The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1874-12-09
DOMESTIC MISCELLANY.
The Legislature of Virginia

Met on Wednesday, December 2. Nearly all
the members of both Houses are present The
Governors Message and accompanying papers and
documents cover nearly two hundred pages. We
give an epitome from the Alexandria Gazette that
will enable our readers to understand the line of
policy approved by the Governor.
The message opens with comprehensive glance
at the condition OF the Commonwealth during the
past year. Blessed with Astounding health, the
people have yet had to contend with adverse ele-
ments which have diminished the crops, and with
money famine, which has hindered trade, retard-
ed the growth Of Cities and rendered, in many
quarters of the State, the procurement of the
comfort of life toilsome effort. He refers to the
report of the bondholders meeting for information
as to the details of the plans and propositions for
the adjustment of the State debt, and to the pro-
position OF the agent of the foreign bondholders.
and suggests thatit no adjustment be made on the
terms proposed, the Executive be authorized to
contract upon terms not less favorable. He pro-
poses to change the present method of assessing
personal property and adopt one Of greater SIM
plclty, and favors tax on wines and liquors, and
summary method of compelling Sheriffs and
other collectors to press the payment of taxes
He mentions recent defalcstion and suggests that
in view of the different funds into which the State
finances are divided, comptroller should be ap-
pointed. He commends also q provision for the
issue OF State currency which will violate neither
the Federal nor State Constitution. He refers to
the pending controversy relative to the Maryland
and Virginia boundary line, and in this connection
mentions the recent troubles growing out of the
enforcement of the oyster law, and suggest legis-
latlVe action to prevent recurrence of similar
difficulties. He recommends that notice by ad-
yertisement of an application for the exercise of
ha do foo oil
such applications. He favors hiring out convicts
IN the penitentiary sentenced to more than ten
years Imprisonment, and the abolition of the Board
OF Directors OF the Penitentiary, their duties to
be performed by other State officers. He favors
cheap transportation, urges that the law require
40 greater difference between local and through
travel than certain pro rata scale, and urges the
adoption OF the resolution for an inquiry into the
railroads OF the State, which was proposed at the
last session. After suggesting some reforms as to
inspection OF tobacco, he urges protection to the
hShng interest, the prohibition OF pound, gill and
stake nets, fish wires and all other modes that d.
mlnlsh the supply of fish. He tavors the creation
OF Board OF Commissioners of Fisheries and the
stocking OF streams with fish, He favors the en-.
couragement OF sheep raising by liberal tax on
dogs, and the creation of county funds to pay for
the loss OF sheep by depredations of dogs. He
urges that the James River and Kanawha Canal
be allowed to mortgage the canal to raise money
to connect the canal at Buchanan with the @. &.
U. X. K. at Clifton Forge by railway thirty.two
miles long. With great vigor he enforces the idea
that private acts OF the Legislature and special in.
corporations are not only great hindrsnce to
puzzle business, but contrary to the equality of
right which is the basis of the government of the
Commonwealth adding: What is done by gen.
eral law, Is open to all without distinction. He
uses the charter OF the Potomac Land and In
provement Company, vetoed at the last session. as
text Tor strong presentation of his views upon
the arbitrary method OF governing cities and towns
and subectlng the property therein to the absolute
will OF the managers of the corporations He is
OF opinion that governments should be provided
ior cltles and towns by general laws, and that the
legislative power In each municipality should be
vested IN two boards, one elected by the entire
voting population and the other by property hold
ers. de recommends the adoption of laws 30 carry
out the recent amendments to the Constitution,
and discusses other changes in the organic law
He discusses with maniness, vigor and ability the
current questions growing out of the Federal rela
tions OF the State, and advocates the polity of
" right tor the sake OF right"
SECOND DAY.
There was an animated discussion in the Senate
growing out of joint resolution OF Mr. Ragland, |
that so much OF the Governors message as relates
to the inspection of tobacco be referred to special
committee, to consist of three on the part of the
Senate and five on the Fart of the House. Its |
natural direction was to the committee on General
Laws The resolution was finally amended SO as
to increase the committee to seven on the part Of
the Senate and nine on the part OF the House, and |
agreed to by vote of &c to II. Mr.. Herndon |
then presented bill providing for the repeal of
all inspection laws in the State which was ordered
to its second reading.