Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1881-05-03

DR.. N. Wayt G. Bro. will build handsome
brick building, containing two store rooms, on
the lot on Augusta street, which they purchas-
ed recently from Mrs. c. s. Crawford.
To THE VOTERS OF NORTH RIVER DIsTRICr:-
In reply to solicitations, both public and pri-
vate, from my numerous friends in the Dis
trict, in reference to the office of Supervisor,
which have had the honor to hold, with the
exception OF a short interval, since the exist
ence of the present county organization, may
be pardoned for giving a briet sy nopss OF those
public acts which appear TO be most prO"inent
and objectionable. And here let me express
the qualification feel that my official acts have
in the main, have rea> on believe, proven
satisfactory to my constituents. The record
will vindicate the wisuom of my actions. That
those who nave not had an opportunity of eX
| amining the record may know the facts. the
following statement is made:-
First, will mention the supposed donation
of 81 900 TO the Baldwin A. G. Fair Grounds. 1t
is well know to the corporators. as we'll as 9th
erS connected with the Fair Grounds, that mis-
management in the early administration of its
finances caused heavy debt to accumulate,
which the proceeds of the grounds were insuffi-
cient to liQuidate. Hence the necessity of the
present very efficient directory asking dona-
ton from the county to save the grounds from
sacrifice by forced sale. Or course an organiza-
ton bearing the revered and popular name OF
its founder was not wanting in advocates, and,
perhaps, for the first time we see difference
opinion among the members. of the Board of
Supervisors which continues to diverge until
a vote is taken The resultwas tie, and as the
previous history of this society had been so
detective in its financial management, OF
course voted in the negative, notwithstand-
ing 1 am coIporatOr and friend of the Fair.
did not think 1t within my prerOgatlve, or du-
ty as a representative of the people, to donate
means belonging to those who might not choose
to patroniZe such d society either for pleasure
nr profit. In order to prevent the case from
passing to q court of higher authority, which
might act adversely to our wishes. l proposed
a compromise by Offering a loan of the amount
above named. An Understanding bond. Sc
| 01r 40 r
Grounds, is now the property of the county.
We think this amount has been 'aved to the
county by the friends OF the compromise. and
this in our mind mad a two-fOld object in
view,-1st, to make not only a safe, but pay
ing investment rather than gift; and, End.
the county to become the purchaser in the
event of a forced sale, at a sacrifice. AS the
county could not, under the constitution.
own real estate outside of the actual nee
the influence of the late Hon. D. Newton Van
Lear, an act of the Legislature, authorizing the
county. through an agent OF us own appoint,
ment, to purchase the + ur Grounds, should
they be so d at a sacrifice.
The next matter To which l shall refer is the
increased pay Of the present High Sheriff. As
the Office had been sought and the emGluments
considered ample by all the incumbents of the
"ffice previous to this time, | voted against
any increas' d compensation as 1elt sure my
constituents would feel outraged at the idea OF
paying an additional tribute of one hundred
and fifty dollars annually to an Office which
had hitherto been self-sustainl 6.
answer is, the Court house fence. AS this is a
subject upon which much comment has been
INDUCED, shall only say that considered it
an unnecessary expense and voteA against it
believed that had the public gr unds been
highly Ornamented with grass plots, fountains,
broad gravel walks. and cnmmodions seats,
me public interest and comfort would have
been greatly enhanced. and at Ii saving of sew
eral hundred dollars. This was the cofnciuiDg
| opinion of quite number of representative
men from various parts of the county, as well
| as the example of other cities. However. as
those members who acted adversely have
shown mu-h wisdom and financial abb ity in
the management of subjects uf public policy,
may possibly be In error.
am ware that am called penurious in the
expenditure Q public funds by some persons.
If any apology is needed for this, it is owing to
the fact that was raised to use economy. Be-
longing to the laborlng class. sy mpath1Zing
with the common people. (being one of them, }
| I have thou.h t especially since the downfall
of the Old Dominion. much about those hack
neyed phrases of retrenchment and reform
not only in state, but in county organizations
Under our present constitution, think our
representative bodies entirely Tut OF proper
ton to the magnitude OF the work to be done
and whilst we would, with much diffidence
approach that political fabric reared by our
predecessors and it is certainly much easier to
| talk reform than to bring 1t about. ct we can
election every year. and often twice year. al
a cost of from $500 to 5000 annually, for county
| elections. Why not have all officers elected
once in four years. from the Governor down
We can scarcely conceive of the pleasure, tC
| say moi hing of the profit, arising from such 8
| change, allaying the excitement, prejudice
| and npleasantfeelings between neighbors and
| friends. abating that political excitement in
which the people have so much delighted tC
| indulge.
word in reference to common schools, 8
subject, perhaps OF more vital magnitude than
| any we have yet approached. Theaclive period
which has elapsed in the last half or three,
quarters of a century, has been distinguished
| by nothing more than by The enlargement o
our ordinary ideas with respect to education
and vet we must acknowledge the difficu ties
under which we labor, as we endeavOr to make
! the nearest approach to a correct system o
| mental training But to analyze the present
| method of training the facultie for thought anC
| action which it is the business of the educator
| to awaken, is no part of my intention now
| having, from circumstances, been unable tore
ceive but little benefit from the public schools
| their success, individually, has been subject
| of secondary consideration. yet have favored
| an approach to a maximum levy, believing III
| the greatest good to the greatest number, ane
willing 10 make fair trial of the sys stem witt
all its imperfectiOns. ,
| Now, with these explanations, leave tht
whole supject with the people of the District =
| The Office belongs to them. have never Deer
| candidate TO- any Office; have accepted ant
served to the best of my ability when elected
will do SO again If 1t is their pleasure TO elect
if not, will be entirely satisfied.
| am yours, very truly,
| LONG GLADE, Augusta Co., Va. 1t