Newspaper Page Text
By William II. Bullocli,
ATT AND COUNTT PRINTER)
And puMkhcr of too Lawn of the Uu
Duvr Pun,
Pa/able Mml-aaauatijr in adrmce.
CxtfcT Pun, IbraU *o«tlu...........'..Sb
Tw Wimr Pun, per him....
Tri-WutiTPuu, for el* moatlu
Wncu Putt, per urn* ...Tkrt«
AapejrsNolftttvMCtt.
• muniuhti
'd inerted alike amal rate*.
m dUeonnamoATMMSMNi-
jftlho flfNitmiflkHSwri -rr • .v.v .,
And House of Repntentktivcs: "
The measure* to which U U my. duty to direct
your attention are Aw and obvious. Thoy shall
be remedial of defects in existing laws, or sugges
tive of a new policy.
The presentw6de of taxation rests upon the ac
cumulated legislation of naarly half or a centu
ry. amid all the vaiyinfciituinstances of its peri-
•dfeaT seapensioa* and revivals, chango of our
naufcttaUe stubs. increase of population, and
nnlugeatemt of territorial rights. The profusion
of taws on this subject has made their execution
embarrassing and doubtful. Within one-third of
tho entire area of tho 8tate, the classifications of
the quality of the soO, with specific discriminations
in the tax on each, amount to at least sixty. Kvon
ceantiej arc subdivided into a sends of classifica
tions in this respect, which are not authorised by
die value of the freehold or ita productions. Ge
ographical points constituting limits to which ceri
tain rates of taxation shall extend, and where oth
ers begin, are designated by names that are gener
ally unknown ana almost forgotten. Sometimes
Tague language is employed as descriptive of the
quality and position ortho freehold. Nor is it less
w he noticed that that portion of real property in
the State, lying northwest of the Cherokee fine,
as described in tho tax act of 1828, is assessed in
definitely, certainly without that precision as to
varieties of soil and specification ns to rates of tax
ation which obtain in other portions of tho State.
.These imperfections require correction.
Whilst tn the act of amending our systen of tax
ation, the conclusion must be rivgtted on evory
mind by a candid examination nnd comparison of
all Its parts, that It Is unequal atid unjust. Proofs
will bo abundantly furnished, by considering the
price or productiveness of lands, irrespective pf
culture or staples, in dilferent parts of the State,
audthe wide difference in tho rates at which they
are now assessod. Equality of public burthen*, cr
at best its approximation, is an essential part of
justice, and should he constantly in view in per
forming the task of revising the tax laws so us to
tuako them simple and tiuilonn.
The plan proposed to the last General Assem
bly appeared to Iks worthy of trial and without per
il to the pnblic interest. ' It was intended to bo tho
first in a series of measures that were to lend fi
nally and safely to the adoption of the ail valorem
plan of taxation. Hence, a leading interest—tho
freehold—was selected as exhibiting the most per
plexing detailsand grossest inequalities in taxation.
The immediate adoption of the plan of raising
revenue by tho valuation of property liable to be
taxed, is objectionable for the want of statistical
information, and excludes thq presumption or
even probability that a rate could he fixed on by
which the exactor even proximate amount of rev
enue would be raised. On tho one haud; o dofi-
• enejr would jeopardize public credit, and on the
other, an excess might awaken popular Acting, al
ways and properly active against unnecessary bur
thens. Accordingly, I respectfully renew substan
tially the recommendation referred to.iifid indulge
the hope tbatit may be adopted. It is not oxpected
or designed to increase tho public burthens, but to
equalize and simplify our system of taxation. 1
therefore suggest that the entire landed estate nnd
...
fotmuotolhes
gont creditors
than a source of
BiWSBSSf
‘omen, tho patient and IqdaK
State, cannot be otherwise
it, whh$i will be im
die
firin'
..id by contract
fbr tho 'payment
f not A suit has been commenced on
R. Anderson, late Cuslticr of the L --
Darien Bank at M illcdgevjllo, and his Bccuntio* in
the counter of Greene, and a veriUet, was lately
ilssecm
-- - • •• • x
tho bond or J.ItS therolbre rMO«rt(bU/ ftrppoeed lie
Branch of tho milUmbo di.bnndedbj « iu.pcn.um of the ml - Cluj, wht
pwards. Tho defend-
the improvements thereon, shall be tnxcdataccr- , „. r „ t „ r _„ r ...
tain rate on its valuation, to be rettyrued on tiio J dituro was that it should be economically ap<
nrtlh nf ihn IVnnhiiMan tv.tlv ' eHnniR«eli>..,j nC- ■» «l._ ...... ...... n C ,1... Qi..i. Ii
„ _ rest oh tho sterl
ing bonds. Additionally,-it might be rognrdod ns
an alarming incident, If tbb 'bdqda, plcdgod to
them as a security for their advances to the state,
and oxcooding.too amount of these advances a-
bout £39,500 should be put afloat bn tire market.
Tho established Integrity of this firm, howevor, is
KjWhpof nW Ybrk, strengthori this opinion
l itf‘ttvo'bommhnicatlons urider dates of the 8th
September, nnd tho 20th ultima, lit which they
suggest that ftinds inny be placed In New York ?
and paid over oh the delivery of tlio bonds.
The plan suggested would be a great convene
enno to the Stnto by changing tho place of pay
ment, and for whlcn ndoqnnte concessions should
bo raqde hy allowing a liberal rnto ofexchnnge and
interest tor the customary period for the trans-
mission of funds to London. I therefore recom
mend an alteration of the sixth section of the Ac |
or 1843 on this subject, which provides for annual
payments on this debt by the unappropriated bal
ances in tbo Treasury? nnd in case of a deficiency,
then by loan, so as to discharge tho spQcinc In*,
stalmonts. The change proposed contemplates
that this debt should be immediately paid irrespec
tive of the appropriations to be inado by too.pre
sent Legislature: and in case of deficiency of
means in the Treasury, that then it may be sup
plied by a loan. But it is not supposed that such
u deficiency will exist, ns tho surplus nnd accruing
means of too Treasury are deemed fltlly ade
quate to pay all nocossafy appropriations, nnd
Inis debt.
Tho proposed alteration ouly transposes the
objects Tor which tho loin may ho authorized, und
has been suggested so as to meet every contin
gency, nnd particularly to bring to an early con
clusion this old and perplexing transaction.
The amount or £15,000, heretofore mentioned
as having been sold by Reid, Irving & Co., hears
an interest of five per cent., payable in London,
but exceeding the rata of six per cent, when an es
timate is made of the price ut which the bonds
were sold—tho difference of oxchango between
this country nnd Europe, and the commissions to
our agent* in London. In every view it is impor
tant that they should ho redeemed at tho oarlieast
moment. For this purpose it is respectfully sub
mitted tout the Governor l>o authorized to leffecta
loan, not exceeding the necessary sum for their re
demption, payable ill five years, or sooner at the
discretion of the Executive', nnd hearing an inter
est of seven per cent per annum. It may he
proper to limit the maximum amount to be paid so
as not to exceed ninety per cent, of tho nominal
vnluo of tho bonds—being that which was or-
igiually advanced oil them, nnd about five per
cent more than was paid hy the present linjdors.
This arrungemniit of course can only ho effected
hy tho consent of those now holding this class of
bonds, which it is supposed can he obtained.
So loug as there be n single debt duu hy the
State, I earnestly recommend tlmt every unappro
priated balance in tho Treasury that may hereaf
ter exist,'bo constituted as a sinking fund appli
cable to the redemption of tho public debt, nnd
tlmt the Governorbe authorized to uso it cither in
the payment of liabilities thnt may he due, ortho
purchase ofstich ns may be innmrkot; with the
restriction that thoir nominal value should not he
exceeded.
Shortly nfler entering upon tho duties of tho
Executive otlice, I was required to continue op
erations on the Western nnd Atlantic Rail*
Rond. The means placed at my disposal were
tho unexpended Imlunce of $270,000, in six per
cent bonds of the Stute, which at the time were
atn discount of 25 per cent., but gradually rose
in two years within six to eight per cent of par.
The principal limitation placed upon its expert-
Also, another .utt in-
edegelluUhcxomo to-or
sum may
oath of toe freeholders, with specifications of'
quantity, litaation in respect to counties, and qual
ity; the latter to be divided into and designated as
swamp, oak and hickory, and pine. It is believed
thnt a tax of one-tenth of one per cent., or ten
cents on every hundred dollars of the value of too
im) WWW <unl lb* liuinutbun.ina, ttltli the mhci
tea of income, would raise a revenue equal
• wants of toe government. This estimate is
pliod to the uses of the Railway of the State. It
was manifest tiint cither in tho side of tho bonds
or making contracts for work to be performed on
thu road, au abatement equal to the amount of
tho discount on the nominal value of the bonds,
must have been conceded on the part of the State.
•1*110 pluu uf ly pollicimlug Uiu bonds for ml.
valu es made on them, and the making tho con
tracts imyuhle in specie or its equivalent, appeared
■u A _ j .... ...
, ,. . ' , j r— * ..y w. >wH.q | hiiiii .na iu um iimix itiim <iiiu »«* nriiwul pledged,
by discriminating between the real estate of cities, | well as the amounts advanced. So fur tho anti-
towns and villages, and that of the couutiy. If I ciputcd effect has been realised both in respect to
■Ilrt<H~HHMmlnie. na l.n,naa n.pn.1 , n llm I- - . I ■ c . I ..... a . ■
discrimination be carried even to die extent of one
hundred per cent, beyond the indicated rate, it
would still be a reduction of the taxes of those re
siding or owning freeholds in toe former places.
To guard against evasions and imperfect returns,
suitable penalties should be provided, so ns to en
sure a full and fiur experiment of the plan. • In
deed, morertringentenactinentaare recommended,
os tn my opinion being absolutely necessary to give
effect to toe provisions of too tax laws to the end
that they may be universally enforced.
The period Is. auspicious for tho beginning of
th« nrnnn«i>rj gyvtom of taxation, that promise.*!
in the end, equality among nil interests. The ox-
cess of revenue ot the present, over toe lost year,
a mo ants to too sum of $12,000. Tho surplus in
the Treasury, after defraying alt charges against
it, will exceed $20,000. The balance of the debt
nf Messrs. Reid, Irving & Co., is redneed to an
amount which this surplus, added to $50,000 re
quired to be paid by the act of 1843, and payable
out of toe income of toe present year, will entire
ly extinguish. Yet, amidst the prosperous condi
tion of onr fiscal affairs, n reduction of tuxes can-,
not be safely made. After exhausting all the n-
vailable moons of the Central Ilaiik, still an esti
mated deficit exceeding $200,000 of its bonds will
romuin unpaid, and for which the State is liable
and should promptly pay. Moreover, fifteen
thousand (rounds ofsterling bonds, ore outstand
ing, which were sold by Bless. Reid, Irving &. Co.
under their agreement with the State, ami which
it is important should be redeemed at toe curliest
convenience of the State. In view of these lia
bilities, it is not perceived that any surplus will be
in the Treasury at the end of toe next two years,
nnless the military claims on toe United States
should be paid, and the Bank Stock owned by toe
State, but solemnly pledged ns a fund for toe ed
ucation of toe poor, should bo sold. Even then
a high,duty wul remain to be performed—tlmt of
preserving jmbbe credit in its honorable ppsition,
bjr fit. creation or unking loud for Uio rcdomii-
tion .of toe public debt
The .public debt of toe State, as generally un
derstood, consists of bonds issued at this depart
ment for the construction of die Westerii and
Atlantic Railway. At this timo its' uggregnto
amount may Uo stated tube $1,579,875 «0; of
w hich $1,4115,250 are in Fedurnl Bonds payable
at the Treasury, £16,000 in sterling bonds sold
by Mewrs. ltoid, Jnrjng A Co., previous to 1343,
and £15,130 06. idso in sterling bonds, as a
balance due to*thif firm for their advances made
to the State in 1839. The sCini-onimal divi
dends of interest us well ns tita principal of too
sterling bonds ore payable in London. For
more dotailed information ns to tho periods
when all these bonds were issued, their respec
tive amounts, and other particulars, I beg leave
respectfully to refer you to a tabular statement
compiled by the Financial Committee of the last
year, und appended to their report; copies of
• which will be early laid before you.
It should be ufwerved thst in arriving at the
aggregate amount of the public debt, 1 oMiimed
the same basis thnt was adopted by the Finan
cial Committee, in estimating the value of the
pound sterling, which was at four dollars nnd
eighty cents—and the reported hnliiuce of tho
last semi-animal account reudered by Reid, Ir
ving & Co., on tiie 2Uth March of the present
year.
Within toe last four years the aggregate
rnents made in extinguishment of thu public debt,
or more particularly the debt of Reid, Irving &
Co., long since doe, amount to $301,591. Sinco
your Inst assemblage, tho sum of $201,591 have
been paid. The amount of sterling bonds re*
deemed during toe fiscal year just ended, Is £33,
000. Thayhavo been rebelved ut tins Depart
ment and are cancelled. Tim coupons for tho
March and September dividends of interest, have
not been received, although the necessary ftmds
have boon long since forwarded to Loudon for
their payment. The Account of,Messrs. Reid,
Irving at, Co., already mentioned, states the t
ceipt of the Interest toit Was due in March lost.
When it wa* ascertained that thd sUrphiH meant
of toe Treasury would anthoriftb an additional
payment to the amount of $20.000und upwards,us
u limber reduction of toe debt - due to Reidi Ir
ving & Co., too uecesstry inquiry was timdo for
toe purpose of exchange on London. About tho
same time toe unwelcome intelligence of their
future reached tills country, which arrested the
the cheapness of the contracts in behalf of too
Road, and a gradual advancement in the value of
tho bonds. A (urge amount of them is still en
cumbered by the terms of the original hypotheca
tion. tn soma instances banking institutions
which hud mndo advances, and held bonds ex
ceeding tho uinount of such advances, required
thnt they should be redeemed. In one emergency
of this kind I was enablud to transfer from the
Bank of Charleston to the Banks in Suvnunah
the sum of $75,000—the latter having kindly
given their aid by making advances and accepting
bonds on the terms that they were held l»y tho
Bunk of Charleston. In other instances I availed
myself of the funds of tho Trensuiy, which wore
not immediately wautedfor public uso. My pur
pose was to sustain public credit at every haznrd,
and not permit these public securities to be ex
posed to a compulsory snle. The amount thus
drawn from the Trousury, covered in part a trans
action of my immediate predecessor with the
Georgia Rail Rond and Banking Company, in
which $2(J,()U0, bearing uu interest of eight per
cent were involved.
The bonds ro redeemed were placed in the
Treasury or under its control, with the direction
that they should be sold for their parvulue. They
have since been sold in this place and Augusta,
und the Treasury has been fully 1 reimbursed. The
amount disposed of at par exceeded that which
wusudvanccdfroui the Treasury; tho remainder
being loss than $20,000, was sold ut a discount
varyiugfrom one to two per cent. This loss of
course fell on the Railroucf, was easily borne hy
the accumulating interest on the bonds, ami is
comparatively small to that which would have re
sulted from a forced sale. Another advantage has
been derived from this operation, which is the ex
trication of bonds oflarge amount exceeding tho
advances made on them when hypothecated.—
These have been applied to a debt of long stand
ing to the Georgiu Railroad und Bunking Compa
ny.
The means used to sustaiu these securities and
avert from the Railroad of the State serious injury
by a diminution of its assets, were fully detailed
to tiie Financial Committee, which assembled in
tliis plaCo last'year—its motive and necessity were
then oxplaittud—tiint I considered the bonds thus
redeemed oastaimueh money in tho Treasury, and
would be immediately converted into ensh when
ever tiie public vrante required thoir sale or even
sacrifice—and toot in either event their destiny
would be as safe in toe-hands of the authorities of
the State os under nn auctioneer’s hammer. Its
end realized my expectation. The Treasury has
suffered no sacrifice—tiie public creditor has en
countered no douiulordcluy.
The report of toe Treasury mndo to this de-
f tartirtent in compliance with the act of 1843, ex-
obits its available means on hnnd to bo'$03,546
59. Of this amount $10,303 59, consisting of
on Ih.lr bond In hi.
j be recovered by tiie action pen
ding in 'Greene county, will bo n part of the ro-
sources of toe Darieu Bank and distributable a-
mong its creditors. Tho amount that may. be re
covered anil paid will, to that extent diinmWi toe
liability of too 8tate as a stockholder. .Of this li
ability, I have spoken by my message to tho last
Legislature. Tho opinion then expressed, is un-
changed-, it waa oxpected that after.the great de
lay, tooro would be Impatience on the port of, too
crodifofs. Representations have been raanq hy,
some of them, complaining of toe hardships that
have been suffered and tho indulging the hope of
their early alleviation. AD aqch documents, and
indeed an of every kind pertaining to the Darien
Bank, have beeu placed under toe care of thq Di
rector of too Control Bank, with too direction that
they should either be reported to, or await too call
of toe Legislature. „ _ •
During hist year, the sum of $17,494 03, was
received on account of too military claims against
tho United States. Tho objects to which it was
applied aro stated in an account in this Depart
ment, with too State, with the proper vouchers.
The delay which attonded tho re-payment of cer
tain advances thnt were mndo from toe Treaiuiy
during too lost year, for too transportation, sub
sistence nnd clothing, of tho regiment required for
the Mexican war.gavo no hope tlmt a correspond
ence would hnsteii tho payment of thoso claims.
Whilst urging the re*pnyinout of the advances then
rccoutlv made, I took occasion to call the attention
of the Secretary at War to what ho aptly calls in
one of his letters the “old claims’' of the State.
Indeed, toe appreheuaiou was- foil that the new
might fall into the same difficulty of the old claims.
ft is proper that 1 should add, that the payment
above mentioned was rnado without additional ev
idence, and it is supposed that a more liberal spirit
of justice nnd equity than heretofore, was brought
to tho examination of thoso claims. The difficul
ties attending their liquidation, nnd adverted to in
my message to tiie Inst Legislature, will constantly
arise. So long ns the Department at Washington
adheres to tho rigid rules that have been adopted,
the 10 claims may bo considered ns postponed iu
their paymont. Additional legislation ill relation
to them, by Congress, is doomed necessary, and
may probably bo obtained by your urgent remon
strance against further delay iu thu puyinout of
these old claims.
During tho past summer, from representations
made to mo. a number of executions were order
ed to be issued against certain Batiks for taxes due
to the State. In the absence of every kind ofev-
idence tlmt ought to have been found in the office
of the Comptroller General, confidence was re
posed in tho statemeut then mutle. This was
strengthened after reliable information hnd been
received, tlmt an execution had somo years ago
been issued against thu Insurance Bank of Co
lumbus, but returned iu consequence of some ir
regularity as to theolficor by whom it issued.—
The paramount lien created hy tho tax law of
1804 Ims brought in contiict tiie State and Blr.
James llollord, a creditor of tho Insurance Bunk
of Columbus. The issue between them involved
many facts, asserted on toe ono hand and donied
on the other. I was reluctant to decido between
the parties, und at my request too question wus
reserved for your decision. In thu mcniitimo it
wus agreed Unit no steps should be taken to en-
forco the paymuut of thoir respective claims. I
submit herewith copies of the correspondence
and contract with Mr. Daniel BIcDougnld, us well
as the correspondence) of the councel of Blr. IIol-
ford. The evidence submitted is voluminous,and
deposited in this pepartmeut. It awuits the call
ofthe Legislature.
It is believed tlmt a largo quantity of land in this
8tate has never been surveyed; and if surveyed,
many lots have been omitted to be disposed of by
lottury or otherwise. Some attempts have been
made to grant lots of the luttcr class,but on reach
ing tliis Department, tho grants huvo boon stopp
ed, on tho ulleged and obvious reason tlmt they
Imd not reverted, uud were always the property
ofthe Stute. I again recommend tlmt all thu uu-
granted luudsacquired since tho year 1820,except
cit j and town commons tlmt have been legally re
served, be sold tinder tho direction of a Commis
sioner appointed for tlmt purpose, who shall give
bond, with ample security, lor tooTaithftil per
formance of his duties, which will be prescribed
by you, and that he be allowed n certain per cent-
ago on tho amount of solus inado by him. The
nett proceeds of the sales may advantageously
form a part ofthe sinking fund for tho redemp
tion of tho public dubt.
Tho Supremo Court, whose o^lahlishmont was
so long of questionable utility, in tho opinion of
several Legislatures, has realized to the fullest
extent the expectations of its most steadfast ad
vocates. Its usefulness has proven its necessity.
It is reforming thp irregularities necessarily inci
dent to the old system of judicature, hy impress
ing the stamp of uniformity on idl of its decisions.
Throughout our limits tho rule is or can lie made
the same, whether in reference to person or pro
perty, crime or contract. Its organization, it is
respectfully suggested, is defective iu respect to
tho places where its sessions are now held, and
disbanded by a •usponsion or Ibenii •
ns to thom^-tknt this suspension shall
until a necessity for their, revival shall
vliich shall bo judged oft too Commnnder-
if, and that he bb
ian, and it
lion tho propertejRgprg,.
An a substitute, it is recoWtnendid] that Vol-
other public duties, and ‘tho distribution of
arms from tho public abmuitis. Tho 'conntios in
which no .voluuteor companies exist should ho
preferred in the alh>ttpe«tof arm*, to the. end
tlmt tho plui ns nrpposod may. be. universally,
adopted; By it u military force will proliabljr be
organized for iuiuiodiato action, and amount to at
least seven thousand effective men. Additional
bncouragdinent would be given^ na \yell as a
broader military education acquired by providing
that whoa a number of volunteer companies may
form themselves into battailous, regiments, bri
gade or divisions, they indy fie authorized to op-
point the appropriate* officers in’ Conformity to
too existing ta\r« of too'State. This would lead
to encamptnonts, in which it is thought that too.
education of the soldier Is much advanced.
Tho eiumerationorthe militia of tliis 8tate is
palpably defective. Without interfering with too
plan wide! has been proposed, it may bo mndo
more accurate through the agency of the Justices
of the Peace, who, in addition to the duty now re
quired of from, to deliver to the Receivers of Tax
Returns, lists of persons subject to be taxed iu their
respectivo districts respectively, should also bo re
quired to reular oilier lists of nersous liable to
S orfonn military duty. These fists, ufter being
uly certified, should be transmitted to too Execu
tive Department, uud under tho supervision of
tho Governor consolidated, os to counties, brigudes
or divisions, and forwarded to the Adjutant Guu<
oral of tho army of too United States.
For this son-ice, suitable compensation should
be given to tiie Justices not exceeding the rates
allowod to those' enguged in taking tho last census,
for every soldier enrolled. It is further suggested
that tho enumeration according to too proposed
mode may he required to be made only at tiie end
of every fourth successive year.
In toe month of Blay of the Inst year, the
President ofthe Uuitcd States made a requisition
on Georgia, fora rogiincnt of infantry of volun
teers, to aid iu the prosecution ofthe war with
Blexico, and to servo for twclvo months, unless
diffietiUy in toe tale of bonds of that
ch wore ordered by the lost Legislature.
— report of toe Chler Engineer haTbcen
ordered to be printed and laid before yon.; Jn
P ‘ rti,ll T»jimm ( y i E °fe:, r h “ M'nu
to tive fideMty and'-protnptitudo with which
atfSe prteent time exists tyito toe
General Post Office De^hrtment for toe transpor
tation of the mall it on* hundred dollars per mile
ppr annum. This contractwill endtett the first of
December next I was unwilling to conclude oh
agreement that would run through a period offour
years without toe authority of toe Legislature.—
In ynbmitting this subject to ronr consideration,-
! •* , °uhl remark that the Post Mnster General has
recently'proposed an alteration in tho mail-schcd-
ula ou.tho .State i
sponded to. A force exceeding that which
quired was voluntarily tendered. In less than n
mouth after the call was made, the regiment wns
organized and immediately marched to Mexico.
After fulfilling tiie terms o’f their enrolment, and
performing all tlmt may become soldiers, they
were honorably discharged.
During tho past spring another requisition
came from tho sumo source fora battalion ofin-
funtry of volunteers, which I regret to say, has
not been so promptly raised. This delay, may
ill port bo attributed to the recruiting establish
ments in many sections of the State, where on
* • of
too taxes ofthe present year and the poor school
fund, ure apart of tho resources ofthe Treasury,
uud applicable to the wants of the government
for tiie fiscal year just commenced. To the lust
mentioned sum may be added that of $24,559, be
ing tiie estimutod amount tliut will be required to
meet the undrawn bnlauce of the specific appro
priations. The unappropriated balance in tho
Treasury may he estimated to exceed $‘20,000.
Tho report of the Treasury also shows that tho
specific funds, placed, in some respects under Ex
ecutive dohtrol, have not been exhausted in uny
.Instance. Tho contingent funds ofthe last two
years were bnrthened with tho payment of $(»,-
000 on account of a subscription authorized to bo
made for Cobb's Analysis.
The securities of a late defaulting Treasurer of
the State have been twicosued, but in neither case
lias any portion of the amount reported as ab
stracted from the Treasury,' been recovered.—
Whilst Ids defalcation is cCrtaiu to somo amount
a recovery has been prevented, by a wuntof proof
as to ton timo 1 when it bcedr/od. After suing
two of his bonds without succoss, itbecaiue man
ifest tlmt the fcamd difficulty would occur in rela-
s tion to tiie others, nnd hotted't'doomed -it proper
tod&jst'.' The 'amount thhs abstracted from tiie
Treasury; und reported to. bo , about ‘$20,000,
may bo considered a total lo's? to toe State. The
sum of $9,090 and upwards.wu* iecqvy'red by the
hist suit, being too amount of taxqs paid by certain
banks, which ho hud not Amounted for,, .and did
not coinpdse any portibu of his reported dufulcu-
tick. , i <
n/./ji > / u
should bo ultcrcd by designating five plnccx only
which aro easily accessible, tnma nf tl..*
, Tho forco of tins
suggestion will probably bo appreciated, hy con
sidering tho great and increasing label’s of tiie
Judges, which they uro required to perform With
promptitude, without siiperadding Uio fatigue’of
tirdlinila lotirtlina In inemivniimiit
arduous journies to inconvenient points.
Tho restriction on tiie Reporter, by forbidding
him to practice iu tho Courts of tiie State, may,
iu my. opinion, bo removed, ns its justicu or
necessity is not perceived. In somo of the
Courts elsewhere, of liko powers, tliis interdict
does .not exist. The reporter 1ms furnished the
required number of report*, which await the
direction ofthe Legislature. I recommend their
distribution to the several States, from which this
State has received many similar proofs of klud-
ness and liberality.
As connected with the judicial term of office,
some cinbnrruxsnieut bus ulready arisen, and may
hereafter arise. In my opinion, tho Constitution
fixes tiie term of office according to tho calendur,
and not political or fiscal year. Tho date when
toe officer is qualified is the beginning of bis
official term; but before its expiration a successor
is frequently appointed. In such case the Gov
ernor can issue a commission only after tiie ono,
immediately preceding, lias expired.
In paying the salaries of the Judges of tho S-n
S reme Court, during toe Inst fiscal year, it waa
iscoverod tlmt thoir commissions issued on the
24th December, 1845, about fifty days after the
beginning ofthe fiscal yenr; nnd the act of appro
priation declared thoir salnrios to he tho same us
in the present year. The Constitution also de
clares tlmt their salaries shall be adequate to their
services, established by law. In tliis conflict I
deemed it proper to issue warrants on the Trea
sury reckoning only from the time when thoy
were qualified and commissioned, and not from
the commencement of tho fiscal year of 1345. If
In this, there bo error, you will doubtless avail
yourselves ofthe earliest occasion to correct it.—
1, however, will not omit to remark, that accord
ing to, the Constitution, their commissions will
notecase until the two, four and six years, men
tioned therein, ahull Imvo fully expired; and though
performing duties after other tiscul yours lmvo
commenced, still they will be entitled to and re
ceive tiie prescribed salaries. Indeed, it is only a
question ns to time, when tiie fraction of n quar
ter’s salary is to be paid—either before or after
the required judicial services have beeu reuderud.
Tho Honorable Judge of too Ocmulgee Circuit
has, in compliance with tho duty required of him,
suggested u modification of tho penal code. The
language of tho penal code descriptive ofthe pun
ishment of a certain offence is indefinite, and tiie
various constructions in different judicial districts
suggest tho propriety of amending this defect.—
Copies of his letter ure laid before you.
The general disuse into which too militia laws
of the State have Alien, nnd the ninny ineffectual
effort* inado to revive niulonforco them, may pro
perly presont tiie question whether they should
not be suspended; and tlmt inducements be offer
ed for the formation of volunteer corps. A reluc-
taut and compulsory service contrasts feebly with
tlmt which is voluntary and energetic. The ne
cessity of a military police in coretiii localities has
been so apparent, us to lead to the organization of
volunteer companies, irrespective of too militia.
The adopted plait of prosecuting too existing war
with Blexico, it independent ol* to* militia os con-
tradistingnlshod from volunteers, and it is presum
ed that this plan will be continued. Indeed, it may
bo affirmed os true, that the practical operation of
6ur inilitniy system, especially of that portion
which requires a compulsory service, has furnish
ed but meagre proof of ita fitucss to impurt the
customary qualification of a soldier, or even to a
certain the effective military strength of the State.
sooner discharged by tho authorities at Washing
ton. Tho appeal Uieu made was promptly re
sponded to. A force exceeding that which was re-
unequal competition existed in cotisequonco of
(lie bounties paid to recruits by officers of the
army of the United States. This State hnving
departure of .tiie core from -Atlanta at half past
twelvoVdocK In too _duy. IU effect will be to
1 shouldnot omit to observe that
the proposition made by toe
Georgia to those of Florid
Vie line eastward to thehighesi
ctpal branch ofthe St
tributaries accuuhiUto
S crmanent flow iti i Vr
' accepted—wtluld A
the necessary steps ti
ary accordingly.
In every aspe
every aspect __.
versy, prudence and
mand its early settlement.
.1 *307,-/78 80; lo whidl
—f*5M0° I0,pra.io n S,X^;
' that he should be P allowed an
who, before eutering on the duties „?r
MWRuthori* .ml •ecuritvfi^
ty between tfta oontouing SUlc. nUy irtflwonor ^ ifonlfiu I TCSliSn" C ^,id f ano*i^
toed, which comloinplalc. tho Jbe embroiled nuiuty
... .re -■
army of the United States. This State hnving
appropriated no funds for tliis purpose, could not
reasonably be supposed to boos prompt in action,
ns those representing tho Federal Government
and provided with grantor facilities. Blorcovcr
the service of the volunteer and recruit will prob
ably be the same and coiitinuo as long as the
war.
Notwithstanding tlio existence of these em
barrassments, 1 mu - gratified in stating tlmt tiie
battalion lias lately been completed, ufter four
companies composing it had marched under tiie
order of tiie. Federal Government to Blexico.
Isaac [G. Seymour, Esq., on tlio 30th of lost
month, wus appointed its commander, with tiie
rank and title of Lieuteuuut Colonel. The
reasons operating on tho Executive nro set forth
in tiie order for his appointment, nnd more fully
advetted to in tiie instance of Lieutenant Colo-
110I Calhoun, hereafter mentioned.
During tlio past summer the President mude ail
addition^ requisition for a company of mounted
men. As in tiie case ofthe Regiment of infantry,
great competition existed.—The selection was
made by accepting £ie services of Capt. Loyal!,
ofNowtou county, and his. commnud, who first
teudpred their services. They ure now in tiie
country of the enemy. Shortly afterwards u bat
talion of moiiutcd men was required. It wus
promptly filled, au4 is now marching under tlio
command of Limit. Colonel Calhoun, by Execu
tive appointment. It is proper tlmt I should add,
thnt this Inst battalion has n supernumerary coni-
pnny, owing to some irregularity in the mustering
officer, but which at my requost was retained in
service by too Sccrefary of War.
The exccutivo appointment of Lieut Colonel
Calhoun, isudepartirofrom the precedent here
tofore established, hit made under the necessity
of tlio case. 1 was lotified by tlio mustering oin-
cor of the United Stiles, Unit a part of tho battal
ion, before it was fully organized, had left tiie
State. I had no authority to recall them for tlio
purpose of electing a commanding officer. Nor
wus it deemed proper that a part should elect for
tho wholo. Tho only obstacle encountered wns
tho precedent tlmt had been established and uni
formly acquisced in- Without this precedent, I
should have regarded the legal competency ofthe
Executive, under all circumstances, to make tho
appointment undor consideration, as oxplicit and
unquestionable. In view, therefore, of reconcil
ing, iu mv opinion, tliis conflict between usnge
and law, 1 recommend when tiie militia or vol
unteers are called into servico by tho requisition
ofthe Federal Government or otherwise, that tlio
Governor bo vested with the authority of appoin
ting the field and general officers, according to
the force tliut inay be assembled.
Following not less inclination than the oxainnlc
of other States, it is deemed proper and just that
fit testimonials should be awarded to the sons of
Georgia who have distinguished themselves by
their skill nnd bearing on the sanguinary battle
fields in Blexico. The performance of duty, and
its appropriate reward, should he inseparable.—
Hence I commend these brave men to your care
nnd justice.
Tho extension nnd early completion of toe
Western and Atlantic Railroad may now be com
mended with great confidence to your considera
tion. The doubts horetofore embarrassing this
work of State enterprise nro inergod into its great
usefulness and national importnitce. The pro
ductions of tho coutitry through which it runs
have increased in quantity nnd value. As n neces
sary conseouencu the frce-hold interest has felt
its quickening influences. Even tiie Troosury
hns indirectly received subsidies from it, by
reason ofthe constant and earnest enquiry after
the reverted lands of the 8tate in its vicinity.
Virginia, Tennessee and Alabnmn, in part, have
adopted it as tlio most convenient irtodo of reach
ing n Southern Atlantic port with their produc
tions. By it now commercial relations hove been
established, and social intercourse happily pro
moted. Tho navigation of some ofthe Western
rivers heretofore deemed difficult and almost im
practicable has beeu proven by the energy and
enterprise which have been awakened by your
great work of internal transportation.—Similar
works communicating or intended to communi
cate with it have boon revived, or started into ex
istence. Nor should it be overlooked tiint it is nil
important and uecossnry linkin toe chain of inter
nal improvement tlmt is to conuect toe Southern
Atlantic ports with tho middle valley ofthe Blis-
sissippi river.
These illustrations nnd inducements urge
Georgia forward to the performance of her duty
and advancement of her interests. A spneo of
less than forty mjtes is her allotted part of this
great work. An outlay of $375,000 will com
plete her task, and improve a previous expendi-,
tore of more than $500,000 tliut are now lying
idle and unprofitable. The road for a hundred
miles 1ms been finished nnd put into successful
operation, when your finances were disordered
nnd public credit depressed. These embarrass
ments aro now only purtinlly felt. Moreover,
Tennessee, at my request, has promptly und lib
erally extended your chnrter for the completion
of your road within the next twenty-six months.
In addition to these, suggestions, I am gratified
in laying before you tiie operations of toe road
for the last yenrouding ill September last. The
total receipts, os reported , by the Chief Engineer,
amounted to $39,433 72; and nett profits $37,-
800 93 ; Tho expenses of the last fiscal year,
paid Witiiiu this, amount to $0,500 and tiiase of
tho present year to 45,453 07. The appropria
tion inado by tiie la-t Legislature of 130,000 has
been expended with the exception of $23,500.—
The sum of $4,500, has been applied to. the re
demption of acrip, in compliance with' a remark
able provision ofthe act of appropriation of toe
Inst General Assembly.. - The unexpended bal
ance, just mentioned, is liable to bo reduCod by
debts against tiierqad;. though it is reported that
after pnyingaUputstsnding liabilities.! still a baL
a nee will remain. Tim indebtedness has arisen
cause their arrival at Dalton at eight o’clock in the
night ( Bin’ll service in the night is usually entitled
to a higher compensation than that pertormed in
the diiy.
The marketable productions of that section of
too State, which the railroad pouetrates, and thoso
that nro contiguous, are mostly breadstuffs in some
form of large bulk, and incapable of bearing too
expense of a long transportation, unless tho for
eign demand, usually toe effect of scarcity, should
enhance the prices. To any great extent, there
fore, tiie foreign markets cannot be relied on, un
less in toe supposed case of deficiency of food.
The most uniform customers will bo found among
thoso who ate diversifying the industry ofthe
State, by the establishment of manufactories. By
increasing tlio number of these, tiie agricultural
productions of tlio State will also be increased,
nnd iu a great measure consumed ut homo. It is
thou respectfully submitted, whether tlio fostering
euro and liberality that have been exhibited by
tho State oil her works of internal transportation
may not be extended to too encouragement and
g rowth of tho mechanical arts ? If not insopera-
ly* they surety are intimately connected. An in
creased amount of freight will enhance tlio vnluo
of tho Stato railway, but without a uiurket, neith
er railway or agricultural industry can flourish.
f Other considerations of equally grave import,
cannot foil to nrrest your atteiitiou in connection
with the industrial pursuits ofthe State,and toe pol
icy if not too necessity of effecting some modifi
cations ill them. Tho great defect is too want of
diversity in onr labor. It has been concentrated
on tho roaring of one great staple, which with the
contributions of other States of a like production,
lias through a scries of years, so accumulated in
the markets of the world, os scarcely to leave to
the planter renmneratiiig profits. In tlio mean
time nil exhausting system of tillago has rendered
tlio soil less productive. Firmly convinced Unit
the amount of labor, as now and heretofore direc
ted in the State, is generally disproportionate to
the otlior industrial processes of life, and its ten
dency is to decline and ultimate decay, I would
suggest ns a remedy, tiie incorporation of manu
facturing companies^ with ihe most liberal char
ters. Tiie grant of thoso cannot injuriously af
fect other interests, but on the contrary promote
them. The charters will be inducements to now
investments, and as toev may divert capital nnd
labor from otlior umployuicuts. especially from
agriculture, to that extent tlio planter will be re
moved from a competition that bus been drugging
down the price of uis staples.
Like all the great works of iutcmnlimprove-
moot, tho plan in view contemplates that there
should be mint effort and co-operation. A wise
policy will awukon too incentive to action, and
impose no restraint tout will retard its progress or
mar its succoss. An exemption from taxation,
or tlio imposition of n small tax for n specified
number of years, and also nn exemption of tho
privute property of tiie stock-holder from liability
for tlio uobts of the company of which ho is u
member, would ill my opinion, conduce to tho
establishment of extensivo manufactories, nnd a*
a consequence give un impulse to all the useful
mechanical urts, und their train of attendant bles
sings. Of these, in a paper like this, it cun scarce
ly bo expected that I should address you at largo,
except by suggesting for your consideration, a
comparison between those communities, however
extended iuto States, Empires or Kingdoms, in
which tlio pursuits of labor are so diversified us to
supply general wants, aud those which are con
fined to the production ofa few rich staples to the
neglect of too common necessaries of life—the
guiicral effect of that trade, iu which tiie raw ma
terials are returned iu manufactured fabrics at in
creased prices, varying from two to five hundred
per cent.; and un impartial examination of the nat
ural advantages ill motive power, climate uud a
home market.
Nor will this subject in relation to the exemp
tion of tiie private property of tlio corporator be
dismissed without adverting to the probable effect
of such policy. It will he un invitation to foreign
and domestic capitalists to invest in manufactur
ing companies, and, no fur from inducing an
abuse of it, will oporate as a restraint on credit.
UnViko the bills of a bank,which pass by delivery,
uud for tho time being constitute too holders
thereof the creditors of tlio bank, the contracts of
manufacturing companies are unsully special and
restricted to tlio original parties. The pmdeuco
of tiie creditorinsuch instances,generally guards
him nguinst injury or loss. As an equivalent for
tliis privilege, I recommend that each incorpor
ated company be required undor n specific pen
alty to givo to each indented apprentice, the op
portunity of acquiring, free of expense to the
apprentice, too rudiments of nn English educa
tion. In tliis aspcc tiie plun is fraught witli phi
lanthropy. Our educational system is in somo
respects deficient, by reason ofthe sparsenesss of
population, and the distance of the pupils from
places of instruction. By tiie proposed scheme,
classes will be assinbled, nnd tlio facilities of men
tal improvement be afforded, without public
aid. At the same timo, the apprentices will
be accustomed to habit* of industry, so thnt
on reaching the end nf thoir apprenticeship,
they may go forth furnished with tiie moans
of success in life. It is this combination of
montid culture and liabits of bodily labor, which
hns produced tho most energetic and suc
cessful men of the modern age. Socially it is
worthy oftrial, if experience inuy bo presumed to
teach tlio samo lessons everywhere—individually
it teems with promised blessings, as it disarms
R overty of wont, nnd rescues ignorance from fol-
\ The objection that toe population of manii-
factoring districts iu other countries is usually
dwarfish and dependant, cannot be supposed to
exist with usuulest we overlook the proofs of ex-
£ nrieuce in olhor States. Tho nooplo ofthe
astern States in which the mechanical arts most
ly flourish, are carrying their pursuits into, and
impressing in some degreo their opinions on eve
ry part of too Union. So far toon from creating
a class of depondauts, the reverse may bo affirmed
to be true. What condition of life howevor hum
ble has not furnished ita quota/ of men, who have
illustrated that noithcr ignorance nor poverty can
repress the successftil aspirations for wealth or
honor 1 Tho genius of our institutions foriiids
that man should bo a dopciidaut, when tempted
or trained to exercise his oody und mind. A wise
forecast, partaking of tho goneral freedom with
which we are surrounded, should apply tlio in
centive to both.
A resolution of tho last General Assembly re
quired tho Executive to appoint two commision-
cr* on the part of Georgiu to meet such as might
be appointed by Florida, for toe purposo of de
finitely settling the boundary between the two
States, with such restriction u the Governor
might deem necessary to impose. The power
granted to this Department was extraordinary,
and may bo regarded as a strong proof of toe soli
citude ofthe Legislature ofthe State, to bring tliis
protracted controversy to an early and amicable
adjustment. In the execution of this authority it
at once appeared that I could not overlook the
Constitution of tiie Statu, by which our territorial
limits Imd beeu declared. Apart from this con
trolling consideration, I was desirous of examin
ing the question of right, separated from this re
striction, to the end that if the Constitution assert
ed n claim to territory inconsistent with tiie one
tlmt wus paramount ou tiie purt of Florida, I might
then recommend for yonr consideration a reino-
vul of tiie obstacle.
In respect to tho merits of tliis question as they
have presented themselves, after searching with
some enro for informaiian which might lead to u
correct conclnsion, and thereby reconcile con
flicting claims, and avert toe exasperation and
strife consequent on a divided jurisdiction be
tween sovereign authorities, 1 regret that I cm
not prepared to muke such a recommendation.—
The claim of Georgia rests firmly I believe, on the
treaty made between too United States and fjlpain
in 1795, which, it should be remarked,-is concur
rent in this respect with the Constitution of this
State...*..... • . // b... i - f •'
Without re-stating the reasons of this opinion.
I beg leave respeetmllj ; to refer you to the in
structions which were given to Meters. J. H.
Conper and J. Crawford, Commissioners on too
part of.Georgia, and their report to this Depart
ment, and their correspondence witli the com
missioners of Florida. Copies of these ate here-
The affair* s of Penitentiary for tlio two last
years have been as successfully managed by it*
*‘ r ^f® n ^ t e .ffi°* cn t Principal Keeper as they were
urirnj toe two years immediately proceeding Un-
er his benign yet firm administration, it is believ
ed that the goneral good conduct of too convicts
may challenge a comparison with thoso that have
K receeded it In the direction of their labor ho
as been eminently successful. Noihing hn*
been drawn from tiie Treasury for -its sup
port within two years, but on toe contrary, its
nett profita have amounted to $10,573 80.
Recurring to the period when he came into of-
fico, nearly (four yoars ago, he found the work
shops and tools had been lately destroyed by fire..
Their estimated value by hut'oredecessor was
placed at $30,000. Thpy have been replaced,
and their appraised vnluo fixod at $25,904 30.—
For these objects ouly $10,322 57 have beeu
drawn from too Treasury. Tho difference be-
Treasuiy. Tho difference be
tween those last mentioned amounts should pro-
nerly constitue a credit to the institution, olse tiie
law is without meaning or effect, which declares
that when work is done for tiie State by the con
victs, it shall so be charged; or thatwhicli is equal
ly contradictory, when work is perforated hy tlio
convict* for the State, and by the direction of the
Legislature, it is of no value. In adverting to
tliis inequitable mode of stating the account* of
this institution, it in not for the purpose of re
opening a discussion on transactions of years
passed by, but of shewing tiie amount that ho*
been drawn from toe Treasury, and its more than
full and Air equivalent n* received by this Stute.
The items composing tho account of tliis officer
for the lost two vearss, aro happily free from
previous difficulties. The cash on hand, and the
notes uud accounts can be estimated, with reason
able accuracy. So also may the manufactured
articles, fortunately few, nnd of comparatively
small value. These will be shortly reported on
by a committee appointed ill uccordiutco with a
law of the last Legislature, as woll ns of the un
manufactured materials on baud. This report,when
received, will be subject to yonr order. I beg
leave to repeat iny recommendation to tlio lust
Legislature, that tho salaries of Priucipul and As-
sistauit Keepers bo increased, nnd that authority
he given for the employment of mnster workmen,
at higher salaries, iu the various trade.*, as over
seers.
I transmit herewith a list of Executive warrant*
drawn on tho Treasury for the Inst two years s
also copies of Executive orders relating to various
subjects.. Tho motives of their pnssnge are ex
pressed in each. Some relate to the appoint
ment of otiicers to fill vacancies, aud will there
fore claim necessarily your attention.
Tho bill contemplating the nlterution of tho
Constitution, iu respect to the time of holding
certoiu elections, was so erroneous iu its refer
ence to tho article aud section intended to be
changed, that it was uot deemed proper to pub
lish it.
I return herewith to tho respectivo branches of
tho General Assembly in which thoy originated,
several hills which wore presented for my revision,
und did uot receive my approval. Notes are ap
pended to ouch, iu which ure briefly declared the
reasons for withholding my assent to thorn.
Resolutions from several States, and relating to
different objects, are transmitted herewith.
Within too Inst year the city of Columbus hns
ion visited liv sevnral dptitrortivn • Tim tn.
Td'tto, " u f T„ c ''T 1 ™--
StntcH.thiflcbune Rntuiot bo objection M ° '‘ lr
no]anti(MnioKtic offoiraolalm omB W
RtrMjw.t bon.ol, rtrenjth obrll "SE 1 f °>
have been invested:' A wise ni.iicv* ""W
remote nnd present intertills will
aa nmi.ierj.Mtice, and preserve #notlu* nri?
Aith. Nor ought it to be foratotJ lSTwCS
GEO. W.CRAWFORn.
savannah—
. FRIDAY morning, NOvXTST '
M7* 77« Savannah Shipping and Vommtnid
Lint will he reads, fur delieery Thin Morning «||
o'Clark. Ordern fur cvlra eopien mull he l,fl i,
o'clock.
jury to, and destruction of, property wns so exten
sivo ns to induce tho Department to issue nn or
der to suspend tiie collection of the debt duo to
the State by tiint city, for the purposo of re-build
ing a bridge that connected its trade nml inter
course with Alabama. The order was passed at
tiie request of tho municipal authorities of Co
lumbus. R operated only ns a suspension of thu
pnyment of the debt, according to the arrange
ments nmdo by my immediate predecessor, and
confirmed by tho Legislature of 1343. Tho peri
od for tho resumption of payment* is a subject
for your consideration.
This debt once constituted a part of the capi
tal of tho Central Bank. It was withdrawn and
directed by the Legislature to be paid by instal
ments into tho Treasury. It is therefore proper
in tlio settlement of the accounts uf tho Onshicr
of the Central Bank tiint lie should he credited
with an nmoiiut equal to it.
A map of tiie State, oflargo size, has lately been
mudo hy Mr. William G. Bonner. It comprises
more topographical accuracy than those tiint have
preceded it, aud was intended to have been n
correct delineation of tho surface of the State.
To this end all attainable information wns collec
ted and nluced at tiie disposal of tho artist, llis
success has beeu gouornlly admitted.
Ono hundred aud thirty copies of tho map were
subscribed and paid for. To each of the States
ofthe Union a copy hns boon sunt being—
in some measure a requital of vimilur favors re
ceived of thorn. To cucli ol'tlic counties a copy
hns been or will be forwnrded ami delivered to tbo
Inferior Courts respectively. Tiie labors of Mr.
Bonnor wore arduous and prolonged for tho
space of eighteen mofithv. Whether in respect
to his toil or the value of his work in a public
viow, I am of opinion that tlio subscription al
ready mentionori is not an ndequnte recompense
to Inm, and cheerfully recommend additional
compensation of such amount as inny comport
with tiie justicu and liberality ofthe Legislature.
Tho additional building uenr this place, for the
rcocptioii of idiot* and lunatics, has been complet
ed. A more thorough classification can now bo
mndo ofthe inmates oftlio Asylum. Tho oppro-
S nations made for their comfort ami support
ttring too two Inst years hnve been found insuf
ficient, hy reason of the increase ofthe pauper
patients. In this emergency, after exhausting tho
special appropriations for these objects, recourse
was had on the contingent appropriation made in
the year 1843. To obviate future difficulties in
tliis regard, I again recommend that the counties
which may send pauper patients to the asylum
should be required to defray n moiety of the ex
pense necessary for their maiuteuance. Thirty
dollars annually for each would prolmldy he re
garded as tiie proper sum to be paid. This would
bo an abatement or at least one half of tiie amount
riecessaiy for the maintenance nnd care of each
pauper lunatic or idiot if iho asylum were not es
tablished. If foe Trensury bo not to some extent
relieved of this burthou, which is constantly in
creasing, it may be reasonably expected, that this
public charity will soon become oppressive. In
deed, sinco the establishment of the asylum, it is
apprehended tliut in soma couuties tiie uanaficuut
laws in behalf of tiie poor huve been suspended
or relaxed.
Tiie report of the Trustees* of tlio institution
has been mude to this department, aud is subject
to the order of the General Assembly.
According to tho roportoftho commissioner for
thu ludigunt Deaf, Dumb and Blind, tiie ed
ucation of this unfortunate classof our race at
tlio Hearn Blauuel Labor School in tliis State hns
been successful. The beneficiaries who were at
Hartford in the State of Connecticut were re
moved to the School in Floyd county early In tho
last year. Thoy have increased to the number of
fourteen. In any respect it is thought, that noth-
ha* been lost by their removal. It is certainly
true that the charity of tho State has been more
extended and economically administered.
I beg leave to present ill a tabular form, the
condition of the Coutrul Bankas compared with
its condition about four years ago.
LiahUUlet on 0th November, 1843.
Circulation, $673,542 00
State 8 percent. Bonds, 520,144 (10
Deposites, 100,633 15
$1,294,550 75
LiabilUiee on 1st November, 1347.
Circulation,
State 8 per cent. Bond*,
Deposites,
$-22,140 00
479,440 80
48,088 45
25
$744,270 50
,iM Reilufcfidn,
To which may be added about $200,000 i paW on
account of interest, and expenses of Bank. ■ The
opinion is i
after exhauL- _ ...
will bo* more,titan $200,000. .........
The'Director of'toe Bank has lately made a re
port to this Department, that contain* detailed in
formation inflating to the unavailable a«et* of. the
Iuatitutioui and other information useful to the
is repeated, that toe estimated deficiency,
lauMmlr foe'hviilftble asset* of toe Bank,
noro than $200,000. r n.;'«; r • ‘
(Editorial C(.rre.imiiit,. n rc ofthe 8a»miinhOrorrlu.]
MILLEDGEVILLE, Nov. 2, 1847,
Gentlenwu—I presume tiint you will alreadr
have received an account of tlio election whirl
occurred yesterday for President nr the 8etuir
and Speaker of tiie House. The result fuu r»
nished a topic of general remark. Mr. Jcuki*'
election, us a matter of course, would have om-
shined no surprise, taken by Itself, but tliattU
two important offices should both have liueu fi-
ed by Augusta men, has been a manor ofa*w*
ishment to some, who hnve not been nwnre tin
the General Headquarters of Georgia Wliiggtn
lmvo been pitched in that city. Was there a
oilier gentleman ofthe party, in tiie Senate, quit
ifietl to presido over its deliberations 1 And!
our opponents had been satisfied that Mr. Millti
alone was fitted for the first, might it nottlm
have been a mutter of discussion a* to whether Mr.
Jenkins should be re-elected Speaker? \Xu
there no one in tiie House, beside Mr. Jenkat
who had claims to a support. Where was be
representative from our own county ? and kq
ha* it been since Chatham has been called upi
to furnish a presiding ollicer to either Iioiim).-
Theso elections alone, taken in connertion u*
thdYact that Gov. Crawford is to lie sent to tb
Senate, beyond nil reasonable doubt, give cot
elusive indication ofthe tendency of tilings in tU
Whig ranks. The matter is settled. The At
gilsta interest predominates. It* ilictmn is to It
the party law.
There arc a number of aspirant* here for tk
U. S. Senate. Headed hy Berrien, Crawfori
Dougherty, Dawson, Thomas of Columbus. Holt
of the same place, aiul, it is said, Judge Hill, the
list embraces a number of other names, which ue
spoken of in their own espeuinl circles. Anxiety
is plainly depicted upon the countenances of iht*
numerous uspirmils. A melancholy homily tlik
upon the professions of that comercative party
wiiose leaders never have struggled for "tls
loaves and fishes,” hut purely, simply, altogether
for tho good of the country. The prospect of
discord nml hitter feeling is durk enough for Geor
gia Whiggcry.
At 12 o’clock, M., to-day, the Governor's Mm-
sage was read in both Houses. It was a length;
aud elaborate document, devoted exclusively b
matters of Slate interest. It coutaiu* nord
views upon several subjects {—among other*, ii
reference to uu abolition of tiie existing militii
system, und an exemption of manufacturing m
tablislunents from taxation. Immediately afterik
reading nf the Message, tlio two Houses odjoora-
ed to meet at three o’clock, 1\ M., in Ac Kept*-
aeututivc Chamber, to count out the votes ftf
Governor. It was then ascertained tliut tieorgt
W. Towns had been elected hy a majority d
twelve liuiidrud nnd eighty-nine. The whole vote
was considerably over eighty-four thousand, br
ing the largest ever polled in Georgia for Gortr-
nor.
Nothing of interest was done «ili«eqtielitly i®
tlio Senate. In tho House an excited di<cu#i»®
arose upon n resolution iiitroducod hy Mr. Jon*
of I'auldiug, culling upon bit Excellency, G° r -
Crawford,for n statement of his reason* for the »]>•
pointmciit of tlio Lieut. Colonels of tiio battalion*
of Georgia cavalry uud infantry now iu tiie field;
and inquiring of him how ninny of tiie former W
been sent into Alabama shortly previous to the
appointment of Lieut. Col. Calhoun—by who*
order, under whose command, and for whnt w*
teusiblo purpose. This inquiry was suggested by
part of tiie Governor .Message which gives os oa«
of his reasons for the appointment of that officer
by himself, tiie fact that a portion of tho battalion
had been marched out of the State, and could not
be present at nn election held in conformity t°
law. Blr. Howard of 51 uscogec opposed the reso
lution, out*, he it remembered, simply of inquiry*
with much animation, while 3Ir. Sliocldey o °*
luuibio, .eeing i>ell»p* !to< M» Ejccllelicf
find .nine better loop-hole lo c«cape from the w
fiuulty in which ho ho, evidently placed
manfully prochumcd that the Governor WM*
not shrink from any invMti e aunn Into hi. offlret
conduct in any particular. It « .omewhat n!
hmrkabli!, that of thera two Wing., the «
who rainicit thin resolution .liould be dm Rep-
rescntativefroio AUscogee! an rumor very I
orally my. that the portion of tlii. bataw«
which creed tho Chattahoochee,had been"
dered to do ,u for Iho eiprom purport, of foe
niidting the pretext ml forth in tbo mortage. T
reaoiulion, however, wa. finally adopted, •»
much intoreet« felt about the rocult. .1 hearth*
many of tho Whig, are out again.! th» Governor
upon thiepoint; andit'will require acoo«dere
bio degree oflngcndilr, Men tn the greetfine*
cier, to emepe ftont the difildtlty in which he
placed bitnooir. Tito excoriation given l«» <•!
Hr. Jonoe, wax a tiling long to be remetatlwreC.
A revolution' wa. introduced into the llonm Uf
Mr. Jack-on of Walton, calling upon Gov. C»»-
ford to inform the Honm a. to how meny
Bond, bed boon hpyotheceted, how meny
note in o .tale of hypothecation, how much os. J
hmt'Been borrowed upon their credit, end««
,. ™ p.id oy .paylsio, Tl"' "«?4.i”“
cd upon the idea, pretty generally cnlciW"