Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1845-12-10

of our growing confederacy.
1t was stated in quarter entitled TO respect,
and confidence, at meeting held at Terre Hau:e
in May last, that if the State were to pay her
bond holders by State tax and otherwise, a
portion of her public debt, it was thought that
they would be prepared to take the profits of the
canal for tho balance. The gentleman who ex-
pressed this opinion, is now in attendance as the
representative of our foreign bond-hoiders and has
verbally advised mo that he will shortly prepare
communication offering liberal arrangement.
to be laid before tho General Assembly.
! In my last annual message, the opinion was
expressed. that tho great mass of our fellow chi-
zens were willing and anxious to meet all our JUST
obligations; that with them it was question not
Of inclination but of ability, and that had great
confidence if plan for extinguishing tho debt
should be maturod and agreed upon-ono which
in terms would be feasible, and clearly brought
within the ability Of the State to meet, that an APP
peal to the moral sense of the citizens for their
approval ut the ballot box would not be madc in
vain. While noth'ng has since takon place to
change, much has occurred to strengthen this
opinion. More than two thirds of the State tax
now paid By tho people Of Indiana, is devoted to
tho payment Of tho public debt This tax has
been steadily borno through years of discourage
mont and in tho amidst Of unjust rcproachcs.
When tho domestic debt, existing In the form OF
treasury notes, and used u currency, IS absorb
ed in this manner, is disposed Of by different
or satisfactory arrangement, all of our States
Revenue, beyond tho current expenses can DO APP
piled to tho payment of our foreign debt. BY
similar application of tho amount saved by the
needed reform in county expenditures and by
strict economy in every branch of tho public
service, the amount of the annual interest due
our foreign debt would DO still further reduced.
Should the proposition BE- made again on the part
Of our bondholdcrs to take the profits OF the
canal for such portion Of our public debs a. will
enable the State with tho aid of tho means abovo
r A. I,In lo,I %f,o%
tho people will cheorfuy submit to the necessary
burden, which, whle it saves the honor. and re-
sIsitatcs tic credit of tho State will, by increased
nn CARTON, the enhanced value OF property.
tho restoration Of confidence, and the improve
mont Of the crcdit of our ctlzons individually,
more than compensate them for their outlay.
That such arrangement will be m1do as
will be satisfactory to our creditors. and will
store the furnished escutcheon Of Indiana to its
original brightness. | will not permit myself 10
doubt. a searching and thorough reform IN every
branch Of county expenditures of which
havo given 4 solitary instance. the growing do
termination among our tax PAYERS to wipe OIL our
reproach, and tho liberal spirit and disposition
manifested by creditors to facilitate their do
ing so,-all look to the consumm1tlon OF that
much desired result.
Tho carly completion of the canal from Lafay-
cite to Terrc Haute. would by the increased re-
venue to be thence derived, exercise a most favor
some thrty-six thousand acres of land granted
for that work, which have not yet boon selected.
have hitherto abstaincd from causing tho seec-
ton to be made, in the hope that permission may
be obtained from Congress to mako 1t, IN tao
Miami Reservation-Sucn measure would have
a mos, importan, bearing upon tho completion Of
tho work. |. is hoped that thorough cxamina-
ton into tho causes which havo delayed its pro-
gross will be m1do, with tho vicws, if possible, of
applying the necessary corrective.
As in the expected communication from tho
agent of our creditors, some proposition may be
submitted in relation 70 the disposition of tho
lands and tho construction Of the canal. with tho
precise nature of which. | am not sufficiently
qnaintcd, any expression Of opinion upon those
subjects Is. for the present deferred. | recon-
mend. however. that provision be made to secure
to existing settlers upon tho land granted to tho
State. n suitable indemnity for their labor. by
which the lands have boon enhanced in va'uo.
This is required by Justice, and is in accordance
with the former policy of tho State under like
circumstances.
| cannot consistently with sonse Of duty,
omit respectfully calling your attention more,
to the proprioty Of giving 10 justices of tho peace
exclusive jurisdiction in certain petty msdemean-
ors. which arc now punishable by Indictment in
in tho circrit court. for reasons set forth in my
last annual message. Concurrent jurisdiction
ght also be gvcn to them in some minor often
COS of higher grade. as Is now the case in as
sauits and batteries. arrays ana other breaches OF
the peace. and with the same restrictions of Sc
curing 10 tho accused, tho right Of trial by jury,
where tho same is guaranteed by the constitution.
and of providing for his being recognized for
trial in the circuit court. either at his own cleo
ton or where the justice shall be Of opinion that
the highest punishment which he may be author
zod 10 intlict will not be adequate TO tho offence.
The ti,nc of tho circuit courts is already SO much
occupied with trivial prosecutions, as TO frequent
v cause vexatious delay of justice TO parties in
the most important civil suits. and the evil must
continue 10 increase with the growth of our popu-
aton.-Tho punishment by fine. although light,
is SO much augmented by the cost of court. and
other expenses, saying nothing of the loss oftmc,
that is believed there is scarcely State in the
Union where The Same grade of offences IS visited
with so much severity.