Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-03-25

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conversion of so much productive resources in
( to non-productive expenditure. IN view OF
( the fact that honor anl our Constitution alike
require us to assume, or pay, an equitable
/ portion Of the old debt Of Virginia, and of the
/ probable increase Of our public burdens from
this cause. it will be absolutely necessary that
or ordinary expenditures shall be reduced n
, the lowest amount that cur necessities VIII
permit That the State may promptly meet
all of its obligations, and the machinery of It's
/ government be kept in proper motion, officers
having charge of the collection Of public dues
must be required strictly and accurately to &C
count for all moneys with which they are
chargoable.
4 system Of public instruction has become
a part of the policy Of nearly all tic States Of
( the Union This will always require = con-
siderable outlay Of money, but it is believed
that system. simpler and better adapted to
the peculiar character Of our State can be de-
vise3 that will be less expensive and more sat-
isfatory I'm its results While can have no
voice in the imposition of taxes, il will be my
care 10 see that the money appropriated by the
/ Legislature from time to time, shall be honest
Is used for the purpose intended. It is most
dishouorablc to think that public money can
he controlled or disposed of with less caution
or care than we employ in our private affairs
PEACE AND HARMONY RESTORED DY TIE
LEGISLATURE.
The liberal and enlightened policy Of the
Legislature which las recently adjourned
looking to the full and complete enfranchisei
ment Of all the citizens Of the State, will doubt
less be received with lively satisfaction by
the masses Of the people For a long time
/ large class Of our citizens have been denied all
participation in public affairs. Much dssatis-
faction and discomfort have been the natural
result In our little State we could i'll afford
to spare the intelligence and hearty co-opcra-
ton of any Of our people in measures having
the common good in view. The passions and
ill-wjll aroused by the late unhappy struggle
in the country have passed away. With the
disappearance Of the last traces Of the unwiSe
political distinctions that have existed among
our people, will come an era Of good feeling
and harmony. which Will be fruitful Of the
happest results And | confidently believe
that tho5. who are thus cnfranchiscd will en-
ter with generous rivalry into that noble
struggle with their fellow citizens to secure
those ends which will promote tho highest
good. consider myself most fortunate in tho
belief that ,he aupicious results which are sure
TO follow this cnlracAscmont will be fully re-
allied during my term Of Office.
THE STATES RESOURCES AND IT'S FUTURE.
Our State is small it is true, yet its position
and great natural resources must in time at
tract TO us busy, active and eutcrprising pop
ulation. With two great lines Of trade and
travel from the Wcst TO the East across her
territory, the one in successful operation and
the other soon to take its legitimate position
among the great thorouehfrres Of the country;
with large and valuable mineral deposits with
the largest supply Of valuable timber in the
central part OF the Union; with soil that
Yields ample returns for the active lab
or Of the farmer; with almost unsur-
passed advantages for grazing and rearing
stool. sf OIL hi..i~, ,,u,l Wi.l scufal olinate,
our State must take no mean rank among her
sisters Of the Uaion.
riIIGBATIoy.
The increased facilities for travelling Of the
present day, have greatly stimulated immi-
grafton People readily abandon their old
homes aud seek new ones, with the hope Of inn
proving thcir condition in life. Europe annu- !
q l. sends to our shores thousands Of her people
whose labor and skill 50 largely contribute to
the national wealth; and yet how small pro-
portion of thom come among Us. Let us in
yite portion Of this immigration TO come to
rs, and join with us in laying the foundation
Of prosperous State. But TO do this we must
make il appear to them that it viii be TO their
interest to settle among u.s. Let this fact be
made clear 70 them, and the ioY Of pOTula-
ton will soon set in. Some Of tho more dense
Is pcoplcd States also contribute their share TO
the tide Of population that always flows west
ward. To the enterprise, skill, capital, and
labor Of such as these we also have large in
ducements 20 offer. Bat men in establishing
their homes look not only to the means of
acquiring a subsistence, or wealth, hut also to
the protection Of person and property afforded
by the laws the freedom and independence
in the modes ofthinking the means Of cduca- |
ton and liberality Of sentiment among those |
who are to bc their ncighbors. Surely it can
not be said that we are wanting in any Of these
things.
CONCLUSION.
During my term Of office, may have some
delicate duties to perform, and it is not unlike !
" that in their discharge I may at times err,
or commit mistakes In advance, I can only |
ask the candid consideration and impartial |
judgement ofall good citizens, promising simp-
ly on my part an honest and earnest effort 10
serve the State to the best Of my ability. And |
that may be enabled to do so, ! invoke the |
guidance Of the All-viso Ruler Of States |
whose sovereignty humbly acknowledge.