Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-12-01
HsutepaDt-Governo Massey on the
ssate Debt ana an Extra Session of
the Legislature.

Hu6
10 the Editor Of the Dispatch:
After the passage of the Riddeberger bill
BY one party and its acceptance by the
other, /, in common with the great body
Of the people Of Virginia, hoped we had
reached final settlement OF the "debt
question:" and that it would never again be
a disturbing element IN Virginia politics or
elections. AS had been prominently con-
nected with the discussion OF the subject;
had written and spoken more upon 1t than
any other man in or out OF virginia, L
earnestly sought to secure the fullest acqul-
esceuce In the settlement which had been
agreed upon. do not wish to be under
stood as believing that settlement did
Justice 10 the Taxpayer. or as fully approx
ing it. In pamphlet which publishedin
1875, / said latter most careful consldera-
tom:
al believe settlement made in accord
ance with the views and upon the prnci-
pies set forth lin said pamphlet would COM
mand the respect and,approval Of all impair
fidl and unpTejudiced men the world over"
"The result OF so equitable settlement
would be that the present debt OF virginia
could not eIceed $4,000, 900, and might fail
far belOlo that sum"
The investigation have given the subject
since 1875 not only confirms the opinion
then expressed. but satisfies me that Vir-
ginia ought not 20 have agreed to pay more
than SI2, 900, 900. and that hdt would have
been Uorg liberal to her creditors.
Yet, regarding the Riddieberger bill"
as n compromise, preferred its acceptance
| TO further agitation OF the subject, coupled
| with the dangers TO the State add society
| that further agitation threatened, and. as
already stated, earnestly entreatedall parties
to accept it and to carry 1t out in good
faith.
Since then have carefully abstaiue6 from
saving or doing anything tha. could tend to
a ie0pening OF the question.
| Believing that the bondhOlders were lais'
Informed and misicd by those who were in
tcrested in preventing their acceptance oil
the proposed settlement, and that full eX'
PLANTATION OF the Riddleberger bill, The
grounds upon which its various provisions
were based, and the unquestiouable fact
| that II offers Nirginia's ultimdtUm, would
lead them to accept it, ! prepared bill
which was introduced in the Senate las
winter, for the appointment Of commits
soners 10 confer with the bondholders
About the same time Governor Lee recon-
mended similar action.
The bondholdcrs seemed to constru'
these propositions rs evidence OF weak
ening on the part OF state officials. ~
soon as | discovered this abandoned al
thought OF ever approaching them upor
the subject.
Within few weeks have received quit
number Of publications and communica
tons from bondholdsrs and their agents
all seeking to unscttIe the minds OF tax
| a 70 hn5 ant.narlflnn
defeating the settlement which all parties
and nearly all men of al parties, hav,
pledged themselves 10 sustain. The Stat
Is being flooded with these insidlous in
cendiary documents, which are well calcu
lated to demoralize the unsuspecting, de
stroy their patriotism and loyalty, ant
arouse aud stimulate their cupidity.
II is gratifying to know, and TO the praise
OF the taxpayers OF Virginia be it saiG
these efforts have thus far received but littl,
encouragement
This does not, however, justify indifer
ence or negligence on cur part. Britisi
gold Is rs potent now as it was in the day
OF Benedict Arnold. And II Is rs tru
now as ever that eternal vigilance is tn
price OF Liberty. Another tay-gatherini
season should find us fully guarded a
every point.
WHAT SHOULD BE D0NEy
The Legislature should be reassembled
When assembled, II should provide for TN
collection Of taxes, with some exception
not necessary TO mention now, by tn
! counties and cities Of the State. IL shoul,
propose an amendment TO the Constitution
TO be submitted TO the next Legislature
providing that no future Legislature sboul(
! ever make provisions for the payment o
any bonds against the State which had no
been funded according TO the provision
Of the Riddleberger bill.
This would give the bondholders twelve
months more In which 10 fund their debt
and at the same time serve notice upol
them that by failing 10 fund IN that tim
they would forever bar the door agains
themselves.
win not now trouble you or you
readers with any argument in favor Of
| these suggestions. JouN T.. MASSEY.
Ash Ldsa, November 80, 1856.