The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-04-24
The Debt Question,

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The Debt Question.
We have heretofore given our reasons for
approving, as a whole, the debt bill passed
by the last Legislature. With the debt at
| $32. 900, bearing three per cent. interest
| for ten years; four per cent. for the next
twenty, and five per cent. for the succeed-
ing ten years, and the annual revenues ag-
gregating $780, 1000, we believe the people
will be able to pay the debt, without in
creasing the amount of taxation, DOR the
| rate, if the next assessment is properly
| made. We not only believe we can pay it,
but we think we ought to pay it, because it
| is, according to our examination and conclu-
sion, right and just to pay it.
But because we so think and believe, it is
no reason why we should rail at and de-
nounce those who differ with us, and have
| arrived at determination variant from that
| we have reached We do not believe the
great mass of the people of Virginia, or any
considerable portion of them, are dishOn-
est; nor do we believe that one in twenty
of them would desire to arrive at any other
settlement than an equitable and fair one.
There are de signing men, no doubt, on both
sidesinfiueD ced by selfish considerations, who
would like to keep up the agitation for per-
sonal ends, regardless of the good Of the
people and welfare of the State. They
may be able to influence many who want
to do right, and frame tables and present
argume nts well calculated to deceive and
delude some who honestly wish to pay
what the State is able to pay and what she
ought to pay. We should be very sorry to
think that all those who oppose the recent
bill of adjustment were disposed to deal I'M
fairly or dishonesty with the creditors, and
to seek relief from just obligation because
it was onerous. We believe the great mass
Of the people Of Virginia have the courage
to be honest both in their private and pub
lie relations, and if they can be con-
WINGED that the present amount of revenue
will meet the demands of the bill Of read
iustment, and arrest default in interest and
consequent increase of the Indebtedness OF
the State, they will. support it. And it is
to the calculation of this fact, that the best
talent of the Commonwealth should be
promptly directed.
1t will not do to arraign those who may
differ from us, as governed by dishonest
motive. It was this disposition, in the early
discussion of the question, that not only
misrepresented the people to the outside
world but caused bitter feeling at home
The supporters OF the adjustment of 1871
| denounced those who wanted to re-adJust
| that settlement as dishonest, and in favor
| of reputation. Those who then denounced
have certainly seen the error Of their way,
| for the position they now maintain is that
| which they so bitterly condemned few
years ago. 1t is, therefore, improper for
one party to a question to impute dishonest
intentions to the Other party, with no
| better reason for so doing than the differ
ence of opin ion that may exist. As rule,
| we endeavor to do unto. others as we would
have them do unto us, and mete out TO
| them the s;lme measure we would claim for
| ourselves. We are satisfied we are honest IN
| our opinions on this question, and we nave
no reason to believe that the mass OF those
WIZ ulllCl Will uS ttlC AOb OIu"hAN
We can well see how men can arrive at dlf-
ferent conclusions from different stand
points of thought and consideration, and
accept as TACT that which we might reject as
| error. The point is to get correct informa-
ton to the popular mind-to approach the
discussion of the subject like rational men,
dealing with rational fellow-men, and all
interested in the effectual and final settle
ment Of the vexed question. To this end it
is necessary that those familiar with the
data upon which the pending settlement is
based, and are accustomed to public speak
ing, should ] ose no time in presenting
careful and T. uthful array Of facts and fig
ures to the popular understanding. A
number who differ from the conclusions we
have reached, have expressed their regret
that they couL lnot agree with us, and the ear
nest desire to arrive at the same determine
ton that we h ave, if they can do so in JUS
tice to their honest convictions. No one
could ask more. 1t is not this or that mans
record on the question or his course in the
Lecislature-ho W he voted, or how he failed
to yote-that is too insignificant to be dis
cussed or considt red, when matter of such
grave importance as the credit and honor
of the State are iinvolved, is before us-but
it is, can the Poop lie meet the requirements
of fine debt bill. W thout surrendering more
of their earnings nd property for the pur-
noses of State than they now do? And if
tbev can he convip ced that they can do so,
we do not believe I'll lere are dozen men In
each county who wi IL not acquiesce IN Inc
settlement.
We hope it will be the pleasure OF our
Senator and Repr esentatlves-MaJ. homer,
Gen. Echols. Mai. Hanger and Mr.. Vanlear
to calmly and dispassionately give their
views to the people of the county at the
next Court day-uot for the purpose OF dis
putation, but for instruction. Each one
differed from the other, in the considera-
ton of the interes is involvedin the bill, but
three of them support it and one opposes
it. We believe them to be equally honest
and equally anxious to reach satisfactory
solution of the matter. We believe those
who think with them alike honest, and all
DESTROYS to remove the question from the
political arena, that peace and quiet