The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1882-03-30
Ole atteLEtqsmteG.
THE NEsT YIRaIxIN pEnr.

"
IsThere n Scheme ON Hand 10 Tampe,
with the Legislature "a writer VINO
Processes 20 Know q Good Deal.
Etiton fntSitigsueer:
During the last year certain shrewd spec.
uiators Cooperated to bull the market for
Virginia deferred" and It was carried up
to 81 cents, at which price they unlouded
the stock which had cost them between
six and ten cents The market gradually
receded despite assiduous manipulation.
Recently gentleman who had given these
securities special attention made public
some facts concerning them, and the price
fell aominally to thirteen cents, but in re.
atty III impossible to sell large blocks at
seven cents. The truth is, persons who
understand the situation will not buy at
any price, and there are one or two very
large American holders who are extremely
anxious TO unload.
Such being the situation, the Rsgi1ser Of
the 18th, printed US its editorial very long
and plausible argument 10 induce the Leg
stature TO inaugurate some movement cal.
culated TO check the downward tendency
Of these securities. In our two preceding
articles we endeavored 10 Counteract the
mischievous influence that Argument
might exert upon persons ignorant Of the
fact. II is our present purpose to answer
that part Of this editorial which Is designed
to mislead our people Us 10 the causes
which have sunk this State in the public
estimation.
We heartily concur with the organ oithe
JHnta, that West Virginia ranks very low
down. It is with shame and humiliation
that We recognize that this Is the case, and
also that We sink the lower as we increase
in wealth and Democratic majority. But
we entirely disagree with the RtgiSer as TO
the causes that have brought about this
most unhappy condition OF Affairs. Let US
boldly face the truth. The facts are known
to every man who has watched our politics
for the past ten years. There can be no
excuse or palliation for trying to doctor "a
pus cavity" in case like this. The Register
would have our people believe that the State
ID derided by "the outside world" because
old Virginia had created an impression
that Tc refuse TO carry our share OF her
debt. This is not so: Old Virginia has
been dealing with her creditors and she
has not done anything calculated to mis-.
lead persons informed OF the fact. As re-
CARDS the point We now make il is per.
tectly immaterial whether our proportion
is or l.SO: Virginia expressed TO her
creditors terjudgement as to that proper.
tion, and OF those creditors chose to ac-
cePt and act upon this opinion thus
announced; but every sensible man has al.
ways understood that this expression OF
her opinion, could not influence those who
may hereafter makeup an account between
the two States. Hence 1t is worse than
nonsense to say that the reputation OF
West Virginia, has been smirched by the
old State" We must seek the causes OF
our degradation in different direction.
1t is with StAte'as with an individual.
II man shows forth good deeds and con-
ducts himself properly you cannot break
him down by SANDER. Intelligent observ.
ers base their opinions on facts They de-
duce their conclusions from what man
says and does. In regard to State, her
position and rank is determined with
memorable accuracy by her press, by her
public men and by the general conduct Of
her people. II the press is elevated, re-
spected and able; if it cannot be bribed to
deceive the people about the merits OF men
or measures, viz: il it is public instructor
and not public corruptor, then the State
is blessed with the chief factor in every
thing that builds up useful and desirable
reputation. For obvious reasons we for
10, a. Al,
logical conclusions.
Recently a movement was attempted 10
bring about an adjustment OF the one
third which Virginia has refused 10 pay,
and one Of the gentlemen engaged in this
unsuccessful enterprise accumulated some
information in regard to what "is thought
about US by the outside world" Our
friend had conversation with very
shrewd, Observant broker, Of large exper.
fence and great sagacity.
Our Friend--I come TO interest you in a
movement TO place Virginia deferred upon
solid basis. We ask the holders to place
their securities under single management
in order that We may agree with Virginia
to accept whatever amount is paid by
West Virginia, whether it be ten cents or
twenty cents on the dollar. II we can
satisfy Virginia she will never be called on
for any part OF the one-third; she will con-
sent to arbttrdtc the matter. ask you to
put your bonds in our pool.
Broker-What does your syndicate
charge for conducting this business
Our Friend-We want % per cent Of the
difference between the present value OF
the fifteen millions and the amount paid
by West Virginia.
BroEer-The fifteen millions at 10 cents
are worth Sl,500,0O0. West Virginia may
assume q debt Of two millions, SO your
commissions would be Sl25,OO0. will
not go into it; the holders had better club
together and buy your legislature.
Our friend-You can't buy the eighty
nine members OF the House and Senate for
that money; it is not an average OF 81 900.
BrOker-We only want a majority Of
your Democratic caucus Suppose there
are 80 Republicans and 80 Democrats. AS
soon as we secure 80 Democrats we will
caucus; our 50 men will thus control the
Legislature. This thing is done every time
you elect u Senator.
| Our Friend-But have you no sCruples
about bribing, &c.
BrokeF-l understand your people have
already become used to this thing. Your
rich men buy the highest offices. 1t is be-
lieved in your State that these men and o
certain railroad company cooperate to
control the elections, Some Of your news.
papers are corrupt, and for sale cheap. The
intelligence and virtue Of the State is
beaten down and subdued. lam advised
that the President Of a railroad owns
over million otthe certificates, and he and
his Coadjutors will work through some
scheme to get them paid. We outsiders
are not responsible for this State Of things.
| AM dealing with the situation in West
Virginia as it Is said to exist,
Our Friend-But will get that railroad
man to Join the pool.
RrokeT-He won't do it, because he and
his friends are strong enough to manage