Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1911-05-06


thority. The people OF West Virginia
are too far sighted not be understand
that at the very base OF their govern
meat is their Constitution, and the Sc
cartty of life. liberty, property, and
the pursuit of happiness which that
Constitution gives are no more bind
ing than Is the Jurisdiction and power
ot the Supreme Court.
Loyalty to the flag and the Union
means obedience 30 the Courts Loyal
ty tc the flag implies that that loyal
ty shall continue wherever constitu-
tional authority says the flag shall go.
True West Virginians will follow the
State in any legitimate effort within
and to better the condition of its peo-
pie. but | take it that it goes without
saying that the citizenship OF West
Virginia will never agree TO take any
steps that would lay them open to the
charge of disloyalty to the Constitu-
ton of their country, or would sub
iect them to the danger Of cOercive
measures. The child OF the great con-
tlict will hardly be the first to repudi-
ate its origin and parentage.
|, therefore, dismiss as the thought
less suggestion of an excited moment
any propaganda that would put the hui
initiation and the danger lpon this
State that might follow from repudia-
ton.
| confess | could never see why the
people of this State should not be TAX
en- into the confidence OF those in
charge Of the debt question at this
time. The details OF defending the
law case might have been kept from
the people for the reason that had we
made public our defence our adver-
saries would have been thus rorewarn-
principles of the case have been set
tied / cannot see any reason why any
citizen may not have any information
obtainable upon the subject. This
State would like to know and ought to
know who are the reel creditors, and
it ought at its very first opportunity
TO take vigorous steps to avoid the
possibility of having an excessive
amount charged against it in the way
OF interest. There is no reason why
one should put on blind bride and
gum shoes when approaching this
great question which affects so deeply
all OF cur people. 1t Is now a public
matter and the most vital and far
reaching one that has ever confronted
the people.
The people Of Virginia are not van
das; they are chivalruus, generous
and patriotic, and as long as tho mat
ter is ia their hands I believe that
they would be disposed to meet West
Virginia as kindred. Already that
State has taken steps looking to a
conference, and it seems to me that
the time has come when public bodies
Of influence and standing, like this
Beard OF Trade. should take an inter
est in this question. and leaving what
has been done, and what has been
omitted to be done for the political
arena. approach this question as a bus
mess one that affects all the people
and take some steps looking toward
the preservation of the dignity and the
credit of the State.
West Virginia Is not bankrupt. She
has resources, and because OF those
resources she cal better afford to be
brave, strong and true In great emer
gency than she can criage and dodge.
There are many considerations that
can be presented in a conference that
could not be presented in the trial of
case. A conference between the re-
representatives. OF sovereign States
would not be expected to split hairs"
or stand upon the ordinary rules Of
law courts.
In short. this question has reached
a point at which the people OF the
State must take hold OF it, and in the
supreme faith of the justice OF her
position. and with the confidence that
the mother State Is not a Shylock but
only trustee trying to preserve her
honor, meet the situation face 10 face,
whatever it might be-"
Junior Browns Speech.
When Senator Chiffon sat down Mr..
Nadenbousch in few remarks In the
humorous vein introduced as the next
speaker Hon. William G. Brown, OF
kingwood, the genial congressman
from the Second district Junior
Brown came up with his winning
smile that was manifestly contagious.
He spoke on THE Recourses of West
Virginia" and his remarks were high
iy ntertaining. He spoke particularly
Of the natural resources OF Berkeley
oOunty and said that while the time