The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-02

associated officially as 7 have been with
each OF them. / can say. without resei-
walton. that they have diligently perform
ed their eXacting duties and guarded
well the interests OF the commonwealth
No State can boast OF better public OIL
GERS. / feel. too, that / should express
my thanks TO each and all Of them for
their uniform kindness and courtesy loo
wards me.
DEATH OF ATTORNEY GENERAL.
\ few months since the whole Common
wealth was shocked by The announcement
of the death Of Honorable II. TAYLOR
Scott, the AttOrney-General. As lawyer
he ranked among the ablest. as a citizen
he was sans peur ct sans reprOche, ana
as an official in his devotion 10 duty. he
has no superior in the history OF the
state.
have now concluded my last regu-
lar executive message. on the LIST uay OF
January next. my administration OF inc
affairs 81 this State will close, ana the
DISTINGUISHED citizen whom the people
have chosen as my successor VIII enter
upon the functions of his high Office. !
am glad that can surrender the relnS or
State government into the hands or "a
gentleman SO worthy. and one who Will
guard jealousy the interests, Weltdfe, anu
honor Of this historic Commonwealth.
I shall retire from official life with
heart full of gratitude FOR the many
hOn0rs that have been bestowed upon me.
and with the pleasant reflection that aIl-
ing my long period OF public service
longer. / think. than amy living citizen or
the Statc-cVcn the tongue OF my most
bitter and vindictive personal or polIi-
cal enemy. eyer ready no censurr. mas
never charged me with dcreliciiOn of duty
or improper conduct in any position u
have held.
And now. that the labOrg OF my gu-
tcruatOrial term are nearly ended. deem
"a
the dignifcd station J have occupied TOT
nearly four years. to render. throush the
medium OF this message. oriet account
OF my stewardship.
From the hour or my induction into
office [ have had constantly before mo
The constitutional injunction. iie 'lH'
GOyernor) shall take care tnd. the laws
t,o flffhflilv executed lu Che DISCHARGE
OF this trust, | have struck nara Az every
crime. every tendency 10 eN!-dolhs. every
menace TO the public peace ana every Haii
ger 20 the public morals. with inc loi-
lowing results; ,....
that ihad been haunting their brazeu
fronts and gneerng at moral sentiment
ana bidding denance 10 lawful authority
for years ......
,. 1he stamping out OF hoTae-race
gambling and priZe-nghtlnf. Wnicn were
bringing reproach upon our common
. The capturc and exiradition 81 near
ly every fugitive from justice.
T. The entire exemption OF virginia lh
.he years Of 1894 and 1875 from mob Nio-
ir1cc ~ ovory description. and the trials
Of al offenders by courts and Jurcs.
d. The reduction of the number OK
'yncmngs during my administration from
an average Of about nine l1l every Two
wears from 1870 TO 1891. 20 thrcc during
ms term - four years, and OF which 4
had no notice OF impending danger
o.. The preservation OF the right " til
a. la. NH|.H
n0iestation, and 20 work when they WISH
ed TO work without interference from IN
dividuais or organized bodies
T. The maintenance Of the liberties or
our citizens engaged in our mining DIS
tr!cts. guaranteeing to them perfect
freedom Of action i'm either continuing
or withdrawing nom their e'api'y-
ment
:. The exclusion Of non-residen;s from
our oyster beds and the preservation of
ne Siarc - properties that had been scf-
fering long from the persistent htpl ,nH-
tions OF people who pay no taxes ~ VIZ
ginia and are entitled TO none OF me Priv
.leges Of citizens.
M enforcement Of respect for The
law and State authority from the rOrdes
of moral lepers VINO had infested the
Virginia bank Of the Potomac river Cp-
poste Washington city FOR decade or
more making tlat part OF our 'efIit'iy
veritable pest spot
have also had constantly in mind me
declaration OF the Constitution that an
citizens OF the state possess equal cifil
and political rights aad public privileges
and ia the discharge OF my duties.
have made no discrimination. have en-
deavored to be, In fact, the Governor or
ali the people, without regard TO race
class or condition.
In the exercise OF the pard0ning power
like all my predecessors. as !mtSlne
/ have been most sorely tried, ana ire
ouently perplexed. The Executive ear is
filed almost daily with piaintlNe aPpeas
To- cI.n,ency. rae must be- exceedingly
cautious. so as 10 guard against IMPOSE
ton. al the same time he must take care
not 10 allow his suspicious 20 make him
deaf 10 a worthy plea.
80 sbonid have a heart 10 feel for an
others woe, yet not so tender as TO lead
him to set aside the laws stern decree