Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-12-02
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER Z
The Governors Message.

The Governors Message
We surrender all our available space to-day
"a tbe message of Governor kemper, which
we publish 10 full. 1t is worthy OF the states
man from whose pen it emanates, and even
those who do not accord with all the sugges-
lions of the Governor, will agree that be has
presented his views with great persplculty ana
force. The message opens with comprehen-
siye glance at the condition of the Common
wealth during the past year. Blessed with
Astounding health; the people have yet had to
contend with adverse elements which have d.
miuished the crops, and with mooey-famlne'
which has hiudered trade, retarded the growth
of cities and rendered, IN many quarters OF the
State, the procurement OF the comforts or HE a
toilsome effort He refers to the report OF the
bondholders meeting for information as to the
details of the plans aud propositions tor the
adjustment of the State debt. He also refers
to the proposition of the agent OF the foreign
bondholders, and suggests that it no ADJUST
ment be made on the terms proposed, the Tx
ecutive be authorized to contract with other
parties upon terms not less favorable. He pro,
noses to change the present method OF assess
ing personal property and adopt one OF greater
simplicity. He favors tax on wioes and liquors,
and summary method Of compelling Sherltfs
and other collectors to press the payment OF
taxes He mentions q recent detaleauon and
suggests that in view of the different funds
into which the State finances are divided, a
comptroller should be appointed. He recon-
mends also provision for the issue of a State
currency, which will violate neither the FEEDER
al nor the State Constitution He refers to the
pending controversy relative to the Maryland
and Virginia boundary line, and in this connec-
ton mentions the recent troubles growing out
of the enforcement of the oyster law, and sug-
gcsts legislative action to prevent recurrence
of similar difficulties. He recommends that
notice by advertisement Of an application tor
the exercise of Executive clemency be made a
preliminary to all such applications. He tavors
hiring out convicts 10 the penitentiary sen
fenced to more than ten years Imprisonment,
and the abolition of the Board of Directors of
the Peutentiary, their duties te be performed
by other State officers. He favors cheap trans
portatioD urges that the law require no 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 re-
forms as to inspection of tobacco, he urges
protection to the fishing interest, the prohibit
ton of pound, gill and stake nets, fish welrs
and all other modes that diminish the supply
of fish, He favors the creation of a Board Of
Commissioners of Fisheries and the stocking
Of streams with fish. He tavors the encourage
ment of sheep raising by liberal tax on dogs
and the creation of county funds to pay tor the
loss of sheep By depredations of dogs He
urges that the James River and kauawha Ca
nal be allowed to mortgage the canal to raise
money to connect the canal at Buchanan with
the c. & 0. +. Il. at Clifton Forge By rail
way 81 miles oug With great vigor he en-.
forces the idea that private acts of the Legisla-
ture and special Interpretations are not only
great hndrance to public business but cootrary
to the equality ofright. which is the basis of
the government of the Commonwealth, adding
"What is done should be done by general law,
open to all without distinction He uses the
charter of the Potomac Land and Improve
uent Company, vetoed at the last session, as
text for a strong presentation Of his views
upon the arbitrary method of governing cities
aud towns, aud suojecting the property there
10 to the absolute will of the managers Of the
corporations He is Of opinion that govern
ments should be provided for cities 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 popu,
lation, and the other BY property holders. He
recommends the adoption of laws 10 CARRY out
the recent amendments to the Constitution,
and discusses other changes 10 the organic Law.
He discusses with mauline>s, vigor and ability
the current questions growing out of the Federal
relations OF Che State, and advocates the poll
CT OF right for the sake of right"
The New York Journal Of Commerce does
not think that the people of Georgia or Ala
bama need far the threatened migration of
IL 4. Il