Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-01-09
General Assembly in Wartime Session

General Assembly III Wartime Session
EOR the first time in more than half
century, the General Assembly OF Vir-
gina VIII convene to-day while the country
is at war But what differences! When the
last war session was held the flames of civil
STRIFE were sweeping over the State, and North
ana south were arrayed against each other
IN iratrcidal battle almost to tho death
Today there is no North, no South, and Vir-
snia, which led then. is standing shoulder
10 shoulder with it's sister Commemorative in
lhe pattle or united nation against the
forces which threaten from without AS then
virginia must take the lead, so far as posi-
pc IN making this typical war session
wherein all else will be subordinated to meas
ures Tor the defense OF tho nation ut home
and the strengthening of its iron hand abroad
mat should be the keynote OF this biennial
gathering OF the men chosen by the people
OF the State to make their laws.
To-day Governor Henry c. Stuart will make
his address to the Joint session OF the SEN
ate and House and through them to the peo-
pie whom for nearly four years he has served
with unesamplcd zeal. Out of his ripened
wisdom and crowded experience cleaned dur
ing his term rs Governor he will seek TO guide
the activities of the Assembly into those chan
hels which Will prove most productive of
beneficial results in this abnormal period
through which the State and nation are pass
ing. One cannot doubt that he will recon-
mend rigid adherence to program of strict
economy and conservation, that the ends Of
Virginia may be best served, and through it
tho nation
Aside from the war measures the Cover
nor may recommend, or which the Assembly
may deem necessary the sessions activi-
ties develop. there is no outstanding subject
which demands attention. Prohibition as q
purely State measure has been settled to the
public satisfaction. Ratification Of the ma
ton-wdc prohibition amendment will be
before the Assembly, and if the State stands
true 10 tho fundamentals OF democracy, it
will tic rejected. The partial segregation tax
system. as adopted at the last session. has
proven successful even beyond the hopes OF
its supporters. and will need only the smooth
ing out OF certain inequalities, that justice
may be done to both State and communities
In strictly domestic legislation perhaps the
most important matter upon which a definite
course must he determined is that OF good
roads. In this Virginia has Jagged behind
sadly. Ions, progressive step must be
taken at this session, not necessarily in the
expenditure OF large sum of money but
in systcmatziug and coordinating work
throughout the State The present Governor
favorS it. the incoming Governor is pledged
to it, the people demand it, and too much
time and money already have been wasted
But in this rs in all other things, the Assem-
bly, Will he guided wisely by the paramount
Importance Of war and its train OF rapidly
increasing necessities.
With surplus in the treasury and the
cost OF practically everything soaring TO the
clouds, there Will be increased demands from
every institution TO whose support the State
contributes. Some of them, Of course, must
be met. The State will not be niggardly to
its own dctriment neither will it be waste
iui or blind to future cxigencies which may
subject its financial reserves to unexpected
drains In its appropriations care will be the
watchwort and an eye to coming needs kept
ever open.
After an absence Of two years, Richmond
is glad to have -" members OF the Honor
able General Assembly again as it's guests
They are representative of all that is best in
Virginia. and The Times Dispatch trusts that
their sixty days stay in the capital will be
not only pleasant to themselves, but proftab
TO the State in work wisely done.