Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1874-12-04
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

MESSAGE OF TIE GOVERNOR.
The annual message Of Gov. Kemper
was read to both houses at noon. We give
the following synopsis: The Governor
events (which import good, not unmixed
with evil to the future of the Com
monWealth." The year has been one
OF peace, and though exciting political
contests have occurred no single collision
between races or opposing parties has in
terrupted the general peace. But the ma
terial interests of large portions of the
State are still profoundly depressed. lii
many sections agriculture has again con
tended with unfavorable seasons and
proved unremunerative. The laboring
classes have not yet reaped the prosperity
their tolls deserve, and the growth OF the
cities and towns is retarded. A money
famine still pervades most departments OF
business ard they suffer the want OF Gil
culating medium sufficient for readily
moving the crops, while at the same time
the Federal government drains the State
by enormous revenues in the shape Of spec
ial taxes. But he is not without great
hope that at some future period near or
in view of its resources it will be
a great and wealthy State.
FINANCES.
Referring to the financial exhibit of the
State, he says that it becomes manifest
that "the most guarded economy in every
appropriation, and the strictest care OF
every possible source Of revenue are neces-
sary in order to carry the State successful
" through the difficulties of the new fiscal
year.
THE PUBLIC DEBT.
He is quite sanguine about the results of
the late conference with the bondholders
The English capitalists, he says. offer to
retire and recapitalze the newly assumed
debt Of the State i'll bonds payable in 80
years, paying per cent. sterling interest,
with stringent arrangements for compelling
tile payment. OF these arrangements he
objects to one-that is subiecting the State
to suit in the Federal Courts, Il this offer
is rejected, he thinks the Governor ought
to be empowered TO contract with other
parties to d similar end, and thinks rea~
sonable hope exists that such parties may
be found. He says the proposition Sub
stitutes new obligations which we can
perform, for existing obligations which we
;annot perform" He urges prompt and
decisive action Oh it.
TAXATION.
Herecommends q redistribution Of tax
alton, SO as to tax personally more III pro
portion with other subjects and putting
additional taxes Oh wines and liquors, and
he giving some department Of the govern
lnent the power to force the assessment
and collection of taxes by the local officers
many of them having even ''set at de-
Iiance'' the instructions Of the Auditor OF
Public Accounts. He recommends Sus-
suspension and court proceedings against
them.
THE BASEMENT INVESTIGATION
has, he says, disclosed All additional item
Of loss in connection with the late defaIc>-
ton IAN increase in it OF $500. He thinks
the system there is now perfect, but re-
the appointment Of ii Controlis.i
who Shall see that it is kept perfect.
PLAN FOR STATE BANKS.
He endorses plan offered by Treasurer
R. NJ. 7. Hunter for establishing State
banks, the Taxpayer to pay half his taxes
in their notes. The banks would issue
loans upon an equivalent value and ten
per cent more in State stock at its market
price the issue Of notes to be confined to
So .OCO 900: the notes to be funded in case
of panic, OF other emergency, in State
bonds. The establishment of such a bank
does not violate the u. 5. banking law and
would be of great relief to the people Of the
State.
RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION.
He recommends the passage of law to
prevent railroad companies from charging
nore for a short distance than they do for
he whole of the line, as, he says, they do
low in some instances. Ii the ordinary
legislation falls, he recommends the appli-
.ation OF criminal law.
PROTECTION OF SHEEP RAISING.
The Governor urges tie passage of law
or the protection of sheep from worth
ess and costly ours" and mentions the
heretofore E'indecisiHe and timid'' legisa-
ion on the subject. He recommends the
passage Of IA law creating fund i'll every
county, to be kept up by a liberal tax on
logs, out of which all losses Of sheep from
heir depredations shall be paid.
TIE CENTRAL WATER LINE.
A memorial of the James River and Ka-
lawha Canal Company, asking the au
5hority to mortgage its property to build
abroad 81 miles long to connect the canal
1t Buchanan with the @. 81 O. r. Il. at
Clifton Forge, is recommended cordially
~ the Governor for legislative sanction.
lie says the proposition in no wise con-
1cts with the policy which looks to the
of the water line by the Ma
5iOnal Government.
GOVERNMENT OF TOWNS AND CITIES.
He protests against granting indiscrimi-
nate charters OF corporation, some Of them
giving corpofators powers which are de
MED to the people at large, and cites the
charter Of the ''Potomac Land and I'm
)royement Company" as a sample. die
thinks the legislative power Of each NUM-
;ipality should be vested in two separate
boards, one elected by the people and one
oy the taxpayers, all acts to require the
CT both,
MORE AMENDMENTS 70 TIE CONSTITU
TON.
He recommends amendments to tie Con-
stitutiOn prohibiting the passage Of pri-
yate. sDecial or local bills by the General