The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-04-17

ulce to any question i'll the case" Then
r"li9wed another series OF briefs and
repiies occasioned by West Nirginia's
motion TO modify the decree of refer
ence. The special master employed ex-
p,il accountants and conducted many
hearings. as his elaborate reports.
DEBT IN 1871 was s$S. ss7. 67s.ss2; th hat
aration was so divided as to give West
Virginia almost exactly one third. while
she p?ssessed 80 per cent OF the
real and personal property values as
OF SOB tmaking allowances FOR depre-
fiation during the war;. lie placed the
100000 in West Virginia. Dividing the
u ueo , On inns basis, West Virginia would
the total value OF all property I'm Vir'
ginla was found to be $300.O00.oOO ano
in West Virginia $4,000. 0OO on this
basis West Virginia would be charged
win 235 per cent of the debt.
Brond Decision Given.
III ~ the case was again heard in
the supreme Court. and a broad and
Mr.. Justice Holmes. He held mat =
contract existed binding West Virginia
!, 10 pear an equitable share OF the debt
mat The obligation was a general one,
lncapablc or minute localizaton ac-
ff0rding to territory: that Nireinias
states liability. which was grounde,
on a deep scated equity and thai
G rn, sf,or IN the form OF tho debt did
Easing the apportionment on the mas
terS finding regarding taxable values.
eAG ,SH I've OF slaves. the court assigned
SriS2,oo'46 of the principal TO West
virginia. which, WAS 30 per cent. The
total 10 be apportioned having been
reduced by about $4,000, 600. owing IN
Nirginius composition With her nrSod ~
tors. The decision contained a reserve
orr regarding a possible mathematical
The Supreme Courts opinion in this
form was not a final decree. one poiu,
III , har,icuiar was left open. namely, the
liability to pay interest. Tho court
adopting the tone of IA mediator rather
IMAM a judge recommended that a con-
ference between the States be held for
INT purpose or making final adjust
inents' ana suggested that the case.
c oeIhe %me fo GGntwsen great States
The efforts made by the Virginia com
III MISSION during 1911 and 1912 to secure
Virginia pleading that the Legislature
atone could act. and that In the special
session or May. 1911. called for another
considered s'S
In February. 1919, a debt commission
is;s created by the West Virginia Leg
at washington III July with tho Vir-
Elnia commission, but neither commits
SION SION had any terms 10 submit in the
IL,
session adjourned without result. AZ
Yer long delay, the West Virginia
SSpinin lSsiol IN conference held on
Aarch a. 1914, with the commission
from Virginia. submitted the provost
tlon upon which i; had been working
TOT months inc discovery of certain
credits due West Nirrinia was cl,inad
In the form OF assets possessed bv Viz
einih TO the amount of $2o.S1O,357.a |
81 winch west Virginia should receive
ncr portion. or Sl.Sg0,43II@ Dcdurt
,ng ms from the amount assigned TO !
west virginia. the commissioners fig
amount due Virginia as a final settle
ment.
Again In Hands OF Court
The rejection OF this proposition by |
the Virginia commission has placed ne |
hiIal settlement OF the matter again in |
the hands OF the Supreme Court and /
he reservation regarding a clcricul !
error opens the way for "a claim by /
West Virginia that the whole litigation |
be reopcned The difficult and iinport- /