The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-12-07

the Agricultural and Mechanical College
at Blacksburg.
Seventh. We have increased the pen
sions Of the poor old veterans from S65,Wo
to 100000.
Eighth. We have increased the annuity
to the Soldiers Home from $4,000 to 10000.
Ninth We have assessed for taxation
all of the property upon the Military
Reservation at Old Point, amounting to
s2Sl 900 in value. which has never been
taxed before
Tenth We have made a written con-
tract for building a library. and a place
of safe deposit for the valuable records
Of the State: the building TO be- fire proof.
and TO cost Sl6l. 2iGl0 The money APP
propriated for its payments was $1,000.
4 want long felt, but the state could
not consider it while the public debt
was unsettled.
Eleventh. The penitentiary whlch
has been most onerous burden,
is now source of revenue TO
the State and has paid during the
present administration a net sum OF
twelfth. We collected in 1892
from the United States Govern
ment. Siis.1i452 Of direct tax for
portion of the people of Vir-
ginia and have paid it over for dis
tributiOn to those entitled.
Thirteenth The public schools were
never so efficient i'm instruction, nor so
largely attended befo'e, and the COLI
leges IF the State have not shown such
prosperity Stree the war.
Fourteenth. Our financial conji-
ton has been such as 10 en-
able US to return the arrear-
ages due TO the public schools. occas-
toned by the operation of the funding bill
Of 1871. with interest. and the appropria-
lions 10 them have been increased by
the sum of $1,000 annually.
Fifteenth. Without appropriation we
have saved sufficient money from the Civn
Contingent Fund TO put in thorough re-
pair the Mansion and the Capitol. We
have taken up the old wooden floors and
Vainscoting. and have replaced them
with Ioarble. We have painted the entire
building, and refurrished the public
halls with carpets. &c. and we have
turned into the treasury Of the State
more thaa the sum Of $4,000. being the
balan 70 of the contingent fund still TO
our credit for the fiscal year ending Sep
tember Both. 1893.
Amid lie financial storm which is
raging in the general government l
may point with pardonable pride 10
these evidences Of Nirginia's prosperity
as some things which have been accom-
plisha1 dwitg my administration.
Sia'e Ulcer. aud Assistants
] cannot close this message without
bearing testimony 10 the efficiency and de-
votion of the heads Of the various depart-
ments Of the government. and their ass
sstants 10 the interest Of the State: aud
TO acknowledge their uniform courtesy
and Kindness TO me. II there is anything
creditable I'm the management Of The
affairs Of the Commonwealth during ihe
present administration. due acknowledg-
ment must be made to each OF them .Or
their part in the good work: they deserve
the thanks of all for their faithful labor
"era ~ the e. ImmonVealtA and Tor I
their devotion TO her every interest.
cusi.,
-Four Of the best years Of my life have
been devoted exclusively 10 the State.
and, as / became acquainted with he
workings Of the government. and have *
amined into her great wealth and unde-
veloped resources. and the inestimable adj
vantages Of her geographical position.
her soil, her climate, her history. and her
1ie 90ie. + cannot rcpress the belief
that her future destiny is 70 be greater
than her past and that she will under
ie wise MANAGEMENT or her patriotic sons
attain the eminence she once occupied.
as the foremost state in point OF wealth,
population and influence Let as. with
iliai devotion. strive for the accomplish
nent Of this result.
=. w. Nick tNNEY.
Governor Of Virginia.