Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-01-23
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
In our last issue we briefly advertcd to the
biennial message of the Governor Of West
Virginia. On the outside of this paper will
be found in full the remarks of Governor
Jacob upon national topics. In his treatment
of State matters, as condensed in tho Wheel
ing papers, he discusses in detail the subjects
of road appropriations, giving his reasons for
vetoing certain bills of the last Legislature
making general appropriations for the repair
of certain roads and bridges. In brief, the
chief reasons for his action were that it has
been proven by experience that if taxes IRE
raised in tue locality where they are to be
disbursed, public expenditures are much
more closely watched and more judiciously
made. Again, if there was an unsystematized
distribution of funds for the construction of
highways, it would open wide door for clog
rolling" and the most expert man at this
business would secure the greatest amount of
money, whereby much injustice would be
worked.
He regards the financial condition Of the
State as satisfactory, but owing to the in>
crease of the delinquent returns the arrearages
Of Shcriffs and the failure on the part of tho
State, which he hopes, however, may only
prove temporary, to realize anything from
the amount in the hands of the Merchants
Bank of Charleston, he recommends for the
coming year reduction in public expendi-
lures.
In discussing the condition of tho various
public institutions Of the State, the Governor
thinks that no legislation is needed for the
Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institution, other
than the customary appropriations. The
Hospital for the Insane is in good condi-
ton, the accommodations having been in
creased, but unfortunately arc not yet suti-
cient for the demands, number of patients
being yet confined in jail, awaiting room in
the public asylum. The Governor suggests
that as many patients are received who are
incurable insane, that some other accommo-
dation BIO provided for that class, admitting
only those to the asylum who have hope of
being benefited by the course of treatment
pursued there, making the institution hos
pital rather than an asylum. The condition
of the University at Morgantown is NOS so
satisfactory as might be desired, the attcn-
dance not being SO large as in former years,
but accepts the explanation of the Regents
upon the ground of the long continued de-
preston in oil financial and business enter
prises. The Penitenuary having been COM
pleted and the izbor Of the convicts being
no longer required in constructing the build>
ing and walls, he thinks that institution
should be selfsustaining, and by proper
legislation should be made to yield revenue
to the State i'll the future.
The naked statistics presented in reference
to the condition Of free schools, affords SUBJ
stantial grounds of qualification that the cause
of education has progressed SO rapidly in our
young State under Democratic administration
The Governor finally offers suggestions on
the suhjec. of codifying the laws, and con-
cludcs as follows:
81 will soon surrender tho Office l now
hold-an office that has brought to me far
more of care, anxiety and responsibility than
of personal advantage. l will not attempt
to pass judgment on my official conduct; but
may be allowed to express the regret that il
has not been in my power to repay the gen.
erous confidence of my fellow citizens by a
larger measure of usefulness. AS private
citizen | shall not cease to feel the wsrmest
interest in all that concerns the good people
of West Virginia"