Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-04-21
PUBLIC MEETING TO CONSIDER THE COU-
pom QUESTION.


In renewing the suggestion which has
been made that the people of Augusta hold
public meeting next Monday, the Goth.
Court day, tor the purpose of responding to
the recommendation of Governor Lee made
in his proclamation, wherein he advises
that all taxpayers refrain from the use of
coupons in the payment of their taxes, we
append comments bearing on the question
taken from our exchanges in various parts
of the State.
The Lynchburg Neaos in referring to the
announcement in the SPECTATOR of last
week, says
"rhis is good move and one that other
counties would do we'll to follow. The
Governors earnest appeal ought to be re-
sponded to by the people. In the present
exigency of the State the use of the coupon
should be emphatically discountenanced.
The reason is the strongest and most impera-
tive. tits the alternative against bankruptcy
and anarchy. If one citizen uses the coupon
why not every other citizen, and if every
citizen or any considerable proportion of
them, how can che State live? Not at all.
Her humane institutions, her courts, her
schools must become paralyzed for the want
of the vitalizing substance of life. Then
the only remedy will be to increase the
taxes, and what will the coupon payer gain
in the long run? Nothing.
Virginians must make some sacrifice in
this matter for the good, for the life of their
State. Read the appealing words of our
gallant and patriotic Governor. Fitz Lee
never had an impulse that wos not for the
honor and welfare of his beloved State.
Let us not ego back" on the man whom
we have chosen by SO large majority to
preside over the destinies of the old Com
monwealth. Stand by him in this crisis
and help to guide the ship through the
breakers.
We hope the counties all over the State
will follow the noble lead of Augusta, that
they will speak out in no uncertain voice
on this question:; and that the cities will
thus be shamed into the disuse of the cou-
pons.'
THE FREDERICKSBURG PEOPLE AND THE
CoUPoNs.-.The people Of Fredericksburg
assembled in mass-meeting on Wednesday,
without distinction of party, and passed res
olutions approving the views and sentiments
Of Gov. Lees address concerning the main
u
Of the public debt, known as the Riddle
berger plan. The resolutions read as fol-
lows:
1. That we pay our taxes due to the
State in money.
2. That we regard all attempts and ex-
pedients resorted to by Virginians to CON-
pei the State to accept coupons in payment
of taxes and other public dues as evidence
of disloyalty to the plain public duty of
good citizen, and of disposition to imperil
the welfare of society in order to get selfish
gain.
g. That we will not fail to make known
our Reproduction of these evil and hurtful
attempts, to those who engage in them, and
will withhold our patronage in business
from all those who come among US from
abroad, for the sole purpose of gain, hav-
ing 70 local interest with us-the class
known as comm rcial travellers-who en-
gage in this practice, which is so embar-
RAISING to our State, and njust to our home
merchants and people.
A MASS MEETING.-In accordance with
the proclamation of the Governor of Viz
ginia a mass-meeting will be held in the
courthouse, in this place, on the third MOI
day i'll April (court-day) to give expression
of the people upon their support of the
''Riddleberger Bill" This meeting will be
held without regard to politics and the peo-
pie without regard to party should attend
it.-satens Times Register.
A VITAL MATTER.-The good people of
Virginia are beginning to respond TO the
appeal Of Governor Lee not to swamp the
treasury with coupons and we hope those
of the Second Congressional District will
follow the, example Under decisions of
the United States Courts, which plainly
override the Constitution, for the State is
practically sued when her officers are pro-
ceeded against and punished, there is dan
ger that the finances of tbs State may be
utterly wrecked; and the immediate remedy
is in the hands of the people. The indi-
vidual taxpayer can lose very little OF the
difference which he saves between coupons
and cash; but an empty treasury would
bring no end OF troubles, and --distresses on
all classes of society. The Courts, the
Asylums, the Schools, the Colleges, the
executive departments, and all public in
situations would be without money, and
the effect of this state of things would
make the small saving on coupons a great
loss to all classes. Whatwe need, then, is an
organized expression of sentiment and will
from our people-the sentiment of patri-
otism and the will to protect the State.
The people of this District have never
been appealed to in vain in emergencies,
and we hope to Sc them take ground with
the Governor on this momentOus question,
and do it without delay.-NorJoM Land
mark.
Meetings are being held in various parts
of the State in compliance with the proc
lamation of Gov. Lee, and resolutions
Tow IN r-aft1 ne
coupons in payment of taxes. In this case
patriotism and self interest go hand and
hand, for if coupons are used in payment
of taxes it will soon become necessary to
increase the rate Of taxation to make up
the deficiency.-RoanOke Leader.
Gov. Lee is DESTROYS to see public meet
ings held in all the counties of the Com
monwealth to carry out the spirit of his re-
cent proclamation in regard to coupons
He does not think that it is useless for the
people of a county where coupons have new
er been rendered in payment of taxes to
hold the mass meetings. On the other hand,
he believes it best to have the meetings
even in those counties where coupons have
never been rendered. The suggestion is a
wise one, since it will, if carried out, show
unanimity in sustaining the proclamation
made for the welfare of the Commonwealth.
State.
The above extracts are sufficient to in
dictate the feeling in many portions of the
State to which could ba added moro on the
same line.
In another column the reader will find the
proceedings Of the Staunton Chamber of
Commerce on this question which is in en-
tire accord with the action of the legislature
and the views of the Governor.
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