The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-08-24
RenOuncinG Bourbonism.
OPEN LETTER FROM COL. VIM, E, SIMS,

OPEN LETTER FROM COL. VIM. E. SIMS.
JUDGE N. Fl. HAIRsToN:
Dear Sir-You asked me to give you In writing,
my views on the following subjects. have never
conceal, and cheerfully answer your request. The
subjects are seven In number and as follows:
1. The payment of the capitation tax prere-
quisite tO the right Of suffrage.
II. The Virginia state Debt. :.
III. The Tobacco and Whtskey Tax
w. The Tarin. -
v. Free Schools at National expense
vi. Internal improvements.
VII. My position as to the Democratic and Repub-
ltcan parties, and whether will submit my name
70 the Democratic Convention as a candidate for
Congress.
10 number one, answer that nom the beginning,
have voted, worked, and written against the capt.
tation tax prerequisite to the right to VOTE
the whole theory OF a republican government, de-
morali2ng to all political parties, and antagonstic
to free and fair elections and hope people will
condemn 1t at the polls this fall.
70 number two, say that have honestly differ
ed with you to the settlement of the State debt
My views, however, have been condemned over
whelmtngiy by the people of the State, and know
no party and Individual who wishes to interfere
with the VIII of the people as expressed In the Rid
dleberger bill.
1 will answer numbers three and four together, as
the two subjects are closely connected.
dtd, as you know, oppose Mr.. CabelfS unneceS-
sary agitation Of the tobacco unwise and IN
opportune At that time, the dominant party in
Congress believed that II we reduced the tobacco
tax the revenues would not be sufficient to support
the Government and any agitation of the subject
Tsa d t. Ts the
district will never recover from the osset sustain
cd by that two years fight.
But now the treasury reports and the reports Of
committees Of Congress show conclusively that In
consequence OF our increased revenues, we can by
continuing the present tariff, safely abolish the
whiskey and tobacco tax. Our present representa-
tive, Col. Cabel1 Is not only an opponent Of the
himself with the free trade advocates. I; know
not how he reconciles hts two positions, but pre-
sumo he imagines that he cam as formerly, humbug
Ia WI f7a0 hA 10 aYvpHr
ses to deliver them from all national bondage. I
am In no sense opposed to the National Government,
we'll for the welfare Of other sections of the
try, and feel confident that when our represents
an % res~ cn the s, er an ~ we
ish taxation on our farms and orchards.
The old Democratic doctrine was Stree trade"
and 1t may have served asa rallying cry in the ante
bellum days but now when Virginia has awaked TO
life and is trying to recover her lost fortunes
when foreign capital is coming in to develop our
mines and water powers, and our own people, recu-
perated from their past revorseS, are engaging as
manufacturers of cotton, iron and other products,
1t seems TO me mere folly to advocate free trade.
Theories are good, but results are better. Look
the prosperous northern States and the comfor-
and the wealth Of her capitalists and you can un-
derstand what protective tariff will do for US in
the near future
Subjects numbered Ave and six touch on briefly
Is my letter is already too long. ~
The United States constitution provides in the 9Th
section OF article LIST that Congress shalt have pow
or to lay and collect taxes, duties and excuses to
pay the debts, and provide for the common defence
and general welfare Of the United States.'
have always thought that tho general welfare
demanded OF our National Government liberal
system OF free schools and internal improvements
and believe that the nexs Congress ought and will
naugurate the one and foster the other II not kin
dered by extreme States rights advocates.
And as TO my party position, have as you know,
while differing In many opinions as here expressed
yet acted with the Democratic party.
am satisfied now that the Democratic party Of
this district, 1t will be represented In its next
convention not only differs from the views have
expressed but Is welded to the idea that it is trea
son to advocate any liberal progressive opinions
and therefore will not allow my name to 70 before
1t for the nomination for Congress.
My opinions are not popular now with extreme
men know, but the time will soon arrive when our
District and the Southern people will adopt them
and We will hear no more Of sectionalism In this
country.
"a solid South and solid North" will be q dream
OF the past am
Respectfully yours,
W. E. SIMS
MartinsYtlle. Va. Aug Is. 1882