Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-01-14
saoyERNoR,s MESSAGE.

ment of the last legislature has been so
short as to prevent the complete publica-
ton ofits acts, aud l beg to share your
regret that these statutes, al accurate
knowledge of which is so essential to the
progress of your deliberations, are un-
available for immediate consideration.
1t may be affirmed of peoples, as OF
individuals, that they must either ad-
vance or recede. The law OF change
has given TO us a new constitution, which
necessitates some new administrative
features in bur government. These
changes should be met by such legisla-
tive action al the provisions OF the con-
stitution may prescribe, and | respect
fully urge such legislation as Of first
importance.
A democratic form of government
plainly demands the direct voice OF the
people in the selection of all legislative
and chief executive officials. Such
direct expression of popular will now
exists save in the election of federal
senator's and the President. The denial
of this privilegein the choice of the latter
has been practically revoked by party
usage, for the people now as truly vote
tor the President as the electoral college,
which constitutionally elects. As re-
spects senators in Congress, an adequate
remedy is afforded in some of the States
by the primary system. No objection
obtains against a primary which does not
also obtain against a regular election.
A primary should determine the will of
the majority of a party's constituents.
In other words, the expression OF the
majority should control in nominations
by parties just as the majority of electors
control in a general election. But an
election of representatives or delegates
by counties or cities to legislatures, con-
ventions and similar bodies, which bodies
in turn, elect or nominate, is an evasion
of the primary plan. and thus the minor
ity is often enabled to override the major
ity-a result so indefensible in repubi-
can government. / therefore recommend
a general primary law, analogous to the
principles and methods OF general cleo
tons, operative upon the sanction of
party authorities, thereby permitting
the people to have a direct voice in party
nominations or elections.
The institution of a board Of charities
and corrections, with powers similar to
like boards of many States, is most earn
estly recommended. The cost would be
insignificant, and to have the enlighten-
ed cooperation of a body of this charac-
ter would be a powerful impetus in pro-
noting the humane and scientific admin
istration of our hospitals.
The new judicial system is not yet OPP
e%rative, but in the interest of the general
administration of justice | beg to recon-
mend some provisions whereby the attor-
ney general may have periodical reports
from each commemorative attorney,
giving the style of every cause, civil or
criminal, wherein the commonwealth is
a party, together with the disposition of
each case; if continued, the reasons there
for, and if concluded, the judgment
therein. This system wherever tried has
been productive of great benefits. BY
this means the people whe should be ac-
quainted with the administration of all
the departments of government, would
be enabled to know with what expedi-
ton the laws are enforced, and in what
proportion crimes exist. The increased
labor thus entailed upon the prosecuting
officer would readily be borne for the
public good; and the additional work of
the attorney general, incident to the
transmission of blank reports and the
tabulation of replies could be met by
additional clerical aid.
The new sources of our taxation dis
tinctly contribute to the adjustment of
the burdens of government. The in
creased revenue derived from corporate
property is very gratifying. The equal
izing of taxation has become an almost
insuperable difficulty, but it may be
affirmed that if all people and interests
share equally the burdens of government
our tax rate could be greatly reduced.
As an indication of the benefits of the
new system it should be observed that
though as yet but partially tested, and
at a reduced rate, our present revenue
from assessments made by the corpora
ton commission alone will exceed that
of last year by about $438, 900. Our
income in round numbers will approx.
mate 81, O00, 900 per annum, thus de-
monstrating the ability of the common
wealth to meet every obligation and to
provide for improved administration in
many departments. Yet at no time
should the Legislature more determinedly
practice economy than when a full treas
ury tempts expenditure.
Our indifferent public highways are a
hindrance to the growth our rural popu-
lation and a bar to immigration. The
energies of our people were long de-
voted to the construction of railroads,
which were thought to take the place Of
common roads. This, however, lisa dis
mistake. A systematic o n
struction and maintenance of public
roads should be begun in this State as
early as practicable. Our increased
revenue can afford appropriations for
the Inauguration of such q system,
which will bring untold material and
social benefits to the State.
l renew my recommendation for the
Improvement for the Capitol, together
with the suggestion that wings be added
TO the present building in accordance
With plans which have been submitted,
Of the departments are greatly in
need OF more space.
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