The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-02-14
The Grange Reforms.

think they VIII chanSe theil 1'o"'
The Grange Reforms.
We learn from the speech Of the Worthy
Master" Of the State Grange-Dr.- j. M.
BLANros-- the meeting Of that body. Mon
day night that sundry valuable reforms are
proposed by the order. He enumerated six,
which we briefly recite: 1st. Legal re-
straints on railroads. I'd. Uniformity in
handling and sampling tobacco by disintcr-
/ es,ed parties. Sd. Protection OF woo-grow-
ing by tax on dogs. 4th. A comprehensive
yagrant law that would make all work.
9Th. Chain-gangs for counties. 9th. To make
misdemeanors and petty larceny punishable
by sentence to the chain-gang. -"
The first reform is greatly needed. Ylr-
ginia roads have injured Virginia by dis
eliminating against her cities. There are
| great evils from determinations now main
tanned by railways. For years the Atlantic,
Mississippi and Ohio railroad had system
of express which cut Richmond of entirely
from the towns on that road. and particu'
larly from the rich valley Of Southwest
Virginia. New York, and Philadelphia,
and Baltimore had every facility OF trade
with that section, but the chief city Of Vir-
ginia (who built the railroad) was denied
such facility. Southwest Virginia did 4
great deal to build up the trade OF Rich
mond; but the moment the consolidated
line was formed from Bristol to Norfolk the
railroad determinations and obstacles that
followed steadily diminished our trade.
The transfers from the railway to the canal
at Lynchburg became so interrupted that
the canal was greatly crippled. We repeat,
our trade declined, and finally the express
business, which forms so large part Of
the trade Of the country, ceased almost ell
tirely between Richmond and the South.
west.
This express business was afterwards
patched up; but is still very unfavorable
to Richmond, and needs amendment. a
board of practical commissioners might do
q great deal for Virginia, not only with re-
gard to the line of transportation we men,
ton, but to others. :. .. .. ~.
| l.
nations adverse. to our commerce. Rail
ways built in the greater part by Virginia
are impairing the prosperity OF Virginia
towns when those roads exist by the liberaitF
and indulgence OF the State. We cannot hope
for the sentiment of gratitude from I" soul
less corporations" but our officers could
compel them to be Just. There is great
need for commissioners. Not one, but sew
eraI; and from different parts OF the State.
One commissioner might think too much OF
his own salary. ms
About the sampling Of tobacco, that re.
lates to business so very peculiar that few
outside OF it can understand it. There has
been world of discussion about it, and we
wish our tobacco friends would settle it to
their own satisfaction. .....
Tax on dogs-or rather the protection OF
the thrifty business Of sheep-culture-is 6
matter of very high State concern. We
have struggled at it for years, and we are
glad to see the State Grange rallying to the
cause. But we can assure the farmers that
it is hard work. The dogs are too strong
in the Legislature, We fear.
The fifth and sixth reforms are for the
chain-gang in every county, and the pun.
ishing of misdemeanor and petty larceny
with sentence to the chain-gang. This pro-
position is in the practical line, but would
have to be fenced in with iudicious limita.
lions. We should like to sec the peniten;
tiary relieved from the multitudes that are
crowded upon it. And the compelling
small criminals to work upon roads and
other public improvements in the counties
would be a good thing. ,.: IL. s.
| But we must put in a plea here for that
admirable tonic for criminals, the "whip.
plng-post.'' There is no better physic. II
will do more than any remedy we have
heard of to check crime: The idea Of Gap
pealing to feelmgs'' of hen-roost robbers
through any other medium is altogether alb.
surd. There is complaint Of criminal charges.
Some officer every year recommends that
each county shall pay its own expenses. The
best way to keep down these expenses isto
introduce the, whipping post, with proper
discretion. Lessen the days OF confinement
in Jail, and give liberal bulldozing at the
whipping-post. Let that policy prevail and
criminals will stcar clear OF Virginia. :"
The fact is, the penitentiary system is o
fraud. Punish the criminal at hard labor
for public good, or dress him over with the
lively ''porous plaster" and crime will be
brought within reasonable bounds. But
ease and abundance, light work, and "moral
suasion" are unavailing, and only render
the graduates in crime more plausible and
successful. 80 - ..l'
The reforms Of the Changers are mainly
good, and ought to succeed. The agricul.
tural community hold the power in the
State, and they ought to be able to control
legislation. = s&!z 90 ~
WILLIAM BARROW ALLEGRO died yester.
day at his residence, in this city, aged six.
ty-four years. His father, who was near
relative of ALBERT GALLAr1N, came young
to this country, and married a Miss BAR.
ROW, OF Charles City, whose name the sub
iect Of this notice bears. WILLIAM B. AL.
LEGHE learned the printing business, and in
big earlier manhood was foreman for Mr.,
R1TcHiE, the elder, III the Enquirer. He was
at one time partner with HIRAx HAIsEs, a
MON ~ oatyi,1c md a. moot, ~, The