Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1895-01-16
The Governors Message.

The Governors Message.
Gov. MacCorkle's message is a lengthy
and interesting document. Attention IS d.
rected to the boundless natural wealth ofthe
State, its splendid financial showing, the
satisfactory condition of the schools, and the
necessity for additional safeguards In the
election laws. He urges searching investi-
CATION of the State institutions, at the same
time believing they all are as well managed
as any in the Union. Referring to the pub
lie schools he Institutes comparisons that
are gratifying: In 1870 our school fund was
s929 500 90. general school fund was $685.
1902 In 1894 the school fund was $780,
676.SO and the general school fund was
$3.50 9l5.44 In 1870 the number OF school
houses was 2,l1S. In 1894 it was 1902. In
1870 the number Of pupils was l62, 4S2. In
1894 the number was 2S2,770. In 1870 the
average length of term was four months
and two DAYS. In 1894 i. was five months.
In 1870 the value of school houses and
buildings was 81 .Ol29 32. In 1894 it was 81
SIG. $50. In 1870 the average rate OF levy
for school and building purposes was 80 and
O6 cents on the SlOO. In 1894 it was 30 and
p cents. Three-ffths of the taxes is ex-
pended on the schools. lie has good word
for the Historical Society and recommends
an appropriation.
The Worlds Fair he thinks was Of meal
culable benefit to West Virginia, the exhib-
III. of this State there having attracted much
attention and settled our claim to superiori-
~ on a number of products The Governor
comments the proposed Baltimore Ceuten-
NAL Exposition, and recommends an apPro-
priation that West Virginia may be well
represented there. He believes injudicious
advertising as a means to progress. The
message is a comprehensive, business-like
discussion of the affairs of State. In con-
Guiding the Governor says; Il am well
aware that the difference in political faiths
between the majority Of the Legislature and
the Governor of this State, has been ex-
pected TO cause strained relations be-
tween the departments, and it has
been expected that l would interpose objec-
tions to legislation passed by the majority
whatever might be the character Of that leg
islation. wish to impress upon the Legis-
lature that such is not my disposition
Whilst holding vigorously to the political
doctrines of the minority, have long since
learned that all the patriotism does not liz
in one party to the exclusion of the other
and that whilst pursuing different paths
both are striving to a common end, the good
of the State. Knowing that my ultimate
aim in official matters is the good of The
State. and believing that the majority o.
the legislature has the same end in view
any legislation enacted by it will be looked
upon by me with the greatest respect, what
ever may be my personal views. If be-
lieve that such legislation is wise, and fol
the wellbeiug and advancement Of the State
il will be approved by me, and whatever IN
Auence may have will be exerted to it
full. free and honest execution. On
the other hand if believed that such leg
islation is not wholesome for the State,
shall iuterpose my objection, be it worth
little or much. Believing that the same
feeling animates this Legislature | cheer.
fully look forward to your work, and hope
tina, your labors will haze the effect of as
sisting largely in making this State the peer
Of her sisters in material prosperity anC
in the intelligence and patriotism of hel
citizens. 1t seems TO me that this task, fol
this generation, will be easy, as the State
has within her borders nearly everything
which can make a people happy, or a State
powerful No State will respond more rap
idly in material progress TO good Legislation
aud M approval or disapproyal of any ac
Of the Legislature will have for its sole OBJ
iect the welfare of our young, vigorous anC
growing state"