Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-12-08
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.


We have moi The space this morning 10 CON-
ment at any length upon this document which
will be read with deep interest throughout The
Commonwealth Gov. Smith, it is evident, has
devoted himself with industry and energy TO the
consideration Of the condition and affairs Of the
State, and has moi left untouched SINCE point OF
any moment. The message will speak for ITSELF
II is plain and strong exposition OF Stale con-
cerns-and, however persons may differ as 10 the
propriety OF his recommendations, all must con-
cede that i, is bold and luminous State paper
Upon no question does il conceal the opinions Of
its author. What he intends 10 say, is done clear
ly and unequivocally Our readers will be
struck with The original positions and bold sus-
ges,ons OF the message on some OF the great suit
jects of State policy.
All will be pleased to see the prosperous state
of virginia's finances, it being estimated that du-
ring the present fiscal year there will be sur
plus OF more than 100000 dollars; yet, to prose-
cute the Improvements recommended in The mes
sage, Gov. S. suggests small increase OF taxes
upon licenses, pianos, clocks and watches, dvi-
dends and interest," except that payable on Stale
bonds as, also, the restoration OF The tax on mo-
ney on hand at certain period of the year, over
and above a certain sum.
He zealously supports the District School sys-
tem-ihe sense Of each county 10 be taken upon
its adoption. He recommends important reforms
in the Judiciary sys,em-and additional legisla-
lion in regard to The Banks, whose general condi-
ton is sound and healthy. Upon The subject Of
Internal improvements, he takes the broadcast and
bodest grounds. He warmly recommends Two
grand Railroads to be constructed, entirely on
State account, viz: one from Buchanan, through
the Southwest TO the Tennessee line-and the Sc
cond from Gordonsvile, striking the Shenandoah
Ohio Riyer-halt million a year, onle' - -
divided between the TWO works, by an annual dP-
propria,ion from the Treasury OF 0,OO0, and
an issue of State bonds Tor The balance. The
facts and arguments OF the Message on This SUB
iect are of very interesting character, and we
NAV expect much discussion and speculation up
on this striking feature OF the Message.
The Governor recommends The extension OF The
lanes River Canal 10 the North River, an Issue
of the Company's bonds. guaranteed BY The Stale
10 complete it 10 said point, and radical change
OF The government Of The Company.
He gives history of The purchase OF the Ports
mouth Railroad, and suggests an important ar
rangemeDl, to prevent the revival OF dangerous
competition between rival railroads. He warm
ly urges The passage Of law, 10 take The
sense of the people upon The question OF
Convention 10 reform the State Constitution.
On The causes of The Mexican war, its brill
liant prosecution, and the true policy TO TO be pnr-
sued by our Government the Message takes the
proper grounds, and will be sustained by the peo-
ple of Virginia, who will receive with pleasure
intelligence of the patriotic zeal with which
volunteers have come forward, TO win honors as
members OF the Virginia Regiment.
Gov. Smith commends 10 the care Of the State
the town and county OF Alexandria, which have
recently come under the protection OF Virginia
and dwells for moment, but with force upon the
blessings Of liberal commercial intercourse with
the great world.
But the people will read the message, and
Judge for themselves. We repeat, that it meets
every question boldly and clearly, and deserves to
be carefully studied BY the Legislature and the
people OF Virginia.