Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1886-03-19
PROVING REPUBLICAN ASSERTIONS

III Lne l<cBlolaIuAS WV .
else, it proved the truth OF the
charges made in the last campaign
bv the Republicans-charges that
were pronounced untrue and sland-
erous at the time by Democratic
defenders, but the verify OF which
has since been 80 clearly shown
that no one now dares deny them.
Indeed those who undertook to re-
tute the charges six months ago,
have been made the witnesses
against their own denial and forced
TO cover themselves with con
fusion. The confession was not OF
that open character which is said
10 be beneficial to the soul, but was
extorted by circumstantial and
direct evidence stronger than all Of
the assertions that could have been
made.
The Republicans charged that
the Democratic party was utterly
incapable of dealing with the debt
question that it's elevation to
mower would destroy the Riddle
berger bill, tear down the fortified
ton built about it by the Supreme
Court of Appeals, and leave the
State at the mercy of the coupon
holder. The Democrats denied 1t
and then turned about and falsl-
fed the denial by precipitating the
very condition of affairs that had
been predicted. They have rushed
the State into virtual bankruptcy,
and left her a prey to the bond
holders. This much done, they
drop the matter and return to their
homes like whipped school boys,
declaring that they were power
less to remedy the mischief their
own folly had brought about.
The Republicans charged that
thousands of dollars had been
diverted from the Educational fund.
The Democrats denied it, and then
proved themselves unworthy OF
belief by providing at the close OF
the session for 100000 Of drredr'
ages due the schools.
The Republicans charged that
taking the appointment of Dlrec'
tors of State Asylums and lnstltu'
tons from the Governor and plac'
ing it in the hands of an appoint
ing board, created for the purpose,
was but a partizan move, regard
less of the interests Of the instltu-
tions affected. The Democrats
protested that no such motive was
rightly attributable to them, and
then proved the contrary by restor'
ing tie appointing power to a gov
ernor of their own political faith.
The Republicans charged that
the management of the Eastern
Lunatic Asylum was a disgrace to
the State and to civilization. The
Democrats raised their hands IN
holy horror and proclaimed the
charge not only basely slanderous
but inbuman. Forced to order an
investigation upon the demand OF
a Republican member of the House,
they appoint their own committee
-omitting the mover of the lnves.
tigation, who by every precedent
was entitled to a place on the com
mittee-and that committee WITH
naturally, every disposition to be
as lenient as possible, returns a re-
port which substantially sustalns
charges made by the Republicans
and reveals condition Of affairs
without a PARALLEL in the history
of humane institutions in Virginia.
And thus the chapter runs, step
by step. day by day, the Democrats
lin the Legislature piled up the
proofs of their own Ignorance or
insincerity, and at the same time
strengthened and fortified every
position taken 10y Republicans.
And if their action shall open the
ewes of the people to their true IN.
terests, the General Assembly OF
1885,. So, will not pass into history
as an unmixed evil valley Virgin
ian.