The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-01-21

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K Il LIMA NV T. d NESD
reform is made to apply TO every city
and county In the State"
Department of Mining.
Under act approved March IS, 1919,
a department Of mines, under the
control of the bureau of labor and
| Industrial statistics. was established.
No appropriation was made to carry
this act into effect, but so important
was IL deemed by the commissioner
at the head Of the bureau that he ap-
pointed most efficient Inspector and
put him to work, thereby strainins
the resources of his bureau to their
utmost limit.
The section embracing the mines
within the purview of the act is about
one hundred and fifty miles long. and
the duty of inspection required a good
deal of travel, but all difficulties have
been overcome, and the inspector has
caused work to be done and precau-
tons taken which will doubtless result
in the saving Of life and property.
This mining section Is important to
the State, not only because Of the coal
produced. but the miners furnish a
market for almost everything the
farmers near them have to sell. From
the best evidence / can secure, an
appropriation Of five thousand dollars
will be necessary for the efficient op-
Grafton of this department. although
the commissioner of labor thinks he
can get along with twenty-eight hun
dred dollars.
State Department Of Banking.
From the best information pro-
durable, / am Of opinion that the
banks of the State under the careful
examination and control of the State
department of banks, were never in
better condition than at present. Their
affairs are now conducted according
to up-to-date buiness methods, and
while the banks are not embarrassed
by unnecessary requirements. the
rights Of depositors and stockholders
are we'll protected.
Workman Compensation Act.
The trend of public sentiment favors
the enactment OF laws for the COM
pensation OF yworkmen for injuries
sustained in all dangerous employ
ments. Twenty-three States have
some form of workmen's compensa-
ton laws, and 1t might be wise for
conservative action to be taken at
this session of the general assembly.
The laws of other States, in success
ful operation, should be examined,
and bin framed fair alike to en-
ployers and employees.
In this connection. I recommend the
passage of an act safe guarding
dangerous machinery and appliances
Legislative Secretary.
In view of the short session of the
general assembly and the pressure to
which the members are subjected on
account of the many and important in
terests which demand their attention.
I recommend the appointment of Il
legislative secretary, WHO'S duty 1t
shall be to draw or put in shape for
members of the general assemblies
such bills or suggestions for bills as
may be presented to him. And he
should. whenever required by any
member of the general assembly ex-
anime the laws of this or any or all
Of the States on any question of In
terest, ep'tonlize the same and send
In reply a typewriter or printed re-
port containing the information asked
for, in clear but condensed shape.
lie should also examine the acts Of
all of the States as published and sub
NIT to the general assembly, those
of special value or Interest. BY per-
hitting exchange of Virginia acts OF
the legislature and reports of the
Supreme court with other States, he
could soon accumulate a library which
would enable him to perform his work.
and in addition would have the use of
the law library OF the State. To make
this office valuable, The man selected
to fill it should be O. first class lawyer
With legislative experience. and should
be permitted during the session Of
the general assembly to employ nee
essary assistants.
Military.
No State can afford TO be without
a. we'll officered and disciplined vol
unteer force. Our troops taking part
in the inaugural ceremonies at Wash
ington in March last were conceded
many the very best volunteer troops
in that splendid parade. ] most hearth
ly commend the officers and men TO
the confidence and generous support
Of the general assem- bly, / sincerely
hope they will never be called on to
meet foreign foe. or to aid in the
execution Of the laws OF the State, but
will do their duty with credit to them
selves and to the State.
Horticulture.
IT Ia estimated that Notwithstanding
unpropitious seasons, our crop OF APP
pies during 1913 amounted to six
hundred and fifty thousand barrels
Every year demonstrates that the fruit
land of Virginia Is nowhere sur
passed. and for quality and appear
ance our fruit cannot be excelled. I
commend this industry to the atten-
ton of the general assembly.
State Fair.
All or the people of the State are
proud Of the State fair held at Rich
mond, and commend those In charge
for their excellent management Of the
affairs of the association and the good
they are doing in giving an opportu-
nifty to the people Of the State to show
their products. and by exciting
worthy emulation inspire our citizens
to greater efforts each year. large
number ] believe a. majority. OF our
people think that so worthy an exhi-
httion should not be marred by the
sale Of ardent spirits upon the grounds.
I share this feeling, and strongly
recommend the enactment of a law