Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-12-06


At noon yesterday, the two Houses were
organized by the election of efficient and
thoroughly Democratic oficers-and are now
ready TO proceed diligently with their momen-
tous duties. The Senate was called to order
by Lieutenant Governor Leake, whose able
discharge of his official duties has given uni
versal satisfaction. In the House Mr.. Speaker
Crutchfield was unanimously reelected, and
acknowledged the high honor in a very appro.
pirate address, which will be found elsewhere.
An Italian sky welcomed the members yes
terday. May it be suspicious of the continued
good feeling and harmony which marked the
proceedings Of yesterday
The same journal makes mention Of Gov
ernor Johnson's message in the following
terms:
Governor Johnson's Last Message.
We devote nearly all our space to-day to the
admirable message of Governor Johnson, which
was laid before the General Assembly yester-
| day. We were glad 10 find that our own high
opinion Of its merits was fully endorsed by the
Senators who heard il read. The delay In
organizing the House prevented its reading
before that body. With a frank boldness the
Governor avows his opinions on the great ques.
tons Of the day-aad we feel satisfied that his
suggestions will generally receive the a~pproba-
ton of the peoples representatives. Upon one
subject we are sure, Governor Johnson's manly
and patriotic sentiments, expressed with dig
nifty and force, viii meet an enthusiastic re-
spouse from the Virginia Legislature. We
allude to the conclusion of the message, which
refers to the position of Virginia, touching the
constitutional rights of the South. We doubt
not that the General Assembly will feel the
full force Of the Governors views, and will act
with the wisdom and energetic forecast, which
have always characterized the official represen-
t~atives of the people of Virginia.
Governor Johnson retires from his position
with proper grace, and with a well-founded
consciousness that in the discharge of his de-
licate responsibilities, he has acted for the best.
| We feel sure that when his whole official career
has been thoroughly scanned, the people of the
State will give a tribute to his excellent public
services.
Not having room for the message, we
take from the National htetigencer of yester-
day the following analysis of it:
Governor Johnson's valedictory message
occupies seven columns Of the Richmond En-
quirer. 1t presents elaborate views of domestic
concerns, and congratulates the Assembly upon
the general prosperous condition of the State.
Its finances, however, are not in a satisfactory
condition, though the Governor says no appre-
hension need be felt that ample provision will
not be made to meet every liability. The total
receipts and balance in the treasury amount to
81, 1877 ,849, whilst the warrants drawn amount
ed to $2,l82,8 6S, leaving a deficit OF nearly
$40O, 900. The revenue payable will soon
meet the deficit. The actual public debt Of the
State is over twenty-four millions of dollars,
but the State is the owner of large amounts of
bank and other stocks.
"The Governor favors the prosecution of the
general system of internal improvement, from
which he anticipates good results. He gives a
view of the immense demand for agricultural
products of the West, and thinks Virginia can
successfully compete for that trade and travel
through her main th%oroughfares, her Atlantic
ports being nearer the great granaries than
any other on the coast. He favors also a
direct trade with foreign countries. He re.
news his invitation to give attention to the
long-neglected but a~ll-important agricultural
interests of the State, and recommends the
appointment of an agricultural chemist.
The subject Of education is dwelt upon at
some length, and the primary schools, as well
as the higher institutions, are commended to
legislative care and protection.
"The new militia system has produced an
almost total disorganization. Abolishing mus
terra has destroyed efficiency and placed the
| State in an almost defenceless condition-one
regiment of volunteers and a few companies in
some of the towns being the only reliance.
"The Governor discourses at some length
upon the banking system, the charters Of the
State banks being about to expire, and he sug-
gests various improvements. He also favors a
repeal of all laws on usury, thinking that the
value Of money, like all other commodities,
should be regulated by the demand and supply.
"The Governor renews his recommendation
foS the purchase of Mount Vernon by the
State; and, in regard to the value set upon it
by the proprietor, which might be deemed ex.
orbitant, be says:
"fIn the ordinary transaction of business it
might be true but who shall undertake 10
calculate the value Of the homestead and the
grave of Washington, with its ~primeval simpli-
city, or to place an estimate upon the thou
sand sacred recollections which crowd the
mind and cluster around the heart, in token Of
admiration for him whom all delight to honor
Dollars become dust when compared with the
inestimable patriotism inspired by a visit to
the tomb. Thousands will repair to this Anne
rican Mecca to pay homage to the illustrious
dead. But, however ready you may be to pur.
chase and pay for this property, that honor
has been partially wrested from you, and is
reserved for the noble purpose of adjoining the
brow Of female philanthropy. The Mount
Vernon Association Of Ladies have been zeal.
ously engaged in collecting the necessary funds,
and it is understood that q considerable amount
has already beep realized. They magnani-
mously claim the honor Of paying the purchase
money, and, with becoming modesty, request
the General Assembly to authorize the pur.
chase in the name of the Commonwealth, 20
that the title may be vested in Virginia and
the property be under her control and direc.
ton, with an assurance to all that the sacred
repository Of the mighty dead will be forever
kept free from possible pollution. Such appeal
from such a source will not be UNDECIDED when
addressed TO a Virginia Legislature.'n
"He refers also to the satisfactory progress
Of the Virginia Washington Monument on
Capitol Square in Richmond, and recommends
a further appropriation"
"Gov. johnson occupies several columns on
the subiect of intercouraa with atbar Ctato,