The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-01-12
The virginia Read

Allusion is frequently made by the poll
ticianS of Virginia to the obligations OF
West Virginia to pay her third OF the Vir-
ginia State debt.
While the politicians OF West Virginia
answer by claiming that the money eX-
pended by the Commonwealth was not,
except q very small portion, expended
within the present territorial limits OF the
State of West Virginia. and therefore West
Virginia should pay nothing, as a PROPOSE
ton of lao, these facts cannot sustain the
position.
As corporation is liable for the whole
corporate debt when its lines and limits are
severed BY law after the debt is contracted
land, In ease of corporation at least, each
new line is liable for the whole debit, so
State, though severed by law into two or
more States, is liable in the whole for the
debts existing at the time OF the severance,
and therefore each subdivision Is liable Tor
a pro rata proportion OF the whole debt.
There may be equities as between the
States themselves, but not as to the eredi-
tors. II may be true that where soye-
reignty is dismembered the territory lost to
the sovereignty is not liable for any part OF
the debt. The reason is apparent. But
this rule docs not apply in the United
States, for the Constitution provides for
the Acknowledgement OF the States, &c.
Conceding, then, that West Virginia Is
hound for one third OF the debt, her cred
itors had as well know once for all that we
do not mean 70 pay one dollar. We do not
mean TO depopulate this State, nor to bur-
den ourselves with taxes that would crush
rs. break down our schools, and drive
from our territory the remnant OF heroes
whose fathers proclaimed "Millions for
defence. not cent for tribute" We do
not mean TO bow down IN chains as long as
we forget not the proud motto OF our once
grand Commonwealth. "Sic Semper Ty-
rQpais."
They who lend money to sovereignty
do so with the full knowledge OF intcrna-
tional law, and the principles Of that high
or equity that knows no technically, COM
ing out OF the contingencies OF war, pesti-
lence, or famine. Hence where either Of
those casualties supcryenes, the State is so
far released from the debt as may be ne
cessary to preserve the independence, COM
fort, and happiness OF her people. No
State ought 10 allow any obligation TO stand
which win affect her people in these par
ticulars. And so lcih an i'sdiridual. We
are not vet reduced to The miserable woe,
starvation, and horror Of the poor peasants
OF Turkey and Egypt nor do we propose
10 be. They are sinking In barbarism and
squalor, and starving, too, under the gilt
ter OF the bayonets OF foreign creditors.
We bave not yet come TO that. and woe TO
those who dare threaten 1t.
Hence when q party was organized in
Virginia the tendency Of which was to re-
pudiation they in this State--and there are
many-who entertain these views could but
sympathize with II, and we could but see
with the deepest regret that the so-caiied
DebtPayers would, by men, ,. unp ,nn tnn
state over TO be hectored and Inundated,
socially, politically, morally, by a motley
union Of the most ignorant and vicious ne
groes, adventures, and pot-house politi-
Clans. mixed up with but Overwhelming
many true and noble men. Such has been
the result. Such would be the result here
should the Democratic party be 80 FOOLISH