Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1877-01-20
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

Jacob sent to the Legislature on yester-
day and which we publish in full this
morning as plain, sensible document
and one which will be read with inter
est by the people of our State. Taking
it altogether We regard it as decidedly
the best state paper emanating from the
Executive office of West Virginia since
it has been State. Gov. Jacob treats
of matters of State interest with clear
ness and familiarity which an admin
istration of six years would give him.
hence his suggestions are to be well
considered and will be found to be
valuable to the members OF the Leglsla-
ture in shaping our future State policy.
The Governor sets forth his reasons for
vetoing the road bills of last session,
and while recognizing the advantages
of good highways, very wisely suggests
that the true policy would he to leave
all improvements of this character to
the various counties for the reason that
if taxes are raised in the locality where
they are to be disbursed, the public ex.
penditures are more closely watched
and more judciously and economically
expended. While on the other hand If
the distribution of road fund was left
to the Legislature, that bane of all leg
islation known as clog rolling, would
produce such irregularities in the distrl-
button of the fund, as to render it
practically of little value.
He regards the financial condition Ct
the State as satisfactory, but owing to
the increase of the delinquent returns
the arrearages of Sheriffs and the fall
ure on the part of the State, which he
hopes, however, may only prove tenn
porary, to realize anything from the
amount in the hands of the Merchants
Hank of Charlestown, he recommends
for the coming year reduction in pub
lie expenditures and thus keep the APP
preparations down to the lowest limit
practicable, and avoid an increase in
the State tax. The depressed state OF
business will readily enforce the sound
ness OF this suggestion in the direction
of economy upon the members OF the
Legislature.
In discussing the condition of the
State. the Governor thinks that no leg
islation is needed for the Deaf, Dumb
and Blind Institution, other than the
customary appropriations. The Hospi-
tai for the Insane is in good condi-
ton, the accommodations having been
increased, but unfortunately are not yet
sufficient for the demands, a 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 incurably
insane, that some other accommodation
be provided for that class, admitting
only those to the asylum who have a
hope of being benefited by the course
of treatment pursued there, making the
institution a hospital rather than an
asylum. AS some beneficial changes
may be made in this respect the atten-
tion of the Legislature is called to its
condition. The condition of the Uni
versity at Morgantown is not so salts
factory as might be desired, the atten-
dance not being so large as in former
years, but accepts the explanation oftho
Regents upon the ground of the long
continued depression in all financial and
business enterprises. For reasons which
appear very satisfactory, the Governor
does not endorse the recommendation
of the Regents for additional appropria-
tons for the purpose Of establishing the
additional Departments OF Jaw, Medi-
cine and Normal Instructions. The
Peuitentiary having been completed
and the labor of the convicts being no
longer required in constructing the
building aud walls, he thinks that in
stitution should be self sustaining, and
by proper legislation should be made to
yield q revenue to the State in the fu-
ture. The suggestion is a very true
one, that as long as the public treasury
can be looked to, the proper stimulus
will be wanting to make it self sustain
ing. The increase of crime and the
lawless hanging of certain individuals
in the southern portion of the. State is
deplored and very properly condemned
His suggestion az to the composition of
the boards for the various institutions
is sensible as well as fair. The COM
pliment paid to the city of Wheeling
tor the beautiful, commodious and well
arranged building which has been fur
nished the State free of charge is well
deserved, though it is reasonable to
suppose that there are those who do not
feel especially grateful to the Governor
for reference TO this subject. His re-
commentator for the abolition of the
Office of Janitor is a sensible suggestion,
as the State is too poor and times too
hard to keep mp sinecurc positions for
worn out politicians.
The naked statistics presented in re-
ference 10 the condition Of free schools
afford substantial grounds 1of gratitica-
ton that the cause of education has
progressed so rapidly III our young
State under Democratic administration.
One of the most important recon-
mendations by the Governor is in rela-
ton. to the revision and codiGration of
the laws. We have on several occa-
sions urged the necessity of the Legis-
lature taking some steps in this direc-
ton, and We are gratifed to see tine
Governor present the reasons for such
action so clearly and forcibly.
The Governor devotes considerable
space to the discussion Of Federal affairs,