Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1881-12-24
REPUDIATION IN VIRGINIA.

Governor Holiday, of Virginia. in
his last message to the legislature, not
only shows that the current revenues OF |
the state are sufficient to pay the inter-
est on the entire state debt, without the |
application OF any readJustment, but, in |
addition, that all the governmental ex-
penses and amount due the public |
schools can be paid from such revenues.
In other words. he demonstrates the |
tact that there is and can be no justifica- |
ton OF reputation OF any portion OF the |
state debt under the plea OF readJust- |
ment or any other dishonest method. In |
regard to the attempt to repudlate the |
state debt, Governor Holiday offers
wholesome advice and grows eloquent
in behalf OF honesty and the unlmpaired
faith OF Virginia in the following re-
marks:
1t is with profound interest call your
attention to these matte ers. They in
volve the destiuies of Virginia. These
destinies are in great measure contided
to you. More precious have never beeu
intrusted to any legislative body. a
prouder history has never been made by
any people or state. Not blot has yet
fallen upon single page OF that record.
The works OF her sons have not only
embellished her own tame, but have
been built into the fabric and now con-
stltute much OF the republics glory.
They are a birthright, and can not and
must not be sold or bartered.
1t has been alleged that the federal gov.
ernment has invaded the limits OF our
state, and by power. patronage and
money has controlled Its affairs. II this
he xs1i1 OF ho ohr toH hof
| a departure has been made without pre-
cedsnt IN our annals, threatening dis.
ruptlon of tbs fundamental principles OF
our system OF government, fatal blew
has been struck at the liberties Of the
people. Virginia has been accused of at
tempting ths mean crime ofrepudiation.
1t has been charged-the facts here, too.
have gone into history aud will show
thatt the federal government. or the party
directing its destinies, has used its pa
tronage, power and money to hurry her
along the rugged and dlsreputable way.
1t this be true, then il there be any stlg.
ma, it has been taken from our common
wealth and fastened upon the republic,
and will be with difficulty, II ever,
erased. The transfer will not hide it.
1t will not disappear nor die; but will
bloom out sooner or later in uuspeaka.
BILE disasters. Representative govern.
ments like ours are based on consent
and good taith; that faith once broken,
the deadly poison penetrates into every
department OF the governmental, social
and domestic being. 1t there be any
property especially sacred under such 8
government it is a public bond. 1t ha.
the impress of the states or the repub
lies seal and its solemn promise to per
form. When broken, the virus of the
breach goes like Damascus to the sea-
of lite. Parties can not save either tht
state or the republic, guilty OF that great
crime as well as folly. II an uprising
OF the people does not call halt ant
restore the government to its ancien
ways, that is the steady march. begur
along that road where all republics hav'
met their fate-its days are numbered
and the empire is almost in sight
Whatever other people, parties or state
may say CT do. let US trust that thos'
who now or may hereafter have the Gus
tody of Vlrgiuia's affairs will stand fas
! to the work and traditions OF the fathers
As they we're the founders of this gran,
system of government that has brough
! to US and the world such countless bles
sings. SO should it elsewhere drift or b.
driven from Its moorings in the hands @
iaithless, ignorant and iorgetiul men
May their descendants hold firmly to it
principles till the storm be overpast, an
keep them to the day when softer sec
ond thought shall demand their restora