Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-10-04
MILLIONS IN IT.
The Greatest Political Scheme OF
the Age.
More About Mr.. Blaine's Patent Plan tor
Paying off Southern State Debts
The Magnitude Of the
Idea.
A PROJECT FOR THE PUBLIC TO WATCH

WAsH1SGToS, October 3.-The idea ad-
vanced by Blaine of paying from the ma
tional Treasury portion OF Virginias
debt. which it has attracted considerable at
tention, is not receiving from the country
at large the consideration its seriousness
and importance demand. TIE Chicago in
teryiew in which Blaine embodied this
proposition was carefully prepared and de-
Hberately put forth. On this point the IN
formation is specific. The time, the place
and the language were chosen with equal
deliberation. The public may dismiss
from its mind the idea that Blaine
Rnaha wsshA.s uaaAef.aa-
or Siid,not intend TO commit himself TO the
plan of paying out of the public treasury
portion at least Of the debts OF certain States,
commencing with Virginia.
Virginia's bonds, like those OF some otner
States notably Tennessee and North Caro-.
lima. are held by comparatively few per-
sons. With them the promoters OF any
such scheme as that suggested by Blaine,
will find it easy to deal. That an under
standing has been already entered into no
one need doubt. The bonds which In the
Chicago interview Blaine proposed to take
I'D with an appropriation from the Treas
ury. representative less than 25,OOO,OOO.
An oyerfowing national Treasury ap-
peais directly to certain class Of persons
expert at inventions for .
Getting n Portion OF IL.
Each session of Congress demonstrates
this. Every description OF scheme is put
forward. 1t is true not all succeed: But
some do. Frequently the successful ones
are the least worthy. As rule the great.
er the magnitude and the larger the amount
it is proposed to abstract from the public
Treasury the more certain the success.
Schemes with millions in them possess
strength, acquire a momentum, and fire.
auently go through regardless OF the ques-
,ion OF merit while lesser ones fail.
Mr.. Blaine's S25, ,00O, 900 scheme will be
strong from the start, although it has not
q particle of merit. Its very magnitude,
as things are done in the lobby, will be
in its favor. The question of merit will
be
Totally Overshadowed.
The clamor that will be raised will 60 far
to silence protest, and will set aside argu-
ment based on honesty and reason. Where
the appropriations of a single session are
800, Cos, 900, what is $25, 100000?
As between giving lobby ten or even
twenty-five per cent. for putting through
chances for getting their money the regu.
lar way, the bondholders would not hest
tate an instant.
After Virginia will come Tennessee; after
her. North Carolina, and then other States,
according TO circumstances. This very sug.
gcston gives to the plan solid footing, and
brings recruits at once. Capital in any
amount inheres in the scheme. The
Audacity ofits Bringing Forth,
so characteristic of Blaine, supplies the only
other needed element.
Nor is it purely financial scheme with
Blaine, though his avarice. which has
grown with his growth and strengthened
with his strength, causes this to be with
him the leading idea. 1t may, he argues,
become political factor also. Bondholders
are influential as well as avaricious. What
may be done for one class of them may be
done for another. A stupendous combina-
ton is possible. The people pay the taxes.
They are paying more than there is need
for. Everything is seemingly favorable.
Mr. Blaine's is the greatest lobby scheme
| of the century. OF its seriousness no one
should for moment entertain dOnbt.