The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-01-07

10 the state. Self-interest, II no higher
motive. dictates that we spare no effort TO
tit for citizenship all upon whom we have
conferred It's privileges and responsible
ties.
MIXED SCHOOLS.
The question OF mixed schools calls for
no discussion. No class OF citizens de-
sires them, and am satisfied that change
in the present arrangement would operate
injuriously.
In contributing rs literally as Is consist
ent with our revenues to all our educa-
tional institutions Gor there Is no antago-
nsm between them. and all should be fos-
tered(, we are encouraged to hope that at
no distant day we shall receive substantial
assistance from the National Government
SUFFRAGE.
First in prominence upon the subject Of
suffrage Is the question whether the consti-
tutional requirement OF the payment Of a
capitation tax as prerequisite to voting
shall continue or be repealed. believe
that public sentiment Is overwhelming i'm
favor Of its repeal
The only argument advanced to sustain it
was that it would facilitate and insure the
collection Of the tax. The experience OF
five years since its adoption has proved it to
be failure as 4 revenue measure: but II
advantage were gained in that direction
regard the abuses and frauds to which it
has given rise as many times cOunterbalanc-
Ing any benefits, real or iancied. which il
possesses. In principle it is wrong and in
practice debasing. Other and better means
OF collecting the capitation-taX may be de-
vised without raising the flo0d-gates OF
corruption by making its payment condi-
tiOn precedent to voting.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.
| recommend a careful revision OF the
registration and election-laws. Many
years have elapsed since the system was
adopted. The question OF a new general
registration is one which, in my judgment,
calls for the attention OF your body, and
the present registration-laws are in several
respects unnecessarily complicated and diff
ficut Of construction.
In the interest OF full and free express
sion OF the popular will, | recommend a
rigid scrutiny and purging OF the election
laws, many OF the provisions OF which are
subversive OF the ends proiessedly sought.
The basis Of all republican government
is popular content and confidence. Both
are secured when the people are satisfied
that, having freely sought the ballot-boX,
their votes have been recorded and re-
turned according to the truth. Any SyS-
tenn which i 80 framed as TO admit doubts
upon these points must, whether it be hon
cstly or iraudulently administered, breed
popular discomfort. Elections should as
far as possible take place in sight OF the
public.
] would recommend the passage OF man.
datory provisions for the appointment Of
Judges OF election from opposing political
parties, with penalties attached for failure
in the appointing power TO observe the re-
qurementS, and permitting the presence Of
representatives Of each political party in
terested in an election while the vote is re-
cciyed, canyaSsed, counted, and certified.
RAILROADS.
OR people are alive TO the great benefits
in the way OF material development flow
ing from the presence in our midst, and
proper application TO public ends, OF the
capital and enterprise OF these powerful
corporations. Though the State has parted
with almost her entire interest as stock
holder in works Of internal improvement,
and is forbidden by the Constitution to
subscribe for any new work. every citizen
of the Commonwealth is still interested in
the railroads by reason OF their great in1lu-
ence for good or for evil. Nor has the
State lost either the right or duty.
while granting encouragement and rea-
sonable powers 10 these corporations.
OF throwing around them such guards
and limitations as will insure the
people against discrimination and eX-
tortiOn. The dangerous tendencies Of
combinations and mOnOpOlies call for skill
full yet vigorous treatment Care should
be taken not TO repreSs or retard and not
to encroach upon legitimate franchises; /;
but the government should demand and
enforce practical recognition OF the fact
that the paramount obligation OF railways
is TO the people OF the Commonwealth.
Ample power resides with the Legisla-
ture to impose such wholesome checks
upon the various lines Of transportation a.
shall secure fOr the producer and manufac-
turers Of Virginia proper rate and full Ia
cihticS, and guarantee TO the cities OF the
State those advantages TO which by reason
Of their geographical position they are en-
titled.
The experience Of other communities has
demonstrated not alone the necessity, but
the practicability OF such policy. ! urgent
w commend to the consideration of the
General Assembly the laws by which other
States OF the Union-nOtably, the States Of
California and Georeia-regulate the rail-
way administration within their borders; /;
laws which have stood the examination Of
the courts and survived the test OF expert
ment to the satisfaction OF the people, with
out injury to the railroads.
DEPARTMENT or AGRICULTURE.
In such examination a. | have been able
10 make into the condition OF the different
departments, the fact is apparent that mad
equate provision is made for the Depart
ment Of Agriculture. Ours is prominent
" an agricultural community. The history
OF past legislation in the State, strange to
say. shows that while our statute-boOkS re-
cord munifcent policy towards almost
every other interest, little or no atten-
ton has been paid 10 this our greatest
source OF wealth. The producers Of Nir-
ginia have certainly an equal claim
with any other class upon the consideration
OF the Government. While am not pre-
pared TO suggest the form or extent OF the
improvement which should be made in this
department. ! am satisfied that wider
scope should be given its operations. and
more liberal appropriations should be made
TO cover them. And in this connection as
directly concerning the interests OF the
landowners. | would endorse the sugges-
ton OF the Commissioner for the attach
ment OF mineral bureau TO this depart
ment.
CHART AlIE INSTITI IIONS.