Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1909-02-05
The Debt Suit
10. Ill

Inc governor message says that he
"knows of nothing which could have
been done that was not done to protect
the state, although much n ischieyous
and malicious stuff has been In the pap
ers to the contrary" Does he refer TO
the publications giving figures proving
that, unless halted, the court mast
briog us in debt for many millions
more than was spent for roads, etc?
Does he refer to publications explain
ing how and Why appointing proper
commission would result in prevent
ing our debt from exceeding that
amount? II Is safe to assume that no
brainy man, thinking about the states
interest, and not thinking about forti
flying political machine, considers
such publications mischievous or ma
liclous stuff.
The writer differs from those who
believe Dawson expects personal pro
fit. In 1910 King Charles considered it
mischievous aud malicious to suggest
tuat possibly his royal judgment
might be wrong as to what action was
best tor the people. He was under an
hoaest delusion that it was Criminal
to weaken political machine which
increased taxes to reward henchmen.
Were he governor today he would sad
die this state with fifteen millions
rather than call in doctor who voted
against Elkins.
We make no war on Dawson, but
are forced to believe that he Is under
the malign influence of men using this
suit as all excuse o get. money out of
the treasury, and If men interested to
prevent action which would prevent
our debt from exceeding the amount
spent for roads, etc. 1t is regretted
that the governor resents suggestion if
offered by any one refusing allegiance
to the Elkins machine. AT present
this machine excludes from opportun-
ity to render public service wh..evef
refuses blind obedience to every ukase
it formulates in secret midnight con-
clave. AT present honest brains, if
manly, is as much shut out rom the
] public ear in West Virginia in Rus
STA. This Elkins machine issued its
ukase against a proper commission, a
commission independent Of political
machines and state officials; men not
hoping office from Elkins and not
thinking about making money cut of
the states distress; men not behoiden
to any CRATER and not trying to float
schemes on Wall street; in short. meg
who really deserve public confidence.
If the question appointing such
commission was submitted to the
granu-jary class would it not receive
every honest vote? 1t is safe to assume
that 1.-two or three manly Republicans
should now get together, with de-
nhand for proper com mission as their
slogan, the Elkins machine would
crunb bic as did the wall of Jericho
" hen Joshua blew his trumpet
| Would not such com missisn be APP
pointed if the attorney general furnish
ed the Legislature with figures proving
that, unless halted the court must
bring us In oebt for very many mill
hons more thon the amount spent for
roads? Will the governor permit the
legislature to ask the attorney general
| for inform alton as fellows;
| q ,rrtr 70
Virginia with all state expenditures.
The Bennett commission estimated
fis at So, 100000. 1t is reported that
the attorney ge1 eral says that he has
discovered in L is estimate errors in
favor of The state for $500. Question
Did he not find many errors against
tt e state; for example, two millions
spent on the Coving.on & Ohio West
of Charleston?
Two-The COURT E1ust charge just
proportion Of the ordinary ex-
penses of the Virginia govern
T ment since any part OF the debt
was contracted. The court must pre-
scribe measure by which 10 deter.
mine the proportion which was A just
proportion. Question Can we hope
for measure more favorable than TIE
percentage, in West Virginia counties,
of the total population of Virginia?
Will the governor permit the legisla-
ture to ask the attorney general for
this percentage in 1920, 1880, 1910, 1850
and 1860? The average Will give the
percentage to be charged. The Bar fig
ured this percentage at II 81 per cent.
Tbree-Wnl the governor permit the