Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-12
Gov. JAcxsoN,s nEssAaE.

& Gov. JACKSoN's message, which was
ssnt to the Legislature yesterday, and
appears elsewhere, in the REaIsrER,
this morning, Is very comprehensive,
husiness-like document affording the
Legislature and the people of the State
8 clear and complete view of the condi-
ton and wants Of the different depart
ments Of the State government.
1t is entirely free from verbiage or
any pretentioas rhetorical display, and
without any superfiuities or hobby-like
augmentation, il reviews the affairs Of
the government and plainly in
dicates the subjects requiring the
attention of the Legislature and makes
such recommendation as the Governor
regards pertinent and proper. cad
In some. respects the status Of our
public affairs is gratifying, while in
others it might be improved. The con-
dition of the finances is not satisfactory,
owing TO the fact pointed out by the
REGISTER and discussed during the
! last session Of the Legislature, that
q reduction Of the tax levy made
some years ago has resulted
i'm reducing the revenues below the ac-
tual necessary expenses of the Govern
ment. This reduction was made at a
time when the expenses Of the depart
ments were naturally increasing through
the growth of population and the ex-
tended needs of the several public insti-
tutions supported by the State. Instead
of reducing the tax rate it should have
been increased. And 1t is no surprise,
therefore, TO find the State driven 70
the necessity of borrowing to meet the
annual expenses. Such condition must
necessarily continue until the Legisla-
ture provides sufficient revenue from
taxation to defray its expenses. Ii was,
perhaps, vain hope upon which the
Legislature relied at its last session, that
more stringent and perfect assessment
laws would produce the necessary reve-
nue.. The fact Is that the tax rate
should never have been reduced, and
until the old rate is restored, the deficit
in the annual revenues will continue
and grow in dimensions.
Another imperfection in the revenue
laws is pointed out by Governor JACK
SON, in the fact that the sheriils are not
requ. red to make their first payment
into the treasury, of the revenue out of
which the appropriations are to be paid,
until the 10th day of January following.
Hence, when the appropriations for the
previous year are in excess of the rev.
enue, there is no balance in the treasury
tOmeeteurrent expenses of the new year.
This unnecessary and announcement pro-
vision of the law will doubtless receive
the attention of the Legislature, and
when amended will do much toward
relieving the pressure on the treasury.
The facts set forth in relation to the
Hospital for the Insane, are instructive
and important. 1t is seen that the num-
Der to be cared for in this institution is
largely in excess of that at any time in
the past, and moreover, the increase in
prices and the cost of living will make
the cost of maintaining them $3.50 per
capita where ii has heretofore averaged
$l.94 per capita per week.
The fact, therefore, which the mes
sage sets forth, that many of the class
of incurables, known as idiots, are adj
mitted to this institution, is a matter of
some moment, both from pecuniary
standpoint a well as from the consider
alton that the large building is scarcely
adequate to accommodate the insane
class, proper. Yet il becomes q prob
lem of some difficulty To determine
what to do with the former class, mas
much as common Jail is not suita-
bic haTbOr for them.
The Institution for the Deaf Dumb,
and Blind, and the Penitentiary are
shown TO be well managed and in q sat-
isiactOTy condition.
So also the operations of our free
Gah GNvEfnnN n
hibit of school work during the year,
showing rapid progress has been made
in affording to the children of the State
the means of Obtainining good sub
stantial education" There are a num-
Der of suggestions and recommendations
regarding the Normal schools of i'm
pOrtance.
The prosperous condition of the State
University is referred to, and some radi-
cal changes recommended; among
which the message suggests: From Il
careful examination of the subject, am
of the opinion that the University could
be rs efficiently managed as it now is
without the additional expense of q
President. The act of 1867, establishing
this institution, did not, nor did any of
the acts amendatOry thereof, in terms
provide for such an officer"
If this view of the act il correct, the
office of President, which has been rec
ognized as part of the organization
of the institution since its foundation,
must have been the creation of the
Board Of Regents, and is now within
the power of the Board to abolish. n
President has been at the head of the
institution since its foundation, until
the resignation of Rev. j. II. THOMPSON,
from which time Prof. ID. b. PURISTON,
has been acting as President. In lieu
of a President selected by the Board,
the Governor suggests that the
Faculty elect one of their
number as presiding officer during
the year and the offices of President and
Vice President be abolished. This plan
has been very generally discussed in and
out of the institution since the resigna-
ton Of Mr.. THOMPSON, and has its advo-
Gates and opponents, who are equally
pronounced in favor of and in opposition
TO the plan. Several other changes in
the government of the institution are
suggested by the message.
The Governor gives very strong rea-
sons for completing and supporting the
important provisions for establishing
and perpetuating the State Board of
Health.
He dismisses the subject of the inter
State debt with the curt declaration,
that "West Virginia owes no debt, has
no bonds for sale, and asks no credit"
Very important recommendations are
made regarding the militia force, the
West Virginia land titles, life insurance
companies and other public matters, to
which we may take occasion to refer
more particularly hereafter.
ppEcS np,NioNS