Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-01-22
GOVERNOR VAN BUREN'S MESSAGE,
slade TO both Houses IF The Legislature, Tues
dan. .T1nuqyU Is. 1899.

day, January D, 1879.
Ftlio,o- Citizens IF the Senate and .4ssemJiy:
I approach the high trust committed to my care,
with a profoind sense of the unmeyited honor con-
ferred upon me by the people, and an earnest So
licitude 10 fulfil the obligations Of gratitude which
their favour has imposed. Associated with these
feelings. is j consciousness Of inieTiority TO that &C
coInplished statesman, whose sudden removal from
the post TO which. I have been called, excited the
nnaeigned regrets of the whole American people.
These feelings are also greatly increased by the
reelection, that my iilustrious predecessor was
himself preceded in this responsible station, by "A
succession Of worthless, whose names and services
are identified with the history Of our state, and
engraven upon the hearts Of our people.
But relying, as | know l may, upon your able
and patriotic cooperation; trusting TO the inGul-
gehce Of my fellow-citizens; and locking Tor 1irec-
lion and support 10 that kind Providence, by whose
favour the humblest instrument may be made 20
accomplish the greatest end; I pledge myself TO
you and our constituents, 70 make every effort Of
which I am capable, TO promote the interest and
advance the honor of the state.
In disaharging that portion Of the constitutional
duties Of the Executive, which consists in an OBJ
legation 10 communicate to the legislature, at ev.
cry session, the condition ofihe state, it is a source
oi sincere pleasure 20 have it in my power 10
congratulate YOU, upon the great and almost I'M
mingled prosperity which we have enjoyed during
The past year. 1t would be supeFauous 10 dilate
upon the particulars of the general welfare, when
addressing you, who come directly from the bosom
OF Society, WIFI lul opportunities oil observing the
condition Of the state-a condition certainly not
surpassed in all that make a country prosperous,
aud its people happy, and which demands, as il
will assurediy recc 81 our humble and grateful
thanks to the GiveF Of all Good.
An absence fgom the state for the greater part
OF seven yeaFs,-the want Of official, or other
opportunities to make myself fully acquainted
with that portion Of its various interests subject TO
your particular care together with a desire not
to occupy more OF your time by this communica-
ton thanis necessary, wiliinduce me TO call your
attention al present 10 such topics only, as are OF
paramount importance, and fall within the appTo
pirate range Of state legislation.
In relation 10 many Of these topics, and indeed
10 all the great interests Of the state, your duties
will be greatly lessened by the entire revision o!
our statute laws, which has been so recently
brought to a close. Ol the success and usefulness.
Of this great work, it would, perhaps, be prema
fure TO speak; but 81 is q satisfaction 20 know, that
those who have had the best means Of Judging
md are well qualified 10 decide. concur in com.
gnspiipg the distinguished ability with which j
las been performed, ond anticipate with conf
dence. ;hat il will be o source OF great and endur
Ind benefit 10 &c state. Soioe unavoidable EN-
bafrassmeats will. probably, be found IN te inci
,dont stages offs operation; but that our most san
cuine expcctatious Will be realized in The end
snere can be bGt little doubt. The unsurpassed
zeal and ~assiduity of die learDcd and capable revi
sers who have been employed in the w6.k. ant
the great industry and patriotic devotion oftbe twt
successive legislatures who bave passed upon thel
jabours, have been witnessed by all, and are, IL
an eminent degree, entded 70 tie appreciation
anil thanks Of the state.
The first subject that naturally presents itself {
your considers alton IS the %conii,ion ofthe finance
Is the state. 1he public iuGts ave. the Genera
FUND. the Literature Fund, tAe COiRman Schoo
Eun1, and the Canal tUnc.
sc, ne yea. 1926, vc have }si no state Ga
o: 9nv tcscrfrt'o1 ~hc cTrc0'es q re g0ref