Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1866-12-04
Virginia-Message Of Governor Peirpoint.

Virginia Message Of Governor Peirpoint.
RICHMOND, December 3--This was the day
for the regular meeting of the Legislature.
The members generally assembled. but no
quorum appearing in the Senate, both Houses
adjourned unti tomorrow.
The following is an abstract Of the Message
Of GOVERNOR PEIRpoINT
After referring to causes ior congratulation
and thanksgiving, the Governor says that all
the agencies provided for the enforcement Of
the laws are in successful operation, and no
serious disturbance OF the public peace had
occurred. The financial operations tor the
last year are transmitted, as we'll as the report
of the Treasurer. Taking 10 the income OF last
yearas basis of estlmate, there would be recelV-
ed for the year ending September, 1867, the sum
OF 81 ,22S, GIG 80, adding to which the amount
on hand Octouer LIST, 1866, there would be
81, 563, 2S6 81. He estimated the expenses to
October LIST, 1867, ct $4,000, which would
leave balance of 81 ,O53, 2SG Sc. There was
nothing so important 10 deVo'e their surplus
moneys to as the payment of the interest on the
public debt, the balance Oh which interest was
10 be paid, amounting to 81, los. 997.67. AZ
assessment on real and personal property OF
about 46 cents on the 100 dollars, making al
together 60 cents on the 100 dollars, would be
REQUIRED for necessary expenses.
there has heen soulc talk OF rcpudlatlng or
sealing the public debt No step could be so
prejudica to all future interests as the serious
discus3o of that SUBJECT destroying the out
side credit Of the State, and preventing the
influx of capital. Should such a step be
taken no gentleman would be anxious there
after to be recognized abroad as Qlrginlan.-
They might hope for a better harvest this
year than last, which would Danish the idea of
reputation West Virginia was to pay by
the terms of the division her fair share Of the
debt. To wait until the Commissioners should
settle the matter would be good policy.
The Governor recommended the sale by the
State of the stock in the James River Canal,
turnpikes, and bridges, and in railroads not
| effected ia the oyster laws.
| Criminal expenses were largely increasing.
| He pointed out in detail how to diminish them
and how the administration OF justice could be
| facilitated 1t was TO be regretted that the
State could not contribute more liberaily to
education 70 make the freedman a useful
member Of society he should be educated. He
vas gyatiGad to say that sums OF money had
| been raised in the North for this purpose, and
| that schools were in successful! operation. The
c0lor4d man abored under great disadvantages.
| When he mad az many Inducements to work as
| the white man, doubtless he would work. and
he was pleased to find that many Of the best
men seemed disposed to give him fair chance.
1t was very desirable however to induce foreign
emigration. He further recommended them to
correct existing abuses in the management OF
railroad companies, so as to reduce the rates
| to the lowest renumeratlve standard. ..
The Secretary Of State OF the y. S. had for
warded TO him a joint resolution Of Congress
proposing an amendment to the Constitution
them. The President had Gsapproved Of it
and insisted on the immediate admission Of
loyal Representatives duly elected Some
controversy had taken place as to what the
President meart by loyal, some claiming that it
was those who could take the prescribed oath.
The elections had however resulted in de-
cisive majority in favor of the Congressional
view An effort was making to induce the
Legislatures in some States to reject the Con.
stitutionsl Amendment, hoping to be more
successful in q future contest, but he thought
it very unlikely that such would be the result
The people Of the South should not be again
| beguiled by profcsscd friends at the North. -
The late elections showed that Congress was
supported by large majority Of the people
He thought there were no hopes of better
terms. No political status had yet been given
to those who had been in arms against the
| Government Congress had denied the as
sumed right Of the President to settle that
status. No disgrace could be incurred by ac-
cepting the proposed terms; they were not
nearly so hard as might be anticipated. Per
son and property we've sacred, and the right Of
suffrage was left to thcu-should they not
| accept the amendment the result was uncer-
| tain lie left the whole subject with them,
invoking the Divine blessing on their dcioera-
| tons. -