The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-01-06

WI tssfssH sui Vitls"ec ",u Pso-
ductive poverg'
This Is very strong and striking presen-
tation for the people Of Virginia to contem-
plate. The facts adduced argue that there
is no progress or growth for Virginia, ex-.
cept in radical departure from the meth
DDS which have cha ped her present condi-
ton. neglected her physical capacities and
advantages, and stagnated her intellectual
and material forces. Others see the invit.
ing field Of enterprise which lies spread out
before us, and are slowly feeling their way
into the heart Of our territory, to grasp the
vast wealth which we have SO long neglect
ed. Northern means and enterprise are
constructing internal improvements. OPEN
ing up mines, building furnaces and
utilizing our timber and water courses,
while our people stand idly by, almost
dazed by their own folly
They, however. must act part in this re-
viving work "a part which none others can
act for them. They must assert their all-
thority in silencing the pestiferous dema-
RORuGS. anu Cutlu WteA PO"SA A@~sA 49,
care more for the welfare OF the State
than the petty schemes OF the mere pollti-
cal agitators. They, too, must address
themselves to the duty OF inspiring the con-
tidence Of the world In their purpose to
deal fairly and honorably with the States
creditors, and maintain the credit and in
tegrity of the Common aealth, whatever
NAV be The sacrifice. With two great
railroad enterprises being constructed
right through the heart of the State. and
opening up untold mineral wealth-to be
followed by industries, which will add i'm
me sely to the taxable values, they cannot
afford to repel limo .igration and investment
by any doubtful or suspicious record as it
may affect the obligations of the Common
wealth. With the debt question adjusted
i'm accordance with right and justice-upon
such basis and by such agreement be-
tween the creditors and the State as will
command the approval Of all fair men and
be recognized as equitable by the business
world, new era will dawn upon Virginia,
and the future open prospect full OF
promise and prosperity. The policy OF ex-
hausting the soil to purchase from abroad
that which we should manufacture at home
will have to cease. No people can prosper
when everything Is dependent upon one
pursuit and the results of that sent out of
the State to purchase the necessary mas
chnery and material for daily use, Our in-
dustries must BECOME diversified. the one
contributing to the success OF the other and
all operating to keep at home the fruits OF
the primary source OF prosperlty-tlle soil.
We have kept up the system OF draining the
soil of its wealth and sending it away to
build up the manufactures and the markets
which we should have established and en-
couraged at home, until not only our polit-
ical power has slipped from us but our treas
ury Is bankrupt. our debt crushing out the
vitality o; the people and reputation.
as means OF relief. staring us in the
face. True craftsmanship would at once
abandon the suicidal policy which has
1 brought about this fearful and deplora-
BILE condition. But it seems that the party
which has controlled Virginia since tbs first
census was taken, is incapable OF compre-
hendiDg the agencies which must be ap-
piled to make the state that which nature
intended she should be-the first in mate
rial wealth and political power in the Union.
| Political distractions and sectional influ-
ences have subordinated practical ideas
and the policies which look to the utiliza-
ton OF the natural resources OF the Com
monwealth. The people have followed and
elevated mere nflammatory politicians as
| their representative men, and these, to se-
cure their hold upon power, have resorted
to every device that selfish ambition could
suggest to arouse the PASSIONS end preju-
dices OF the masses, aud thus blind their
Judgment and pervert their reason. Look
at the fearful condition Of things which now
| cOnfronts u.s. Since the first hour of re-
construction, the debt of the State has been
augmentng. Instead of honestly address
ing themselves to the work OF settling it
upon some basis which recognized the
rights OF the creditors and would relieve
the State Of all suspicion OF intending to
act wrongfully. the contests have been be-
tween factions seeking power, regardless
of the interests Of the people and the obi
cations of the Commonwealth, Until we
are now brought lace to face with the ques-
ton whether we intend to make some little
sacrifice to be honest. or positively repudi-
ate part of the obligations we justly owe.
We have been drifting down, down. until
these alternatives are presented, with the
eyes of the world directed to us to see
which horn OF the dilemma we will choose.
1t is with the people to say whether they
will meet the issue as becomes Virginians,
or take plunge into an abyss Of political
debauchery. which will leave its slime and
disgrace clinging to them for all time to
come.
Major Yost, Of she Stanton Valley Tu-
ginian is mentioned by the Virginia papers