Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-12-10
GOVERNORS MESSAGE
Gentlemen Of the SENATE and Houss cf Ode

e 81 g GOVERNORS MESSAGE = go
Gentlemen Of the Senate and 4lEouse cf DIE.
In entering upon the duties and RESPONSE
bilities Of legislation, the same great ques-
ton rises that confronted you at the begin
ming of your last session, and occupied you
in one form or another during its entire
term.1 1t is the question of questions for
Virginia, involving every other. There Is
not department. of the Government it does
not reach. There is not an operation, how
ever apparently remote or small its detail,
that is not directly or Indirectly affected by
its existence or discussion. As long as the
State debt continues unsettled there is an in
cubus upon the spirit and o clog upon the
movements OF Virginia. When it is settled
honorably and finally she will start upon
career that will not be unworthy OF her his
tory. u ~ 49, cf5, va ,,1s.g1 'i:ss ~.
Every day / feel the heavy pressure OF this
incubus and clog, and fully appreciate how
they impede the growth and prosperity OF
the State. Men coming from abroad, seek
ing homes and iuvestments in our midst, are
pleased with our country, but are driven,
away by the constant clamOr OF excessive
taxation on the one hand, or charges OF
threatened reputation on the other. The
the excitement Of debate, from the field OF
business where it properly belongs and
dragged into the arena Of politics-as il such
an issue was to be decided by mutual crimi-
nation and recrimination, and by the discus
sion, it may be aspersion, of private charac-
ter .-lss VOC naA ,,s 's,"s 9ae s3s iil.
Whilst this is going on in private life or
upon the hustings the State Is suffering. The
ignorant or misinformed OF our own citizens
are forming their estimate Of the real condi-
ton OF our affairs, notfrom facts, but from
prejudices, and whilst they want their State
to do what is right, from the declarations of
partisans they infer that she is poorer or
more careless than the truth would justify.
It can readily be imagined that the stranger,
without the same means OF information,
would form similar, if mot more dctriMen-
tai, conclusions. -
VIRGINIA WANTS CAPITAL AND LABOR.
She invites it cordially from beyond her
lines. She offers climate and soil and re-
sources unsurpassed. She extends the hand
OF hospitality and welcomes, and shows the
stranger how he can find home, with what
ever that word implies. within her borders.
This he admits, but offsets itwith the state
mentof the troubles and objections to which
have referred, resolved into the single but
powerful argument of the unsettled condi-
ton OF our financial affairs. 3
This is prevailing. Capital is timid, and
labor is anxious for the security of its re-.
ward. Neither is going where either is
Observation-Disclosures by the heavy hand
OF taxation or by the stronger hand Of vio-
lence.
Our State might increase in wealth and
power by the normal growth of her popula-
ton and capital. But this would require gem
erations, when brought in competition with
hnu cfcrnp Ckof1r Auov l~<s~ r..
OF the world, and striding with giant steps.
But let us have equal chances. Take awaythe
impediments to the advent OF capital and la
Dor and they will soon flow in upon us from
abroad. and, restoring our shattered fortunes,
place Virginia where Of right she ought to
be, and where she has always been-among
the foremost in moral influence and materia!
power.
Thus recognizing the Importance OF the
settlement of this vexed and vexing question
Tor the present and future Of the State, /
feel equally sure that it is not and cannot be
settled IN the field of angry political discus
son.r Figures and facts are in no way illu.
minated by passion and prejudice nor are
great moral and political problems solved by
personal abuse. Whilst the day OF settle
ment by such courses is postponed, and loss
incaiculable inflicted, in the end the fumes
pass away and the trouble is composed, Just
as it ought to have been in the beginning, by
calm and quiet and honest Judgment.
SO let it be now with us in this day of
great responsibility and of Virginia's travail.
Forgetting personal considerations and per-
sonal prejndices, let us, with single eye, de-
termine that nothing shall stand in the way
OF every honorable ef0rtto harmonic views,
thus securing conclusion which will re -es-
tablish credit and prosperity, and give.
A SOLID AND LASTING PEACE.
No future Legislature can reach this end
better, il SO we'll, as this. We will not, per-
haps, have one shortly Of superior personnel
or OF greater devotion, to the public interest.
At its last session, it is true, there was much
angry discussion and personal bitterness. -
This probably is unavoidable in such bodies
when engaged in the consideration of pro-
found and heartfelt questions Of public fame
and public policy, however much we may
disapprove of like courses in our more quiet
moments. But have no more reason to
bring the charge of selfishness and want OF
patriotism against those who differed with
me than feel that they have to bring the
same charge against me. On the great and
doubt not they formed their CONCLUSIONS at
ter deep study-conclnsio free from the
door OF any mean or unworthy motive. Il
have q right to demand the same charity and
expect it.,7fof 5g ISM ~ .,s,, t5ie9s.'-
But in addition to the character of this
General Assembly, collective and individual,
no future one ought to expect to have larger
or more accurate information. Not only
were they elected with view to its discus
sion, calculation, and settlement, but the
whole OF last session, lasting for over three
months. was entirely consumed in the con-
slderation, directly or indirectly, of the State