Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1843-12-15

as an encouragement 10 the advocates OF
truth under adverse circumstances, proving
as 1t does, that sooner or later, her rights will
be indicated, and her supremacy acknowl-
edged.
Our position, soil, and climate, as well as
the habits OF our people. all point 10 that
branch of labor WHICH is devoted 10 aoricul-
ture, as chief reliance for lasting wealth,
and returning prosperity. This calling should
rank with us; the first in Responsibility. as il
unquestiona bly, is the first IN Importance :
The principal. and indeedAhe almost ONLY as
sistance, which can be rendered to this vital
interest. the removal of Indirect impositi0ns,
the more dangerous and oppressive because
unseen and stealthy IN Ia II. operation is be-
vond the reach oG State legislation. Sill,
something could perhaps Sc done by cacour-
aging individual effort for Improvement in the
various branches Of husbandry and By pro-
viding for the procurement and diffusion of
recent and useful intelligence upon tbs sub
ject throughout the entire community. The
lmpro vements already made in this depart
ment Of Industry by the united enterprise Of
some Of our citizens, gratifying they are,
il is hoped are but an earnest OF what may
vet be done, when the hand of labor IS TN
shackied and when individual emulation IS eX,
cited By suitable examples
1t is 10 be regretted th4f a growing dis
taste exists n too many quarters against this
nursery of vIriue-thlS sheet anchor oil our
common prosperity, as eXh bted IN the IN
creasing numbers of our youth who are
crowdng the other professions TO seek live
ihood on the accidents of human life.
The failure of the State 10 meet its indebt
edness has proceeded, not from any want Of
an inclination TO preserve the pubic taIth-
not from the absence of astrong desire TO
satisfy all just claims against ii, but from
what IS obvious on the slightest reflection, an
absolute inability, want OF physical means
10 accomplish the object. As earnest OF
our intentions in this respect, our citizens
have steadily borne, for several years past,
and during a period of great depression, the
imposition of heavy taxes, not only to meet
the ordinary expenses of TIE State, but for
the gradual absorption OF our large domestic
debt existing mostly IN the shape of current
Treasury notes. These taxes are already as
onerous as can we'll be sustained, and a fur
Their addition would tend to defeat lis own OBJ
ject by paray zlng Industry, and dlscouragIng
Immigration. The paymen, OF the interest
alone. on the State debt, therefore, i, is con-
Guided on all hands, is beyond our power to
accomplish by direct taxation.
Plans protesting to look beyond our own
limits and resources for relief, have been pro-
posed which, aside from their questionable
constltutlonality, an examination INTO all
their bearings and consequences, will demon
strate to be as de.usive IN the end, as they
are specous in appearance. The slightest
reflection viii satisfy any intelligent mind that
no relief can be expected from other quar-
tiers, without full equivalent direct lndi-
rect IN return. Ii Is susceptible OF proof,
that the origina! debt, SO lar from being less.
ened in the operation, would at last be paid
bv the State (if that indeed were practicable
with heavy additions.
1t will be remembered, that among the
causes which have led to my elevation to the
office of Chief Magistrate of Indiana, assu-
RANGES on my part Of relief through my in
stumentrIlty, have not found 4 place, and II
would be unjust 10 excite IN the mind OF the
public creditor, or OF the citizen, any false or
deluslve hope. Next to the discharge OF our
Obligations. our duty should be TO give
frank and explicit statement Of our actual
condition. It IS my anxious wish, as doubt
not IT is the ardent desire of every citizen
who regards the character OF his country. &c
use every practicable exertion to meet all jus
demands against Ii. and | still cherish the
hope. that with slowly returning prosperity
an arrangement NAV yet be made touching
all claims that are Just and equitable, anc
COMFORTING with the honor and dignity OF thf
State. | shall be ready to cooperate witt
the legislature of the State IN whatever may
be found practicable for the attainment OF thu
desirable object.
For reasons already advanced, defer to
filter occasion, the expesslon of my view
more fuIly on this momentous subject, ma
tured as trust they may be. by careful ex
animation Of it, after my official position
shall have given me ample access TO the re
cords of the several departments OF the gov
eminent, and made it my constitutional dut,
to bestow an undivided and faithful attention
to every subject tina. shall come within tn
range OF Executive action.
1t may be added. that should our hopes o
relief be postponed, and all plans for our ex
trication fail Of the effect which every love
of his country so ardenty desires. yet thos
whose official position has not enabled then
to recommend anv scheme of relief whatever
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