The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1907-07-04
The Old Debt.


ginia Debt question substantiates the
Kilograms contention of long stand
ing that we're there an adjustment
Of The question West Virginia would
be found not to owe the big amount
of money now claimed. The Tele-
gram has all the time contended that
what is now Virginia taxed what is
now West Virginia far beyond a just
proportion. and gave West Virginia
practically nothing in return. What
10 now Virginia built canals. high
ways, public institutions in the old
part of the State and did nothing in
comparison for the western counties,
which now form West Virginia. Ini-
tlal steps to form the State of West
Virginia emphasize the fact that it
was the intention of those who
formed the State that the debt ques-
ticn should be adjusted in this way,
If at all, and the State of Virginia
then assented to that plan. The
convention which assumed to stand
for the recognized State of Virginia
in providing for a special election to
determine whether new State
should be formed or not passed the
following ordinance in calling the
election:
"rhe new State shall take upon
Itself Just proportion of the vlr-
grin debt prior to January /, 1861, |
20 he ascertained by charging to It
all State expenditures within the
limits thereof, and with just pro-
portion Of the ordinary expense OF
the State government since any part
of said debt was contracted. and de-
Quoting the moneys paid into the
treasury from the counties included
within the new State during the
same period
As will be seen the ordinance
clearly and fully agrees with the
kilograms contention, and thus 1t
was not the intention that the share
of The debt to be assumed by West
Virginia should be in proportion to
The territory, population and taxable
values.
The western counties held their
elnrtion and voted to have a new
State. Members of convention to
frame a constitution were also elect
ed. The convention was held. and
among the clauses of the constitution
adopted was the following;
An equitable proportion of the
Virginia debt, prior to January /,
1861, shall be assumed by this
State; and the Legislature shall as
certain the same as soon as may he
practicable. and provide for the
liquidation by sinking fund sutlc-
lent TO redeem the principal within
ga years"
Thus was it agreed that the debt
should be adjusted between the two
States, but in each instance there is
no intimation that Virginia was to
have the power TO dictate the amount
ana the terms or method. but Vir-
giria did nevertheless later essay
70 do that aud refused fatty num-
her Of times TO confer with West
Virginia in the matter. Virginia
merely Jumped the matter OF as
eigring one-third of the debt of
thir5y-two million dollars to West
Virginia to pay. by issuing certificates
in 1871 which were designated
West Virginia certificates. ard is
sn!ng her own bonds TO cover the
fa'l amount. These certificates vir-
ginia sold without consulting West
Virginia. and It Is these this State is
now asked 10 pay.
The action of Virginia throughout
has been without the consent Of West
Virginia and as can readily be seen
IN violation OF the compact al the
time Of the formation of West Viz
Eiria. The certificates themselves
appear to be Invalid as they we're not
issued by West Virginia and are Ger
tairly bogus so far as any liability
q this State is concerned to nay
them. If West Virginia owes any
ihins at all. It IS to Virginia, and rot
70 ne holders Of certificates Of dcbt
which West Virginia did not issae
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