Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1910-01-12
Governor Syanson's Message.

Richmond, Jan. 12.-Governor Swan.
son cent bis last message to the legis
lRture when that body convened today,
10 his Introductory paragraph the gov
eruor sage:
1.-THE last two General Assemblies
have been noted for the many progress
sive policies iuaugurated. These ez'
tended through vide range OF govern.
mental fort and development. The re.
cults achieved have fully Tindicsted the
wisdom ofthese policiss and amply justi'
6:d the expenditure OF public money
made. The amszjng educational sd-
vance; tbs splendid public school build.
logs aow adjoining every section; the 10.
creased health and comfort of the people;
he great improvement 10 agriculture and
the varied Industries oil the etate; the To-
creased efficiency of The state militia; the
marked improvement 10 the condition o!
j.iIe, alnshouses and other eleeaosyuary
insLitaLi1Ds; the greatly increased value
Of all properties, bear testimony to the
stimulating iLAaence of these Wiae net,
OF legislation and of the g,eat and maui.
fold senefits they have btoagh'. While
other paris of our country, during the
last ITO year,, have suffered from fiuau-
cial depression and distress, yet within
this 1tate snch conditions have moi
prevailed. This is clearly evinced by
he fact that the states revenues during
the lsst two years have exceeded those
of the Two previous year, BY s9l6, $50. 10.
AS there has been practically no increase
10 the rate of taxation, this greatly iu-
creased revenue could only bave beer
derived from increased business activity
and enterprise. Eloquentiy and cou.
clusively this proclaims the material pro-
gsess and prosperity of the state. Though
uot ree7ired until this year, under the
terms of her settlement, to retire any
part Of the principal of her Indebtedness,
she has wisely purchased 81. 83S, 065. II
Of this principal; thus moro than one
sixth of the debt has been cancelled. !"
The governor reviews The public school
system, road Improvements, ETC., and
fensas some former recon- mendatioos
and urges the continuance OF such syss
tens as have proven satisfactory
10 The people of the commonwealth.
He again recommends the enactment
of laws providing Ter the examination
and regulation of state banks, urges the
equalization of taxation, we'll equipped
state accounting department and makes
car.sin recommendations fur the farther
development OF agriculture 10 thu Old
Dominion. He also iavors agricultural!
schools.
The governor recommends the imposi.
.ios OF reasonable annual license tax
upon automobiles operating In this stsle.
he believes the present license tax OF tHo
dollars for each automobile is not 60.
oual but perpetual, and it Is grossly
inadequate. 1t scarcely meets The ex'
penses incurred 10 the execution OF the
Law. Hs says O fair license tax should
be imposed and the amount collected
be devoted to road improvement, under
8 just and equitable system.
The remainder OF the message con.
,ists of practical suggestions concerning
all departments OF the state government
All the governors recommendations
show careful and thoughtful consideration
and reflection, all of which be believes
8ould he pronotive of the lest interest
OF the state aud largely contribute to her
continued material, educational and
moral advance,