Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-01-15
WHEELING DAILY REGISTER THURSDAY, JANUARY IS 1891

public as shall authorize such appointments
to be made By the Governor only upon a
certificate from the Circuit or County
Court of the county wherein the applicant
resides. 10 the effect that he is OF good
moral character and competent 10 dis
charge the duties Of his office Despite the
exercise of great care, the Executive is
! frequently imposed upon and appoints
upon the urgent recommendation OF clu-
Gems of the State, persons to this office
wholly wanting in the necessary qualihoa-
tons
| would also suggest an amendment pro
viding that appointments hereafter made
be for the fixed term of five years, and re-
curing every notary so appointed to desig-
nate upon his seal, or in writing IN any
certificate signed by him, the date OF the
exniration Of his commission. Similar
provisions are in force in other States.
Perhaps il would be well 10 nix time IN
the future when the commissions OF those
heretofore appointed shall expire.
LAND BOOKS.
In obedience to resolution of the Legis-
lature adopted at its last session, nave
made inquiry relative TO the matter OF Sc
curing from the State of Virginia the land
books and records Tor copies thereof per-
tanning to land titles in West Virginia.
| believe the authorities OF Virginia Will
consent to turn over TO this state al COM
missioners' or assessors land DOCKS Tor
counties within this State, except such
counties as were formed from counties now
a part of Virginia; also the land books Tor
such counties since their formation as are
in the possession of the old State. The
Auditor OF Virginia has now no authority,
however 10 transfer TO US the desired rec
ords. Until such authority is given him
we cannot know Just which of the original
records can be obtained or which OF such
records must be copied, and without this
knowledge. of course, we can arrive at no
conclusion as TO the cost of the copying
that may be required. Possibly $4,000
would pay for the copying OF all records
wanted, the originals OF when could not
be procured, provided this State were al
lowed to do the clerical work. The cost
would be much greater II estimated al the
regular fees allowed the Auditor OF Nlr-
ginio for copying and certifying
1t is important that these records, or
transcripts thereof, be procured l rec
ommend that steps be taken TO bring the
subject before the next General Assembly
of Virginia in such form as would author
ize the transfer TO this State OF an such
original records not wanted by Virginia,
and the granting of the necessary facilities
10 secure copies of such others as contain
record matter of interes. to this State.
TIE CUMBERLAND ROAD.
Chapter 10 of the Acts of 1890 provides
for turning over to Ohio county so much OF
the Cumberland road as lies within this
State, conditioned, however, upon the
County Court of said county agreeing 10
assume the care and control Of the road,
which has been done. The Board OF Pub
lie Works is not charged with any duty
more onerous than that Of caring Tor TINS
road The Wheeling and Elm Grove rail
road runs much of the way on the road ped,
and owing to this fact questions are con-
stantly arising upon which the Board can
not act intelligently without going upon the
road. This is expensive and often taxes
from the Capital all the executive Omcers
at the same time.
I recommend that an act be passed turn
ing over TO Ohio county the maintenance
and control of the Cumberland ROAD ana re,
lieving the Board of Public Works OF al
care and responsibility with respect there-
to after a certain fixed date.
EDUCATION.
The reports of the State Superintendent
of Free Schools aud OF the Regents OF the
University and Normal Schools embrace
most thoroughly the chief features OF the |
educational work of the State in respect to |
both the common schools and the institu-
tons for higher education. The tables re-
Iating TO teachers, scholars, property, |
amount and sources of revenue, in the re-
port of the State Superintendent, contain
much information of interest and value. !
would ask the careful consideration OF all
subjects discussed by him looking to the
advancement of the educational affairs Of
the state.
From the tables which he furnishes
take the following data, showing oy com
parison the magnificent growth OF our pup
ic school system from 1870 to lS90