Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-01-15
Viroinia's Awakening.


the new spirit with which the older
states of the union have become inn
bued. It has been the fashion to con-
slider Virginia as a decadent state.
This is by no means in line with the
conditions which exist there. Virginia
has plodded along quietly in it's own
way, true to it's traditions, and firm in
it's purpose to grow substantially
though slowly.
The ouickening influences which
have been felt throughout the East in
the last wear or two have upset the old
conservatism however and Virginia is
now entering upon an era of eXpan-
sion and progress which is more in
keeping with it's natural advantages
Whereas in the past she has advanced
but slowly though surely, the evidence
now at hand indicates that the imme-
date future will develop a more spec
tacular growth.
line d1IldLIIS CuucdtlOHdl eiu-
vance" said Gov. Swanson, 1.-The
splendid public school buildings
now adjoining every section; the
increased health and comfort of the
people; the great improvement in
agriculture and the varied indus
tries Of the state; the increased ef-
ficiency of the state militia; the
marked improvement in the con-
dition of jails, almshouses and otn-
er elcemosynary institutions; the
greatly increased value of all prop
critics hear testimony to the stmu-
lating influence of these wise acts
of legislation and of the great and
manifold benefits they have
brought"
The governor then goes on to show
that Virginia practically escaped the
financial depression which was felt
throughout the country in 1907 and
1908. He proves this by quoting fig
ures from the states revenues showing
that those Of the last two years ex-
ceeded those of the two previous years
Dy 39lO,oSUlV, tHouSH liiClC IDS DSSii
no increase in The rate of taxation.
That portion of the message which
of the state Of Virginia contains COM
ment which could be applied equally
well to Maine. After noting that the
agricultural products of the state
amounted to $219,0OO,OOO he says:
''An interest of such magnitude,
of such vast Importance to the
state, should receive most generous
consideration and assistance. In
addition to continuing the many
present policies of agricultural de-
velopment which has been most
beneficial / recommend that this
cOmmendable work be further ad-
vancec. The demonstrative and eX-
permental work should be extend
ed in the different counties and sec
tions. There is an urgent necessity
for a complete and scientific soil
survey of the state, and the results
accruing from it would be most
profitable and beneficial.
General Assembly the formation of
several movable agricultural
schools, to teach the farmers in the
various sections OF the state practi-
cal, scientific farming"
Perhaps the portion of his message
which is of the greatest interest in
Maine is that which refers to good
roads. In Virginia the convict labor
system is in force. Governor Swanson
believes this to be the best system,
that it not only enables the state to
build MANY miles of good permanent
road at minimum cost per mile, but
that it also rebounds to the benefit
physically and morally of the prisoner
engaged in the work. He believes that
such methods should be extended, that
quarries should be opened by convict
labor and that the material found in
these Quarries be used in various sec
tons of the state by the country road
building organizations. He points
out that railroads will transport
this material either free or al
very low rate. He also points
out that the more dangerous convicts.
those who have been sentenced for
long terms and are consequently more
likely to attempt to escape. could be
employed in the quarries under guard,
whereas it would be impossible to use
them with safety in road construction
The last Virginia assembly appropri-
ated for this year $250,O0O to be expen-
dcd in those counties which had not
enjoyed the benefit of the convict road
force during the year and conditioned
upon the counties furnishing an equal
amount to that provided by the state.
This half million has enabled the state
of Virginia to begin broad. progress
sive and far-reacning policy of road
Under it's stimulating
influence a deep enthusiastic influence
in road betternent has been created
IN every section. When it is remem-
bered that this act furnishing state aid