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•1-2 o'clock on the 6th iustant, his excellency I sure a speedy settlement of tlio unoccupied !and s
t.: Governor transmitted to both Houses the roi- j * u Cherokee county. Accordingly, in due time*
lowing j tho Justices of the Inferior courts of the several
XiScssagc:
' EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,(3A.
Mii.t.kdokvii.i.k, Npvcmbcf Gtb, 1832.-
■p«7ote-C’r7«*ns—When we tifke a survey of
the events of the tinning year, it produces ming
led emotions of pleasure ami pain. Our actual
condition and enjoyments as a people, arising
from climate, soil, nod goad government, when
compared with other portions of the world, ad
monish us to » '.mini ami adore the divine Atuhor
of our multiplied blessings.
.Nothing has transpired to lessen ciw attach
ment, or diminish opr cmifiden;e lh the good sys
tem* of government under Vvhich we live; x V e
should, therefore, cherish an increased zeal, aud
«tn e.ldding hope for the perpetuation of our free
tun! happy institutions. The truths ofhatorv do
not authorize the belief, that we nrc to enjoy the
inestimable blessings of lil*orly and free govern-
ineuh founded on principle* of equal rights, with-
R'nt vigilance and constant exertion on the pait
ot tho poopl’,"v,ho ar;e the only legitimate sour-
• ccs of governmental power.
Our eotiflicis with Federal 'usurpation .arc not
yet at an end; the uyoul* of the past year have
afforded us new cause for disttust and dissatisfac
tion. Contrary to lifts enlightened opinions, ,aud
,just expectations of tho people of this, aud every
other rotate in the Union, a majority of the Judges
of the Supreme Court of the United States have
not only assumed jurisdiction in tho case of Wor
cester ami Butler, but have, by their decision, nr
counties were notified, aud required to execute
the duties devolving ou them, in regard to receiv-
I >ȣ. and returning the names of persons entitle;,
| to draws in the Lotteries; which bavin- been
done according ttiiaw, aud the ticket* having been
prepared, tho Lottery commissioners were con
vened, anil commenced the preparatory arraugc-
ments it>r the draw ing, v.nieli was commenced on
uiQ S2d day of October last, and is now in pro
gress, miner tbeir superintendence.
1 deem it. unnecessary at this time to enter up
on an enlarged vindication, of the-policy w hich
has Leen. pursued by the authorities of Georgia on
*.iiis-subject. Suffice it to say, that I have, daily
increased evidence that our'policy has hccu found
ed iu wisdom, justice and true benevolence, and
w ill ere long, terminate iu the preservation of a
remnant of these unfortunate Indians: and our
Stale will bo relieved from the libels ami embar
rassments of a thirty years’ controversy.
It now becomes my duty to call the serious and
deliberate attention of tho Legislature, to tho sub
ject of the present condition of the Chcrokccs,
who remain withiu our State. By our existing
laws, their homes and improvements arc secured
to them so longf as they may choose to remain
thereon; but these laws arc by uo menus adapted
to the security of their persons aud property.—
Therefore special and appropriate legislation is
most earnestly rccoumicuucd ; whereby these ob
jects will be secured tp -them, aud their rights be
as effectually shielded from violation as those of
tlie white mau. It is due to the character of the
frequent applic;
tioiw. ajc made to the Executive togrant reprieves
aud remit the seuteuces of tho Courts. Imprison
ment in tho county jails, being a common punish
ment, inflicted on the violators of our present cri
minal laws, is found to be expensive, ami iu mn-
niy cases burthensome to the counties; which
tends to eucoiirage application for pardons even
when there is nothing to extenuate the guilt of
the offender.
After tile most mature reflection, I canuot he
sitate iu arriving at the conclusion, that Peniten
tiary confinement is, by far, the most economical
modoof punishment for crime; and from the ope
rations of the, present year, I incline to tho opi- j
gaRan, as authorized by the Resolution referred to.
At oi early day after the adjournment of the last
Lcgid.iiure, my attention tvas directed to this
subjeu, and a correspondence was opened with
several individuals of tfiis State, who had manifes
ted cotviderable interest in advancing the cause of
gencraleducation..—But among those, who were
believcito possess eminent qualification for this
iruportait undertaking, none could be induced to
engage ii the arduous and responsible labors con
template by the Resolution of the Legislature.
To perfbm this work to the satisfaction of the Leg
islature. nd to meet the public expectation, in
point ofcility, it was believed, that qualifications
of & litemV character, sltbuld be combined with
nion, that if the system tvere reinstated, and ap . j .
propriately patronized by the Legislature, it | an extensve acquaintance with inc feelings, hnbita
would he certain to defray its expenses, aud per- ! ;,nt l interats of our diversified population. I he
haps, at a dav not far distaut, become a source of j peculiar situation ol this btute the habits and
profit and income to the State. Should the Le- j feelings o the people—the sparcenes* of our pop-
gislaturc determine to revive the system, a due “lation inoway sections-^the want ol fixed ami
tempted to overthrow that essential jurisdiction j State, that this dependeut people should be pro-*
oi'tho State, iu criminal casos, which has bcefi i teefed by laws as liberal as may he consistent
vested by the constitution, in the Superior Courts with their moral ami intellectual condition. To
regard to the reformation of the convicts, and pro
filahle management of the institution, will require
a further improvement of the interior buildings
and work-shops, aud a more amply supply of va
rious materials for fabrication. The necessary
appropriation to accomplish these objects, -under
proper management, could not fail.eventually, to
be a measure of economy aud saving to the State.
The sure defence aud fortress ol'liberty,'is the
Militia the—citizen-soldier. But in no couiitry
can it be reasonably expected that every citizen
should he trained and ready for ihe active duties
permaneit school districts, by known, and well
defined boundaries—and various other considera
tions—^-iiust be taken Into view, in framing a Suc
cessful pfmmon School System.
The Legislature of Georgia, at an early period
of its Itstory,-with a spirit that deserves commen
dation.made liberal provisions for the endowment
of an >cadeniy in each county in the Sta:&: the
application of which lias been left to the Trustees
of the several county Academics; consequently,
thcrehas been no Uniformity, -or geueral plan .of
operation: no systematic adoption of measures,
which were calculated to ensure success, alike to
all. 'Notwithstanding the neglect of which'many
of our own citizens, will require the most careful
‘of our own State. Iii conformity with their de
cision, a mandate was issued, directed to our
court, ordering si rc'visal of the decree, udder
which those persons are imprisoned; thereby at- deliberation ahil prudent forecast,
tempting, aud intending to prostrate the sove-j The land fund, set apart*by the Legislature,
rcignty of this State in the exercise of its const!- i has Iieeil found insufficient to pay even the legal
tnliounl, criminal jurisdiction. These extrao r- expenses of surveying tho public lauds. Nothing
of a soldier in the tented field- Tho government
relying as it does, on tho Militia, for .defence in . _ _ . -
tune of danger, should unquestionably have some | Trnstess may have been, guilty, it must he ndmit-
...... L.v. ■>. «... .............. ..... * w , organization, whereby it might not only know its j ,e *V that great good has resulted to the community,
afford them sut-h protection, anti to extend to them; strength, but. have; at ready command, the pow- ! host the endowment of these county Seminaries,
suitable privileges, without endangering the rights j er to concentrate au efficieut portion of its martial Thebene/its nave beeninostly felt in the irntneui-
iliuary proceedings of tho Supreme Court hav
not liven submitted to me officially, uor have they
been brought before mo in any manner, which
called for ray official action. I have,-however,
been prepared to moot this usurpation of Federal
power, with tho most prompt mid delci mined re
sistance, iu whatever form its enforcement might
have been attempted by any branch of the Fed
eral Government. It has-afforded me gren» sat
isfnetion to fiud that our whole people, ns with
tho voice of one man, have manifested a' calm,
hut firm and determined resolution, to sustain the
niithoritics, and sovereignty of tltcir State against
this unjust and unconstitutional encroachment of
the Federal Judiciary. The iugenuity of mau
might he challenged, to show a single sentence
in the constitution of the United States, giving
power, cither ilirect or implied, to the General
Government or any of its departments, to nulli
fy tho laws of a State, enacted for the govern
ment of its own population, -or coerce obedience,
by force, to the mandates of tho judiciary of tho
L'uion. On' tho contrary, tho journals pud pro
ceedings of the convention that framed the Fed
eral constitution, abundantly cviuco that various
attempts were made to effect that ohjact, nil of
which were rejected. This proves that the States
of this Uuion never did, and uev-r will permit
their political rights to he suspended upon the
breath of the agents or trustees, to whom they
have delegated limited p r ..vcrs to perform certain
definite acts. J, however, deem it unnecessary
. for me, at this time to animadvert on this decision
of tho Supreme Court. Its fallacy, its - inconsis
tence with former decisions, aud its obvious ten
dency to intermeddle with the political rights of
the Stntcs, ami to change our Federal system into
ono consolidated mass. l>-liberit so often exposed
by tho most able jurists and statesmen, thnt n
largo majority of tbo people of this Union are'con
firmed in the couvictiou of tin; fallibility, infirmi
ties and errors of this Supreme tribunal. This
hraucli of die General Government must -hence
forth staud, where it always ought lo have stood,
in public estimation, as bciug liable to all the
frailties and weakness of erring man.
Shortly after tho adjournment of the Legisla
ture, in December last, I communicated, directly
to the Presidentapf the United'Stales, the views
of this Slate, ns manifest by her Legislature, on
tho subject of our miocqupicd lauds lyiug in Cher
okee county; aud at tho same time, frankly com*
munieated to him my views, especially as to the
necessity and importance of an immediate sur
vey, and perhaps, occupancy of these lands.
The Prcsidcn! has manifested equal solicitude
with ourselves, to effect an amicable and sntifae-
tory adjustment of ottr territorial crabarassincnts.
lie has proposed to the Chcrokee-people, terms
of the mo-t liberal character, with n view to in-
duco them to emigrate to the West; and thereby
to enable him to effect the great object of his so
licitude, in permanently benefitting that unfortu
nate, aud deluded race; and, at the same time,
io fulfil tho long, and delayed obligations of the
United States Government to Georgia, cutered
Into by thu contract of 1802. Notwithstanding
tho extraordinary liberality of tho propositions
submitted to tiio Chcrokccs, and the kind spirit in
which they were presented, the enemies of the
President and of Georgia, have so far succeeded
as to prevent Buy satisfactory arrangement- or
troaty with them; and their reply to those liberal
propositions, evinces a most arrogant and uncom
promising spirit.
Every day’s experience has afforded new evi
dence of tho utter impracticability, mid impolicy
of attempting any longer, to maintain our laws
mid government over the Cherokee part of Geor
gia, without an increased, and better population.
Every effort lias hccu made by the Executive, to
maintain'the inviolability of the laws of the State,
in Chcrokco county; hut these efforts have not
been attended with the desired success.- Our
laws have been repeatedly violated, anil for the
want of that moral force, which pervades coun
ties inhabited by a more dense, enlightened, and
virtuous population, tho transgressors havo some
times escaped merited punishment. Our scatter-
force, at a short warning—which ifi auy emergen
cy might serve as a rallying point for the.great
body of its Militia. It is uot withiu the range of
our State government -to keep up a >tau<ling
Army,;. Uor is it compatible with our views, aud
policy.; Nevertheless, it is believed, that volunta-
ate vicinity of these institutions, but in some in-
staiitSs; Have been diffused more or less through
out the counties.
Our success in the application of the fund set
apart /or the education of poor children has, like
our Academic fund, been beneficial in those coun-
thereforc remain*to discharge the various expen- punej . iioci iucicm, » nwuciru, uianviuum- -— -— -- —
scs,- necessarily incideut to the preparation for car- ry associa tions of-activc aud patriotic citizens, or- } lies where it has been well managed, aud prudent
rying flic lottery laws into effect. - The liegisla- gauized uuderLcgal sauctiou and cucouragemeuf, ly appjr’d, while in others there is just cause for
tore will perceive the necessity of providing,-at might afford to every section of our State a rally- i complaint. It is .believed that our A Sad e line and
ail early day, for the payment of all 'arrearages,' ing point, iu ease of sudden alarm from miy quar- : Foqr School fluids, might be better applied to
and other espouses' appertaining to this business, ter, foreign or domestic. - ' purposes of useful education, if our present iwper-
It is the more urgent that it should lie done with- ! The l'e*v returns which hove been made to this .feet system were, wholly abolished, aud a systein
out delay, from the consideration,thatmatiy nee- j Department from Division and Brigade Inspec- ; of Gwninon.School education, organized and
dy persons have already .performed iiinch useful; tors, and various other sources ef information, can patronized in lieu thereof. I Have examiued with
labor for the public,' who have not received any f- leave do doubt of the' fact, that nur present Militia J 'care, and. reflected, much upon the- systems. of
compensation. * .system hds sank .under the imperfections of its I Comsion 'school- education, adopted by tbo dififer-*
While on this'subject, it may uoibc improper j own structure and organization, and unless renb- j eut States in the Uuion, aud marked the varied
1. .i,_. — i.— ..... i * ■—*—*— ■ _:.i—1.< ! succfss of each, and .although the experiments.
ed population of good character, who now inhah-
B'tfiis county, have often found themselves desti
tute of security from thu depredations of dishon
est men; and when they have sought protection
froln thu- laws of the land, they have often found
those laws availed, and perverted by combinations
of such characters, aided by the device and coun
sel of those, whose enlarged acquirements should
have directed their influence in aid of the cause
of justice, and the supremacy of the laws. Legal
and pettifogging subtiltios. in this couuty, s^ein
measurably to have triumphed over equity, and
u fair administration of the law. -
Not only the Supreme Court of the United
States, hut the Superior, and even the luferior
courts of our own ritatc, htjvcso far aided in over
turning our laws and the policy of our Stale gov-
vcrninent, ns to dcclaro them unconstitutional,
ami or ter the(QpchXrgo of prisoners arrested and
confined under their provisions. Nevertheless,
amidst all these irregularities, strifes aud ilisor-
ders, there is much cause of sincere gratification,
that the events of the year have produced nothing
more seriously injurious to the interest and char
acter of the i?'tate.
The survey of tho county of Cherokee, in enn-
fonnity with, ntul ondt r Ibo provisions of the sev-
craetsoftiie Legislature
xvi:hrt:it any -eriotisob-tac
the
law
din
to remark, that the Executive has uot only been
embarrassed on account of the inadequacy of the
land fund; but from tho improvidence of the last
Legislature, iu providing the means at the Treas
ury to meet their several appropriations.. The*
appropriations for tho past political year greatly
exceeded tho available means at the Treasury.—*-
This omission of jhe Legislature was discovered
at an .early day after the adjournment of their
last annual session; and -after due consideration,
it was determined to endeavor tosustau the oper
ations of the Government by other incaus than
that of atl extra session of tho Legislature. I
therefore applied to the Directors of the Central
Rauk, laid before them the situation iu which the
Executive was placed, aud desired-to be inform
ed how far that institution could, consistently with
its charter, accommodate the <Jovermncnt.* The
Directors, without hesitancy, manifested every
disposition, to grant any accommodations, which
might he legally extended. And by an arrange
ment agreed upon, the Bank has taken up and
paid oil the -Executive warrants, whenever the
means to meet them were not found at. the
Treasury; which warrants have been takeu up
try il*o ‘JWrtsurrr.-nsfirst as the means were receiv
ed at that Department. Thus, through the agen
cy of the Bank, I have been enabled, so far to
meet the appropriations of tho Legislature as to
avoid the deprecated necessity of convening an
extra session. But doubts being entertaiued, as
to the competency of the Bank to meet the entire
demands authorised by‘the Legislature, »I have
therefore been placed under the necessity of dis*
criiuiuatitig between appropriations made for the
indispensable operntions-m the Government, aud
mitior and individual iuterests. The report of
the Directors of tho Ceutral'Batik, which accom
panies this message, will exhibit the extent of the
accommodation which has been granted to this
department.. From this, statement the Legisla
ture-will bo able to asccrfaiu-the-extent of tho
deficit, which has accrued at the Treasury, to
meet the Executive'warrants which have beeu-
drawn on the several appropriations for the cur
rent year. -Whatever legislation may he neces
sary to remedy the omissions of the last session,
upon these several subjects, commends itself to
your immediate attention.
The act of the last Legislature abolishing the
Penitentiary system in this Slate, -iu connexion
with the fucts, of tho institution bring embarrass-,
cd with debt, almost destitute of materials to car
ry on the different branches of manufacture, and
the interior buildings and workshops bciug in an
unfinished and unsuitable Condition, to aid.the im-
C ortant objects of good government and useful
asiiiess; all combined to impress upon the pre
sent mnnagers of the institution, a spirit of des
pondency. Nevertheless, I am highly gratified
to have it in my. power to present to the Legisla
ture, demonstrative cyidenee of the spirit ami a-
bility with which the institution has been man
aged during tho present year. It will be seen by
the reports of the'liis|ject8rs, herewith transmit
ted, that the labor of tlie convicts will more than
defray ihe ordinary and current expenses of .the
J ,'car. The internal police of tho institution, has
loeii such as t<» prevent escapes, secure the health
and comfort of tho convicts, and at the same
time, itis believed, that iu many instances, refor
mation has been effected, and iu some, that it
will prove to he permanent. As far as the
means of the institution would justify, ■ a proper
forecast ha„ been directed to the procuring of an
ample supply of timber and other materials for
manufacture ; hut tho appropriations of tho last
Legislature were nearly exhausted at once, in
tho payment of debts against the institution, con
tracted in tho year 1831, for building and various
articles’of supply!
Thtfoulstanding debts due to the Penitentiary,
is a subject which deserves special attentiou. Be
tween fifteen arid twenty thousand dollars of un
available debts appear to be duo to the institu
tion; most of which were contracted previous to
the year lj329. A portion of these debts lias been
placed in disbands of attorniesfor collection, all'
of whom have not yer accounted satisfactorily
for the amount thus placed iu their hands. I
herewith submit to the Legislature, a document
exhibiting nil the information I have been able
to collect on this snbject. At present it is believ
ed, that tho fiscal transactions of the institution,
arc. conducted with system, skill and prudence;
which will hereafter prevent any material l«»-s,
if.tho present regulations are continued. The
hooks and accounts are kept with great accura
cy, and credits arc extended with the caution,
which will in future, prevent tho accumulation of
bad debts.
From the indications of public opinion, itis be
lieved, that the abolition of tlie PeniteMiuy sys
tem hns not received the'opprobation of amajori-
bas been completed 1 ty of ibo people; and I feel assured-that the ex-
or difficulty; and in i pericncc of one year, trader ottr present code, has
vated by legislation, uiay be considcidd- as nearly
extinct. Under these circumstances, it becomes
highly necessary that the Legislature should take
this important subject iiito- serious consideration,
aud provide bv law sonie plan of organization, in
lieu of that which has practically become obsolete
of oilier States, may afford niuch light to direct
our course, yet I am fully convinced, that, to en
sure success* iu om‘ community, we shall fiud it
necessary to adopt a plan, which shall be based
upon-tbe actual condition of our own population,
As the distribution of the public arms under the and hot flatter ourselves, with the idea of success
law of the United States, for arming and equipping | by merely following the footsteps of others, whose
the Militia, is made among the States according j habits and modes of thinking are so*very different
to the relative strength of the Militia, ft is a matter! from our ow n. The State of New* York, as well
of interest to obtain accurate retiirns of the force df| as the New England States, which have succeeded
the State-^nml the disorganization of our system-* best hi difiusiug the blessiugs of- education to their,
is such, as to render it impossible to aaCeitaiu the! whole people, have all maintained the righrand
entire strength of the Jlilitia of the State. 1 con-j duty Of legislature to provide for tlie education
aider' it highly important, that the effective of their entire population. Aud for tbo purpose
strength of the Militia, should at all times he of effecting this object, the entire property of the
benefit
no
become
restless and dissatisfied, unless they are made to
participate in the benefits as well as the burthens
of the system. One of the most formidable ob
jections to the present system, is that the roads al
ter being made good are not kept in repair; and
from the nature of our soil, and the presen t plan ol
constructing our roads, unless repairs at the ptop-
er time, and in the right mode, be strictly attended
to, they must necessarily soon fall into a state of
dilapidation and ruin. It is the incumbent duty
of the Legislature to provide a remedy Tor this
evil, which, if neglected, will most assuredly de
stroy tho whole system. Only provide for.keep-
ing the road3 in complete order, which are once
made good by the State hands, and in less than
twenty year3 Georgia v.*ill have the best roads ot
any State in the Union. It is submitted to the
Legislature, whether it should not he made tlie
duty of the County authorities, in which roads are
constructed, by the State hands, to receive such
to ads from the Superintendents, and here.ilterbe
compelled to keep them in as good oruer as
when received. Upon all -the roads constructed
by the State hands, such provision should be made
by law,"ns would ensure the keeping in good re
pair, of all uccessaty bridges and causeways as
well as the roads. Some arrangement should bo
made which will ensure si general-diffusion" of the
benefits arising from the system, to every section
of the State. And to prevent the conflicting
claims of- different communities, from euibaim-
sing tho operations of the Superintendents, and
throwing more titan a just share of responsibility
on tliom. I would deem it most advisable for tho
But on the other
ad, the rich are seldom satisfied with equal pro-
tion aud equal benefits. Their inordinate
iviugs for governmental favor aud pfotectiou
iave already produced the most alarming results •
mch as threaten the destruction of the Federal
a citizen of this Free couutry.
hand,
tection
cravings for governmental favor aud pfotectiou
have
such
Union itself.
The laws of this State, upon most subjects of
general iuterest, have become so multiplied aud
complicated, and in some instances, contradicto
ry in their provisions, as to render a faithful, just
and uniform administration of them exceedingly
difiicult, if not impracticable. I would therefore
submit to the Legislature the expediency of pro
viding by law, for a general revision of tho stat
utes of this State; embracing in a compact form,
tho several statutes relating to its civil polity and
internal administration; the whole to be consoli
dated and arranged in appropriate chapters, ti
tles aud articles: simplyfyiug the language there
of, aud all omissions, and other defects supplied
hy the compilers—the whole of which should be
submitted to the Legislature for revision, adoption
or rejection. Itis believed that oilier Slates have
succeeded in similar efforts to the one now pro
posed—aud why may not we succeed ? We havo
competent individuals who could discharge with
ability, the arduous and responsible duties con
templated—men of experience, geueral science
and elevated legal standing.- Wbilo I eritertaiu
the highest respect and confidence iu the General
Assembly of tliis State, I consider its structure
aud furmation such, as to exclude the hope of ef
fecting the very desirable object herein eontcin-
plated, by the ordinary proces of legislasion. A
revised code of our present statutes, embracing
their present substance in a concise, perspicuous
Legislature to define and jioinr am tho principal and simplified form, can only 1)6 obtained from
roads which shall have the preference in. order of j the labor of patient research, and uninterrupted
known—thnt there should be at-least one company
of well trained volunteers, in each county in the
Slate, aiid . iu the populous counties, peihnps
more—that provisions should be made for arming
aad training all such vpfenteer companies, ami
thnt they should, at all times, hold themselves iu
readiness to obey the calls of their country ■»
canse.of alarm or danger—anil furthur, that pro
vision shriuld be made for enlarging such Volun
teer forcP, whenever the-situation of the country
luajr ‘Tj—*—-»>•- ii-.,—-f-parionre has demon
strated, that it these views stiuulU lie miupteu, it
will be indispensably necessary to make ample
provision for preservation, sale keeping anu 'due
return of the public arms when called for.
Unless this object can be effected, it will be worse
than useless, to attempt to carry into effect, the plan
now suggested. 1 have ascertained that .most of
the public arms, which hare been drawn from our
Arsenals, for Volunteer and other service sine?
the*yeaf4ClS, may be considered nr lost to the
State; and those which are -riot entirely lost, are
.chiefly in a ruinous condition. In many instances
l find.bonds on file in tills Department, for the safe
keeping and return of the arms, dips distributed,
when called for; hut in most cases, the makers of
these bonds,*it is presumed, are now dead, remo
ved or insolvent, and -the companies dissolved.
Since I entered npon the duties of this office; I
have received various communications, from highly
respectable .individuals, some written, but mostly
State—uo matter in whose possession it was found
—has been made subject to taxation,.for the edu
cation of alb—thu? regarding tlie childreu of tho
whole community as being under the care of the
government. Whatever advantages' may have
been derived by such legislation, aud the estab
lishment of such principles, in other States, I feel
assured that such principles ayd such legislation
are by no moans suited to the-feelings and habits
of our people. ~ri—— 1 ‘-7 ;—: 1
It is believed that no legislation upon the sub-
jwx.% «<* g*Mwrul tMlueatlnn, linu ovPI* tv tllO Kpf 101110
can be successful, which does not receiveihe ap- ;
probation ofthe people aud excite inquiry, interest
and zeril among the great body of the community.
Let tlie people ouee turn their earnest attention to
this.subject, and they will very soon become con
vinced of the great importance and 1 necessity of
their individual exertions to..-retire the benefits of
education to tlie rising geneaiiou. Upau’ diio re-
fle’etiou and full examination, the people tvillhe-
come-couvinced, that the proper education of the
rising generation, is dire.ctly and intimately con-
nected with the interest, happiness and prosperity
of thpir country aud thejperpetuity of our present
civil institutions; and good form of government.
The neglect of educating- our childreu will inevi
tably tend to the decline and fait of our Republic
Our government is based upon public opinion;
and -that opinion to bo salutary must be enlight
ened. Let that knowledge, which accompanies
time. 1 respectfully -submit' to the Legislature
whether, under alt the circumstances, it might not
be expedient, to provide for the increase of labor
ers. The settlement of the Northwestern section
of the State, will loudly call for road improvement
in that quarter. We may anticipate the day
when Georgia-will enter the list ofcompciitors for
the most splendid and magnificent works of inter
nal improvement; when, with pride, ive may
point to her Karl Roads, Canals aud Turnpikes
But before the accomplishment of these grand oh
jtels, to which nature seems to have invited the
baud of art and industry, our teiritory must be
settled, and the natural resources of nur State de
Vcloped, which' alone can give the true inde^i rt>
direct these great works. For the present, let our
expenditures be chiefly confined to our great
market roads, and let every portion of tho State
participate.in these bonefits. Let our roads be di
rected to our tdwn3, at the head of navigation; and
where it is practicable, let our Rivets be imprdved,
nofouly fron/thence .to the Ocean, but as far in
to the interim as can bo effected by reasonable ex
penditures, in the removal o! inconsiderable ob
structions. I consider it an object of great im
portance, that the falls of the Chaiahoochec from
West Point*to Columbus, should, if practicable,
bo surmounted by the band of art; so that our ri
sing population, on the borders of that-noble Riv
er, may enjoy the immense benefits which would
flow to them through that channel of commerce
In confarmity.with the provisions of a Resolution
ofthe last Legislature, authorizing the appoint
ment of a competent Engineer to examine and
report to the present Legislature upon the practi
cability and probable expense, of rendering the
Chafahoochec River navigable from West Point in
Troup county, to the town of Columbus, an 'ar
rangement h**d been made, by tiie selection of an
individual, highly rccompicnded for his qualifiea-
tions,,by whicli it was expected,.that the present
Legislature would be furnished with the desired in
formation. The Correspondence .herewith sub
mitted, will shew the cause of tho disappointment.
The circulating medium, or currency of our
errantry, having long since been' changed from
«-ninu. having nn intrinsic value, to that of
paper, purporting to bo the representative of the
precious metals, it becomes the incumbent duty of
the government in authorizing the issue of such
paper, to guard well the interest of its citizens,
against the frauds aud devices, which experience
reflection; based upon talents aud qualifications
of the first order.
Tho territory embraced iu Cherokee county
slioufd be divided into Counties of suitable size
and form, to promote the convenience of that
portiqu of our population who may inhabit that
section of the State; and the organization of such
counties should be provided for without unneces
sary delaj’. The situation of the public proper
ty embraced iu the fractional surveys, requires
immediate legislation, which will place that por
tion of the public interest beyond the probability
of tresspass or intrusion—I would therefore re
commend that said fractious be disposed of with
the least possible delay, aud bo made available
fot public uses.
The various acts and resolutions of the last Le
gislature, requiring Executive action, have bqen
carried into effect, or are in a course of execution,
with the exceptions herein before pointed out.
An abstract of warrants drawn 011 tlie Treas
urer during the political year 1832: a list of Ex
ecutive appointments made during the recess of
tlio Legislature, and ths reports made to this De
partment, by the different Banks, accompanying
this message. Various resolutions passed by the
Legislatures of several of tho States, upon sub
jects of general concern, are also herewith trans
mitted,
A beautiful Map, Atlas, mid well executed sta
tistical view of the State of Maine, has, by tho
direction of tho Legislature of that State, heeu
presented to Georgia, iua manner worthy of that
patriotic State. And as the organ of Georgia,
when acknowledging such favors, I cannot .avoid
.feelings, of inorlificatiou, thnt we arc no-better
prepared to reciprocate such kind attentions. „
I might here close this communication undet 1
the-conviction of having submitted for the con
sideration of the Legislature, the most important
subjects which trill require their atteu.ion during
the present session. But at a time like tho pre
sent, when our couutry is agitated from its cen
tre to its circumference, upon subjects of vital
importance to the cause of liberty and. the,per
petuation of our civil institutions. [ deem it to ho
a duty attached to the trusfwhtch I occupy, to
£lvc a free and frauk avowal of my ; sentiments
upon the exciting subjects before us—regarding
alone the iuterest of my couutry.
.Upon all subjects relating to the usurpation* 6f
the- Federal Government, and especially upon
has demonstrated, .arc too often practiced by cor- that "of the Protective Tariff.systcip, great una-
porations, possessing Banking privileges, with | nimity of opinion prevails .throughout, this, and
power to throw into circulation an unsound and j die southern States -geiiCrally.They -never will
■!-•* of that 1!i-- '::>!! coV-. b '■ to me by strengthened public opinion in favor of th6 iusti-
! nave not he rated move forward in that I tntinn!
i-t line, which I deemed best calculated tocu-j A general disposition seems to pervade the
tire loss. The arms thus scattered over the coun
try, as hell as many iu the Arsenal at this, place,
will new be of any public value, until provision is
made for collecting, cleaning, and repairing them.
' It may be proper-to state, that tinder the provis
ions of a joint Resolution of the List Legislature,
there have been organized during the present year
thirteen volcoteer companies, whicli have been fur
nished with arms from our Arsenals* It wjil be
seen from the Reports of tlie Military Store Keen-'
ers, that ottr .presenf supply of arms is so, greatly
diminished, that Volunteer Companies cannot can-
rint.e to receive Supplies, unless provisions be
made for that purpose.
The framers of our State Constitution were not
unmindful ofthe important subject of educa’ion.
They, considered the cultivation of,tho arts'and
sciences ioilispensablc to the prosperity of a fiee
people, andTve therefore fmd_ the most imperative
language used ir., that instrument, to impress the
Legislature with a sense of its duty, in- sustaining
the cause of education. Tlie history of the legis
lation of Georgia will show that attention to this
subject, has not been wanting.—Our Statute
Books exhibit t, mass of legislation, and expendi
ture upon tlie subject qf edtfbation, that Has scarce
ly been surpassed by any of our sister Stales.
But upon a review olUhe whole subject, it must be
idmitted, that the advantages derived by tlie peo
ple of Georgia, have not been commensurate with
ihe labor and expense.
The present prospect of our University afford
just encouragement, to the friends' of the arts and
sciences, to continue to fostei and patronize that
institution.' The prosperity of our College is so
closely.indcntitied with the character and interest
of the State, thnt under proper manageine.x it
cannot fail to become a favorite institution with a
:oromanily, and receive a liberal support from our
whole people.
Our Academic and Poor School Systems, are
admitted to be defective, and by up means satis
factory to the community. In view of these de
fects, tlie Legislature, at their last session, adopt
ed a resolution directing the compilation of all nur
Academic and free school laws now in force; and
also to authorize the Governor to appoint three
suitable persons to form a system of Academic and
Free School instruction, tp be as nearly uniform
as practicable, through the State, and report to the
present Legislature.—The Compilation, sontuhor-
izeil, has been prepared and published by John A.
Cm.hbert Esq. under Executive appointment; and
is executed with the characteristic accuracy and
ability of that gentleman* Bot I have to express
verbal, informing me of arms and accoutrements! a good.Common school education, bo diffused
being in their respect ive, neighborhoods in a situa- j throughout ottr country’, and the iron sway of ig-
tion to be lost for want of care. Iu several cases 1 uorauce can 11evcr.be yielded by demagogues, to
where I have attempted investigations, I have not! the. destruction of liberty’. \v ithorit this diffusion
been able to find a responsible individual; and {'of knowledge, like other Republics, 6ur career of
without legislative provision,- I am at a loss howto j liberty may termiuate 111 licentiousness, nnarchy
preceed, so as lo stive this public property from en- al,< ' despotism. 1 herefore if we .would transmit
- ^ • - ■ ■ ■ to posterity, ihe sacred legacy which our fathers
has bequeathed to its, wc must not disregard
those means upon ihe use of whicli, the perma-
tieucy of those blessiugs so essentially depends.
We must bring into requisition all pur means, for
the diffusion'of education, aud thereby give im
pulse to public feeling. If possible wc should
penetrate the bosoms of whole population on this
subject, by exjtibitiug to them the practicability
and importance of each member of society con
tributing some humble share to the great object
of raising laleuts, merit, and genius from obscuri
ty, to the highest walks of life.-_and iu bringing the
lights of education to every dwelling within the
limits of ottr beloved State. Let it he remember
ed that every school that is. established—every
child who may be educated--efrery log sehool house
that is built—affords a new pledge iu favor of the
great caus of education, liberty and free govern
ment; and at the same time let each individual iu
the community, bear in tniud, thnt duly to his couu
try assigns him a part in this great won?.
Tho Reports of the Superintendents of the
public bands, herewith submitted, will exhibit tho
operations, progress and success of that branch ol
the public service, during thp past political year.
Although fnrihtir experience lias continued to de
velops additional imperfections in the laws provi
ding for the improvement ofourgreat market roads,
and new obstacles to all that success which we de
sire, are occasionally presented to.those wJiD su-
periatend'the .work, yet my confidence that'the
■system is a good one, and that.it ought to be con
tinued ahd improved, is, hy every day’s experience,
more fully confirmed. Georgia lias not been want
ing in efforts to facilitate (he transportation 6f the
immense products of her fruitful soil and industri
ous population. Large sums of public money
have been expended, from time to tinie, with a
view to the improvement of our navigable waters;
but for the want of skill and experience to direct
this application, it must be admitted,' that the peo
pie have not derived those benefits, which they had
a right to expect, from the amount thus expended.
It is believed, however that no want of success,
which may have hitherto attended our attempts at
internal improvement, should for a moment, abate
our zeal, or retard our efforts in a determined and
vigorous prosecution of such public wotks, a3 the
best interests of the people demand. I would not
only recommend a continuance of our present
system of road improvement, but that it should he
strengthened'and improved. Excelloiit Roads
have already been made in many pars ofthe State,
by the labor dgvoted to that object» but every .part
deceptive paper currency, The currency of our.
State consists almost exclusively of the notes of
our own local Banks; and therefore our people
have a right to expect, that the solvency of these
institutions should be placed upon a basis, which
should not subject the community, to the ruinous
consequences, which must inevitably grow out of
Bank failures. - ~ -
.The late failure ofthe Bank of Macon'should be
a sufficient warning, of tlit .instability of all such
institutions. The Legislature, at their last session.
bo reconciled to. the present ’far: j'. or the princi
ples on .which it is based. They believe it to he ■
contrary.to the principles and spirit of the Feder
al Constitution'; and the auxiliary’ measures hy
which this odious system of taxation is kept up
aud supported, are no less objectionable thau the
Tariff itself. Tfio partial aud extravagant ap
propriations of every‘succeeding Congress, since
the introduction of this desolating and strife-stir
ring system, clearly evince an abandonment of
those principles of economy and republican sim-
expfessed their confidence in the good condition phcjty upon which our Federal system is based,
and management of that i istitution; sincp w hich , preserve and jierpetitate^ the blessings of our
tiaie t its defalcation has proved to be deeply inju- political institutions, it is indispensable that the
jriouu to the interest and credit of the State as well
as to tlv6 interest of many of our honest and un
suspecting citizens. . The public interest de
mands, thnt an immediate and through investiga
tion of the affairs of that institution, should be in
stituted by the Legislature, and to further that ob
ject, I herewith submit all the information I have
received on the subject*
The privileges heretofore granted to Banking
companies, are not to be- violated. But I would
unhesitatingly recommend to the Legislature, tho
adoption of such measures, as may bo best calcu
lated to ensure to the people a sound currency,
and prevent our Banking institutions from specu
lating on a confiding community, extending- their
issues, and'either transactions, beyond the letter
and spirit of their respective charters. That
love of gain, which is so inherent in human na
ture, is a constant temptation to excessive issues
of Bank paper; and the commercial, and other
contingencies, to which all communities are lia
ble, subject Banks, thus situated, to failures,
whenever a general demand for tfjiecie may be
made upon them, for the redemption of their
bills.
The issue of Bank notes under five dollars,
should be discontinued, and gold and silver coin , spirit of moderation r.nd forbearauc
made to supply the place of such notes. This
would at all times keep a considerable supply of
specie in the country; and thereby enable the
Banks to meet suthieit pressures, and would more
over have a strong tendency to equalise the value
of Bank notes and coin,
I will not conceal from the Legislature, that it
was with feelings of reluctance, that my assent
was given to the acts granting Banking privily.r._
es, at the last session. These feelings were yiel
ded alone, iu consideration of the situation ot’our
rising western towns, aud increasing population.
If Banks afford any advaniages (0 communities,
it was believed to be fair atuj right, that those ad-
-vantages should be extended to tho peo; le. ii ev
ery section of the State, and not permit the mon
ied influence ol the country’ to be concentrated
for the exclusive advantage or depression of any
particular section. Ali legislation which gives
exclusive priviliges to capitalists, is calculated to
increase the power of tho rich; while the humble
members of society who are incessantly laboring
at their daily avocations for tho sustenance of
themselves aud lainilies, have neither time ntr
money to participate iu the profits aud ir-fluenco,
which are secured to banking aud other similar
corporate companies; and therefore have a j >st
right to complain of that government, wbi h lu
cre ases tho power of the rich at the expense of
till p <or. Equ-d‘protection and equal bene! ts,
are all tint the poor mau asks Iron* the govera-
m nt, • tt*l nothing less will,“or ought to satisfy
Fcdeial and State Governments should be kept
within the limits of their constitutional spheres of
action. Intolerable assumptions and usurpations
which will not yield to the ordinary influence of
reason and justice, must be checked by some
means; aud the power to accomplish this end,
must unquestionably reside iu the, rospeetivo
sovereignties. It is inconsistent with every prin
ciple of liberty and free government for the po
litical reserved- rights of «i State, to bo confided
to, or dependent on tho decision of any power tra
der lloavcn, except it be the will of her own peo
ple." \Y hen burthens become insufferable, tho
tirnp,.the mode and tho' measure of redress are
questions which must be determined by those who
feel themselves agrieved—and this brings us at
once to the questions which at this time agitate
the public mind.
The people of this'State have already, through
their primary assemblies, as well as by their Rep
resentatives in. Congress, aud the State Legisla
ture, repeatedly remonstrated aud protested a-
gr.iits £ the pratectivo Tariff system, and declared
their interminable hostility to”it. While the feel
ings of our people have been strong and urgent on
this subject, they have'nevertheless exercised a
!er the
prospect of relief being afforded, before endu
rance would becorao intolerable. \\ e have look
ed to tlie fina\ extinguishment of the public debt,
as the per.nd when wc should be relieved from
the bur’.hens of unequal taxation. And our hopes
■lave been strengthened and encouraged from tho
potriotic and independent course which has been
pursued by the present Executive of the United
States, in arresting by his veto, unconstitutional
measures of expenditure. This check upon the
extravagant measures of Congress has been well
calculated to strengthen the hope, that the Fed
eral Government might finally be brought back
to the principles of the constitution. Hitherto
wc have confided much in the republican doctrine,
that freedom of discussion would eventually give
to truth the victory over error; without consider
ing as wo ought, that exceptions must be made
where the majority believe it to be their interest
to decide erroneously. Rut whatever may have
bceu our anticipations, thus far it must be admit
ted, that our reasonable expectations have been
greatly disappointed, and that the burthen* of
which we complain have been hut partially alle
viated. Nevertheless, with these discouraging
facts before me, I still feci extreme reluctance at
tho idea of yielding up all hope of a peaceable
and satisfactory adjustment of these perplexed
and embarrassing questions, through the opera
tions of the constitutional authorities of th conn
try. The proceedings ofthe last session ct (011-
gfes/vrere io:eu with intense imcre«t andse - -
