The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-03-06

can, will restrict the term to the express
sion 'will." For the purpose of this argu'
ment, it is immaterial wine ther say can OF
will. Few contest the proposition that they
pay as high rate as they will consent te
bear. If this be true, | follow it by the
statement that now, as ever, am willing
and anxious to procure final settlement OIL
the debt at rate of interest which will alb
sorb the revenue of the State, after deduct
Ing the cost of administering the Govern
ment frugally, and the due maintenance Of
the public free schools, as provided by the
Constitution. To do more, is impossible;
to do less, would be dishonest. 81
Impoverished and disheartened as are our
people; onerous and oppressive as is the
present rate OF taxation; opposed as have
been, and still an, to any increase thereof (;
and certain as | am that such increase, TO
some extent, must be necessary after 1880,
yet to secure the great object of settlement
of this question, and to avoid the direst OF all
calamities to the State, a reputation Of its
obligations, unless some settlement can be
arrived at, upon terms at least possible,
though difficult Of endurance, | would earn
estly advise this people to accept a perma-
nent settleme. as per cent, believing
that they would, il called upon, see that the
quiet and repose gaiaed thereby would coun-
terbalance the hardships of an increase
which they are so little able to bear.
would use my best endeavors to secure
vote of the people sanctiOning settlement
at per cent. for As years on the basis of
$32. 977 .O90.02. And this settlement being
ratified, would enforce it by the Legisla
ture and courts, whose powers believe to
be fully adequate thereto. would do so,
because believe it to be right. Because /
believe it is the only way to avoid conse-
quences we would all regret deeply. Be-
cause believe it is to the best interest of the
bondholder and the taxpayer. And because
I believe it is a duty we owe to the Com
monwealth of Virginia.
MIR. Chairman, Imay be pardoned, in con-
clusion, for saying word as to the ungen-
erous and unjust assaults which have long
and continuously been directed against all
who have entertained opinions in common
with me upon the great question OF the pub
lie debt. Our views have been misrepre-
sented, our motives assailed, ourselves cul-
minated. As for myself, | am willing to
leave my vindicatiou to time. Sooner or
later, but with certainty, it will come. The
inexorable logic of events will demonstrate
the truth. Let those who have arrogantly
presumed to question the intelligence, the
patriotism, and the character Of the great
mass of the people of Virginia who differ
with them, continue so to do. The march
of public opinion is not slow upon import
ant political questions. Eight years ago
the opponents Of the Funding Bill were de-
rounced as dishonest and repudationists.
Now that bill is held in almost universal alb
horrence. Little more than year ago for
chile re-adj ustment, upon the basis of the
present rate of taxation. was denounced
in still more unmeasured terms. Now all
parties Bondholders, flanders, and Re
Adjusters-agree that the present rate of
taxation is as heavy as the people can bear,
and that force 10y legislation) is necessary to
consummate any re-adjustmenG. What
shadowy line shall finally distinguish the
morality of the debt payers and that Of the
Re-Adjusters? l have earnestly, and with
intense conviction, sought settlement
which shall be practicable and which will
prevent the stigma of reputation from at
taching to the fair name of Virginia. If the
conduct of our public affairs is guided by
wisdom, and not by defamation. | believe
an adjustment will be attained which will be
honorable and just; but whatever that re-
suit may be, l shall continue to advocate
earnestly and fearlessly the convictions
which have honestly entertained.
The magnitude of this theme elevates it
above the plane of personal vindication. l
dismiss that question with a remark, pardon
able, hope, under assaults upon myself,
frequent, bitter, and but too often scurrileus.
When the record of my assailant approves
him as one who has risked more, endured
more, sacrificed lore, than l have done in
my humble sphere for Virginia, l shall
deem him worthy of full response. Until
that time arrives, l shall struggle for high
er end, and on grander subject than that
of self.