The Huntington argus. [volume] (Huntington, W. Va.) 1872-1905, 1872-11-30
Annual Message.
STATE or WEsT VIRGINIA. !
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
kCHARLEsroN, Nov. 10, lS12\

pie. Since the at Legislature adjourned
Constitution differing in many material
points from the old Constitution. has been
ratified 10y the people, and is now in force
Constitution is meant TO define and pre-
serve the rights Of the citizen in person and
property, Ia establish his equality before
the law, and to guard him against wrongs.
whether attempted 20 be committed By one
or many II so organizes society that each
may contribute his share to the general
sood,-not only without detrment. hut
with positive advantage, to himself And
IN so far a. it accomplishes these ends just
80 lar has 1t coniormed to the highest idea
OF popular government, in which all gov
-ern, and at the same time are governed -
1t thus becomes the expression OF peo-
pies highest idea of government aud social
order, and marks their progress in the
principles OF civil liberty and material i'm
provement 1t j. not matter OF surprise
therefore, that any changes in it are close
ly scrutinized and sharply criticised. and
that men who are attached, ilom habit or
principle, to old form, reluctantly Weld
their assent to new or unaccustomed ones.
Although, while the new Constitution was
under examination by the people, it provo
keJ warm aud sometimes angry discussion.
now that it has been ratified have every
confidence that our people will all yield a
cheerful obedience TO its commands. Its
ratification will impose upon Won the duty
and responsibility of giving to it shape and
vitality, by the enactment of laws neces-
+ary to put it in complete operation. In
the discharge of this duty, there will pro-
baby arise wide differences OF opinion. but
investigation and smicabe discussion al
ways tend to produce correct conclusions
la communicating TO you, As required by
the constitution, the condition OF the State
may not be permittep to express the hope
II at harmony may prevail in your proceed
i"ss, and that there may exist that for
hearance aud liberation which spring not
from timidity OF opinion or INDIGESTION in
Judgment, but which have their foundation
IN mutual respect and good feeling?
COUNTY ORGANIZATION.
One OF the first subjects thot will de-
mand your a,tentiou viii be the thorough
and complete reorganization OF county
governments. The destruction Of the town
ship system aud with it the board OF ,uper-
risors, aud the abolition Of the office, of
clerk OF the board Of supervisors and Of re
c0rdcr, have swept away almost all the ex
sting laws pertaining to the management
OF county or local affairs The establish
Inent Of The county court system, with IL,
office Of county clerk, will require a rc.;.
ION more or less Of all law relating 10 ruat.
tiers OF probate, the appointment Of person
al representatives, guardian. committees
and curajor-, the settlement OF their nc
counts, the rccoriu. Of deeds. road. ,qy.
bridges ferries AID mills, and also the lass.
relating to the holding of election. and ccr.
till.g the return, thereof The president
and clerk of the county court are non oa
iirer- unknown tp thc present laws. and
consequently, it will o., necessary to rrc.
scrioe when and hos they shall uualih -
10 wall also Dee Your duty 10 prescribe or
the several counties JLe times ut holIUo.
respectively the county and circuit courts
do not asrosatc o. my-of tie ms, oi
suggesting the form or character OF ly,..-
'aton upon the-e -ui iee'7 { -imp.y dc-.r.
20 cali attention To the necessity of prour,