The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-01-19

covernor Borcman's Message - Co.
xtusson and Ohio Railroad-Jener.
.on and Berkeley Counties ~ The
state Debt-Rcunion or tho Two
s,atcs-Claim Of the staunton Lu.
nattc Asylnm.
The commissioners appointed by tho last
legislature to take action under the "act
% incorporate the Covington and Ohio
railroad Company have not reported to
The Board OF Public Works or to me of
me progress they have made in the matter
committed to their hands. I suppose,
however, that they will make report to
thc Legislature. know nothing officially
Of their transactions, but have understood
;bat their efforts have not been attended
with the success that could have been de-
sired. This is a work of the very first
importance, not merely to the immediate
section through which il passes, or to the
state, but TO the country at large. 1T is
the shortest, cheapest, and most practical
HE route for arailroad from the Mississippi
Valley 10 the Atlantic. It's construction
,,ill omen up a section of country that
i or unsurpassed richness in all the mine
ral and vegetable productions known to
the land. l. the plan adopted at the last
session 10 secure its construction has proven
a failure. | trust that the wisdom of the
legislature will devise and enact some
scheme that may prove more practical and
successful
JEFFERSON AND BERKELEY COUNTIES.
On the goth day of December last re-
ceiycd notice that suit in equity had been
instituted in the Supreme Court Of the
United States in the name of the Com
monwealth of Virginia against the State
Of West Virginia, praying that court to de-
cree the counties of Berkeley and Jeflcr-
son to be part Of the territory and with
in the jurisdiction of Virginia. 1t is
claimed in the bill filed in the cause that
the proceedings by virtue of which West
Virginia exercises jurisdiction over those
counties were illegal, and therefore void,
and the court is asked, in effect, so to de-
clare.
Having understood that the authorities
OF Virginia were about to commence this
suit, anticipated the notice by employ
ing eminent legal counsel, who are giving
tie subject their attention, and will no
doubt prepare for proper defence on
behalf of our State; and / recommend
that you make the necessary provision for
deiraying the expenses attending such de-
fence.
STATE DEBT-REUSI0N.
In my message to the last Legislature l
recommended that commissioners be APP
pointed to settle with the State of Virginia
-. II .n al, nd lic
property but no action has been taken
on that recommendation for the reason, as
| understood that it would probably avail
nothing, inasmuch as, so far as was known,
the authorities OF Virginia had made no
provisions for such settlement. now re-
spectfully call your attention to this sub
Jet, and suggest that, in my opinion, it is
entitled TO your early consideration. And
in order that the State may be the better
prepared to meet any obligation that may
dcyolye on it in this connection, it may be
well to take action under that provision of
the Constitution directing the creation of
sinking fund for this purpose.
As connected with this subject, it may
be proper 10 state here that in March last,
q few days after the adjournment of the
Legislature, ! received an informal COM
munication from Hon. Alexander II. III.
Stuart. of Virginia, enclosing an unofficial
copy of a series of resolutions, which he
informed me had been adopted by the
General Assembly Of that State, providing
for opening negotiations with the authori-
ties OF this State with a view, first and
chiefly las understand them), Of securing
a reunion Of the two States; and secondly,
Of adjusting the public debt and fair di-
vision of the public property. He also In
formed me that he and others had been APP
pointed commissioners to lay these reSolu-
tons before the authorities Of West Nlr-
gina, and inquired whether the Legs
laturc of this State had taken any ac-
ton on the subject. l had not then, nor
have | since, received any other notice
of the adoption of the resolutions, or
OF the appointment Of the commission
crS. However, in answer IT, tins COM
munication l stated TO Mr.. Stuart that the
Legislature had adjourned without taking
any action whatever on the subject; that
had the commissioners presented them
selves here during the sitting OF that body,
they would no doubt have met with
most respectful and courteous reception at
the hands of the members; yet, In my
opinion, proposition for a reunion OF the
States would not have been entertained
for moment, but would have been re-
iected by the unanimous vote of both
Houses. also informed him that the
legislature was prepared TO take action in
regard 10 a settlement of the public debt
and division Of the public property, but
not being advised of any movement on the
part of the authorities of Virginia look
Ing TO that end, the matter was deferred
from time to time until the period for adj
journment arrived, and nothing was done.
This whole subject will no doubt come
before you at the present session Tor con-
sideration and action. deem 1t unneces-
sary to say much on the proposition for
rejinion Of the States, in the event that 1t
shall be made, as seems to be contempla-
ted. The will Of the people Of West Viz
gnia in regard to this proposition cannot
lie misunderstood and, in my Judgment,
the members of the Legislature, in reflect
ing that will, as we'll as in pursuing their
own convictions and inclinations, will
promptly reject it in the most unequivocal
and decided terms, and, in order to put an
end 10 this matter, declare that it is tbe
settled purpose Of our people that west
Virginia shall maintain separate State
existence.
CLAIM OF STANTON LUNATIC ASYLUM.
The Board of Visitors Of the institution
for the education Of the deaf and dumb
and blind at Staunton, Va, have caused to
be transmitted to me a copy of report
made TO them by the principal of the in
stitution, showing the number of pupils
therein Tram within the limits of West