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BY LOMAX & ELLIS.] Volume XIII. GOVERN* >R JOH NSON \S. IN A l (il HA I. Vnl) H KSS . Senators and Representatives: In assuming the duties of the Executive office, I trust, 1 duly appreciate the high and solemn responsibilities which tiny impose. My profound gratitude, for this dis tinguished evidence rf the popular contidenee, is equalled only by unfeigned distrust < ■’ my ability to redeem them. Both thankfulness and d:ffi ‘ i < e conspire to make mo humble and cautious. I bring to the task, however, the aenl of earnest patriotism, and the faith of confident reli ance upon Divine assistarae, to direct me in the pa;b of ‘ Wisdom, Justice and Modi x tion.’’ Self-preservation is the f.r i great law of our nature. Government is its out-birth-- the organic form which it elaborates for itself, ns the instrument of its power, for the protection of communities. The object ol such protec tion, both for the individual and the social man, is to live, that he may be free, and to he, free, that he may pursue happiness. Happiness is to b< found in the unfolding and cultivation of our moral and intellectual being, in connec tion with the rational enjoym*-nmol'all the source* of com fort refinement and luxury, wish which the bountiful Cre ator hits endowed the kingdoms of nature. Its perfection is the attainment of thebe-? and purest state of civiliza tion. This, then, is the proper ultimate cud of govern* ment —to elevate man to tin highest civilization of which he is susceptible. 1 lence it is the imperative duty of those to whom its administration is confided, to ascertain the means within their control, and how they are to he em ployed, in order to promote the desired end. In a monarchy, where the will of one man is supreme, the machinery of goverment may be kept in motion, with out calling into requisition ; opular mind and heart.— The Sovereign thinks and a.-..* for the nation. If he be wise and virtuous, the people arc well governed : and for the mere purposes of governin’ at, they need cot be edu • cated. But our system rest* upon an entirely different principle. U assumes, that th* people arc capable of self goverment; each man is a portion of the sovereignty, and to the extent of his individual influence, gives direc tion to all the operations of government. But this as sumption is not based upon any inherent capacity for gov ernment, as an attribute of man. It pre-supposes intellr i geuee, to understand hi** rights, and virtue, to give that j intelligence proper direction. Hence, public education ! and morality—enlightened intellect and cultivated heart— are indispensiblc to the sneer- ‘ of our political system.— Thev arc the main pillars on which the structure is built; let them be substituted by ignorance and vice, and the fab ric will tumble into ruins. If to this consideration we add the reflection, that edu cation is the most potent means for the rapid development j of a high civilization—the proper end of government-- how obvious ami impure is th#* obligation, to foster its dif fusion among the people, with a liberality commensurate with its importance and th** unnumbered blessings which it procures! The cause of public education is emphatical* lv the cause of our Stale, h addresses itself to every no ble feeling of our hearts. If, as patriots, wo desire the perpetuity oi our free institutions—if, as philanthropists, we would gladih n the children of poverty with the sun beams of sviemv, elevate them, t* useful citizenship, and press to their lips the cup of intellectual bttppiuero, it pleads with an urgency ami pathos that short! 1 awaken every geu erous impulse. The natural resources of Georgia are almost boundle**. No spot upon the. (ilobo, embracing an equal area of ter ritory, affords a richer field or stronger incentives to en- ‘ terprise, in every branch ol lal>or, and in every pursuit.— Reaching from the southern spur of the Alleghauies, near ly to the balmy verge of perpetual spring, she possesses almost every variety of soil and climate, and is thus invited to the cultivation of every product required by the neces sities, or craved by the luxury of mankiud. lien* \ Ag riculture should be fostered. It is the support ••! every . other art, feeds and clothes the world, and energizes its commerce with the blood of life. Fertile rallies and bar ren hills alike demand the highest attainments of its ski!!, to preserve the < e from exhaustion, and fertilize the oth er, so that both shall yield the greatest possible reward to well directed industy. In endless variety and exhaust less supply, the ores slum ber in the bosoms of our hills and mountains. All that is required is enlightened enterprise, to make them available for the multiform utea of human life. In their dormancy they are worthless ; but roused by the magic touch of in- j dustry, they will bring to the State wealth, prosperity and j power. j But who docs not perceive, that the successful develop- * ment of these natural resources requires educated mind energetic enterprise directed by the skill of science and phi losophy 1 What, but science, shall analyse our soils, point out the mode of their fertilization and test their capacity for production ? What, hut science, shall detect the location of ores and minerals and explain the best method of appro priating them to the wants of society ? What, but science,) shall measure the motive power ol the waterfall, to propel machinery ? It is the lamp to guide in every department of labor and art. Without it, industry toils and gropes in Cimmerian darkness and scarcely gains its daily bread by the sweat of its brow. Is it not then a mistaken economy, that Georgia hasso long dispensed with a State Geologist and Agricultural chemist, charged with the duty to investi gate her resources, and to diiect the energies and capital et our people, to their developement 1 Wo have just reason to bo proud oi our advancement in facilities for rapid transport and travel. Their success has removed the prejudices which, for a time, impeded their construction and gives augury of the prosperity and glory with which they are destined to crown our State. Whi Ist, therefore, we should not lose sight oi a wise economy, we j should bo prompted by a liberal forecast to foster our sy stem | of internal improvements, in every legitimate way. It will : hasten the development of our resources, augment the value j of our lands, fix our population and strengthen our social , bonds. . 1 The Western and Atlantic Railroad i< a magnificent j monument of the wisdom of its projectors and the patriotic j liberality of the people who have cheerfully borne the ex- i penso of its construction. It is an honor to the State ; and under proper management, it is destined to empty into her j lap the riches of the great western vallies. It has cost five millions of Dollars. It is the common property of the peo ple—the resultoftheir common adventure and enterprise — and therefore, neither political party should assume its ex clusive control. All nave the right to demand, that it shall be so managed, as to yield the largest revenue and afford the cheapest and most equitable facilities for the transport of their earnings to market. It is as unjust as it is impolitic, that its fortunes shall be compelled to abide the fluctuations’ of par.y. It is the duty of the Legislature, in its wisdom, to adopt some plan which will place its administration beyond ! th© leach of this fickle influence. With these subjects are intimately connected the Me chanic arts. With us, they have lagged behind all other j branches of industry. Comparatively, how little of inven- • tive genius have we exhibited! How few* oi our native sons engage in their pursuit! How* little do we appreciate j skill and taste in their execution ! Why is it thus? It because, wi th us lho - v are 80 iiC ‘ dom connected with edu- ] cated mind ; and this again, is the result of a false sentiment j which assigns the mechanic a rank, in the social scale, in* ferior to those who engage in other industrial pursuits.— This subject is scarcely second in importance to any otlier. Can nothing be done to rescue the Mechanic arts from ob scurity, and elevate them to their merited dignity ? Noth ing to render them attractive to genius and education ? Ii this can be accomplished, it will reveal inventive genius and open new channels for labor and capital, it will fill our towns and village s with the sound of the hammer and the music of machinery, and substitute, for dilapidation and decay, comfortable dwellings, thrift and prosperity. i It seems therefore, that the establishment oi a well and * ■ gested system of public education, the development of our j boundless agricultural and mineral resources, the comple tion of our schemes of Internal Improvement-*, the proper administration of the Western and Atlantic Rail Road.! and the encouragement of the Mechanic Arts, demand the j immediate and earnest, but judicious consideration oi the j guardians of the Commonwealth. They are subjects which I require wisdom in council, and prudence in notion. But J they should not bo neglected, if we expect Georgia to ad- \ vance to the stature of lull grown maturity, in the exalted j attributes of a high civilization. It must not be expected, however, that these great oh* ] jectscan be accomplished without the use of money. To j raise the requisite amount, we must rely mainly upon taxa- • lion.- This involves the most delicate and important pow er with which you arc invested. W bile, therefore, it should bo exercised with great caution, we must remember, that contracted parsimony is not synonymous with wise econo my. Nor are wo to limit our policy by the boundaries o the present hour. Results are with the future; and we must look, with patient expectation, for time to prove ttie value of all our enterprises, and to remunerate expenditures ior their prosecution. We act for those who are to follow us. In every succeeding moment of the present, our con duct involves tho welfare of future generations. \\ e are amenable to posterity, under the highest sanctions that can influence an organized community. The patriotism oi our common constituency is cquai to auy contribution which may be levied upon their labor and property, if they see that it comports with sound economy, is demanded by the pub lic good, suggested by a wise forecast, and that it exacts, from each, in proportion to his ability to pay. Bo these our landmarks in raising and disbursing money. The relation between the General and State Govern ments points out the rule of strict construction of the Con stitution of the United States, as the polar star for the one, whilst the nature of the Federal compact indicates, with equal clearness, the duty of obedience, on the patt of the other, to constitutional laws. It is the perfection of Ameri can patriotism to demand that both shall move in their re spective orbits. For it is the only mode of perpetuating the Union and preserving, at the same time, the reserved rights of the States. Its effects will ever be fraternity, har mony and prosperity, throughout the entire limits of the Republic. To the Southern States the observance of this rule is es pecially important. The institution of domestic slavery is peculiar to them. It is a part ol their social, as well as their political structure, it is recognized and protected by the Constitution. It must not be touched by Federal eu cioacbment. The agitation and heart-burning of the past must suffice—certainly so far as Georgia is concerned For, in acquiescing in the u Compromise Measure#’ tt 18J0, she has distinctly put the Federal Government and its au thorities upon terms. She has said ft must be a final set tlement; that agitation must cease ; that the “Fugitive Slave Lair” must be faithfully executed. Shi: has said IT, AND SHF. INTENDS TO STAND BY IIF.R OATH. Senators and Representatives, the interests of Georgia, and her future welfare, so far as it depends upon our action, are entrusted to us for the ensuing two years, by a confiding constituency. In the execution of our solemn trust, let us lie animat'd by a spirit of conciliation and harmony ; and m *very measure adopted, let ail other feelings be merged into patriotic devotion to the public good. In performing the part assigned me, under the Constitu tion and Jaws, I cannot expect to avoid error; but I hope not to deserve censure I shall intend to do right, even, u trorn imperfection of judgement, I should do wrong. May God bless Georgia, and may His wisdom direct the deliberations of her guardian*. GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE. Executive Department, ( MilledgeviJle, Bth Nov., 1853. t Fellow Citizenx, of the Senate and House of Representatives : In discharge of my constitutional duty, 1 pro ceed to lay before you such matters as should receive your attention during the present session of the General Assembly. On the twentieth day of October, 1851, the public debt amounted to 81,687,472,22. By the act of December lilt, 1851, ratifying the contract of my predecessor and the Chief En- ; gineer of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, ! for the purchase of iron for the State Road, it j was increased 8200,000. By act o! January j 12th, 1852, providing for the repairs and equip- j ment of said Road, it was still further increased j the sum of 8525,000—and bv the act authoris- j iug a subscription to the Milledgeviile and Gor- | | don Railroad, there was added the sum of $20,- j 000, making the total amount of the State debt i j $2,432,472,22. To this amount should be ad- j ded the bonded debt of the Central Bank, which j is now $309,500 ; having been diminished bv the payment 0f55,500, since the Ist of Novem- t ber, 1851. The total liability of the State is j thus seen to be $2,801,072,22, from which | | must be deducted the sum of 8100 500, which j has been paid during the past two years, under j the provisions of the act of February 11th, 1850, ! providing for an annual Sinking Fund for the j payment of the public debt. The present debt j of the State therefore is $2,635,472,22. The bonds authorized by the act of 4th De- i comber, 1851. were made payable at the State i Treasury, and the interest payable semi-annual ly at tho bank of the State of Georgia in Sa vannah. These bonds were negotiated for n premium averaging about two per cent. I was satisfied that our bonds should command a ! higher premium, and finding upon an investiga- j j tion of the subject, that a more advantageous negotiation could be effected, by making j them payable in New York—l caused the bonds j issued under act of January 12th, 1852, to be made payable at the Bank of the Republic in the city of New York. They were negotiated at a premium of 5 per cent. It is the first in stance in which our State securities had been disposed of at any premium, and it should be gratifying to our State pride to know, that the bonds of our State now stand among the first securities of their class. Tho bonds of no State J ; in the Union command more of the confidence ‘ ■ of capitalists who seek a safe investment of their : i funds. This confidence is not misplaced, for no | State in the Union has more ample means to meet its liabilities, and no people are more tena cious of the credit and honor of their State, than our own. As the interest of a portion ofour bonds has to be paid in New York, it becomes necessary for the Treasurer to keep on deposit there, a sufficient sum of money to meet the interest as it falls due. This has been done under my di rection. If any doubts exist as to the power or propriety of this course—it would be advisable that ail such doubts should be quieted by pass ing a law authorising such deposits to be made. The necessity of it is so obvious, that 1 deem it unnecessary to present any argument in sup- j port of the recommendation. I refer von to the accompanying report of the j Treasurer, in which will be found a tabular | | statement of the public debt, showing at what time each portion of it will fall due. From this ’ statement you will find that a very larg portion j of our debt will become due about the same time. This matter should receive the attention of yourselves as well as your successors, in or- j der that by a course of wise and judicious legis- j lation, the payment ofour bonds may bo antici pated, otherwise we should be called upon to make very large payments, within a very short period, which would lead either to burdensome taxation, or an extension of the time for the ‘ eventual liquidation of our liabilities. Both re sults can and ought to be avoided. In the pres j ent prosperous condition of our State affairs, ! there will be no difficulty in creating a Sinking ! Fund, which will entirely discharge the public ■ debt, before it shall have fallen due. There | should be additional legislation of this subject, giving to the Executive full power and discretion i to appropriate the surplus means of the ‘Treasu ry to the purchase ofour bonds under such lim itations as your judgment may deem advisable. The present law leaves the question in some doubt, whether or not the legislature intended any premium should be paid by the State in the purchase of bonds not yet due. Such, however, j is the present high character of our State secu ; rities with all classes of capitalists, that it is im j possible to obtain them at par. As long as in | dividuals are willing to pay a premium for these j bonds, so long will the State also be compelled 1 to pay a premium for such as she may wish to ! redeem in advance. 1 have thought it advisa i ble to make the purchase at a small premium, to j the amount required by law lo be annually re | deemed. There is no other safe investment of a I Sinking Fund, and as a matter of economy it is • better to pay the premium, than to allow the money to remain undisposed of in the’Treasury, tempting the Legislature either to unnecessary and wasteful expenditures or to an unwise reduc tion of taxes. I call your attention particularly to this subject, that such laws may be passed as will carry out the public will in reference U> it. THU I'EM'KXI. BANK. By the act of December 10, 1851, 1 was au thorised to transfer the assets of the Central Bank to the ‘Treasury, when in my discretion the interests of the State should require it. Be lieving that there was no longer any necessity tor continuing that institution in existence, for any other purpose than to wind up and close its business, 1 appointed the commission au ritorized by the foregoing act, to investigate tho condition of the Bank, and transfer its remain in<>- assets to the ‘Treasury. I herewith transmit their report from which it will he seen what was the condition of the Bank at that time. ‘The accompanying report of the ‘Treasurer will ex hibit its present condition, as well as its opera tions since it has been trausfered into his hands. There are yet outstanding many debts, some ot which will be collected, but from the larger poition nothing will ever be realized by the .State, and it becomes a matter for your conside ration, what disposition shall be made of its re “THE T INI O N OF THE STATE S aN I) THE SOVEItE I(■N T V O F TII K ST A TSS.” COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, TUESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 15, 1853 maining and unavailable assets, and also what provision shall be made for meeting and dis charging its liabilities. Upon a careful exami nation of the 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 the Treasury, it is for this rea son that 1 have placed the bonds of the Bank in computation of the public debt, which l Lave already submitted to you. I would recommend that the Executive be authorised to take up these bonds, and issue regular .State bonds, in their stead, provided satisfactory arrangements can be made w ith the present holders of them. In addition to this amount it will be necessary for you to provide by law for the payment of about the sum of $20,000. This amount has been borrowed by the Treasurer, under my di rection. to meet the accruing interests on the Central Bank bonds, the funds of the Bank fall ing short, by that amount. This step was nec essary to save the credit of the State, as these bonus are regarded in public estimation as a part of the public debt, and if we had failed to heve paid this interest promptly, the effect would have been to have depreciated the gene ral credit of the State. It is useless to encumber the Treasury longer | with the remaining assets of the Central Bank, ! j which w ill continue worthless and unavailable | as long as they remain the property of the State. 1 know of no better disposition that could be I made of them than by selling them Tor what | ever they would bring. To keep them arid | attempt their collection, would involve the State fin continued expense and litigation, without any remunerating benefit. THU TREASURY. 1 The accompanying report of the Treasurer ! will give you a clear and satisfactory account { j of the operations of that Department during i ; the past two years. You will observe that this j i report is complicated with a useless statement j |of unavailable assets in the ‘Treasury. These j | stereotyped items have been repeated from time j | to time, without the slightest benefit to the j i State, throwing no light upon the condition of j ! the Treasury, and leading to no possible bene- j j tieial result. As long, however, as no action is i j had by your body on the subject, it will he nee- \ j essarv for the'Treasurer to encumber bis report j i with them. I recommomi. therefore, that you i | take such steps as will relieve the department ! from ibe uec-ssitv nl further reference to these ‘ worthies-assets by directing them to be destroy- j |ed under the direction of the Executive or a > j committi of your body. The report of the ■ | Treasurer shows the available balance in the: ; Treasury on the 20th October 1853, to be $74,- | 857,35. Concurring as I do, in the estimates contained in his report of the probable expendi- j tures of the next two years, I deem it unneces- ! ■sary to add anything on that subject. ‘There has been collected from the General j Government during the past two years, the sum of $144,890,53. These claims have been long standing, and the State is now indebted for the | collection of so large a portion of them, to the ! j energy and ability with which they have been j | urged by the agent appointed by my predeccs I sor, and continued by myself, Joseph Sturgis, Esq. There is yet unsettled claims due to us from the General Government, bull am unable I to say, at what time you may expect their pay ment. It would be unwise to calculate upon the reception of any portion of it, in your legis- j lation upon the Finances of the State. For ad- t ditional information you are referred to the ac- j companying report of Mr. Sturgis. 1 herewith transmit to the General Assembly, I the report of the Financial Committee for the | year 1852, and call your attention to its state- i ments and recommendations as worthy of con sideration. The Report of the Comptroller General is also herewith transmitted. THE TAX LAW. It was provided by the tax act of January 9th, j 1852, and the supplementary act of January 21, 1852, that the sum of three hundred and seven- j ty-five thousand dollars should be raised under those acts for tha support of the government for each of the political years of 1852 and 1853. j In the first act, the rate of taxation was limited j to one twelfth of one per cent. The supple- j meritary act was passed under a well founded ; | apprehension that the required amount would j not be realized at that rate. This last act re- j quired the Governor with the assistance of the j Comptroller General to consolidate the returns I of the various tax receivers, and authorized them j to fix the rate of taxation at such per cent as j would raise the sum of three hundred and • seventy five thousand dollars. Upon the ex- | animation of the tax digest as required, by this j law, it was ascertained that it would require j a tax of one tenth of one per cent, to : raise the amount which tho Legislature had I fixed upon ; and accordingly the necessary or i ders were issued to that effect. This was true 1 of the returns for each of those years, and there ! was consequently no change in the rate of taxa tion for the present year. ‘The passage of those acts introduced anew system of taxation in our State. The ad valorem principal was for the first time incorporated into our laws, though its justice and propriety had long been seen and felt by our people. For many years the friends of a lair and equitable system of taxation had ; sought to modify the old law, which was ad- j mitted to be unjust in its operation and indefen- j sible in principle. Every candid and fair min- j ded man reconized the correctness of the prill- j ciple that every citizen should be required to j pay for the support of bis government, accord- i ing to the extent and value of his property.— Upon that principle an ad valorem tax should he based, and when faithfully carried out, must command the approval and support of every man who is willing to bear his due portion of the burthen of Government. That the present; tax law fully comes up to this standard, I am ! not prepared to sa v. The object of its framers j was, however, to approximate it, and if they I have failed te reach ir, the duty is imposed up- j on their successors of applying the lights of ex- j perience and practical operation to its modifica tion and improvement. It ig not strange trial an untried experiment, should be found to defec tive in some of its details; it is rather a matter of surprise that more obvious and glaring mis takes should not have occurred in the first effort, to adopt anew, radically differing from the old svstem. lam aware of the fact that there ex ists in the public mind, in some portion of the State, very strong prejudices against this law, but lam well satisfied that these prejudices are not so deeply rooted, at to defy the approach of reason and sound sense. In most instances it will be found that this opposition is limited to some provisions of the law, which may with pro priety be modified and improved, and for that reason your attention should lie directed to -itelt modifications as will make it conform more exactly to the ad valorem principle. Let theiletail of the law then be scrutinized, its de fects brought to light, and the proper remedy he applied by wise and judicious amendments. With many persons the merits of the present law have been subjected to the test of compar ing the amount of taxes paid by them under the, two different systems. They find that their tax has been increased and without further inquiry they attribute that increase entirely to the change of the law. A simple statement will ex hibit the incorrectness of this conclusion. The amount of taxes collected for the political year 1851, under the old system, was $291,077 38-100, wbiist the amount collected for the year 1852, was 8377,165 60 000. It must be borne in rnind that the Legislature saw the necessity of raising an increased sum, and therefore pro vided in the act of 1852, that there should be raised the sum of $375,000. If, therefore, there had been no change in the system—it would have been-necessary to have increased the taxes about twenty-five per cent. To com pare then the operation of the two systems fair ly, in individual cases, such persons should first add twenty-five percent to their tax as paid in 1851, and compare the amount thus ascertained with the amount which they actually paid under the present law. When this is done, it will be found that their increased tax, is owing, not to a change of the law, but to the increased neces sities of the State. j Another objection has been urged to tho pres ent law, which is founded in good reason and is worthy of your consideration. It results from the difficulty of ascertaining the true value of the tax payers property. Such is the peculiar organization ol men’s mind, that with the most honest intentions, they differ widely in their es tiroate of the value of property; whilst others unwilling to contribute their due portion to the support of government, place te lo.v an estimate upon the value of their property, as to cause j just ground of complaint with their more con scientioua and geneious neighbors. As every ! | man is at liberty under the present law, to value j j his own property, he can put what estimate he j i pleases upon it. The law appeals to his con- j j science alone on this subject, and there is no ! ! mode provided for reaching those, who are in- ! | different to the obligations of truth and honor, j | It is gratifying to know that the number of this ; ) class is small. An examination of our tax di- ; | gests will show the fact, that with the great i ; bod y of our people, there has been exhibited a I i disposition, to make a fair and just return of i their property. The cases of the few, however, I j should be reached, and I would recommend j * that some provisions be made by law for asses ! sing the property of those who seek to avoid ! i the payment of their just dues to the iStato, by ! I falsely estimating their property below its true ; value. This and similar defects in the details of i the law, should be remedied by prompt legisla- j j tion. Time and experience will thereby, ulti i mately perfect the system, and render it aecep | table to all classes and interests. ‘The ad va j lorcm principal being recognised by all, as be ing right ami just, it only requires prudence, firmness and wisdom in enforcing its applica tion, to secure for a law based upon it, the cor dial approval of the people. For the purpose of instituting a comparison of the taxei paid by our own people, wilh that paid by the people of the other States, I address- j >-d a circular letter to the Executives of the ; several States, asking for a statement of their ! i tax laws. To this communication, 1 received! many replies, but not enough to carry out the \ i original object 1 bad in view. The information, j i however obtained, was sufficient to satisfy my j I own mind that we pay as little as the people of i ! any other State, whilst as compared with some !of the States, our tax is almost nominal. As j ; low as our present taxes are, we may look for- j I ward to the time when they may be greatly re ! duced. As soon as the Public debt shall have been extinguished, we can with propriety re- i duce our taxes one half, and that too, without j looking to any other source of revenue for the ordinary expenses of the government. This is certainly a gratifying state of things, and will I go far to conciliate the feeling of opposition ; that has been engendered in the public mind i against the present system. Firmness in the maiutainance of the ad valorem principal—wis ; dom in the adoption of amendments suggested j ! by experience, and economy in the administra- ; I tion of the government, will soon dispel all pre- i | jndice and opposition with a wise and patriotic ; i people. WESTERN ANII ATLANTIC RAIL ROAM. By the act of January 15th, 1852, 1 was re j quired to appoint a Superintendent of the VVes j tern Atlantic Rail Road, wiio should have j the general management and control of that j work. I appointed VVm. M. Wadley, Esq , who ; entered upon the duties of his office on the first j day of February 1852. The means of the road j ! had fallen far short of its necessities, and the j I result was. that the road was in a wretched con- ! ! dition. My predecessor and the former Chief. ; Engineer of the road, realizing this fact had very ! j properly purchased a large quantity of iron fori | its repair. The contract made by them was ap- j proved by the last Legislature by the the act of ] Dec. 4t’n 1851. VVhen Mr. M edley entered up- i on bis office, he encountered all the difficulties, j which this state of things had brought about.— j The last Legislature intending to provide amply j “or the thorough repair and equipment of the [ road, by the act of January 15th, 1852, appro-j j priated the sum of $525,000, for that purpose, j i This sum would have been sufficient, if it could : j have been applied to the objects contemplated j i by the Legislature, but unfortunately it required | much the larger portion of it to pay off the for j mer debts of the road which had been accuinu j lating from its first organization. YVe were tberelore compelled to look to its revenues to do that, which it was the intention of the Legis lature should have been done, with this appro priation ; and this fact will account for the dis- I appointment of those, who had calculated upon ! an accruing revenue to the Slate Treasury from | the proceeds of the road. I refer yon to the ! accompany Reports of Mr. Wadley and his | successor Mr. Yonge for a more full and satis- I factory statement of the facts te which I have ! thus brieflly alluded. It is hardly necessary for me to speak of the manner in which these diffi culties were met and overcome by the superin tendent. The energy and abiiity displayed by him are so familiar to the public, that it would be a work of supererogation to remark upon it. He did all that could be done, and l venture to add, more than any other man would have effected under the same circumstances. I need not add, that his entire management of the af fairs of the road, met my cordial approvul. On the first day of February, 1853, Mr. Wad ley resigned his office of Superintendent—and 1 appointed George Yonge, Esq., to till his va cancy. It is due to Mr. Wadley to state, that he did not leave his post until he had satisfied me, that the iuterests of the road would not suf fer from his withdrawal, in his successor i have found au able, experienced, and faithful officer, whose successful management of the road as ex hibited by this report, is the best eucomium that can be passed upon his services. It affords me much pleasure tn call your at t tendon to the present condition of this great r-tate Work. The reports of the Ruperinten ■ dnits will show you in detail its operations du- j ring the two past years. The failure to report j any profits paid over to the State Treasury has j already been accounted for. The fact, howev- j er, that profits have been realized and appropri- ! ated to the wants of the ;oaj, should satisfy j vour minds—that with wise and judicious man- j agement, it must for the figure be a source of | revenue to the State. No additional call is made j upon tha treasury for aid Its own revenue will ] scon complete the necessaiy repairs, and equip- i merits and discharge its remaining liabilities. i 1 call your attention to the recommendations, I contained in the Superintendet's report. Foun- ! ded as they are upon his experience in the man agement ot the road—they should receive your careful consideration. The act of the last Le gislature which authorized the road to be sued in any. county tlirougii which it passes ought to he modified. I can see no good rea son why this discrimination should be made against the State road. All similar companies have to be sued in the county in which their prin cipal office is located. ‘This is right and proper. It is the place where their books are kept and their business transacted, and therefore the prop- 1 er point for the litigation of claims agasnst 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 through counties belonging to three judi cial districis, and it might happen that the Su perintendent would he sued and required to at tend (Jourt in different counties at the same time. This consideration alone shows the pro j priety ot a change in the law. In this conuec- ! tion 1 call your attention to the fact, that suits j ! have been commenced against the Road in the j J State ot Tennesse. I have directed pleas to 1 j the jurisdiction of the Court to he filed in all j j such cases, and the question if decided against! I us, to be carried to the highest Court of the 1 ] country. We have a right to complain of this j j proceeding on the part of our neighbors, as it i i was principally to gratify them, that the doors j ot our own Courts were thrown open to claim | ants against the State road. If the Courts should i maintain their jurisdiction in the State of Ten- I nessee, and the road subjected to the trouble i and annoyance of this litigation, it will devolve upon the Legislature to determine, what course they will adopt in reference to the Western ter minus of the Road, that will most effectually ! put a stop to such proceedings. The important question for your considera tion with this great work is, what shall be the j future policy of the State in reference to it?— Realizing the deep interest felt by our people in the decision of ibis question. 1 submit to you i my views fully on the subject. By some a sale of the road is proposed, 1 | trust however, that the adyocates of this policy are not numerous, and feel certain that their number will he lessened, in proportion as you satisfy the public mind that the road can be suc cessfully carried on, under State management. To sell the road would be to disappoint the gen i eral expectation which has so long looked to ; the completion of this enterprise for a source of reliable revenue to the State. The funds raised by the sale could not be appropriated to the ex j tinguishment of the public debt, as that is not ! due. There is no profitable investment of it | that could be made, and the result would be— j that by the time the public debt had to be met, i this fund would have been exhausted in waste | fid and unnecessary expenditures. Increased | taxation would then he the o'-ly means of ineet : ing the liabilities of the State. I feel confident ; that no argument is required against policy j which tviil inevitably lead to such a result.— The proposition to sell two thirds of the road >s • equally if not more objectionable. The same j consequence would follow to a great extent.— I Besides it is an unvarying lesson taught by our j | experience, that the .State is the sufferer in eve- ; : ry copartnership which she forms of this char- j ter. The road should be under the entire con- i troi of individual interest, or under the exclusive ] management of the Slate. A departure from j this rule, would certainly lead to no good result 1 : and 1 trust that the experiment will not be made. ! Rejecting then the proposition to dispose of the j road, 1 recur to the inquiry, what is the best pol icy for its future government In the manage ment of a rail road, two ideas should be kept prominently in view, uniformity and permanen cy in its system, and a responsible head to ma-. nage and control its affairs. Frequent changes and divided responsibility are incompatible with [ the successful operation of any railroad. Look -1 iug to these considerations I feel conscious of | the difficulties which must attend any plan which ; has yet been suggested for the government of ; the State road, but the preference should be giv j en to that system which is freest from these ob j jections. ‘The two plans which have been most i generally considered, are, first, the present one which leaves the road under the control of the ; Executive axd Superintendent appointed by hfin. j The other proposes to constitute a board of i Commissioners and invest them with the power, j now lodged in the hands of the Governor. My own mind at one time favored the latter propo ! sition. ! Experience and observation, however, have fully i satisfied me, that it will not do. ’The idea of a j board of commissioners was derived from the board of directors, appointed by private corpor ations, lor similar duties; and the argument drawn by’ analogy (row this source would be good, if these directors discharged ihe duties which the public suppose them to perform ; such, however, is not the fact. ‘The best board of di rectors for a railroad company are those who have sagacity and judgment enough to submit the entire management of their roads to the I’resident and superintendent. In adopting a general system for the management of a road, i their counsels may sometimes he heeded with some advantages; but when the detailed opera i tions of the road are lobe considered and dis ■ posed of—the least said or done by them, the | better it is for the interest of their company. If i a hoard of directors should attempt to revise the • | dealings of a President and superintendent with I their subordinates, reinstating such as bad in their judgment been improperly removed, or s forcing the appointment of others who they • might suppose peculiarly qualified for some pusi ) tion, it would result in the total disorganization . of the road, and the effort would soon be felt by the stockholders in reduced profits, neglected machinery, and dilapidated road. Upon this 1 point I can safely appeal to the experience and observation of every man, who has been con l nected with a successful and well managed rail ) road. If this bo true of private companies, the difficulties will be greatly enhanced, when the . same principle is applied to a public work, when soperaded to other causes of trouble and em . barrassment, there is thrown in the political and l party considerations which would inevitably be connected with such a system. • , The subordinate officers on a railroad, who feel j that they owe their places to any other cause, j than a faithful discharge of duty, would soon | derange and ruin the best managed road in the j country. I nder the proposed system of a Board ; ol C ommissionertrthe.se difficulties could scaree ! ly be avoided, and I therefore deem it unneces | sary t- • .large upon this branch of the subject, i According to this plan there would also be j wanting, that uniformity in she management of ! the road, which is essential to its success. With ; the change of Commissioners, the system \ would be changed and all the consequences at ! tendant upon such changes, would be constantly | experienced. The present system is, in my | judgment decidedly preferable ; one great object ! at least is effected, a responsible head is placed in charge of the road—to whom the country can look tor its proper and faithful management.— I he Executive elected by the people is respon sible to them. The Superintendent should be appointed by, and be responsible to the Execu tive, the subordinate officers should be appointed by,and responsible to the Superintendent, and \ thus the management of the road is placed upon a system of responsibility, which ensures its suc cesstul operation. In the appointment of the j Superintendent, the Executive feels tho respon- J sibiiity which rests upon- him, and will exercise j a sound judgment in the selection. The Super., intendent knowing that he is responsible for the good conduct of his subordinates, will exereise ike prudence and discretion, in their selection, and the subordinates feeling their dependence upon, and responsibility to tho superintendent, will realize the fact, that the tenure by which - they hold their offices, is the faithful and effi cient discharge of duty. In this view of the sub i ject you will perceive that there must be a cor dial and mutual confidence between the Execu ; tive and the superintendent, and for that reason the superintendent should be appointed by the ; Executive. 1 therefore recommend that the act j of the last Legislature taking the appointment ; of this officer from the Governor and giving it ; to the Legislature, be repealed, and that the ap i pointment be again placed at the disposal of the Executive. If the road is to be continued under ■Suite management, this in my opinion is the most practicable system that can be adopted. Two leading objections are urged against this plan. The first is founded upon the fear that the subordinate posts on the road will be re- j garded and filled as political offices. Under my j administration “this practice has ceased to ex- j ist.’’ Whatever may bo thought or said about | making governmental offices, political positions, ; in other departments, it is a well settled fact, i that it will not answer in the management of j railroads, or similar State enterprise*. Sueh a j policy is condemned both by reason and expe rience, and can never be resorted to without en- i dangering the public interest. This truth is so i clearly illustrated in the history of every State work, where the policy has been adopted, that j I do net. believe the experiment will again be made in our own State. The other objection is of a more serious character. It grows out of the changes in the management of the road, in cident to the frequent change in the Executive office. I admit the force of this objection, and the only reply that can be offered, is founded on the tact, that the objection is applicable to everp plan which has been or can be suggested for the government of the road under state man agement. in view of these difficulties, 1 submit to your consideration, another plan, for the disposal of the road, one, which will secure the three great i objects to be attained : first, the retention of j the State’s interest in the road ; second, a uni- j form and permanent system for its management; and third, a certain and reliable revenue from it. It is to lease the road under an act of incorpora tion. Let a charter he granted with a capita! of five hundred thousand dollars in shares of a hundred dollars each. ‘The charter should pro ! vide that the company, should make semi-annual ; payments to the Rtate, and that the first failure ! should ipso facto work its forfeiture. The a- j : mount required to be paid by the company for ; its lease, should be at least 5 per cent on the ! capital invested by the State, which might be es- 1 i timated at rive millions of dollars. ‘The charter | should be for a limited time, and perhaps twenty j five years would he sufficiently long. The com pany should bo requi.ed to return the Road at the expiration of their lease in as good condition : and as well equipped as when they received it. I The improvements which the increased busi- j ness of the Road will require them to make, j would afford a reliable guaranty upon this point j On the other hand the State should agree to pay I the company for any increased value given to ! the road by the improvements made by them.— j Provision should also be made in the charter, to j protect connecting roads from a partial, and un- j just administration of its affairs, under such pen- j alties as would ensure perfect impartiality. 1 j have fixed the capital of the company at a hall j million, supposing that to ho sufficient for the i ordinary improvements, which are still required ! to put the road in complete order. The Legis- j lal lire could hereafter increase it, if the business j of the road should require the laying of a double track. In submitting this suggestion to your consid eration, 1 have merely laid down the outline of a plan which might be perfected, if the policy recommended meets with your approval. If adopted care should be exercised in guarding the interests of the State in any charter which may be granted, and that is submi ted with great confidence to your wisdom and discretion. 1 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 private enterprise and indivieual interest, with out sacrificing the investment of the Rtate. It will be relieved from the difficulties which I have shown must always more or less attend its management under State control, and finally en sure the regular receipt into the treasury of at least two hundred and fifty thousand dollars per annum. THR CEXITENTIAKY. I iransmit herewith the reports of the Principal Keeper and Book Keeper which wiil exhibit to you ns operations during the past two years. — The officers of thai Institution during th.t lime have been faithful, and energetic in the discharge of their duties, and I believe that its busmens un der their charge, will compare favorably with the business of preceeding years. Its asse sat the end of the year w ill in ail probability discharge its liabilities, and leave it free from debt. The busi ness of the Penitentiary is not and in my judgment never will be a source of revenue to the State.— The appropriations which have from time to time been made to meet its liabilities, show this fact.— The gross amount of them is set forth in the Keep er’s report. It now requires large appropriations ! to make the necessary improvements, and to fur nish materials for its successful management. It ’ is a subject which should secure more of the per -1 sonal attention of your tnernbersjthan has. bereto - foro been the case. An inspection of its condition 1 will give you more satislactory information of its 3 true wants than any representation that 1 can make, and I would urge the propriety of your do ing so, as It can be done with little trouble to 1 jTBKMS, $2 00 IN ADVANCE. , j yourselves, and much beneiii to tho S ate. As ii you will perceive from the Keeper's report the , business ed building railroad cars has been com- I tnenced on a pretty extensive scale. Theexperi ment so far has proved eminently successful, in deed ;t has been the principal source of revenue since its commencement. For the want of the necessary means, an arrangement bad to be made w ith the Sißte road to furnish the materials ■ building car-, Bn da* ;t’g as that road requires i the cars that car, oe built at the Penitentiary, ! this arrangement could be continued. If the bo*-’ | i ness how ever, sbe-t.. 1 be extended as recommend ed .o the Keeper’s report it will be necessary tor ■ yon lo supply the necessary means for the pur chase in advance oi material, as the object should then 1?, to manufacture cars for all roads that may de-ireio purchase. It would also be neces sary to authorize the employment of a Ruperin tendent of this branch of the work at a bettot sal ary than is now allowed lu the subordinate officers. If a ready sale bp found for the cars, I have no hesitation in saying, that it is the most profitable business that can he carried on in the Penilemia- r y* The importance of classifying the prisoners in the Penitent.ary, has been so repeatedly and forci bly presented to the Legislature by my predecea sor-. tha! I deem it unnecessary to enlarge upon the subject. It is again brought to your attention bv the Principal Keeper’s Report, and I would im press upon your minds the propriety of giving it your early attention. When this recomme teda lion is based upon the concurrent opinion of every one who has been thrown into official communis cation with the Pc litentiary, it should at least re ceive more consideration than has heretofore been given to it. the lunatic asylum. Tite bisenia! Report of the Trustees, Ruperin* tendent and Resident Physicians of the Lunatic Asylum is herewith submitted. This Institution lias been conducted during the parntwo years with the characteristic energy and ability of its officers. I commend to your attention the suggestions and recommendations contained in tlte-e Reports. Founded as they are upon the experience and ob nervation of those who have shown themselves so worthy of the confidence reposed in toein by the State, they should command your most favorable consideration. This Institution was established by the Rtate under the conviction that it was our duty to provide for the safety and comfort of that unfortunate class of our lellow beings, who had been deprived of toeir reason, and tllereby render ed incapable of providing for themselves. This humane object will not have been accomplished, so long as there remains in the borders of our ! Rtate one unfortunate lunatic unprovided for. It j is a melancholy and humiliating reflection, that ; applicants for admission, are daily rejected for the j want of the necessary means to provide for their accommodation. This ought not to be so. I hold ! it to be the solemn duty ol those who have, been | spared from this awful calamity to furnish from | their treasure whatever may be acquired tor the | support and cntnlort of their less fortunate fellow ; beings. I cannot believe that there lives in our Rtate a single citizen, who would not give a cor j dial response to this sentiment. The necessities of this Institution, is therefore the only just limit to your appropriations. When you ascertain its 1 wants, let them be supplied, your hearts will ap prove the act, and your constituents will sanction the vote. ‘There is oneclasa lunatics for whom no provi sion is made in the organization of this institution. I allude to your slave population. This omission, I have no doubt, is attributable to the fact, that the number is so limited that it has not attracted public attenton. There are, however, a few, and suitable provision should be made for them. The firnt suggesiion would be to . leave this matter in the bands ofthe owners, after providing a place at the Asylum for their reception. This will not do, however, as it sometimes happens that the unfor lun: e lunatic is the only property of the owner; and be is therefor.- unable to support him at the ! Asylum. It would perhaps be wrong to tax those ! who have no interest in slaves, to raise money for I ibis purpose. ‘t he amount which should be ; raised for this object, would be small, and if levied upon the taxable slave properly, w .uid not be felt by the owner. Looking to the number of lunatic negroes, il would require only a nominal tax upon this kind of property to raise the necessary means. 1 can see no good reason why every slave owner should not cheerfully snbuiit to this tax, to carry out VO desirable and praiseworthy an object. I therefore recommend that proper steps be taken at your present session to carry out these views in i the manner suggested. DEAE AND DUMB ASYLUM. ! The report of the Commissioners for the Deaf ■ and Dumb Asylum for the years 1853 is herewith i transmitted. The successor this institution is a | gratifying result, aud should secure for it the con tinued patronage of the State. Your predecessors have by their liberal endowments recognized the duty ol the Rtate to provide for the education of : the unfortunate mule, nd it would be difficult for i the Legislature to appropriate the money of the | people lo an object that would receive a more un ! qualified approval from the popular mind. I also i transmit the report of a committee appointed by : myself lo attend the annual examination of 1852. l! bears testimony to the faithful and efficient dis : charge of duty by the officers of the institution. I Us recommendations are commended to your con sideration, as worthy of attention in your legisla | tion on this subject. THE INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND. I transmit to you the first annual report of the Trustees for the“(ieorgi* Academy for the Blind.” j This institution was organized underanact ofthe j last Legislature, and is now struggling through : its infantile existence. It has encountered the difficulties which have attended ali-i-utlar institu tions, ami in view of these difficult,e-, its efforts have been attended wtth as much success as could have reasonably been anticipate,!. It has shown itsclt worthy of the fostering care extended to it by your predecessors, ,nh slioulj continue to re ceive your patronage and encouragement. Th appeal in behalf ol tue blind—like dial made lor the deaf and dumb—addresses itself to our better I feelings. The heart would be callous and har \ dened that could treat that apnea! with indifference. ! Those ol us who have been endowed by a kind | Providence with all ihe attributes of manhood, un impaired by disease or misfortune, have resting j upon us an obligation in reference lo our less fa vored brethren, w-bicii we cannot disregard. In establishing anti maintaining these different insti tutions the people of Georgia have exhibited tiieir appreciation ol this high duty. Tue success which lias attended these efforts, should only stimulate na to renewed exertions and more liberal contribu tions. GEORGIA MILITARY INSTITUTE. At the last session of the General Assembly provision was made by law for the education ol a certain number of cadets in the Military Instiia tute, located at Marietta. A report is here*- th Iran-milled from the Board ol Visitors of that in stitution, w hich will present to the Legislature all the information ou that subject in my possea- on. The system of military education is growing in popular favor throughout the country. In other States of the Union these Academies receive lib eral endowments troin the Government, and are ! becoming more and more the favorites of the pec j pie. So far as lam enabled to judge, the Mariet j ta Institute has been as eminently successful as ; any of its sister institutions, and as deserving of , State patronage. EDUCATION. I The cause ot Education numbers, among its I friends, no supporters, more zealous, or liberal, ’ than the people of Georgia. It is with sincere ! pleasure and honest p-ide that we can point to the progress of education in our Slate. Our Uni : ver-ity was never in a m tre flourishing condition, and uever more deserving of the confidence and patronage of th • State. Ott er colleges have sprung up in getter >u* rivalry with this institution j under the patron go of private enterprize, afford ing the most extensive faciiiiiea for a iiberel edu cation to all woo may be possessed of the MC4t> Number 4i.