The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-12-03
THE GOVERNORS.

Virginia. ami her capital kichinoHu'
welcome tho Governors Of her sister
.overeign Commonw ealths. It is No'
.nlv the nride OF being hosts to dis
tipguished gathering that warns our
h.arts. 1t is the finer knowledge th@'
We have a share in helping 10 solNe
treat problems for the good OF men
,bat moves us 10 make the outer SYM
hols OF the inner spirit beautiful ana
gracious. We welcome the Governors
as fellow-workers for the common
rood. They meet with Us to consider
grave questions upon which the ru-
ture destinies OF a nation in part de-
pend. May the occasion be filled with
the spirit OF courage. OF wisdom ana
Of faith in that future.
virginia has given much to the ma
ston in the past Now she STANDS
ready to give more. The strength CT
her sons and the glory Of her ideaNs
are devoted to service. To mold
these riffs into practical instruments
for making life nobler and richer IS
her deep ambition The gathering OF
the chosen executives OF other States
in her capital is therefore source
o. pride and inspiration The welcome
she extends is based upon these broad
sentiments.
The conference of Governors for the
consider ttcp of common difficulties
and common needs is not an ofhclaI
part CT the governmental system. bot
tho Yer: statement Of its purpose
proves how vital is its function. 1t Is
n recent Institution. but Its inhuehSe
In legislation has already been man.
tested. Merely to learn that other
states have to face the same problems
q nd I, hear the results of various -;
forts at their solution, is prorouno
benefit To face need Is step
toward fulfilling IT. This interchange
OF knov,edgc is the first great go)d
CT such meetings.
The program OF addresses is suti- !
cent proof Of how closely related are
f1nIau., tai questions of government
from Maino 10 California. Virginia IS
confronted with the necessity OF max
ing her penal institutions suit the
preseut conditions OF life. She has
much to learn of how to temper JUS
tice with mercy. and of how to correct
the mistakes OF environment and edu-
cation. Other Commonwealths are
seeking the same wisdom. The discus
sion of Modern Penology" will iliu-
inmate and influence law-makins
throughout the entire country. The
pressing need for uniform marriage
and divorce laws is a matter that only
the wise action Of all the States can
meet. Taxes. waterways. rural l;fe.
each affects both State and nation OR
civilization depends on how these com
mon problems are answered
So important is It for the country
that the conference OF the House OF
Governors be perpetusted and given
unity and power. that it is to be h1pc1
this meeting Will result IL a perma-
uent organization and the establish
.pert OF 4 central tONN 10 supply = S-o-
tinacus ond.between the States. II is
not enough that meetings hc held tor
few days. There should be clearing
Rouse for information. so that each
state can learn and profit by the exp
rience Of its sisters \ library OF
laws. OF legal decisions upon new
statutes. and or statistics might wei be
begun. a journal might De pubnsi.c i.
Ia no other way can a confede-at-oG
Of states advance with the least fr.c-
tior and waste OF power. since IN aa-
ton does not give this aid. the sep
srste States should do so.
With such deep convictions - the
meaning q this gathering does Rich
mond welcome her guests. Her corr
dial hospitality hopes 20 make tn
visit OF the Governors a time az pleas
u4e. But above the privilege co. a.st
she pats the duty az -elpin- st.at
causes.