The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-11-27
Wants Veterans Exempted.
Editor Of the Times:

1-dIlol VI lltc lIitS.
Sir,-A suggestion has been made by
some members of the Constitutional
Convention that in lieu of an annual
pension the Confederate so'Ii4-5 c. OK
empt from taxes to the extent of 81 900
of property. The State can never ade-
quately pension the Confederate soldier,
and the idea to exempt them from taxa
ton is a good one, and if it is engraftet,
in the Constitution it will be the first
effort on the part Of the State to recog-
nize all the brave men who rushed to
her defense when. she was in peril. AS
to what effect this measure would have
upon the revenues Of the Commonwealth
l am unable to say, but I think it would
be of little consequence.
In q former letter to The Times I
showed how primary education could be
made efficient, and we could have schools
equal to those of the North and West
by the State Withholding all appropria-
tons for higher education. 1t is said
now by aspiring politicians that this
should have been done years ago; at
least it ought not to have commenced,
but it is too late now to co such a. thing.
The Constitutional Convention is now
considering the propriety of appropriate
ing not less than $4,000 annually to the
University OF Virginia, and making it
not be less The whole trend OF this con-
vention is that we are TO live under tie
Underwood abortion, refreshed and white
washed; but / must say that no ADLER
boGy Of Virginians ever assembled in
Richmond than the present convention,
composed as it is Of men from every
sphere of life. and fully competent to
formulate a wholesome government. But
hey have not done II, Will not do it, and
the burden of the taxpayer may be in
creased instead of decreased. This con-
vention was elected Tor the sole purposes
Of simplifying he form of the State
government and to reduce the expenses
Of it. I have carefully read the proceed
inSs in The Times, anc | failed to see
anything looking that way. Everybody
is anxious to see only white men vote,
and most of the time OF nearly SIX
months has been spent talking about sui
frage at $500 per day, and | me and money
has been practically wasted. why not
use the tactics that is in vogue IN the
strong negro counties ever since the ne
gro has been enfranchiseG, by adding up
with an eye to the white mans benefit
keep your mouth smut, and the White
man will control our county govern
ments With the fifteenth amendment to
the Federal Constitution constantly star
ing us in the face, this is the wlsest ana
safest thing to do. Whatever regulation
these gentlemen may make about the dis
reimbursement of the negro it will reach
the courts sooner or later, and probably
be upset
I have depressed from my statement
about the Confederate soldier. II the
convention will abolis.l some of the sine
cures. for instance that of county super
intendent of schools, and few nonsen-
steal offices around the Cap-tol, there
will be an ample sum OF money to make
UP the amount lost by not taxing these
old veterans his of itself would cause me
to vote for this slightly-ahrldged Under
wood Constitution, which l hope will
never he submitted to The people. as it
W. surely be voted down. AS this is a
measure to relieve the neritorious and
best of our fellow-citizens and recog-
milton of their valuable and patriotic SER
vices, it is becoming in this convention,
a representative body of Nlrgnans. to
honor them with this eNcluslve. privilege.
J.. SCOTT MOORE.
LAxinzton. Va. Nov. 20. 10a1