The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-01-05
Making the total amount of work done


The legislature of 1912, convened at per,od Of
great embarrassment IN the financial affairs of the
State. Inc treasurywas empty our credit serious.
ly impaired the State stocks were selling AT rpnons
sacrifices Temporary loans were nearly at maturity:
me time Tor the quarterly payments Of interest on
n dne public DEBT, amounting to more than $40, 900
600, was fast approaching; contractors were pres
ing tor payment, and the progress of the public
works virtually suspended. Under such crcum
stances to have continued large expenditures, or in
deed any not demanded by imperious necessity, OF
good economy In reference to the condition of the
public works, and that good faith due to our citizens
with whom the State had existing engagements
would IN nay opinion have been a wanton disregard
of public dIty.
A State tax OF one mill on the dollar of the valu
alton OF real nd personal estate was imposed The
sum OF i, 74l 81 was appropriated for the spe
NED oolects an all the public works under contract
were directed t, be suspended, excepting such as
were necessary to preserve or secure the navpa-
ton OF the navgabie canas,' to preserve the work
already done from destruction by ice or floods. OF
the completion of such work as wonld cost less IN
finish than to preserve that already done,
Whether this act made ample provision for meet
ing the contingencies, before referred to, am I'M
able to say; but am apprehensve that adequate
authority and means were not left with the Ca nal
Commissioners, TO enable them with good econo nv
to carry out the general policy of the legislature
In the cities OF Albany, Schenectady and Roches-
the unfinished state of bridges on streets intersec ted
by the canal. The large sum already expended on
these structures, and the small amount necessary to
complete them have tended to aggravate the public
mind II the legislature of 1912 had been fully APP
prlsed of the public inconvenience alluded TO- am
confident they would not have permitted them TO
exist. There may be other cases similar to those
have mentioned.
There IS also reason for apprehending
that the SUSPENSION has operated njurousy on many
contractors, and particularly upon those who had
made large OUTLAWS In necessary preparations.
The pralseworthy and patiotic exertions OF The
last Legislature to relieve the Stale in the crisis of our
pecuniary affairs, is worthy of all commendation
and II the policy then adopted has resulted in some
injury to individuals, II must be ascrbed to the ne
cessity OF the case, rather than willingness that
anyporfion OF our citizens should suffer detriment
Inc policy OF arresting large expenditures and
providing TOT the prompt payment OF the interest," and
agradual dmnut.on OF the State debt, has exerted
salutary influence In reviving our credit.
Ihe question OF direct tax. rendered necessary
by the exlgency of affairs has been clearly ap-
proved by the people; but direct taxation should not
De regarded as permanent measure Of finance tor
the purpose OF constructing public works. but as one
OF temporary nature called for by an existing emer-
with reference to as speedy REIMBURSEMENT of the
tax as the public credit and general welfare of The
State will permit
Very little if any work has been undertaken for
the enlargement OF the Erie Canal not rendered ne
cessary by the worn and decayed condition of the
mechanical structures.
Already has the transportation on the canal been
much benehtted by the use of the new work between
Albany and Schenectady, at Philips locks and al
Little Falls Al these points the navigation has
been entirely relieved from the detention and delay
which had been senslby felt for several wears
| am convinced that the completion of the un
finished work at the Schoharie Creek at Spraker's
at Canajoharie, Fort Plain, the Indian Castle Creek
at Syracuse, the work connected with the reduc-
ton OF the Jordan leveb at Macedon, and at Lock-