Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1818-12-08
GOYERNOR'S COMMUNICATIONS.
COUNCIL CHAMBER,
Richmond, December7ll, 1918.

y
Fellow Citizens Of the Senate,
and of the House of Delegates.
Your legislative abors for the present
session will commence under circums,an-
ces pec,;iiarly favorable for the perform
anca Of those duties that have devolvrd
upon YOU from yonr constituents. At
no time since the origin of the govern
ment have lis prospects been more f'alier-
ing than al the present. The demands
necessary for its support, and Tor The
maintenance and advancement OF us pub
lie Institutions, subtract SO small por'
ton iiom The labor and industry OF The
community, that they are scarcely ieii,
and are paid by the people with aiacrliy
and satisfaction. The prosperity and
happiness produced and secured 10 US by
the free institutions we enjoy, are now
completely demonstrated, IA The enviable
condition Of eur rapidly increasing popm-
iatiop, and in the vast improvement OF
our country. The tranquil state OF the
public mind, produced by the blessings
OF peace and the favorable prospect OF MS
uninterrupted continuauce;-ou increas-
ing commerce ;--the rapidly improving
state of our agriculture and superabun-
dant products of our soil, in which the
bouRiliul hand of Providence * so kindly
manifested. ought justly TO inspire our
hearts with alteration and gratitude.
Tie sireBglh of every government is
acknowledged 10 depend upon the facility
and energy with which lis physical force
can be welded IN times of war and exi-
gency. The ;efiod to prepare for such
occasions is when peace aud unaniinliy
prevail. viii be pardened then for
calling your attention 10 our Militia sys-
tenn lis defects are so numerous and
obvious, that fear an entire want OF con
fidencei ia ourselves would be the result of
any military effort which necessity might
impose and however remote that neceS-
SHY may appear, we are bound To be pre-
pared for il, or we hazard our own iIber-
lies and the very existence ofour govern
meni. The Importance of tins subject
must force itself upon the consideration
of The leg stature, whose wisdom alone
eau provide against The evils consequent
upon tie present imperfect system.
The superintendent Of ilie aTmory con-
flnues to conduct the operations OF HAT
institution with his usual attention and
success. The arms now manufactured
there are Of superior qusllty.
An effort was made by the Executive
TO contract with The general government
to manufacture al Tie armory Of Virginia
the arms which, under the laws o. Con
gtess, we're tObe furnished by ilie govern
meml OF tie United States 10 lie militia
OF this state but Ibis effort, as will ap
pear 10y my letter TO the secretary of
war, and his answer, (marked A. proved
unavalliBg.
An arrangement Vii Tie general gov
ernmenI is now progressing, under tie
dircciioB Of Mr. John Chew, (ihe agen
Of the state, employed in The settlement
Of our accouuts With tie United States ut
the city Of WashiDgion,) 10 ascertain the
quota of arms TO which this stale is emit
tied undrr the laws OF Congress.
The arsenal at Lexington having been
completed for the reception OF arms, the
Executive ordered The removal of Ten
thousand stand from the armOry 10 be de.
posted ihere, as soon as bait ,he mum
Der Of The guard required BIZ law should
be cnlisieA.-i The atiempt 10 accom-
piish this object, great difjcuiiy has been
found. is conseqgcntc Of tie high price
OF labor; and 10 is proper 10 remark, that
so provision has been made by the ldw
TOR the enlistment al musicians, az 10
which an amegdmeut Of tic act OF Assem-