Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-04-06
TuF RICHMOND DISPATCH--TUESDAY. APRIL 6. 1886 ,

they are, will gentlemen who now pay
with coupons any the less pay with cou-
pons then? The burdens on them will
be but little augmented, but they will
fall heavily on the great body Of the
people. Every one acquainted with the
present condition Of the people knows
we'll that there cannot for years to come
be any substantial increase of the pre-
sent rate Of taxation.
There are ;2,996.42 Of past-duc cou-
pons outstanding and 1929, 1887 worth
annually maturing. The idea Of such
an increase Of taxation as will meet
these demands, and at the same time de-
fray all the necessary expenses Of State
and county government, is in the highest
degree extravagant and impracticable.
Much has been said with respect to
The decisions of the Supreme Court OF
the United States. We in Virginia
are not inclined to detract in the slight
est degree from the respect due to that
exalted tribunal but we cannot forget
that the decision which stripped vir-
ginia of her sovereignty guaranteed by
the eleventh amendment to the Consti-
tuition was made bya majority Of one
in court Of nine judges. One of the
most eminent of that court did not hest.
tate to say, with the concurrence of
three others, including the Chief Justice,
that it was =" the first time since the
eleventh amendment was adopted in
which State had been coerced by judi
cial proceedings at the instance Of indi.
,iduals in the general courts. and in hts
opinion none of the suits could be main
tanned, for the reason that they are in
substance and effect suits against the
State Of Virginia"
What is the real ground Of all this
exultation at the defeat of Virginia and
the triumph of her creditors before the
Federal courts? 1t is based solely
upon the idea that the patriotism of the
people is not proof against the tempta-
ton to use coupons in payment OF taxes
that when few so pay all the rest will
be inclined to initiate their example,
and that thus the sons OF Virginia will
he the first to render abortive ali her
attempts at a settlement Of the debt
question.
To pay our taxes with money is not
only a suggestion of patriotism but a
dictate Of the soundest public policy ;
and earnestly appeal to the people to
stand by their State. Let every man
exhibit some Of that self-denying pa
tiiotism which has made Virginia IA
nous in the annals of the past and her
citizens equal to every combination OF
circumstances requiring those virtues
and actions whose only aims are to
serve well the mother Commonwealth.
For these reasons Invoke the people
to meet in their accustomed manner in
all the counties, cities, and towns Of the
State at their earliest convenient time
to give emphatic expression to their
sentiments and purposes, that an out
spoken declaration Of the public senti.
ment may visit with its rebuke those
who appeal to the law to enforce the
reception of coupons. whose birth and
original imposition upon Virginia was
the result of fraud, bribery, and cor
ruption.
Given under my hand and the lesser
seal Of the Commonwealth, at Rich
mond, this 5th day of April, 1886, and
in the 10th year Of the Commonwealth.
FITZHCGH LEE.
By the Governor
II. W. EomRoy,
Secretary Of the Commonwealth.