The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-12-12

defray the expenses of the survey and es.
innate of the cost Of the work, it has done
nothing; and although aspiring politicians
may make this their peculiar and particu-
lar hobby, the only success which will ever
attend their efforts will be their own re-
tentlon of or Advancement to position
/ The government of the United States, in
my judgment, will never undertake the
completion of the James River and Ka
nawha canal It might lend the aid of
It's credit upon safe and satisfactory condi-
tioDs but eyond this am satisfied that
it will not, and really ought not, to CO.
Let the owners of this property (including
the State) transfer the title or all their
Interests to company of responsible gen
tlemen of established reputation for pro-
bity and financial ability, upon condition
that the work be completed, in satisfac-
tory manner, within a specified period, and
be thereafter used, within certain prescrib
ed limits, as to tolls and general manage
ment, and entertain no reasonable doubt
that a company of gentlemen, of the char
acter named, can be formed, and that,
when properly organized and in possession
and ownership Of the property upon the
terms and conditions just stated, that gov
eminent aid, if needed, could be obtained
in the way of guaranty upon the first mort
gage bonds of the company, to sufficient
amount to complete the canal. 70 this
extent, and this only, is there any real
hope of government aid in this enterprise.
While it is work Of national Importance,
and in case of war, under certain though
not very probable circumstances, might be
of incalculabe benefit to the nation, yet it
does not fall within that category of i'm
pravements which the National Govern
ment feels itself authorized to make ON it's
own account. It has within a few years
past been granting subsidies Of public
lands to aid in the construction of railroads
to the Pacific, but even this form of aid has
been discontinued, and hope forever. The
reasons which induced these subsidies do
not apply to this canal improvement to any
favor of this scheme have been worn
threadbare in the case of the Niagara ship
canal. the Illinois ship canal, and the Fox
river improvement, and other like schemes
I state these facts, not to discourage any
proper efforts in behalf of our great and
much needed water line, but simply to dis
pei the Elusive and fctitious,hopes and ex-
pectations which interested parties have
been sedulously endeavoring to Inspire
| The plan above indicated in my judgment
is the only one possessing even the germ Of
success, and the sooner we all concentrate
our efforts upon it, the sooner will our ex-
pectations be realized That the invest
ments already made in this improvement
in it's present condition are valueless and
that its completion is of vital and tran
scendant Importance to the people of our
State as we'll as the great valleys Of the
Mississippi and Missouri and Ohio no one
can question. The only subject of discus
sion is how it is to be accomplished. IF the
| Legislature will modify it's action Of last
Winter so as to cothe the commissioners
with full power to transfer this property
absolutely and without the delay which
might be occasioned by reference back to
the Legislature for approval I am hopeful
Of an opportunity within the next twelve
months of securing such combination of
private capital and ability as will UNDER
take and ensure the completion. of this
great improvement which has been the
dream Of our ancestors, and contributes
largely to the hopes entertained by our
selves.
REPORTS.
The reports Of all the departments of tn
government, Of our public and charitable
Institutions, and the State literary institu-
tions are herewith submitted to you. and I
bespeak for each one of them your careful
perusal. It will be gratifying to you to
note the thoroughness and completeness Of
| T. u. ~ Il
department and all our institutions de
sire to bear my testimony to the faithful
ness, efficiency and uniform courtesy Of al
our State officials. They have largely conl
tributed to whatever Of success has attend
ed the discharge Of my Executive duties,
and they are in no wise responsible for any
errors that may have been committed, [
trust that the General Assembly will
adopt the suggestion of the Attorney Gen.
eral, and | cordially approve Of the re-
concentrations made by the Adj't. Cen
eral The Superintendent of Public Print
ing exhibits in his report a gratifying re-
duction IN the expenses Of his department
| must again suggest the propriety of re-
lieving the Executive from the duty of ex-
aiming and approving the bills of this
department. From the nature of the case
such examinations must be superficial, and,
80 far as the present Executive is concern
ed, almost utterly valueless, duo to the
fact that he is ignorant of the value of ma
terial used and the work done by this de-
partment. Let this duty be imposed upon
some other officer more familiar with the
subject asss
A State Board of Health was duly organ-
lied under the act approved February 13sh
1872, composed Of eminent and learned ply
siciaus | commend to your careful consid-
GRAFTON the able report of this Board. It's
usefulness has been trammeed for want of
funds, and | trust that you will End it con-
sistent to make reasonable appropriation
for the use Of this Board The duties de-
VOWED upon it are Of the highest Importance,
and the small sum required to enable it to
discharge those duties with efficiency aud
satisfaction ought to be promptly appropria-
ted.
submit herewith the report of DR. W P.
Palmer appointed by the act approved April
Z, 1872. ''to secure the preservation of his
torical papers in the capitol building" The
suge estions therein made are important, and
meet with my CORDIAL approval.
| r