The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-03-14
MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

olution was adopted by the Senate and
transmitted to the Governor of the Common
wealth:
ssWhereas, the 9th section of tie 4th arti-
ticle of the Constitution provide that the Gov
ernor shall communicate to the General As
sembly, at every session, the condition of
the Commonwealth, and recommend to
their consideration such measures as he may
deem expedient'; and whereas no such COM
municaticn or recommendation has been
made; therefore,
Resolred, That it is the earnest desire of
this body to have the same, and the Govern
or is hereby respectfully and earnestly call
ed upon to respond 10 these consti tutional
requirements.
In response to this resolution the Governor
on Thursday, sent in a message which was
readsbefore the House.
In declaring his own consistency, he says ::
81, in the beginning, and have always said,
and now say, that the settlement OF the debt
is a matter belonging properly 20 the Leg
islature.' 1t borrowed the money, it is the
proper body to provide for its payment. In
deed. may state it more strongly: il is the
only body that can. But l need not say to
your, honorable body, that it must be done
within the bounds OF its constitutional limi-
tations; otherwise 1 might as well say that
the individual can perform his daily work in
neglect of those laws on which the tenure
of his life hangs.
Nothing that have ever uttered conflicts
with these sentiments. l have seen no occa-
sion to change. No new light has dawned
upon me to turn me from that line along
which lie the credit and prosperity of Vir-
ginia.'' ,s...r .,.-4s. rs.-
After contrasting the old Virginia with
the State of to-day, he responds to the reso-
luton as follows:
What, then, is the conclusion? How 90
we stand? Though the State has been shorn
of so much of its strength; though it has
passed through SO many crises; though her
people are so much impoverished; there is
the obligation of this debt; an obligation
not to be weakened by such pleas, whether
urged by act of the Legislature, or by Or
dinances of an organic convention.
If Virginia was rich as in the olden time,
would there be true man found within her
borders, who would even hint at getting rid
of the whole or any part of the debt? Pow
erty cannot effect the obligation of the con-
tract, however much it may affect its per-
Torrance. fF3 Efss 81.
If then. the obligation is upon us, OF which
we cannot free ourselves, and ought not to
try, if we wish to hold our place among ma
tions, what ought we to do? The answer is
very simple-make 70 futile effort to avoid
it-but in an honest, Straightforward, and
manly way, acknowledge it, and proceed to
meet its demands.
Recognize the claims of the creditors with
out distinction of class, putting them upon
the same footing as they were contracted
for a consideration which belong equally to
all, and the benefits OF ich the Common
wealth is now enjoying, and without which
it would be little better than wild wilder
ness. Then find the means to pay the il
terest, and in due time the principal. in the
only way it can be done-by the imposition
and collection of taxes.
Here comes in the trouble. We all know
that taxes are hard to pay there never was
a time when they were easy. And if high,
the burdens may be very grievous. do by
no means wish high taxes for in addition
to their burdens. as l have said in another
paper, they tend to hold back the prosperity
of State, and ''prevent the advent of CAPT
tai and labor But there are things that
are far worse for nation than high taxes.
I trust chat those who hold the destinies OF
Virginia, in their choice may save us.
To avoid high taxes as much as possible
let there be, in the administration of the
Government, ECONOMY, retrenchment, and
self-sacrifice." ReGuceits expenses to the
lowest possible standard, keeping in view.
however, such rates as will secure able, effi-
Gent and honest men to discharge its func-
tions. The whole session has been spent
most diligently in this work, and | doubt
not your committees have gathered for you
data that will enable you to carry on the
Government at the lowest rates consistent
with its efficiency and vigor.
When this is done, and there is still Il de
ficiency to meet the obligation, the question
will arise with regard to an increase of tax
alton. either upon the subjects taxed or by
finding new ones. As far as my individual
opinion goes, see no magic in the words
s'fifty cents on the one hundred dollars"
and think the people would not feel it, were
it little more or 2 little less. few cent
more would meet the demand, and not b.
felt by the individual, whilst the credit o
the Commonwealth would be preserved
Who will hesitate in his choice
But, if the rate Of taxation cannot be in
creased, are there not new subjects OF
which taxes may be imposed? Why can
not there be stamp tax? Why can no
church property be taxed? No one values
religion and its ordinances more than my
self. 1 believe there can be no solid virtue
and morality without them. There must b.
sense Of responsibility to make either goot
citizens or good men. The noblest lessons
OF thislare taught by religion; seated at thu
heart of society, it permeates it with its gen
Tie, DuG powerful luuucECeS. dlu, COilsO
quently in favor of churches, and in favor Of
throwing around their property the strong
est muniments of defence. And, therefore
would have them ''render unto Caesar the
things that are Cesar's"-and to come tt
the rescue in the time of the States extrem
ity-and vindicate, by practice, their noble
teachings OF Justice, honesty and fair deal
ing. The tax on each individual interested
would be but a few cents, and yet would
speak loudly in behalf OF religion as power
for good.
These are few new subjects that occu
to me, many Others doubt not will be sug-
gested by your wider knowledge. Let ev
cry source and subject of taxation be reach
ed to accomplish the object that rises in i'm
portance above every other matter of legis
ton. Know the property holders wht
have at last to pay the taxes, inasmuch al
the capitation tax remains constitutonally
the same. would. ltnOn moments reflec