Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-01-08
V|RG|N|A'S ASSEMBLY,
Both Houses of Legislature
Organized Today.
BYRD ELECTED SPEAKER
Edward Echols Chosen President Pro
Tenn. Of Senate.
GOV. SWANSON'S MESSAGE
Presented simultaneously in Both
Houses - Recommendations in
Matter Of Legislation.
BYRD ELECTED SPEAKER
VANSON'S MESSAGE

sSreclsl Blspatcn TO The Star.
RICHMOND. Va. January S.-Both
branches of the general assembly con-
vened today at noon. Lieut.. Gov. Ellyson
presiding i'll the senate and Speaker Rich
ard +. Byrd of Winchester in the house.
The attendance of members was very
large. and the galleries we're filled with
spectators. The morning hours were con-
sumed largely in the formal election of
the officers for the two branches named
in the caucus last evening
The message from the governor was
presented simultaneously in both bodies
and the reading was begun.
The message Is a comparatively short
one, and after it had been read the vari-
Gus subjects were ordered referred to the
several committees which have charge of
legislation on the points discussed. The
message opens with reference to the re-
duirement of the constitution that the
governor shall make recommendations ito
the general assembly. and he then takes
up the subjects in the order named.
He has exercised the right and power
given by the Constitution by demanding
of state institutions and officers quar-
terry reports. and this, he declares, has
been productive of much good as he has
been enabled 10 keep in touch with the
actual operations of all of them. and is
convinced that all are being conducted as
required by law and the funds appro-
priated for their support and maintenance
carefully. economically and honestly ad-
ministered. He says he is convinced that
no state has better. more efficient and
upright men than those to be found at
this time in Virginia, and this commenda-
ton he extends to the officers and heads
of the states institutions.
Gov. Swanson's Address.
Gov swanson's message sets forth that
the financial affairs of the state are
most favorable. The surplus in the
treasury is S726.573 The auditors esti-
mate of receipts for next year is 81
'a3I.55S Because. however. the resources
of the treasury are abundant. there is no
occasion for reckless extravaganza" says
the governor, and he urged the necessity
for economy. He says that the annual
surplus should be used to further reduce
the state bonded debt Among the i'm
portant recommendations are the prose-
cution of a continuous system of i'm
provement of public roads. He believes
the proper solution of the road problem in
this country is a just distribution Of fed
eral. state and local aid, and he urges
the state to do its share Immediately. He
approves continuing the working of GER
tain convicts and of Jail prisoners on the
public highways.
Gov. Swanson recommends increased
provision for the states confederate vet
trans L IeCOInmeNu, says the gov
.ernor. that the pensions paid to the most
disabled. dependent and deserving classes
. be increased and that a larger appropria-
. ton for this purpose be made. l also
recommend that the work of collecting
Confederate records, of colating and pre-
serving the materials of our war history
be continued"
The governor urges that an appropria-
ton De made to erect a suitable monu-
ment on the battlefield of Gettysburg. ito
commemorate the glory and the heroism
of the Virginia troops that participated
in that engagement" He renews his rec
ommendation for establishing a depart
ment OF banking and for legislation con-
trolling the operations of state banks and
providing for their frequent examination
The message also recommends increased
for the state militia. en-
Engagements of the powers of the state
NroSrd of health and a liberal policy to-
iNyaAh public education, especially the
ASsmotiot of normal work.