The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-09-17

employ space and time in discussing or
referring to the relations Of the two par
ties in Virginia to the Public Schools.
Every school boy, and especially every in
telligent reader, ought to know that the.
whole history Of the Democratic party
has been an expression of hostility to this
great benefaction, and that it's leaders
generally, deep down in their hearts, hold
sentiment of enmity to an institution
that looks to the elevation and enlighten-
ment OF the masses. All that is left of
the oppressive insolence and presumptu-
Gus superiority of the times of slavery is
embodied in the plans and schemes of the
Democratic party, and they yet believe
there ought to be class of slaves made up
of the poor white people Of the Common
wealth. They cannot tolerate system
that throws together and brings in COM
petition the children of the State-that
places them on an equality ia the advan-
tages of mental developments and improve
ment. Hence they are not friendly to the
Public School system, and to-day would
wipe it out of existence if they had the
power to give form and shape to their an
tagonism did they dare do SO, in organized
efforts to abolish the whole plan and pur-
pose of the institution.
The constitution of Virginia which
originated the system in Virginia, was Of
Republ lean creation. Before it's adop
| tion a child to receive aid from the public
fund for educational purpose, had to be
branded as a poaeper He had to carry this
mark of disgrace upon his forehead,
stunned by all others who did not share
in the shame. The conditions of the pres
ent constitution were imperative. The sys-
tenn had to be put in full operation by 1876.
1t had to be inaugurated by the first Leg
islature after the adoption of the Consti-
tuition. This was done in the spirit that
the Constitution was adopted with a men
tai reservation that when power was as
sured, restraint should be thrown off. The
legislation of 1871, in the adoption of the
funding bill, was q deadly blow at the
Public Schools. By it's operation the rev.
inues dedicated by he..Republican Consti-
tuition of 1869, to the Public Free Schools,
were diverted to the amount of q million
and half dollars. The schools were re-
duced by -half-the attendance in d.
similar ratio, and the school days in al
most corresponding proportion. The
did not get the benefit of it, 1t was alb
sorbed by the tax-paying coupon in the in
terest of the large taxpayers. who pur-
chased them to meet the demands of the
taX-g atherers, at heavy discount, while
the small taxpayers had to discharge
their obligations dollar for dollar. Paying
the school tax and not yet getting the ben
eft Of the schools, created distrust bor-
dering on hostility to the system, and thus
an unfriendly sentiment was encouraged,
which would soon have crystalized into a
fatal enmity. At this juncture the Read
juster party was organized. It promised
to take care Of the public schools, to re-
store their vitality and assure free ballot
to those most concerned in the successful
operation Of the system. as a means for its
defence. The people rallied to the support
of this party placed it in power and
true to its pledge, it enacted laws for the
protection of the schools, which soon
brought them back to vigorous life and
usefulness. Whatever success has at
tended the Public Schools from that time
TO this, is due to the legislation of the Re-
adjuster Republican party. 1t has proven
to be the only true and tried friend of the
system. The Bourbons have been COM
PEELED to carry out the laws, where evasion
was impossible, and where it was possible
they have been eyaded. They are enti-
tied to no credit for the adoption of the
system, its Inauguration, OF it's operation.
The constitution compelled the former, as
the laws enacted by the Republicans have
enforced the latter. Whatever figures
may be adduced favorable to the Public
Schools, are the result of laws adopted by
the Republicans. Whatever resolves or
schools by the Bourbons, are the result of
fear Of the people. They would declare
for anything that would give them power.
After having paralyzed the schools, re-
stricted the ballot, bitterly antagonized
Reimbursement of the Public Debt they an
nounce that they have changed On all these
questions, and are now better friends of
these interests than the Republicans, who
rescinded their hostile legislation, and
restored them to vitality.
1,o r,,cfo rtx Will
record? Will they commit these para
mount and essential interests to the keep
ing of those who have in the past been
their avowed and bitter enemies Meth
Ell the Public Schools, the Public Debt,
nor free ballot is safe in the keeping of
such party, 1t is only to those who
have shown their concern for popular ed
ucation, for a just settlement of the debt,
and for the franchise rights Of the citizen.
can they be committed with safety. Bour-
bonism is hostile to all enlightened pro-
gress, for in this is its sure decay. 1t is
hostile to the enlightenment of the
masses, for in this is its sure condemna-
tion. The successful operation of the
public school system, the final settlement
Of the public debt on the basis of the Rid
dleberger bill, and the purity and freedom
of the ballot rest with the Republican
party and it is only through it's success
that the people can feel assured that each
of these interests will be protected and
the policy they indicate enforced. The
Republicans have proven faithful in the
past, while all others were faithless. and it
is to them these great and vital interests
should be committed for security and per-
manency.
Hon. FL. III. Riddleberger.
1t is gratifying to learn that Hon. II. H.
Riddleberger will enter the canvass and
give the Republican party the benefit of
his splendid capacities from now until the
Sd of November. There is no more effec-
tive speaker in the State, nor one who
more thoroughly understands the issues
upon which the people will be called to
decide in November next. 1t is appro-
| pirate that he Shou1d at this tinao annoar