Alabama state intelligencer., 1831-11-26

vantages which nature and circumstances have combined in our favor, supnely fold our arms in cold indifference, and see that wealth seized upon by others, which may be regard ed as the rightful property of our own citizens! To this question the Representatives of the people will return to their constituents pro- per answer. Of the proper manner of prose cutting this desirable object, whether by the incorporation of joint stock company for the whole work or by undertaking the work at State expense, for public benefit; or whether aid should be solicited from the General Go venment, in effecting that which is so evi- dently national concern or whether by ca l nal or railroad is for the wisdom of the Ge- neral Assembly to determine. In your deli berations on this subject, you will, have no doubt, be much aided by the report of the State Engineer.
 l A connexion of some point above the Mus cle Shoals, with some point below those ob- structions, on the Tennessee or Mississippi | rivers, viewing it either as national or local work, is equally desirable and worthy of con sderation. The formidable difficulties to na- vigation presented by the Muscle Shoals, rem ders it advisable that the improvement recom- mended should be by railroad To show the great utility and practicability of the improvement, herewith submit copy of the address to the public, by the Correspond ing Committee appointed by the Valley Rail- road Convention at Courtland.
 l With this superficial glance at these objects of internal improvement, I take leave of them, with full confidence, that they will receive from you that attention, that careful and i'm partial consideration, to which their magni- tude, their importance, and their intimate connexion with the dearest interests of the people of Alabama, so pre-eminently entitlc | them.
 l The crowded docket of our Supreme Court admonishes that something is defective in the system. The Judges, after disCharging the duties of their respective circuits, are unable to command more time than is sufficient to do half the quantity of the business which has accumulated in the Supreme Court since it's last previous term. As the State becomes more populous, business will increase, and there will be consequent increase of litga- 1 ton. l, therefore, recommend to your mo- tce the propriety of establishing a separate Supreme Court, to consist of three Judges, who will be able to hold such terms as the business of the Court may require. Parties will then be able to obtain justice in reason able time, the delay of which, under the pre- sent system, almost amounts to a denial and which must be very desirable to community, and to Judges of Court of derner resort, they will have time for reading, and the ex- animation of important principles, on the cor rect settlement of which may depend much of the security of life, liberty, and property l to the citizens.
 to the inquiry, whether the punishment of death be not dsproportionate to the crimes of counterfeitng and forgery. l am aware of the impracticablity of graduating punishment and crime with precision but when the dis proportion is so great that humanity revolts at the idea of nficting the punishment that all good Feeling unites in recommending con- vict to Executive clemency, it is then obvious that lower grade of punishment is expedi- ent to insure it's inhiction, and to prevent crime from being perpetrated with impunity. And while on this subject, allow me to recommend to your consideration the establishment of Pententiary system. Preceding Legislatures have rejected the proposition, because the re- sources of the State were thought to be une- qual to the expense of erecting suitable | building. To obviate this difficulty, l would recommend, that the building be constructed cn such model, that part of the plan may be completed, fit for use, the first year and afterwards, annual additions to be made, un- til the edifce be sufficient for the exigencies of the State and for effective means, would advise annual appropriations from the dvi- dends accruing to the State from the Treasury | r una III the Otate banK.
 As subject worthy of the consideration of the Legislature, allow me to call to your attention, the necessity of extending more fully, into the Cherokee and Greek nations of Indians, within the chartered limits of the State, the civil and criminal jurisdiction of the State courts, allowing to the inhabitants, in all respects, the rights and privileges of citizens, as far as is consistent with the con- stituton, justice, and their condition. Our citi- zens residing near the borders of those unce- ded lands, are frequently interrupted in their rights of person and property, by lawless persons, who elude the pursuit of justice, by being beyond the jurisdiction of our courts The sovereignty of the State, gives to it the | right of jurisdiction throughout it's territory | It is, therefore, a curtalment of it's rights to suffer part ofits limits to be under a distinct government, and more inconvenient because the government is only nominal, and not ade- quate to the purposes of justice.
 The safety of the citizens, particularly those in the neghborhood of the Seat of Go vernment, demands your attention, to the insecure situation of the public arms. There has been late arrival of nearly one thou sand muskets, with accoutrements, which, in their present situation, may be easily pos sessed by those whom, l fear, we have too much reason to denominate, disaffected and dangerous population. A moments reflection, think, will clearly show the expediency of erecting State Arsenal, or making further provision for the distribution of the public arms.
 The unfinished situation of the State Capi- tol will present itself for your consideration, and strongly urge at your hands an appro- priation of the small amount necessary for it's completion.
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