Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1832-12-20

On the 4,h instant, the Governor OF vIRsISIi
to tho Legislature the following
MESSAGE

transmitted to tho Legislature the following
MESSAGE.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Richmond, December Sd, 1882.
FsliOsc- Citizens Of the Senate,
and qf the House Of Delegates:
You are assembled to deliberate upon the
affairs OF this Commonwealth, and rs many
questions Of importance have arisen among
the people, you will be- called upon to give
to them your earnest attention and profound
regard.
The wishes, desires, and most important in
terest Of your constituents are intirr atcly
known, and have been confded to you, and
the strongest hope anmates them all, that the
attention and perseverance necessary to their
accomplishment, will not be wanting on your
part.
In country like ours, spread over q vast
extent OF territory combining variety of soil,
climate and productions, and consequent
variety OF interests, IL ceases TO be matter OF
surprise, If occasionally the smooth course Of
legislation should be interrupted by apparent
inequalities in its progress. Difficulties pre-
sent themselves IN many forms, and in none,
more injurious to the welfare Of the country
than supposed collision Of interest in the
various and distant parts Of the Common
wealth; nor Is u unfrequently found to be
true, II viewed in the spirit OF the Constitu-
tion, mutual concession and forbearance that
this imaginary conflict Of interest, presents in
fact, no insurmountable barrier to the attain
ment Of results equally beneficial 10 all.
To remove the prejudces Of some, and allay
The discomfort of others; md 90 harmonize
the conflicting interests Of all as far as prac-
'icabie, Is duty the statesman owes TO his
country; an effort which none can neglect 10
make without encountering fearful rcspon-
sioiIity, not only to the present generation,
but TO posterity.
These obstacles removed, and union re-
stored to our councils, the field opens before
you on which you may enter with full
assurance OF success. Possessed Of ample
means within your reach, and all necessary
power over these subjects, the accomplish
ment Of them viii render our country strong.
powerful, and prosperous; and will bind our
citizens by tbs strongest ties 10 the integrity
u the State.
Among the mostimporiant Of these objects.
may be deemed that Of uniting tho most dis
tant regions Of the State by means OF Rail
Roads and Canals, thereby afforiing to all an
easy safe, and rapid Conveyance of the pro-
ducts OF their industry TO the best markets.
The people have INDUCED the hone. thai
those national works which have ALREADY
been projected, would meet with your fos-
terlng care, and by timely appropriation Of
the hlnds within your reach, would advance
10 successful completion. Were they already
m operation 10 receive the increased and in
creasihg products OF the agriculturaIists. the
revenue arising from them in a few years.
would be more than sufficient 10 meet All or.
binary demands for the support Of our 90
Vernment. On the other hand, in any great
emergency, as in time OF war, or any other
public danger, when the country would be
called upon for increased disbursements and
increased velocity Of movement, the very
great advantages arising from such a state OF
thing, must be manifest 20 all. Should We
'hcn' at any future day, be involved in a war,
system OF taxation, exaeting from the peo-
Pie a sum no greater in amount than Is now
required, would perhaps be equal 10 our
wants and would hardly be felt.
The line Of improvement deemed Of most
Importance to the State, and the only one
which, without vast disbursements, viii ever
o. to'ind capable % connecting che Atlantic
VIII the great West, h that which = contain
plated by the James and lower Ranawba
rivers. The Commonwealth has heretofove
retained Tie property Ia those rivers-but A
iheir last session, an act was passed, autho.-
rising certain sun Of money 20 be subscribed
BY individuals, by which they would become
JOINT siockholders with the state IN this rreat
~ork, according 70 the respective interests
Ihis scheme, 80 FAR az We are At present,
ADVISED, has failed. Should Individual. Dot
nave subscribed the amount required, 10 al
tentative would be left AZ, bot 10 resume and
prosecute the WORK 10 iis final completion, IN
style that viii make u a. profitable 10 tbe
stale - "a singuiariy advantageous uosition
leaves 30 room 10 doubt
\ we'll Organized militia Is Of sach vital
importance 10 the defence Of a free peonle
80 indispensable 70 the preservation and BRO
lection Of their liberty, that I must again pre-
sent this subject 10 your early snd seriot,
attention.. IN vain may We hope Cor safet,
and iong security, unless We have the mean,
81 making ourselves fclt add respected The
fesiiessness and ambiii0a 81 man are such.
That they viii glut their mosbid appstiies up
oa liberty utcf, gn4ess resisted; asd pothing !
oui iOree has ever yet checked the plans Of