The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-12-14
Whole amount due

| There is no such arrears either for the last
or the present year. In short time, and
Without difficulty. the whole amount can be
discharged out OF the incoming revenue.
In disposing of this subject by legislation
submit that it will be pertinent to dete.m-
inc these questions: Is it not in conflict with
the design both Of the Constitution and the
funding act to collect any portion of the
school fund in tax receivable coupons? In
asmuch as the coupons are valueless when
| once paid into the treasury as part Of the
| revenue, and inasmuch as they had neither
actual nor prospective existence at the date
| OF the Constitution, could it have been the de-
sign Of that instrument to permit the colIec-
| ton OF the school tax in these or any another
funds except such SIS would be available for
the support OF the schools? In providing for
| this specific purpose ian annual tax upon
the State of not less than one mill nor more
| than 8 mills OH the dollar" does rot the Con-
stitution intend its collection in money OF its
available equivalent, and are we not bound
TO enforce its separate collection according
ly?
THE PENITENTIARY.
This institution is o:er-crowtlcd with con-
victs and the number increases. The result
is not due to an increase of crime but to fault
Of the law which ranks as felonies such Of
fences as ought to be punished summarily
and inexpensively as mis1emeanors. The
State is in no condition to build 4 new aud
larger penitentary at this time, and the rem
edy for the existing evil is I. revision Of the
law on crimes and punishments. That some
prompt action should arrest the continued
increase in the number of prisoners is d C.
manded by the strongest considerations OF
humanity as we'll az economy. Medical ex-
| perience teaches that one thousand cubic feet
of breathing space, with perfect provision for
ventilation, is little as can safely be allowed
each prisoner With just regard for the laws
OF health. Upon investigation and from ac-
tual measurement I have ascertained that
the inmates now within the walls Of the pell-
ilentiary are limited to an average Of about
| one-seventh OF the prescribed and needful
breathing space. This fact is understated in
the report OF the directors Of the penitentia-
| ry and correctly set out in the accompany
ing communication from the surgeon of that
institution. Such is the limit of sanitary. ae-
commodation now when several hundred
prisoners are hired outside. If tie absent
oonvicts were returned and added to the
number now confined within the walls, the
effect would be shocking to humanity. It.
is earnestly recommended that the necessities
Of this institution be effectually provided for
at your present session.
THE CENTRAL LUNATIC' ASYLUM.
The time approaches when the lease OF the
property new occupied by this institution.
will expire. 1t is absolutely necessary to de-
eide, without further delay. whether this prop
erty is to be purchased or a new asylum
erected elsewhere. Barely time enough re-
mains for building and equipping new asy-
lum before the expiration Of the lease. II de-
| cisive action in the premises be further de-
layed, the State may be placed under the
necessity OF purchasing the leased property
OIL the terms OF its owner. even if an exorbi-
tant price was demanded
THE TOBACCO INSPECTION Law.
This law has been subjected to so many
| changes. that not few Of its provisions arc
| inconsistent and incapable of efficient execu-
| ton. While it retains such provisions as
still subserve good and useful purposes, it Is,
beginning to resemble an edifice which is sub
jec.ed to successive acts OF demolition, in
some parts, and to incongruOus additions in
Others, until at last it loses symmetry, con-
| venience and usefulness. As tile law stands.
there are three several and distinct classes OF
| inspectors; one appointed by the Executive,
another by courts and Il third by the owners
| or lessces eli warehouses; while some of those
establishments are known as public, and
others arc private warehouses. That the re-
| quiyements of the law are in some respects
disregarded, and in others variousIy interprc-
ted and executed in different localities, seems
to be understood and conceded. Nor is it
| possible to enforce It's requirement so longas
/ the proprietors may shift the character Of a
warehouse, as well as the mode OF appoint
ing its inspectors, at will. Ii in any case a.
buses exist, and ii the Executive appoint A
new inspector pledged to reform them. the
! owners may thwart the attempted reform and
/ renew the abuses with inlpunity, simply nv
first closing and afterwards rropening the
warehouse as one OF different class. with
the original incumbent restored to his former
place.
The recent repeal Of the 59th section OF
the law has increased the difficulty Of execa.
ting its remaining provisions, and it has pro-
duced profound dissatisfaction amoung many
OF the people most concerned. Although the
repeal OF that section did not impress me as
eNpedlent, had no difficulty under the cir
cumstalices, in giving it my approval. Ithad
been subject OF controversy for several
years; pending its agitation another legisia-
tive election has occurred; and the new rem
resontatIves were presumably chosen, at leas,
III the tobacco growing districts, with due ref
erence to Il settlement OF the question. A de-
} clded majority OF the representatives TIM
chosen from those districts having concurref
' this conclusion seemed reasonable /,
, III the repeal if not unavoidable, that tn
i prevailing opinions among producers aud sci
i lers OF tobacco, as we'll as others. was in IN
5 vor OF that measure. Moreover. such
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