The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-12-05
LEES ANNUAL MESSAGE.
THE DEBT QUESTION MADE IT'S
LEADING TOPIC.

Peace, Prosperity and Plenty Would
be the Fruits OF It's Solution Its
the One Obstacle on the Road to
Prosperity - The Expenses of the
State Increased.
RICHMOND, VA, Dec. 4-The general
assembly Of Virginia convened here to-day.
Both branches reelected their old officers,
John L. Hurt being made president pro
tenn. OF the Senate and r. II. Candwell
speaker of the House. Gov Lee sent his
message to the legislature. II Is chiefly de-
voted to the debt question, and contains q
mass OF figures on that inexhaustible topic.
1t really is a reaffirmation Of the provis-
ions Of the :Riddleberger debt bill. He COM
mences by saying:
Public education has made great progress
The foundation OF the states seminares of
learning are broader and deeper eeem lsynary
institutions are accomplishing the ends for
which they were erected while the wheels OF
government are everywhere running smoothly.
The first subject to which I direct your at
tention, as II is first in Importance, Is the pre-
sent condition OF the state debt. This subject
should receive your careful consideration and
calm elaboration. It's solution brings peace
prosperity and plenty to Virginia; its agitation.
CATION TO all concerned IL is the one weight on
the wheel OF state which retards It's successful
revolutions
In my message OF Dec 2, 1887, I submitted
detailed statement of the annual expenses Of
the state. Since then these expenses have In
creased by the adoption OF the pension bill; In
creased by appro 9riations to asylums made
necessary by the lamentable increase OF lunacy;
to the agricultural bureau and schools as we'll
az increased cost OF criminal prosecutions, all
or which will be seen by reference 20 the de-
tailed estimates accompanying this message re
the present appropriations are continued, the
amount available TO pay interest upon any
settlement Of the debt viii be $500, ,250. In
view OF the financial condition OF
the state, as shown by a carefully prepared es-
innate of the receipts and expenditures 1t Is APP
parent that your wisdom will be taxed to pro-
vide for the payment Of the annual interest,"
should the act of 1889 be accepted by our cred
itors. Any careful examination OF the finances
OF the state should make II plain TO the cred
itors and people that the state is not now in
condition TO pay larger sum In interest than
that demanded by the present law
without increasing taxes. If, however,
the creditors are willing to propose
In a marked m inner from the principal
and interest as now recognized by the stete,
either for the reason that some Of the features
OF the present bill present insurmountable OBJ
lection, or because, In their opinion, equity
would demand the different classes of debt to be
funded into new bonds at different rates than
those laid down by the act OF 1882, or for any
other reason, / feel satisfied that such propo.
sitions would receive your respectful considera-
ton.
THE BOUNDARY LINE QUESTION.
He also calls attention TO the boundary
line controversy between Gov. jackson and
himself over certain oyster grounds, known
as Hog Island fats. He says:
feel that this general assembly, as well az
the corresponding body OF Maryland, now soon
to assemble. Will arrive at solution Of tho
question at ISSUE which will satisfactorily
protect, to all concerned, the interest of their
respective states. and not leave ripple Of rage
upon single wave OF the great river flowing be-
tween them. Virginia, by legislation, has sol
emnly asserted her rights to this water. IL Is
my duty, therefore, as her executive, TO protect
the property OF those who have leased it under,
the law have the honor 70 submit all the
papers In my possession bearing upon the sub
1ect.
In closing his message the governor says:
Besides the themes embraced In this message,
there are some other matters OF Importance to
the state, and OF which my four years Of ex-
ecutive experience have given me some knowt
edge. l hope TO be able to present some re-
fiections upon them In a brief message TO your
honorable bodies, to be submitted later.
The democratic members OF the legisla--
ture met in caucus Tonight, andscompleted
their organization. They decided not to
elect the heads OF the various departments
OF, the government until next week.