Newspaper Page Text
,j otOottromOom,
„ , , fa il* tkorwiti ud
ftaUUr wipcIUon ot Urt VhM «4 Importmt to-
terutaot U» Bute, u<t tot lu dwr m4 "*>> conild-
rtX«»m..UUoo., Mmmmd. Iu.lt to lb. lofl-
Uitooe ut ,*irtotUm, M mil «* P* 4 ? of tbl! t**
pit ot out But*, It U tnlltolj wmeoeuMj for tu to
eltcaot «o uulrite of. document ot euoh gonenl
. lattmt—ob. which will b. » geuenlly md. »■*
dtk. ondlUhUtotli.Bx.ouUn utd the P»P» ° r
asSSffl' '
110,000, New
000, Alfi.no.
i. Equitable Ml,-
Md i policy for
SS’.wo«.. . .
dWdod JolloTrlngotnoetsHopo^iaooo,
JFUnmI
ip
attention during
jsembly,
On the twentieth day of October, 1851, the public
debt amounted to ll.tw.iTa.TJ. By the act of De
cember 4th. 1851, ratfirjdgU. _ T
deceiaor and the Chief Engineer of the Western Jk
.lie oontract of my pro-
Noptuno $0000.—
$48,500 at ‘
WMhtogtim $9000, Boston —
The ship Upland waa lnaured for $48&K) at the fol<
lowing offices t Neptojha $0000. Hope $0000, Wash
ington $0000, SuflblKl9009, Equitable $0000, Triton
(0500. The losses wot up at a sum which exoseds a
quarter of a million ct dollars.—itodon Transcript.
K.morU10otmpond.no. of tho Owngton- _
Pc«aM«nt of tho Monte —
Horns*, Governor** MM^ge-MnatorUl K
lotion, Ac, «c. MiuawwnLti, Not. 8th.
In my notloe yeatetday of the eleotionof President
of the Senate, and Speaker of tho House, there wm
-om Or two polnte upon which I might bate touohed
with pleasurable interest, but for tbo hnny In which
1 wrote. Initiation to the Preeldency of the Sen
ate the oourse of Capt. Anderson, of Chatham, de
mands, as it is reeeiTing, the tonify approval of every
Democrat. And by no one is it more cheerfully, and
In a fuller measure, acoorded than by myself. There
- jg no doubt bat Captain Anderson received overtures
from the Whigs of the Senate, who stood prepared to
unite m masst with a few or hi* personal friends
among the Democrats, and make him it9 prosiding
officer. By rejecting these overtures, aud thus de*
cling the glittering prize when within his grasp, and
uniting with his own party in favor of the nominee
of its canons, he has set an example worthy of all
commendation. Let this instance of selt-sacrlilce,
at the demand of principles and of party, long
be remembered to his praise.
The election of Mr. Ward, Speakerof the House, on
the eeoond ballot, by a vote of 103, Is a worthy com
pliment to that gentleman. It will give great satis
faction to bis numerous friends in Savannah, and
throughout the State. I record with peculiar plea-
ante the efforts of Col. Seward, who is hero, and de-
nerTedly influential with tho dominant party In the
Legislature, to secure the honors of the Spoakership
to this able representative from our city. I look with
the utmost confidence to the early removal of what
ever unkind feeling may have sprung up among
Democrats In the First District during the late Con
gressional eleotion. So mote it be.
Gov. Cobb’s Message is received with very general
favor. Indeed, I have beard but one opinion express
ed in relation to its merits. It is to be hoped that
most of bis rcoommendations will bo embodied into
the action of the Legislature.
The all engrossing subject or consideration is of
oonrso, the United States Senatonhip. There is some
ground for hope that the election will be postponed
for two yearn. The suggestion in favor of a post
ponement is, I think, gradually growing into favor,
and advocated ha it very naturally is by tbe great bo
dy of the Whigs, and by a portion of the Democrats,
it may be carried out. Should the election come on,
tbe predominant feeling among Democrats is in favor
of holding a caucus, to which shall be submitted tho
claims of tbe different aspirants. The two strongest
men for tbe place are doubtless Messrs. McDonald and
Cob)>. The friends of both seem to acquiesce in the
propriety, if not necessity, of a caucus. Gov. Cobb
is understood to have token position very decidedly in
favor of a caucus.
The Legislature Is engaged to day in counting the
votes for Governor. The Inauguration will como off
From Tampa*
We loam from a gentleman, a passenger on tho
steamer on Thursday evening last, who left Tampa a
fow days since, that tho yellow faver was fearfally on
the increase at that place. We had previously heard
that it bad nearly disappeared, but our informant
states that there were on Monday last eight new ca
ses, most of whloh, it was feared, would prove fatal.
Previous to thst time (Monday last) the disease had
been confined to tbe troops in the garrison, and 15
bad died from Its effects. The recent cases mention
ed were among the citizens or Tampa.
This gentleman also informs ns that Capt. Casey
bad arrived at Tampa, with authority from the Gov
ernment to offer the Indians larger sums In money
than were offered by Gon. Blako, as an inducement
for thorn to emigrate,. This plan, it was thought,
would prove successful, as a report was In circulation
that tbo Indians were congregating In high gleo at
Peas Creek, expressing their willingness to leave on
tho terms now offered. We fear this nows is too good
to bo irae.—Jacksonville News, 5th.
to-morrow.
Hew Publications.
The Westminster Review.—We are indebted to
Mr. Williams for tho October number of tho West,
minster Review, re-published by Lenard Scott &
Co., 79 Fulton-st., N. Y. at $3 per annum. Col. Wil
liams receives subscriptions for the Review upon the
same terms as the publishers. The following is tbe
table of contents of the number before us, viz :
Religion iu Italy: The Progress of Fiction as an Art j
Partnership with Limited liability; The Book of Job ;
School claims of languages: Ancient and Modern ; German
Mysticism in the Seventeenth Century ; Tho Universal
Postulate ; The Progress of Russia ; Contemporary litera
ture of England ; Contemporary Literature of America ;
Contemporary Literature of Germany; Contemporary Litre-
Southern Eclectic.—The November number is
received, filled as usual with matter of a most inter*
eating and attractive character, os will readily bo seen
by reference to the following table of contents, viz :
Recent Poems and Translations: Tho Flowers of tho Af
fections ; Wearing Mourning for the Dead ; American Au
thorship ; The Crown and the Dagger : A Tale of the Third
Crusade: Tbe Gold Legend: The Dead Sea and the Bible
Lands ; Napoleon and Sir Hudson Lowe ; Modern British
Orators ; Sketches of Character ; The Recent Agricultural
Ta[r ; P«t’« Wp1rjimn io.tb4R/-nckTBSVnibl fanny’s Port-
—" 'Folio; Notes on Shakespeare’s Test; Miss Bremer’s Homes
of New World ; The lamp and tho lantern ; Merivale’s
Fall of the Roman Republic ; Electra : A story of Modern
Times ; Count Arensberg : or, the Days of Martin Luther
Notes of tbe Month.
Augusta : J. H. Fitten & D. K. Whitaker, edi
tore and publishers, $3 per annum. The Eclectic is
one of tbe most valuable as it is one of the cheapest
publications iu our country.
Owing to the length of tho Governor’s message we
are compelled to omit tho publication of many intcr-
erting details of foreign news, per the Asia, this
morning, as also several items of general interest,
embracing notices of new publications, dw.
Acknowledgment.—Capt. Freeborn, of tho Flori
da stearaef St. Johns, will please accept onr thanks
for a copy of the Jacksonville News, in advanced of
the mail.
Scarcity op Laborers in Florida—The News
complains at the great want of laborers in and about
Jacksonville, and on the St. Johns. It says many
works of improvement in that city and vicinity, and
much business on the river, iias been greatly retard
ed, and, in some coses, wholly abandoned, for want
of tho requisite force of laborers to prosecute them—
From an extensive personal knowledge of the advanta-
gesof soil, climate, markets,health, &c.,in all the the
new States of the West, wo have no hesitation in say
ing that Florida presents advantages to tbe new Bet-
tier in all respects equal if not far surpassing them.
Let the emigrant and pioneer seeking a new home ex
amine the claims of Florida before otherwise locating
himself and family.
'Wholesale dt Retail Grocery Establishment,
We Invite attention to Mr. A. Champion’s adver
tisement, whloh will be found in another column of
this morning’s Georeian.
Mr. 0. Is too well known to onr readers, as one of
the most enterprising and successful merchants in
the Sooth, to be bcnefltted by anything we might
Irish to eay of him; and wo therefore deem It only
neoessary to Inform his numerous friends throughout
the oity and Stato, that he Is yet ready and willing
to serve them at bis old Btaud on Bryan street, noar
the market.
£
Family Grocery Store.
* Among the many new business establishments in
our city, wo notice that of Messrs. Hyland & O’
Neill, under tbe Marshall House, os being worthy,
of apeoial attention.
Onr rapidly Increasing population require addi
tional facilities in every department of trade, and in
none will there be found more ample room for hon
orable competition than In the family grocory business
Messrs. H. & 0. are favorably known in onr city,
and will doubtless receive a liberal share of patronago.
We learn that their stock has boon Belcoted with great
eare,nyone of the members of tho firm, and that
they feel confident of their ability to give entire sat
isfaction to all who may favor them with their orders-
Dancing—Mr. Niohols opens his Dancing Acad-
•my at St. Andrew’s Hall this day; a favorable time
for persons intending to do so to Join one of his
classes. Mr. N. Is regarded by those competent to
Judge in such matters as a well-quallfled and thor
ough teacher iu his profession. His previous success
in onr city confirms this opinion, and will seenro to
him fall classes at once.
Charleston Auction Salk—J. b. Ryan, Esq.,
Auctioneer, Charleston, advertises the sale of Horses
and Carriages, to tako place Iu that oity on Friday,
the Uth fast. Tbe catalogue embraces valuable stock
and some good carriages, all of which Is worthy the
attention of those in want of snfib, at good bargains.
K
Tbe ferry boat James Rumsey, which belonged to
the Hoboken and New York Ferry, was discovered to
on fire, while lying at the dock, foot of Barclay-
«L, N. Y., on the 4th. Fears being entertained that
tbe flames might spread to tbe ferry house, dock, and
•hipping before they could be suppressed, the boat
WM drawn oht into the stream, where she burned to
the water’s edge. Loss $20,000.
the Una: " These are great honors that von n*v tn
Death of Dr. Noyes.
We learn from Clinton thst Dr. Joslab Noyes, for
merly Professor In Hamilton College, expired at his
residence, Tuesday evening, tho 1st inst., nged77.
The life and associations of Dr. Noyes have been
such as to be worthy of public notice, now that his
career is closed. Ho was a native of New Hampshire
—and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1801.
Among his classmates was Daniel Webster, between
whom and himself a close friendship was formed
which continued until the death of the former. Among
tho last labors of Dr. Noyes was the writing out or
his wmininscenccs of Mr. Webster's College life, at
the request ortho Literary Executors of that eminent
statesman.
Dr. Noyes received his medical diploma from Dart
mouth in 1800, and then served his Alma Mater two
years as a tutor. Next he was elected professor of
chemistry and pharmacy in the Fairfield College. At
the organization of Hamilton College in 1812, he
was invited to tho chair of chemistry and natu
ral scirnce. His associates in the original Faculty of
Hamilton were Dr. Bakus, Pror. Norton, and Dr.
Strong; of these Dr. Strong.nowof Butgers College,
la the sole survivor. In 1830, Dr. Noyes's labors, as a
pro feasor, closed. The remaining years ot his life
were devoted to rural and scientific pursuits.
Tbo death of Dr. Noyes will bring sadness to many
hearts. His early companions in Btudy and profes
sional life, now few and scattered; his former pupils
to whom he was stronly attached ; men ot business
whom he taught how to accumulate fortunes ; those
whom his medical skill relieved : the young who have
tasted the exhnustlcssness of his anecdotal aud solid
knowledge—all those will feel that they have lost a
friend whoso place cannot qo supplied.— Utica Her
ald. ■
Atlantlo Railroad, for tho purchase or iron for the
State Road. It was increased $200,000. By act of Jan
uary 13th, 1852, providing for the repairs and equip-
ment of said Road, It was still farther increased the
sum of $525,000—and by tho aot authorizing a sub
scription to tho MUIedguvIIle and Gordon Railroad,
there was added the sura or $20,000, making tbe
total amount of the State dobt $2,432,472,22. To this
amount should be added the bonded debt of the Cen
tral Bank, which is now $360,500 j having boon dim
inished by tho payment of $5600, since tho 1st No
vember 1851. The total liability or the Btate Is thus
seen to be $2,801,072,22,from which must be deduct
ed the sum of $160,500, whloh has been paid dnrlug
the past two years, under the provisions of tho act or
February Uth, 1850, providing far an annual Sinking
Fund for the payment of the public debt. Tho pres
ent debt of tho State therefore 1b $2,035,472,22.
Tbe bonds authorized by the act of 4th December,
1851. were made nuyahle at tbe Btato Treasury, aud
the interest payable soral-annually at the bank of the
Btate of Georgia, in Savannah. These bonds were
negotiated for a premium averaging about two per
ceut. I was satisfied that our bonds should command
a higher premium, and finding upon nn investigation
of the subject, that a more advantageous negotiation
could be effected, by making them payable in New
York,—I caused the bonds Issued under act of Janua
ry Uth, 1852, to bo made payable at the Bank of tho
Republic, in the city of New York. They were nego
tiated at a premium of 6 per cent. It is the first in
stance in whloh our State securities had been dispos
ed or at any premium, and it should bo gratifying to
our Stato pride to know, that tho bonds of our State
now stand among the first securities of their class—
The bonds of no State iu the Union command more
of the confidence of capitalists who seek a safe invest
ment of their funds. This confidence is not misplaced
for no Btate in the Union has more ample means to
meet its liabilities, and no peoplo are more tenacious
of the credit and honor of their Stato, than our own.
As tho iutcre8tot a portion of our bonds has to be
paid in New York, it becomes necessary for the Trea
surer to keep on doposit there, a sufficient sum t of
money to meet the interest as it falls due. Tbta has
been done under my direction. If any doubts exist
os to tho power or propriety of this course—it would
be advisable that all such doubts should be quieted by
passinga law authorizing such deposits to be made.
The necessity of it is so obvious, that I deemit unne
cessary to present any argument iu support of the re
commendation.
iy rooted,
. „
Iu most Iiiitanoei it wfifbefonnd that this opposition
is limited tii| some provisions oftbo law. whloh may
with propriety be modified and Improved, aud far
that reason your attention should bo directed to such
modifications as will make it conform more exaotly
to tho ad valorem principle. Let tho details of the
law then bo scrutinized, jta defects brought to light;
sud tho proper remedy bo Applied by wise and judi
cious amendments, with many persona the merits
persons
or tho present la# has been subjected to the test of
comparing tbe amount of taxes paid by thorn under
the two different systems. They find that their tax
hua been increased and without further inquiry they
attribute that increase entirely to the change of tho
law. A simple statement wifi exhibit the incorrect
ness of tills conclusion. The amount of taxes collec
ted foi the political year 1851, under tho old system,
was $201,077 38-100, whilst the amount collected for
I refer yon to tho accompanying report of the Trea-
11 be found a tabular statement of
Brooklyn Navy Yard—Yesterday morning the
isoop-of-war Bainbrldge put to sea for tho naval sta-
on the coast of Brazil.
The frigate Congress has been rcplanked and repair
ed in her upper works. She will be floated out of the
dry dock on Wednesday next and receive her masts
preparatory to rigging.
Tho frigate Sabine, whose keel was laid some 27
years Bince, is still in statu quo. The only occurrence
of moraont in relation to her, since her commencement,
was the rotting away of the foundation on which Bbe
rested, and tho cousequent necessity of their replace-
surer, in which will
the public debt, showing at what time each portion
of it will fall due. From this statement you will iiud
that a very largo portion of our debt will become due
about the-same time. This matter should receive the
attention of yourselves os well as your successors, in
order that by a course of wise and judicious legisla
tion, the payment of our bonds may be anticipated,
otherwise we should bo called upon to make very large
payments, within a very short period, which would
lead either to burdensome taxation, or an extension
of tho time for the eventual liquidation of our liabili
ties. Both results can and ought to be avoided. In
the present prosperous condition of our State affairs,
there will be no difficulty in creatiug a Sinking Fund,
which will entirely discharge the public debt, before
it shall have fallen due. There should be additional
legislation on this subject, giving to tho Executive
full power and discretion to appropriate tho surplus
means of the Treasury to the purchase of our bonds
undersneh lumitattons as your judgment may deem
advisable. The present law leaves the question in
some doubt, whether or not tho legislature intended
any premium should be paid by the State Iu tho pur
chase of bonds not yet due. ouch however, Is the
present high character of our 8tato securieties with
all classes of capitalists, that it is irapossiblo to ob-
rosted, and tho cousequeut necessity or tneir replace- tain them a par. As long as individuals are willing
inent if she was lengthened about 30 feet and furnish- - • * *
ed with a new how, it is said she would be one of the
fastest Bhips afloat.
Tho frigate Brandywine has been in ordinary for
the past two years, and there is no prospect of her be
ing refitted, at present.
A steam saw-mill has been erected, and tho dock
wall is being extended. Nothing further is being
done, although over 1,100 men are employed iu tho
yard, at an average of $2 per day.—N. Y. Tribune.
Pihnk Pukesh Pnios—The following curious phun-
nigraphlc advertisement is copied from tho Hartford
C our ant:—“ We have phortnnately phetebed in a
phew phine phresh phigs, which we warrant phirst
rate, and phancy will sell phreely, phairly and phine-
ly to old and young pholks, phillibusters, phreo Boil
ers or phreemen, puriends and phocs, that are phond
of phlnely aud plircqtiently phcaating on such phod-
der and phinding no phault. They are phirst rate,
would pbill tho tno eye of a Phrencbmau or any oth
er phoreigner. They can be pliouud phor sale phor a
phew days at Phuller’8,10 Asylum-st—phirst pbioor,
a phew pheot nhrom phricud Pliay’s phine phancy
round sign. Don’t pliall to plietch a phrlend, if you
have phceling for a phine pncllow, and dont phorget
to phetch tho phunds, and then there Is no phere but
that you will pheast phinely aud pharo well,
Melville Island, where Capt. Kellett, of tho Arctio
expedition, passed the last winter, and whence his
crew first discovered the Investigator, after her event
ful voyage, is one of a group of islands in the Polar
sea, called tbe Georgian Archipelago. It lies between
74° 25' aud 75° 60'. north latitude, and lOG° andJ
broad, and its surface diversified by hills aud valleys.
Tho climate is too cold far the growth of trees or
shrubs, but in tho ravines and vulcyB grow various
kinds of grass, moss and sorrels, which afford food
far tbe many herds of musk oxen and deer which fre
quent that region in the summer season. Wolves and
faxes remain there throughoutthoyear, and tho white
bear of the north finds a home among the icebergs
which Burronnd it at all seasons.
Tho Rev. Messrs. Street and Kensil, tho spiritual
advisors of Arthur Spring during his confinement and
execution, sold a manuscript containing some inci
dents of his life, to Mr. A. IC. Elliott for $100, on con
dition that the money should be paid to the Missiona
ry Society for tho benefit of the poor. Tho Missiona
ry Society voted that it should bo appropriated to the
two orphan children of Mrs. Lynch, who was mur-
dored by Spring.
WD P-. dl ^ MtreconolMth. months.
wlth fort J rounds ot ball Tbo Pocifio Railroad Compaq;
—j,ir -r®iro*t honors that yon pay to
if^Bj^kln^whodid not recognize tho
cartridge la our poaches. ”
. Tbs tomato Is a native of Booth America, and was
fint to adopt lta exUnrivs use, and daring the early
of tin
Mendelssohn’s Widow.—Mdrae. Mendelssohn Bar
th oldy, tho widow of tho lato illustrious composer,
has just died at Frankfort, at tho age of thirty-five.—
She nas lett four orphans, all of tender years. She
was of delicate health ; and tho shock caused by her
husband’s uutimely death brought on the consump
tive malady which has brought her to the grave.—
She was Mdlio. Itonaud, and belonged to ouo of the
first farailios of Frankfort. They were married in
1837; and a most happy union of ten years’ duration
was dissolved by Mendelssohn’s death, ou November
4, 1847. before he had completed ills thirty-ninth
year. Soon after her marriage, Madame Mendelss
ohn accompanied her husband in one of his visits to
England, and gained the esteem and affection of all
his friends in that country by her virtues and amiable
qualities.
In the first Biblo printed from moveable types, the
name of the printerand tho place of publication is
not givon. Guttenberg, the Inventor of printing, not
only feared that his Bccret would be divulged, but be
ing of noble birth, dared not avow publicly that he
cultivated a mechanic art.
Wanted—A fifer and drummer to beat for the
“ march ot intellecta pair of snuffers for the
" light of other days a stone-cutter who can drill
deep enough to blast the “ rock of ages :” a ring to
fit " tho finger of scorn and a now cushion for the
“ seat of Government.”
Marine Disaster,—The Bremen brig J. W. Bud-
decke, Clodius, which sailed from this port far Bre
men, on the 29th August, lost her masts, had her
stern stovo and foundered, her crew were picked up
Sept, lltb, in lat.39 N. r ion. 65 W., by tho Ellse, Lnub,
arrived at Antwerp, 18th ult. Tho J. W. Buddecko
was cleared by Messrs. Thiermann & Pringle, of this
city. Her cargo consisted of 84,850 feet Lumber and
17,094 feet Timber.—Ch. Standard, 8th.
Rendition of Yankee Sullivan—In Supreme
Court Chambers,this morning, Judge Edwards decld
ed thut tho proceedings under tho requisition of the
Governor of Massachusetts for the surrender of James
alias Yankee Sullivan, an alleged fugitive from jus
tice, were regular, and tho prisoner was remanded to
tho castody of tho proper officers. Sullivan will bo
tried in Massachusetts far violating tbe law of that
State against prize fighting.
Immense Railroad Receipts—The Erie Railroad
receipts for October have been of unprecedented mag
nitude : no less than $225,800 from passengers and
mails; $327,186 from freights—total $552,095. ThU
is an iDcrease of $178,000 over tbe Bamo month last
year. The Hudson River Railroad receipts were
$153,258—an increase of near $60,000 from tbo last
year.
Epfbcts of the News—Owing to tho nature of
the Africa’s news, received this morning, there was
Immense excitement at the Corn Exchange, and
broadstuffs sold to a considerable extent at tue fol
lowing advances: Floor, 2s per barrel; Wheat, 5 to
6 cents per bushel; and Corn 2 cents per bushel.—N.
Y. Mirror, Uh.
Captain Hugh Graham, one of the oldest shipmas
ters of this city, died suddenly on Thursday, from the
effects of an overdose of tincture of aconite, which
he took in mistake for aloes. He was for many years
a commander in the Black Ball liue of Liverpool
packets, and highly esteemod by merchants and oth
ers fa tbe shipping business at this port. At tho
time of his death he was eighty years of age, and
had retired from the active duties of bis profession.
N. Y. Eve. Post, 6th.
Resignation of Captain Comstock—Tho New
port. R. I,, News says that Captain Comstock (s now
on hU lost trip in tho steamship Baltic, of tho Collins
line. Ho will superintend tho building of tho mam
moth steamer for tho Fall River IIao, and when put
op the route she will be under under bis command,
He will be succeeded in tho Baltic by Captain El-
dridge, late of Vanderbilt’s North Star.
JW £ r atatca thftt th ® Injunction
against tbe Pittsburg and Bteubonvillo Railroad Com
pany, to prevent Its construction through the State
of Virginia, across tho Panhandlo, as itistermed, has
been dismissed, and tho work will progress. It will
bo prepared for cars ta the courso of the ensuing six
by tbo election of Levi S. Cl
william Leland as Secretary.
eld as President, and
A meeting of authors, publishers, and others con
nected with the press, wm held on Monday evening
at the Philadelphia County Court House, to devise
—for efeeling a monument to th® momory of
meats far erecting a
Benjamin Franklin.
to pay a premium for these bonds, so long will tho
State, also be compelled to pay a premium for such ns
she may wish to redeem in advance. I have thought
it advisablo to make the purchase nt a small premium
to tho amount required by law to bo annually re
deemed. There is no other safe investment of a Hlnk-
ing Fund, and as a matter of economy it is better to
pay the premium, than to allow tbe money to remain
undisposed of in the Treasury, tempting tho Legisla
ture either to unnecessary and wasteful expenditures
or to an unwise reduction of taxes. 1 call your atten
tion particularly to this subject that such laws
may be passed as will carry out the public will iu re
ference to it.
THE CENTRAL BANK.
By tho act of December 10,1851,1 was authorized
to transfer tho assetts of the Central Bank to the
Treasury, when, in my discretion, the interests ot tho
State should require it. Believing that there was no
longer any necessity for continuing that institution
in existence, for any other purpose than to wind up
and close its business, I appointed the commission
authorized by the foregoing act, to investigate the
condition of the Bank, and transfer its remaining as
sets to the Treasury. I herewith transmit their re
port, from which it will be seen what was tho condi
tion of the Bank nt that time. The accompanying
report of the Treasurer will exhibit its present condi
tion, ns well ns its operations since it has been trans
ferred into his hands. There are yet outstanding
many debts. Horae of which will bo collected, but from
tho larger portion nothing will ever be realized by
tho State, and it becomes a matter for vnur considera-
m t&B'Wtaie wiasn Xu
be mode for meeting and discharging its liabilities—
Upon a careful examination of tho affairs of the Bank
I am satisfied that, after exhausting all its resources,
there will be left the amount of $369,500, which must
be paid from tho Treasury. Itis for this reason that
1 have placed the bonds of the Bank in the computa
tion of tbe public debt, w'niffh I have already submit
ted to you. I would recommend that the Executive
bo authorized to take up these bonds, and issue regu
lar Stato bonds in their stead, provided satisfactory
arrangements can be made with the present holders
of them. In addition to this amount it will bo neces
sary for you to provide by law for tbo payment of
about tbo sum of #20,000. This amount has been
borrowed by the Treasurer, under my direction, to
meet the accruing interest on the Central Bank bonds,
tiie funds of the Bank falling short by that amount.—
This step was necessary to save the credit of the
State, as these bonds are regarded in public estima
tion os a part of the public debt, and if we had failed
to have paid this interest promptly, tiie effect would
have been to have depreciated the general credit of
tiie State.
It is useless to encumber tho Treasury longer
with tho remaining assetsof the Central Bank, which
will continue worthless and unavailable as long a3
they remain tho property of the State. I know of no
better disposition that could he made of them than by
selling them for whatever they would bring. To
keep them aud attempt their collection, would in
volve the Stato in continued expense and litigation,
without any remunerating benefit.
THE TREASURY.
Tho accompanying reportof tho Treasurer will give
you a clear and satisfactory account of the operations
of that Department during the past two years. You
will observe that this report is complicated with a
useless statement of unavailable assets in tho Treasu
ry. These stereotyped items hare been repeated
from time to time, without tbo slightest benefit to the
8tate, throwing no light upon the condition of tho
Treasury, and leading to no possible beneficial result.
As long, however, as no action is had by your body
on the subjact, it will bo necessnry for the Treasurer
to encumber his report with them. I recommend,
therefore, that you take such steps as will relieve the
department from tho necessity ot'furthcr reference to
these worthless assets by directing them to be de
stroyed under the direction of tho Executive or a com
mittee of your body. The report of the Treasurer
shows tho available balance in tho Treasury, on the
20th October, 1853, to bo $74,857 35. Concurring ns
I do, in the estimates contained in his report of tho
probable expenditures of the next two years, I deem
it unnecessary to add anytiiing on that subject.
There has been collectea from the General Govern
ment, during tho past two years, tho sum of $144,890
63. These claims have been long stauding, and the
State is now indebted for the collection of so large a
portion of them, to the energy aud ability with which
they have been urged by the agent appointed by my
E redoccssor, and continued by myself, Joseph Sturgis,
Bq. There is yet unsettled claims due to uh from
the General Government, but I am unable to say, at
what time you may expect their payment. It would
bo unwise to calculate upon the reception of any por
tion of it, in your legislation upon the Finances of
the State. For additional information you are refer
red to the accompanying report of Mr. Sturgis.
I herewith transmit to the General Assembly, the
report of tho Financial Committee for tho year 1852,
aud call your attention to its statements and recom
mendations as worthy of consideration.
The report of tho Comptroller General is also here
with transmitted.
. THE TAX LAW.
It was providod by tho tax aot of January Otb,
1852, and tho supplementary actof January 21,1852-
that tho sum of three hundred and seventy-five thou
sand dollars should bo raised under those acta for tho
support of tho government for ea9h of tho political
years of 1852 and 1853. In the first act the rate of
taxation was limited to one twelfth of oue per cent.
The supplementary act was passed under a well
founded apprehension that tbe required amount would
not be realized at that rato. This lost act required
the Governor with the assistance of tho Comptroller
General to consolidate tho returns of the various tax
receivers, and authorize them to fix the rate of taxa
tion at such nor cent os would raise tbe sum of three
hundred and soventy-five thousand dollars. Upon
tho examination of the tax digest as required, by this
law, it was ascertained that it would require a tax of
one tenth of one per cent, to raise the amount which
tho Legislature had fixed upon; and accordingly the
necessary orders wore issued to that effect. This was
true of the returns for each of those years, and there
was consequently no change iu the rate of taxation
for the present year. The possago of those acts in
troduced a new system of taxation in our State—
Tho ad valorem principle was for the first time incor
porated into our laws, though its justice and proprie
ty had long been Been and felt by onr peoplo. For
many veara tho friends of a fair and equitable sys
tem or taxation bad sought to modify the old law,
which was admitted to be unjust in its operation and
indofensiblo in principle. Every candid and fair
minded man recogaizcd the correctness of tho princi
ple that every citizen should be required to pay for
the support of his government, according to tbe ex
tent and valuo of his property. Upon that principle
an ad valorem tax should bo based, and when faith-
folly carried out, must command the approval and
support of every man who is willing to bear his dno
portion of tho burthen of Government. That tbe
present tax law fully comes up to this standard, I am
not prepared to say. The object ot its framers was,
however, to appro»mat« it. and if they bavo failed to
^.... - *- * ir successors of
practioal oper-
_jjd improvement. It 1
not strange that an untired experiment, should b
the year 1852, was $377,165 60-100. It must bo borne
fa mind that the Legislature Raw tiie necessity or
raising an increased sum, and therefore provided in tho
act or 1852, that there should be raised the sura of
$375,000. If. therefore, there had been no change in
the system—It would have boon necessary to hrve in
creased the taxes about twenty-five per cent. To
compare, then, the operations of the two systems
fairly, in individual coses, such persons should first
add twenty-five per cent to their tax as paid In 1851,
and compare tho amount thus ascertained with the
amount which they actually paid under the present
law. When this is done, it will bo found that their
increase tax is owing, not to a change of tho law, but
to tbe increased necessities oft he Stato.
Another objection has been urged to the present
law, which 1b founded in good reason, and is worthy
of your consideration. It results from the difficulty
of ascertaining the true value of the taxpayer’s pro
perty. Such 1s the peculiar organization of men's
mitiaa, that, with tho most honest intentions, they dif
fer widely in their estimate of tiie value of property;
whilst others, unwilling to contribute their due por
tion to the support of government, place so low an
estimate upon the value of their property, os to cause
just ground of complaint with their more conscien
tious and generous neighbors. As every man i9 at
liberty, under tho present law, to valne his own pro
perty, lie can put what estimate he pleases upon it.
Tho law appeals to his conscience alone ou this sub
ject, and there is no mode providod far reaching those
who are indifferent to the obligations of truth and
honor. It is gratifying to know that tho number of
this class is small. An examination of our tax di
gests will show the fact, that with tiie great body of
onr people there has been exhibited a disposition to
make a fair and just return of their property. The
cases of the fow, however, should be reached, and I
would recommend that some provision bo made by
law for assessing tho property of those who seek to
avoid the payment of their just dues to tiie State, by
falsely estimating their property below its true value.
This and similar defects iu the details of the law,
should be remedied by prompt legislation. Time and
experience will thereby ultimately perfect the system,
and render it acceptable to all classes and interests.
The ad valorem principle being recognised by all, as
being right and just, it only requires firmness, pru
dence aud wisdom in enforcing its application, to
secure for a law based upon it tho cordial approval
of the people.
For the purpose of instituting a comparison of the
taxes paid by our own people, with that paid by the
peoplo of the other States, I addressed a circular let
ter to tho Executives of tho several States, asking
for a statement of their tax laws. To this commu
nication I received many replies, but not enough to
carry out the original object I had in view. The in
formation obtained, however, was sufficient to satisfy
my own mind that we pay as little as the people of
any other State, whilst as compared with some ot tiie
States, our tax is almost nominal. As low as our
present taxes are, we may look forward to the time
wbeu they may be greatly reduced. As soon as tiie
public debt shall have been extinguished, we can
with propriety reduce our taxes oue half, and that,
too, without looking to any other source of revenue
for the ordinary expenses of tho government. This
is certainly a gratifying state of tilings, and will go
far to conciliate the feeling of opposition that has
been engendered in the public mind against the pre
sent system. Firmness in tho muiutainance qf tiie
ad valorem principle—wisdom in the adoption of
amendments suggested by experience, and economy
in the administration-of tho government, will soon
dispel ail prejudice and opposition with a wiso and
patriotic people.
WESTERN AND ATLANTIC RAILROAD.
By the act of Januury loth, J852, 1 was required
to appoint a Superintendent of the Western and At
lantic Railroad, who should have tiie general mam
acement and control of that work. I appointed Win.
M. Wadley, Esq., who entered upon the duties of his
office ou tbe first day of February, 1852. The means
of tho road had fallen fur short of its necessities, and
the result was that the Road was in a most wretched
condition. My predecessor and the farmer Chiut Engin
eer of tho Uoau realizing this fact, had very properly
purchased a large quantity of iron for its repair. The
contract made by them was approved by the last
Legislature by tho act of Dec. 4, 1851. When Mr.
Wadley entered upon his office, lie encountered all
tho difficulties which this state of things had brought
about. Tho last Legislature, intending to provide
amply for the thorough repair and equipment of tho
Road, by the act of January 15th, 1852, appropriated
tho sum of $525,000 for that purpose. This sum
would have been sufficient, If it could have been ap
plied to tho objects contemplated by tho Legislature,
but unfortunately it required mucli the larger portion
of it to pay off tho former debtsof tho road, which had
were com polled to look to its revenues to
do that which it was tbe intention of the Legislature
should have been done with this appropriation ; and
this fact will account for tho disappointment of those
who had calculated upon an accruing revenue to
the State Treasury from tho proceeds of the road. I
refer you to the accompanying reports of Mr. Wadley
and his successor, Mr, Young, for a more foil and sat
isfactory statement of the facts to which I have thus
briefly ulluded. It is hardly uecessary forme to speak
of tiie manner in which these difficulties were met
and overcome by tiie Superintendent. The 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 ail that could be done ; aud
1 venture to add. more than any other man would
have effected under the sumo circumstances. I need
not add, that his entire management of tho ufl'uirs of
the road met ray cordial approval.
Ou the first day of February, 1853, Mr. Wadley
resigned his office of Superintendent, and I appointed
George Yonge, Esq., to till his vacancy. It is due to
Mr. Wadley to state, that he did not leave his post
until ho had satisfied mo that the interests of the road
would not Buffer from his withdrawal. Iu his succes
sor, I have found an able, experienced and faithful
officer, whoso successful management of the road, as
exhibited by his report, is the best encomium that
can bo passed upon his services.
It affords me much pleasure to call your attention
to the present condition of this great State work.
The reports of tho Superintendents will show yon in
detail its operations during the past two years. The
failure to report any profits paid over to tho State
Treasury has already been accounted for. Tho fact,
however, that profits have been realized, and appro
priated to the wants of the road, should satisfy your
minds that, with wise and judicious management, it
must for the future be a source of revenue to the
to the State. No additional call is made upon the
Treasury for aid. Its own revenue will booq com
plete the necessary repairs and equipments, and dis
charge its remaining liabilities.
I call your attention to the recommendations con
tained in the Superintendent’s report. Founded as
they are upon his experience in the management of
tho road—they should receive your careful considera
tion. The act of tiie last Legislature which author
ized the road to be sued in any comity through which
it passes, ought to be modified. I can see no good
reason why this discrimination should be made
against the State road. All similar companies have
to be sued in tho county iu which their principal of
fice is located. This is right and proper. It is tho
place where their books are kept and their business
transacted, and therefore tiie proper point far the lit
igation of claims against them. It is problematical
whether the State should submit to being sued at all,
but certainly she ought not to embarrass her officers
with burthens not imposed upon other companies.—
The road passes th-ough counties belonging to three
judicial districts, and it might happen that the Su-
perindent would be sued and required to attend Court
in different counties at tbe same time. Tills consid
eration alone shows the propriety of a change in the
law. In this connection I call your attention to the
fact, that suits have been commenced against the
road in the State of Tennessee. I have directed picas
to the jurisdiction of the Court to be filed In all such
coses, and the question, if decided against us, to bo
carried to the highest Court of the country. Wo have
a right to complain of this proceeding on tho part of
our neighbors, as it was principally to gratify them,
that tho doors of our own Courts were thrown open
to claimants against the State road. If the Courts
should maintain their Jurisdiction in tbe State of
Tennessee, and the road subjected to the trouble and
annoyance of this litigation, it will devolve upon the
Legislature to determine what coarse thoy will adopt
in reference to tho Western terminus of tho Road,
that will most effectually put a stop to such pro
ceedings.
Tho important question for your consideration in
connection with this great work is, what shall be the
future policy of the 8tato in reference to it? Realiz
ing the deep interest felt by our people in the deci
sion of this question, I submit to you my views fully
on the Bubject.
By some a salo of the rood is proposed. I trust,
however, that the advocates of this policy are not
numerous, and I feel certain that their number will
be lessened, in proportion as you BOtisfy the public
raiud that the road can bo successfully carried on un
der State management. To soil the road would be to
diaappolut that general expectation which has so long
looked to the completion of this enterprise for a
Bourco of reliable revenue to the 8tate. Tbo funds
raised by tho salo coaid not he appropriated to the
extinguishment of the public debt, as that is not due.
There is no profitable investment for it that could be
made, and the result would be, that by the time tbo
pnbllo debt hod to be met, this fond would have been
exhausted in wasteful and unnecessary expenditures.
Increased taxation would then bo the only means or
meeting tho liabilities of tho Stato. I feci confident
that no argument is required against a policy which
will inevitably lead to suoh a result. The proposition
to sell two-thirds of tho road is equally, if not more
objectionable. Tbo samo conscquenco would fallow
to a great extant. Besides it is the unvarying lesson
taught by our experience, that the Stato Is tbe suffer
er lu every co-partnership which she forms of this
character. The road should cither be under tbe en
tire control of individual interest, or under the exolu-
Bivo management of tho Stato. A departure from
this rale would certainly lead to no good .result, and I
trust that the experiment will not do made. Reject
ing then tho proposition to dispose of tbe road, I re
cur to tbe inquiry, what la tbe best policy for its fu
ture government 7 In the management or a railroad
two Ideas should be kept prominently fa view, un!>
formlty and permanency to ito syctem L and a
stole head to manage and coof-
^ r • -
which huvo been most geboralty considered, are, first,
the present one which leaves the road under the con
trol of tho Executive and a Superintendent appoint
ed by him. Tbo other proposes to constitute aoonrd
of Commissioners, and invest them with the power
now lodged in the hands of the Government. My
own mind at one time favored the latter proposition.
Experiencu and observation, however, havo fully
aatUllod me that it will not do. Tbo Idea of a board
of commissioners was derived from the Bourd of Di
rectors, appointed-by private corporations, lor simi
lar duties; uudtho argument drawn by auulogy from
this source would bo good, if these Directors dis
charged tiie duties which the public suppose them to
perform : such, however, is not tho fact. The best
Board of Directore for a railroad Company are those
who have Bagaclty and judgment enough to submit
the entire management of tueir roads to tho Presi
dent and Superintendent. In adopting a general sys
tem for the management of a road, »holr counsels may
sometimes be heeded with some advantage: but when
tho detailed operations of tbo road are to be consid
ered and disposed of, the least said or douo by them
the better it is lor the interest of their company. If
a Board of Directors should attempt to revise the
dealings of a President and Superintendent with their
subordinates, reinstating such as bad in their judg
ment been improperly removed, or forcing the ap
pointment of others who thoy might suppose pecu
liarly qualified for some position, it would result fa
the total disorganization of the road, and the effort
would soon be felt by tiie Stockholders in reduced
profits, neglected machinery, and dilapidated road.—
Upon this point I can safely appeal to the experience
and observation of every man who has been connect
ed with asuccessful and weil-mauaged railroad. If
this be true of private companies, the difficulties will
be greatly enhanced, wheh the same principle is ap
plied to a public work, when superadded to other
causes of trouble and embarrassment, there is thrown
in the political and party considerations which would
inevitably bo connected with such a system. Tho
subordinate officers on a railroad, who feci that they
owe their illaces to any other cause than a faithful
discharge of duty, would soon derange and ruin the
best-managed road in tho country. Under tho pro
posed system of a Board of Commissioners these dif
ficulties could scarcely be avoided, and I therefore
deem it unnecessary to enlarge upon this branch of
the subject. According to this plan there would also
be wanting, thut uniformity iu tho management of
the road which is essential to its success. With the
change of Commissioners the system would be chang
ed, aud all the consequences attendant upon such
changes would be constantly experienced. The pres
ent system is In my judgment decidedly preferable;
ono great object at least is effected, a responsible bead
is placed in charge of the road, to whom the country
can look lor its proper aud faithful management—
The Executive elected by the people is responsible to
them. The Superintendent should be appointed by
and be responsible to the Executive, tho subordinate
officers should be appointed by and be responsible to
tbe Superintendent, aud thus tho management of the
road is placed upon a system ol responsibility, which
ensures its successful operation. In the appointment
of the Superintendent the Executive feels the respon
sibility which rests upon him, and will exercise a
sound Judgment in the selection. The Superinten
dent knowing thut he is responsible for the good con
duct of his subordinates, will exercise like prudence
and discretion iu their selection, and the subordinates
feeling their dependence upon and responsibility to
the Superintendent, will realize tho fact, that the
tenure by which they hold their offices is tho faithful
aud efficient discharge or duty. Iu this view or the
subject you will perceive that there must be a cordial •
and mutual confidence between the Executive and J
to proriefo for IMr acco’mmo
'ItMWM. HtWItto totlML
Kr'sut.i*iS&l 1 ffiiSttXital .lIpowAr!,'
4-zlngle citizen, who would not give a *
wrtlfl ,3®""® {»•{«• sentiment, Tho neoitie*
of this institution Is, therefore, tbe only lost limit to
your appropriations. When yon ascertain its wants,
lot them bo supplied, yoor hearts will approve the
act. and your constituents will sanction the Vote.
There Is ono class of lunatic* for whom no provision
s made in the organization of this institution. I nl-
ludo to our hlavo population. This omission, I have
no doubt, Is attributable to tho fact, that tho number
is so limited that it has not attracted public attention.
There are, however, u fow: aud suitable provision
should bo made far them. Tho first suggestion would
bo to lcavo this matter in tbe hands of the owners, af
ter providing n piano at the Asylum for their recep
tion. This will not do. however, as it sometimes hap
pens that tho unfortunate lunatic Is the only property
of tho owner, aud lie Is therefore unable to Bupport
him at the Asylum. It would, perhaps, be wrong to
tax those who have no interest In slaves, to raise
money for tills purpose. The amount which should
bo raised far this object, would be small, and if levied
upon the taxable slave property, would not be felt by
the owner. Looking to the number ofluimtio ne
groes, it would require only a nominal tax upon this
kind or property to raise tiie necessary means. I can
seo no good reason why every slave owner should not
cheerfully submit to this tax, to carry out so desira
ble aud praiseworthy au object. I therefore recom
mend that proper steps be taken at our present ses
sion to carry out these views iu the manner Bug-
guested.
JHBBbSESS
nf tli. «? 8 ^®? n8,denit,0n fiSfdSEf C0D *
lest or legislative ffiSSSUft 10 tbe
oil noon for an exposition^oriel* etW b, e«ll-
tbe General Aaaemblv tneela, anil tffl u ”tll
place nntll bla tern. SlkX eipfcVTJ" $
either been re elected or defeated I S “, d hc hia
withdraarn front the public «„|£. h S. l !»
iu theory, and might work much inja r , „
It wm an economical view ortho effie .W 1 ?’
dneed the peoplo to reaort to bi-ennl “l Ei ln '
may well he questioned Whether tlm t
llcfthla expectation. The f “t tlia th ( ‘eEfr
aombly inocta only once In two yeara reSi'*?,*'-
aweary tn extend the length of [he
cumulated business or the 8 two year™'JS e M *
« d of, and additional time is required to do U^* 1 **'
dor that the people may h.K >«
DEAF AN!) DUMB ASYLUM.
The report of tiie Commissioners far the Deaf and
Dumb Asylum Tor the years 1862 and 1853 In here
with transmitted. The success of this institution is a
gratifying result, ami should secure for it tho contin
ued patronago of tho State. Your predecessors have
by their liberal endowments recognized the duty of
tiie State to provide far the education of tho unfortu
nate mute, and it would be difficult for the legislature
to appropriate the money of the people to an object
that would receive a more unqualified approval from
the popular mind. I also transmit the report of a
committee appointed by myself to atteud tiie annual
examination of 1852. It bears testimony to the faith
ful aud efficient discharge of duty by the officers ol
tiie institution. Its recommendations are commend
ed to your consideration, ns worthy of attention in
your legislation on tills subject.
THE INSTITUTION FOR THE BUND.
1 transmit to you the first annual report of tiie
Trustees foi tho ** Georgia Academy for the Blind.”
This institution was organized under an act of the
last Legislature, and is now struggling through its
infantile existence, it lias encountered the difficul
ties which have attended all similar institutions, and
in view of these difficulties, its efforts have been at
tended with ns much success ns could havo reasona
bly been anticipated. It has shown itself worthy of
tho fostering cure extended to It by your predeces
sors, and should continue to receive your patronage
and encouragement. Tiie appeal in behalf of the
blind—like that made for the deaf and dumb—ad
dresses itss f to our better feelings. The heart would
be callous and hardened that could treat that appeul
with indifference. Those of us who have been en
dowed by a kind Providence witli all the attributes of
manhood, unimpaired by disease or misfortune, have
resting upon us an obligation in reference to our less
favored brethren, which we cannot disregard. In
establishing and maintaining these different institu
tions the people of Georgia have exhibited their ap
preciation ol this high duty. The success which has
attended these efforts, should only stimulate us to re
newed exertions and more liberal contributions.
GEORGIA MILITARY INSTITUTE.
At the last session of the General Assembly pro-
the question submitted tftthe pcoole atth^ 0 ®. ,Dl1
eral election. If approvS K,em “i 0 ™ Un
ion Pe-rrect thonlteralion; auS If ranSneTS”?
can then bo rejected. An opportunity wfll’S'*5’
olTored of having the question decldX £ift*
action ot those most deeply intcrcated In tliTniJS
ATTORNEY GENERAL.
My experience in office has brought vividlv
me the fact that innumerable occasions occur. wheS
the Executive, on account or the varied and ifi?
ing interests of the State, requires the mnt
deliberate counsel of persons skilled in tlTJ S
hurried am off-hand opinions or the best 11,1
worth but little nndcr such circumstance. .*S’
seperatc solemn advice o! feed counsel on ever -.Ik
question , would be n heavy draw upon the 3,,’S
rand. My own conviction in. that an offleer lr»™.
a. the Attorney General of the state oTGlorlh X
nucha salary a, would command IhcbeetceueJS
tho Stato. would meet the Tiecen.lty or tho caw
the general duty of advising theeeveral Futecallw
Departments or me Government, might be added a Uh
propriety, the representing and advocating IhoC
eet or the State In ail questions arising tiofaro our fci
promo Court. Tho duties or such » n oncer it , „
neceseant for me to apecifv. Tho neeetsity and
priety ol such an oUtce will be Iclt by every one oieT
pying the Executive clmir. u
tbe Superintendent, und far that reason the Superin- v visions wero made by law far the education of a ccr-
tendent should bo nppuinted by tho Executive. 1
therefore recommend that tiie act of the last Legisla
ture, taking tho appointment of this officer from tho
Governor und giving it to tho Legislature, be repeal
ed, and that the appointment bo again placed at the
disposal of tho Executive. II the road is to be con
tinued under Stato management, this in my opinion
is the most practicable system that can be adopted.
Two leading objections are urged against tbis plan.
The first is founded upon tho fear that tbe subordi
nate posts on the road will be regarded aud filled as
political offices. Under inyadministration ** this prac
tice has ceased to exist.” Whatever may be thought
or said about making govenncntnl offices, political
positious, iu other departments, it is a well settled
foot, that it will not answer in tho management of
railroads, or similar State enterprises. Sncn a policy
is condemned both by reasou and experience, and can
never lie resorted to without endangering tiie public
interest. This truth is so clearly Illustrated In tbe
history of every State work, where tho policy has
been adopted, that I do nut believe the experiment
will again be made in our own State. The other ob
jection is of a more serious character. It grows out
of the changes in the management of tiie road, inci
dent to tiie frequent change iu the Executive office. I
admit the farce of this objection, and the only reply
that can bcoffered, is founded on tho fact, that the ob
jection is applicable to every plau which has been or
can bo suggested for tbo government of the road un
der State management.
In view of these difficulties, I submit to your con
sideration, another plan, for the disposal of the road,
ono, which will secure the three great objects to be
attained: first, the retention of tho State's interest iu
the road; second, a uuiform and pennancut system
for its management; and third,a certain and reliable
revenue from it. It is to lease the road under on act
ot incorporation. Let a charter be granted with a
capital of five hundred thousand dollars, iu shares of
a hundred dollars each. The chat ter should provide
that the company should makesemi-aunual payments
ra t.lm Stain. »'"l Mmt Hie nrsi failure suouni tpsojac-
to work its forfeiture. Tho umount required to lie
paid by the company for its lease, should be at least
five per cent, on the capital invested by the State,
which might be estimated at five millions of dollars.
The charter should be for a limited time, and perhaps
twenty-five years would be sufficiently long. The
company should be required to return tbe roau at tho
expiration of their lease, iu as good condition.and as
well equipped, as when thoy received it. The im
provements which tiie increased business of the roiid
will require them to make, would afford reliablo guar
anty upon this point. On tho other hand,the State
should agree to pay the company for any increased
value given to tho road by the improvements made
by them. Provision should also bo mode in tho char
ter. to protect connecting roads from a partial and
unjust administration of its affairs, under such penal
ties as would unsure perfect impartiality. I have fix
ed the capital of the company at half a million, sup
posing that to bo sufficient for the ordinary improve
ments, which arc still required to nut the road in com
plete order. The Legislature could hereafter increase
It if tho business of tbo road should require tho lay
ing of a double truck.
In submitting this suggestion to your considera
tion, I have merely laid down the outline of a plan
which might be perfected, if the policy recommend
ed meets your approval. If adopted, care should be
exercised in guarding tiie interests of tiie State in
any charter which may be granted, and that is sub*
mittod with great confidence to your wisdom and dis
cretion. I beg leave to repeat, that the adoption of
this policy will ensure a uniform and permanent sys
tem In the conduct and management of this great
work. It will be brought under the operation of pri
vate entorprize and individual interest, without sac
rificing the investment of the State. It will bo re
lieved from the difficulties which I havo shown must
always more or loss atteud its management under
State control, and finally ensorso 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 aud Book Keeper of tiie Penitentiary, which
will exhibit to you its operations during tho past two
years. Tbo officers of' that Institution during that
time, have been faithful aud energetic in the discharge
of their duties, aud I believe that its busiucss under
their charge, will compare favorably with the busi
ness of preceding vears. Its assets at tho end of the
year will in all probability discharge its liabilities, und
leave it free from debt. The business of tho Peni
tentiary is nof, and in my judgment, never will be a
source of revenue to the State. Tho appropriations
which have from time to time been made to meet
its liabilities, show this fact. Tho gross amount
of them is set forth in the Keeper’s report. It now
requires large appropriations to make the necessa
ry improvements, and to furnish materials for its
successful management. It is a subject which should
secure more of tiie persona! attention of your mem
bers, than has heretofore been tho cose. An inspec
tion of its condition will give you more satisfactory
information of its true wants than any representation
tiiat I can make, and I would urgo tho propriety of
your doing so, os it can bo done with very little trou
ble to yourselves, aud much benefit to the State. As
you will perceive from the Keeper's report tho busi
ness of building railroad cars has been commenced
upon a pretty extensive scale. Tbe experiment so
far has proven eminently successful; Indeed It has
been the principal source or revenue since its com
mencement. For the want of the necessary means,
an arrangement had to be made with the Stato road
to furnish tho materials for building cars, and as
long as that road requires all tho cars that can be
buiit at the Penitentiary, this arrangement could le
continued. If tho business, however, should be ex
tended, as recommended in tho Keeper’s report, it
will be necessary far you to supply the necessary
means for the purchase in advanco of materials, 09
the object shonid then be, to manufacture cars far ail
roads that may desire to purchase. It would also be
necessary to authorized the employment of a Super
intendent of this branch of the work, at a better sala
ry than is now allowed to the subordinate officers.—
If a ready sale be found for tho cars, I have no hesita
tion in saying, that it is tho most profitable business
that can be carried on in the Penitentiary..
The importance of classifying the prisoners in the
Penitentiary has been so repeatedly and forcibly pre
sented to the Legislature, by my predecessors, that 1
deem it unnecessary to enlarge upon the subject. It
is again brought to your attention by the Principal
Keeper’s Report, and I would impress upon your
minds tho propriety of giving ir your early attention.
When this recommendation is based upon the concur
rent opinion of every one who has been thrown into
official communication with tho Penitentiary, it
should at least receive more consideration than has
heretofore been given to it.
THE LUNATIC ASYLUM.
The biennial Report of tbe Trustees, Superintend
ent, and Resident Physioian of the Lunatio Asylum,
is herewith submitted. This iostltution has been
conducted during the past two years with the char
acteristic energy and ability of its officers. I com
mend to your attention tho suggestions and recom
mendations made in these reports. Founded as they
are upon the experience and observation of those who
bavo shown themselves so worthy of the confidence
reposed in them bv the State, thoy shoald command
yoarmoat favorable consideration. This institution
was established by the State under tbe conviction
that it wm our duty to provide for the safety and
This humane object will not have bean accomplished,
so long m then remains to the border* of oar 8Ute
one nufortanato lunatio nnprOvided for. It iaamel*
aacholly and humiliating reflection, that applicant*
tain number of cadets in the Military Institute, loca
ted ut Marietta. A report is herewith transmitted
from tho Hoard of Visitors of that institution, which
will present to the Legislature all the information on
that subject in my possession. Tho system of milita
ry education is growing iu popular favor throughout
the country. In other States of the Union these Aca
demies receive liberal endowments from the Govern
ment. and are becoming more and more the favorites
of the people. So far as 1 am enabled to judge, tiie
tiie Meriettu Institute has been as eminently success
ful ns any of its sister institutions, uiul as deserving
of State patronage.
EDUCATION.
The cause of education numbers among its friends,
no supporters more zealous, or liberal, than the peo
ple of Georgia. it is with sincere pleasure and hon
est pride that wc can point to the progress of educa
tion in onr State. Our University was never more
deserving of the confidence and patronage of the
State. Other colleges have sprung up in generous
rivalry with this institution under the patronage of
private enterprise, affording tho most extensive fa
cilities for a liberal education to all who uiny be pos
sessed of the necessary means. Colleges and Semi
naries for tiie education of our daughters uro to he
found hi almost every neighborhood, founded upon
private muniliccucc, and conducted with marked en
ergy and ability. I would not unnecessarily mar this
picture so grateful to our feelings and so gratify
ing to our State pride ; but a sense of duty demands
that our attention should be tamed to another branch
of tiie subject, which presents far our consideration
far different results. Whilst the minds ofthose, who
have been blessed with the necessary means—arc be
ing stored with all the rich treasures of knowledge,
placed in their reach by these nourishing institutions
—there is to be found another class, less favored of
Heaven, who are grmvning up in utter ignorance,
Tho propriety of providing far the education of the
poor Is recognized by every oue but I am not sure tlml
its importance is folly appreciated. Ido not speak
or that complete und finished education which
can be acquired only in our higher Seminaries aud
Colleges, but I refer to it iu its more limited
sense. The man who can read and write is a
well educated man, in comparison with ono, to
whom tiie Alphabet is an unmeaning .mystery; and
the gulf that separates these two classes is far wider
and deeper than the ono which lies between tbe hum
blest scholar and tbe most learned Professor. Give to
every son and daughter of the State an opportunity
of learning to read and write, und we become that
day uu educated peoplo for all the practical purposes
of Government. The honesty, purity and intelli
gence of the people constitute the firm foundations
of a Republican Government. To tho extent of our
ability it is onr duty to foster aud nurture these ele
ments of security and strength. Georgia has in some
degrees realized this truth, and exhibited a disposi
tion to act upon it. Her ablest sons have been sum
moned to the task of devising systems for the educa
tion of the poor; and our legislative tables groan
under the accumulated reports of committees ap
pointed to investigate und report upon tbe subject.—
AH that could be done in this way lias been done,aud
yet tiie sons and daughters of poverty are unprovided
with tiie opportunity of learning to read and write.
Cun nothing more be effected? Is this field of labor,
so inviting to tho patriot and philanthropist, to be
abandoned and forsaken ? To answer tiiese inquiries,
we must ascertain, first, what has occasioned tbu fail
ure heretofore ? and secondly, are wo able aud willing
to overcome the difficulty in the future ? Tiie first
point is very clearly presented in the statement of
this simple fact—the number of children returned
under our poor school law, is (38,000) thirty-right
thousand, and tiie money appropriated for their edu
cation is (#23,000) twenty-three thousand dollars
In other words, for tiie education of eucli child, the
Legislature appropriates the sum of sixty cents. I
can use no argument or language that will present in
more forcible terms the main defect in our past sys
tem, than is to be found in this statement. Wo have
foiled to educate the destitute children of the State,
because we have foiled to appropriate a sufficient
sum of money to effect the object. It is more than
useless to discuss plans and systems until tho neces
sary means are furnished to make any plan success
ful. This view of tiie subject brings ine to the se
cond inquiry. Can this difficulty be met and over
come? In other words, will the I/jglsiuturc appro-
paiate the necessary amount of money. At present
1 am not prepared to recommend any large increase
of the appropriation. My object is more particularly
to call your attention to u period in the future, when
the required sum can he devoted to this object with
out tiie imposition of any additional tax upon tiie
S ic. If I am right in tiie views whicli I havo al-
y presented of ihe financial condition of tiie
State, present and prospective, in tho courso of a few
years the public debt will be paid off, and there will
be no necessity for incurring another. When that
time shall have arrived, our present tax law may be
reduced one-half, and still furnish ample means for an
economical administration of the Government—giving
no just cause of complaint on the ground of taxa
tion. Tiie State Railroad, under tho system I have
recommended, will bring iu the Treasury-4 certain
and regular revonuo of two hundred aud fifty thou
sand dollars. To that sum I look to supply tho pre
sent defect in our educational system far the poor.
To that patriotic object, as well os to the necessities
of tho Institutions established by tho State for the
Deaf and Dumb, the Blind, and the unfortunate Lu
natic, it should be sacredly devoted ; and until the
wants of each and all should have been fully supplied,
not one dollarsbould bo withdrawn for any other pur
pose, I have invited your attention to the subject nt
this time that the public mind may be directed to its
consideration in advnnceof the period, when the poli
cy may, with propriety, bo adopted.
PUBLIC PRINTING.
I call your attention to the law on the subject of
the public printing. It is defective In many respects,
and requires Legislative action. The great delay that
oceured in the printing of tho Laws nnd Journals of
the Ia9t General Assembly, should not bo permitted
to occur again. Uuder the law as it now stands there
will always be more or less danger -d its recurring.-
In the estimation of many persons tho Executive is
held partly responsible for such delay, and yet ho is
K werlcss to prevent it. Provisions should oe made
law that the public printing should be done at the
Beat of Government—under the eye and supervision
of the Executive, aud he should be clothed with pow
er to transfer it from the hands of tho public printer
whenever he foils to complete it in a given period, to
be Uxed by law. Whenever there is unnecessary de
lay, the Executive should be authorized and required
to make such deductions asthooxigency in hiafudgo-
raent Justifies; and similar powers should bo lodged
with him In case the printing is not executed in man
ner and stylo required by law. It should bo tnado
tho duty of the Secretary of State, to compare the
printed laws before their flual publication, with the
enrolled acts in his office, and proper compensation
should be allowed him for the discharge of his duty.
Tho style and execution of the printed acts shoald be
improved. Tho act of 1834 required them to conform
to the laws of tho United States, as at that timo pub
lished. Since then groat Improvement has been
made in tli i printing of the laws of the United States,
and we should in this respect keep up the progress
of the age.
ANNUAL SESSIONS.
Tbe experiment of bl-cnnhil sessions of tbe General
Assembly, has been sufficiently tested by experience,
and I believe that the public judgment of the State is
prepared to pronounce against ft. I wm among the
number of its advocates, aud so voted when the ques
tion wm submitted to the people for their decision.
I am now satisfied, that in common with a large ma
jority of qj fellow citizens, I wm wrong, and am pro-
—to recommend a return to annual aeodons.
' feMlH
THE SUFIIEME COURT AND STATE LIBRARY
At tho time the Supreme Court was established tho
idea prevailed that tiie convenience of parties lltlwnt
required that the court should hold its newtons at
points accessible to them. For that purpose it wu
provided in the law organizing the umirt that it alionld
s t at nine different places. Experience has shown
tlint this was a mistaken view of (lie subject m
the parties seldom it ever attend the court. Their
attendance is not necessary, nnd they therefore
stay away. No one will question the fact, that this
migratory feature is attended with great inconveni
ence to the members of the court. If this was
the only objection to it, it might be horn? with, but
it deprives tiie court of the advantages of consulting
good libraries .which are not to be found at many of
the points, where it is now held. Without attempt
ing to present the many reasons which might be ur
ged in favor of the change, as they will readily sug
gest themselves to your tninds. 1 recommend that
the places for holding tiie court lie reduced to the
number required by the Constitution. looking to
the future permanence and usefulness of this court, I
think it advisable that the Constitution lie so amend
ed as to authorize its entire sittings at tiie seat of
government. 1 can see no good reasons why it should
be otherwise. The docket of the court could be so ar
ranged for each of the Judicial Districts as to enable
counsel to attend to their cases with as much conve
nience at Milledgville as at any other poiul.
In this connection I call your attention to the con
dition of our State library. For many years the li
brary has been totally neglected ami almost lort
sight of by tho Legislature. The last General Assem
bly mabeuu annual appropriation of a thousand dol
lars for it. This amount regularly continued with the
system of exchanges with the other States, would in
the courso of a few years furnish a State library, of
which wo might not Ire ashamed. The aumll salary
given to the librarian will not secure tbe service of a
competent officer, unless the appointment U connec
ted with some other office, as has been done during
th<* last two years. Tiie librarian’s report is herewith
communicated. It will show the condition of the li
brary, its increase since I came into office, und also
the regulations I have adopted to preserve it from its
former fate. It cannot be necessary for me to submit
an argument to tiie Legislature in tavor of obtaining
and keeping a good State library. State pride, if
there was no other consideration, would make an ap
peal in its favor, that ought not to bo disregarded.
Us propriety nnd usefulness, however, are too appa
rent to require further comment. I confidently com*
mend to your favorable consideration tin: policy adop
ted by your immediate Dredecessurs on this subject.
MISCELLANEOUS Bt'IUECTB.
A vacancy occurred on tbo Supreme Court bench during
tho present year, by tbo resignation of Hie lion Hiram
Warner, which I tilled by the appointment of the Hua.
Kbeuezer Stamen. There have been several vacanciei oca.
Hioncil by death aud resignation, on tbe Circuit Court bench,
but as they are no lunger Ailed by tho legislature,it U
unnecessary to cpccify them.
The creditors of the Bank of Darien have been, for vnn,
applying to tho Stale Tor the liquidation of their cbiuu,
bolding, as they do, that the State i* liable for them. It U
time thut this matter should bo di*|-osed ot. nnd I recom
mend that Komo provision be made by tho present General
Aanembly for the Unul settlement of these claim*, either by
submitting tbe questions involved to tiie dt-ctoiira of tho
Courts, or como other tribunal, to be selected by tbe tegtol*
lure, and agreed to by tho partien in inlercnt.
I ivas directed by a resolution of Hie lant General Asrera.
bly. to withdraw the block of marble, which bad been fur
nished for tbu Wanhington Mouiiment from this State, on
account of tho objectionable inscription upon it. and to
provide another in its stoad. with tlw simple inscription of
tho Arms of the State. Finding that the object of lb#
legislature could be carried out by an alteration of the in
scription on tho block already furnished. I adopiet that
course, a* tho most economical aud appropriate, under the
circumstance*.
tty joint resolution of tho list General Aasembly, I wu C
required to appoint a comtninMon to examine nnd report to j
the present Legislature, on the claims of Wm. Q. Auder-
son, Tito*. Anderson, and Richard J. Willis, securities of
John R. Anderson, on Ilia bond*) a» Cashier und agent uf
tiie Darien Bank. I np|»oiuted Charles Dougherty
IV.rt llutkii It..11 k'una iii.il ImrivA'itll IninHtlllt to YOU 1
Win, Hope Hull. F.sqv. aud herewith transmit to you their
report upon tiie subject.
,\ly predecessor informed tho Inst General Assembly that
the question of tho boundary between Florida and ourown
State, had been submitted to the Supremo Court ol the „
Uuited States, ami that lie had engaged tho services of tho
Hon. J. M. Berrien, as tho Attorney of the Stato. At the
instance of Judge Berrien, 1 associated with him tin Hon.
George K. Badger, having been authorized by resolution of
the Inst L'gtolnture, to employ additional counsel In tli#
case. Tho case to alill pending, and will probably be deci
ded at the approaching term ut that Court.
A question of boundary between South Carolina anil
Georgia, hus artoou since the adjournment of the ia»t
Genera I Assembly. Tiie correspondence between the Gover
nor and tho Attorney General of South Carolina, and my
self on that subject, to herewith transmitted My *»«*•
are ao fully presented in that correspondence, that I deem
it unnecessary to add anything in reference tort. Ittcum-
mend thut tho suggestion contained in the last letter I
the Attorney General of .South Carolina, be accedcd to.and
that provision be made for submitting the question of
boundary to the dcctoiou of the Supreme (ourt of tue -
State*. It presents the moat satisfactory mode of eetli ng
a dispute, which, if left unadjusted, might, at some luture
day, load to unpleasant consequence*.
By a joint resolution of the last General Assembly-1
ivaa directed to appoint •• two suitable persons a* del g
from tiiia Stato, to attend a Convention of
.. .rt. . . .... ■ ... .. .. ...i-i-i l.rtl.l in I'liiii
phia on the 5th‘ot July, 1852. 1 appointed 1,18 .' ivD : f, ,..'
shall J. Wellborn, of Columbus, and the Hon A.bury mu,
t polio/ of bUnoial aeraloni wm right at
snail j . iveiiooro. ui v^jiuinuu*. nun --- » /
or Athena, who accepted tho appointment,and tlieK'npm
ot tho action of the Convention, is herewith tranam •
The object for which tiiia Convention assembled.
modo by which that object ia to bo consummated,
fully nnd aattofactorilv presented iu the accoiujun) *
port, that I do not feel called upon to do more •“* i
it your careful consideration, itis no local or
movement, In which the people of I'hiladelphU and l
sylvania nlono nru interested. It was Pimpled 7 .
national sentiment as broad as the Luion—aud a p
gratitude and veneration us deeply impl oded in th
of tho American peoplo, a* are the memories ol
tionary struggle*. Georgia has l ,a 1 rtici >‘ a, .^/' , 0 L cn t c r-
commendable zeal, and patriotic ardor, in this “
prize—and I doubt not, that every step of it* lu' F
gresa will be marked with the evidences ol her,, •
The Inst General Aanembly passed a joint reaol i n
thorizing mo * to erect, on the public groun'U-
Slate House, a suitable monument to the. ^ , j
lato distinguished fellow-citizen, Hon. John wm ■ «
pay for the nntno out of the money appropriated
purpose by tho act of tho legislature—appro *
23,1850 ’> Tho proposition contained in thto rcsomuou,
meets my cordial approval. No one entertains J
predation of the services, and brilliant career '
ivth, than myicir, .ml it would li».o ,lw» "» “S
pleasure to havo carried out the Intention of W
ture, if it could havo been done. Tbo
propriation was wholly inadequate for the P
object. A monument erected on , ' l 18 „ k. credit*- l
to tbo memory of Mr. Forsyth, ahnuld not on y, ^
ble to tho Stato; but worthy of the '“jjmunfi
Such a monument cannot be obtained lor . i havo
dollars. For this reason, ami for this re
taken no steps to carry out this J 0 » sum
commend that tho appropriation ** i " c ’‘\^ nca |la for,
tlint will secure such a monument as tbeocca
A monument worthy of the State of^Georgia, and » ^
of the distinguished defender of the Lonitrtuii
Union of our fathers. u*ttnns uuderth#
Wo have ju*t had our firat Judicial rierilons un
law giving those elections to the people. Tbepoi j
law lias been vindicated, and it presents . a ^ or [,j oM
occasion for recommending an extension of i P ^
to tho remaining caaos of Ktat# officers elected y
iB uirel6ctlon laws need amendment.
ding upon the roturns of many elections, to by e ,
devolved upon the Executlvo. No rules, ho Cllje /by
scrlucd for hia government. This ehirnW b» " ^*>1
the passage of au act, plainly defining his duty, pu
mode of procedure. . p^od ou
Tito great number or laws which h®" . b*ilnvotrfi
the subject of tho lands belonging to the -
that subject In great difficulty. M"”)' 1 "[-Jj^jjon being
of u mere local character. But „ r Li uc pd a contra-
general lu tliu terms of the statue, has j .ubject
riety of provision* difficult J* reconcile. 1, ' e ,7 ra4 it will
needa thorough and radical legtototlon. o ^. y ur
receive your consideration during theipr 0 f CTe ry
tho disposition of the remaining j. I would
description, that havo been WuM) J^VadopteJ.
recommend that tho policy of tho I u ' t .. m0 ,t economical
Experience ha* proven It to be by far.A * UmU .
and satisfactory mode of dlsponingoMliepuu^^
The alow but steady development o* tw « ,n lhc iinl(or .
cea of our State, should bring tayourattoui ^ of ^
tanco of providing, Tor a thorough g«o «8j^ w be greatly
Slate. Other department* of Intel** “ provision**
benefit ted br it—and ] reemnmond that »'U|"° v l
made for that purpose. „, m nf tho Senate of the J*»t \
1 was requested hy a resolution IT r raugeuietiU in
Legislature, to make the Hl.crath.ns and ‘‘ r ^ Q , rCJ ,ed 4
tbo Senate Chamber, rendered noco«»ry.“{ ,, por-
number of that body, t baa' fund-
tion or the expense paid 0,,t “ r ‘ h “ r c " 'J this resolution
ipecial appropriation waaraade toitar y^ k6gQ #ar ly»P.
and It now becoinesneceMaryforyou to roaa^^ ^
bms '
I