Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-02-25
THE ROssLYN VETO MESSAGE.
Following is the text of the Govern
or's message vetoing the Rosslyn chart
er bill:

RICHMOND, Feb. "a.
To the Senate
Senate bill No. 1876, entitled an act to
INCORPORATE the town of Rosslyn, in the
county of Alexandria, is hereby return.
ed to YOUR honorable body, in which i:
originated.
1t is not unusual for bills to be pre-
sented to representatives, especially
near the close of the session, with the
request to have them passed as quickly
as possible, and often members them.
selves do not catch the full bearing of
the measure. Therefore, in stating
nv objections to this must be under
stood as making no criticism of its pa
tron, or of others who gave it their
support. Both the Senator and Repre-
sentative assure me that in their judg-
ment the incorporation of the town
would be the best means of promoting
good order at the place. 1t is con-
ceded fact that to have monopoly
of the gambling business in this section
would be of immense value. I have
given as much time as possible to par
ties representing both sides of the
question, and have read much Of the
voluminous matter that has been pre-.
sented for my consideration.
There are objections to this bill both
OF 81 constitutional and prudential ma
ture, and I feel quite sure, with proper
time for consideration, this bill
would not have passed either
branch of the General Assembly.
As to the moral or prudential rea-
sons, | need have but little to say. 1t
will be my duty to exercise to the fullest
every power at my command to sup
press lawlessness Of every kind
Whether or not it is the purpose of this
measure to create and shield from out
side interference a Monte Carlo" at
this point, or whether the parties desig.
mated as officers under this charter are
reputable or disreputsble characters, is
not question / feel called upon to dis
cuss or decide. Suffice it to say could
not give my approval to measure
where the slightest charge of unftness
is made, and especially when we should
give to this section men in every way
above suspicion 10 execute the laws at
such an important point.
The constitution, article VI, section
81, says: Gall regular elections for city
or town officers under this article shall
be held on the fourth Thursday in May,
and the officers slect shall enter upon
their duties on the first day of July
succeeding" while this bill requires
the election to be held on the Tuesday
after the first Monday in November.
1t is claimed that under section 20 of
! the same article of the constitution au-
| thority is found for this extraordinary
and UNUSUAL feature. Though I have
not been able to obtain the opinion of
the attorney general on this point,
| but viewing it from practical
standpoint. 1 do not think such
authority is conferred by said section.
Article VI, section 81, is the only one
prescribing the time when county and
town elections shall be held, and |
think it is mandatory provision. Sure
" this must be the opinion OF the Leg
islature when it is considering the ques-
ton of submitting an amendment to
the constitution for consolidating the
time for holding State and county cleo
lions. Isee no reasons why this town
should have the privilege of holding its
elections Oh another day than that pre-
scribed by the constitution of all other
counties, cities, and towns in the State
The code of 1887, chapter n, sections
1921 to 104S, provides fully for the
organization of towns, &C., and l can
see no reason for departing from it. The
proposition to legislate officers in this
town into office for period of nearly
four years, which involves the ignoring
OF four regular elections, seems to be
unnecessary if not unconstitutional.
During the time these officers hold their
offices the people will be taxed without
having a voice in electing the officials
who impose taxes upon them.
Except upon the presumption that
the people inhabiting the proposed
town of Rosslyn are totally incap-
able OF self.governnlent, there does
not seem to me any defens.
ible reason why the General
Assembly should foist upon them for a
term of nearly four years set of town
officers in whose selection they are not
permitted to have any voice, and Of
whose fitness the General Assembly has
had but little knowledge, and whom the
people of Rosslyn might reject under
the usual methods of popular election.
There is no clause limiting or fixing
the amount of salaries or emolument
that may be paid to these officers, and
the sole control of the funds of the
town is in their hands, to do with as
they see fit. This is certainly q dan
gerous power.
The Mayor of the town is to be ex-
officio q justice of the peace, and Of
course has Jurisdiction over all sums
under 500. The sheriff and consta-
bes of Alexandria county are forbidden
to exercise any of their powers or
duties within the bounds of the pro-
posed town. How could process be
served upon parties living in the town
when the amount in controversy would
exceed 800? Again, in case the
Mayor of the town should be guilty of
malfeasance or misfeasance in office,
before what tribunal could he be tried ?
Again, the bill provides that the town
may send its criminals to the Jail of AL
exandria county, provided the town
pays ell expenses of such criminals.
Suppose the town should have more
criminals than it has money to care for,
what would it do with the number in
excess?
This bill prescribes matters pertaining to
the incorporation OF the town, and at the
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