Lynchburg Virginian

I have ever been of the opinion that the exercise of the taxing power by the federal government and to the power classes our people, who did not ask to impede unjust and choose us to w, and to trample upon our charter in nepies equal degree. The old plan is not sadly directed and your s legislature put u. Generally had I looked that the District Sale by the i w old have answered all the ends proposed by its janitor project r, and met the general approbation of the people. But experience has proved, that but few counties have adopted the plan. Henry is the only one within any knowledge range, where it is in complete operation. I regret to say it has taken ugly satisfaction there, and that the County Court has ordered the sense of the people to be taken at the ensuing Spring elections, upon the propriety of abolishing it altogether. The taxes now wears are thought too high that, and the advantages he sees too trivial and local to commend and general approbation. It is advisable for me to say, under existing circumstances, whether I think or oppose the continuation of the system. My present impression is unfavorable, though future developments and more extended information may remove it.

The above, fellow citizens, are my views upon such public measure as I have thought it necessary to animadvert upon in this address. By them, I am ready to rise or fall. If you shall so far approve them as to elect me to the office I seek, you will entitle yourself as well to my gratitude as to my last exertions for our common interests. In the event you shall decline my services from their unhappy character fatal measures. I shall cease to neglect, that it is both your right and duty to pursue your true and substantial interest. Your decision will be submitted to, with the grace that becomes a citizen of a free Government.

RALPH A. CLEMENT.

Franklin County, Va. March 10, 1847.