Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1910-01-19
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SWANS0N'S MESSAGE TO
THE GENERAL ASSEn.o.Y
Retiring Governor Reviews Great
Developments in Virginia


the General Assembly last Wed.
nesday, as the retiring executive of
the Old Dominion, was an able and
eloquent prosecution of Virginia
affairs, and his recommendations
are along the lines of conservatism.
The Governor said:
The last two General Assemblies
have been noted for the many pro-
gressive policies inauguarated.
These extended through a wide
range of governmental effort and
development. The results achieved
have fully indicated the wisdom of
these policies and amply justified
the expenditure of public money
made. The amazing education adj
vance; the splendid public school
buildings now adjoining every Sec
ton; the increased health and CON-
fort of the people; the great i'm
provement in agriculture and the
varied industries of the State: the
increased efficiency of the State mi
litia; the marked improvement in
the condition of jails, almshouses
and other eleemosynary institutions;
the greatly increased valu, OF all
properties, bear testimony to the
stimulating influence of these wise
acts of Legislation and of the great
and manifold benefits they have
brought. While other parts of our
country, during the last two years.
have suffered from financial depres-
sion and distress, yet within this
State such conditions have not pre-
vailed. This IS clearly eviuced by
the fact that the States revenues
during the last two years have ex-
ceeded those of the two previous
years by 1916, 690.1O. AS there has
been practically no increase in the
rate OF taxation, this greatly in
creased revenue could only have
been derived from increased bust
ness activity and enterprise. Flo
quentlv and conclusiveiy this pro-
claims the material progress and
prosperity of the State. Though
not required until this year, under
the terms of her settlement. to re-
tire any part of the principal of her
Indebtedness, she has wisely pur-
chased 81, 1888, O65 IL of this princi-
pal; thus more than one sixth of the
debt has been cancelled.
In my inaugural address and al
so IN my last message to the General
Assembly | earnestly recommended
the passage of legislation providing
reasonable regulations for the con-
troll OF State banks and thorough
and frequent examinations to insure
that these regulations are obeyed,
that the banks are solvent and that
their capital is unimpaired. wish
to renew this recommendation with
all the earnestness and vigor of
which l am capable. The MANY
losses. the great distress and the
business disturbances occurring in
many communities on account of
bank failures, caused by reckless
banking, fraud and defalcations,
loudly proclaim the urgent necessi-
ty OF this legislation.
Other Recommendations
Equalization of taxes by requiring
the approval by the State Auditor
OF assessments before they become
effective.
Economy in the expenditure of
money, always leaving a safe work
ing balance in the State treasury.
Continuous invigoration, enlarge
ment and Improvement of the States
system of public education.
Further road Improvement by use
Of convicts. Creation of the Office
of superinte adent OF the convict
road force. Setting aside definite
sum each year for road work. An
adequate yearly license tax on auto
mobiles to be devoted to road i'm
provement.
The formation of a State account
ing department and the installation
of scientific system in all State de-
partmentS and institutions.
Movable AGRICULTURAL schools N