, 1840-11-28

az NNi'
of vour BODY for this purpose was too small
TO afford any very great benefit towards the
object Tor which it was intended, and a con
siderable portion Of il remains un~expended
in order that il NAV be added TO such sum rs
YOU may deem it advisable. at your present
session TO appropriate. A spacious and ele-
CANT room has been reserved in the new capt.
tai for the Library, which will be completed
long before the session of the next Legislature,
and be ready for the reception OF a large
humber of books. This room has been pur-
posely made convenient 10 the halls OF le-
nislation, in order that speedy access might
be had to such volumes, as the members OF
the General Assembly may desire to consult.
The importance Of a valuable public IL
brary it is almost unnecessary for me to pre-
sent to your consideration. Ii is subject on
which there is no doubt. Its beneficial effects
are felt not only in the extended emporium
~ of reading and the general diffusion OF
important information. but is also seen IN the
enlighted action of those who have been Sc
lected like you TO perform the arduous and
delicate duty of providing for the public the
wisest and most Wholesome code of laws
to the legislator and expoundcr Of the laws
III tlIC dllu IL 10 Vi III sNhh''S
tkat every convenience should be extended
in the investigation and study of the policy
and success Of former legislation. and in the
different constructions which similar enact
ments have variousIy received.
independent of the consideration hat i
Public Library is the most striking monument
of national taste, it is the deposltary OF
means that render easy and safe the path OF
the legislator, that ensure the perfect attain
ment of the intention Of the law glver by
the lights which it sheds on the researches
Of the law exponnder. and that serve TO d.
rect the action of those 10 whom is entrust-
cd the administration of the public affairs
This subject | cannot too earnestly recon-
mend TO your serious attention.
In the present advanced state of science
and literature copies Of valuable and STAN
dard works are multiplied TO an extent far
greater than is necessary 10 supply the de-
lnand. In consequence the editions of many
works, which were formerly rare and en-
~ceedingly costly can be purchased now at 4
rate that renders their acquisition 4 matter
of easy and general attainment. a large
and valuable library can now be collected
for a sum comparatively small, and if selected
~ Juu-ibGLN. "il lSHhlC hCiN : oi
nual additions.
The necessity Of restoring as far rs pos
sible, the records of the State that were
consumed in the c~onfiagration of the State
House is a subject that should urge itself up
on your attention. 1t was an unpleasant
part of my duty at the last session 10 inform
you Of this catastrophe and Of the fact that the
loss Of books and papers in the office OF the
Secretary of State was perfectly disastrous.
Every effort has been made by that officer to
repair as far as possible, from the records Of
the different counties. the loss which the pub
lie archives sustained by the co~nfagration
and he has partly succeeded in effecting that
object.
Application was made by him early in the
last year to the clerk of the county court of
every county in the State, for i list of all
civil county officers since the organization Of
their counties, and in very many instances n
compliance with the request was made with
alacrity and cheerlulness; from other clerks
however nc information whatever on this
subject has been received, and it is a matter OF
deep regret that the civil history Of our coun-
try, which can be gathered in a great meas
ure only from the county records, should
thus be interrupted. 1t is not only a matter Of
curious enquiry TO ascertain the different of.
iicers that have regulated and conducted the
affairs Of each county in the State since its
foundation, but it frequently becomes necessa-
ry to obtain authenticated evidence from our
State department of the official character of
former functionaries. Where this evidence
is not filed or preserved in that department.
it, becomes impossible that tire evidence can
be legally obtained, and it may happen that
great individual or public loss may be sus-
tanned by the inability of the proper officer
Of State to grant the necessary certificates.
To remedy this evil ! would recommend that
the clerks Of the county courts in this State
be required to furnish the necessary informa.
ton to the Secretary of State, and that pro-
vision by law be made for their compensa-
ton and that those clerks who have already
responded to the request Of the Secretary be
included in the act of compensation.
TO be concluded nert ,seek.
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