Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-12-10

the state has an interest, will be made more fall,
known to you by the report Of the Board Of Pub.
lic Works, which will shortly be laid before Won
Whilst on this subject. will susgesr tn. pro.
priety OF some enactments, to enable the Board
of Public Works to fulfil the intentions Of N.
General Assembly, by clothing it With some di,.
cretionary power over the subject OF subscription
and to exclude all companies from PARTICIPATING
in the benefits Of a subscription BY the STATE
without having one Of the Engineer, in the ser.
vice Of the State, first to view aud locate the con.
templa,ed roads. and furnish an estimate Of ths
expense OF its construction. Nor ought the col.
lection Of tolls, the erection of gates. to be suf.
fered on any road. whether the State participate,
IN not in the work, without first ha,in. repor,
OF an Engineer IN the service Of the State
setting forth that the work has been executed in
all respects asreeably to the terms Of the charter
Ii is also respectfully suggested, that all char
tiers hereafter granted. shall be limited TO term
Of years; to the end, that when ample time has
been allowed the company TO reimburse them.
selves, and a sufficient remuneration for time and
annual repairs, that the public may then pass
free Of tax, and il the road had been CONSTRUCTED
agreeabIy to the terms Of the charter, each link.
when the charter expires, would, when added
TO the other. form one chain Of communicative.
perfect 10 all its parts.
Whilst engaged in the improvement Of he
State, by constructing roads Tor the safe AM
speedy transportation OF the products OF asrcal.
ture, We ought not 10 be unmIndIu of the great
wealth which lies buried in the earth, which OnIv
requires the examination OF men Of science 10
bring before the country, and make known 10
value and usefulness TO capitalists, who would be
induced to engage in fitting It for commerce; there.
bv creating new sources ut wealth. It's well
know n tina, Virginia affords, perhaps, the most
extensive mines OF iron. OF any other country Of
the same extent, and fine specimens also Of gold,
lead. copper, plaster Of Paris, or gypsum. and
inc xhaustibe mines OF bltumlnous coal, beside:
MANY valuable ear,hs, which constitute the tines,
manures, as will more fully appear from the IN.
speclion of q conmuica alton herewith placed BE-.
fore YOU, having been received from gentleman
of much scientific knowledge and reputation.
The extensive benefit which may result to tie
State by the appointment Of competent person
to make geological examinations, Is LETT Tor you
to determine.
The Adiutant Generals annual return Of The
state and condition Of the Militia Is laid before
YOU; from which it will be perceived there na
decline 10 the strength Of that force. no doubt
owing to the inaccuracy Of the returns made 10
his office. Such are the many defects Of the Nj.
Ita system that some OF our best officers despoGd
and all call loudly for amendments TO the pre'eni
laws. There are many cogent reasons why there
should be no longer delay in perfecting the Mill
tia Laws, SO important TO free country, thai
time and expense ought not TO be spared. otA'
err States seem to feel the necessity OF some a.
ton upon this subject alike interesting to all, 81
will BIZ seen BY the Resolutions OF the State
New Hamshire, which have been received aud
are now submitted TO you.
1t must be seen. that for system fully equaIn.
pubic expectation. and making adequate pfcNs
ion for the numerous defects OF the present laws
much time and great labour, with large share
of Military knowledge, will be required TO meet
the wishes of the country. Ii IS proposed To-
your consideration, TO authorize the apPolntmsn!
of competent and experienced officers or Other
citizens, to assemble at some suitable time 'nt
place, to form an entire system, complete 10 o.!
its parts, and report to the General AsseuoyN
this or the next session Of the Legislature.
Ihave to inform you that BY the death Of me
Major General of the - Division Of Militia,
b vacancy has occurred, which you will be calico
Thirteenth Brigade. occasioned by the DEAN "
Brigadier General James Breckenridge. OF boe
tourt county, which will make It neces'a'! '0
you to appoint successor ,..
The report Of the Superintendent !" re'a''"
10 the Penitentiary, is herewith laid before Wv,
which will inform you Of the condition OF ''''
Institution, which may be regarded 10 0:a.
favorable point Of view, and capable Of t"O'.
ring advantages upon the community, ana O'r.
even 10 the cOnvlcts themselves; who have 'O"'
lines learned TO read and write, and IN m's, 70
IS, have left the prison masters OF Pfon.'.
trade, when the term OF their confinement
owed them TO acquire one. II ought mol "
Innoticed, that BY the law as II now siam
,ishment tor the same offence IS often nH,'n s.
Yery uneqsaIIy, and IN some instances "n",
ortioned 10 the crime. Bv re'f"
he laws on that subject. punishment may
made certain and definite. Ii ought 10 wen"
,ulated communities. TO be not less an ooJe'."
punish certainly. than to convict-but ""s"
sentence is wholly disproporliOned to thf OuF",
appeal is made to the Governor, who WI a'"'
Ind il difficult to resist so strong cla" w." ,.r
y, il not to justice, it would almo.. seem,
he unequal pressure Of the aw. by 'o' ~
much good would be attained-no Pafdon' Wv. -,
:. ,-.n,.J ,rJ al ,H.oders wuulu know, W