West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1909-06-24
THE DEBT SITUATION
Attempt 10 Divert Attention from the
States Danger.
REPUTATION NOT PRACTICABLE
Gigantic Profits TO Be Resped by Wall
Street-PubIic Being De-
eeived as TO Facts.
REPUTATION NOT PRACTICABLE
ARTICLE \.


whispering:
We see no cause for alarm he
cause the court can not compel
our legislature to issue bonds and
il it gives "A large judgment We
can rcpudiatc rs other states have
done and thereby force com
promise on our own terms.
This clatter, which originated with the
persons who prevented such action as
would protect the state, has been so much
published by editors hired to deceive
voters and by editors timid about am
tagonizing the Dawson Elkins machine,
that it is now being echoed by many
brainy men who are too busy to do their
own thinking. But these brainy men
will talk differently when reminded of
facts which speak louder than any argu-
ment. For example:
This debt suit scheme differs entirely
from cases where population was practi-
cable. In none of these cases did the
court have jurisdiction. But the court is
treating this case as controversy be-
tween states. II is safe to assume that no
lawyer, acquainted with decisions in con-
troversies between states, doubts that, il
the court states the account and brings
West Virginia in debt twenty millions,
then it will enter decree that West
Virginia do pay 10 Virginia twenty
million dollars. 1t will not be iudg-
ment for bonds. West Virginia must sell
bonds in the open market to raise the
cash. Does any man, reputed intelligent,
suggest that West Virginia shall refuse TO
pay such judgment as the court enters?
a judgment of the United States supreme
court stands on precisely the same basis
as an act of congress. 1t is the voice of
national authority. Let any brainy man
past 90 consider the situation which would
exist II West Virginia should attempt to
set national authority ut defiance and
refuse to pay judgment entered by the
court.
IL Is true that congress has not rs vet
furnished the court with machinery to
compel state TO obey the law, but does
any man, reputed sensible, doubt that
congress will furnish the machinery if a
state defies the court? Those not making
special study may be- unable to suggest
the machinery, hut this era of trusts and
schemes TO plumber the masses has de-
veloped school of lawyers giving their
lives TO inventing methods whereby the
millionaire class will reap profit, and docs
any observing man past middle life doubt
that lawyers like Knox, Moody, and
Root can frame legislation giving the
court power to collect a judgment against
a state? Recollect how gigantic will be
the profit depending on enforcing the
law. And all the influence of this
gigantic profit will be concentrated to
preach that the national government will
fall to pieces if a state is permitted to de-
iy the court. Will the Intelligencer or
Register express the opinion that West
Virginia can successfully defy the court?
If they evade explicit answer, then why
print editorials stating that "if Virginia
gets judgment she cannot collect ftp"
When his attention il arrested, il any
successful business man past 80 so ignor-
ant as to suppose that, if West Virginia
could repudiate, the certificates would be
selling on Wall street on the basis that
she Will pay exceeding nine millions?
When the court has entered judgment
then the grand-jury class will wake up to
the fact that they have been deceived by
newspapers they supported and been be-
trayed by men they trusted with office. IL
needs no prophetic vision 10 foresee the
popular Indignation that will then exist
but II will be too late 10 save the state.
Every county contains some self-respect-
ing, brainY, observing, manly men who
feel independent Of grafters and despise
the intellectual towards, truckers. time
servers, and sycophants now silent when
the state is in danger. And this danger
exists only because the legislature did not
take such action as would make the state
safe. But the state may yet be rescued if
these brainy men in different counties
will advise neighbors TO boycott news
papers refusing 10 educate voters about
this debt suit scheme, and 10 give their
patronage 10 such newspapers ~ are
faithful 20 the states interest
Almost every county contains some
brainy, observing. honest manly men
past % who are 50 situated in life As not
~ feel dependence on the corrupt ipau.
ence behind this suit scheme. When spcb
men understand the facts about "a public
matter like this they speak ont boldly
and educate neighbors and then honest
men, who, while brainy, are seryile and
bringing, take courage and become no.
gressive. If honest and manly brains
appreciated the situation which do,s ok
isi they would surely boycott tine politi.
clans now silent because umid or silep,
because bribcd
The next article considers the .vi.tipg
situation. 1T the reader observe two
facts. lst u he hadthe figures furnished
~ Littiefeld six weeks ago. then be- would
khD" thc minimum amount for which
inc court will bring toe state in debt bv |
1iaiing the ordinance account. and 2d |
Ihc Dawsou-EIkins machine refuse. ~ |
make ihe figures public. f. W. NT,.ov
Charlie Town, vs.. Ea
"
Ihc present warm weather will ip r,
wise Dr. comparable ~ the warmth Of lilo /
reception Toe machine viii be- tarder,d /
boz Doe next election
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