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534

legislature. They not only do not believe in the system, but strongly hate it. The fact of public schools, successfully established by the municipal authorities of Petersburg and Richmond, is not inconsistent with this statement, for those authorities are of military appointment. Nevertheless I am not without hope of favorable action in the state legislature in the near future. The provisions of the Constitution itself, the pledges of fidelity to its spirit and letter forced from those who will have the administration of it, the earnest hope and demands of half the population who have no other power than they hold in their ballot, will all strongly tend to the creation of a public sentiment, or at least to favorable action.

The low condition of the public finance, will however, forbid liberal expenditures for some years. While the state cannot pay the over due interest on its bonds, it will not be deemed right to expend largely even in the most necessary measures of public improvement. 

National aid, and the continued cooperation of charitable societies is a pressing necessity, and will be gratefully received by nearly all classes of people. While money is so much needed, mind and heart are equally needed.