The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1883-08-23
DEFERRED MATrEE
An Important Omission.

| We referred several weeks ago to the
opening declaration Of the Lynchburg
Convention that the Bourbon party of
Virginia would oppose any increase of tax
alton, and exposed the cowardice and
low morality Of the motive which sug-
gested it. An important omission of that
| body, on the subject Of taxation was com
mitted at the same time. 1t is possible to
raise the taxes without increasing the rate.
1t is only necessary to instruct the assessors
to increase the assessed value of property,
and the same end would be accomplished
as by increasing the rate OF taxation
Were the State to be so unfortunate as to
be again afflicted withA Bourbon rule and
administration, we have the past expe-
rience of that faction to justify the conclu-
sion that the Treasury would soon be de-
pleted, the expenses of government in
creased over the revenues collected, and
the necessity exist of either deyising
measures for increased taxation, in some
form, OF defaulting in obligations. The
Wells administration left in the State
treasury $1,S00,O00. In about ten years
the Bourbon party succeeded i'll exhaust
ing this, and increasing the debt over
$5,0OO,O00, Notwithstanding the rate of
taxation was 20 per cent higher than it
is now, upon much higher assessed value
of property. Hence have we any assur-
ance that this experience would not be re-
moot ad 11ndor tho adO1 iric Of 10 ion of tba
same faction? That it placed no sanctity
upon its promises was evidenced by its
treachery to the pledge given in 1869. when
the administration of Gen. Grant made it
possible for the Walker party to succeed
in the contest for Governor. Taking the
name of True Republicans and making
the canvass upon the positive declaration
that the Constitution then voted on should
remain intact as it affected the right and
qualifications to vote, the people voted it
into power. No sooner did it feel secure
in the possession Of the..State Government
than the Legislature representing it pro-
ceeded to frame amendments to the Con-
stitution in direct violation of the spirit
and intent of our national laws, with a
view to practically DISTINGUISHING the
poor people of the State. 1t not only vio-
lated the pledge it had given to. attain
control of the State, but it violated the
Constitution of the State in its admins
tration of the public school interests
Processing to favor the provision of the
State Constitution for the immediate es-
tablishment of the public schools and their
perfection by 1876, it proceeded by stealthy
and insiduous methods to undermine and
destroy them. 1t was false to every prom
Use made, recreant to every interest COM
mitted to its care, and was instrumental
in not only assaulting and then robbing
the people of their legal and constitutional
rights, but of paralyzing.all the important
interests OF the State. With such his
tory, can such party be trusted again,
let its promises be. ever so specious and
liberal If it disregarded plighted faith
III SO important matter us the observance
of the Constitution of the State and the
Nation, can it be trusted in any assur-
ance it might give as to State policy?
The surest way to prevent an increase
of the aggregate of taxation is to keep in
power the party that made it possible to
decrease both the assessments and the rate
of taxation, and at the same time have
ample in the treasury to meet all demands
on the Commonwealth and leave a surplus.
Consider the condition OF the State under
Bourbon administration, and what it is
under Coalition administration taxes,
the revenues, the schools, the public insti-
buttons, and all the great interests OF Viz
ginia and it will not be difficult for the
intelligent voter to determine. what is his
duty to himself, to the people and the coun-
try. We want no more of Bourbon prom
ises to be broken when it has the power to
do so. The people have had a too sad
experience to be again drawn into the
support Of such an insolent, despotic and
treacherous faction although it may
claim to be composed Of the :'best peo-
ple.'' the real people, the intelligence
and wealth of the.State.
A writer in the st. Louis Globe Democrat
gives an interesting detailed statement OF