The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-09-14

The iniammable yet superficial tactics of
the Bourbon party of Virginia, in the
present contest will deceive nobody. They
are seeking to throw dust in the eyes OF the
people about ,Bossism'' for the purpose OF
concealing the true issue and ignoring their
own ecord and their infidelity to public
interests. OF all the despotsm the people
have ever experienced, since the yoke OF
George the Third was thrown of, the bour-
bon dynasty of this State has been the
most oppressive and intoleraDt. No rela-
ton of life has been exempt from its inva-
sion. 1t would deny the right OF the peo-
pie to think for themselves, and for ex-
pressing conviction in opposition to its
behests the enginery of hate and proscrip-
ton would be thrust into the social and bu-
siness circles. When it had robbed the
public schools of the funds for their sup
port dedicated by the Constitution when
it had piled upon the people five mill ions
of debt in defaulted interest /; when it had
DESTROYED the credit OF the Commonwealth;
when it had practically nullitied the laws
and Constitution OF the United States, de-
nving one of The most sacred rights Sc
cured by them when 1t had Frustrated
industries and driven away capital-n the
policy and the motive which brought about
such fearful and shameful results were
questioned, those who had the courage to
do SO were denounced and prescribed and
maligned as il they were the enemies OF
the State and the incend iaries OF govern
men,.
The leaders of this faction we'll know
that there is nothing in their public record,
as it affects the interests OF the people, that
they can defend. They dare not appeal
to the public judgment for a vindication OF
their adm in istratiOn Of public AFFAIRS
Almost every public act Of their procure
ment is a standing witness Of their infidelity
to public trusts. They seemed to care
nothing for the people. The whole ma
CHI inery Of the government was subordI-
mated to partZan and selfish purposes.
Every public interest was made to suffer,
that the little family rings and political
of the masses.
The debt was increasing at rate OF about
$500, 900 annually.
The public Schools were upon the verge
of destruction. and the poorly paid teach
ers forced to hawk the certificates given in
pay for their services, about the streets and
suffer ruinOus discount in order to get
the necessary supplies OF life.
The Treasury was empty. and the credit
of the State so low that the Auditor could
not borrow upon tine faith OF the Common
wealth, a few hundred thousand dollars to
defray the current expenses Of COVE m
| ment.
| The Penitentiary was q burden upon the
State to the amount of 100000 annually.
The charitable establishments and insti-
buttons of learning of the Commonwealth,
were deprived OF their annuities, thus Grip
pling their usefulness and partially defeat
| ing the object of their Great ion.
This was the record the Bourbon faction
made during its rule of ten years and it
is this record that it cannot and will not
pretend to defend. And for this reason it
seeks to brighten the people by the cry of
Bossism-the deception and corruption of
'Mahonism." as they viciously and wrath
| fully call it.
Why get frightened at what they call
Bossism or Mahonism
1t has reduced the taxes of the people
from so to 40 cents on the 800, on re-
duced assessment on realty.
| 1t has adjusted the debt so as to make
the expenses of government, including the
interest on public obligations, less than the
revenues derived from this reduced rate of
taxation and reduced assessment. leaving a
surplus, instead of deficit In the Treasury.
1t has paid back to the public schools
81 ,4OO, 900 improperly taken from them
established them upon firm basis-dou-
bled their numbers. doubled the atten-
dance of pupils-doubled the teachers
and paid them regularly in solvent money or
its equivalent.
The Treasury has in it surplus after
meeting all expenses of government. The
credit of the State is restored, and the
faith of the Commonwealth unquestioned.
The Penitentiary, instead of a burthen
upon the people Of $4,000 annually, pays a
revenue of about $4,000,
The arrearages to the charitable instit~-
tions and colleges paid up. and their annu-
tiles promptly turned over to them.
The people are hopeful and cheerful I'M
der the revival of confidence and the ac-
tivity of business. and the future promising
and assuring.
These are the results of the change from
Bourbon administration to Liberal admin
istratiOn, and it is the effects of this changed
condition of things that the Bourbon fac
tion would conceal from the contemplation
of the people, by the fuss and fury they
are trying to stir up about Bossism and
Mahonism. 1t has only required few
years to bring about these conf letting re-
sults-to cheer and encourage the people
and to inspire confidence at home and
abroad: and this is the promise of what
may in the future be assured in general
progress and prosperity.
Let the people, whether they be called
Republicans, Democrats or Readjusters,
study these facts-compare the records, as
given above, of the two political forces in
the contest now going ON and determine
for themselves wherein their interests lie
wherein the Commonwealth, the present
generation and the Oh ild-en to come after
us are to be benefited. If "Bossism" has
accomplished these things for the public
welfare in the brief time the Liberal party
has been in power, what possibilities are
before it, if the popular voice shall COM
mand it to continue in the exercise of au-
thority and still further use the preroga-
tives OF government for the promotion of
the interests of the const fluent body. 1t
can at least be trusted until it proves false
to public duty. Its past benefactions
should prove Justification for another lease
of power-another expression of public
confidence, and until its own record shall
demonstrate that it Is not worthy OF public
trusts.
1t is difficult for the Bourbons to surren-