The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-10-23
DR.. S. H. MoFstt

county in opposition to the MO- Bill.
We learn that he declines joint df,cussion
with Col. O'Ferrall, who is als6 = Nandidate
for the same position and supports5the set
Element. We presume the reason for this
declension is that DR.. Molfett cannot as well
and as fully elaborate his views In the lin
tied time generally allotted in q discussion
as when unrestricted as to time. 1t is not
probable that he would shirk q discussion
upon any other ground, as he is one of the
best speakers in the State. thoroughly posted
on any subject he undertakes to discuss, and
is gentleman OF high order Of ability
He has studied out his side OF the case, and
prefers that his views and arguments should
go to the public without that comparison
which would be instituted in the presenta-
ton of the arguments of those who support
that bill.
The people of Rockingham and the en-
tire State would prefer to have full and fair
discussion of this and every other question
affecting the public interest. And especial :
~ would it be just to the constituent body
that this vital issue should be careful ly
weighed and righteously decided, after the
fullest and fairest presentation Of it from
both standpoints, possible. DR.. Moffett
knows that there is merit in the McCull0ch
Bill, and he knows further, as well as any
other man in the State of Virginia, that the
interests of the people and especially,
the rural population OF his own county,
demand that a settlement OF the con-
troversy should be reached and a cessa.
ton of agitation effected. OF all interests
in Virginia the farming pursuit Is the more
deeply concerned in arresting the excite
meut which has disturbed the thoughts and
diverted the minds OF the people, by reason
OF this discussion, for its continuance, with
the feelings and sympathies Of the parties
to the issue enlisted and excited, will cause
a greater loss than the debt amounts to-
Even as question Of revenues-of dollars
and cents-it is policy to accept the provis-
ions of the present settlement. 1t has high
er claims, however, which appeal to the
common honesty of the people. 1t is right
in itself, and DR.. Moffett we'll knows that it
comprehends the elements of justice in so
great degree that its claims in this respect
cannot well be disputed. We cannot under
stand how it is that gentleman Of his in
formation, capacity for investigation, and
knowledge of the effects Of a continuance Of
the agitation, can array himself against an
adjustment which meets every demand he
has ever made, except as to the coupon fea-
ture. We can well understand how law
yer, bis mind trained to construe and pre-
sent case to suit his client, or some perso-
nal end he has to subserve, could nake a
case in opposition to the bill. But for gen.
tleman whose mental schooling has been
more severe, and whose studies have been
more exact and searching, and whose later bu-
siness relations have been with the matter
of-fact people Of his community, to devote
himself to mere criticism Of some unaccep-
table points here and there, leaving the main
issue out of the question, is matter OF sur
prise to US. DIR. Moffett knows that Virgin
ia owes the debt as formulated in the McCul
loch Bill, and he knows that the ability to
meet all demands under lit, has been fully
and satisfactorily demonstrated. He can.
not rest his opposition to it upon any Of
fetal data, nor upon intrinsic right, nor
upon public policy. He must of necessity
resort to metaphysical refining, and nom
essential and strained objections. not direct
ly touching the substantial and paramount
issue. to justify his position. It is an easy
thing to move the sympathies ola people who
have been educated to an extreme view o!
what REIMBURSEMENT was designed to accom-
plish, by superficial appeals and inapposite
denunciations. But is this becoming in a
gentleman capable OF reaching to highe
plane of discussion. elevating public thought
and guiding it into channels that will lead
to ends OF justice and right,as between credi
tor and State? He cannot, in his conscience.
say that the debt as provided for in this
Bill is not just. He cannot, in his con.
science, say that the ability does not exist tt
pay it. He knows that concession after con-
cession of legal rights has been made by tht
creditor to conform to the demands OF thu
state, so as to bring the amount to be paie
within the ability Of the people to pay. HI
knows that point has been reached. He
knows that the adjustment asked for has
been substantially proffered. How can he
then, consistent with his past record /; how
can he consistent with his present relation!
to his own people and the best interests Of
the Commonwealth F; how can he, consistent
with the pregnant and developing future
its hopes, its promises, and its assurances
array himself against a settlement that il
sustained BY equity, right and public pol
icy?
DR.. Mofett is capable Of doing incalculable
! good for Virginia in this crisis OF her histo'
ry and of educating the popular mind to
proper conception of the sacred duty thai
now confronts them. He will do injustice
to himself, to his people, and to the name
and fame of his State, if he does aot do so
He can materially aid in raising the standard
Of public thought, elevating the tone OF pub
lie expression, and contribute largely to. the
maintenance of that public faith, without
which Commonwealth is poor indeed, ant
he will fall far short of his duty i
he does not do SO. 1t is no tint
for the trained minds of Virginia to be dal-
lying with the passions and prejudices o
the people, and diverting them from tina
high moral standard in affairs of State, thu
non-observaDce of which would be discredita
BILE and disreputable in private transactions.
DIR. Moffett himself would scorn from him 8
debtor who had plead inability upon por.
ton Of his obligations, and then when the
measure of his ability had been recognized
and his demands conceded, we're he to higgl'
and squirm about paying, and finally refuse
| to pay that which he had confessed his
ability to pay. The same rule ard the SAINT
influences should operate in State affair
that control the action of individuals ii
their private business transactions, and thu
citizen of Virginia who is false to this higt
moral standard and fails to observe it in dis
cussing and determining the duty of the
Commonwealth in her relations to her cred