Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-02-02
-TnCRspAY. FEBRUARY .. 1922.
Governor Tr;nklc's Message


served for the closing headings, Gov
crnor Trinkle's utterances on certain aspects
Of the road-buildng movement deserve a
prominent place in any broad survey OF his
inaugural address. Two elements Of his
announcement under this head stand out:
Q) He favors complete reorganization of
our present Highway Department" t2) he
speaks with more sympathy than hostility
concerning the proposal to finance Il State
wide highway project by the issuance of
bonds. What the new executive has to say
i'll this relation will engage large share of
the popular attention attracted by his in
augural message.
There is close and obvious connection
between Governor Trink!e's remarks on re-
organization of the Highway Department
and his suggestions a little later on with
respect to the proposed bond issue. Under
the first head, he frankly voices the belief
that there will be no hesitancy on the part
or the people Ito furnish all funds neces-
sary to complete quickly Il modern highway
system" when their confidence in the High
way Department has been ''re-establshed. ;"
Under the second head he significantly in
forms the legislators OF certain consdera-
tiodS; favorable to the notation of bond
issue. Moreover, he urges recognition of
the great truth that it costs money to build
roads, and that the speed with which they
may he built is entirely dependent upon the
amount furnished for this purpose" Broad
~ summarized, the Governors reorganiza-
tion plan contempates placing the Highway
Department under more direct executive
control; the people Of the state will look
to him for results, he points out and ne
desires to obtain degree OF authority in
keeping with that expectations
Added signiiicance''wifi- be attached to the
Governors rather elaborate treatment OF
The subject OF highways because of his prc-
nmmary statement that he has consulted the
people OF the state and feels that he has
reasonable knowledge OF what the peo-
Pile demand" Particularly. he points ont
has he consulted experts and a great MANY
wise-thinking, patriotic Virginia citizens,
all Tree OF any known political ambitions y
III snort, the new executive approaches the
VITAL problem OF highway building with all
the appearances Of one who earnestly de-
siTes TO have comprehensive project I'M
dertaken promptly and carried OUT with
the highest efficiency.
The Governors message touches upon
every side Of the States life 1t would he
most difficult 10 attempt an enumeration
OF his expressions in the order of their i'm
portance or popular interest, but certain
outstanding items may be reviewed briefly.
inc new executive commits himself TO the
advocacy OF memorial building that will
compine an appropriate tribute 10 the NOM
DRY or virginia soldiers in the world war
with certain practical advantages to the
STATE. one OF the urgent needs of tho
commonwealth, he asserts, Is the erection OF
al once building; and, with this need in
( view, he proposes a memorial (which sbouId
mciude within its walls office space, a shit
able auditorium, moderniy designed library
and-a Hall of Memory
Widespread interest will be felt IN ,bo
= Governors insistence upon prompt reaouor.
uonment OF the legislative and judicial dis.
triGts. He reminds the General Assembly
OF the plain provision of the Constitution
In this connection, and declares that il is
time. the State had removed an omen yio
latron. The congressional districts, ais,
demand attention, he asserts.
The subject OF taxation. one tba, r.s,.
very. close TO the thoughts OF people every
: where, is introduced by IL reafiirmation o.
the Governors opposition to any increas,
in property taxes at this time With re-
spect to one important item he finds iusti
4 ,fcation for reduced tax rate. This rcduc
3 ton would apply TO bonds and notes. and
4 IL; the Governors opinion should reprosen
Z drop from $1.10 TO so cents on the HIM
Z drca" dollars. This recommendation is i,
4 line with widespread agitation Oh the por
OF many students of finance and taxation
v the proposal having been particularly linked
IS UP with the exigencies OF the housing s,ua
a tior-and with the flow of Virginia none,
sgiEto other States.
Els utteEEance on law enforcement Gov
H. y L