The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-03-16
FORMALLY AND FINALLY ADJOURNED

IL.
The Norfolk clergyman wno devoutly
thanked God in a sermon last Sunday that
the Legislature had adjourned was a bit
premature. His gratitude may be in order,
1t is not for to say to the contrary, but he
INDUCED the spirit of Thanksgiving ii few
days too soon. Strictly speaking the General
Assembly had finished its labors and the
weary laborers had retired to their homes
to mediate upon the glory of serving the
Commonwealth but the formal adjournment
took place on yesterday when all the bills
passed during the session OF 1912 had been
duly signed by Speaker Byrd and Lieutenant
Governor Elyson and had been sent to Gov
ernor Mann.
The past Legislature came In for d good
deal of criticism and some OF 1t very just.
Very little constructive legislation was enacted.
Several bills that endorsed by an
overwhelming public sentiment were killed
or permitted to die without reaching a vote.
The dissatisfaction abroad In the State Is
greater than is generally supposed by those
who have not Interpreted the mind of the in
dependent voter of tho State But this hon
orablo body did some good things. II is true
that these things were in the realm not prop
erly of prominently identified with politics.
but they were good things Notwithstanding.
ard the gentlemen who did them deserve
praise for the doing.
a law was passed establishing an institu-
ton for tho feeble minded females of child
bearing age. At the first provisions TO
be made for tho reception and treatment OF
fifty of such unfortunates. This is really the
most important piece of constructive legts-
latlon along social lines that has been passed
In Virginia In many years
law was passed applicable to cities of
1000 or more Inhabitants, putting chronic
drunkards and non-support cases in the care
OF probation officers Those who persist In
not supporting their families having been
laced in the charge OF probation officers
may be put In the convict road force and SEN
fenced to hard labor until such time as they
shall agree to support their families. Drunk
ards who have served In the road gang and
cave given evidence of having conquered tho
appetite may be- discharged at the discretion
OF the superintendent of the road camp.
The probation law heretofore appl1cabIe 10
cities was extended TO apply to incorporated
towns and to country districts
The State Board Of Charities and Correc-
lions was authorized to continue its investi-
cation into the number and condition OF
feeble-minded persons in the State and also
to investigate and to report to the next
session of the General Assembly as to the adj
visibility OF providing surgical treatment for
the crippled and deformed people of the State
who are too poor to secure such treatment for
themselves.
This legislation 80 far as It goes is in keep
ing with modern social and philanthropic
progress 1t indicates that the lawmakers
feel the obligation to provide for the States
unfortunates and to protect society from the
menace of such persons as are incapable for
one reason or another OF self-government
The General Assembly is to be congratulated
that It had some care for the social welfare
of the State, II it did not consider the senti-
ment OF the people at large in relation to
some matters more political.
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