Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1901-03-07
THE GOVERNORS ADDRESS.

Governor White opened his inaugural
address by expressing his deep sense OF
obligation and sincere appreciation OF
the great honor conferred by his adopted
State, which had been his home for two
decades. BY the election of an adopted
son, he said, West Virginia had pro-
claimed to the world that she has no in
vidiOus distinctions or Determinations
to make against any person who, In good
faith, enters into her citizenship and
gives his earnest efforts TO making an
honest livelihood and TO fulfilling the
duties of patriotic citizens.
Il believe in bipartisan boards and
minority representation thereon at the
same time having d majority represen-
talon with a practical working major
ity. Power equal TO the responsibility
should always be conferred. My en-
deavor shall be to secure the best posi-
bic membership for these boards of ad-
miniStration and TO promote their ut
most efficiency There is no room on
these boards for those who wish TO deal
directly with the State in furnishing
supplies for these institutions, or who
seek to appoint relatives to service
therein"
In regard to the rapid development
of the State Governor White said
'In the decade just closed our popu-
lation increased over % per cent and
we today have about 1000 900 people.
Our natural resources have been devel-
oped in an amazing manner. Our man
ufactorieS are many, prosperous ana
varied, and in iron, steel, woodworking,
pottery. glass, brick, wooden and refining
industries we hold high place. We
are the first in rank among our sister
States in production of oil and natural
gas second in coke almost, if not quite
second in coal and first in production
of hard woods.
unfortunately our taxation laws are
so crude and defective that, while our
population has increased one-fourth and
our actual wealth probably doubled IN
the past 10 years, the latter does not
show an appreciable increase on the tax
duplicate. Our taxable valuations OF
realty show but little gain under the
late reassesSment, and our personally
valuations are not gaining1 Something
is radically wrong when these condl'
tions exist We want to treat the de-
veloping corporations, such as railroads
and mining and manufacturing enter
prises, employing labor and building up
the State, with the utmost liberality
The work of developing is going on rap
idly and we want it continued until eV-
cry county and every mineral valley has
ample shipping and commercial facili-
ties. Without checking this growth by
restrictive or burdensome taxation, and
yet relieving, if possible, the burdens
On the modest home-owners and small
farmers, who in my judgment are taxed
more, proportionately under our pres
ent system than their more fortunate
and weather. neighbors, is a problem
calling for the exercise Of careful
thought and wise craftsmanship. In
my opinion the movement for tax
commission to modify our taxation laws,
to provide for equalization boards, both
county and State, with powers to raise
or lower valuations and equalize them,
is start on right lines. The Legisla-
ture just adjourned has taken the first
step in the right direction by providing
for the creation of tax commission,
The Governor says the problem which
the incoming administration will chief
ly have to deal with is that of revenue.
The establishment of many State insti-
tutions during the past few years has
involved very heavy expenditures, and
there is, therefore, "a condition con-
fronting us that will take al! the bust
ness judgment and forethought OF the
best minds of our Legislators and public
officials.
"A constitutional amendment to linn
it the irreducible school fund to 81 ,00O,-
900 meets my cordial approval, turning
as it does the available surplus and rev.
enue into the public school fund. The
State is spending yearly many hundreds
of thousands of dollars on academic and
higher education, but in my opinion it
is not doing its duty by the public pri-
mary schools of the State. | am not in
sympathy with that spirit Of enlight-
ened selfishness which prompts the
richer counties to object to helping the
little children of the State in the poorer
counties to longer terms of public
schools.
THE proposed constitutional amend
ment as to the fee system may be all
| right as far as it goes, but it does not
go far enough. IL takes little courage
| TO strike at two or three State officials,
and we can all unite in correcting the
evils of the fee system as TO them, even
without a constitutional amendment.
But is that the whole sum of our duty
! For twenty years have consistently
| advocated reforms in our fee system,
but these reforms should be extended
outside of the capitol building, as well
as include all within it.
''Of the future of our State, its posi-
blities, its growth, its great resources
and its high minded, intelligent and
patriotic people, would like to speak
al length, but time forblds. We are a
happy, a ooniented and prosperous
people. We have one of tbs best States
in the Union. With no public debt,
with low taxation with hospitable
hand 10 extend to all who cast their lot
with us as doors and workers, we look
proudly and hopefully 10 the future"