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C-ke lUtrc ©trass -Reporter.
_! . . . - ...■-• •, - _ * “ * _ _-, t.i
VOIA'MK I.
THE WIHE-tIItASS REPORTER.
PtTBIJSHKP TUESDAY MOItMNG.3, BY
LOVE cfc HALL.
FKTER K. I,OVK, | WILLIAM 11. HALL.
PETIAt •EILOVD, Editor.
.ii . r-'Tri
TERMS:
Tho Wikr-Okass Reporter i* ptiblinhod Week
ly at Two DOLLARS por-mmum, in ailraure.
All orders-for the liFI'ORTER, to receive attention
maetbe aeeoinpimieA witli the money.
Su'oncrihers wishing the direction of their paper
changed, will notify us from What office it is to be
transferred.
The foregoing terms will be strictly observed.
Advertisements conspicuously inserted t On*
Dollar per square lor the first, and Flty Gents for
each subsequent, insertion. Tbjpise. sent without a
Specification of the number of insertions, will lie jmli
lished until or dered out. and cKargcd accordingly.
Bales of Land and Negroes, bv Administrators,
Executors, or Guardians, are required by law to be
held on the fust Tuesday in tho month, between the
hotrsof ten in the forenoon and three in the nfter
hoon, at the Court bouse in the county in which (he
property is situate. Notices of these sales must be
given in a public gazette FORTY days previous to
the day of sale.
Ifol ices for the sale of Personal Property, must be
gives at least VKS DAYS previous to the day of sale.
Notice to Debtors and Creditors of an Estate must
be published FORTY DAYS. ,
Notice that application will be made to the Court
of Ordinary for leave’ to sell Land or Negroes, must
be published weekly for two months.
Citations for Letters of Administration, must he
publ'nihed thsely lisys fiai-Dismiagioii from Adniinis-
Seation, mtntUiy for sir. mouths —for Dismission from
Guardian fort/)
Rules for Foreclosure of Mortgage must be pub
lished monthly for four months— for establishing lost
papers,/or the full spurn vf-thrcr months —'for ctirrrpt+-
liog titles from Executors or Administrators, where
a bond has been given by the deceased, the full space
three months.
Publications will always be continued according to
. these requirements, unless otherwise ordered.
All business in the line of Printing will meet
with prompt attention at the Effort lu Office.
( Law Firm.)
HARRIS & HARRIS.
Ivensox T,’ ITakius, rOiiAhi.Es J. Harris,
MUledgeville, Ga. | Xhomasville, (!.
inarch 31 w ts
Ktabt. S. Birch Ac William tlrl.ciulon,
ATTORNEYS AT LAW,
THOMAS! ILL E, f'EOKOIA
octl4 19 tvnv
Hiker a iiii wf i
ATTORN EXS AT LAW,
Tronpcitk, Lowndes Cos., Oil.
vpt i5 w_ tr
_ * . ftyiiriiL b. sn;x( kb,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
THOMA^VIf.T.K, GKORGIA. *
WILL give his entire attention to the practice es
I.JIW, in the Comities-of the .Southern Circuit. —
Offico on the second floor of 1). &. K.- McLean's
brick bundlin'. t .(jan2jjoy
“:1V K. c 7 IfcOKGAN,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
AM SHEIU.E. cr.OTUHA. *
WILL prantiiM* in ttyt? cSwujHfh t’ the 8011 tlirrn Cir
cuit,uml tliH GotmtifH hl’ l>tlv, Wortir nml Ihmuli
erty df tho Macon,'Hivl OofTW*, Clinch ttiul* \Yim*
es the BrrtuKWii*k Circuits.
Flat Crock. Ga.. Out. 7. ts
T j. it tm'im bii.
Attorney nnd Counsellor nl haw,
AND sof.icmm TN (.'ITAXCKIIT,
7 IIDM 1 A I’ILL E, ‘ (I EOIKILI.
WILL practice his profession in the Courts of
South-western (tei.ruiW ityd specially in the comities
es Lowndes, Thomas, HcciUJir nnd linker.
dec!)—tf - -A
~l>r. WLL II.” til ALB,, “
TKXDEBB his Proses i : 1 services to tin* citizens
of Thomiißvilli- nn.l ; ■ ■
formerly occupied hy A. 11. 1 funscll —Office, next
<loi\r below. [nptS2j
li*. Si HI i; L 12. IVIEEIAJIS,
HAVING 1U Thf.miißville rrfprrtfiilly tm
<iurs hi* jmdVfjeiuiiril serricos to tho citizen* ol
ThmtriKvillo mi'l vicinity. lit* may Ui\jonn<l ;it the
Offln* of Dr. S. S. Adftdift. I i.>;!:*(.y
(Ifc/iirin l'rad ice.)
I*. *. ISOWSOI?, 13. 11.,
OT 1 FICUS liio Prnh i-vi,vf;nl services tn Umeitizens ot
Thom,isvilkv. ami \ ieinity. “ CiiUk nt nil hours
pronrptly attended to. (fehotf
Drs. H. I*. A K. O. AR.\OL3),
THOM ASVIL T. E, (TE ( I It CIA.
g*VA.J.-rrW WE have piu vl.aM il the lA'Kiilrnee
of 1 )r. Wl .T. llrtiee wj.ere one of m>
I” in, i_v always, be found. Tooth Pow
ders and Wash, alway s mi baud. fjnlyir>-tI
CaiTTiigps. Bninrips nm! Wiiytins,
MVM I'AJ TI HKI) to OItDER, 1!V
JOSEPH TOOK IN fUO.V & CO.,
AT THE HOUSTON CAEBIAGE FACTOEY,
Houston County, Ueorgiti,
work fully cnaranteed.
jnnetfllov] ‘ ISAAC WPNTKR, Agent.
i\ ‘<L • ‘ ‘ .
I,ICENSEJ) AUCTIONE t R.
THOM ASV ILL E, (IF. ORIS lit.
WILL SKI.L on every ’ Saturday, and on the first
Tuowlny in every month, GOODfi of every de
oeriptinn, entrusted to him for rale. .
jjly Ti • ~*7. ■ - oy
C- ill. IIARRIN, .
(jfnrnl Cwunlissioß Mpi’.diaul,
Foot of Monk Street'Brunswick, (1 a.
Adams House.
THIS ertahlirhinonf is iiirw pernia- n j
neiitly opened for the accouiniudn ’
(ion of tho pnhlie. KviWy convenience [jfltvi
ha* been provided lor hoarders and Iran- ‘Mil :Sm
*iont eiivtnmerK; and the proprletnr flt>-
der* hfiMHntt that lie is now aide to giv<i<4hc utmoet
ratysfaecinii. GpHHOLD, Proprietor.
Tlimiiiißville, 00.. March 24, 1807.tf
.-. r -r-ity .. “ t ■- ; ■ -
Laud Office.
n A VINO opened an OfiicdTn Thomnsville, (In.,
we will buy any Land* in Southern Oenreie, at
renotuiMe^prie 1’, ,/ir (o ll l.iind* for the owners oil
enniniissinli. \Ye will also report the value ol Lands
ow ned by person* ot a distance tor a fair compensa
tion. pencil A'TfITt.KNT'ON,
Roirr. 8. Britrn, 1 Thonunsrille, (la.
W. McLixuex. y May 2fi, ISsfi. fun
Bank Agency.
THE subscriber hn been appointeiiAeont for thfl
fiaiik of Kavsmmli at this plaw, Hud is prepar
*>’. to liisemiat. Pills of luxcludurc. Drafts, Ac.;
and bas Tor sSle I’ln-ets on New York.
jolyflY) KpW.tKD KIiMINGTON.
WOKRIS STEWERT,
rrofysaor of music will ftive friyate lessana to the
citizen* of Thortitfvilhynid npoifthe Piano,
Meledeon, OniUtr. Flute. Violin, and Yiolnil’cello.—
lie msr he found at Fletcher Institute from 9 a. to. to
It- Pianos tuned. (oqtUOoy
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, )
MILLEDOKVIU.K'fiF.OIIUIA, >.
Novqtnber sth, 1357. )
Fellow Vitzicns of the Senate
anti House of litprc.tcrifalt fes :
I feel that it is not a mere matter of form,
that lain required by tho Constitution, .to
address’ to 3 - ou this communication. Charg
ed, as I liave been, for the last four yoars,
with the administration of the State Govern
ment and. the execution of its laws, experi
ence has. taught me the grave responsibility
of the Executive office.'-* Fnmiliar, as I have
learned to be, with the condition, the resour
-eos, tho wauts and prospects of the fitate, 1
trust,l have spine appreciation of the duties
of the Legislature and of the momentous
consequences that hang upon your delibera
tions: You hold in your hands the interest
and weal of a great State ; great in the
growing civilization, which her intelligence
ami enterprise have achieved ; tfnd greater
still, in the proud destiny that awaits her, if
we prove true to ourselves and I lie mission
committed to us. Inspired with the spirit of
patriotism, may wisdom guide your delibera
tions, and the accomplishment of"” the great
est good to the greatest number” crown all
your actions. _
You have but little to do with the past,
save to scrutinize the conduct of your public
servants, and hold them to a strict account of
their stewardship, Jt4s your .•delicate task
to look to the future, and provide, for .the
wants and circumstances which.it may dc
velop. It is my province to aid you, by
such reflections and suggestions as my favor
able position for observation, may enable me
to commend to youceonsideration. .
The service naturally arranges itself into
two geiierab divisions. You must have cor
rect information of the real condition of the
Commonwealth; you ought to have proper
conceptions of iis wants. To the best qf
-iiiy-biinible ability, 1 have addressed myself
to these two objects, ns succinctly as possible,
I herewith transmit the Report of the Fi
nance Committee, appointed by the Execu
tive, under legal authority, from which yon
will learn the financial operations of t he ‘gov
ernment, fir the year 185(5, together with the
ciHHiitioii at the time, of their investigation,
of the ‘ Treasury,’ the ‘ Penitentiary,’ the
‘ Western .amLAJLhiulicJluiitmd.’ the .• Luna
tie Asylum,’ the ‘Asylum for the Deaf ami
I>umb,’ and the ‘Georgia. Academy for the
Blind.’ I also traipkmit the Report of the
Treasurer, for the financial years 185 G and
1857,fr0m which it appears that the avails
bio balance on the 20th ult., wa5553,717.0(5.
AH the-liabilities of the .State have been,
promptly met. At the closc-of tbo'last fiscal
year, the public debt was $3,033,722.22. —
The bonds issued under the act of December,
1815, to extend the Western and Atlantic
Railroad, (in juinou fit *_S-125,500.00,} have all
been redeemed—-A L00,0U0.00 since the last
session of tho General Assembly—•by funds
remitted to tho ‘l ieasury by the. Road, under
the sllt section of the act of 12lli January,
1852. 1 suggest-the. importance of rcinstat
lug The of 875,000, as provided
for by the act of February 11th, 1351, to be
set apai t annually for the ■•--reduction of the
public debt. %
By reference, to .the Report of .llie Comp
trnhi” I ienerl, hero with trausmittejL you will
find several -amendments recommended to lie
made ttrA lie -Tax Laws, 7 to w Ittrh, -wit lion I
again enumerating them, 1 invite your special
attention. Many of them are suggested by
experience and are necessary for the collec
tion of all the revenue luuher existing laws;
others hy the principles of .justice applicable
to the subjects to which they relate. Ap
pended to the report of this oilicer, in confor
mity to Executive instruction, you 1 will Jind
schedules of all (he taxable-property, as re
turned by the several Receivers of Returns
.for the present year. These tables are very
interesting and iiiiport.iiiLt .sliuwing tho proa--
perity and increasing wealth of the Bute,
and furnishing a safe guide to the General
Assembly, in their efforts to equalize the
burden of Taxation upon their citizens.—
You will discover the great disparity, in val
ue, which is affixed to the several species of
property, in the several counties, by the,Tax
payers. Some rate their negroes at SIOO
less than others, and their lands, lying adja
cent, and in the statu: counties, at u far lower
figure than their neighbors. It would be
well to enquire into the expediency of fixing
by laws at eagli session of the Legislature,
the average value of slaves, for the ensuing
year, with the view o't uniformity in the trib
ute which slave owners arc inquired to pay
to support the government*; It is well known
that large bodies of lands are owned in South-
Western and Cherokee, Ga., by individuals!
who have granied them, for a nominal sum,
under our reverting laws. In.making their
returns to the Retoiveis, in many instances,
they value them at only a little morc’than tho
coat of Grant Fees, whereas, those same per
.sons vWfltdd not sell their lands Urns held, for
c.i (illy times that sum. It would
bo proper,'if practicable., to pass some law,
by which such binds should be assessed ac
cording to their real value. T.idcod, from an
examination of the tables uudal - considera
tion, it is obvious, that many persons have
returned the whole of their lands and negroes
at valuations .notoriously too low, compared
with the prices for which such property read
ily sells at public sales. I submit, whether
it would not be proper and-jusft, in all such
cases, to makg provisions for assessors to be
appointed, at tLe instance of the Receivers,
to appraise property. That taxes should, be
equal, and every citizen bear bis proper and
just proportion of tlip bumiien of Govern
ment, i of vast importance. I throw out
tbese suggestions, with tho view of eliciting
such action as will secure that object.
In tho midqtof prosperity and remunera
ting prices for the products of agriculture,
.OttEAauks have generally specie
payments, resulting in panic, broken confi
dence, and general stagnation in Commerce.
As the session of the General Assembly was
so mar at hand, and the suapensiott seemed
to be necessary, as a measure of self defence
TIIOM AS VITA AG. GEORGIA, NOVTCMMGK 17, 1857.
against the heavy drafts upon their coin, to
supply tho demand for specie, at the North,
I thought it prudent to withhold any action
against them, as required by law, until the
Legislature, in its wisdom, should have an
opportunity of deliberating upon the matter,
•anti directing what course should be pursued
towards them. I therefore submit this whole
subject to your consideration ; and to enable
you to act advisedly, I herewith, transmit
to you copies of the late returns of the vari
ous Banks of Georgia, exhibiting thfiir con
dition, made in pursuance of executive proc
lamation. It is gratifying that these state
ments afford, evidence of their solvency.—
Will you legalize their suspension and fix a
day, iu, the future, when they shall resume
specie payments ? Asa general rule, it is
safest to meddle as little as possible with the
currency of the country. The laws of trade
regulate it best. Hence, in view of the cri
sis that is upon us, complicated ns it is, with
the interests of agriculture and the juice of
its productions, it would seem to lie wise to
tolerate the suspension, in reference to all
those institutions, which, upon examination,
shall prove to bo sound and solvent. ■ It is
not only legitimate, but the duty of the Leg
islature. to investigate thoroughly the condi
tion of the Banks ; to institute a diligent en
quiry into the inode of transacting business,
‘and, by the use. of all the powers I—even 1 —even to
sending for persons and papers—which may.
be necessary, to ascertain whether they have
confined their operations strictly witbirrthefr
appropriate spheres, or whether they have
embarked in speculations, by placing tlicit
fundi in Ne,w York, to shave Southern pa
per, at a hehvy discount,or in any other man
ner, departed from the objects contemplated
by their charters". It is due to the country-,
that a full exposition be made ; it is tUpctouly
manner in w.bjcli the public can be piAteel
ed. If such abuses shall be detected, let the
Legislature, iir grantkigPthein tolerance in
■their present predicament, pitt them upon
terrris which will prevent their recurrence for
the future.
I submit the annual reports of the. Super
intendent of the Western and Atlantic Rail
road for the years 1850 and 1857, * They ex
hibit this great State worte to be ill a prosper- -
ouS condition, and just upon the eve of real
izing the expectations in which it originated.
They leave me but little to add, to enable
you to understand its operations and judge
of the fidelity of its management. Its gross
earnings from the 30th September, 1853, to,
the 30th September, 1857, which covers the
four years of tny administration, have been
$3,052,200782. The working expenses of
the Road, for tho same period, have been
81,339,111,51, mud the net earnings 81,722,-
849,31. How has this large.amount of net
profits been disposed of? lias it-been squan
dered or applied to necessary expenditures ?
These are questions which should be answer
ed to the satisfaction of the people, anil when
thus answered, the senseless clamor which is
raised against the management of the Road,
for mere decency’s sake, ought to cease. —
Then see how the account stands :
Not families for four years $1,722,849.31
Net futilities H ere disposed .of as 1- I
lovvs, to-wit, for 1 t-54 :
r’liid .State Treasurer.*... .$'>9,000.00
“ Interest on Bonds li,9iM>.t)o
“ for new Lueumoti ves, 24,211.05
n “ “ Gars ... 68,585.57’
“ “ “ liuilcliTrgß.. .1(12,727.7:1
A “ Construction, new
Track and’ Itoii, mid 5
K!.. .t of \Yayi.....- 80,090,21
F< t: 1855. Ji
Paid State Treasurer lOO.OOffaV) .
“ Interest oil 80nd5.... 15,536.30
“ for new.’ ljooouiotive*, 20,053.50
“ “ “ Gars 44,141.81
“ “ “ Depot Build.
iu<! 13,290.00 .
Paul lor Construction,lfi"tit
of War, Iron and uew
Track.*..; ...” 230,025.53
For 1850.
Paid State Treasurer.,-... 43.5f-0.00
“ Interest on Bonds *9,145.00
“ for new Locomotives, 92,1ed.48
“' s “ “ Gar 5....... A 12,1:82 05
“ “ “ Depot Build
ings 42,938.90
Paid for Construction, Iron
Rails, and new Truck... 122,880.01
Paid for expenses incurred
preYi -us t Juii y, 38ij4, ,
Tmnesree Claims t. d)7,981.24 - c
For 1857. 7
Paid State Treasurer..... 10n.l)0,i.ftO
“ Interest on Ronds 7,205.65
•* for uew Engines .A. 107,762.72
” “ “ Cars -.. 97,852.10
“ “ “ Depot Buihl
iu£s 52,i 62.90
Paid for Construedion, Iron
ltulls, and new Track,...100,(147.91 $1,722,849.31
Whether these expenditures were proper,
is left for fair minded men to determine.—
They, at least,seem sailed to tho enterprise,
ana cannot be considered unreasonable,when
-it is recollected, that the Road is not even
yet completed and thoroughly equipped for
the annually increasing business, it is com
pelled to accommodate. At all events, it
will scarcely be* asserted by any, having a
due regard to veracity, that the money tins
been either stolen or wasted. But ‘these
heavy expenditures will not he required
hereafter. The time has come for the pa
tience of thf friends of the Road to have its
reward. 1 fully concur with the Buperintcii
dent, that henceforth, under proper manage
ment, it will pay into the Btate Trensnry
$350,000, annually.
It may be suggested, however, that the
mismanagement is not in the Application of
tkb not earnings, but in the expenses of main
taining and working the Road. Let uk see
how the Btntc Road compares, in this respect,
witjr other Roads in tho State—what proper-,
tion the current expenses bear to the gioss
earnings. The gross earnings of the Georgia
Railroad,fot the last four years,were $4,010,-
340,14; the expenses sot; working and main
taining it, for the same period, were 51,848,-
617,02, or about 45 per cent. The gross
earnings of the Macon and Western Road,
for the four years, from December, 4852, to
December, 1856, were $1,290,445,00 and
the working expenses for the aatne period,
$<409,340,00, or per cent. The gross
earnings of the Central Railroad, Including
the line fiom Gerdon to Eaton ton, from De
cember Ist, 1853, to December Ist, 1856,
aod the line from Miilcn to Augusta, to the
Ist of January, 1856, were ;
and the current expenses, for the same peri
od, were $2.219,043,17, or 47$ per cent.—:
These are confessedly ‘the host managed
Company Roads in Georgia: Rot the Wes
tern and-Atlantic Ruilroad compares favor
ably with them, itr reference to the point in
consideration. ItR gross earnings for the last
four years, are *3,052,260,82, and its work
ing expenses,for the Same peri0d,*1,320,411,-
51, or a little less “than 4:j4 per cent. It
would seem that the country might afford to
be satisfied, if the State Road be managed
as cheaply as those of private Companies.—
Qert#ioly,the fact is worthy of consuleration,
when its administration is branded with cor
ruption and mismanagement.’
Tiro j-vtlanfic and Gulf Railroad Company
chartered by the last Legislature, has been
duly organized. The Hoard of Commission
ers, designated in the charter, met in Mil
lcdgeville, on theSlst of March, 1866,” and
made t lie necessary arrangements for opening
hooka of subscription for stock at Millodge
vdte; and sundry.other points in the State,
©ft the 22d day of October, 1850, six of the.
said commissioners submitted to me, a list of
subscribers, showing subscriptions t3 the
amount of six hundred thousand dollars, and
the amount subscribed by each, attested by
their afl'td'avit, that the subscribers so report
ed, will be fully able to pay up the sums
Subscribed by them, and that the subscrip
tions were bona fide. Whereupon, on the
’ 25lti~of-October, I*sß, by virtue ,of the 2RT
section of.the Act of incorporation. I sub
scribed for stock, to extent of 8500,000,00
in the name of the State of and
caused the subscription list to be deposited
in the office of the Comptroller General
Oil the same day, tbu sum of $1,100,000,00
being subscribed, 1 issued an order,.ns direct
ed by the 3d section trf the Act -,f Incorpo
ration, for an election of nine Directors, to
be hold iu-Milledgeville, on the ,4th day of
December, 1850, under the superintendence
of the Commissioners. They met accordingly
and elected James I‘. Screven. William 13.
IloJgison, J. Stoddard. Hiram Roberts, W.
11. Long, Charles J. Muunorlyii, J. R. Sta
pler, A. ‘l'. Mclntyre and E. R. Young as a
Hoard of Directors, who elected James P.
Striven as their President.
To enable the Legislature to understand
clearly the condition of this important enter
prise, in which tlie State has liberally em
barked, by subscribing for one million of its
stock, J bore with, transmit a communication
from James P. Screven its President, with
the accompanying documents to which lie
refers. The fifth sectiitn of the Act of In
corporation provides that “ no payment shall
be made by the State until the ‘Savannah,
Albany &. Gulf Railroad Company’and the
‘ Brunswick and Florida Railroad Company’
shall have relinquished any right which eith
er of said Companies have or claim to inter
fere with the location of said Road, on ac
count of any privilege# granted in the char
ter of either of them.” Such relinquish
ments have not been executed and therefore
the enterprise cannot move forward. The
documents referred to contain the fruitless
negotiations, between the parties ill interest,
touching the relinquishment required; and
by orneful examination, you will be enabled
to determine who, if any one, is to bbuue for
their failure. The Intention, of Georgia Is
declared in the dialler to bo “to provide a
Main Trunk across her territory, connecting
the Atlantic with the Gulf of Mexico.
The object is worthy of a great State and
so important” to her Southern section, that J
trust it may nbt he defeated, and that, in
your wisdom, you will take such further ac
tion, in the premises, as will securo its ac
complishment. ----f
On the subject of State aid to works oi
internal improvement, I have nothing io add
to what I said in tny hist biennial message.
Iu few words my view of sound and safe
policy, confirmed by mature reflection, is
this: Georgia occupies the. gap between the
Southern spur, of the Allegany .mountains
ami the Atlantic. At an immense cost, she
has constructed the Western and Atlantic
Railroad, which taps the great West,'at
Chattanooga; affords transportation for its
products to the seaboard, and feeds the vari
ous Roads which connect witli its Southern
terminus, at Atlanta. In chartering new
Railroads, the Legislature should never lose
sight oi the policy of protecting her State,
Road from ruinous competition; she should
be careful not to cripple the efficiency of
company roads, which have been built by
private capital; she should preserve the gym-j
ra.elry of our system, of Internal Improve
ments, so that, in its further development
and growth to.maturity, it shall, ns a prima
ry object, promote her own wealth and the
prosperity us her towns, and soaporfs. Au
gusta, Savannah and Brunswick, are the
three points of commerce, at which the pro*
ductions of our agriculture, must find their
door of exit to the. marftt of the w orld. The
perfection of our Internal Improvement sys
tem, as wU as the interests of agriculture,
requires fWnlcarh of these commercial points,
shall be connected, as directty as possible,
with each section of the “StHte, so. tjiat all
our peoplo may enjoy a choice of markets
for the sale of their produce. The Sjatc
may aid in the construction of lines of road
projected, iu reference to such connections,
upon guaranties of security, that prevent the
possibility of ultimate loss. Beyond this,
she ought not to go. As to the mode in
which she sliodjd extend iter aid, I prefer the
loan of her ticdit, for a given amount, per
mile, to a subscription for stock. By tlrt* for
mer method, she can secure herself by sta
tutory lino upon, the road aiiJ its appurte
nances; whereas, by the latter, she must re
ly upon the success and profits of the enter
prise*. In shattering the Atlantic and Gulf
Road, the last Legislature seemed to favor
the poliev taking stock, in aid of that
work. I sanctioned the bill, not that I. ap
proved of that feature, but because* it fell so
clearly within the principle of the policy, in
reference to State siJ, which I advocate, and
the road itself is of soch immediate and par
amount necessity to tho Southern portion of
Georgia, that 1 deemed it better so yield my
scruples on tbe score, than to dfcfeat tbe no
ble enterprise.
I refer yon to tli report of the Principal
Keeper'; for information, as to the condition
ol the Pciiiteutiftiy- Since the first of Jan
uary Inst, the cash system lias been rigidly
enforced; with i-CMtulf BThat fully justify “It,—”
l renew the recommemlntion to enlarge and
repair thoroughly the buildings, or remove
tire Institution to Borne ottre? point, at whieh
material carh he cheaper and the
convicts, worked more profitably. In its
present condition, it is disreputable to the
Btate, unsafe and insecure as a place of im
prisonment, and utterly incapable of being
made to answer the purpose for which it was
designed. ■**“**?"-
1 submit the biennial report of the Trus
tees, Suporiiitemfnnt and Resident Physician
of the Lunatic Asylum. That Institution is
among the most important enterprises, in
which the State has ever embarked j an
honor to her philanthropy and liberality.—
The energy, Zeal and adoptedness of the
Resident Physician to the duties ot his post
entitle him to the warmest commendntiwtr and
confidence. As an act of mere justice his
salary should be increased.
The extension of the building is progress
ing rapidly to completion. 1 trnusuiit the re
port ot the building Commissioners, showing
their disbursements of the appropriation made
by thfl last Legislature. Upon examination,
you will find,that the amount will not he suf
ficient to pay We contractors. The deficit
will be sl l,llOO. I recommend aft immedi
ate appropriation of that sum in order to pre
vent delay, loss to the contractors and seri
ous detriment to the interest of the State.
This amount will complete the edifice;
but additional appropriations tftil be necessa
ry to fit it np, for the use intended.- Jt is
constructed, upon the most approved plan,
with all the fixtures and aparatus which ex
perience has demonstrated to he best adapt
ed to the accommodation of such inmates,
and in the end, most economical. Tbe heat
ing, ventilating and cooking aparatus and
wash house, will require #23,500.00. . T J.’hc
Engine House, chimney, well, abducts", drc.,
will require #13,000.00. These fixtures are
absolutely indispensable. The Gas works,
complete, for lighting the building will re
quire $4,000.00. To ait<y\ improve, covet
and plaster with Mastic the old,to correspond
wiWtho new building, will require’ $7 ,£00.-
00. The aggregate of those appropriations
will he but $48,600.00. The report of the
Building Commissioners will exhibit more
fully these items and the reasons for their
necessity. I cannot doubt hut the tpeans
will be promptly supplied. The Legislature
lias never disbursed money from the Treasu
ry which reflects so much efredit upon the
State. It awakens the pride of every liber
al minded Ceorgian, and what is better still,
it gives a retreat of comfort to the poor vic
tims of affliction who by a mysterious Provi
dence, have been deprived of reason, and af
fords a hope of their restoration to their fam
ilies and to society.
In this connection, it is submitted, that a
reasonable amount should bo appropriated for
the'compensation of the Building Commiss
ioners. They have beCt) engaged three
years, in this service ; their duties have been
responsible and they have performed them
faithfully and economically'.
The claims of tbe “Academy for the
Blind ,r ‘nnd of the “ Georgia Asylum for the
Deaf and Dumb,” will lie bud lasfore you
by their respective reports herewith'submit
ted. I cordially •commend these benevolent
Institutions to your fostering care.
Under the direction of the last General
Affse übly, providing for the survey of the
Oktd''iioke.o- Swamp, and for other purposes,
I appointed Riehard U. Hunter, Civil Engi
neer, to perform flic services required by
that act. Tbe undertaking was arduous and
hazardous,and has required his continued
bor from the 3d of December, 1856, to the
present time. Four months of the tune wdro
spent in the work of actual survey. Tim
’oxpnnses of the survey, including cost of the
scientific annlysis of specimens of joii, were
$2,780.51, and paid out of the Conthigent
Fund ; and lie lias received from the same
fund, in part payment for his services, the
sum of $479.59. I. herewith transmit the
report of tbo Civil Engineer, and, looking to
tho buzzard, the labor,’ the time consumed
and the scientific skill required, I ex pious
the opinion*-that he should receive the addi
tional sum of $3,500, as compensation far hi*
service*. “ • i
The last General Assembly appropriated
$7,500 for repairing the State House, nnd
$5,000 for repairing the Executive Mansion.
Finding these sums, wholly inadequate for
the purpose designed, and that ’it would be
iilinost lqet t* the State, without the use of
a huge sum, I did not hesitate to draw upon
the Contingent Fund for. the deficit. By so
doing, the repairs, ns far as they go, nre sub
stantial, and the Public Building are in fair
condition. The aggregate snm appropriated
jva.s #12,500; the a mount expended is $15,-
394.8!. The vouchors for the various sum*
paid out, arn filed in the Executive office,
subject to your inspection, it should bo ob
served that a part of this expenditure it* not
properly chargablo to repairs. In Nrwrcmber
1855, the’ stables, carriage house, bnthitn*
room and poultry house attached to tho Maio
,sion yardy- were constwned by fire. These
had to be supplied by new. building, so that
not more than $3,000-have been expended,
in repairs proper, to the Executive dwelling.
No appropriation will be required to pay for
the excess of cost of repairs* over aid above
the appropriation. Considerable new fund*
tnre for the Mansion, the Legislative Hulls,
apd tho Several Executive Department* was
indisi>en*a!de. This I have purchased and
you should make an appropriation to pay the
bills. I have had tho public square graded
and cncbavd will, n .übatnntial ntiw few,,.
Buttin’ coal ,o tbo State 1. imd-iiitlc.mt.-
- p—-“£r- -
NTJMITEIt 10.
fv June Uv the con.ic, odder the diita^l
Arsenal, nnd,’ upon proper compensation to
the respective denomination*, the removal
*i*o of the Churches from the public (quaK*
Those strucrure* are real eyesores, M will
always be an obstacle to it* permanent and
tasteful ornament.
Yoh will learn by painful experience tint
the. legislative Hall* are too maH fbir the
comfortable accommodation of the Legisla
ture. I renew the recommendation to en
large the Stats House, according to the plant
submitted, by Me**rs. Sltoil and Fay, to the
last General Assembly.-. ..-’i
I recommend thd ‘fepeftl of the Act 5 aif
March 4th, 1856, which require* the State
Printer to report and to furnish daily, te
each Senator and Representative, a report of
the proceedings of the General Assembly,—
The offier ha* made no preparation to eto
cute this service. He is entitled to a votsr
of thanks for it. It will cost the State not
les* than 860,000; pn amount far beyond
any benefit that may accrue to the publicin
terest. ‘ M ‘ •+
‘Phe State LibnPy i* gradually increasing*
in five number and value of its collections,
under the annuel appropriation* wisely set
apart for that pnrposc. I herewith transmit
a cntalague of the books it contains, and res
pectfully recommend an increase of the sala
ry ot the Librarian. ” ‘ • tP
The last General Assembly, by an At*
approved March 2d, 1856, authorised the
Hover nor •• to Employ a competent Surveyor,
nnd hare ntrreyed and sM, a vacant tqua r e
nj land in the city of Cohtmhus, at the
properly of the State. James 11. Hamilton,
Lsq., was duly appointed to perform this
service; lint being enj dnod by the t Mayor
and council claiming it as the property Os
the city, I directed him to attain a continu
ance of the cause, until the meeting of the
Legislature, in order, that the title might be
investigated, and if posible,, save-the expense
of futher litigation. I therefore invite you*
attention to this subject, #, w.
It is ascertained, that the Great Seal of the
State has been counterfeited and that forged
grant* of lands in Georgia, are extant, g
thonticated by such seals. This, together
with the fact, that the Seal is stamped npou
wax and attached, by tape to grant* and
otlit r documents requiring rack authentica
tion, is cumbersome and
easily imitated -MggQfttthe propriety of dls
penning with the wax ball ana so altering it,
that th® impression may be made on the pa-
I call special attention to the condition Os
the Numerciol Land books, in the exeentim
Department. They are valuable to the
State and indispensable for the investigation
of titles. Hut they are hr state of rtdnona
mutilation ; the bindings broken and many
pages entirely worn out or tost, so that they
are incapable of being repaired. Several of
have been copied in elegant style, and
when the work shall have been fully comple
ted and compared, under tbe superintendence
of the Governor, I would recommend that he
he authorised to allow such compensation
for them 8s he may consider adequate.
I should respectfully, but earnestly im
press upon tho Legislature the justice es in
creasing the salaries of Judicial and Execu
tive officers. They were fixed at a time of
low prices. Now tbe expenses of living an
at least fifty per cent, greater than they
were then. The labors of these hincrionS
riesare onerou. They occupy their whokrtifn*
and for their efficient performances,requireex
perience nnd cultivated mind*. Is urigbt,
tiiat their compensation should atibrdbntaa
meagre subsistence for their families/ *1
1 1 ope I shall be pardoned for referring*
to the Governors salary I can speak of it
from experience, and being about to retire.
without the imputation of selfishness. I
know that with the utmost economy with
tolerable gentility, he cannot spend leas tbsft
85,000,00 annually. Looking to the Judges*
salaries ; what a pittance is left, after defray
ing their expanses; No Wonder, opr public
men, allured by the attractions of Federal
offices, turn away from those form the State.
Is this just? Is it sound policy ? Is itrepu-
Hcct upon the ex ponces of the Clerkships of
swell to the enormous'sum of §35,000,00;
for tho “Civil Establishment.” A suitable
anil needed retrenchment in this single item,
would enable yon to pay adequate salaries to
to appoint a sutveyor nor appropriation Jq