The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-12-12
sTAUNTON, DECEMBER II. 1889

The Governor in his discussion of the
debt question says, among other things
IF the present appropriations are con-
tinued, the amount available to pay in
terest upon any settlement of the debt
will be $500, 260.O8.n He then declares
that the State is not now in q condition
to pay a larger sum in interest than that
demanded by the present law without
increasing the taxes. II, however, the
creditors are willing to propose settle
ment which, while not departing in a
marked manner from the principal and
interest as now recognized by the State
either for the reason that some of the
features Of the present bill present insur-
mountable objections. or because, in their
opinion, equity would demand the differ
ent classes of the debt to be funded into
new bonds, at different rates than those
laid down by the act of 1882, or for any
other reason-I feel we'll satisfied that
such proposition would receive your re-
spectful consideration"
After q review of the history of public
education, the Governor says: 1.-THE Of
fetal records of the last four years fur
nish gratifying exhibit of it's continued
progress and present condition. The to-
tai amount expended in support OF the
public schools for the year closing July
olSt, 1905, was, LII TOu1u uuIuUcFS, Sl ,OSO,
600, an increase of $4,000 above that
increase of pupils in average daily at
tendance since the Governor went into
office is shown to be 10000. He recon-
mends special provision to maintain
the cash allowance to the public schools
from the State funds.
Referring to the insane, the Governor
says: 1.-The three asylums for white lu-
natics and the asylum for colored lunatics
are all filled to their utmost capacity,
and 200 white and 100 colored llnatics
are outside of the walls Of these asylums.
watched, guarded and cared for as we'll
as it 10 possible to do SO while awaiting
admission to them" He then recon-
mends some changes in the care of the
insane.
Under this head is the following: 1.-THE
subject of agriculture. la whatever as
pect it may be viewed. is of the greatest
Importance to the State, not only be-
cause the greatest number Of her citizens
are engaged in it, but for the reason that
its prosperity will materially effect the
success of all other interests. would
therefore call your particular attention
to the report of the efficient, active and
Jealous commissioner, as well as to that
of the Board of Agriculture. The i'm
portant subjects OF immigration, drain
age and roads. have all received intelli-
gent attention, and the remedy for some
of the existing evils will be presented to
your bodies In the shape of bills, requir
ing legislation, and l am certain they
will receive your careful attention and
the prompt passage of laws necessary to
promote the success of those engaged in
agricultural operations. The Depart
ment of Agriculture is managed with
Judgment and economy, it's whole cost
to the State for the past two years being
only %, 424.61, a sum insignificant when
we consider the great benefits to be de-
rived from the united and intelligent
action of those directing it. Prosperous
farmers make prosperous State, and
every suggestion which can promote
their interest demands, and I feel will
receive your faithful attention"
After enumerating the strength of the
militia of the State, showing an enroll
mant of 2,7S6 volunteers, he says all the
troops now in the service are effectively
armed and handsomely and comfortably
uniformed. The assistance given to the
volunteers of the State for the past five
years amounted to $40, 1908. Further
on he says: ITO properly adjudge the
value of the volunteer soldiers in time of
peace it should be borne in mind
1st. That standing armies too strong
to be resisted by the people have been
the invariable instruments employed for
the overthrow of the republican govern
ments of whose downfall history tells,
and with us. so long as each State MAIN
tains well organized and equipped
body of citizen soldiery. there can be 40
need nor excuse for great national army;
and
End. That no State can afford to keep
constabulary force sufficient at all times
for the preservation of the peace, the
property and the lives of its citizens