The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1830-01-13


tinued to result in some degree, from the de-
probation of the value of stock previously on
hand, and the diminished demand and reduced
price for work in stone. The balance, however,
is less by almost four thousand dollars than
that of the accounts of the preceding year
There will be found, in the several communica-
tons of the warden, many important sugges
tions of further improvements IN the instltu
ton, which l recommend to your consideration
The physician, also, has proposed changes IT
the conduct of his department, the occasion for
which he has particularly explained in his re-
port.
The interest of the Commonwealth in the
public lands in Maine continues to be salts
factorily and advantageously managed by the
Agent of the Government. The sales OF lane
and timber, tho last year, have amounted to
$9I ,129 90, for which the Agent has accounted
with the Treasury. Depredations which here
tofore were SO common and destructive OF the
property, have, in great measure, been pre-
vented, and but little injury is now suffered
from irresponsible and lawless tres2assers. by
the construction of roads from the Kennebsc
to Canada, and from the Penobscot to Houlton,
which are in progress, additional tracts of e.
cellent land will soon be opened for settlement,
and those remote districts, greatly enhanced N
value, be brought into the market.
1t has been represented to me- from sources 1t
intelligence entitled to great respect, that tie
laws of the Commonwealth, which relate to tie
survey of Lumber operate with much prejudice
to trade with the State of Maine Pre-
vlous to the separation, survey of Lumber IN
either of the towns of the then District, by the
proper officer, would allow of the importation
and consumption of it here, or its expiration
abroad without further inspection. But, BY
the Act of Separation this application OF the
law to that part of the country ceased, and
Lumber afterwards brought from Maine, be-
came subject to the occasion and cost OF sur
vey in our ports. The Inconvenience and
loss to dealers in the commodity, which are
thus incurred, have been much complained oil,
and induce, as 1t is said, no inconsderabe d.
version of the trade to other places. The busi-
ness is of vast Importance to this Common
wealth. By far the greater part OF the boards,
plank, joist and building timber, used IN our
commercial towns, and nearly all exported
thence to foreign countries, Is hrst obtained
from the State of Maine. We have also the
advantage of furnishing supplies of merchan-
disc in return. What measures, If any, are
necessary for tho preservation of this hitherto
extensive and profitable traffic, the Legislature
will decide. A regard to the benefits which re-
suit from cultivating the mutual relations and
interests of States, which have long and happi-
| ly been connected with each other, will not
fail to secure to the subject proper consIdera-
ton.
the annual accounts of tho State Treasury,
made up to the LIST instant, present result
similar to that of several preceding years, IN a
deficit Of the ordinary Revenue to meet the ex-
pendtures of the government The receipts,
! exclusive fmoney obtained upon loans, amount
to 1852 944 ,9l-and the payments TO ,942
45, producing an excess of the latter over the
former Of $50, 997 Ga. 1t should be recollected,
however, that the Tax of $4,000, granted by
this Legislature, at the June session, was not
made available to the treasury. during the past
year II becomes due in April, and will con-
stitute large item of credit in the next annual
account. The Debt Of the Commonwealth,
still owing to the Banks, is Sl07, 300, and 1t Is
obvious, from comparing the usual expenses OF
the government with the sources OF income,
that to proven. its accumulation, an annual tax,
of moderate amount, will continue to be re-
quired. Had tho recent grant been Included
with the credits OF the last account, balance
of debt, not exceeding sixty thousand dollars
would have remained. Gradually to exGnguish
this obligation, and to have the command at all
times, of adequate means to the exigencies of
the State, without an inconvenient and discred-
table recourse to loans must be the desire Of
every discreet and sound politician The ex-
pediency of improving the more leisure oppor-
tunity of the present time, for arranging a tax
DIsl IOi lIlC SiiouluS IcdlJ IdLuSL post
poning the service to the hurried engagements
of summer session, is recommended to your
consideration. Neither the amount nor period
for collection, need be affected by the measure,
while some Disadvantages which are complain
ed Of, by the community, in the assessment of a
grant, in the advance of the season may be
avoided.
la anticipating any future occasion OF extra
ordinary expense TO the Commonwealth, with
view to its financial requirements, it may be
useful TO recnr TO some Of the principal causes
Of charge, which are already removed. With.
in the last fVe years. the repairs and improve
ments upon and around the State House, rem
dered necessary by the decaying and dilapi-
dated condition Of the walls of the building,
and Of the falling fences, have exceeded 30
900 dollars. The new Prison at Charlestown,
with alterations and additions made at that In
stituiion, within the like period, have been
constructed at a cost TO the Government, eth
er directly by drafts on the Treasury, or by an
application Of the earnings of the convicts. of
more than $4,000 dollars. The aggregate of
these items alone is greater than the present
Sebt Of the Commonwealth. The necessity of
any considerable expense upon the same OBJ
jects, will not again, for long time, occur;
and the difference which will thus be produc.
ed in the expenditures with the operation of
an annual tax of $4,000 dollars in aid Of the
revenue, will be sufficient, besides gradually
diminishing the debt, to meet all probable
contingencies, and allow Of continued contaibu-
tions TO important general purposes.
The melancholy experience Of the past year
has put to the test the policy OF the laws of
the commonwealth, in relation to manufactur-
ing corporations. The worst effect which had
been anticipated from these statutes, wal, that
capital would thereby be driven, for invest
ment in manufactures, Without the state, but
they have been found TO work far greater
mischief than this, Wiihtn. The spirit Of en-.
terprise and confidence, unheeding the threat.
ening provisions Of the laws induced TO extern
sive engagements in manufacturing establish
ments, which have been followed by wide
spreading and irretrievabe ruin to individuals
Proprietorship is attended with overwhelming
responsibilities. The amount Of private inter.
est measures no degree OF personal liability.
short Of the whole deot of the corporation. and
instances, numerous and distressing, are nre-