Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-12-14

you that the higher schools and colleges
throughout the commonwealth are enjoying
an unusual degree of prosperity and in their
usefulness, are fulfilling the high expecta-
tions of their friends.
The reports of the rector and visitors OF
the university and of the board of visitors
of the military institute are herewith pre-
sented. These represent these institutions
as in hourishing condition, and promising
soon to meet the ANXIOUS expectations OF
the commonwealth.
By reference to these reports, It will be
seen that large and important addition has
been made to the buildings at the universe
ty affording increased facilities for the pro-
secution of the object of their erection
The building of this new edIfce has involv-
ed the institution in debt, and prevented
the application of funds to the repairs that
are necessary for the preservation OF the
other buildings, and for which it would be
sound economy to make immediate provis-
ION. The appropriation made for the erec-
ton of new and beautiful edice at the
military institute has fallen short of its com
pletion, and it is asked that the necessary
sum may be provided. There are at pres
ent thlrtv-two students educated at the uni
versitv free of charge. In migrating this
feature upon the system, it was intended to
select one student from each of the senate
rial districts. Those districts have now
been increased to fifty, and recommend a
similar increase IN the number of free stu
dents, and that one be taken from each dis
trict. For the same reason, again recon-
mend that the number of State cadets at the
military institute be likewise increased to
fifty, and that the necessary provision be
made for that purpose.
The deaf, dumb and blind institution is
in high state of improvement and the re-
port from that institution, herewith present
ed, is highly interesting. The science OF
teaching those so greatly afflicted, almost
relieving them of any sense of calamity and
rendering them agreeable and happy, de-
monstrates the skill of man and the progress
of art. / would especially recommend them
to your fostering care.
The Eastern and Western lunatic asy-
lums appear to be judiciously managed
and, desi gned as they are to relieve the al
Aicted, who are objects of continued SYM
pathy, recommend them to your constant
and kind attention.
| submit for your consideration the re-
port of the adjutant general, exhibiting the
condition of the militia, the public ordnance
and arms of the institutions connected with
the military force. The object of the law
abolishing musters and trainings of the Of
fcers appears to have been to preserve the
organization of the officers, to have the mi
litia enrolled, so as to ascertain their num-
Der and to encourage volunteer companies.
fear. that unless some alteration is made
IN the law, it will destroy all organization,
and abolish, except in the cities, all descrip-
tions OF force. Daily accounts have been
received of the disbandonment ofvolunteer
companies, and many of the certificates
show the election of officers by less than a
majority of their companies. Without en-
largng upon this subject, however, | would
recommend to your favor and fostering care
the volunteer companies, and the adoption
of such measures as will encourage their
establishment throughout the State.
The duty will devove upon the general
assembly of supplying the vacancy in the
7th brigade, occasoned by the resignation
of Brigadler General Samuel H. Lewis.
| again beg leave to call your attention
to the propnety of considering whether
sound policy and a just regard for the fl
nances of the State would warrant con-
tinuance Of the public guard and the pres
ent armory establishment. Without cast
ing the slightest imputation upon the Off
GERS and corps, whose conduct and efticlen-
cy deserve applause, could not the proper
ty thus employed be converted to purposes
which would confer far greater benefits up.
on the State, and at much less expense p
The subject is an important one, and is en-
titled to your serious consideration.
The report of the superintendent of pub
lie buildings asks for an appropriation to
make necessary repairs to the public prop
erty under his care.
submit also the reports of the weighmas-
ter of live stock and of the Superintendent
of weights and measures.
The bank returns, herewith submitted,
exhibit those institutions in a sound and
prosperous condition. The charters of most
of these banks will expire in 1857, and as
the legislature is now restricted to biennial
sessions, | deem it more than probable that
application will be made during your pres
ent session for a renewal of those charters.
This subject is not without its difficulties !;
but in view of the vast interests involved,
the question had better be met and decided
promptly. If we desired to retrace our
steps, and to dispense with all banks, the
experiment could not be made without Sc
riously embarrassing every branch of busi-
ness, and subjecting many OF our citizens
to heavy loss. And while our sister States
continue the policy of chartering banks,
their notes would take the place Of our own
which would only deteIiorate our currency
and contribute to their wealth. 1t is no
less gratifying to us than honorable to the
institutions themselves, that the state banks
of Virginia have generally been conducted
upon prudent and safe principles, and in
this respect forming an exception compared
with those of other States. This may have
been greatly owing to the many restrictions
that have been imposed upon them by their
charters and the laws of the State and
whilst it proves the wisdom and propriety
of those restrictions, it should admonsh us
10 continue them, together with any other
conditions that prudence may dictate, in a.
ny new charter that may be granted. Ex-
perience has abundanty shown that these
moneyed institutions csnnot be
too closely guarded to protect the public in
terest. Should the Legislature think proper
10 renew those charters, would recon-
mend that the mother banks be rechartered
with their present branches. BY doing so.
we shall be able to keep up distribution