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vast capital being subjected to the fluctuations of party politics —confided to agents, who as a general rule, will be changed every two years, in obedience to the utter ances of the ballot box, is preposterous and ridiculous in the extreme. It is only Railroad men who understand the conduct of these great works. Politicians, who aspire to Gubernational honors, know but little, if any thing, about it. How absurd, therefore, to place the Executive at the head of the Road—inexperienced and therefore disqualified—and expect him to manage it with skill and success. How unjust to him —how haz ardous to the interest of the people, to saddle him with so heavy a responsibility. Without disparagement to predecessors, it is believed that the Road has never been better managed, than it has been during the last two years. Economy and punctuality, in ever** de partment, have been enforced —not a dollar lost by de falcation—not a dollar recovered in litigation for dama ges which accrued within that period—but few and Might disasters from running off or collisions of trains — and yet the dissatisfaction and complaint, in certain quarters, are deep and loud. All, all demonstrating that the policy of severing it from Executive control, is absolutely imperative. I respectfully urge the Legisla** ture to do it, Under the resolution of the last Legislature, for that purpose, I appointed the Hon. John D. Stella Com missioner, ‘‘to proceed to the State of Tennessee, to pro cure the repeal of the law of that State, which subjects the Western and Atlantic Railroad to suits in her Courts, and to fix upon such terms of negotiation and reciprocity, as shall be acceptable to both States.” As the result of his mission, I herewith submit the Mes sage of the Governor of Tennessee, and the action of her Legislature upon the subject. You will perceive that they, by Resolution, authorized him to “appoint a Commissioner learned in the law, whose duty it shall be to confer with the Commissioner appointed by the Governor of Georgia, either here (in Nashville) or in the State of Georgia, upon the subject of the intercourse by Railroad between the two States, with instructions to report to the General Assembly of this State (Ten nessee) all the legislative action that has been had by the two States in reference to this matter, and also what further legislation, if any, is necessary to preserve the rights of the citizens of Tennessee, and to maintain our friendly relations.” After Mr. Stell returned, he surrendered his Commission, and I appointed William K. DeGrafFenried, Esq., in his stead, to complete the negotiation. The Governor of Tennessee appointed James A. Whitesides, Esq , under the resolution above quoted. These two gentlemen have had a meeting, but finding that the question of the jurisdiction of the Courts of Tennessee over the Wes'ern and Atlantic Railroad was made in the McClung case, then pending before her highest judioial tribunal, they considered it most prudent and respectful to await the decision, be fore proceeding with the negotiation; for the Court might determine the question in our favor, and thus end all trouble on this score. Butuur hope of so grati fying a result lias failed. I understand the Court has decided against us. Hence, if no satisfactory adjust ment between the two States can bo effected by nego tiation, it will devolve upon you to determine the course to be adopted. A lease or sale of that portion of the Road which is within the limits of Tennessee, would seem to suggest itself as the most natural remedy. Penitentiary. I refer you to the Report of the Principal Keeper for the operations of the Penitentiary. The statement ex* •hibits its present financial condition : ■”' J ’ am Ist Oct. 1555. RISS lURCES. To notes and Accounts $>23,276 03 •Os which are considered bad and doubtful, 2,602 27 $20,573 76 Cash, 2,807 80 $23,381 56 And the Liabilities are : Due Officers and Guard,... .$7,590 S9 “ Indi’ls, In’spr’s Debt.... 8,483 32 “ do B’k K’p’s “ 504 95 16,579 16 Resources over and above Liabilities, collectable, $6,802 40 To which add : Manufactured articles, in B. K’s Debt 6,747 90 Material on hand, PM Kp’r’s Debt 10,257 91 17,005 81 S23,SOS 21 Hence, it appears to have been managed with quite as ‘much ability and success, as under previous administra tions. Still, I feel constrained to say, what its whole his tory confirms, that it has, to a great extent, proved to be a failure. A brief glance at the causes, will point out the remedy. It is the duty of tlie Legislature to apply it promptly. The original design of the Institution was two-fold ; Ist, to substitute efficient punishment for crime, properly ad justed to its demerit, for the gallows, in the higher', and the application of the pillory arid whipping post to the lower, grades of offences ; and 2nd!y, by connecting la bour with confinement, to make it a self-sustaining sys te'.n. The first object has been s > far accomplished only, as to dispense with these engines of cruelty and barbar ism. _ But the Penitentiary has failed to answer the great ends of Punishment—reforming the criminal and deter ring others from crime. It never can answer these put . poses under its present organization. From the utter im possibility of preventing inter-communication between the convicts, and the absence of all classification of them, ac cording to the moral character of their respective offences the hope of reformation is unavailing—is vain and futile.’ It is rather a school, in which the villain learns to be more obdurate in his depravity, and he who is imprisoned for an offence, not involving the darker shades of turpitude loses the little self-respect remaining to him, by the ne cessary contact with his associates, and is thus ultimately robbed of this last trait of human redemption. The ex ceptions to this general remark, few and far between, con firm its truth. Hence, the Penitentiary ceases, to a great extent, to be a terror to evil doers It also fails to answer the other object of punishment—that of deterring others . -from violating the laws of the land. The loss of personal liberty, of the sweets of social life, and the necessity for constant toil and restraint upon the passions, should con stitute the terrors of imprisonment. But organized as it is, how feeble and impotent are these sanctions, under our system of Penitentiary confinement! It lias most sigaaliy failed to accomplish the second design of its formation—that of being a self-sustaining system. The proof of this is found in the large appro'* pnations, which the Legislature have been compelled, at >altn >st every session, to make for its support. These are .palpable causes—causes that meet the “eye of the most superficial observer—which render it impossible for it to pay its own expenses Its wall encloses only about two acres of ground ; is it to be expected, that one hundred and seventy-five men can be employe 1 profitably, upon so small an arena, in which it is impracticable to diversify •1 ibour ? It is locate 1 where materials for manufacturing cannot be obtained, without the payment of ruinous prices The question then arises, what is the remedy ? Re move it to another region of the State. Construct it upon ! a plan suffio eutly capacious to meet all the conditions re- C'Jired. So arrange its apartments as to classify the con • victs, according to the moral character of their offences and to secure absolute prohibition of all social intercourse’ among them. Locate it at a point where material of all kiuds can be procured cheaply, and build it of stone and iron. Now is a most favorable time to apply this indispensa >!e remedy. The present wall and buildings are all dila pret tted aud tottering, and they offer hourly temptation to tiiedevounng eiemem. Something must'be done, and y U)W ‘ 1(? present structures are incapable of. such repairs as will render them suitable for the purposes de sired. The whole concern must be rebuilt, if you intend to continue the institution and to make it what it ought to be. By removal, you can remedy another great evil. You can locate it at a point, at whioh, heavy operations in iron and stone may fiurnish employment for the Convicts, and thus dispense with the common branches of the mechanic arts. On this score the present system is most detrimen tal. So far from retarding, the State should so sliajSe her poliay, as to encourage industrious and honest men to en gage in them. But what is the effect of the present Pen itentiary system ? It degrades them, by turning loose annually a corps of graduated villains, half skilled and too depraved, in most instances, to perform according to their ability, who will work at reduced prices, and thus meet the honest mechanic with ruinous competition. In ar ranging a system of Penitentiary labour, this reform should not be disregarded ; but, situated as the institution now is, it is impracticable. In submitting this subject to your consideration, your attention is directed to the suggestions, under this head, contained in the Report of the “Finance Committee on the State of the Treasury, &c,” aud the Report of the Principal Keeper. Internal Improvements —Stale Aid. If we look to the geographical position of the State, it is not singular that she has taken the lead of her Southern sisters, in works of Internal Im provement. She occupies the gap between the Southern spur of the Alleghany mountains and the Atlantic, and is therefore the portal through which the travel and products of the great vallies of the West must find their transmit to the “highway of nations.” Such a position fixes upon her a heavy, but glorious responsibility, involving a mission for the future, worthy of the most comprehensive grasp of enlightened statesmanship. On the other hand, her varied and inexhaustible mineral and agricul tu al resources, afford a perpetual stifnulus and prompt, to constant efforts to secure the means of their development. Tnese considerations create a twofold obligation upon the Legislature; the one, to adjacent States —the other, to her own vast in ternal interests. Hence, to comprehend fully their legitimate scope of action, the Legislature should assume a lofty stand-point from which they can survey the whole field. Holding in her hand the key which opens the Atlantic to the West, the State should so use her power, as to force, by a com pulsion mutually advantageous, the travel and pro duce which seek the ship to become tributary to her own wealth, prosperity and greatness. Looking to this, as the light to guide her general policy, she should likewise, as the proximate motive of action, keep in view the development of her natural resour ces, and the advancement of the people, in all the elements of the highest and best civilization.— Hence, the paramount necessity of well defined and well regulated system, in our scheme of Internal Improvement. It does not follow, that a charter for a railroad must be granted, as a matter of course when asked. An enlightened Legislature, com prehending fully the system, its design, and what is best calculated to advance the general welfare, will inquire whether the. charter asked, is in harmo ny with that system, what will be the bearings of its connexions without the State, what its effect in developing our resources, and what its relation to other works under which large interests have be come, or are likely to become, involved and vested ? The system in Georgia, though in its infancy, is yet suffic ently advanced to indicate the ultimate shape which it is likely to assume. On her eastern border she has three points which have formed and are seeking to form connexions with the various sec tions, internal and external, whose productions will foster their growth and prosperity. These poiftts are Augusta, Savannah, and Brunswick. The two former arc connected by Roads completed, with Tennessee and Alabama ; and the latter possessing a harbor unsurpassed by any on the Atlantic coast, putli of the Chesapeake and flanked by an exteiv sive territory, covered oy tne trest~pmu uimt ta cn> world, and of wonderful agricultural fertility, seeks a connexion with the vast, region that skirts the Gulf of Mexico. In a word, these three cities form the basis of our system, and the lines through the State, which connect or propose to connect them, with her own great divisions within, and exhaustless feeders without, constitute its framework or skeleton. Its symmetrical completion should both define and limit the policy of legislative action. It will be most speedily accomplished by private capital, aided by the loan of State credit. Such charters, and such only, as may be required for neccessary intermedi ate connections and facilities, should be granted, to fill out the system ; and these should be construct ed by unaided private capital. But to complete the skeleton of the system, so as to extend an arm into each of the grand geographical sections or divisions of the State, she may, with propriety and wisdom, lend her credit, under securities and guarantees, which will place her beyond the contingency of ul timate liability and loss. To that extent the Leg islature may go; but to that extent only should it go, and with well considered caution and well guard ed prudence. The direct appropriation of money or subscrip tion for Stock by the State, to aid in the construc tion of railroads, is considered to be unwise and in expedient. Its tendency is to emasculate private enterprise, by removing the necessity of self-reli ance. It will complicate the State with individual interests, which experience teaches to be dangerous to the public welfare. It will increase the State debt, and consequently create a necessity for bur densome taxation. The construction of the Western & Atlantic Rail Road, by the State, is regarded, both as a pre cedent and an argument in favor of direct appro priations, in aid of internal improvements. But it ceases to be forcible, in either point of view, when we consider the circumstances which prompted that project. At that time, there was not a rail road in Georgia. Private capital refused to be thus invested, because experiment had not shown either the practicability or profitableness of such works.— Besides, the region which it penetrates, though abounding in agricultural and mineral fertility, is mountainous and difficult of access.- It was social ly and phisicaliy severed from the lower region of the State and advantageous markets for the pro ducts of its industry. On the one hand railroad en terprise needed the stimulus of example: and en the other, the North-west was incapable of develop ment by private capital. Hence, the State embark ed in the enterprise ; and if no other advantage shall ever be realized, the enhanced value of the lands of Cherokee Georgia amply remunerates the State for the outlay, and vindicates the farsighted wisdom of its projectors. The justification of the State was the necessity of the case; but where the necessity does not exist the reason for the policy does not obtain. But viewed in another light, the building of the Western & Atlantic Rail Road by the State does furnish a sound reason why sections may ask, with propriety, her fostering aid, in the form of a loan of her credit. That work cost not less than -*55,000,000. The region through which it runs was then very sparsely populated, and conse quently contributed a comparatively small portion of the expense of its construction. Middle and ! Southern Georgia bore the tax ; they bore it gener ously and patriotically. It is therefore, not arrogant nor unreasonable to ask, in return, such aid from the State, as will develope other sections and brin them within reach of advantageous markets. The request would come with the force of an appeal to the magnanimity of those, who are the special ben eficiaries of this large State beneficence, to practice the spirit of enlightened reciprocation. There are those, whose patriotism and intelligence are enti tled to great respect, who earnestly advocate the policy o’ the State aiding works of internal improve- ment, by issuing her Bonds for a sufficient amount per mile, to purchase the rails, to all Rail Road com panies which shall have completed the grading, &c. of their respective Roads, and made them ready for laying the superstructure. But I regard it. wild and hazardous, and the adoption of such a measure, as the worst calamity that could be inflicted upon the State. If there could possibly be any necessities which would justify it, they certainly do not exist in Georgia. Railroad enterprise, with us, does not need stimulation, but rather wholesome and judi cious direction. Such a system as that, however, would multiply those works —or attempt to con struct them—indefinitely ; and the sequel would be a crushing State debt, impaired State credit, ruin ous depreciation of State Stocks, and general par alysis in all the departments of business and labor. States, like individuals, will retard their progress if they endeavour to advance too rapidly. A system of internal improvements should be rather a growth, developed and gradually matured by the action of the laws of social and commercial progress, than the artificial result of restless, impatient, and ill guided, but well-meant legislation. Let us shun both Scylla and Charibdis and move cautiously through the strait beetwen the two extremes. Banks — Atlanta — Central — Darien. The various Banks of the State have promptly made their reports, from time to time, under Exec utive proclamation, issued in obedience to the law regulating that subject. By the exhibits made, those institutions seem to be sound and healthy. Still, the Legislature cannot be too vigilant, in their examinations, or too stringent in restraining them within the limits of their respective charters. New charters should be granted with caution, and only at points where the interests of trade require an in crease of Banking capital and facilities. Created sci reference to such demand, they are pubi c con veniences, otherwise they are mere brokerages and .shaving shops, and being compelled to realize their (profits by other means than the appropriate busi ness of Ba-nking, they become engines of ruthless oppression and lawless usury—grindingthe faces of the necessitous and waging a guerrilla warfare up on the safer and better institutions of the State. Ihe practice seems to have obtained of late, with some Banks, of sending their issues to distant States, not seeking nor desiring a home circulation. As yet, it is not known, that material injury has resulted, but that it is violative of the correct prin ciples of Banking, is not to be doubted. It. is equal ly certain that their ultimate failure will bring re proach and dishonor upon the State. Hence, it would be well for the Legislature to investigate the extent, character and policy of these distant opera tions. Are they not hazardous to the financial welfare of the State ? Are they not inconsistent with collect Banking principles? Are they not against the reason and spirit which prompted the Legislature to charter them ! Is if not had policy for the General Assembly of Georgia, virtua'ly to establish Banks for other States, although nominal ly located within our limits l These are grave questions. lam ri6t prepared to say what ought to be the effect, it investigation should furnish an af hrmative answer to them. That it would disclose a tearful evil is certain, but whether it is within the reach of legislative remedy, consistent with char tered franchises, can only be determined by the facts developed. If such disclosures should amount, to a fraud upon |he intentions of the Legislature, in gianting the charter, or show a misuser of the chaiters, by perversion to purposes, not contempla ted by their croation, the remedy is plain. The whole subject is respectfully submitted, and if noth ing more valuable result from its discussion, it will, at least, in ulcate tne salutary lesson, that hereafter they shall be granted upon such terms and restric tions as will prevent the evil. In compliance with a resolution of the last Leg islature, 1 appointed L. E. Bleckley, Esq., Solicitor General of the Coweta Circuit, to inquire into and report the circumstunces attending the organiza tion oi the Atlanta Bank, and also its mode and places oi transacting business. He performed the duty with ability and neatness. It was a laborious service, not necessarily appertaining to his office, and therefore it is but justice that the Legislature should make an appropriation for his liberal com pen- La examining the Resort. I did not deem the irreguTarutEß, m she of A„” or tlie pliice and mode of its transactions, to be of such a character as to work a forfeiture of charter, and ilicrefore, I have not caused judicial proceed ings to be instituted for that purpose. It is, how ever, herewith submitted, that yoa may take such action in the premises as you may deem proper and expedient. In obedience to Executive order, to turn over the assets, of every description, of the Central Bank, eithei in ms hands or those of Attorneys or Agents to two or more suitable Attorneys or Agents,"the 1 reasurer, on the 15th of July, 1854, entrusted “the same to William L. Mitchell, Esq., and Janies N. Bethune, Esq.. with full power to collect, compro imsc or dispose of, upon an agreement that they should retain one half of the amounts realised, as compensations for their services. These assets were in great confusion-, consisting of Notes. Bills of Exchange, returned as insolvent, Attorneys re ceipts and fi has, endorsed “Nulla bona,” scattered o\6i the entiie extent ot tne State. The amount was $312,650 63. As yet, but fittlelias been collected, and it is quite certain, that the ulti mate loss, on this score, must be very large. The indebtedness of the Bank, exclusive of her out standing'Bonds, is about $36,140 00. It is hoped, that sufficient may be realized from these assets, to pay,this liability but the hope is not founded upon such data as to make it confident. From the known energy of the gentlemen entrusted with them, all tnat can, will be accomplished. For accurate in formation, as to the amount, thus far collected, you are respectfully referred to the report of the Treas urer. The Commission to settle the claims of the cred itors of the Darien Bank upon she State, under an act of the last General Assembly, approved, Feb ruary 14th, 1854, performed the duty assigned them The IWEIi H. Baxter, not accepting, William L. Mitchell, Esq., was appointed in his stead The Hon. Walter T. Colquir. and Richard H. Clark, Esq., were appointed as attoineys to represent the State before the Commissioners. Early, however, in the progress of the investigations, the former depxrted this file, whereby the labor and responsibility were devolved upon the Latter. It ts but a tribute of justice to bear testimouy to the signal ability and success with which he performed the duty assigned him. By his diligence, industry and legal research, he doubtless saved the State many thousand dol lars. The award of the Commissioners was ap- I pealed from to the Superior Court of B Baldwin coun try, and thence, the questions of law were* carried by Writ of Error, to the Supreme Court. The ulti mate liability of the State, including compensation to Commissioners, Counsel fees and Court cosfs was only $48,500. By authority of the act under which the proceedings were had, this amount was paid, with the proceeds of State Bonds, sold at par dated July Ist, 1855, ten years after date, at the city of Savannah. Public Printing. The publication and distribution of the Laws and Journals of the last Legislature were not accom plished until after the time required by the law reg ulating the duty of the Public Printer. This af ford s the second, of two successive instances, show ing the absolute necessity of requiring this woik to be perfermed at the Seat of Government. r rh e act of the 16th of February, 1854, clothes the Exec utive with enlarged power over the subject and under proper circumstances, it might be exercised with advantage. But there were considerations connected with the delinquency of the late Public Printer which induced forbearance. Ruder that act, if the delav, in the delivery of the Laws and Journals, go beyound six months, the Executive is authorized to remove him from office and appoin a successor. Ere the expiration of s’x months, how ever, the public printer had the misfortune to lose ; by fire, almost the entire edition of the House Jour nal. Soon after that the city of Savannah wag visited by the Yellow Fever and he fell an early victim, leaving the work unfinished and the office vacant. Messrs. Boughton, Nisbet &, Barnes, of the Federal Union press, were ap pointed to re-produce the requisite number of co pies of the burnt Journal, and they executed the work with great fidelity and despatch. However sad the leasons for the delay in this instance, and however ,iaiJ they may go; to remove the censure which the public mind, under other circumsiances would visit upon the delinquent, it does not weak en the reason for requiring the work to be done hereafter at the Seat of Government. There is still another and unanswerable argu ment in support of such requisition. The 9th sec tion of the act referred to, very properly, requires the Compiler to read, the proofs of the Laws and carefully c >mpare them with the enrolled Acts. Those acts cannot be removed, with propreity, from file in the office of Secretary of State. Hence, ! the exceeding inconvenience, almost impracticabil ! its, of thus reading and comparing the proofs. I | therefore, earnestly recommend, that, whoever may be the Public Printer or wheresoever resident, he shall be required, by law and the termsof his Bond, to execute the work in tho city of Milledgeville. It will secure dispatch, accuracy and fidelity. A large amount of the expense of this branch of the public service may be saved, without detriment. The law requires the publication of 4000 copies of the Journals of each House ; whereas, 2000 cop | ies of each would be a most ample supply. It is well known that the Journals, in most cases, are deposited with the Clerks of the Courts of the sev eral counties and are piled away unappropriated to mould or rot or waste. It also requires 5000 cop ies of the Laws, whereas 2500 would be sufficient. Why continue the useless expense of so man}’ cop ies of the Laws and Journals'? Under this head, there may be a still further reduction of the ex pense, by printing the Journals in smaller type, — By the change, in these two respects, several thou sand dollars may be saved to t the Treasury, without any detriment to the public interest. I therefore recommend the publication of 2000 instead of 4000 copies of each of the Journal, and 2500. instead of 5000 copies of the Laws—the Journals in Long Primer, instead of Small Pica type. The margin al notes to the Laws are almost useless; they may well be dispensed with, and thus save another very considerable item of expense. A still greater saving may be effected by letting the Public Printing to the lowest bidder under sealed proposals, to be opened and the contract a warded, on a specified day, by the Executive. I therefore recommend adoption of this plan of selecting the Public Printer. Fidelity and despatch may be secured by responsible Bondsmen, and the continuance of the powers of th Executive over the subject with which he is clothed by the exist ing laws. Mr. Chapman received on account of print ng the Laws and Journals the following sums, to-wit : As an advance by Legislative authority SO,O >0 00 Under Execvtive Warrant n, yo 00 Freight on Journals properly char eable to hiui i()0 00 Paid J. M. Cooper &, Cos. to lift lien for binding Laws... 1,137 00 Amount in the aggregate to $18,237 00 For the work performed by l.iin, according to au estimate made by Geo. Ringland and Win. Barnes, pract cal printers, at the request of the Executive, he was entitled to receive $ 13,749 80, showing an over payment of $‘4,487 20. The estimate is bas ed on what he would have been entitled to, accord ing to the rates of compensation fixed by law prior to the act of 16th February, 1854. He should be held down to those rates, on account of his failure to perform the work according to C( ntract, a faith ful compliance with which only entitled him to the increased compensation provided for by that act.— If, however, he should be considered as deserving, under the circumstances, the rates of compensation provided for by that act, ho would then be entitled to receive for the work done by him the sum of $16,172 00, which, deducted from the $'18,237 00, which he actually received, shows an over payment still of $2,065 00. For the one or the other of these amounts of over payment, according as the Legislature shall hold him to the rates ot compen sation of the old or the new law, his securities are responsible to the State. Under this view of the subject, it is respectfully submitted to the Genceal Assembly to determine whether, under the circum stances, they will direct suit to be brought upon the Bond of the State Printer. The Sent of Government. The question of the removal of the Seat ol Government ha been agitated, from time to tune, for many years. The last Legislature, impres-ed with the impor tance of its final settlement, referred it to the legal voters of the State, and required them to end'-r.-e on their tickets “removal” or “no removal,” and “if to be removed,where ” The following is the official vote, on the fir.-t Monday in October last, according to the official return* on file in the Executive Department: No Removal 49,781; Removal to Atlanta, 29,3.17; to Macon, 3,809; to Thomasville, 1: to Savannah, 93; to Marietia, 4; to Gordon, 1; to Fort Val ley, 1; to Griffin, 313; to Waynesborough, 1; to Rome, 4; to Madison, 5; to Stone Mountain, 4; to Indian Springs, 2; to Sandersville,s; to Barnesvtlle, 1; to HootensvilleJ; to Augu-ta, 1; to Clarkesville, 1; to St. Simon’s Liaud.’l; to Lumpkin, 1; removal to no place designated,9s2; scat tering, 14. The aggregate vote upon the question of re moval is 84,326, ot which 49,781 were for “no removal,” and but 31,515 for removal to all other places. Hence, ’it appears, that the majority for “no removal'’ over all others, is 15,216. The Gubernatorial vote, at the late election’, was about 104,250, showing that there were about 19,705 legal voters who did not vote on the question of Removal. Hence, if it be a fair construction, a* it would seem to be that their failure to vote is expressive of their contentment with Milledgeville as the seat of Government, it isevident that the popular will is overwhelmingly opposed t > its re moval. It the Legislature should concur in this view, then it is due to the public as well as the citizens of Milled*'©’ ville, that you should, at once, by decisive action, put a quietus to the further agitation of the question. Not the least efFctual mode oi accomplishing this object, will be to make necessary repairs and additions to vour pub ic build ings. The State House should be repaired and suitably en larged. The square should be graded, cleared of the Ar senal, Magazine and the four Churches, upon just compen sation to the lespective denominations, set vvitli shade trees and enclosed by substantial iron fence. The Executive’ Mansion, also, should be thoroughly r paired and refurnish ed, and the lot surrounded with an iiou enclosure By resolution of the last Ses-ion, I was “reque-ted to ‘ furnish to each branch of the Legislature, the amount of ‘ the original cost of the public buildings at M liedgeville ! exclusive of the Penitentiary and Lunat e A y uin arid ‘ what amount is necessary to so repair them as to make I them suitable forthe purposes ‘or which they were intend I ed ” This resolution passed just at the close ot the session I and consequently could not be re-ponded to, before its ad-’ j journrnent. lam unable, even mnv, t< give a full reply j As far as can be ascertained, the public buildings, inelud ! ing State House, Executive Mansion, and out houses the I Arsenal and Magazine, have cost, first and last, about I S3' ! 0,000 00. I have engaged Messrs. Sho 1&, Fay, pro- j lessional Architects, to furnish information on the second ! I branch of the resolution. They have already submitted to j j me a rough sketch of the additions and improvements to 1 the State House which are necessary; and they authorize ■ me to say, that the whole can be completed lor $125,000 to ! 150,000. They are now engaged in making the necessary drawings and estimates of the expense; and at an early day, they will be ready for transmission to the Legislature. The State House is entirely unprotected against°the rav ages of fire. You should author ze the construction of a i large cistern on either side, and the purchase of a Fire En gine. T his precaution is highly important, and, cost what it may, it will be wise and p evident economy. Annual Sessions. I recommend a return to annual Sessions of the General Assembly. The growing and diversified interests of the i fctate require it The people, in a popnl r government, ■ should every yea r , have thsir minds specially directed to’ the principle-on which it is based an j ?hould be conduc- I ted, apd by their representatives, review its administration. i Nothing will so effectually entoice responsibility upon its j officers of every g-ade, from the highest to the lowest I l ar from being an evil, annual elections are important; I they interest the masses m the politics of their country, and they become enlightened by the di-cn&dons they provoke Ihe executive term begins arid ends, with the legislative and consequently, both Governor and Legislature enter ! U P°” their respect ve departments without much knowledge of the duties they require The Legislature adjourns and : leaves the government in the hands of the Executive- his term expires at the assembling of the next, and no oppor tunity is afforded to review his conduct, until after he has retired from office. The remedy for this is a return to an nual fusions But the duration of the Session should be limned by the Constitution. COTTON STATEMENTS. § §:?c |g ?p ■£= X Stoct 3.1 i § -."ini fH on , i|s 22 3 X hand week r*-Sii.S ES .* :8S- 3 I this ending g “ Nov. 4, 1— J j * - 1855 - ! 524 4645 3181936164 465715186 198-13 16932 (Tint** mil) Smlitul. COLUMBUS, GEORGIA. ~ WEDNESDAY; MORNING, NOV, T EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE. Georgia Legislature. Milledoeville, Nov. 5, 1855. SENATE. The Senate organized at 10 o’clock, to-day, by calling Cone of Bullock, to the Chair. The roll was then called and the oath of office administered by Judge Powers. On motion of Murphy of DeKalb, the Senate then pro ceeded to elect a President. The names of D. J Bailey ot Butts, and A. J. Miller of Rich nond, were put in nomina tion. Upon counting out ihe ballots, it was ascertained that Bailey had received 70 votes and Miller 34 votes. Mr. Bailey was conducted to the Chair, and in a neat and ap propriate address, accepted the honor conferred upon him. On motion of Cone, of Bulloch, the Senate then pro ceeded to elect a Secretary. The names of P. H. Colquitt, of Muscogee, and L. J. Glenn, of Fulton, xvete put in nomination. Open counting out the ballots, it was ascer tained that Colquitt bad received 73 votes, and Glenn 34 votes, and Blank 1 vote. Mr. Colquitt was declared duly elected, and took tho oath ol office. John Weems, of Wilkes, was appointed assistant Secretary, and J. AV. Dun can, of Baldwin, Journalizing Clerk. Jno. L. Wilson, of DeKalb, was elected Messenger. He is a lawyer by pro fession. The Senate adjourned without electing a Door keeper. Afternoon Session. —The Senate met after dinner, aad after several balloting.*, elected Allred, of Picken ß , Door keeper. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House was organized by calling Phillips, ol Haber sham to the Chair After the members were sworn, the House proceeded to elect its permanent officers. For Speaker, William H. Stiles, ol Chatham, received 86 votes, John Milledge, of Richmond, 47 votes, Irwin, of Wilkes, 1 vote, and blank 4 votes. Mr. Stiles was declared duly elected, and upon being conducted to the Chair, accepted the honor conferred upon him with characteristic urbanity and eloquence. For Clerk, Alexander Speer, of Bibb, re ceived 81 votes, Charles G. McKinley, of Cow’eta, G 6 rotes. Mr. Speer was installed in office by taking the usual oath. Wm. II Hunt, of Cobb, has been appointed assistant Clerk. Jesse Oslin, ol Cobb, was elected Messenger over a host of opponents. Ibe House adjourned for dinner, without electing a Door keeper. Afternoon Session. —The House m**t alter dinner. After several ballotings elected Mori is of Floyd, Door-keeper. The elections so far, have been conducted with entire harmony, and have resulted in the selection of first-rate officers. It is proper to remark, that Irwin, of Wilke.*, | was not a candidate lor Speaker. He had hosts of friends in the House who tendeied him their support, but he per j emptorily declined to allow his name to be used in tha | connection. I In the list of members published by you, the name of ; Pope nl Wilkes, is recorded in italics, to indicate that ho i* a Know-Nothing. We are very happy to inform you that he is nut a member of the order. Pleas* publish this correction. The grand rally of the party will come off on Thursday or Friday. Messrs. Cobb, Stephens, Seward, Colquitt o Baker, and other leading men are already here. Iverson and Toombs.are expected by Wednesday. The principles ol the Platform ol the June Convention met with univer sal f.ivor, and will be embodied in substance in the Resolu tions of the meeting, with the approbation of all the wings ol the party. The conviction is general, that the time has come for the South to take firm and decided action on the slavery question, and to cut off fiom the Democratic party its rotten lungi. There is the largest collection of people in Milledgeville, ever seen. Notwithstanding ;the erection o f the New Mo tel, there is very great difficulty in obtaining accommoda tions. The Editorial fraternity is well represented. AVe have had the pleasure of meeting Gardner of the Constitution alist, if Republic , Howard of the Intelligencer, Hilton of the Journal If Courier, and Sneed of the Savannah Re publican. The Democratic portion of them are in excel lent spirits and as smiling as a ba.-ket of chips. Tney have all done their whole duty during the exciting canvass just closed. From the Savannah Republican. ARRIVAL OF THE STEAMSHIP BALTIC. Decline of Cotton—Financial Matter*-—Further Suc cess of the Allies. Nf.w York, Nov. 3. Jin* Baltic has :urived, with Liverpool dates to the ’ being one week latir. Commercial- The L'verpool cotton market has dt dined 1 16 to Jd. Sales of the w’eek 54.000 bales, ol which speculators to*.k 5,000 and exporters 4,000. Fair Orleans is quoted at 6$ ; Middling at 5 9 16 ; Pair Uplands, 5-| ; Middling ss. Money is stringent. The Bu>k of England has advan ced the rate of interest to 6 percent, and n long b l!s to 7. Great alarm is ft It in commercial circles, and a pa nic is feared. Consols for money were quoted at 87. The restrictive measures of the Bank of France .are* telling upon almost every branch of trade. The Rothschilds are about to establish on Austii.ii Bank ot credit, with a capital of $60,000,000. Breadstuff's have slightly advanced. Ohio flour was selling at 455. ; Canal at 425. White Wheat at 12. 6*l. Red, 12s. White Guru *lss. Yellow, 435. Provisions unchanged. From the Seat of War. The allied expedition which it was supposed had gone to Odesa, lias captured Kiubutn, an important p<>stti>-n at the rnoulh ol the river Dnieper and in the rear of Per. lo p. The Allies were concentrating their lines from Eupa toria, Kinburn, Kerstch, and the B lidar Valley, with the view ot cutting off ilie Russian forces. Their advanetd p sis were already within five leagues of Bactheserai, and the 11 us.-iaiis were retiring, li was believed that Bipratuii would defend the Balbvk. A batije was anticipated on the 3rd. The North side of Sevastopol has been placed in a state to support a 6eige. Taman and Phanagora, on the strait of Kerstch, have been destroyed by the Allies. City Light Guards, Attention l APPEAR at your A-moryon Thursday Evening next, at half past 7P. M. A punctual attendance is re quired, as business of great impoitance will belaid before the meeting. By order of the Captain. novfilt COW FEED! COW FEED ! ONE DIME PER BUSHEL! For a short time, in order to reduce our File !! WE are seUing bran at 60 cents per hunted pound.-, which is less than 10 cents per bushel, and-Sntvrts at 80 ct nts per hundred. Keep vour cows fat. No excuse at such prices Where 1000 lb? at a time *re taken, we wl-1 sell at 50 cents .'or Bra i and 70 cents lor Shorts. Meal 70 certs per bushe’ no\.6—wuw.tf. Winter’ll Jfilli.