The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-12-05

serving civil process, enforcing eNecu-
tiohs, arresting Offenders. attending
forming the duties which belong pccu-
ltarly to their offices. Again, with the
taxes to collect and executions to en-
force. the sheriffs would hold q power
which might prove to be dangerous
Fifth--Crimnal expenses.
That the criminal expenses of the
State are too heavy must be admitted;
that they should be carefully considered
ana the pruning knife applied when
ever 1t can be done With due regard
to the enforcement of the laws. the
preservation OF order and the de-
mandS of justice cannot be questioned.
But this. as we'll as the proposed
changes before mentioned. can he fac-
complished, if desired. either by legis-
lat!ve enactment or by the people by
amendment to the constitution-eithe
Il safer and much less expensive mode
than constitutional convention.
State valuation.
y general re-assessment OF the lands
of the Commonwealth being required
this year. IL was feared there would be
Il considerable reduction in values and
a consequent failing Off in the reve-
nues This apprehension gave me deep
concern. for with II decrease in the
revenues to any considerable extent
there would be serious embarrassment
in meeting our obligations, and the
u. I
am, however, pleased to learn that the
reassessmcnt shows that there has been
an increase in our real estate values of
$1l,GiG.1g2 over 1890. and not decrease.
So that Virginia. despite the heavy
financial depression under which she.
in common with the whole country.
has been suffering for several years. has
gone forward and added appreciably
10 her taxable real estate values.
EinanclnI Condition.
Our treasury has been able to meet
promptly every demand made upon ii.
and there is no reason TO fear that loss
will be sustained by the dcfaication of
any who have been entrusted with the
collection of the States money.
Public Debt.
Little need be said in reference to the
public debt. IL has been settled upon n
basis honora BILE to the State and salts
factory 10. the creditors. and can con
ceive of no condition of affairs that can
arise to renew any contention over this
question.
Under the provisions Of an net ap-
proved January 81. 1884. holders of .
portion of the unfunded debt. who were
approved February 20. 1892. by their
failure to accept within the time pre-
Scrhad were permitted to accept the
terms of the last-ramed act. and the
Commissioners OF the Sinking Fund
were authorized and empowered to
place these holders on the same foot
inB as i! they had actually accepted the
terms of said last-namcd act within the
prescribed time. In pursuance OF the
power conferred ana as directed. the
Commissioners of the Sinking Fund
advertised for the reception of said
outstanding bonds for exchange. and
bonds To the amount of $l,!T4.0l794 were
surrendered and funded and. in lieu
thereof, new 2-3 per cent. bonds for the
aggregate sum OF sl,015,lS4.S9 were is
sued.
1t is well known that the United
States holds registered bonds of the
Commonwealth. In May, 1894 Il de-
mand was made for the payment OF
these bonds (aggrcgating. as stated by
the Treasurer OF the United States i'm
his demand. 55i0.000 principaD. and re-
fused upon the following imprcgnable
grounds, rs set forth in the letter
of y. W. Harman, Esq, Treasurer of
Virginia. TO Hon. D. II. Morgan, Trca
surer of the United States:
First. Because no appropria ton had
ever been made to pay them.
Second. Because the bonds We're is
SUED before the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of the
State of Virginia but no credit was
allowed for West Virgnia's "cquita BILE
proportion of said bonds.
Third. Because the Government Of
the United States is indebted to the
commonwealth of Virginia for ad-
vanccs made and money loaned during
the war of 1872, amounting, on the LIST
day of January. 1894. to Sl.596 022. o.
II Is a matter of record that for forty
five years Virginia has been demanding
payment of these advances and loans
and ever since the United States he
came the holder of the registered bonds
aforesaid Virginia has been ready to
give due credit for the same upon the
United States Indebtedness to her hut
10 the present time she has failed
to secure q settlement. One branch Of
the other Of Congress has repeatedly
but at different sessions. recognized Nir-
ginia's claim, and passed bills to pay
her Other States have been paid the
advances made by them. but Virginia
as patriotic and true as any, and so
liberal IN her territorial donations to
the Union, has been left TO continue her
demands.
would recommend that your honor
able bodies memorializc Congress for
an adjustment of the matters between
the United States and Virginia
West Virginia Part of State Debf.
By joint resolution of the General
Assembly. approved March G, 1894. en-
titled "a joint resolution tn provide for
adjusting with the State OF West Vlr-
ginia," &c. Il commission was created
and authorized and directed under
conditions specified. to negotiate with
the State OF West Virginia. This com
mission was duly organized, and, after
the conditions specified had been com
piled with. notified me that they were