National Republican., 1886-04-10
A Proclamation OF outiawry.

1t was but yesterday, when with pomp
and pride Of a chlvalric age, banners were
raised, and the fields Of Virginia were tho
camping grounds Of host who claimed
the divine right of 'the best people" to
have in charge the honor of the common
wealth. Whether through majorities or mi
norites, whether by right or by might, the
honor of the state required that Lee
should be made its governor, and the
ancient order should be restored. 1t was
but yesterday when Fitz Lee was applauded
In presidential procession, and when the
solemnities OF nations funeral march
were broken by n cheer as he passed. The
representative OF his party in state and ma
tion he has compromised 1t to the last de-
gree
Four years ago the Readjuster party pro-
posed new terms Of settlement Of the pub
lie debt. They proposed a reduction Of
principal and interest. The reason given
for this reduction of principal was that
there had been an error in computing the
war interest and in other respects in the
funding act Of 1871. For reducing interest
the claim was that the state was unable to
pay more. It was not an unusual proposi-
tion for q state 10 make. 1t was coupled
with no threat, and yet the Raadjust ,rs and
their Republican allies were denounced as
repudiators by Gen. Fitz Lee and his Dem
ocratic brethren. A few short months
have passed, aud violent attempts to de-
stioy the remedy of creditors have been
squelched by the Supreme Court of the
United States.
In the impotence Of wrath the governor
makes proclamation, which is long and
thin.
1t fills three columns and contains two
sentences.
The first is, ~ invoke the people to meet
in their accustomed manner in all the coun-
ties, cities, and towns at the earliest con-
venient time to give expression to their
sentiments and purposes, that an outspoken
expression may visit with its rebuke those
who appeal to the law" The second is a
direct charge of bribery, fraud, and corrup-
ii on upon honored citizens Of the state.
Whatever the wrong resulting from the
hasty legislation of 1871, the Legislature
was body Of distinguished men. The acts
were passed by the votes Of men, many
now in their graves, who have high and
honorable place in history, and yet to-day
they are proclaimed as guilty of "fraud
bribery, and corruption" They are moi
named, no reward is offered for their ar
rest, but by the damning character Of al
accusation that will last while the archives
remain they are charged with felony.
How fast the spirit Of the tyrant rises
Yesterday 1t was crime to cast an in
dependent vote; to-day it is an olfense t.
enter the courts.
A man held the bond Of Virginia TO
$1,000. lie surrendered one-third in consid
GRAFTON of getting coupons that should b
receivable for taxes. To-day he offers b
pay his taxes with them and is proclaime
an outlaw. We are not discussing the DEB
question. We are listening to proclame
tion.
Six months ago Democratic conventio
resolved that the consideration of a decisio
Of the Supreme Court had become quei
tion Of state sovereignty To-day DemC
cratic governor says 1t shall be submitted
mob, and to that mob he appeals in word
that have to them deep meaning, to brin
all that terrorism it used SO effectlvel
against the Republicans against the publ
creditor.