Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-12-11


GovkRNoR OF VIReIslA's MEssAcE.- On
Monday last the Legislature Of Virginia met.
The Governors Message was delivered The
same day. This document 10 not very long,
nor very interesting. We shall candense il,
and make some extracts of lis mos, important
parts.
The Governor congratulates the Assembly
upon the general prosperity Of 'he country, and
particularly of the State. With regard to its
Treasury, he says:
SIT is with much satisfaction now inform
the General Assembly Of the prosperous con-
dition OF the Treasury. and that noiwiihs,and-
ing the very large aud oneyous sums OF money
drawn from Virginia and expended In o'her
S, a,es through he unc ti.u,ion al, uhus I'M
wise and ruinous Tariff ac,s, the revenue has
been Laid into he Treasury with The usual
punc,ualiiy; ami that he balanoe in the Trea,
surv on The 9th Of November, 1929, after de-
fraying the extraordinary expenses Of the CAL
OF a Convention up to iha, time, is greater BY
nearly 35s 900 Than the balance OF the CORES
pondias dsy Of tae preceding year-'he ba-
lance on The ~ day Of N",ember, 1923, heing
S324,6ss IL; and on The corr, spending day Of
the present year being Ss4s,5s2 g."
The Governor speaks in high terms Of the
morals OF the State, as evidenced by the few
couyic,s in the Peniten'iary. He adds:
II is with emotions both Of pride and plea
sure as VIrginian, thai have TO announce Ia
The General Assembly, that another year has
passed by without single c"n.tc'ion OF white
female for a Psnieutiary Offence; making the
whole Time above FIVE years since ahy such on
yiction has taken place in Virgins, and ,here
is now but one soil Any Case of the cor fine men,
ola white female in the Peni,en,iary."
He recommends that the punishment OF
stripes for petit larceny be abolished, as lis
efrcls are injurious, especially upon young
offenders
The Governor Acknowledges the receip, Of
letter from Lafayette, in reply to one from him,
and which he lays before The Legislature.
In speaking Of the present Convention, he
makes the following remarks:
"In consequence ofthe many radical changes
proposed to be made in the present Cons,iru-
,ion BY the Convention now sitting, derm i,
unnecessary TO call the attention oil the Gene
RAJ Assembly to any subjects Of general legis,
lation; presuming tina, if such changes should
finally take place, corresponding Changes will
take place in the admiuistra, alive policy Of tie
practical government. Il would give me ON.
speakable pleasure TO be enabled TO assure the
Grusral Assembly OF happy results TO the
Commonwealth from The proceedings Of the
Convention; but i; is with unleigned sorrow of
heart, tha, find mnself compelled in caudor
to state, that from all the prognosics now I've.
fore as, | anticipate the result, Of its prnceed
ings more in spirit of fear than Of nope -
Most Reluctantly am l compelled to fear, tina,
nothing short Of mutual concession and mutual
Cancellation smongs' US, or q special in'erpo.
sition OF Supe in'e ending Providence, can save
Us tom the mis- hiefs Of .ur own misconcep.
tions, mistaken theories, aid imaginary d..
lusive hopes and expectations"
In closing his Message, the Governor thus
speaks:
In addressing This las, Mess &c TO you, fell
w-ci'izens, should not do justice 10 my feel
lngs we're not 10 present 10 you my sincere
thanks, as now do, FOR the continued conf
dence reposed In me by the General Assembly
during scenes Of unexampled political excl e.
menf, in which was compelled by an irresst
ibie sense Of duty reluctantly to take a public
and active par'; nor should do justice TO the
merits Of the gentlemen who have been assn-
cia,ed with me in the discharge Of public du.
ties were no, 10 acknowledge to them, TO the
General Assembly, and to the world, the i'm
poriant aids l have received from their able,
patriotic. and kind advice and assis, ancc.-
Whilst sc, up no other claims to merit my
self, than an uncesslng and jealous attention to
the faithful discharge Of all the public duties
which have 'ed on me during my CONT.
nuance In Office, beg the General Assembly TO
De assured, that shall carry with me into re.
tirement the same undated affections for the
people aud government, Of Virginia. which
have sever ceased TO indulge during long life,
gres, portion Of which has been spen, in Their
service; and as i, will be my FIRST duty, SO il
shall be my highest pleasure, to offer up INV
most fer,ent and sincere prayers to the Au,ho,
OF all Good, tina, he may be pleased to inter-
pose, and save the people OF Virginia from
casting away the grea, political blessings they
have ni,her'e most beautifully enjoyed a, hi.
hands; and that he may be pleased 10 preserve