Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-12-17

therein that specie is at a premium that to such
extent exchange is enhanced and that the Banks
} pay out this deprecated paper at par regard il
as duty of our Banks to put out and maintain a
cash currency and not to pay out cash the notes
OF distant branches. The legality of such prac.
tce may moreover be questioned, and it may be adj
vsable for you TO interfere, and protect the State
against the danger of future loss.
For the correction Of this abuse, | recommend
the passage OF law requiring each Bank TO pay
out Its own notes, except when other funds are re-
CURED. Such law would make our Banks eau
tious and healthy. each Bank sending home the
notes OF the others for payment, all would be kept
within safe and prudent limits would cease
to be at premum-exchange would Decline and
the small notes of other States would instantly dis
appear.
herewith communicate the annual report Of the
Adjutant General on the state of the Militia and
ask Tor his suggestions careful consideration. Our
militia system needs great and radical reform 1t
is heavy annual charge to the State, with but
little II any corresponding equivalent. It's music
alone costs upwards of $4,000 year, which
might be wholly dispensed with if the present or
ganizatlon should be preserved with the exception
OF volunteer and regimenta musters. But am
satisfied that the true policy of the State is to adopt
an efficient volunteer system, and some cheap but
easy method Of enrolment for the mass of our militia
have to inform you of the resignation of Briga-
der General Henry b. Woodhouse, late command
er of the ninth brigade Of the fourth division of tho
militia of Virginia.
also communicate the reports of the Captain of
the Public Guard and Superintendent OF Public
Edifces. | recommend that this branch of the
public service shall no longer he charged with the
salaries of the interior civic guard of the pcni-
Tertiary. cannot see the propriety Of exempting
that institution from the obligation to pay its own
officers, exclusively responsible to, and under the
control of its Superintendent. | also recommend
the sale of considerable portion of our ordnance
and number of our small arms. | am satisfied
that they might be disposed of without weakening
our defence, and at the same time give us the use
OF a considerable amount of capital now living I'M
productive and daily diminishing in value. | also
recommend the passage of a law fixing, in terms
and figures, the pay and allowances of the officers
OF the Public Guard. They are now entitled to
the pay and allowances of officers of the United
States Army of similar rank and location. do not
regard 1t as proper or becoming to leave any portion
OF our Liabilities dependant upon the legislation of
the United States. We have already sustained a
serious loss by the construction put upon the laws Of
congress In relation TO the subject that construc-
ton being different from that put upon it by our ac-
counting officers, and in which the officers of said
Guard had long acquiesced.
In consequence of this construction of the courts
you will have to make provision for the payment of
Judgment obtained by Lieut.. Brown, and claim
preferred by Lieut.. Seldcn, late of the Public
Guard.
herewith transmit the report OF our Vaccine
Agent, explanatory of his branch of the public ser
vice. called for this report, that might form
some estimate of the value Of this agency to the
State, and also of the manner in which its duties
had been performed. From perusal of this re-
port, am satisfied that this agency is of great pub
lie importance, and that the agent has performed his
duty in highly satisfactory manner.
HE State owns house and lot in 4 very dilapi-
dated condition, in the county of Norfolk. 1t was
originally purchased for hospital under our qua
rantine laws but has not been used for one for ma
ny years. 1t Is now occupied by trespasser, and
is daily diminishing in value. The State also owns
4 small lot of land short distance above the city,
and immediately on the Canal. Although really
valuable Tor its granite quarres, it is not the
State recommend the passage of law prov-
ding for the sale of both of them.
Our quarantine laws require your attention.
Passed prior to the adoption of the Federal Cons-
tuition, they are very imperecty adapted to our pre-
sent relations and condition. and would seem to be
unnecessary, especially as the acts passed Febru-
airy 18th. 1919, and February lth. 1882, pro.
vide all the power requisite to guard against the
introduction of small poX, to prevent its spreading
and to effect its cure.
The law providing for the erection of court
house was carefully considered. The Executive
unanimously concurred in the opinion that it ought
not to be located on the vacant lot attached to the
Government mansion. Upon examination, the
Museum was found to be nothing better than a mass
I
house, 1t 1t could be done at all, would involve an
expense fully equal to that of erecting out of the
same materials. as far as they would go n new and
appropriate building. The public service really re-
CURED courthouse without delay, and deemed il
my duty TO carry out the plain intent and meaning
OF the Legislature, by the erection of one neat in
appearance, solid in structure, convenient in ar
rangemcnt, and economical in cost. For further
particulars as to the improvements which have been
Completed or are III progress refer 5otl TO the re-
port of the superintendent of public edifices
Our internal improvement fund has diminished
in the past year 1851 sos 50. To this may be
added our stock in the Winchester and Potomac
Railroad Company, and about one third of our loan
to 1t, making in the aggregate Sl70,000. The po-
Icy which seems TO have governed the last LEXIS
laturc IN relation TO this Company, will. | presume
be extended TO other embarrassed corporations and
| the consequence will be heavy reduction of the
nominal amount of our internal improvement fund.
am satisfied. however: that this act was Hurried
through the Legislature amid the confusion of its
closing scenes and thus escaped that vigilance
which 1t would otherwise have received That
act gives up 10000 dollars for an annuity of 900
dollars, without any assurance Of the payment of
That small sum- and cannot be accounted for, other
wise than as l have stated. 1t plainly demon
s'raes the Importance of adopting some precautior
against INC recurrence Of similar legislation. Not
withsandng the serious reduction in the amount OF
tins valuable fund, am happy to inform you that
IFS income is improving.
But our Internal Improvement Fund is WHOLLY
inadequate for the prosecution of that sy stem OF i'm
provements called for by your constituents in every
Pa't OF our beloved Commonwealth. which is in
dlspensabc TO the full development Of our wonder
advantages. and the commencement Of which can
no longer be deferred without disregard of those
high duties, upon the manly and ENLIGHTENED pcr-
Torrance of which mainly depends The position
Whlch virginia Is to maintain among her sister