The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-10-26
PEOPLES TICKET.
Another Falseh Cd

Another Falseh Cd.
We learn that it is being circulated
through the country that the Readiusters
propose to abolish the capitation tax and
increase the tax on real property to make
up for it. There could not be a II ore bare
faced M Misrepresentation of the facts. The
proposition is to repeal that portion of the
law which requires prepayment as neces-
sary condition to the exercise of the cleo
tive franchise, and then to enforce the col
lection of the tax by laws which can neither
be evaded ner circumvented. The present
constitutional provision is a source of crime,
debauchery and fraud. 1t robs the poor
man who has to work the roads and Shout
der his musket in time of war, of the priv
ilege of participating in legislation. or say
ing who shall make the laws, if it should
happen that he could not spare dollar
from the support of his family with which
to pay this tax. 1t cultivates loose apprt-
citation of the high privilege of the ballot.
by holding out inducements for interested
politicians co trade in this sacred right. 1t
interest of the State, demoralizing to the
citizen, and corrupting in all the ramifica-
tions of society. The repeal is demanded.
not only by sense of right an d Justice to
the people, but in the interest of good gov
eminent, sound morality and fair elections.
Mr.. Massey, who is the Bourbon candidate
for Congressman-a t-large, favors the repeal.
Col. O'Ferrall had said that he believed it
ought to be repealed. Hon. Ran. Tucker
has given it as his opinion that it is
source of corruption and ought to be re-
scinded. The Richmond State has argued
for the repeal of the restriction on the bal
lot, land the enactment of the Louisiana law
for the collection of the poll-tax. Nine
tenths of the Bourbon following, when ap-
preached upon the subject, say that it
lie speakers announce that II is not an issue
in this canvass.
No one has ever suggested or proposed
that the cdpitdflon tao ought to be abol-
ished. But Readjusters, Republicans and
Bourbons have declared for the repeal OF
sons we have stated. Ard why not 1t
is matter of record that more capitation
tax was collected before it was required az
prerequisite to voting than since. 1t is
known of all men that it is fountain source
of corruption. 1t is equally well known that
laws can be enacted that will enforce col
lection Of the tax much more efficiently
than now, without any of the attending
evils, if the Readiusters shall retain the
control of the Legislature of the Stale.
1t is not reasonable to suppose that the
Readjusters would favor an increase in the
tax on lands and other property, when
they have just reduced it twenty per cent.
the property owner paying 40 cents
whereas he paid so cents on the 500 under
Bourbon rule. And it will be possible
when the next Legislature shall assemble
that still further reduction may be
effected, if values continue to increase.
through the capital that is inf pwing and
the industries that are being inaugur-
ateJ under the Liberal dispensation that
now gives hope to the Commonwealth
other States.
There is not word of truth in the state
ment, therefore, that the cGpttdtt0n tdc is
to Oe abolished and that real property will
have to bear additional burdens. 1t is a
falsehood designed TO deceive the ignorant
into voting for the Bourbon didates-
There is nothing to fear of an increase OF
taxes under Liberal ministrat ion. The
tendency is in the opposite direction-t to
reduce. 1t is under Bourbon rule that in
creased taxation is to be feared. The peopl
are millar with Bourbon history-its ex-
actions of the people. and its depletion
of the Treasury, while all the time the debt
burden was increasing yearly at the rate OF
nearly 100000. 1t is the success of that
party and It's policy, that are to be deplored.
Judging it by its past ad ninistration, we
could expect nothing from it but reckless
prohigacy, ruinous inefficiency, and de-
plorable results in every way. If there
is any change in the tax law. under the
Liberals, it will be for the relief of the peo-
pie in still further degree than has been
experienced. Let no one think for a mo-
ment that there is anything in the charge
that the capatatsOn tao is to he repealed, ex-
cept Bourbon trick. None of their
speakers or writers will dare make the al
legation. That is left for the small-fry
schemers to whisper in the ears of the ig-
norant to deceive and mislead them Lib
eralism means relief in every way, and
Bourbonism means oppression and wrong
in every way and it is for thepeople to say
which they will have.
The Election Laws.