The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-12-21

l
be enlarged. or new one erected. The West
ern has sufficient capacity for the accom-
mediation of over 300 patients. and the East
ern, with the receut additions, for about 275,
| The latter ask for an appropriation FOR still
| further enlargement. | cannot recommend
this or the enlargement of the Western.
pANlrENTIAKr.
! EDUCATION
! the success Of our school system, inaugu
rated under the laws pass by the last Leeis-
ature. has surprised its warmest advocates
| 1t conclusively demonstrates that our people
| appreciate the benefits and advantages as we'll
as the necessity, both in material and NOR
al point Of view, of education When pco-
pie oppressed with debt, just beginning to re-
cover from the devastations of war which
deprived some Of all, and all of portion of
their property, rally to the support Of a free
school System as our people have, no fears
need be entertained for the success of the
cause of education. The report Of the able
and energetic superintendent (Which | have
not been able to examne) will exhibit in de-
sail the workings Of the system. its wants, and
necessities. | haze entertained the fear that
possibly we were, under all circumstances,
/ pushing the introduction Of Che system TOO
rapidy-more so than the condition Of the
State and the people would justify, but I de-
voutly hope that my fears are unfounded and
that ways and means may be devised TO pre-
vent the misfortune Of check to its growth
and prosperity for the want 0 material support
The benefits Of the system are universal, en-
| oyed by all, whether they contribute to its
support or not, but its bar.hens rest mainly
upon property Now, it is but right and just
that all who receive aud enjoy its advantages
| should in some degree aid in its maintenance.
Our schools are now supported by tax upon
property and per- capita or capltaton tax
| of one dollar. But scarcely one half of this
Latter tax is collected, nor under our present
| Constitution and laws is it possible to collect
in its application to all our taxes, and if col
lectcd would yield half the amount NECESSARY
to be raised by the State for the support Of
| schools And am decidedly of the opinion
that it is not only right and just, but that it
is our duty to devise some means for the eff
fectua collection of this tax ard am also
of the opinion that it ought to be doubled in
amount. To this end / respectfully recon-
| mend the amendment of the Constitution SO
| as to provide for the levy aud collection an
nualy of capitation tax Of two dollars only
to be devoted exclusively to the support and
maintenance of schools, and prohibit any and
every citizen from voting at any election who
does not pay this tax. It would be the most
~ onllootad 70 i,npocod ,yn,l1 ~
a larger sum than our present pitation and
property tax. and would be constantly increas
ing from year to year. Thus property might
be relieved entirely from taxation by the
State for the maintenance Of the system. and
its burthens be more equally aid teaiiitably
distributed among its henefciaries. Ia this
connection | desire to speak of
THE CONGRESSIONAL LAND SCRIP.
1t is subject Ct regret to nue. that I did
not, Immediately upon the Organization Of
civil government in the State, proceed under
the act OF 1867 to obtain and sell this scrip
and invest the proceeds in State or other sol
vent bouds Had done So I believe bet
ter price would have been realized than is pos
sible now, and the interest on the sum CO.
tanned would have amounted to twenty or
twenty five thousand dollars But at the
time, however, | thought it advisable to re-
fer the subject to the General Assembly: and
by it authority was given to obtain the scrip
and hold it subject to the order Of tic Cen
eral Assembly. See joint resolution, 20.
l86s-7o.] Instead Of providing for the lnly
mediate sale OF the scrip aud the investment
Of the proceeds iu interest bearing securities,
the attention OF the General Assembly became
absorbed with the question as to what insti-
tuition or institutions ought to receive the
fund, and the result was chat nothing at all
was accomplished. The scrip is still on hand,
subject to the order of the General Assem-
bly,. and [ trust there will be no further de-
lay in its conversion into State bonds or other
six per cent. lnterest-paying securities. AS
to what institution it shall ultimately be Civ
en- can be determined atterward But 10 this
connection beg to reiterate the recomnen-
dalton made in MY message Of the 9Th OF
March. 1870, as fellows: Il would suggest,
as a subject worthy of the serious and pro-
found consideration Of the General Assembly
the propriety and feasibility of dividing this
fund appropriating one portion Of it to Chat
one OF our colleges which. in your judgment,
you may designate, aud the other portion to
college or high school devoted exclusively
to the education Of our colored people The
colored people Of our State are, equally with
the white, clothed with the elective franchise
In order that they may intelligently exercise
that right, the opportunity for education
! should, aa.l, under ou1 Constitution must, b.