Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1895-04-17
For the SPECTATOR.
Reform the LEGISLATURE.

| The Constitution, Art. X-Taxation and
Finance, is probably after all the great OBJ
stacle, in the estimation of some to the graft
fication of their desires and purposes. This
article. wisely adopted at time when the
State was emerging from a desolating war
and carrying an immense debt, has operated
as an impregnable bulwark to the taxpayers
against indiscreet legislation, suggested by
enthusiastic promoters of new schemes OF
expenditure. Many calls have been pressed
upon the General Assembly for appropria-
| tons to Fairs in various quarters of our large
country; for the erection of monuments,
parks and institutions, in which more
wealthy people might well engage, but which
our poor dismembered, indebted State could
not sustain
| Having recently compromised our State
debt, lat an amount and scale of interest
which it was believed could be met by rigid
economy, we since find ourselves laboring
under financial depression which challenges
our courage and perseverance in a singleness
of purpose to maintain our State and individ-
ual credit.
The State in her palmy days pursued an
enlightened and liberal policy with regard to
her public improvements and only yields to
dire necessity. The spirit of our people needs
no prompting to adventure and speculation,
which the sad sequel has abundantly demon
strated. The tenth article of the constitution
has stood as a safeguard and barrier against
excuses and adventures, which, but for its
existence, would have precipitated the State
into hopeless ruin and bankruptcy. 1t is to
these saving clauses the people should now
look with the deepest concern and guard with
the most jealous care A convention, COM
missioned with the sovereign power of the
people to make new constitution, may do
vastly more harm by what may be left out of
it. than good by the new features which may
be put in it. Confidence in the present debt
may be shaken, if the restrictions upon APP
preparations are removed. The Legislature
may lend the credit to new enterprises, and
make a multitude of appropriations to OBJ
jects which promise we'll, and might be af
forded by State out of debt. The credit of
corporations and individuals would suffer
with the discredit of the State, and general
feeling of distrust prevail. 1t is to be borne
not always remain in the ascendency. The
recklessness which prevailed in some of
our sister southern States immediately after
the reconstruction period, should remain an
enduring admontion and warning to us.
The rampant desire to go beyond the revenues
of the State, has, on several occasions, with
difficulty been repressed.
Constitution Art. X Sec. pro0ides:-''No
debt shall be contracted by this State except
to meet casual deficits in the revenue to re
deem previous liability of the State. &c"
Sec 12:-'rhe credit of the State shall not
be granted to, Or in aid of, any person, associ
alton or corporation"
Sec 13:-"No scrip, certificate. or other evil
dence of State Indebtedness, shall be issued
except for the redemption of stock previously
assured. or for such debts as are expressly
authorized in this constitution
Sec. 14:-"The State shall not subscribe to-
or become interested in, the stock of any
company, association, or corporation.
Sec 15:-"The State shall not be party to,
or become interested in, any work of internal
improvement nor engage in carrying on any
such work, &C."
Sec 16:-"Every law which imposes, con-
tinues or revives tax, shall distinctly state
the tax, and the object to which it is to be
applied, and it shall not be sufficient to refer
to any other law to fix such tax or object"
Sec. 17:-"The State shall not assume any
Indebtedness of the county borough, nor city,
nor lend its credit to the same.'
See. 20:-"No other or greater amount of
tax or revenue shall at any time be levied
than may be required for the necessary ex-
penses of the government, or to pay the exist
ing Indebtedness of the State"
These provisions were conceived in pru-
dent forecast and wisdom for TIE safety OF the
people, property and credit of the State. They
should be pondered we'll by the people, and
not lightly imperilled by new deal in con-
vention, the results of whose work is not
even foreshadowed by any specifications of
desired changes. The people have been SO
frequeptly disappointed by specious schemes
and booms, that they should be guarded in
matter of such great gravity at time of in
stability and unrest.
MODERATE.