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About Daily morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1850-1864 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 9, 1853)
TWELVE CBNT8 A WBKR—-SINGLE COPIES THREE CENTS VOLUME IV. SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, WEDNESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 9, 1853 FIVE DOLLARS PER ANSUH. HALF YEARLY IE ADVANCE Ss .^hkd daily and thi.weekly by JOHN M. COOPER. WILLIAM T. THOMPSON. EDiTOI. fc rKnM8: A .rhA"DAILY MOMW1IW NEW*" it delir-itru to City f .r.hlln at vi vk DOLLARS per aunum, parable halt- ‘XlNAD V ANCK. or for twklw cbnth >w M k, f , the Carrier*. Single copies, thmbcbrts. ‘r - ••Tri-WKKELY Morn t no News,” (for the ,!!rrr) containing all tht uew matter and new ad* ,t.»«inento *»l the Daily, it lurnished for three ■ i cor auuuro, iu advance.; \Jvert»»onitula maertcd at the following rates roil ONE SQUARE Of TER LttfRS, n „, , nlflr Uon ot*. One Month M 00 £•*« .41 00 Two •• To 00 !*• M ... 1 M Three •• ......... IS 60 P '* <• 1 60 Four •• 16 00 p" r .. 1 76 Six •• -..ao 00 JJwwk i 2 00 ° n# ~....J0 oo \ n . ndTertiieraeuts not exceeding Are lines, three* .urths of the a bore rate* will Vs charged. 1. e.: for one insertion - lAoents. .. two “ .....76 •• .. one W.eek ....41 60, ho. At. I oral Advertisements lnsertod at the usual rates. Advertisements from transient persons orstraugtrt i t paid in advanoe. Yearly advortisors, exoeedlng in their advertisement* .«eversfo number of lines agreed for, will be oharged ^ropertlonal rates. *a- All Lettsrsdlreeted to this offlee or the Edit be postpaid. fill DAILY NEWS. GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. executive department, ; Millrdokville, Nov. 8, 1853. > tlleie-citiiens of the Senate and /Ionic of Representatives: In discharge o imy constitutional duty, 1 rucred to lay before you such metiers as mu Id receive your atteirtton d urine the pro* hi sciSMioti of the General Assembly. On Iho twentieth day of October 1851, the ublic debt amounted to $1,087,472.22. By eacluf December 4lli, 1851, ratifying the uiract of my predecessor and the Chief En- neer of the Western & Atlantic Rail Road, r the purchase of iron (or the Sure Rued, it a< increased $200,000. By act of Janoary !ih, 1852, providing for the repairs and equip- cut of said Hoad, it was atilMurther increased e sum uI $525,000—and by Iho act authuriz- g e subscription to the Miilcdgevillo and mJim Kail Rood, there was added the in of $20,000, making the total amount of 2State debt $2,432,472.22. To this amount mild be added the bonded debt of the Central ilk, which is now $309,500; having been uinished by the payment of $5,500, siuco (hr .November 1851. The total liability of the : is thus seen to bo $2,801,972.22, from li most be deducted the sum ol $100,500, h has been paid during tho past two ira, under the provisions of tho uct of Feb- try lllli, 1850, providing for an annual iking Fund for the payment of the public it. The present debt of (ho Citato therefore ‘2,035,472.22. l lio beads authorized by the act 4th Decern- r, 1851, were made payable at tho State leosury, and tho interest payable semi-antra- ;ly at tbe bank of tho Stale of Georgia in So- innuli. Those bonds were negotiated for a inniuin averaging about two per cent. 1 a* satisfied that our bonds tdiould commund higher premium, and finding upon an in- ifMigatiou ot llio subject, tliut u inuro advanta- teous negotiation could be effected, by inuk- ngthein payable in Now York,—1 caused the nds issued underact of January 12th 1852, he mude payable at the Bank of the ttepub- in the city of New York. They were ne* listed at a premium of 5 per cent. It is the irst instance in which our Suite securities had ?q disposed of at uny premium, and itshould gratifying to our State pride to know, that lie bonds oi our Stato now Blond among the iint sec aril m b of their clast. Tim bnmU ol nn i tho Union command more of the con- Jence of capitalists who seek n safo invest- nt of their funds. This confidence is not qilaced, for no State in the Uitioit has more iDide means to meet its liabilities, nud no :ople sro more teuacious of the credit and inor of their Slate, than our own. As tho interest of a portion ol our bonds lies he puid iu New York, it becomes necessary r iho Treasurer to keep on deposit there, a ullicient sum of money to meet the intoreat as hills due. This has boen done under my di ction. If any doubt exists as to the povvui proptiety of this course—it would be ad- sable that nil such doubts should be quieted passing a low authorizing such deposits to made. Tho necessity of it is so obvious, iut 1 deem it unnecessary to pruseul any ar- utnent in support of the recommendation, ireler you to tho accomnayniug report of o Treasurer, in which will bo found a tabu- r statement of tho public debt, showing at hat time cacit portion of it will fall duo.— tom this statement you will find that a very tge portion of our debts will become due mui the same time. This mutter should re- e the attention of yourselves os well as r successors, in ordor that by a course ol R and judicious legislation, tho payment of bonds may be anticipated, otherwise we old be called upon to tuako very large pay- ents, within a vory short period, which ould lead either to burdensome taxation, or extension of tlm time for tho eventual li- idation of our liabilities. Both results can d ought to be avoided. In tho present pros* rous condition of our State affairs, there will no difficulty in creating a Sinking Fund, nicii will entirely discharge tho public debt, “lure it shall liavo fallen due. There should additional legislation of this subject, giving ■ Executive full power and disermiou to ap- upriate the Hiirplus means of the Trent- y to tho purchase of our bonds undor such “motions as your judgment may doom ad* *abie. The present luw leaves the question Homo doubt, whether or uot the legisla te intended any premium should be paid by Slate in tho purchase of bonds not yet due. “ch however is tho present high character of "*f Stato securities with all classes of enpi- that it is impossible to obtain them at llr * As long as individuals are willing to pay premium lor these bonds, so long will tho also be compelled to pay a premium for lc h as ah« may wish to redeem in advance, have thought it advisable to make the pur- 'ine at a soiull premium, to the amount re- l ured by law fo be annually redeemed. There ■ no other safe investment of a Sinking Fund, ml as a matter of economy it is better to pay be premium, than to allow ilia money to re* ““in undisposed of in the Treasury, templing lie Legislature either to unnecessary and {asteful expenditures or to an unwise reduo* bin of taxes. I call your attention pnrticu- °‘ly lo this subject, that such laws tnay be “n«ed as will carry out tho public wilt iu re- ; »ence to it. The Central Bankt- Ny the act of December 10, 1851,1 was nu- forised to transfer the assets of the Central nk to the Treasury, when in my discretion ! interests of the Stale should require it.-— lieving that there was no lunger any neces- ;I y for continuing that institution in existence j'any other purpose than to wind up and ,0 *e its business, 1 appointed the commission mliorised by tho foregoing act, to investigate condition of tho Bank, and transfer its ro wing oasbte to the Treasury. 1 herewith “•ninit their report from which it will be s#en ''at wag the condition of the Bank at that ie . The accompanying report of the Treaau- w ill exhibit its present condition, us well as iterations since it hns boen transferred into bands. There are yet outstanding many bts, some of which will be collected, but **n ilia larger portion nothing will over be Qlized by the tiiate, and it becomes a matter ^ your consideration, what disposition shall ’ made of its remaining and unavailable as- and also what provision shall be made r meeting and discharging ila liabilities.-— I»nn a careful examination of tho affairs of ie liank, 1 am satisfied, that after exhausting ™.*°urcos. there will bo loft the amount fobJ.oOO, which must bo paid from tho reasurv. It in f or this reason that 1 have ‘ceu the bonds of the Bank in tho compute- °. r, be public debt, which I have already J“5 ,l *ed to you. 1 would recommend that e ^*ccutise be authorised to take up these '’Mnd luuttaiiolirSiiM bonds in their ., ' Provided satisfactory arrangements can ri r.- ft l ^ ,e Present holders of them. In •teion to this amount it will be necessary for he. ° hy law for the payment of about 0rf “ ,n ®^I$-J0,000. This eipount lias been ( Jtowtjd by the I reaaurcr, under my direc- ,g\ n , ,p ® t the accruing interest on the Cen- ,i Dsnk bonds, tbe funds of the Bank falling v to lh .V araou ® t * »<«P was ncccsss- oj; - lbc 0t ft- 6 ^ ,at6 » 11 ^ese us are regarded m public estimation as a •art of the public debt, and if we had failed to hlf * P®'d this interest Promptly, the effect would have been to have depreciated the gen- ..ml il O. 1 6 , . . — - J ry long er with the reinainiug assets of the Central Bank, which will continue worthless and un available as long as they remain the propertv of the Bute. I know ol no better disposition that could be made of them than by selling them for whatever they would bring. To keep them and attempt their collection, would involve the Btate in continued expense and litigation, without any remunerating benefit * The Trcaiury. I ho accompanying report of the Treasurer will give you a clear and eailsfkctory account ol the operations of that Depnrtinent during tho past two years. You will observe that this report is complicated with a useless state ment ol unavailable assets in the Treasury.— these stereotyped items have been'repeated from time to time, without the slightest benefit to the Slate, throwing no light upon the con dition of iho Treasury, and leading to no pos sible bonoficial result. As long however as nc action is had by your body on the subjoct, it will bo necessary for tho Treasurer to encumber tiis report with them. 1 re commend therefore that you take such such steps as will relieve tho department from the necessity of further reference to these worthless assets by directing them lo be des troyed under the direction ol the Executive or a committee of your body. Tho report of llio Treusuror shows the available balance iu tho t reasury on llio 20th October 1853,to bo $71, 857.35. Concurring as 1 do, in Ilia estipiatcs contained iu his report of the probnblo expen ditures of iho next two yearn, 1 deem it unue- cessary to odd any thing on that subject. ^ There lies been collected from the General Government during tbe past two years, tho sum of $144,890.53. ‘These claims have been long standing, and the State ie now in debted for the collection of so largo a portion of them, to tho energy and ability with which they have been urged by tbe agent, appointed by my predecessor, and continued by myself, Jo seph Sturgis, Esq. There is vet unsettled claims due to us from the General Goverritusnt, but I am unable lo say, at what titito you may expect their payment. It would be unwiso to calculate upon the reception of sny portion of it, in your legislation upon the Finances of the State. For additional information you are re ferred to the accompanying repot! ot Mr. Stur gis. 1 herewith transmit to tho Goncral Assem bly, the report of the Finoncial Committee for the year 1852, and call your attention to its statements and recommendations as worthy of consideration. The Report of the Comptroller General is also herewith transmitted. The Tax Laic. It was provided by tbe tax act of January 9th, 1852, and llio supplementary act of Jan uary 21,1852, that the sum of three hundred (itiu Hcvcuty-five thousand dollars should be raised under those acts for the support of the government for each of tho political yours of 1852 and 1853. In the first act the rate of tax ation woa limited to one-twelfth of ouo per cent. The supplementary act was passed under u well founded apprehension that the required amount would not be realized at that rate.— This last act required the Governor with the assistance of the Comptroller General to con solidate tlto returns of the various tnx receiv ers, and authorized them to lix tho rule of tax ation ni such per cent as would raise the sum of three hundred and soveuty-fivo thousand dol lars. Upon the examination of tho tax digest ss required, by this law, it was ascertained that it would require a tax of one-tenth of one per cent, lo raise the amount which the Legislature had fixed upon; and accordingly the necessa ry orders were issued lo that effect. This was true of the returns for each of those years, and and there won consequently iio chaugo in tli rate of taxation for the present year. The liaaangn oflh. aa m-to intrndiirml n now ftyntom of taxation iu our Slate. Tho ad valorem prin ciple was for the first time incorporated into our laws, though its justice and propriety had long been seen and felt by our people. For many years the friends of a fair and equitable system ot taxation had sought to modify the old law, which was admitted to bo unjust in its operation and indefensible in principle. Every candid and fair-minded man recognized the correctness of tho principle that every citizen should be required to pay for the support of his government, according to the extent and value of his property. Upon that principle an ad valorem lax should be based, and when faith fully carried out, must coinmaud the approval and support of every man who is willing to hear his due portion of the burthen of Govern ment. That the present tax law fully comes up lo this standard, I am not prepared to s say. The object of its framers was, however, to ap proximate it, and if they have failed to reach it, the duly is imposed upon their successors of applying the lights of experience and practical operations to its modification and improvement. It is uot strange that an untried experiment, should be found to be defective in some of its details; it is rulher a matter of surprise that more obvious and glaring mistakes should not have occurred in the first effort, to adopt a new, radically differing from the old system. 1 am aware of tho fact thol there exists in tho public mind, in some portion of the Stale, vory strong prejudices against this law, blit I aui well sa tisfied that tlieso prejudices are not so deeply rooted, as to defy the approach of reason and sound sense. In most instances it will bo found that this opposition is limited to some provi sions of the law, which may with propriety lie modified and improved, and for that reason your attention should be directed to such mo difications ns will make it conform more exact ly to the ad valorem principle. Let the details of tho law then be scrutinized, its defects brought to light, and the proper remedy bo ap plied by wise and judicious amendments. With many persons the merits of the present law has been subjected to the test ol comparing the amount of taxes paid by them under the two different systems. They find that their tax has been increased and without further inquiry they attribute that increase eutirely to the change of the law. A simple statement will exhibit the incorrectness of this conclusion. The amount of tuxes collcctod for the political year 1851, under tho old system, wus $291,077 38-100, whilst the amount collected for the year 1852, was $377,165 00-100. It must be borne in mind that tbo Legislature saw the ne cessity of raising an increased sum, and there fore provided in the act of 1852, that there should bo raised the sum of $375,000. If therefore, there had been no change in the system—it would liavo been necessary to hove mcroased the taxes about twenty-five percent. I o compare then tho operation of the two ays- ^"•ftirly, in individual cases, such poisons should first add twenty-five per cent to their tax Repaid in 18ol, and compare the amount thus as- ccrtatnd with the amount which they actually paid under the present law. When this is done, it will be found that their increased tax, is owing, not to a change of tho law, but to the increased necessities of the State. Another objection has been urged to tho present law, which is founded in good reason and is worthy of your consideration. It results front tho difficulty of ascertaining tho true va lue of iho tax payers property. Such is the peculiar organization of men's mind, that with the most honest intentions, they diflfer widely iu their estimate of the value of property ; while others are unwilling to contribute their due portion to tho support of government, place so Iowan eslimafo upon the value of their property, as to cause just ground of com plaint with their more conscientious and gon- erous neighbors. As every man is at liberty, undnr the present law, to value Ilia own pro perty. he can put what estimate he pleases unon it. The law appeals to hi* conscience alone on this subject, and there is no mode pro vided for reachiog those who are indifferent to the obligations of truth and honesty. It is gratifying to know that the number of this class is small. An examination of our tax digests will show the fact, that with the great body of our people, there has been exhibited a disposition to make a fair end just return of their property. Tbe cases of the few, how ever, streuid be reached, and 1 would recom mend that some provisions be made by law for assessing the property of those who seek to avoid the payment of their juat dues to the Slate, by falsely estimating their property be low its true value. This end similar defects in the details of the law, should be temedied by prompt legislation. Time sod experience will thereby, ultimately perfect the eyatem, end render it acceptable to all classes and in terests. The tul valorem principle being re cognized by all, as being right and just, it ouly requires prudence, firmness and wisdom in enforcing its application, to secure for a (aw baaed upon it, tbe cordial approval of tbe people. For the purpose of instituting a comparison of the tsxos paid by our own people, with that paid liy the people of the other {States, I ad dressed a circular letter to the Executives of the several Elates, asking for a statement ot their tax lawa. To this communication, 1 re ceived many replies, but not enough to curry out tho original object 1 had in viow. The in- fortuatfon, however obtained, waa sufficient to satisfy my owu mind that we pa> as little as the people of any other State, whilst os com pared with some of tho Stato*, our tax is al most nominal. Aa low aa our present taxes are, wo may look forward lo the timo when lliov may be greatly reduced, As soon on the f'uldio Debt shall have been extinguished, we can with pro priety reduce our taxes one-half, and that too without looking lo any source of revenue for the orjinary exponses of the government. This is certainly a gratifying atate of things, and will go far to conciliate the feeling of op position that has been engendered in the pub lic mind against the pre-ent system. Firm ness* in tho maiutoinatice of the ad valorem principle—wisdom in tho adoption of amend ments suggested by experience, and economy in the administration of the government, will soon dispel all prejudice and opposition with a wise utid patriotic people. Water n and Atlantic Bail road. By the act of January 15th, 1852, 1 was re quired to appoint a Superintendent ot the Western and Atlantic Railroad, who should liavo tho general management and control ol the work. I appointed Win. M. Wndley, Esq., who colored upon the duties of |tis office on tho first day of February, 1852. The means of the road had fallen far short of its necessi ties, and the result was that the road was in a wretched condition. My predecessor and the funner Chief Enginocr of (lie Rond, realizing this fact, had very propeily purchased a large quantity of iron for its repair. Tho contract made by them was approved bv tlm last Legislature by the act of Dec. 4th, 1851* When Mr. Wadley entered upon his office, ho encountered all tho difficulties/Which this stato of things had brought about. 'The last Legislature, intending to provide amply for tho thorough repair ana equipment of the road, by the act of January 15th, 1852, appro priated the suui of $525,000, for that purpose. This sum would havo been sufficient, if it could have been applied to the objects con templated by tho Legislature, but unfortu nately it required much tho larger portion of it to pay off the former debts of road which had been accumulating from its first organization. We were therefore compelled to look to its revenues to do that, which it was the intention of the Legislature should have been done, with this appropriation ; and this fact will account lor the disappointment of thoso who had calculated upon nn accruing revenue to the Stale Treasury from the proceeds of the rood. I refer von to tho accompanying Re- nits of Mr. Wadloy and his successor Air. tingo for a more full nud satisfactory state ment of the facts to which 1 have thus brefly alluded. It is liardlv necessary for mo to speak of the manner ill which these difficulties were met and overcome by the* Superintendent.— Tbo energy and ability displayed by him are so familiar to the public, that it would be a work of supererogation to remark upon it.— He did all that could bo done, and 1 venture to add, more than any other mail would have ef fected under the same circumstances. I need not add, that his entire management of the af faire of tho road, met my cordial approval. On the first day of February, 1853, Mr. Wudlv resigned his office of Superintendent— and 1 appointed George Yonge, Esq., to fill his vacancy. It is duo to Mr. Wadley to state, that he did not lonve his post until he had satis fied me, that the interests of the road would not suffer from his withdrawal. In his auc- ccasor I havo found an able, experienced and faithful officer, whose successful management of llio road as exhibited by Ins report, is the best encomium that cau bo pusaed upon his services. It affords me much pleasure to call your at tention to the present condition of this great .Slate work. The Reports of the Superinten dents will show you in detail its operations during the two past years. Tho failure to re port any profits paid over to the State Treasu ry has already been accounted fur. The fact, however, that profits have been realized, end appropriated to the wants of the road, should satisfy your minds—that with wiso and judic ious management, it must for the future be a source of revenue to the State. No additional call is made upon the Treasury for aid. Its owr. revenue will soon complete the necessa ry repairs, and equipments, and discharge its remaining liabilities. 1 call your attention to tho recommendations, contained in the {Superintendent's report,— Founded ns they are upon his experience in the mad—they should receive your careful consideration. The act of tho last Legislature which authorized the road to be sued in any county through which it passes—ought to be modified. 1 can sec no good reason, why this discrimination should be made against the State road. All similar companies liavo to be sued in the county in which their principal of fice is located. This ia right and proper. It is tho place where their books aio kept and their business transacted, and therefore the proper point for the litigation ofclaims against them. It is problematical whother (he State should submit to being sued at all—but cer tainly she ought not to embarrass her officers with'burthens not imposed on other compa nies. Tho road passes through counties be longing to three judicial districts, and it might happen that the Superintendent would be eued and required to attend Court in different coun ties nt tho same time. This consideration alone shows the propriety of a clmngc in the law. In this connection I call your attention to the fact, that suits have been commenced against tho road in the State of Tennessee. 1 havo directed pleas to thu jurisdiction of the Court to he filed in all such cases, and the question if decided against us, to be carried to the highest Court of the country. We have a right to complain of this proceeding on the part of our neighbors, as it was principally to gratify them, that the doors of our own Courts were thrown open to claimants against the State road. If tho Courts should maintain their jurisdiction in the Stato of Tennessee, and tho road subjected to the trouble ttnd an noyance of this Iitigatioh, it will devolve upoo the legislature to determiae, what course they will adopt in reference to the Wtstern terminus of the Road, that will most effectually put a stop to such proceedings. The important question for your considera tion in connection with this great work is, what shall bo the future policy of tho Stato in reference to it 7 Realizing the deep intorest fell by our people in tho decision of this ques tion, I submit to you my views fully ou the subject. By some a sale of the road is proposed. I trust however that llio advocates of this policy ere nut numerous, and I feel certain that their number will bo lessened, in proportion ns you satisfy the public mind that the road can bo suc cessfully carried on under State manatiogement. To sell the road would be to disappoint that genoral expectation which has so long looked to the completion of this enterprise for n source of reliable revenue to the Stale. 'I he funds rais ed by the sale could not bo appropriated to the extingoishinent of the public debt, as that is not due. There is no profitable investment of it that could be made, and the result would be—that by the time, the public debt bad to be ntet, mis fund would have been exhausted in wasteful and unnecessary expenditures. In creased taxation would then be tho only means of meeting the liabilities of the State. 1 feel confident that no argument is required ogainat a policy which will inevitably lead to such a result. The proposition to soil two thirds of the road is equally, if not more objectionable. Tho eame consequence would follow ton great extent. Besides it is the unvarying lesson taught by our experience, that the State ie the sufferer in every copertuerahin which she forme of this character. The road ehould either be under the entire control of in dividual interest, or under tbe exclueive man agement of tho State. A departure from this rule, would certainly lead to no good result, and 1 trnst that the experiment will not be made. Rejecting then tbe proposition to dis pose of the rood, I recur to the inquiry, whet lathe best policy for its future government? In the management of a railroad, two ideas •bould bo kept promineutly in view, uniformity end permanency in ita system, and a responsi ble head to manage and control ito »fpi|ie. Frequent change*, and divided responsibility are incompatible with the succeaaful operation of any railroad. Looking lo llmse consider* lions1 foal conscious of the d.fficulMes which must attend any plan which has yet been sug gested for the government of the Bute road, but the preference ehould be given lo that eye* tein which ie freest from these objections. Tbe two plans which have beeu uiost generally considered, are, first, the present one which loaves tho road under the euntrol ol tho Exe cutive end a {Superintendentappointed by him. The otbor proposes to conatituto a In.aid of Commissioners and invest them with the pow er, now loafed in the hands of the Governor. «>ly owu mind at one lime favored the latter proposition. Experience end observation, however, have fully satisfied me, that it will not do. The idea of a board* of Commission ers waa derived from the board of Directors, appointed by private corporations, for similar duties ; anil the argument drawn by analogy from this soiirco would bo good, if these Di rectors discharged the duties, which the pub lic suppose them to perform; euch, however, is not the fact. The best Board of Directois tor n railroad Company are those,| who have sugacity and judgment enough, lo eubmit tho entire management of their roads to the President and Bupeiattendant. In adopting a general eyatem, for tho management of a road, their counsels may aonotitnos bo heeded with sumo advantage; but when llio dnlailod opera tions of thu road are to bo considered and dis posed of—tho least said or dono by llioni, the bettor it is for the interest of their company. If a board of directors should attempt to re vise tho dealings of a President and Superin tendent with their eubordiflatep, reinstating such as had in tbeirjudgenient boen improper ly removed, or forciug tfie appointment, of oth ers who they might aupposo'peculiarly quali fied for some position, it would result in the to- tul disorganization of tho road, and the effort would anon bo felt by the Btockholdevs in re duced profile, neglected machinery, and dilapi dated road. Upon this point I can safely ap peal to the experience and observation of every man, wlm lias been connected with a success ful nud wull managed railroad. If this be Iruo of privsto companies, the difficulties will be greatly enhanced, when the sumo principal is applied to a public work, when Nitpsrsddnd to oilier causes of trouble and embarrassment, there is thrown in, the political and parly con siderations which would inevitably be con nected with such a system. The subordinate officers ou a railroad, who (tel tlir.t they owu their plaues to any other cause, that a faithful discharge of duly, would so«n derange and ru in the best managed road iu the country.— Under the proposed system of a Board of commissioners these difficulties could scarce ly be avoided, and 1 therefore deom it unneces sary to enlarge upon this branch of the sub ject. According to thin plan there would also be wanting, that uniformity |n the management of the road, which is csseuti^l to its success. ’.Villi tbe change of Commissioner*, the *yiieni would be changod aod all (hn eouvoquonoss attend ant upon aucli changes, would l»o constantly experi enced. The present system ia in my judgment de cidedly pruforablc : ono great nbjoctat least is cf looted, a re*pon»ibla head in plaucd in charge of the rood—to whom tho country cub look for Ila proper and faithful ninnagoincnt. The fOxncutivo elected hy the people i* responsible to them. Tho Superin tendent should ho uppoiutod by, and bn responsible to the Executive, the subordiontn officers should he appointed hy, and responsible to the Superintend ent, and thus the management of tho road is placed upon a system of responsibility, which ensures its successful operation. In the appointment of the guperintendetit, tho Executive feel* tho responsi bility which rest* upou him, and will exercise a sound judgment in the selection. The Superintend ent knowing tnat he is responsible for the good con duct of his subordinates, will exercise like prudonce and discretion, in their scloction and the subordin ate* fooling their dependence upon, ami responsi hility to the Huperiutnudeut, will reulizo the fact, that tho tenure by which they bold their offices, is the faithful and efficient diflenarge of duly. Iu tins view of the subject, you will perceive that there must be a cordial and mutual confidence between the Kxrcutivo and the gupcritnudoni, auJ fur that rea-un, the efaperlntcndfiit should be appointed by tbe Executive. 1 therefore recommend that the act of llio hut LtiguJutiire taking tho appointment of this officer from the finvornnr and giviug it to the Legislature, he repenlsd, and that the uppoiufinunt be again placed ut tho disposal of iho Executive. If the road is to he continued ua.ter State management, *».u im « P uu i„ the must practicable system that can ho adopted. , Two loading objections ore urged aguinst thr plan. The first is founded apoo tho fear that the sub ordinate posts onTiio road will ho regarded and filled a* political offices. Underlay adminUtratiou this practice has cuased to exist. Whatever may ho thought nr anid about making govenuental offices, political position*, In other department^ it is a well settled fact, that it will uot answer in the niunuge- niont of railroads or similar Htnte enterprises.— .Such a policy is condemned both by reason urn) ex perience, hod cun never be resorted to without en dangering the public iutereft. This truth is so clearly Hliutratvd in tne history of every State work, where the policy has been adopted, that 1 do nut believe that the experiment will again be made in our own Stale. The other objection is of a more Rerioiis character. It grows out of lira changes in the inanuajtement of the road, incident to tho fro* nueut change in tbo Executive office. 1 admit the force of this objection, and the only reply that cun lie offered, is founded on the fact, ihut the objection is applicable to every plan which lins boen or cun bo suggested for llio government of the road under State management. I u view of those difficulties, 1 submit to your con sideration, auutlior pluti. fur tho disposal of tho rood, one which will secure the three jroal objects to be attained; first the retention of tho Htate's in terest in the road, second, a uuifonu and permanent syNiein for its management; and third, a certain and reliable revenue from it. It is to lease the road un der an act of incorporation. Let a charter he gran ted with a capital of five hundred thuusand dollars iashurosofa hundred dollarx each. Tho charter should provide that the company should make somi annual payments to tho 8luto, aud that the first failure should ipio facto work its forfeiture. The amount required to be paid hy the company for its leaso, should bo ut least 5 per cent on the capital in vested by the .Stato, which might be cftimated at five millions of dollars. The dinner should bo for a limited timo, and perhaps twnuty-fivn year* woul i bo lufficieuily long. The company should be re- quired lu return the road at the nxpirniiou of their lease in as good condition, and as well equipped as when they received it. The improveinciitH which the increased butiiiusHuf the road will require them to make, would afford a reliable tuaranty upou this point. On the other hand the Htalo should agree lo pay the company for uny increased value given to tho road by the iinnrovctueoU made by them. Pro vision should also be made iu the charter, to protect connecting roads from a parti I, and unjust admin istration of iU affairs, under such penalties as would ensure perfect impartiality. I havo fixed the capital of the cotupauy at a half million, supposing thul to ba autiiejent for the ordinary improvements, which urn still required to put Iho road in complete order. The Legislature could hereafter increase it, if the busiuess of the road should require the laying of a double truck. In submitting ibis suggestion to your considera tion, 1 liuve morelv laid dowu the outline of a plnu which might bo perfected, if the policy recommend- od moot* with your approval. If adopted care should be exercised in guarding the interests of the Stato in any charter which may be granted, and that is suliinittrd with greut confidence to your wis dom and discretion. 1 box Icavo to repeat, that the adoption of this policy will ensure a uniform and permnnont system in the conduct aud management of thiti great work. It will bn brought under the operation of privato enterprise and individual in terest without sacrificing the investment of the State. It will be relieved from the difficulties which 1 have shown must always more or less attend its management under Slate control, nud finally ensure the regular receipt into tho treasury of at least two hundred and fifty thousand dollars per annum. The Penitentiary. I transmit herewith the reports of the Principal Keeper and Book Keeper of the Penitentiury, which will exhibit to you its operations during the past two yrojn. The officers of that institution during that lime have been faithful and energetic in the discharge of their duties, uud 1 believe that its business, under their charge, will compare favora bly with the business of preceding years. Its as set* at the end of tbe year will in nil probability ditcliMigo iu liabilities, and leave it free from debt. I ho business of the Peniteutiary is not, and iu my judgmeiit, nover will be a sourco of revenue to tho Stato. Tho appropriations which have from lime to time bccu made to meet its liabilities, show this fact. The gross amount of them is set forth in the Keeper’s report. It now requires large appropria tions to mnko the uecessary improvement*, aud to furoith materials for its successful management. It is a subject which should secure more of the per tonal attention of your members than lias heretofore beeu the cose. An inspection of iu condition will give you more satisfactory Information of its Iruo waau than any representation that I cau wake, and I would urge the propriety of your doing so, as it can be done with very little trouble to vuurselves, and much benefit to tho State. As you will perceive from the Keeper’s report, the business of building rail road oars have boon commenced upoo n pretty exten sive scale. The experiment so far has proven croi- nemly successful.—indeed it has been tho principal source of revenue since iu commencement. For the want of the necessary means, an srranaemeut had to be made with the Stale Hoad to AiniLh the materials for building cars, and ss long me that rood requires all the cars that can be built at the Peniten tiary, Ibis arrangement could be contlnaed. If the business, however, should be exfohded u recom mended iu the Keeper’s report, it will be necessary for you to supply the necessary mean, for the pur- chare in advance of materials, as the object should then be, to manufacture cars for all roods that uiny desire to purchase. It would also be necessary to authorize the employment of a Huporintendent of this branch of the work, at a belter salary than is now allowed to the subordinate officer.. If a ready sale be found for Hie cars, I bavo no hesitation In saying, that It ie tho most profitable business that CM bo carried oo la tho PonUcatiary. The importance ofclassifying the prisoners in the Penitcntlhry, has been so rapaatedly and forcibly presented lo the Legislature by my predecessors, that 1 deoiu it unnecessary to enlarge upon the sub ject. It ia again brought tu your attention by the Principal Keeper's deport, and 1 would impress up on your minds the propriety of giviug it your early attention. Whon this recommendation is based up on the concurrent opinion of every ouc who has been thrown into official communication with the Peni tentiary, it ahoutd at least receive more considera tion than has heretofore been given to iu The Luaattc Jiytum. Tho hi-cnnial Report of the Truatoes, Superinten dent and Kosidnni Physician of tho Luuatic Asylum is herewith submitted. This Institution has bom conduct ml during tho past two years with thn char acteristic energy and ability of Us officers, 1 com mend to your attention the suggestions ami recom mendations contained iu these Reports. Founded aa they are upon the experience and ol»*crvation of those who have shown themaelves so worthy of the confidence reposed in them by the Slate, they should command your most favorable consideration. This Institution was established by the Slate under the conviction that it was our duly to provide for the safety and comfort of that unfortunuto class of our follow beings, who had beeu deprived of thoir rea son, and thereby rendered incapable of providing for themselves. This humane object will not have been accpmplislied, so loug as tliore remains in the borders of our State one unfortunate luuatic unpro vided for. It is a melancholy and humiliating re daction, that applicants for admission, are daily re jected for the want of the necossary means tu pro vide for their accommodate mo. This ought not to be ao. I hold it to be the solemn duty or those who lisve boen spared from this awful calamity to furnish from their treasure whatever may bo required for the support and comfort of thoir less fortunate fol low being*. I cannot believe that there lives in our State a tingle citizen, who would not givu a cordial response to this sentiment. The necessities of this Institution, is therefore thn ouly just limit tu jour appropriation. Whon you ascertain it* wnnts, let them bo supplied, your hoarts will approve the act, ar.d your constituents will sanction the vole. There is one class of lunatics for whom no provis ion is made iu Iho orgauizutiou of this institution. I aliudud to our slave population. This omission, I liavo no doubt, is attributsalo to the fact, that the mimforv ia ao limited that it baa nut allractrd public attention. There are, however, a fow, and suitable provision should bo made for them. Tho first sug gestion would be to leave this matter in the hands of the owners, after providing a place at thn Asylum for their reception. Tills will not do, however, as it aomotimes happen* that the unfortunate lunatic is tho only property of the owner; and hn ia therefore unable to suppoit him at the Asylum. It would R erhapsbe wroug to tax those who ha -e no interest i slaves, to raise money for this purpose. The amount which should be raised for this object, would bn small, aud if levied upon tbe taxable alavo prop erty, would unt Iio felt by the owner. Looking lo the number of luiiatio nogroca *, it would require only a nominal tax upon tliia kind of property ruiao the necessary means. I can sen no good r« son why every slave owner should not cheerfully submit to this tax, to carry out so desirable and praisworlhy an object. ( heretofore recommrud that proper steps be taken at your present session to carry out lhe*c views in the manner suggested. Deaf and Dnmh 4tylum. The report of the Commissioners for the Deaf and Dumb Asylum for the years 1854 and 1853 is here- with iriinamitlod. The successor this institution ia a gratifying result and should secure for it the con tinued patronage of the Stato. Your predecessors havo by thoir lihoral endowment recognized the duty of the Slum tu provido for the eduealiou of the uu- fortuuato mule, aud it would be difficult for the Legislature tu appropriate the muuey of the people lo an object that would receive a more uuqualitied approval from the popular mind. I also transmit tbe report of a committee appointed by myself to attend the aiiuuul examination of 1852. It bears testimony to the faithful aud ulUcieut dincharge of duly by llio officers of the institution. Its recom mendations urn commended to your consideration, a* worthy of utioution in your legislation on tbii subject. The Initilutionfor the Ulind. I transmit to you the first annual report of the Trustees for the “(jeorgiu Academy for the Blind." This institution was organized undor an act of thn Legislature, and is now struggling through fontile existence. It has encountered tho difficulties which have attended all similar Institutions, aud iu viow of there difficulties, its effort* have have be-m at (sailed with a* much auccess ua could huve rea sonably been anticipated. It has shown itself wor thy of tho fostering care uxreudnd to it hy vuur pre decessors, uud should contiuuo to receive your patroiiiigo and encouragement. Tho appeal iu be- h«.ir,.f |".« LiujTiiir.ii.Mt made fornne u«nr duinli~addrea.es itself lo our better foslings. The heart would be <ralloua and hardened that could* that appeal with iuditlereucc. Those of us who have honu endowed hy a kind Providence with all the attributes ol manhood, unimpaired hy disease or misfortune, have resting upon us uu obligation iu reference to our le«s favored brethren, which we cannot disregard. In establishing nud mniutuiiiiiig three dilTcront m.litutions the people of (Jeorgiu have exhibited their appreciation of this high duty. Thu auccess which has attended these efforts should only atiimiiate us to renewed exorliuus and more liberal contributions. Georgia Military Inititute. At tho lust sesaiou of tho lieueral Assembly pro vision was mnda by law for the education of a cer tain number of cadets in the Military Institute, lo- catod at Marietta. A report is herewith transmited from tho Board of Visitors of that institution, which will present to the Legialuturo all tho information on tliut subject in my possession. Thn aystom of military education is growing in popular fuvor throughout the country. Iu othor Himes of the Union those Academies receive liberal eudowntouts from tho (Joveruincnt, and are becoming more and re the fuvorites ol tho peojde. So far a* I am bledtojudgo tho Marietta ln.tituth has beou as eminently succoseful as any of its sister institutions, id as deserving of Slate pat run ago# Education. Tlio cau.io ot Education uumbnrs, among its friends, no supporters, more zealous, or liberal, than tiio people of Georgia. It is with siucere pica- uod honest pridotnat wo can point to tho pro- i of education in our State. Our University waa never tu a more flourishing condition: and never deserving of the confidence and patronage of the Stale. Other colleges have sprung up in gener ous rivalry with this institution under tlm putrousge of private enterprize, affording the most extensive facilities for a liberal education to ail who may be |K>k.«Mrd of the uucessary means. Colleges and rieminarics for the education of our dauxhters arc to be found in almost every neighborhood, founded upta private inunificinnce and conducted with marked energy and ability. I would uot uiiiiccesarily mar this picture so grateful to our fooling* uud ao grati fying to our Stale pride ; but u sense of duty de mands that our attention should bo turned to anotb- branch of the subject, which presents for our consideration far different results. Whilst tbo minds of those, who havo been bles.ed with the necessary means—are being stored with all the rich treasures of knowledge, placed in their roach by tlic.e flour ishing institutions—there is lo be found another class, less favored of Heaven, who are growing up utter ignorance. The propriety of providing for tho education of the poor is recognized by every ; but I am not sure that its unnortance is folly rceiatod. I do not speak of that complete and finished education wbicb can be acquired only in higher Seminaries and Colleges, but I refer to it in ita more limited sense. The man who can read uod write is n well educated man, in comparison whom the Alphabet Is au unmeaning mystery ; and the gulf that separates these two classes is far wider and doepor lliau the one which lies between tbe humblest scholar and the most learned Professor. Give to every son and daughter of (ho .Slate an opportunity oflearning to read and writo, and we become that day au educated people for nil the practical purposes of Government. Tbe honesty, purity, and intelligence of the pco- pie coustiluts tiio firm foundations of a republican Government. To the extent of our ability it is our duty to fo.ler aud nurture tbe*e elemeuls of securi ty and sirengili. Georgia has in some degree real ized this truth and exhibited a disposition lo act up ou it. Her ablest sons have been summoned to the task of devising systems for the education of tbe poor; and our legislative tables groan under the accumulated reports of committeea appointed to in vestigate und report upon the subject. All that Id bo done iu this way has been done, and yet sons aud daughters of poverty are uunrovided with the opportunity of learning to read and write. Can nolhiug more bo effected I as ibis Gold of labor, so inviting to the patriot and philanthropist, lobe abundoiied and forsaken t To answer these ioqui- i, we must ascertain, firat, what haa occasioned tbe failure heretofore ? and secondly, nro we able and »illiug to overcome the difficulty in the future'■ The first point ia very clearly presented iu the state ment of tliia simple fact—the numliar of children returned under our poor school law, ia (38,000) thir- y-cight thousand, and iho mousy appropriated for :beir education is ($23,000) twenty-three thousand dollars. In othor words, for the education of each child, tho LegLIuturr appropriates the sum of sixtv cents. I can uso no argumeui or language that will prescut iu more forcible terms the main defect in past svstem, than is to be found in this state- t. We have failed to educate tbe destitute children of our Stale, because we have failed to ap propriate a sufficient sum of mono/ to effect the ob ject. It it more lliau useless to discuss plans and systems until tho necessary means are furnished to make any plan successful. This view of tho sub ject bring* mo to tbe second Inquiry. Can this diffi culty bo m^taud overcome? I a otbor words, will the tpfU lature appropriate thn necessary amount of money. At present I am not prepared to recommend any Urge increase of tbe appropriation. My object is more particularly to call your attention to a period in tbe foture, when tbe required ss‘.t cau.be devoted to this object without the, imposition or aoy addi tional tux upon tbs peoplb. If 1 am right in the Views which 1 have already presented of tbe fiasn- tie) condition of tbs Slate, present and prospective, iu the course of n few years the public debt will be paid off, nud there will be oo bneessily for incurring Mother. When that time shall bnve arrived, our C iseot tax law may be reduced one heir, end still nish ample menus for aa economies! admisUlra- like of the Covsroment—giving so juat cause of nun W IWU •■■huivu anu j muuaiiiu uillian. x u that *sln I look to supply the present defect in our educational system for the poor. To that patriotic object,’ as well as to tbe necessities of the iustilu* tluusestshliahed by the State for tho Dual aud Dumb, thn Hliud, and the unfortunate Lunatic, It should be sacredly devoted ; end until the wants of each aud all should have been folly supplied, not one dollar should be withdrawn for suy other purpose. 1 have invited your attention to the subject at this time that the public mind may be directed to its consideration in advance of the period wheu tho policy may with propriety bs adopted. Public Printing. I call your attention to the luw on tho subject of the public printing. It isddfocttve In many rospeots, and requires Legislative action. Tbe great delay that occurred in the prinliug of the Lawa end Jour nals of thn last General Assembly, should not bo permitted to occur again. Under tho law ss it now stands there will always bo more or less daoget of its recurring. In the estimatiou of many persona tiio Executive is held pertly responsible for such de lay, and yet hn is powerless to prevent it. Provis ion should he made by law that the publio printing should be dono at tho seat of Government—under the rye aud supervision of tho Exeoutlvo, and he should Iio clothed with powe< ‘.o transfer it from tho hands of thn public printer whsnnver lie fails to complete it in a given period to be fixed hy law.-— Wheuevertliereis unnecessary delay, tho Execu tive should bo authorised and required to make such deductions as ike exigency iu his judgment i unifies; and aimilar power should he lodged with im in cose tbe prinliug is aot executed In manner and style required by law. It should bo made the duty of the Mccrctary of State, to compare the print ed laws before their final publtcatiuu, Mth the enroll ed acts in hi* office,and proper compensation should bo allowed him for tho dlschargn of this duty. Tho stylo and execution of tiio printed acts*should be impruvud. ’i ho act of 1834 required thorn to con form to tho lawa of tho Unitod States, as at that timo published. "Bince then groat improvement haa bocu uiurfe in tho printing of the laws of tho Uni ted titntsH, and we uhould in this respect keep up with Uio progress of tho ago. Annual Sestione. Tho oxperimont of bi-ennial sessions of the Genoral Assembly, has been sufficiently tested by nxporionct, and I beliovo that th* public judge- moot of the Stale is prepared to nronouuco against it. 1 was among tho numbor of its advocates, and •o voted whon tho question was submitted to tho puoplo for their decision. 1 am now sottsfiod, that in common with a large majority of iny fellow- citixons, 1 was wrong, and am prepared to recom mend a return to ounual aossions. Even if thu policy of bi-ennial sessions was right at the timo of its adoption, the increased interest and impor tant public works of tho Binle havo wrought such a change in our affairs ihut a different system is now required for our progressed and progressing condition. A single consideration should satisfy overy man of tho proprioty of annual sessions. At present, all power is placod in tho hands of the Ex- ecuiivu for two years, and his term expires and tho people arc called upon to pass judgement upon his uffiuiul cu. jor before his actings and doings can be submitted to tho usl of Legislative investigation Ho cannot bo called upon ior an exposition of bis official doings until tho General Assembly moots, and that does not take place until his term of office has oxpirod, and ho has oitiior been re-elocted or defoatod, or has voluntarily withdrawn from tho public service. This is wrung in theory, end might work much injury In practice, It was uu economical view of tho snhjoct which Induced tho people to resort to bi-ounial aossions, but it may well ho questioned whether the result has justified tins expectation, i ho fact that tho General /Is• somhiy meuis«only unco in two yoars, renders it necossary to extend tho length of the session Tho accumulated busiuoss ot the two years must he disposed of, and additional timo is required to do it. In order that the people may have an ot>- portunity ol paasing their judgment upon this sub ject, 1 recommend that nn aet altering the consti tution ho passed by the Genurul Assembly at its present session, auu thu question submitted to tho pooplo ut the next gencrul election. If approved liy them, your successors can perfect the altera tion, nnu if condemned, tho act can then be reject ed. Anopporlunity will thus bo offered of having the question decided by the direct action of those deeply interested in the matter. Attorney General. My experience in office hns brought vividly bo- fore mu tiio fact that innumerable occasions occur, whoro tho Executive, on account uf tiio varied and increasing interests of tho titato, requires the ma ture und iloiiberatn counsol of persons skilled in tiio law. Tho hurriod and off--hand opinions of the bust lawyers, uro worth but liltfo under such circum- iunw« ) tn.olomn advice of foed counsel on ovary such question, nw.i4k« « heavy draw upon tho contingent fund. My own convic tion is, that nn officer known «• the Attorney Gen eral iff th« SUlo or Georgia, with such m**i*iy os would command tho host counso! in the State, would meet tho necessity of tho ciao. To tho genh oral duty uf advising the suvurui Exucu..ve Depart ments of thu Government, might bo added wit- propriety, tho representing und advocating tho in terest of llio Stuto in all questions arising Infforu our Bupromo Court. Tiio dutios of such an officer, it is unuocussary for mo to spocily. Tho necessity and propriety ol such an office will ho folt by ovory ono occupying tho Executive chair. The Supreme Court and Stale Library. At tiio timo tho Supreme Court was established tho idea prevailed that the convenience of parties litigant required .that the court should hold ita ses sions ut points accessible to them. For that pur pose it was provided in the law organizing tho court that it should Hit at ninu different places. Exporioncu has shown that this wuh a inintukun view of tho subject, as tiio parlies seldom it ever attend tho court. Their uttendanoe is not necessa ry, and thoy therefore stuy away. No ono will quostion tbe fact, that this inigrutory feature is at tended with grout inconvenience to tho mombors of tho court. If this waa tho only objection to it, it light* bo borno with, but it doprives tbe court of i« advantages of consulting good libraries, which ro not to be found at many of tiio points, where it is now hold. Without attempting to present the many reasons which might bo urged in favor of tho cliungo,UH thoy will readily suggest tbomsolves to your minds. 1 recommend that tho places for holding tho court lie reduced to the number re quired by tho Constitution. Looking to tho future permanouce and usefulness of this court, I think it advisable that tho Constitution bo so amended as to authorizo ila entire sittings at the seat of gov ernment. I can see no good reason why it should bo olbcrwiso. Tho dockot of tho court could bo so arranged for each of the Judicial Districts as to onablo counsel to attend to their cases with na much convonienco at Millodgevillo as at any olhoi point. In tins connection I coll your ntlontion to tho condition of our Stuto Library. For many yours tho library has I won totally neglected and almost lost sight of by the Legisglaturc. The last General As sembly mado an anuual appropriation of a thousand dollars for it. This amount regularly continued with tbe system of exchanges with tho other Slate* would in the eourso of a low years furnish a ctalo library, of which we might not be ashamed. The ■mull sulury given to the libarisn will not socuro tbe services or a competent officer, unloss tbo appoint ment is connected with sumo othor officcj ns has boon done during the lost two yoars. The libarian’s report is herewith communicated. It will show tbo condition of tbe library, ita increase sioco I came into office, end also tho regulations I have adopted to preserve it from ita former tale, it cannot be necessary for mo to submit an argumont to tho Legislature in favor of obtaining and kneptug a good Bute library. State pride, if there was no other consideration, would make an appeal m ita favor, that ought not to be disregarded. Its pro priety and usefulness, however, are too apparent to require further coinmout. I confidently com mend to your favorable consideration the policy adopted hy your immediate prodocessors on this subject. .Miscellaneous Subjecte. A vacancy occurred on tho cupreine Court bench duiin, tli. pteMot y.mr. I.jf th. mlfo.tioo of lb. Hon. Iliram W.rnor, which I filled 6, th. «PP«ot- ment of tho Hoo. Ebenour Buwom. '1 her. h»v. been soverel vacancies occasioned by dsith and resignation, oo the Circuit Court bench, bat as they are no longer filled by the legislators, it U unne cessary to specify them. Tiio creditors of tho Bank of Darien have been for your* applying to tbe State for liquidation of their claims, bolding as thoy do, that tiio Stato Is liable for them. It is time that this metier shouid be disposed of, and I recommend that acme prouision bq made by the present General Assembly for the final settlement of these claims, either by submitting the questions involved to tho decision of tbe courts, or soino other tribunal to be selected by the Legis lature, and agreed to by parties iu interest. I was directed by a resolution of the last General Assembly, lo withdraw the block of marble, which had boon furnished for the Washington Monumont from this Btate, ou account of tho ohjoctionabie inscription upou It, and to provido another tu its stood, with the simple inscription of the Arms ol tho Bteto. Fioding that tho object of the Legisla ture could be carried out by an alteration of the inscription on tbe block already furnished I adop- tod that course, aa the most economical and appro priate under the circumaUuccs. _ By joint resolution of the lest Geenrol Assembly, I waa required to appoint a commission to examine £,Tto U,o pribn. on D>« of Wm Q. Anderson, Thoe. Anderson, and Richard J. Willi* securities of John 1L Awlenmo, oo.his bond., i« CMbio. and tganl of tho t .rl.n Bask. I JiSoW.d CholM Donjiorty .od W <p. Hope HuH. Mid horowUh tunimlt to y. ,< their report pred’JcMwri Informed th. U»t (kunl Awm- blr that th. qoMtion of tho boof d.rr between Florida and our own State had beeu submitted to th. Supremo Court of th. UliiWd Buur. ud ib.t ho Ita on,seed tho .omooo of tho Hoo. J. M. Borrion, u tli. Attortoy of tiio But*. At tho iotunco of Judj* Borrion, I njmoiated with him tho lion. G»r,o E. Badger hiving boon wthorlnd by resolution of tho iut Logl.utuie, to employ additional cornual ia th.tauo. The cue li etiU ponding, and will probably bo decided .1 th. ip- pfocching term of thu ooart. , , „ ■ A qoootlo. of boaduy between Sooth CwoJiM - Georgia hat artea tinea tha adpjummtot of of South Carolina and myself an the subjsei 1* herewith transmitted. Sfjr »B"» •"-felly p-. aenlod Id that conrcrbonponco,' that I deem It uonocmiary to add aoythlng in nlhtont, ta It, I ritromniuod that tlm iOgoatio. contalimdfe tha but complaint oo the ffeend of taaalioa.. Tha Stato the Ian General AmaUv. Tha eatm*oodeoc# railroad todor the ryaum I have wcw.nw.dml rli! between the Governor Hd th. Atumto, Gwwl letter of th. Attonwy Ganmai af I be acceded to, aad tbM pwviakaa h. I mltting tho qnestioa of bom the Supremo Court ftf tkt _ sente tho moat satisfactory mod# of aetthuc s diapwte which if left unadjusted, might iImSIMi day land to unpleasant oeaestf—ces» By a joint resolution of the leet i bly, I was directed to appoint “ lw» suns as delegates from this State to i vantion of delegates from the Thirl ._ Btntos," which was held In Philadelphia, ml tkf 5th of July, 1869. 1 appointed |the Hoo. Marshall J. V\ elhorn, of Columbus, and the Hon. Aahff Hull of A then?, who accepted the appoinUMM, ami their report of the action of the convsatUo Ie Um* with transmitted. The object for which Ibis cow- veqiion assembled, and the aieda hy whisk that ab ject Ie thjto coniummated, ere so foUy nud sutiafae* torily presented la the accompanying report, flat f do not fasl called upon to do more thaa ask for it your careful consideration. It is no loonl or sectional movement, in which the people of Philadelphia end Pennsylvania alone are interested. It was prompted by n national sentiment as bread as the Union—and n spirit of graiitudo end veneratiom ■s deeply implanted in tbo hearts of the AmorieM people, as era tho memories of our revolutionary ■iruggles. Gcorainghas participated so for with commendable zeal, and patriovie ardor iu this uebla enterprize—and I doubt not, that every stop of its future progreas will he marked wit'i the evidences of her liberality. • The last Genoral Assembly passed a Joint revo lution authorising me ” to ereet, on the pohlie grounds, near the 8tate House, a soluble monu ment to tho memory of our Into distinguished fol low-citizen, Hon. John Forsyth, enri^hy for tlto same out of the money appropriated for that pur* pose by tbe ect of the Legislature approved FeW ruary 93, 18&0.” The proposition contained iu this resolution, meets my cordial approval No one entertains e higher appreciation of the stevyl- coe and brilliant career of Mr, Forsyth, than my self, und it would bavu given roe sincere pleasure to have carried out tho intontlon of the Legislature, It it could havo boen done. Tbe amount ot the appropriation is tvhoMjdr.adcquatc fbr tho contcia- piutuu M object, A rnotimment erected on the Stato House square, to tho memory of Mr. Forsyth, slioujd not only be creditable to tbe Bute, but wor thy of the distinguished deed { such u rooummeut cannot be obtained for ono thousand dollars. For this reason and for this reason alone, 1 have token no steps to carry oot this resolution, sod 1 now recommend thst the appropriation be Increased to a sum that will secure such a monument as the occa sion calls fur; a monument worthy of tbe Btoto of Georgia, and worthy of the distinguished defender of tho Constitution and Union of our fathers. Wo have just had our first judloiel elections un dor thu law giving those elections to the poople. Tbe policy of the law has hern vindicated, end it ( iresenta an appropriate occasion for recommend- ng an extension of its provisions to the remaining cases of State officers elected by tbe LegIslotqre. Our eieetlun laws need amendment. The duty of deciding upon the returns of many elections, is by implication devolved upoo tbe Executive. No rules liowovnr are prescribed for bis government. This should be remedied by tho passage of an a«t, plainly defining his duty, power, nod mode of pro cedure. The groat number of laws which have been ed on the subject of the lands belonging to tL.. Stato has Involved that subject In great alAenlty. Many of these laws were ofe mere local character, but their application being general in the terms of tho statute, haa produced e contrariety of pro visions difficult to reconcile. The whole subject needs thorough and radical legislation, aod I trust it will receive your consideration during the present session. For the disposition of tho remakntng un- granted lnndn of every description, that huve been regularly surveyed, i would recommend that the policy of tiio net of 1843 be adopted. Experience lias proven it to be, by far the most economical and satisfactory inode of disposing of tho poblli lauds. Thn slow but steady development of the mineral resources of oar Slate, should bring to youv atten tion tha Importance of providing, for n Ufdrongh geological survey of the Bute. Other depurttof ais of iulcieat would he greatly benefited by it—and I refpmafiend that ample provision be made for that purpose. I waa requested by resolution of the Senate of thn *t Legislature to make tbe elterelloneand arrange ments In tlm Henale Chamber rendered necessary by I lie increased number of that body. It has been attended to—and a portion oftke oxpausc paid out of the the contingent fund. Nospeclaleppropnn* «m,i iU« —.'i-ulnn, and it becomes necossary for you to make aa tufa appropriation to pay the balance doe to Mr. Lora, ~ tho contractor. A* h« was among thn unfortunate n umbsr who suffered severely fYom the late Ire in this city, would urge upou you the Justice of provid ing for thn immediate settlement or his account. Your attention has doubtless been arretted by the destructive character ofthe fire to which I have just alluded. The iudividuel sufferers make no appeal to you for relief, but it is in your power to render essential aid. not only to them but to tbe whole com munity, by decisive action upoo Ike subject of an, moval ol the sent of Government. Tbe ooustMt agitation ot thatquertinn bus paralysed tbeeaergtoe ofthe people or Miltedgeville and crushed tkefr spirit of enterprise. The foture prosperity ef their city is involved lu it, and to long a* It remains au open and unsettled point, the effect will be foil and scan in the downward tendency of every interest connected |with the prosperity of the city. Ample time bus licon allowed for ascertaining the popular will on tbe subject, and legislative expression should now Iio givon to the judgmunt of tbe people. It ie due not only to this community but also to the future comfort of those, who may be officially called lo spend a portion of their lime ut tbe Capitol. Buck arrangements as are necessary to make Milledgevllle a plrasant residence for the members of the General Assembly, and others called hero by publio business, can never be mode until it is known that the seat of Government will not b«f removed. Whatever, thfre- fore, may be tbo publio will on Ibis subject, let it be msdo known in such authoritative form, as will re lievo all doubt ond anxiety in reference to it. Federal Relations. I herewith transmit a communication from the 8tnt* Department of the Federal Government, ac- companied with n copy of n “ Consular Cowven;ion between tha United Buies of America and Hie Ma jesty tbe Emperor ofthe French." Your aUeutioo is ceiled to the provisions of the acventh article of tho convention. 1 lierowitn transmit the resolutions of various Statu Legislatures, which have been forwarded tome. Since the Iasi season ofthe General Assembly, au :currence has transpired in which Georgia, though it directly a party, is in my judgement deeply in terested, and to which I deem It my duty to call your attention. A citizen of Virgin!- on his way to Texas with slaves is by force of circumstance*, compelled lo take n temporary transit through thu city of New York. Upon Habeas Corpus before Judge Payne of that 8tate—the negroes were de clared free, and the citizen deprived of hla proper- ty. Though indemnified folly, I believe by volua- lary subscription, yet the principal involved Iu the deebiou is ope of vast importance and ettvtf ling tendency, fR which the iutere«t uf Mr. Lem mons brenmn* insignificant, and the interest of every slave holding Stele paramount und equal. Virglnieend Tezes have no deeper interest thau Georgia and Alabama. It is understood that ua sp- G al has been taken from tbe decision, to the appal- e court of New York, and It is probable that tha final adjudication of the question Involved will bo made by tbe Supreme Court of the Unitod States.— Tbe deliberate determination of nay question by that tribunal commands and should receive tbe res pect of the country, end constitutes ■ precedent controlling subsequent cases. Tbe principles in volved in the decision of Judge Payne will be bettor considered in e court room than in a document like the present. It is not my purpose therefore to saw- mit an argument on tbe correctnese of that decis ion. If such is the law. it is the first time that it has been solemnly thus pronounced in n care made before any tribooa! within my knowledge. If it be true that the eitiaenx of tbe slareboldhtg States, who by fore* of circumstances or for convow- inner, seek a passage through the territory of u po« slavrholding State, with their slates—ere thereby deprived ofthrir property In them, and the slave* ipso focto become emancipated, it U time that wp know the law as it is. No Court in America hit , ever announced this to he law. It wonld be exceed ingly strange if it should be. By the comity of Na tions, the personal status of every man i% determined by the law of hie domicil, end whether ha bo bond or free, capable, or incapable there, he remains aw every where a new domicil ia acquired. This it but tke courtesy of nation to nation, founded, uot upou thn statute, but is absolutely uecessary for tku peace and harmony of States, and for tbe enforcement of private justice. A denial of this cbnrtUy Is unheard of among civilized nations, nod If deliberately aba wantonly persisted in, would be just cause of war. Can it be possible that the uourtosy yielded by Inde pendent nations to each other can be rightfolly de- oied by one of these States to tbe others? Is tho bond or Union no authority or reaso* tor ecowrseog conduct unjustifiable without that bond? Did tb« it- the Trainers ofthe Constitution so wise and re pro vident sis to ell other possible causes of disuurt*- ance between the States, permit so pregnant u source of discord to pass unheeded aod uujWW* vided fort In yielding our right to : end to declare war. have e«e left ourMlvee rjuMj dlloto in cases oi palpable jflSttaSLIfc-J” aad enmity of nations ? The adjudication uf there questions by tbe tribunal oroauiuod anitor tuu-oma, fore tbe tribaesL I r tho event, ofthe Lemi fore the Supreme Cot ised to employ able < Georgia, to ho heard questions. Tli. eoadilloo preiiuiM a nlii.tloD otrhc»« • ti—O IM
