Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-12-11
GOV LEES LAST ANNUAL MESSAGE
LcoNr1NuRp FROM 1sT rAeE.1

But Virginia has not been remlss IN the
timely organization of higher institutions OF
learning or in according them reasonably
generously support. The reports OF the
current year show these institutions to be,
on whole. in more prosperous conuiIloh
than for some years past In some OF tnem
the number of matriculates has largely ln-
creased, especially during the past two
wears. The distinctive features of these instl-
buttons are readily recognized. The Uni
yersity of Va. maintains variety of literary,
scientific, and professional departments, or
| schools. The soundness and tboroughness
of the several courses of instruction, and
the high standard of scholarship uniformly
required for graduation, have justly placed
the University in the forefront of educa-
tional institutions. Additional facilities for
instruction, especially of a practical charac-
| fer in some of the scientific apartments,
would enhance the usefulness OF the school.
The Virginia Military Institute maintains
distinctively the military system IN It's gov
| eminent and discipline, and gives both
theoretical and practical instruction IN mill
tary service and tactics. In its other ed
vocational work it gives prominence TO IN
struction in science and its leading appllca-
tions. Such additional equipments as the
school needs will be brought to the atten-
ton of the General Assembly.
The Virginia Agricultural and Mechanl'
cal College is better equipped for It's spe-
cial work than ever before. The appropria-
tion made by the last General Assembly has
supplied the college with handsome brick
building with dormitories capable of accom-
modating one hundred and fifty students.
The organization on the premises of the
college of the experiment station provided
| for by the "Hatch bill'' will doubtless fur
nish valuable means of experiment and IL
Illustration of the department of agriculture
Additional facilities are needed in the Me-
chanicai Department.
The Institution for the Deaf and Dumb
and Blind with such additional outfit as it
needs, commends itself as it has done here
tofore to the kindly attention and fostering
care of the General Assembly.
There are now four normal schools, sup
ported in whole or in part by the State, OF
which two are for the education of white
teachers and two for eolored. The State
Female Normal School at FarmVille is the
only institution receiving an annuity from
the State applied to the education of women.
Its successful work for the past six years
has indicated the wisdom of the establish
meut. 1t has before it an encouraging pros
pect for usefulness.
| BV aCG Oh ASSEMBLY,, SCSolOu VI LOU OOJ
an appropriation was made to the College
of William and Mary on the condition that a
course of normal instruction aud training be
com bined with the collegiate course. Under
this act and in accordance with its provi-
sions the college was re-organized, and now,
in its second year under the new regime,
numbers over one hundred and seventy ma
triculates.
The Normal and Agricultural Institute at
Hampton, which receives one-third of the
income from the Federal Land.Scrip Fund,
combining as it does industrial with literary
and normal training, affords exceptional
advantages to the coiored race.
The Virginia Normal and Collegiate In
stitute since the completion and equipment
of its buildings ia in much better condi-
tion 60 accomplish the object for which il
was orcanized-the education CT cOlored
youth. Its patronage has materially in
creased. aud it's course of study and it's dis
cipline well maintained. Its judcious and
efficient management are entitled to COM
mendation.
Such special appropriations or such in
crease in annual appropriations as are call
ed for by these varions State institutes will.
| doubt not, command the careful attention
Of the General Assembly, and evoke such
friendly legislative action as the important
interests to be promoted and the financial
resources Of the State viii determine to be
expedient.
As closing remark On this general sub
isct desire to publicly recognize the i'm
} portant educational work done without cost
10 the State by our denominational colleges
and private institutions in various parts OF
the State The Miller Manual Labor
School, Of Albemarls county, is of special
interest, as illustrating the successful COM
bination of manual or industrial training
with the usual school work.
OUR CITI7EN soLDIERY.
Virginia has enrolled, armed, and uni
formed 2,786 volunteers. Of these 2,27O
are white and SIC colored. They are Or
ganized into fifty-two companies-forty two
of infantry, five Of artillery, and Ave OF
cavalry. OF the infantry companies ten are
colored. They are further organized into
one brigade of four regiments, which en-
braces all the white infantry companies az
cept one. the Richmond Light Infantry
Blues. The batteries of artillery and the
five troops of cavalry are formed into bat
talon of each arm. There are two addi-
tionai troops of cavalry almost ready to be
mustered III and several proposed compa-
MES of infantry. Ai the troops now in SER
vics are effectively armed and handsomely
: and comfortably uniformed.
The assistance given to the volunteers by
the State consists Of the proceeds of one hall
of per cant. of all her revenues derived
from regular sources of income except the
school fund. The amounts thence accruing
since the law has been in operation were
For the fiscal year ending October !, :,
1885 ;.'''''s102 90 ~
For the year ending october !, 1883 94O2 76
For the yesr ending October l, lSe9 9,64l ST
Total for 1our years. ..8l0,l80 SO
This is known as tia military fund, and
lis administered by board composed Of the
Governor, tho Adjntant- General, the senior
officer OF the volunteers, the Assistant III
spector- General, and the Secretary of the
/ Commonwealth. All the cost Of the mill
tary department, including the pay Of the
Adiutant. General, the Assistant Inspector
General, the State Armorer, the Secretary
of the Military Board, stationery, postage,
the printing of books, blanks, forms, orders,
&c, the transportation of officers TO iiich-
mond for examination, fTeighte, drayage,
ETC., come out Of this fund. The residue is
distributed among the companies for military
uses, on the basis Of officers and men pres
ent at the annual inspections, This distri-
button gave last gear 81 to each infantry
nlau and So to each mouGted man. ineiud-
, ing the artillery.
The State is entitled under the exis ting
law 10 receive from the United States Gov
ernment ordinance and quartermaster stores
annually, amounting in value to fraction
over $11, 900. How far this will go in
meeting the needs of the service Eaay be
estimated from the fact that, to arm and
equip company Of infantry of fifty men
cost s1,19154; troop of cavalry of equal
strength, 81, 031.2e, ana battery of artii
lew of four pieces ard regulation outfit
from So, 600 to 0,0O0
At the Inauguration Of President Earri
on on the 4th of March last seven comp&
MES Of colored infantry, under command o.
Major j. B. johnson, were present ana
participated creditahly in the grand parade
Of the day. AT the Centennial celebration
in New York, in April last, OF tie entrance
. inf cffiaa q tla Il cst fSrpgi.