The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-01-24

could be operated to mutual advantage
by having the two together. At different
times the number OF hands required IN
the stops and on the farm varies, and
it might be that with judicious manage
rnent that either one, when not pressed,
could supply needed he.D to the other
There are certainly strong reasons why
new buildings dlould not be attached to
the oid ones They would soon become
infested, and the torlure to the prisoners
would be rs great in the new cells as is
now felt in ttle cid ones. New and modern
cells that can be kept clean is one Of the
crying needs of the institution. The
ground upon which the buildings now
stand is valuable, and would SO far to-
a ct2sng2, If removal should be deenisd
advisable.
NEEDS INVESTIGATION.
This waoIe question could be thor
uuollIv disestcd, and certainly more sat
isfactory information could he oDtalned
by d committee than by the Legislature
in the short period Of its session, and
especially with SO many other matters
demanding attention. The same commit
tee might also take into consideration
the question OF making needed repairs
TO the Capitol, and arranging collNe-
nient Dlali Tor heating that building, -tae
Library and Executive Mansion The
necessity for these changes, and eSpec-
tally for the rcroofing of the Capitol was
urged in my last message, and / tank on
two former occasions by my predecessors.
Only those who have made a close in
spection of the building can form an
idea Of the pressing necessity 1Cr ANNE
aiate attention, and ] earnestly ask the
members TO realize before it is too 4atc
that something must be done II ne WISH
to preserve this historic structure so dear
40. M
mittce could also be empowered to dis
pose of or destroy the great quantity OF
old and useless publications, which are
endangcrius the building by their weight
and inflammable nature.
BETTER BUSINESS METHODS.
would also suggest tlat the LeSlS4a-
ture give consideration to providing a
more businesS-like system for the handing
of the finances OF the State and OF the
counties. and Il committee might be ap-
pointea to make suggestions along thiS
line There IS something wrong with
a system under which o.ii2lGls can get
far in arrears with the public funds, as
have occurred in many calntles OF the
State. and If the remedy can be supplied
by legislative enactment it should be
done without unnecessary delay. | might
also add that there is not tie same care
exercised in providing checks on some
of the State departments that a private
concern, aavlng due regard to business
principles. would rehuire. and while WehaVe
been fortunate in having officers whose
personal integrity has kept the state
from loss. still it behooves the people s
representatives to provide all proper safe
guards TO see that the public funds are
expended along the lines for which they
were collected.
DEATHS OF OFFICIALS.
Since the adjournment of the last ses-
sion of the Legislature the State has sui
fered by death the loss OF two of its most
worthy and distinguished officials Judge
John W. Rely. Of the Supreme Court OF
Appeals. died on the 18th day of August,
1900, and Hon. Josiah Ryland, Second
Auditor of Virginia. died October u, 1900
appointed Hon a a. Phlegar, of '-Iont-
eomery county. to fill the vacancy oc-
cagfoned py Judge Riely's death, to serve
till thirty days after the meeting of the
LEGISLATURE. and Judge John 6. Dew Of
King and Queen county, was appointed
to fill the uneNpred term of Mr. kyland-
Seldom has the State in so short q time
been called upon to mourn the loss OF
two men wtlo, by common consent, were
Acknowledged as so especially lifted tor
the places they filled. The well-rounded
lives OF these worthy officials, and their
high character, added additional incentive
TO choose worthy men to occupy their
places I felt that Judge PhleSar was pre-
euinently ttle man to succeed Judge
RELY, and / am sure that an inspection