Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-01-10
Quality, Not Quantity, Is Recommended


T HE keynote OF Governor Stuart's message
1 to the General Assembly OF Virginia is
insistenco upon the supreme Importance OF
the Commonwealth retaining her place III tho
sisterhood of States as "a leader of thought
OF service and of patriotic devotion" in
strengthening the hands Of the nation to
win the war upon which it has entered. To
this purpose the Assembly is urged to address
itself as Of first consideration to measures
designed to give efficiency to agencies for
cooperation with the national agencies to
mobilize tho full strength Of the country's
resources for effective use in meeting the
supreme emergency.
With regard to new legislation of direct
concern to the people of the Commonwealth.
apart from general issues in which the popu
lation of the Union as whole is concerned.
the Governor suggests that there is little need
FOR new legislation in the State and in such
as may be attempted, quality. rather than
quantity, in tho making OF statutes should
be sought
The review he presents of accomplishments
secured during his administration, resulting
i'll part from progressive reforms authorized
under previous legislation shows very
healthy condition OF affairs existent in the
state. speaking generally" he says. the
health OF our people has been excellent the
pubic order good. the prosperity general.
The public business in our State is transacted
honestly without graft, in general with
earnest purpose. That Improvement can be
made hero and there there is no doubt"
New legislation recommended by the Gov
ernor includes the creation by statute of a
Virginia Council of Defense. with adequate
appropriation, TO cooperate with the National
council OF Defense, and with affiliated
agencies similar TO the State agricultural
council and the State industrial council.
suitable legislation, in accord with Federal
enactment, for tho protection OF tho civil
rights OF soldiers and sailors in the military
or naval service of the United States so that
t"cir property may not be needcssly sacri-
hccd at home; action to determine whether
the present rate of taxation, which Yields
revenue above the normal needs of tha stat,
snail ne maintained with Il view to larpnr
expenditures in tho future, or reduced with
a view to the exercise of economy botl nu,,i,
AMI private, with tho recommendation that
reduction from present State rates or X
cents on the 500 assessed valuation annIy
on ponds notes, fduciary property and shares
y. "'och ~ cents on capital and removal
".'ose'ner Oh inc lucent tax upon tangible
personal property; amendment of tho nro-
nioi''o" law, which, it is affirmed has
olo"sht most Wholesome results to the State.
10 prevent the waste of alcohol contained :,
Hquor seized for violation of the law and
io' INC disposition OF liquor lawfully held nv
the personal representatives for Tho cro,;. 10
hchchclarieS OF such estates by conversions for
use IN Inc manufacture of munitions of war.
PROVISION 10 compensate the public school
tu'" LOT decreasing revenues derived from
oach taxes the adoption OF means where
~ me state may be provided as speedily AS
coha'iohS J1 stiiy with an adequate system Of
improved highwaya
me message commercially confines itself,
win hnc clarity OF expression and sound
judgment, TO directing attention only TO such
subjects Tor legislative action ms wisdom and
experience suggest will operate under OK
iStihs cmergent conditions of wartime actiyi-
t'eS' 10 pubhc bctterments that would suffer
from policy OF needless naction