Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-02-02
The Governors Message to Virginia

- ONERNOR DANiS'S inaugural address
~ is clear and ringing message to the
people of Virginia. 1t is 4 frank and fear
less announcement OF his views on State at
fairs and an outline of his policies for their
proper handling. Many will differ with him
To tho merits OF some of his lcgisla tive
suggestions. but ali must agree that his first
public uttcrance Governor Is BETTING one
who comes unfettercd and unlabelcd to this
exalted Office. Let him travel along the path
he has marked out for himself, and when
his work shall have been completed Virginia
will be the better for his administration.
There is no looking back in the inaugural
message. The new Governors face is set
sternly and rcsoIutcly TO the future. His
sole thought is for virginia-what can be
done for its advancement. Economy and
efficiency is to be the keynote OF his admin
istration That was his pledge to the people
during his campaign. and on that sound plat
form he stands as their Governor. Fulfill
ment Of this pledge presents the problems to
whose solution he now addresses himself.
On the financial side, "a most critical
scrutiny of all proposed appropriations is
suggested. An executive budget is recon-
mendcd as one OF the factors most vital to
efficient administration. while publicity OF
proposed expenditures is cited as Il legitimate
curb upon legislative prodigality. Termina-
ton of the practice which has permitted
and cNpcnd them without control or super
vision OF Governor or Legislature. is ncces-
Sary TO proper economy. and all such funds
should be turned into the treasury. Here
the Governor strikes a chord which will find
an echo throughout the State. for the fee
system has been perhaps its greatest and
most wasteful curse. lie further recon-
mcnds the creation OF State purchasing
agent.
In the farm problem the Governor is par
ticularly interested. What the farmers
need, he says. is credit and labor" and he
asks joint Legislative commission TO study
this critical condition and formulate il
remedy. In educational matters. while giving
due credit to the higher institutions. he is
Il firm advocate Of the primary schools and
to their Improvement and extension he
promises his best efforts. AS 10 road i'm
provcment. his suggestions are largely in
line with the bills already passed by the
General Assembly, and he is ready to enter
upon the task OF erecting a great State high
way system. He would have all State con
victs engaged in this labor, taking them
from the vicious contract system, and he
suggests supervision by the Governor or an
unpaid commission. which could suspend
work should war conditions warrant it,
Present Federal provision for road building
is denounced as petty and unsatisfying
The Governor not only recommends popu-
lar election of members OF the CORPORATION
Commission. but carries this principle OF
suffrage 10 the judges Of the Supreme Court
OF Appeals. lie presents arguments therefor
but it may be doubted ii Virginia is ready
10 take the questionable step OF throwing its
judiciary into the maeis,rom OF politics
Dismssing briefly the States participation
i'll the world war, 10 which continued and
unstintcd aid is promised, the Governor
places himself among those Jeffersonian
Democrats who stand for States rights and
he will await with patriotic expectation the
successful termination OF the war by MS when
the status quo ante between the Federal gov
eminent and the States shall be ,ored"
Among other recommendations are penal
hinations in restraint OF trade in Virginia"
sentences alone imposed: workman's com
pensation law to be administered by a board
chosen from among present State officers in
creased pensions for Confederate veterans
and an emergency military fund In closing
he replcdges himself to 'discountena the
creation OF new Offices unless rendered
necessary by extraordinary circumstances in
cident 10 the present war" leaving further
governmental activities to he administered
by present State officers. This pledge the
people will cordially approve, for its execu-
ton means that number OF Offices will
cease to be largely ornamental in character
This in brief, is the platform of policies
on which the new Governor stands. 1t be-
speaks confidence in his earnestness and is
an auGury OF faithful service 10 the State