Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-03-03

= sssiail|s u y IS ss2ject II Iutes-
a Impr6xsnanfs lie still deeper pecunia-
W ntesssk sIleis kkeIy 70 have III their sur
|cesz sbc nssessity a adopting some set
|A4 nd diSnite policy in the prosecution
\ her schemes, and the danger Of being
driven 70 excess, in the attempt to accom-
modzte every petty neighborhood with a
railroad or aturnpike, suggest the manifest
necessity Of some wholesome restraint up
on Legislative RIGHTEOUSNESS and extrava-
gance, on the ore hand, and on the other,
Of seine conservative influence, that shall
be enerted to foster works Of real merit,
already begun or to be commenced
What power may be most safely constitu-
ted tie depositary Of this influence, is a
question Of much interest that admits Of no
little debate. We are not disposed to ia
vour the proposition for placing its exer-
else in the bosom Of the Executive, for the
reason tllat we are opposed To an increase
ofthe rqwerA1d patronage Of that function
airy, and for the better reason that he cam
not exeH this influence, and perform the
duty Of actual supervision Of the State
~
interest IN the public works; and we have
heretofore shown, in former number q
this paper. that the Legislature, which
ought to be, IN fact, as it is in theory, the
natural guardian of the State, can never be
relied on with confidence, SO long as the
conyentionalities Of the log-rolling system
in that body are permitted to override
the principles Of justice and the dictates Of
wisdom. Some reflection upon the subject
then, leads us to the conclusion that, by a
reorganization Of the Board Of Public
works, that body may be made to answer
all the necessities Of the case.
This subject we perceive has already at
tracted the attention of the Convention, as
will be seenby the following amendments"
some time since proposed in that body, by
Mr.. Trgg of Abingdon, 40 tie Report Of
Mg Committee on tie Ezecutire::"
"Strile ont article 4th and inset the following.
The Legislature at its first session, after the a
doption of this constitution, shall organize Board
H., ,.f
to be appointed as follows. that is to say: The
State shall be divided into four districts, nearly
equal ns may 81, having reference tine number OF
electors qualified to for members Of the Gener-
nj Assembly; eteh district shall elect member
of the Board, and one member shall be elected by
the qualified voters in the Statc at large Two of
the members elected by DISTRICTS shall bold their
offices for two years, aud two for four years The
member chosen BY die whole State shall hold his
Office for four years, and shall be the president Of
the Beard. The district members at the first meet
ing of the Board after their election shall determine
by lot which Of them shall hold their offices for two
wears and which for four years; and there shall be
elected biennally thereafter. two If said district
members who shall hold their office !or four years
In case a vacancy shall occur by DEATH resignation,
or otherwise the same may be filed by the remaining
members of the Board until general election. next
thereafter, when new election shall be held in that
district in which the vacancy occurred, or by the
State at large the case maybe
The Board of Pti'ic Works shan meet annu-
ally, a the svut Of government. theday Of
qua may be convened by the president whenever,
IN his opinion the public interest shall require il
and during the time they in session shall receive
for their service the compensation allowed to
hers Of the General Assembly.
3 The said Board shall have and exercise gcncr-
al supervision all works of public improvement
beonoino T., The State and over the States infer
cats IL III other surb works n. rim S.ate a. or n,
become interest. stockboldcr sn.l Lab or,
mint all such directors eugineers and otlcr ofcers
connected herewith al are or NAV be REQUIRED bv
law or which may BE- necessary for the proper lis
charge of the duties of said Board: but the Board
itself or a committee thereof. shall in all cases
represent the stock of the State in the annual or
other ,nestings o. ,ns saoISno,'lgrs ihy slla
the conn encement of each session thereof fully aal
hmm =, s0 ,brr ~ i p"b nsn Of ire
provemcnt, general special as to ihoIn may seem
uuys and XIII p perm al he 5n nil now po
required of the existing Board of Public Works, or
S"eh us nay 'e p'es''iO' y NV"
whereby an appropriation Of money is directed to be
made to any work oi internal Improvement, q. or
of any Internal improvement company, in which the
State IS to become subscriber tor any part ct the
until the same shn have been referred % the Board
Of Public Works TOR ,ha ,, eGas,acrainon h and re
bin I or resolution my have originated II, upon
full consideration the saia Board shall be OF oPn-
ter granted. and shah SO report to the Legislature
and majority OF the members present in each house
become law; but il, upon such reference, the Board
Of Public Work: shall report adversely 70 the propos
law, miles. two-thirds Of the members present in
each House shall concur incur in passing The same: And
report the reasons which govern their decision.