Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-01-21
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3 GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

, we nau given MS EXcellency credit f0r.-
Its style, tone and temper arc very different
from other papers that have emanated from
the same source. Indeed, no one would
recognize it as the production of the same
pen that indited the famous letter of accept
ance; and the striking contrast between the
two might lead some uncharitable persons
to suppose that it was not. The entire doc
ument, but especially that part oft in which
there is an expression Of opinion in refer
ence to matters of National policy, is doubt
less the work of consultation. For this rea-
son, we are gratifed to see that Gov. JOHN
SON scouts the idea of American interfe-
renee in European diffculties-a doctrine
which seems to find favor with his party at
the North, and is boldly advocated by two
of the most prominent aspirants for the
Presidency-Messrs. CAss and DOUGLASS.
However disposed the Governor may have
been, in times past, to unfurl and march un-
der banners, he has no notion of marching
under the banner of Intervention upon a
quixotic crusade against despotism on the
Continent of Europe.
In reference to the Compromise Meas
ures, Governor ]. takes the acquiescent po-
sition as occupied by his party in the late
election, at the same time that he denounc-
es them as unequal and unjust to the South.
Inasmuch as no expression of opinion in ref
erence to these measures could be extorted
| from him during the canvass, this dig at
them in the Message will be interesting to
the curious as indicating the position he
! then occupied, but would not define.
The stand taken by the Governor in ref
erence to Internal improvements is much
more decided than we had anticipated
His views are enlarged and liberal /; and if
carried out by the cooperation of the pres
ent Democratic Legislature will do more for
Virginia than the administrations of his pre-
deccssors put together have ever accom-
plished. AS many of our readers may not
have the time to examine the Message en-
tire, the following brief abstract will proba-
bly, be more interesting than any comments
we might make upon the document.
After abiding to the New Constitution
and referring to the duties of the Lesisla-
ture in putting the machinery of govern
ment in motion, the Governor suggests that
provision be made for the speedy election
and organization Of the Board of Public
Works.
He commends the agricultural interest Of
the State to the fostering care of the Legis-
lature. In proof of what may be done by
a proper encouragement Of this important
interest, he mentions the fact that the val
ue Of lands in the Tide Water District has
been increased, by individual exertion and
enterprise, upwards ofseventeen millions of
dollars in twelve years. The election of an
Agricultural Chemist is urged in this con-
nection.
Attention is called to the laws in relation
to Primary Schools & those ofhigher grade,
embracing the various Asylums are COM
mended to the continued favor of the 1egis-
lature-all being now in prosperous con-
dtion. The Banks are represented as sound.
The credit of the State is good; Stocks have
risen and the Coupon Bonds are thought to
be working finely.
The debt of the State was on Isl of jan
uary 1852, S11,921, O3S 80 to be extinguish-
ed In 81 years, which will require an in
crease of fifty per cent in the taxes. The
deficit in the revenue of the present fiscal
year will be $5l9,O00. The Governor re-
commends that the current interest shall be
paid on this debt; and that the Sinking
Fund shall be supplied out of the revenues
of 52-3.
The subject of Internal Improvement is
then entered upon, and the Governor very
wisely urges in the first place. that no money
shall be expended upon merely local works,
until the great leading improvements al
ready commenced are completed. His pol
icy seems to be to give all who have asked
every thing they want, but not to listen to
any more applications. He recommends a
continuance of the James River and Kama
wha Canal to Clifton Forge, or to the near
est point at which junction can be form
ed with the Central Railroad; the construc-
ton of Railroad on State account from
that point to the Ohio River; and that every
proper aid should be given for the speedy
completion of the Central Railroad to the
terminus of the Canal. He thinks there is
little doubt that the Alexandra and Orange
Railroad and the Blue Ridge Tunnel may
be completed, and the Central Railroad and
the Canal be carried to Clifton Forge, by the
time the Railroad from the latter place to
the OHIO can be finished.
The Virginia and Tennessee, the Rich
mond and Danvile, and the Southside Rail-
roads are in the Governors estimation high
ly important, and he recommends that the
means of completion be extended to all
He also thinks that, froma regard to her own
interests and in justice to the North West,
Virginia should hold controlling influence
over the Northwestern Railroad.
j