The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1899-01-18


CHARLESTON, w. Va, Jan. H.
The Governors message. presented to-
day, is remarkable for its length.
1t opens with the usual excuse that
the Constitution demands that it be
written, and proceeds to the extent
of 25, 900 words.
He says the State University is a
good school, DR.. Raymond a good
teacher, and that he should be en-
couraged. The public schools, nor
NAL schools, colored institute and
deaf and blind schools are touched
briefly. A public library system and
commission to conduct 1t are sug
gested. The reform schools, insane
asylums ana asylum for incurables are
mentioned as being in fiourishing con-
dition. The board of agriculture oc-
cupies several pages of laudatory
comments, with only one practical
suggestion: the necessity for more
wisdom in road building and mainte-
nance. Much space is devoted to the
condition of labor and laws regulating
the employment of minors and
females are recommended. State ex-
aminers for stationary engines are
recommended, as is an eight-hour
labor law.
One of the Governors really wise
suggestions is for State Board of
Pardons, He says the population has
grown too large for one man to hold
the pardoning power, and the number
of applications is too great to allow
him to give them proper care and
consideration.
Special appropriations for cxtradit-
ing criminals, chaplain for the pen
itentiary, and provisions for "child-
rens' homes for orphans and INDECENT
children are recommended.
Concerning the Election Law, he
says:
1.-THE present election law needs
radical amendment. The purpose of
ballot is to aid the voter in the ex-
preston of his choice for public off,
GERS and upon public questions; but
the ballot provided by the law as it
now is, results in the practical dis
reimbursement Of hundreds of voters:
and these are by no means ignorant
voters. The method of preparing the
ballot is illogical. Reeounts by
county courts should be stopped, and
many other features of our present
law need amendment. / beg especi-
ally to call your attention to Senate
Bill No. 161, introduced into the
Senate of the last Legislature, as, in
the main, a wise measure. 1t was
very carefully prepared, and thor
oughly considered by several very ca
pable gentlemen. 1t is based largely
on the very excellent laws of Ohio
and New York. Among its provis-
ions are a simple and plain ballot, the
provisions for more parties on election
boards at each precinct, and at each
county seat, as well as the burning of
the ballots after they are counted
by the precinct election officers.
This latter provision will stop the re-
counts by county courts, which have
disgraced the State in the past"
The Governor offers page of argu-
ment against the laying up of money
to educate coming generations, and
earnestly recommends an amendment
to the Constitution, directing the dis
tribution of this large fund, in reason
able annual installments, until the
same is consumed. If this were done
it will increase the school period from
one to two months In every school
district within the State, and will
necessarily be of great advantage to
our children who are now of The proper
age to attend the public schools.
Concerning Constitutional amend
ments, the Governor says:
"That the present Constitution
badly needs amending is generally
conceded. The Legislature, at its
last session, appointed committe to
prepare series of necessary amend
ments, which have been carefully pre-
pared and will be presented to your
honorable body for consideration dur
ing your present session. This mat
ter is of grave Importance to all of
our people, and deserves the most SER
ious consideration at your hands"
The state geological survey has
been carried forward as expeditiously
as the appropriations would permit
and the Governor recommends that
the survey be completed as quickly as
possible.