The republic., 1852-01-15
Message of the Governor OF Virginia.

Governor JoHNsoN's message TO the Legis-
lature of Virginia was presented on Monday.
1t commences with congratulatory remarks on
the adoption of the new constitution, and the
expression of hopeful anticipations in reference
TO the organic changes which it involves.
The debt of the State on the lst instant was
about 81 ,92l ,03S, and it is calculated that,
under the operation of the new sinking fund, the
whole will be extinguished in thirty three
years. The estimates for the current fiscal
year show a deficiency Of s5lS,Sll, which
must be thrown upon the revenues Of future
years This deficiency, however, rests on the
suppostinn that certain per centagc on debt
will be set apart out of the revenue of this year;
but the Governor suggests plan by which it
may be reduced to 1921 ,S52, to be me, by
tax 10 be devised at the present sitting of the
Assembly. The State credit is described as
usually good.
The need of diffusing a knowledge of agri-
cultural science is dwelt upon as Of the utmost
! importance; and the great increase that has
taken place in the assessed value of land in the
| tide-water districts, consequent upon improved
culture, is noticed as a reason for encouraging
the same skill and enterprise in other parts of
/ the State.
The message solicits consideration Of the in
crease that has taken place in the number Of
| the free colored population; and, while depre-
eating harsh proceedings, suggests the adoption
Of efficient means to arrest the growth of the
evil. The last census shows an increase Of this
class at the rate Of 2 per cent; the increase
Of the white population has been II per cent;
and that Of the slaves 81 per cent.
A large portion Of the document is devoted to
an elucidation Of the various internal improve
ments Of the State, progressing or projected
and to the advocacy Of those which, though OF
great importance, yet languish for want Of aid
Railroads are the undertakings most minutely
noticed, especially those which, when com.
pleted, will form parts Of great lines Of commu-
nication, binding Virginia with other States.
The development Of direct trade between
Virginia and foreign ports is incidentally
touched upon in this connexion. While dis
posed to leave the matter as far az possible to
individual enterprise, Governor JOHNSON urges
upon the Legislature the adoption Of a policy
calculated 10 advance the object.
We quote the concluding portion Of the mes
sage, having reference to federal politics.
"Since the adjournment Of the last Legislature 10
thing has transpired particularly calculated to dis
turb our federal relations. The excitement grow
ing out Of an unwarrsntabe and unconstitutiona
interference by the General Government with th,
subject Of slavery, has partially subsidized, and il 4
TO be hoped that the agitation Of this subject viii
hereafter be avoided the restless spirit Of IA
naticsin which kindicd the flame will be discoun
tcnanced and peace and quiet restored to the pub
, lie mind. IT, in this patriotic and reasonable cS
peciation, VIC shall be disappointed, the most SC
rous apprehensions may well be entertained 70
the safety Of the Union, which has just passc,
through difficult and momentous crisis
} "Thc series Of laws passed during the last Con
gress, denominsted the 'Compromise,' we're un
equal and unjust to the South, and constituted jos
cause of complaint Bot regarding them as ful
and final setHement Of that dangerous and vexc,
question, (and in that light only,) tho southern
States very generally manifest willingness TO ac
quiesce-not because Of their justice or equality
but for the sake Of that Union, to maintain which
whilst under and controlled by the ,ortien Cons ii
tuition, every patriot would pledge his fortune hi
life, and HE sacred honor; ; but which, without tn
. Constitution, is worthless, and deseryee not IN
vencraton Of any. n it be true that thoso proyi
siona effect settlement Of this question be il 20
h it is what want To let us and il alone is al
VIC have contonded ever for and any effort to re-
open the wound or renew discussion upon tn
u subject should be frowned upon by every patriot
y whilst, therefore, proper regard for selfr,