Newspaper Page Text
»PP‘ > 11
Georgia Legislature.
SENATE.
Wkdnesdat, January 8, 1873.
Senate met at 10 a. v , with the Secretary, T. W.
J. Hlil, In the Chair. After orgsn'zatlnD, the Chair-
man announced that the first t>uniness before the
body waa the election of a President.
Hr. Simmons, from the 23d, nominated lion. L. N.
Trammell. After calling the roll, Ur. Trammell,
haring received 89 votes, was declared unanimously
elected President cf the Senate.
On motion, a commute of three, confiding of
Messrs. Jones, Simmons and Hudson, were ap
pointed to condnct the President to his seat. On
taking the chair, President Trammell said:
•‘Allow me to express my heart-felt thanks to you
tor electing me to preside over the deliberation of
tht» body. In taking upon myself tbit responsibility,
I feel the gTeat responsibility resting upon me. I
ask of you yonr aid to enable me to perform the
duties devolving upon me. Again thanking you, I
announce tnat the tint buaiuoaa in ordor, will be
the election of a Secretary."
Mr. T. B. Cabinet*:, o! Monroe, was nominated,
receiving .‘8 votes, and was duly declared elected
Secretary.
Ti e President announced that the next business
tn order sm the election of a l>oorae»per. The name
of John It. Ounim ng, of the county of Bibb, was
nominated, receiving 29 votes, and was declared
elected Doorkeeper.
I-Blecdon of Messenger was next in order. Mr. A.
J. Cameron was nominated, receiving 40 voles,
and was declaruU elected.
On motion of 0. C. Kiobee, B. E. Lester Senator
front the First, was nominated as President pro
tern , receiving 40 votes, was declared elected unan
imously.
O. C. Klbbne introduced s resolution that a com
mittee of five be appointed to draft and report rules
for the government of the Senate. Passed, and
Messrs. Kibbeo, Lester, Wofford, Hilly er and Nidi
alls, were appointed aa the committee.
A resolution was passed that a committee be ap
pointed to inform the Ho' se that the Senate had or
ganised and elected officers. JUrJti '
A resolution by Beubsn Jones was passed that a
•ommittee of three be appointed to pr... urc the ser
vices of a minister to open tbe Senate with religious
exercises. Messrs. Jouws. Irwin and Hillyer, were
po nted on the committee.
Heard— Keeolvod—That Senators now pro-
aeed to draw seats. Passed.
Mr. Kibbeo—Resolved—That all regu’ir r poners
ef the presa be invited to seats on the fl or and fa
ekhtiea granted them for a correct rep< rt Passed.
A resolution by Mr. , Beeolved—That the
roles adopted ft r the government of Ui last Sen
ate be ado{ wd for the government of this. Passcu.
On motion leavo of absence was grantea J.
B. Brown for one day.
Senate adjourned till to-morrow momin; at 10
•’dock.
i
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Wtu.MACAi - , Jauuary 8, 1879.
The Honse of Representatives, in accordance with
the Cede, met at 10 o’clock aim was called to order
by Col. J. D. Wadd-11, Clerk of the Iain House.
The Representatives elect tlun cune forward and
were qualified by Hon. liugn Buchanan, Juoge of
the Tal.apousa circnit.
G. A. Mercer, of Chatham, nominated O. A. Ea
son, of Bibb, lor speaker. Upon taking tbe v ite it
was found that Mr. Bacon had received 15a totes,
and was declared elected.
Ob motion ot Mr. Murphy, of Harris a committee
of tlm e was appointed to cuuuuci the Spi uk*r elect
to the c-air.
Mrssr „ Murphy, of Harris, Anderson, of Cobb,
and Huge, of Fu ton, were apfoinud said ectumu-
tea.
Upon being conducted to his seat Mr. Bacon said
In subatar.ee: Gentlemen of the House of Bepre-
aentativeB. I thank you most sincerely lor the ureal
honor you have coul.rre i upon me. Appreciating
the dign.ty of the high office and not unmindful ol
th difficulties which may arise, 1 rd> upon the
continuance ol your kindness to assist mo in difli-
culty, and to bear w ith me in any errors 1 may com
mit.
I shall rudiavtr discharg* tl.*c duties of
the office with CarneMtneM, promptness and
fidelity, and witR or.tile impartiality to each
and every member of this House. 1 am not unac
customed to jiubijc yeti leel oppiess-d
by a sense of my obligation to you and the novelly
•f my positron, anj Wl ,j no t attempt any studied ad
ores-. Buffer mo to imprsss upon you ooe thought:
W e st»nd in a solemn position—one of great dig-
mty and importam e. In accepting the position of
Representatives, we undertook grave and weighty
responsibilities. We are not here for the purpose
ot i ersonal aggrandizement or social enjoyment
but for the performance oi the highest trust that a
peoule cau confine. Much depends upon the wis
dom ot our deliberations whether tne State is
prosperous at home and bono ed abroad, or tne re-
verse. The benefit of mature and well consider, d
legislation is incalculable; it is like the suu in
Bprli g time, causing tbe earth to blossom into
beauty and bloom like tbe ro.e. Hasty legis-ation
on the hand ig like the Simoom which converts the
°° au ari< l desert. Let tis forget the strife
and bitterness of the past, and look only to the
aI ‘‘ 1 material and moiai prosperity of our
Commonwealth. Though we may lava,
divided as the waves, let us be one as the
8HNATB.
Jahuabt, 9th, 1879.
Senate met at in a. i*., President Trammell in tbs
chair. Prsyer by Rsv. Dr ipaulding.
Minut-i of yesterday received acd adopted.
Mr. Cam—Resolved, That a copy of tha iawa ef
tba Legislature be furnished each Senator. Pateed.
Mr Kibbse, Chairman ef the Committee on Buies
for tbe Government of the Senate, reported a aariee
of ru'*e, which were read and adopted.
Message from tha Honas, informing tha Senata of
its organizausu and iU readinaas lor bus.neas; also
stating that the House had passed a resolution that
a committee of three from the House, and two from
tne Senate, be appointed to wait on bis Kxoelsncy
the Governor, and inform him that both branches
o' the General Assembly were organised and ready
for business. Committee on the part of the House
were Messrs. Pierce, Marcer and Louglsy.
On motion of Mr. Lester the House resolution was
taken up and adopted. Messrs. Lester and Kstis
« ert» lyyoioted m th# coin mitt©© on th© p©rt of the
8e Mr t *Wmmons-Rce-.lvi.d. That the Senate aDd
Honse bodies shall meet in the Bepxes-rntstijs ha:l
ou Saturday next, li u. in Joint a©©aion. for the
purpose of electing i Hecretery of 8tata, ComptroUer
Gvtieral, Treasurer, Ac., adopted
Mr. Simmons—A bill to repeal an aet to prevent
gaming in tbla State.
Mr. Brown—A bill to provide
Public School
fU Mr. Hillyer—A bill to amend charter Ga B. B.
and B. Co., allowing it to aid in the Incorporation
of Fort Royal road. Aiso, a bill to change the time
of Bolding sessions ef the Superior Courts in the
Atlanta circuit. Also, a bill to organise the City
i^ourt of Atlanta.
Mr. Hteadmsu—A bill to change section 19tii of the
revised code.
Mr. Billyer—A bill to Incorporate the town of
Rut-edge. Also, a bill te amend tbs Coustltntloa of
this State prohibiting the payment of certain ille
gal and fraudulently indorsed bonds.
Mr Estes—A bill to change section 9, part 4, of
the penal code of this State.
Mr. Ktbbee—Resolved, That the Senate and Honso
meet In joint session in the Hall of Representatives
at 3 i>. at this, 9;h da/ of January, for tbs purpose
ot opening, consolidating and publishing tbe Gu
Lernatorial election returns. Adopted and trans
mitted to the Honse.
Mr. Esthers—Resolved, That the General Assera
Ely do adjourn on Wednesday, 94til mi,., until the
3rd Wednesday in July, and members not to draw
pay cn thslr return in Jnly. Amended by changing
adjourned to recess, and made special order for to-
m< rrow.
Mr. Wofford—A bill to incorporate Bartow Iron
Company.
Mr. Lester—A bill to change the time of bolding
the Superior Court of McIntosh county. Also,
bill to incorporate the Atlantic Paper Company.
Mr. Rees*—A bill to change the time of holding
McDuffie Superior Court. Aiso, a bill to change the
time of advertising sales by administrators, guar
diaus and Trustees. Also, a bill regu'atiug
the law of claims in this State, authorizing
provisions contained in Section 3*50 of the Code
extend to all claims. Also, a bill te amend the
garnishment laws of this State. Also, a bill to
amend the attachment laws. Also, a bill to amend
tbe act establishing county courts. Also, a bill to
speed the trial of criminal cases.
Mr Jones— Resolved, That the hours of meeting
cf the Beuate hereafter shall be from 10 a. if. until
1 p. if., and 3 to S p. if. Not taken up.
Mr. Beater, as chairman of the committee ap
pointed to wait upon the Governor, announced that
bey had informed bis Excsileucy that the two
U'.usex were organized and ready tor business.
His Exce lency sent in his mreeage.
The message will lie found in full in another
column.
After the reading of the Governor’s message, Mr.
Winn introduced the following resslution :
Resolved. That throe hundred copies of the mes
sage and accomp nying documents be published for
the Use of tne benale. Rules suspended, resolution
taken up and adopted.
On motion, tbe r solution was reconsidered and
aftn-nded by inserting one hundred copies of mes
sage, one hundred copies cf Treasurer and Comp
troller General’s reports. Passed.
Mr. Hillyer—Resolved. That the door keeper be
authorized to employ Cbas. Patterson as usher in the
Senate ga'lsry; Peter McMlc-hael on the Senate floor
to assist in keeping clean the Senate Chamber, and
Maurice smith as page.
Mr. Brown moved to strike out the appointment
Of Usher Lost.
Mr. Simmons moved to strike out ail names, in
order to allow the Doorkeeper and Messenger to
select their own assistants, and the President sl
owed to select a day. Passed.
Mevsagn from the Governor transmitting election
return* wss received and read.
On motio i cf Mr. Kibbse the returns were trsns-
muted to tbe House.
Senate adjourned till half past 3 p. ts.
been as
I invite the attention of the Genera*
Assembly to the following explanation of
the apparently large payments aisle
from the contingent fuDd during the
year. Claims were frequently presented
at the Treasury that could not be claased
among the contingent expenses of the
Government, and for tbe payment of
which no provision lias been u ade bv
law. The General Assembly, at tbe ad
journed session, in the month of July
iast, appropriated the snm > f $20,000—
or so rauoh thereof as might be necessa
ry—“as a contingent fund, to be used by
the Governor in the payment of jnst and
legal claims against tne S’ate.” The
fund thus appropriated has been drawn
upon to meet such just and legal claims
us have been presented at the Treasury,
ano for the payment of which no other
provision of law existed.
PUBLIC DBBT.
The publio debt on January 1,1873—
as shown by the report of the Treasurer,
herewith transmitted—amoanted to $8,-
186,500. The amount of gold bonds
issued in 1870—due in 1890—reported
by the Treasurer, is $2,598,000. The
total amonut of currency bonds issued in
1872 is $700,000. The last mentioned
bonds were issued for the purpose of re
deeming the old six per cent, bonds
which fell dne lust snmiuer.
According to information lately ob-
laiiied through the Treasurer, the
amount wh.ch had been disponed of, in-
eluding ail sold for cash and these ex
changed for old bonds, is $277,000. In
disposing them, due regard has bean
had to the publio .merest; and it is be
lieved, tuat in the improved sme cf onr
credit—confidently expected soon to take
place—the substitution ot the new lor
the old bonds referred to will not be
long delayed.
The interest which has already ac
crued npon the gold bonds mentioned,
and also that winch will accrue thereon
the present year, must be provided for.
This will increase the interest account of
the preset year, and will render it neces
sary for an additional appropriation to
be made for irs payment. Ti_e Treas
urer estimates the amount necessary to
be raised the present year as follows:
For the pavment of Stats bonds matur
ing iu 1873 $ 137,000 00
For lutne.t on bonds for tbe lent bait’
of 1873 and the first half ot 1874 SCI,935 CO
For payment of unsettled claims
against tbe Western & Atlantic Rail
road 131,000 00
For ordinary disbursements of th« Gov
ernment, including Legislative pay
roll
invite yon, gpntltnien. to a careful considera
tion of your duties. Inspired by a love cf cue glo
rious old State, and au earnest desire to lift brr up,
emulating each other in our effort* for the common
weal. Incited aud Inspired by tbs cxxmple ot tbe il
lustrious nur who nave preceded us. Lot heedlessly
or carelessly fullilbug our duties, but with fidelity
and promptness, let us enter to-day upon the dis
charge of uur duties. I declare this ijouso non-
ready for business.
Tbe nomination of ciers of tbe Heuse was next in
•rder.
Mr. Turnbull, of Banks, nominated L. Caningtcn
•f Baldwin.
Mr. iucbsrdaon, of Houston, nominated M. A
Hardin, of Bart jw.
Th,- vote stood: Carrington 144; Hardin 52. Mr,
Carrington waa declared elected.
Tha next in order was the electien for door
keeper.
The following nominations were made:
W. P. Tyler, Pike county; J. T. Baxter, Fayette
county; J. L. Perryman; B. H. Miller, Haucock
county; J. Anderson, Bartow county; G. W. Grant.
Milton county ; J. Owen, Banks county: P. H. Lance-
ford; L. D. Middleton, Jesse . slin, Cubu county ;J
King, Cobb county; G. W. Simp-on, Fuitou county
Mr. Guyer, the veritable “Bill Arp;” J. A. Bowd'.u
N. P. TutwUer.
The first bal ot stood:
Bowden, 1; Tutwiler, 1; Perryman, 1; Bill Arp
3; Anderson, 3; Lunceford, 4; Gujtr, 5; Simpson
8; Grant. 1 •; Middleton, It); Tyier, 13; Baxter, 21
Miller. 39; Osltn, 44.
There being no election, a second ballot was neces-
•ary.
The name of Mr. Tyler was withdrawn.
Mr. Baxter withdrew iu favor of Mr. Miller.
Tha vote stood: Miller 95; Oslin 45.
Mr. kliller was declared elected, and was sworn
te.
The election of Messenger was uext in order.
The following nomiuauons were made.
C. W. Young, Oglethorpe county; S. Glover, Sum
ter couuty; J. G. Pounds. Fuitou county; H. L.
Cheshire. Hail county; J. R. Smith, Ooffee county;
C. D. Yourusns, Pierce, county; J. W. Woodall,
Houston county; B. Dean. ('Layton county; A. R.
Roberta, Gwinuett county; J. H. B-ewt.ttr, Polk
county; J. F. West, White county; J. W. Roberta,
Bartow county; C. 8. Lunceford.
The vote stood: J. W. Roberts 3, A. E. Roberts
3, Woodall 3, Lunceford 5, Cheshire 5, We«t 6, Dean
9. Young 111, Youmans 12, Brewster 19, Glover 23,
Pound 30. Smith 32.
There being no election, a second ballot was neca-
aary. Messrs. Lunceford and Youmans were with
drawn.
Mr. McDaniel, of Walton, offered a resolution to
appo nt a committee ol seven on Rules.
Mr. Anderson raised the paint of erder that the
resolution could not be enleruintd uluI tne Mes
senger waa elected.
Mr. Pierce, of Hancock, said it wai a question of
privilege and took precedence.
The Chair ruled the point well taken.
The sec nil baliot stood:
Smith, 87; Pound, 72; Glover. 7; West 1: Brews
hr 1.
Mr. Smith was declared elected. .
Mr. Hudson, ol Sch’ey. offered a resolution to
appoint a committee of seven to prepare rub s for
the government of tbe House, and that until they
report, the rules of the last L-gislstur> obtain
Mr. Williams, of Dooly, off red s euhatuute that
the rules of the last Legunaiuac be am puu tor tne
government cf the House.
Mr. Anderson, of Coho, called the previous ques
tion. and the call was Miataine-t. The suusututc
va» lost and the resolution adopted.
..?? c hair appsanud as the committee, Hnd-on
•f Schley. McDaniel, of Walton, Hoge. ot i ulton.
•f Ru^e aml' Shew make.
d Tll ; un 01 Mac u.
th«^ciertCbe'iustrmcu!<l to n ” ^'’utior that
n ^■trucU'il to Uuu:\ ihr* n.'. ti-Mt tl *-
iu. 7;... :v.“
Henry L. Be inning, on Thursday mg .tto.
address on the no ith al team. Jr tu* diy * hw.
unammonsly adopted. ■ " u *
Mi. Pierre, ol Hancock. ofl.-r.d a res,,:ntlm
• appoint a joint commitlec ot tore* f roui b^Hone?
and two tr.-m tbe senate to wait upon x , _
ey. toe Governor, ana iniorm h m mat both
branches of the uen-.nl Aa-embly were <r -auiz«i
aud read, to receive comrauni,»i on he uj £
dree* to Uieiu. The r»*o,utmn *,a adopted. Merer.”
i y^L UKrrr '- s ‘* ,,c *r. ol Chatham. . d Lo. c.«.v
jr: V ,P I 1 ° W ' d - U ,l ‘ e ^ House!
"te ** ol FlIam. offered a icro uti. u thatim-
• 1 r the reading ..f the j ur„«.:e U> mer
iSk.thefco*ru , »w tor seats. Adopted.
* w. of Brooks, the House
HOUSE.
The Honse met at IU a. m., Speaker Bacon in the
chair. Prayer by Rev. D. E. Butler.
Alter the reading of the journrl the Hou*s pro
ceeded to draw for seats. The members retire t to
the lobbies and as tne counties were called the rep,
resentative, or representatives, came forward aud
selected seals not already selected. The names ot
the counties wero drawn from a hat, Macon county
was the fiist drawn.
One hundred and sixty-one member* were pres
ent. aud eighteen absent.
Mr. Hoge, of Fulton, offered a resolution that the
Clerk notuy tbe senate tnat tne House will be ready
at 12 M., tu receive tne Sen ate and count the vote
for Governor, which waa adopted.
Mr. Pel toil, of Macon, ottered a resolution that
Rrportei s, of the Press ot the State be invited to
seats on tliu floor, winch wav agreed to.
Mr. Phillip*, of Echols, offered a resolution de
daring tnat under the Constitution the members
from th* m-w counties of Dodge, Douglass, Rock
dale aud McDnffie are not entitled to seats on the
floor.
Rules suspended aud resolution on motion of
Mr. Anderson, of Cobb, referred to the Judiciary
Committee.
Mr. Pierce, of Hancock, from the joint committee
to w sit on his Excellency, tbe Governor, reported
that they liad performed that duty, and the Gov
ernor would communicate with the General Assem
bly in writing.
A message was received from the Senate asking
the concurrence ol the House in a resolution to
meet iu joint assembly at 3 P. w., to consolidate and
pub.iah tne returns of the gubernatorial election
Message taken up and concurred in-
Ur. John 8. Hill, from Troupe, appeared, was
qualified and took his seat.
J. W. Warren, Secretary of the Executive depart-
ment, presented a communication in writing, from
His Excellency the Governor.
On motion of Mr. Felh n, of Macon, the message
cf His Excellency waa taken up and read.
Mr Bush, of Miller, moved the reference of the
message, with accompanying documents, to the ap-
propria e committees, when appointed. Motion con
curred in.
Mr. Murphy, of Harris, moved to take a recess
until 3 o’clock p. M., which prevailed.
GOVEllNuit’MESSAGE.
Executive De'ft. of Georgia, )
Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 8, 1873. j
To the G meral Assembly : The foiiow-
ug statement snows the financial opera
tions of tbe State Government for the
fiscal year ending Decemoer 31, 1872:
nxcuPTS.
800,090 09
Total $1,418,935 00
The bonds mentioned above—for the
payment of which means must be pro
vided during the prea» nt year—are of
the isanes of 1842 aud of 1843, and ma
ture, one-half during the present mouth
of January, aud the remaining portion
ou the first day of July next. The
amount necessary to be raised to pay
claims against the Western & Atlantic
lliuiroad, still outstanding and unsettled,
is large, and, in my opiuion, is uot over
stated by the Treasurer.
The sources of leveuue to the State
during the present yeat may be stated as
follows:
Rentals of the Western «Sc Atlantic
Railroad; dividends upon stock held in
the Georgia Railroad and Banking Com
pany; general taxation, aud taxes ou
banks, railroads, express comp tnies and
insurance companies and the hire of peni
tentiary convicts. The amount of reve
nue necessary to meet the wants of the
government, with the sources from which
the same is to be derived, is btuted as
follows, by the Treasurer:
Rating th« taxable property of the State
the aameu lust year, elgnt-t«ntba
of one per cant, on the *ame will
yielii $1,875,939 00
One-ha'f ol the rental ot the Western k
Atlantic Railroad will yield 158,1 00 00
Estimated receipts from tareeou banks,
railroads, express and insurance
companiea 35,000 00
The hire of Penitentiary convicts 90.000 00
Miscellaneous sources (,000 00
Cash on hand January 1, 1872 $ 188,767 01
Received from general tax 946,814 75
Received from reutalWeeiern A Atlantis
Railroad 300,000 00
Received from sale of bonds 188,379 65
Received from poll tax 123,972 43
llece.ved froai school tax 108,709 43
eceived from sale of Agricultural Col-
legescrip.... 90,909 17
Received uom temporary loans 47,782 50
Ueceived Irom tax on insurance com
panies 35,711 93
Rece.ved from railroad, back and ex
press tax 31.439 13
Received from •• restuuti in” money.. 19,674 21
Received from pay for convict labor.... 9,577 26
Received from liquor tax 9,333 30
Received from balance of Fourth Na
tional Bank 7,553 48
Received from tax on circuaea S,2ul 35
Received from dividends of Georgia
Railroad stock. 3,031 80
Received from special reciprocity tax on
insurance 3.833 S3
Received from rent ot Capitol........ . 1,966 33
Rece.ved from United Suites fer sup
port of convicts 1,348 75
Received from fees Secretary of r.ta-e’s
office 762 00
Received from return premiums on in
surance 733 29
Receneafri.m Convention tax of 1868.. 610 Ou
Received irum tax on wildland* 427 65
Received »rom *aie oi damaged mater.al
Georg.a Penitentiary 353 00
Received from over-urawn Executive
warrant 100 00
Received from “ conscience money”...- 60 id
Received from mileage, over-drawn.... 48 00
Received from f • ex Executive office.... 40 Ou
Received from tees Comptroller Gen
eral * office........ 3150
Total reoeived $2,lil,fg q3.
DIKBL' BSKMkSTS.
Paid principal and interest on pubUo
daot $ f92.802 00
Paid ap*ci«l appropriations...... — 295.2:7 73
aid Legislative pay-rod* 172.95 1 92
Paid civil establishment 99,4.3 :.9
Paid contingent fund of 1872........... 39,628 72
Paid print.ux fund of 1872 26,977 23
bald educational fund 5.261 32
Paid over payment ot taxes 3.664 73
Total disbursed *1,336,207 .4
The balance on hand iu t ie Treasury
•n Jamary 1, 1673, was $766,133 7b.
iucluded iu tuin balance is the amonut
iur to the fund devoted to the support
A ouuiUiR’i bcliooln, and which cannot
oe u.-ncu !o: g*-R< rai purpo-fl-j.
Total $2,085 939 00
By this statemeKt, a balance would be
left in the Treasury, at the end of the
present year, $607,000, diminished by
tne cost of collecting the revenue and by
the amount of the insolvent lists. The
estimate of the amount of revenue to be
derived from general taxes is based by
the Treasurer up >n the rate of valuation
placed npon the taxaole property of the
State, as shown by the retnriis of last
year. He places that valuation at $234,-
492,468. It is believed, with reason,
that the value of tne taxable property of
the Slate is much greater than the
amount just mentioned. Tbe Comp
troller General directs attention to tne
evils resulting from the very prevalent
practice on the part of many tax
payers, of returning their prop
erty at less than is fair market value. It
is the duty of the Legislature to distri
bute the public burdeus as equally as
possible, and the evil complained of
should be remedied without delay. I
respectfully recommend a careful con
sideration of the ways and means sug
gested by tneTreasuier. If the interests
of the Commonwealth demand an in
crease in the burden of taxation, the
responsibility of im. osing the same
slionld be assumed without hesitation.—
By carefully revising our tax laws, with
a view to securing tne return of taxable
property at its fair market value, and by
the practice of rigid economy in oux ex
penditures, it is believed, however, that
a sufficient amount of all just demands
upon the Treasury may be raised without
any material increase iu the present rate
of taxation.
I respectfully invite the attention of
the General A-sembly to the statistical
tables embraced in the report of the
Comptroller General. Tuey have been
prepareu with great cure, and contain
much interesting information in relation
to the wealtn aud resources of the State.
Tne report of tue Treasurer shows tne
amount o. State bonus issued, and cf
railroad bonus iudoised, during the ad
ministration of Governor Bullock. Of
the S3,060,000 of gold oouds issued under
the authority of the net of Be, tember
15th, 1870, $3UO,OoO have been
returned to the Treasury and can
celled. Certain others of the same series
—the numbers of which are specified in
the act approved August 23, 1872, and
amounting to $102,000—have been de
clared void by Legislative enactment,
l ne balance of the series, amounting to
$2,598,000, are recognized as legal, and
are included m tbe amtmutof the public
debt already 6tated. Tne gold bonds,
issued under the act of October, 1870,
amofintiug to $2,760.000, Lave been dis
posed of as follows: $880,000 have been
returned to the Treasury and cancelled
the balance, amonnu- g to $1,880,000 ;
Lave b eu dt-el.iiv-.i vu.tl by Legislative
enactment. Of tLe isMir of currency
un ler me act A A . b ■ 37, 1870
$500,000 have been returned to the
Treasnry and cancelled; and the balance,
amounting to $1,500,000, have been de
clared void by Legislative enactment.
The State curreney boads, issued under
the aet of September 16, 1868, amount
ing to $600,000, have been returned to
the Treasury and cancelled. Tbe in
dorsements of khe bonds of the Alabama
k Chattanooga Railroad Company,
amounting to $194,000, have not bean
declared iu valid. The indorsements of
the bonds of the South Georgia k Flori
da Railroad Company, amounting to
$464,000, and the indorsements of the
bonds of the Maoon k Brunswick Rail
road Company, amounting to $2,550,000,
are admitted to be binding npon the
State. Tbe indorsements of the bonds
of the Bronswiok k Albany Railroad
Company, amounting to $3,300,000, also
the indorsements of tbe boncb> of the
Bainbridge, .Cuthberk k Columbus
Railroad Company, amounting to $600,-
1000, and of the Cariersville k
Van Wert Railroad Company, amount
ing to $275,00$, axd of the Uherokee
Railroad Compar y, amounting to $300,-
000, have all been deolared void by legis
lative enactments.
STATU UNIVERSITY.
I transmit herewith the report of the
Trustees of the University, and also that
of the Board of Visitors appointed to at
tend the University examination preced
ing the lost annual commencement. The
Trustees report, that on the occasion of
the commencemant, the total number of
degrees cox ferred on members of the
University was forty-six. There were
matriculated, in all departments during
the yea r , three hundred aud seventeen
students, who reoeived constant instruc
tion in the courses of education to which
the University is devoted.
Tbs income of the University, for the
year ending July 29,1872—including the
cash balance of tbe previous year—was
$29 221.25. Of this amount, the tuition
lees for tbe year were $11,305. The ex
penditures for the same period were $29,-
337.10. The reports give an encourag
ing acconnt of the condition of the Uni
versity, aud show that tbe Trustees, the
Chancellor, and the Professors forming
the Faculties, have been faithful iu the
discharge of their respective duties. I
mm not too Btrongly impress npon the
General Assembly the duty devolving
upon them to advance the general inter
ests of education by carefully fostering
aud building up our State University.
COLLEGE OF AGR1CULTURB AND MECHANIC
ARTS.
This college wont into operation, in
connection with the State University, ou
tbe firnt day of May last, and has already
reached a promising aegree of develop
ment. One bnuilred and twenty-seven
young men have received instruction in
its classes during the recent term ; and
taken as a whole, their progress has been,
in a high degree, gratilyiug. The flat
tering success which has attended its op
erations demonstrates the propriety ol
the action of the Trustees iu organizing
it under the auspices of the State Uni
versity.
Under the agreement of sale, by which
the Agricultural College Laud Scrip was
disposed of by Acting-Governor Conley,
it was provided that $50,400 Bhonld be
paid in cash. This sum has been receiv
ed, aud has been invested m the oonds
of tilts State, under the authority con
ferred by the act of December 12, 1866.
These bonds have been turned over to
the Trustees of tb.e University, in accord
ance with the provisions of tne Execu
tive older granting the fund to the Board.
By the terms of the contract of sale,
time was given upon the balance ot tbe
Scrip until July 3, 1873. In the month
of July last, the holder of the agreement
for the purchase of six hundred and six
ty-nine pieces of the Scrip offered to pay
for the same at a discount of seven per
cent, per annum from the contract price.
Acting under the authority of a joint
resolution of the General Assembly, I
acoepted the offer, and the sum of $90,-
202 17 was paid into the Treasury by the
holder.
The Trustees of the University, at a
meeting of the Board held in November
last, agreed, in effect, to accept the
amount paid into the Treasury in lieu of
the contract price of the said six hundred
and sixty-nine pieces of Scrip. I recom
mend that' authority be given to issue
seven per cent, twenty-year bonds of the
State, iu which the proceeds of said
Scrip, not air aiy bonded as aforesaid,
may be invested as required by the said
act of 1866.
stitution just quoted, devoted to the sup
port of common schools. It ia submit
ted whether tha Legislature is not bound,
under the Constitution, to appropriate
the annual interest upon these bonds to
tho support of our present common
school system.
The whole amount of school revenue
received into tba Treasury, from all
sources, prior to October 1, 1872—ac
cording to the reoort of tha Coraptrollrr
General—was $492,924 27. This amount,
diminished by the sum realized from the
special school tax levied for the payment
of the olaims of teachers, and by the ex
penses of the departmenT hitherto in
curred, will leave $353,924 27 now due
from the Skate Treasury to the common
school fund. The State School Commis
gioner recommends that tcis amount be
bonded, and that the bonds, in amounts
proportioned to the school population in
the several counties, be turned over to the
county authorities, on the condition that
the school debt shall be assumed by tbe
respective counties, and with the further
provision that the bonds shall not be dis
posed of at less than a minimum price
fixed by law. I recommend that due
consideration be given to this suggestion
of the Commissioner, and that suitable
measures be adopted for the payment of
the olaims of teach ors at an early day.
Under the authority of an act, passed
at the last session of the General Assem
bly, a special tax of one-tenth ef one per
cent, on the value of the taxable property
of the Stale was levied to raise mouey to
pay a portion of these claims, and I have
directed the Treasurer to set apart the
sum of $100,000 from the revenues of
last year for this purpose. The School
Commissioner has apportioned this
amount among the several counties upon
tne basis of the number of children in
each of school age, as fixed by the school
law of October 13, 1870, and has sub
mitted bis estimate to this office; a copy
of which will be found appended to the
report of the Commissioner herewith
transmitted.
The policy suggested by the Commis
sioner for tbe support cf common schools
is respectfully recommended to your
favorable consideration.
POPULAR EDUCATION.
I herewith submit the report of the
State School Commissioner, Hboaiug tue
operations in his department during tut
year 1872.
By authority of an act appr ived De
cember 11, 1858, State bonds, amount
ing, in tbe aggregate, to $350,000, were
issued and placed in the office of the
Secretary of State, to be used for educa
tional purposes. There is little reason
to donbt that the General Assembly in
tended, by the provisions of ihiB act, to
establish a permanent educational fund,
the annual interest only of which was to
be applied to purposes of education. To
carry this intention into effect, the act
provided that, “ aa any portion of
the bonds ot the public debt shall
be paid and taken np, the Governor
shall issae an eqnai amount of bonds,
in tnms of $1,000, payab.e at such period
in the future as he may deem best for the
objects and interests in view, to the Secre
tary of State, as the Trustee of the educa
tional f and of Georgia, so that, as the pub
lic debt is extinguished; the educational
fund shall be increased.” Aud it was
farther provided “that the interest on
said educational fond shall be annually
appropriated to educational purposes.”
The bonds referred to were made paya
ble to the Secretary of State, as Trustee
of tbe educational fund of Georgia, and
were clearly intended to constitute a por
tion of tbe fund which, by the terms of
the act, was to be used for educational
purposes. Paragraph 1, section 3, arti
cle VI, of the Constitution of 1868, is in
the following words : “ The pod tax al
lowed by this Constitution, any educa
tional fnnd now belonging to this State—
except tife endowment of and debt due to
the State University—or that may hereaf
ter be obtained in any way, a special tax on
shows and exhibitions, and on the sale of
spirit ous and malt liquors—which the
General Assembly ia hereby authorized
to as* ss—aud the proceeds from the
commutation for militia service, are here
by set apart and dev« .ted to the support
of common schools.” The bonds in
question being, it the time of the adop
tion oi the Constitution, by virtue ot the
ar t authorizing their issn*, a portion oi
an educational lunU belonging to the
Stiite, are, by the paragraph of :he Cju-
LUNATIO ASYLUM.
I communicate herewith, for the in
formation of the General Assembly, the
report of the Board of Trustees of the
Lunatic Asylum, with accompanying
documents.
The report of the Superintendent
shows a large increase in the percentage
of admissions into the Asylum during the
past year. Since the date oi hi» former
report, made in July last, the number o?
admissions has been oue hundred and
twenty -four. The whole number of pa
tients iu the institution, at the present
time, is five hundred and nine. Of ttiese,
four hundred und twenty-three are white,
and eighty-six are colored. The num
ber of luuatics is three hundred and sev
euty nine; of idiots, seventy-four, and of
epileptics, fifty-six. The rapid increase
oi the number of these afflicted classes,
indicated by tho reports of the Superin
tendent, renders it probable that addi
tional accommodations may soou become
necessary for their comfort and proper
treatment. The appropriations required
for this purpose should be made without
hesitation. I msy litre remark, how
ever, that tho necessity for increased ex
penditures begets a corresponding
necessity for greater care and econ
omy in the management of the
affairs of the institution, and renders
even more imperative tho duty of the
Legislature, while extending the benefits
of this great charity, to protect tne peo
ple who support it from unnecessary
burdeus.
As a means of increasing efficiency in
the administration of the institution, I
would suggest that the law be so emend
ed as to authorize the appointment of
two additional members ou the Boara o;
Trustees. The existing law places the
Asylum undrr the management of a
Board composed of three trustees. The
duties which devolve npon the Board are
numerous and important, and, since the
institution has grown to its present pro
portions, have become onerous. The
presence of the Trustees at the institu-
t'on is required more frequently
than formerly, and its demands
upon their time and attention
are constantly increasing. The adop
tion of the recommendation for an in
crease of the number of trustees would
enable them to so divide their labors as
to give tb6 required attention to the va
ried wants of the Asylum. I would also
direct your attention to tbe propriety of
increasing the salary at present allowed
to tne Trustees. Their compensation is
wtivllv inadequate—hardly sufficient, in
deed, to pay their traveling expenses
while engaged in performing the duties
of their trust. A just publio does not
expect that services, such as are required
by law of the Trustees, shall be gratuit
ously rendered. I recommend that the
law be so amended as to give the mem
bers of the Board a fixed per diem pay,
and necessary traveling expenses, instead
of the compensation now allowed. Such
a provision might b9 so guarded as to
protect the Treasury, and at the same
time give just compensation for the ser
vices perfoimed.
By referring to the report of the Comp
troller General, is will be seen that the
warrants drawn on the Treasury, in
favor ol the Asylum in the year 1872,
amoanted to $160,359 40. This amount
includes $61,916 53 paid on special ap
propriations for completing buildings
and for other improvements. It does
not include, however, the expenditures
for the support of the institution during
the last quarter, an account ot which has
not yet been rendered. With the num
ber of inmates constantly increasing, it
is not probable that the expenses of the
last quarter have been diminished.
Nothing need be added to impress the
General Assembly with the importance
of so amending the laws governing the
Asylum as to secure the proper degree cf
aionomy in its administration.
DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM.
The report ot the Trustees of the
Academy for the Education of the Deaf
and Dumb, accompanying this commu
nication, shows th<2 operations of that in
stitution for the year ending July 1,1872.
The whole number of pupils who receiv
ed instruction in the academy during
the year was sixty-one. Tne number
will proDably be increased to seventy
during the present year, and a corres
ponding increase in the amount appro
priated tor the support of the iustituuon
will be thereby rendered necessary. Tue
Trustees suggest that certain improve
ments, pointed out in tneir report, be
lutuie. The report shows that the tffiir-
oi the academy «ei*- v...iuagt*d during
j* r, at..* ml. * to econ
omy. I recommend that the usn.i '
nnal appropriation be made for it* &a '
port daring tho present year. fQ ^
ACADEMY FOR THE BUND.
I transmit herewith the reports of u,
Board of Trustees and of o‘her offic
of the Aendemy for the Blind. Xh
reports show, that the institution w
managed during the past y e&r
proper car© and economy. The numb*
of pupils, according to th© reports ;
thirty-nine, and the whole amount Hi
bursed for its support was $10750
The unexpended balance in the Lx
of the Treasurer of the acat e m*
at the date of the report was $1
According to the estimates for the’,e*
1873, submitted by the Principal ti/
annual appropriation of $11,000, for th
payment of salaries and for the mainL
nance of tho institution, will be soffi
cieut.
PENITENTIARY.
The report of the Principal Keeper
herewith transmitted, shows that Ui’
number ot convicts now in the Peniten 6
tiary is five hundred and thirty.
the convicts were turned over to the
Lessees, under their ptesent contract
there have been forty-four discharges’
and tweety-one escapes; one has been
pardoned; fourteen have died; one has
beeu killed uy aecident, and oue killed
by the guard.
There has beeu a marked improvement
recently iu the health of the convicts.
Tney have been treated with humanity
aud tbe discipline has not been more
strict than was necessary for their control
and safe keepiug. The food furnished
them has been wholesome in quality and
sufficient in quai.tity. The clotuing j|
substantial and sufficient for their health
and comfort. Their condition, in all re
spects, is reported by the Principal
Keeper to be as good as their ciroum-
stances will allow. They are not required
to labor excessively, and the Priucipai
Keeper expresses the opinion that the
Lessees are faithfully complying with the
requirements of the law and of their
contract.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
I respectfully invite yonr intentionto
the propriety of adopting measures for
the removal of tha incumbrance resting
upon the title of tbe Capitol building,
On the 2 2d day of July, 1869, £. jf,
K mbtilt, who then held tue title to the
property, executed and delivered a mort
gage to the North-western Life Insur
ance Company, a corporation ol the State
of Wisconsin, to secure the payment of
the sum of $60,000 aud accusing interest
thereon. This mortgage was July re
corded iu the office of tho Clerk o( the
Superior Court of Fuitou county. It was
provided, in the mortgage, that the com
pany should have the right to foreclose,
at the end of twelve montns after the
date of tha instrument, if the sum men
tioned were not paid.
Tne existence oi this incumbrance was
known 40 the Legislative Committee ap
pointed to examine and report upon the
title before the 1 urehase of ihe property
by tue Stale. The report, made by this
committee, stated that the title was free
from iucumbraoce, and recommended
that the purchase be made.
It was arranged between Governor
Bullock aud H. I. Kimball, who had be
come the owner of tiio property, thart
certificate for the payment to the State
of $130,000 of the city of Atlanta bunds,
issued by the Mayor and Council,
should b3 deposited with the Gov
ernor to secuie the State against loss
on account of said mortgage. Tue cer
tificate was issued, in accordance with
this arrangement, on the 23d of August,
1870, aud was placed iu the Governor’s
nands on the same day. By the
terms of this certificite, the bonds,
thereby agreed to be paid to the Stated
Georgia, were made deliverable to the
bolder ot tho certificate. It further ap
pears that it contained uo words of ne
gotiability.
Two day3 af er the delivery of the cer
tificate to Governor Builock, $30,0u0 of
the bouds mentioned therein were deliv-
red to H. I. Kimball. I have uot been
able to discover any evidence going to
show that Governor Bullock authorized
the delivery of the said bonds, or any
portion thereof, to fl. 1. Kimball, or to
any other person. The amount of bond
paid upon this certificate by the City
Council of Atlanta was $100,003. The
evidence taken oy the committ*e ap
pointed, by the authority of the last
General Assembiy, to investigate the
official conduct of Rufus B. Bullock,
shows that, at the time of tue purcuase
of the property by the State, an under
standing existed between the City Coun
cil of Atlanta aud H. I. Kimball that he
was to receive only $100,000 of city
oonds, instead of the full amount of
$130,000, which the city had undertaken
to contribute towards the purchase o»
the Capitol property. There is evidence
raising a strong presumption that the
existence of the arrangement between
Governor Bullo< k aud H. I. Kio -
ball, for the deposit of the certificate to
secure tbe State against loss on account
of tne mortgage, was not unknown to
the Mayor aud Council of Atlanta. (
The mortgage referred to is still ael
by the Northwestern Lite Insurance
Company, and it is claimed that the saffi-'
has not been paid, or otherwise satisfied-
The question arises, under the foregone
statement, whether the Mayor and Coun
cil of Atlanta are not bound to P aV ,
the Sta’e the amount of the bonds ot
city mentioned in said certificate, or sou
portion thereof. Without entering a P“_
the discussion of this question, Ire®!
fully refer the whole subject to the
era! Assembly, with the recommend-” 1 ^
that such action may be taken as w* ; -
protect the public interest. :.
The report of the Keeper of Ike b
tol shows tnat the roof, tower and 0
portions of the budding need re P u ‘‘ jji
Repairs upon the ExecutivoMa siou ^
also become necessary during the I
ent year to protec- tue building * r01u , 1JB
jury. I recommend the appi'°P rLii
of sums sufficient to pay lor all utr ' x .
repairs and to defray the uecessori
penses attending the keeping of the ~ ^
ltol B.uidiug, supplying tne ^ ajae
fuel, Wa.tT, lights, tie. . 3 .
During the past year, it bocam- “ n ,
sary to replace a portion of tne «
closing tue Ex x’ntive Man® 1011 a , * ie .
ledgeviiie, and to make other an*;
pairs upon tbe premises. sin <?e tJ ..jjjio
quarter of 1872, the care of the P' j
property in tnat city has beeu v
cost to the State. . 0 f
The report of the Superiuten ,
Public Works and Keeper of the h ^ a b-
Buildings and Gruunda is kerewi ^
mitted, with the recommend# 10
tue same be properly considered.
' WESTERN AND ATLANTIC RAlBlh- *
Tfie monthly r.mtali ‘ *0°
Atiautio Ru'r-ad u..y- b‘ u l=>