National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1882-03-04

his intention last March to act with the
friends Of the Administrations the form
alton of the Senate committees fearful
cutlery was made by Southern Senators
that repudiator was at large. The coun-
try had not previously been made aware
of their extreme sonsibility upon this
question. So long as they were engaged
in efforts TO reunite the Democrats of Nir-
ginia on the color line, and to persuade
General Malone that his natural aflilia-
tons were with those against whose fierce
opposition he had been chosen to the
Senate, we heard no hard words against
the Roadiusters. Then Radicalism was
the only thing to be feared. The Read
iuster Democrats seemed then to be
marvelously proper men in the estima-
ton of the Democratic regulars. They
had committed no ofTensc worthy of
Bourbon consure, except that they had
opposed the Democratic organization.
They were not unworthy of Bourbon
embraces. Indeed, they were woocd
with ardor and agsiduity by their old
cx.confcderatc associates. But as soon
as the coalition between the Liberals of
both parties was forcshadowed then it
was discovered by the Bourbons that
while Rcadjusters could be very righteous
rs Democrats, they were very wicked as
Coalitionists. The opposition Senators
declared with much vehemence that it
was not respectable for the Republicans
to associate with the Senator whose CO.
operation they had themselves earnestly
solicited.
During the long debate on Virginia af-
fairs which took place during the dead
lock, General Malone made some remarks
concerning the debts of some States south
of Virginia. He quoted statistics from a
reputable magazine which rather weak
ened the force of the newborn zeal of his
enemies on the debt question. This ex-
cited much ire and gave rise to many de-
fensive speeches. We do not recall what
reference was then made to Alabama, nor
is it essential to the present purpose. But
we have few words TO say on the subject
of the debt of that State.
A prominent citizen of Alabama has
furnished US the following statement,
which, If correct would seem to show
that debt-paying has been made uncon-
stitutional in that State. If it is not cor
rect our columns are open to any one of
Alabama's representatives. in either House
who will undertake to controvert the
facts stated.
Says our correspondent:
a..
sS2,oCOOOO The current expenses of State govern
M ent, without payment of any interest OH State
debt, was about aSG1,O0O The interest on State in
debtcdness was about So 100000, the bonds drawing
8 per cent. Iii 1876 the assessed value Of all the
taxable property of the Stale WIS about $50
The revenue on same at three-iourths Of l per
cent. would be about $4,000. In 1875 the
, constitutional convention, composed of the
leading Bourbons in the State, adopted new
| constitution, which became operative December
8, 1875 article l. section To- of which provides
That the State of Alabama shall never be made
defendant in any court of law or equity" Article
| XI. section 4, provides The General Assembly
shall not have the power to levy in any one year
greater rate of taxation than three fourths Of
per cent on the value of tho taxable property
within this State" This call reputation in It's
most malignant form. and yet the Bourbon papers
and speakers denounce Malone, and all who
favored the election of the Rcadjuster ticket in
Virginia rs repudators. and as unworthy recog-
milton Of honest y men.
If some debt-payer who is good at fig
ures will tell us how two millions and n
half mot two milions) of interest and
| eight hundred and siXty-four thousand
| dollars for current expenses are to be
met by revenue limited by constitu-
tional provision to eight hundred and
twenty-five thousand dollars he will go
ahead of the lightning calculator. Why
the whole amount of the annual taxes
allowed to be collected under the consti-
tuition is less by thirty-nine thousand
dollars than the current expenses alone
of the State government during the very
year this remarkable restriction was i'm
posed.
Does Alabama pay any interest on her
debtP Has the Legislature really been
prohibited by the constitution from rails,
ing the money for the payment of such
interest or any part thereof? If no in
terest is provided for what is to become
of the principal? What is the answer to
this indictment by our informant? Has
he overstated the current expenses? Has
he understated the assessed valuation OF
property in the State? Has he made
false citations from the present constitu'
ton of the State? What is reputation
If failure or neglect to pay is reputation
| what shall be said of a State which in its
constitution ties the hands of its Legis
lature and makes it unlawful to raise
money by taxation to pay either princi
pal or interest? We pause for q reply.