American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-01-02
GuGertca1I AfpnDlttau,
AND BALTIMORE CLIPPER.
FRIDAY MORNING, JAN, 2, l946.

"a "
dependence which he has exhibited IN the mes
SAGE Transmitted to the legislature on Nednes-
day last, and published in our paper OF yester-
day. He is resolved that the credit Of Mary
land shall be retrieved, and every honorable
man in the State will approve his determine
non HIS message is destitute OF all that de-
magogue nuttery of the people, which is so
frequently rcsorted to by public officers 1t dis
eusses the finances of the State IN an able
manner and boldly recommends the adoption
of measures to attain the object of paramount
importance, VIZ: the permanent resumption OF
payment by the State. The financial condition
of the State is much better than we anticpat-
ed, owing, as we believe, in great measure, to
the energetic recommendations and conduct OF
Governor Platt-and the prospect before us Is
bright and cheering. He recommends the APP
pointment of day on which to resume the pay
ment of interest upon the public debt, and
names the first day of October next. From
what has been done during the preceding year,
nc feel the utmost confidence in the ability Of
the message provided the Legislature will CO.
operate with the Governor, and amend the de-
iects in existing laws in compliance with his
yishes-and that this will be done we have no
doubt, as the message distinctly points them
out and suggests the remedy.
Some of the revenue laws have been much
complained of; but this is not a time to indulge
in cavil; and we therefore hope that there will
DO no relaxation in those laws which may be
found necessary for the supply of means to the
treasury, until it can be done without endan-
gering the regular payment of interest upon
The public debt If the credit Of the State be
once permanently established, there is no doubt
that the amount Of public responsibility can be
reduced by the substitution Of stock bearing less
interest than that now paid for the public Gre
dltors regard the amount Of interest paid less
than they do the regularity Of payment. The
Stock of the City of Baltimoro has been at
premium until lately, when it was reduced by
lheapprchenson that certain measures might
oeadopted by congross-and the State stock
would at least be Of equal value, could holders
be assured that they would receive their in
!crest regularly. 1t is then, the interest Oft tax
payers, to have public credit rc-cstablishcd on
4 firm basis, as it would operate reduction of
the amount 70 be paid by them.
1t is not our purpose to give an analysis of
Governor Pratt's message, for we doubt not
- ill 10, Inv, ip4n cd
IN the welfare of the State. The annual inter
est on the public debt amounts to $685., 4!l.2O;
and it is most gratifying to learn from the mes
sage, that not only has this amount been paid
during the pas; year, but that the arroarages
ofinterost have been reduced So, 3G3.Sl. BY
funding these arrearages, or such portion of
them as might remain after applying the bank
stocks owned by the State towards their liqui-
dation, tshould such be the pleasure of the Lee
gislaturc,) we may make fresh start during
the present year, and hereafter continue to pay
our debts punctually and honestly Towards
the payment of the principal of our debt we
have already a sinking fund OF Sl,4O4, o3O.2S.
By adopting and pursuing steady policy we
NAV, therefore, reasonably hope to be able to
discharge the principal as it may become due.
All that is required for this purpose is, that the
Legislature shall honestly and iearlessIy dis
charge its duty-looking to the public interests
alone, and throwing aside entirely the hyPocr-
teal and detestible cant of party, and the base
desire to obtain popularity with pot-house pol
hot len lip
what is any man worth, who will not sacr-
fee himself for the interest of his country"
was the expression used by distinguished ora
tor and statesman-and such ought to be the
feelings and principles Of every man, but espe-
eially those who are entrusted with public ou-
lhorlty. Let the whole energies, then, Of the
LEGISLATURE, be devoted to the one great object
of raising old Maryland from her degraded po-
stion, and restoring her to her original eIeya-
hon.
We have read and Judged the message of
Governor Pratt with strict impartiality. We
know him not personally, and have no favor
70 ask at his hands-and what we have said, or
may hereafter say, in relation to his course,
must, therefore, be attributed to n regard to
reid Justice. We like the man who has the
Independence to speak out his honest convc-
IONS though at the hazard of giving offence;
and such has been the conduct Of Governor
Pratt His first message eyinced great firm
ness, and determination not to shrink from
the honest discharge of the duties of his station.
1t was violently assailed for some Of its recon-
mendatons, and even some of his political
assault upon him. Notwithstanding this I'M
..n,,nrn.,r dnlnntlnn he r,,niInd moi hnt hns In