Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-12-08
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES 8, 1850
The Governors Message.

such merits that everybody ought TO
read it. Nevertheless, we will make
brief synopsis Of it, mentioning tic
subjects which it touches.
Naturally, in the Governors mind
as in those of many other Virginians'
the debt question dominates all other
questions that are likely to come be-
fore the Legislature and accordingly
he refers to il almost before he had
properly come to it. lie stands by the
RIppLEBERGER bill, but also stands
by his message Of two years ago recon-
mending additional legislation to make
thst bill more effective. OF coupons
sl22. 900 less than the year before
were paid for taxes during the last
fiscal year. He makes happy refer
ence 10 the eleventh amendment, being
as he is in full sympathy with we might
say all the people Of Virginia on that
point. He no more than the Demo-
Gratis wishes to see his native Stgte
nailed before Federal tribunals. lie re-
peats the practical and sensible recon-
mendation, made by him heretofore,
that no coupon should be redeemed at
the treasury or received for taxes that
is unaccompanied by the bond to which
il belongs.
The Governor is sound on the oyster
question. Oysters valued at 100000
used to be stolen annually. Late le-
cislation has improved this, and $40, 900
have been collected under it, besides
protecting our oyster beds. The Board
is Landed.
Colonel MARSHALL McDoNALD's
excellent report-published by us last
Sunday-receives due notice. The
Governor recommends increased apDrO-
priations to this interest.
The military come in for merited
praise. The Governor would have
them treated more literally. The
phrase fear Of punishment" used in
this connection, seems to be trhe out
Of place. lie gives General MCDONALD
a notice he has earned, and suggests
rather than recommends the union of
the Offices Of lnspector-General and
Adiutant- General. Upon this last sug-
gestiOn we are not prepared to express
an opinion.
Agriculture, the basis Of all pros
perity and commerce. demands better
treatment than it has received hitherto,
and the Governor favors this. His re-
marks under this head arc worthy Of
being pondered seriously.
The New Orleans Exposition comes
in for mention at the Governor hands.
We are glad to know that the leading
exhibits are to be kept here in Rich
mond. next to the Office of the Commits
sioner of Agriculture, where they can
be seen at any time. The various rail-
roads entitled to the same receive
thanks, as do also JAMES Il. PACE,
ESQ.,, and Colonel RANDOLPH llARRl-
soN-all these in connection with the
New Orleans Exposition.
The peniientiary next receives the
Governor attention, and here we are
disappointed. We had hoped that he
would recommend some plan of getting
rid Of the competition OF convict labor
with the labor Of honest workingmen
1t is q pressing subject. There are il
this city thousands Of these meritoriou
mechanics who feel themselves person
ally wropged by system when pun
ishes them instead Of the criminal
which cuts down their wages by thi
compulsory competitions competition
not based on services, but strepgthene
as against the honest workman by tn
strong hand Of the Government. TIL
Legislature will not try TO shirk tn
duty Of correcting this evil. The'
woYkingmen are the very strength an
support Of this city.
The Governor speaks Of the hone
and efficient conduct Of the penitentiar,
Recommends a department for CORE
ton or reformation-and we "secol
the notion" There are tcchnic
fe!oDs that ought not to be forced
work and associate with real ielons.
In speaking of the charitable al
educational institutions Of the Stat
the Governor alludes to the method
appointment Of their directors, tru
tees, or visitors. The Governor Dug
to have he appointing power, says b
Governor CAMERON speaks for his su
ceSSor in this--not for himself. II
Legislature will probably adopt his l
commentator.
The Gov, rnor says the statute as
the Colored Normal and Collegiate |
s,itu,e, at Petersburg, ought to
amended, because, if for no other re
son. II draws the color line in requiril
6 out Of 7 directors to be colore
This, he says, ought to be LEFT to Il
appointing power.
The lunstic asylums at William
burg, Petersburg, and Maron are q
commended 10 the favor o. the Legi
lature, as are also the public schoo
and all the State institutions Of lear
ing, and the Institution for tie Del
and Dumb and the Blind.
The Soldiers Home is not fol: otter
There are Fifty disabled soldiers slrsad