, were it possible to do so, the as
sessed values of the State, by whatever
methods, or motives, were decreased one
half. The people have demonstrated their
ability to pay $2,600,000 of revenues, and
this ability will remain, let the rate of tax
alton be what it may upon assessed values.
1t is further demonstrated that this amount
is more than enough to meet all demands
under the McCulloch Bill, and this settles
the controversy between the claims of the
creditors and the ability Of the State, adj
justing all interests to mutual advan-
tage, and removing all suspicion as to the
public faith Of Virginia. And just here we
tai ''honor" that we would appeal, but to
the common honesty of the people of Vir-
ginia, to stand by a settlement that for
mulatcs into law achat they Que and ought
to pay, and what they have demonstrated
their ability to pay.
With like specious reasoning and appeal
that Mr.. Barbour has employed as to the
''rate'' of taxation, does he refer to the
public school interests, and invokes the
constitutional safeguards for their protec-
ton. If the Constitution is a standard OF
reference in this discussion, then its digni-
ty must be equally recognized in its rela-
ton to the public debt as to the publ C
schools. Its command is just as impera-
tive as to the one as it is to the other, and
just as much entitled to recognition in one
case as the other. The McCulloch Bill
makes ample provision for the public schools
more liberal and certain than the Barbour
Bill, dedicating to them $441, 757, while the
Barbour Bill, provided the s.present rate
of taxation was maintained and the as
sessed value Of property not decreased, gave
$410,9ls. But this amount under the Bar
bour Bill was contingent upon the prop
erty assessment remaining as at pres emit,
as it appropriated ten cents on the 500 OF
assessed values of real and personal prop
erty, the aggregate derived from which
would be proportionally reduced as the as
sessment was decreased. There was no
certainty as to the aggregate it would Sc
cure-the amount depending upon the fuc-
tuations of assessments, and leaving the
whole school system in doubt as to what
support it would receive. Whatever may
be the assessed values, they cannot guage
the ability of the State after the demonstra-
lions we have had before us for the past ten
years, and it is upon this certain and de-
termined standard that we make our calcu-
lation for the operation of the State Gov
eminent, the support of the schools and
the payment of interest'on the public debt
"a standard that you may put your finger
on, and that is not ever shifting, like stage
scene, at the command Of the panic shrek
ers. In assuming this position, we do not
by any means admit that the re-assessment
of 1881 will show depreciation of the tax
able resources On the contrary, we be-
lieve that if a fair and impartial assess
ment is made, and all personal and real
estate reached, marked increase will be
exhibited, and the, probabilities will be
more favorable to decrease in the rate OF
taxation tllan.,an increase. Howeverthis may
be, it will be the duty Of the people to main
tain the present aggregate of revenues, with
the assurance that they will cover all de-
mands upon them under the McCulloch Bill,
inspire confidence at home and abroad,
and place the Commonwealth upon the
highway to prosperity.
r Whatever may be the sanctity Of the rela-
ton between constituentand representa-
tive and whatever restriction may be placed
upon legislative action by popular YER
dict at the polls, til ere is an obligation
imposed by the supreme law OF the State
and by the law of conscience in every
mans members, which is of equal dignity
and binding force, to say the least. There
is nothing, however, in this relation be-
tween representative and constituent,
which Mr.. Barbour would canonize and
make paramount to both constitution and
conscience, that should not require of Mr..
Barbour himself to acquiesce, to use mild
term, in the legislation embraced in
the McCu1loch bill. He certainly canrot
sustain his opposition to it by his record on
his own bill and that known as the Bocock-
Fowler Bill, or by the declarations of the
Mozart Convention, nor by resolves or for
mutation of policy by his party, in refer
ence to the debt question. There is con-
current conclusion in all of these that such
a establishment as would bring the obi
cations assumed within the capacity OF the
revenues derived from the present rate OF
taxation upon the present basis OF assess
ment, should be accepted. The McCulloch
Bill presents such settlement. 1t does
more. It not only reduces the obligations
so as to be covered and discharged by the
present revenues, but leaves surplus in
the Treasury to be applied to deficiencies
accrued under the law of 1871, for which
if is substitute. 1t meets every demand
the people have ever made either in Con-
vention, through the ballot ia the election
of representatives to the legislature, or in
any other form the popular will has been
announced. 1t is therefore mere surplus
ACE which Mr.. Barbour INDUCES in his def
milton of the relation between representa-
tive and constituent, conveyed. it is true,
in imposing sentences and graceful periods,
but having no more force or application
than amy other refining about abstract
sentiment, appealing to the ippate vanity OF
human nature. .,g.-.5,
Whatever force there would have been
in the result of Mr.. Barbour's delving into
musty folios, as to the interest rendered in