Richmond palladium., 1843-12-08
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
Gentlemen Of the Senate
and House Of Represen.atires:

Convened under the Constitution as the Rep
reseniatives Of the people, i, becomes pro-
ceeding 10 the discharge of our public duties, TO
remember the Supreme Ruler Of the Universe,
for the blessings that have crowned the year now
drawing TO a close. We have peace with all the
world. Commotons and feuds have not been
permitted TO disturb the harmony Of the UoIon.
Bountlful crops have rewarded the labors OF me
husbandman. An unusual degree oil health has
prevailed IN almost every part OF the State Al.
though the last few years have been attended
with a depression which caused all our interests
to droop and ianguish the Indications tha, indus
try will again receive its appropriate reward, are
calculated TO inspire hope and confidence
Since the las, meeting Of the legislature, no.
thing has transpired which has produced any ma
terial alteration 10 our aiIrs, which calls Tor
any special legislative Inierferonce, beyond the
ordinary duties which annually require cons der
alton; although some of the matters that vii
claim your attention, involve considerable dlilI
Guilty.
Tho current expenses Of The Government fo
The fiscal wear ending the :3lst of last October
were $50, 1897 90 as shown by the report Of th'
Treasurer Of State, which is herewith laid befor,
the legislature.
The author Of his report, herewith submitted
estimates the sum necessary for the current fis
cal year at 100000 90.
The revenue Of Tho presen, year, levied an
collected by law, will amour, to about S2io, o,OOt
ury Notes. 1t is not my wish or intention TO in
terfere with the course Of policy, which II may
DO found expedent TO adopt, after my connection
with the government Of the State shall be dis
solved but trust | shall not be regarded as trav
elng beyond the appropriate sphere OF my du
::es, &c reiteratIng the recommendation contain
ed in my last annual message against the re-is
sue of Treasury Notes, If 1t can possibly be a
voided. They form very considerable portion
of the circulating medium 10 many parts Of th'
State, passing at value below par; and re
issue would inevitably produce their farther de
probation, thereby inflIc,ing additional los:
upon the people which they could lily endure =
Throwing these Notes again into circulation, !
to require the people to again redeem them, ant
il is respectfully submitted, whether it would no
be the better course 10 resort 10 such Temporary
loans might be found expedient and pracilca
be
The Staie Agent has not been able 10 subni
the report Of his operations; but am authorize
by him to say that the situation Of the suspende
debt account of bonds sold by the State re
mains nearly a stated in his report of last year
Much of this debt is hopeless, and even il re
spects that portion Of it which may be regarde
capable of collection. but little be realize
from il at present. The Agent states that b
has succeeded IN obtaining S3O,OO0 which un
der law Of los, session he is required TO pay Gel
.na'.,s uras..s. H. 81. .smained nsa,isfied
In my annual message to the Legislature in DE
| cember, lS4l, gave detailed statement {
the extent and condition Of tho public debt
Its amount was then stated TO be Slo,OSS,OOt
Since then, no part of the interest upon this SUI
has been paid, except upon that portion OF IT bo
rowed for the establishment of the State BanI
Ia tho me ntime, however, a portion OF this del
has been Iiquidated. The stockholders of III
Lawrenceburgh and indianapolis Railroad Con
pany have returned bonds in lieu Of the bonds II
sued by the State to tho Company the Stat
L., t.l, nf gbn stn din
bonds in the adjustment Of portions Of the sus
pended debt-a part of the Treasury Notes j
circulation, have been redeemed IN the col.ectIo
of the revenue-so that the State debt remain
not far different from what it was in 1871.
During the present year ! have received tw
communica tions from foreign holders Of our bends
one from tho city Of London-ihe other fror
Geneva; which are herewith laid before the Gen
eral Assembly.
In nv previous messages strongly presse
upon the legislature the condition Of the publ
debt, and tho adoption of such measures as NIGH
as far as our circumstances would permit, ena
BILE Us 10 do what is Just and right with re
gard 10 il. 1t will require exertion I
fold our arms, and say that our liabilities are be
yond our means, and therefore we will not max
an effort to pay. There may be some amongs
us who would be ell satisfied, if those entruste
with public affairs would avoid all alluson TO ,hl
subject. | cannot believe that Indiana will o
peny repudiaie her debts; but the same resul
can be as readily brought about by dong nothing g
aud will as certainly, though not as speedily; Sc
cure for US nil the reproach and disgrace conse
quent upon the direct act. | know we canno
now pay the interest on our public debt. All
urge is that should acknow ledge the oblga
tons resting upon US. and shape our measures s.
a. 10 apply all the available means, which IN
dustry, economy, and careful management ma,
hereafter furnish US, 10 the discharge of these OBJ
legations. So far our prosperity is Identified
with the confidence reposed 10 our ciIizens-s
far public men may promote our interest
in the couacils OF the nation and otherwise, 1t i
essential that the character Of the State shoult
be preserved; for If it be destroyed, we will finc
that con fijence will be withheld, ,hat all in
Hnanca will ha lost.