Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1891-01-20
The eovernor.s Message.

Governor Fleming's message is
Quite lengthy and interesting docu-
ment. The Governor congratu1ates
the people on the marvellous develop
ment and progress of the State in the
decade just closed. He says.
.'Within this period CDR population
has grown from 61S. 457 to 762, 794,
an increase of 144, 337, or 1884 per
cent. OF the Southern States only
two exceed this per centage of in
crease. In 1880 our railroad mile
age was 691 miles; on the 1st day of
January, 1890, it was 1,343 miles,
an increase of 652 miles, or 50 per
cent. In 1880 the assessed value of
property was S156, 991, $40; in 1890
it is S187, 165. 353, an increase Of
$40, 179, 61S, or over % per cent
In 1880 the State produced 1885,
600 short tons of coal in 1890 the pro-
duction of coal approximates $685.
600 tons, an increase of 295 per
cent, or an annual average increase
283 per cent. In 1890 comparative
ly no coke was produced, 80 small
was the quantity we have no esti-
mate. In 1858 our coke production
was 516,911 tons. in 1889 it was
Cos, 1872 tons, and in 1890 it approx
mates 100000 tons. We have adj
vanced since 1880 from seventh to
fourth rank among the coal produc-
ing States of the Union and attained
to second rank in the production of
coke"
He recommends the appointment
of Worlds Fair commission to pre-
pare satisfactory West Virginia ex-
hibit, with fixed duties and compen-
sation.
The finances of the State are in
satisfactory condition, and the Gov
ernor, in view of the large amount
necessary to meet public needs Incl
dent to the growth and development
of the State, recommends great pru-
dence and economy in order to not
go beyond the revenue at disposal
1t is recommended that the law re-
lating to State banks be so amended
as to require periodical reports, made
under oath to the auditor and pub
lished in the newspapers of their
counties.
In regard to the re-apportionment
of Congressional and legislative rep
resentation on the basis of the CEN
sus of 1890, the Governor suggests
that it be on the basis of the present
number of Senators and Delegates or
such number not materially in excess
thereof as will more nearly secure to
each county her just share of repre-
sentation.
1t is also recommended that the
Ltatutes be amended so as to reduce
criminal charges, cheaper the admin
istration of criminal law and protect
the treasury from such wrongs rs
have been committed against it.
Attention is called to the fact that
West Virginia has no agricultural col
Iege for coIored persons, and neces-
sary action is recommended; and
that another edition of Warth's code
be contracted for, the present supply
being almost exhausted.
The Australian ballot system of
voting receives attention and it is
recommended that similar system
be adopted for this State, also that a
statute be enacted providing for Sc
verer penalties for crimes against the
purity of the ballot.
1t is also recommended that the
law requiring the privy examination
of married women in their acknowl-
edgement of deeds be so amended as
to require the same examination only
of feme covert as is required of a
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commends that the tax laws be amend
ed with reference TO certain classes of
property used and found within the
State, belonging to or claimed for
certain foreign corporations, and now
escaping taxation. In this connec-
ton Pullman cars, leased cars and
receipts of telegraph companies for
messages sent to or received from
points without theState are mentioned.
Important charges in the present
Laws in regard to delinquent and for
feited lands are recommended, and
in the laws relating to the appoint
ment of notaries public.
The matter of securing from the
State of Virginia land-books and other
records relating to West Virginia
land titles is mentioned and impor-
tant suggestions made in regard to it.
The educational institutions of the
State are in prosperous condition,
aud many important suggestion are
made, also in regard to the insane
hospitals, the penitentiary and the
reform school. as we'll as the school
for the deaf, dumb and blind.
Reasonable appropriations are re-
commended for the benefit of the mil
tia of the State, which is not in an
entirely satisfactory condition, owing
to the fact that it has been found i'm
possible, by reason of inadequte APP
preparations, to fully carry out the
requirements of the law.
In regard to mines and mining, the
governor speaks of the present laws
as being very satisfactory, and men,
tions that in the past two years the
number of fatalities have been COM
parativeiy small and that no pro-
tracted strikes or serious labor trou-
bles have occurred.
Appropriations for necessary re-
pairs and improvements to the capitol
buildings are recommended, and spe-
cial attention is called to the Berke-
~ Springs property, also to the West
Virginia Historical society and its
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