The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1881-01-13
crown Of honor shines with The luster OF the faith

crown Of honor shines with The uster OF the faith
kept with those who trusted the nation III her hour
of need Shall our State wear the 6lack stigma OF
broken promises to those who served her extrent-
ty? At time when the value of financial credit
cassifes anew the roll Of honorable debtors and
SebnG her deense
sovereignty and defy the rule Of right
because simply she has tho right? Shall
Minnesota herd with the repudiating
sS% ss Of the @ aa Ssa sse Of as
Nay, would not wrong the suffering south; Tor
while there may possibly be some paation Tor de, ,
fault by States crippled with internal any
by prosperity and best by fortune
The discharge of this deb: is demanded as SIM
pie act of justice, which would be none the less I'M
perative were it to involve serious sacrifices. But
these are not required. The task is plain and easy
and level to the simplest comprehension. The half
came orportunely to hand, if fortune would lure
us from dishonor, can be 80 advantageously en-
ployed in this direction that scarcely an apprecable
the debt. Indeed the exhibit of the State auditor
shows that with wise use of these lands this can
10 accomplished at the present rate of taxa
TSers Heaa has to S S
centive to favorable action and for shrinking
from duty 80 clear and imperative.
Progress andprosperity and all the institutions
and achievements of which justly proud are
nothing compared with the maintenance Of spot
less name Personaldebtors give securities by which
justice may be compelled. A sovereign State gives
only her honor as the priceless pledge of payment
Fellow citizens let that be preserved, though all
else perish. This subject has been
presented in all its aspects: the legal
obligation Of the State has been affirmed
by high judicial authority. The equities, the moral
requirements and matters involving simple bust
ness policy pertaining to it have been conclusvely
shown But in order to remove all possible doubt
from the legal basis upon which the whole claim
rests, it would be well, first step toward settle
ment, to obtain from competent source such an
authoritative verdict shall! forever set the ques
ton at rest. To this end would respectfully
on1mend that at an early day of this session the
opinion of the supreme court of this State be OBJ
tanned in some way that shall forever settle the
question as to the validity Of these bonds.
Minnesota has in most respects proud place
among the States Of the Union. She has evinced
her patriotism in and her wisdom in peace
She has shown more financial sagacity and concern
States Of which more was expected. She has been
permitted to grow in prosperity and power. There
is everywhere within her broad limits, progress
order, thrift and contentment. All industries pros
rer, and all interests point to q glorious future
Only this dshonored debt dims the bright promise
OF her proud career But it meets her at every turn
In every civilized community her citizens are
shanled with the scathing taunt of reputation.
One day Minnesota will have a history: but
whether it shall be history of honor or dishonor
her people must soon determine. BY the simplest
rule of fair dealingn the of law, justice and
honor-as the last public utterance may make to
you, implore the people of Minnesota and you,
gentlemen, their honored representatives, to seze
his last opportunity, before it is too late to wipe
this only blot from tho fair name OF our beloved
State