The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-01-02

/ 7 .
legitimate subjects Of taxation conform
ing to the same principles, and discrimi-
mating neither to its prejudice nor in its
favor: That the legal rate of interest on
money be fixed and regulated in accord
people That speedy provision be made
for payment of the semi-annual interest
now due to public creditors, and that
permanent financial policy be matured
and adopted which will obvate the neces-
sity for special legislation in this respect
in future: That the immigration system
be thoroughly revised and rendered eff.
cient, so as not only the better to induce
immigration, but provide for the reception,
care and protection of immigrants, their
cheap and speedy distribution, and salts
factory location in all parts of the state;
That the existing volunteer military organi-
cation, exerting wholesome influence to
prevent disorders, and constituting the in
dlspenable means for suppressing. them,
should they unhappily occur, be literally
sustained, and its extension encouraged ::
That such moderate appropriation be made
for the state board of health as will give
efficiency to its important operations That
the existing penitcntiary system be so
changed and reformed as to be made GER
tainly self-sustaining- avoiding, however,
by all practicable means, competition be-
tween the labor of convlcts and that Of
deserving mechanics and artisans, whose
interests should be carefully considered
and fostered: That the inappropriate and
needlessly expensive office Of salaried aid
de-camp, constituting personal staff Of
military character for the executive, paid
and on duty as such in time of peace, an
office WHICH decline to gill, be abolished,
and such provision made for secur-
ing needful clerical tsa assistance
in this Office as may appear to be
proper: That the Office Of superintendent
ofpublic buildings, of comparatively recent
origin as separate office, as such wholly
unnecessary, and creating a charge upon
the treasury excessively disproportion-
ate to the services performed, be abolished
and its duties devolve upon the adjutant-
general, or such other otficer as may be
properly designated for the purpose, with
such REIMBURSEMENT Of the salary Of the lat
ter officer as the increase Of his duties may
render appropriate and that each de-
partment and Office Of the government be |
rigidly inspected and scrutinized for the |
purpose Of purging the public service Of |
all unnecessary officers and employees.
The opportunity and duty are ours to |
inaugurate q new era of efficiency in the |
government. If the task of building up
the foundations Of a prosperous common
wealth be great. we have good sssurance |
that here and now it can be happily accom-
plished.. 1t was at an earlier period of her
growth that Virginia, after leading in revo- |
luton. in achieving independence. in found
ing a government of constitutional liberty, l
was still able to strengthen the young
yafor had freely anurtured, and to
more than imperial domain. With I
inspired our great forefathers, we have |
such as they were not called to endure
and the dire chastenings Of adversely
have fitted us to renew their virtues, and
our state. Let us rise above the contro-
versies and passions of the past. By
noble union of all the elements of her
strength; by promoting cordial relations
among ourselves and the resolute co-ope.
ration Of true men Of all classes and |
parties Of our people; ''by firm adhe-
and virtue" and by the wise and bold
use Of our great opportunities and re-
sources, we will more than restore the
pristine power and splendor of Virginia.
The best Of her possessions yet remain
Emerging from great disas-
tiers, stricken with sorrow, mutilated poor,
and stainless honor crowns her brow
still shining with courage and hope.
With great expectations, she now
turns to the representatives of the
people. NY unremitting and laborious CO.
operation will second your every effort to
advance the general welfare. And my
profouhdest desires, my sole ambi-
ton, will be accomplished in the glory of
the commonwealth. g ~ stesg
JAMES L. KEsPER.