Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-12-10
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.


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the expression of our hearty thanks is due 10 Divine
providence Tor the signal blessings with which he has
crowned the year.
agricultural industry-the great source of our
Prosperity-has been rewarded with abundant crops,
and rational enterprise has been crowned with merit
Cd success Although people, In common with
those OF most OF the other States have during the
past season, been afflicted with sickness to an unusual
extent, yet the number of deaths has been compare
lively SMALL and the smiles of returning health have
again gladdened our hearths
II Is gratifying to state, that the condition of our
finances still continues to improve
The ordinary expenses of the Government for the
fiscal year ending on the 3lst of October last, were
S69. 1876 90 being Sl965 10 less than those Of the
preceding year.
The ordinary expenses for 1917 are estimated by
400
The number Of polls returned for 1916 ESTIMATING
Tor the counties Of Benton, Crawford Jackson Pulaski
and Spencer, from which returns have not yet been
received) are l26, 969, being an increase of 225l
over that of the preceding year.
The value OF taxable property returned for 1916,
estimating for the same counties) is Sl22 265 $685.
being an increase of 50 1885, 49, that of last year
Ile amount OF revenue paid into the State Treasu-
ny, during the last fiscal year, is 1898 SOL being
nearly $4,000 than was estimated by the
Auditor In his report for 1915. No doubt exists that
ample funds viii be in the Treasury, under the present
assessment aud rate Of taxation, to meet the July
Ne
should that 60 into operation.
strong proof of the growing prosperity of the
State, is afforded In the progressive dminutoa of the
rate of delinquency for the last three years. The
rate for 1913, Sl7 81 on the hundred for 1914,
1t was Sl6 So on the hundred; and 1915, it was
Sl5 Is on the hundred.
The assessment of revenue for 1916 is, for State
purposes, S4l6 9l7 95; and for county, road school
and township purposes collectively, s473 755 81
ADD to these sums the delnquencies of former years,
nj tha@ e e. I..,lto
for 1916 is 1895, 304 7S.
While the growing prosperity Of the people, and
the improving finances of the State, shown In the
above exhibit subjects of heartfelt congraulation,
II Is earnestly hoped and recommended that the
maxims OF economy, industry and frugality, under
which our condition Is, Of late. much improved,
will continue TO be rigidly observed
The recent change of policy, in accordance with
the spirit of the age In the United States and Europe
by which the shackes heretofore imposed upon trade
and industry have been struck off, is of pro-
found qualification to the Statesman, the patriot, the
philanthropst, and to the millions in country,
who, living by the labor of their hands, DESTROYS
OF buying In the cheapest and selling in the dearest
market This relaxation of the miscalled protective
system will be especially favorable to the people of
Indiana for the products of whose labor mostly drawn
from the earth, they offered by this wider
and better market than they have enjoyed. Should
this bene6cent change be suffered to continue the opin
ION confidently expressed that the far greater degree
of prosperity, which the great Of the people will
ENJOY in consequence, will forever prevent reinstate
ment of the restrictive policy in our country.
In relation TO the proposed arrangement for the pay
ment of the State debt and the completion of the
Wabash and Erie canal authorized by the act which
passed at the last session of the Legislature,
have the satisfaction to state that letter received
by me in the early part of July last, from Mr. Palmer
OF London, bearing date the thrtieth Of May, 1916
enclosing copy of two resolutions of that date, which
had been adopted by the committee of bondholders in
London, under whose authority MIR. Charles Butler
had acted IN submitting propositions their behalf,
resulting in the passage of the bill In question. In
these resolutions (Which with AIR. Palmers letter is
herewith submitted) it will be that the opinion
Is expressed that it will be for the interest OF the
bondholders concur in the principle of that arrange
ment, by the payment of one half Of the principal
and interest of the debt by axaton and the other hall
BY the property and tolls of the canal from the State
line adjoining Ohio to Evansville such property to
be assigned to three trustees and the State be freed
from responsibility that portion OF the debt and
interest so to be secured.
1t thus appears that the principle Of the proposed
arrangement has received the assent of the committee
of bondholders, while within the sphere of my own
observation and so far as my information extends the
expression of the great majority OF our citizens IS
also decidedly in its favor.
Steps have been taken TO carry the act into effect
on the part of our bondhoders. and am gratihed IN
being able state that parties holding bonds to the
amount Of more than Si,000.000 ready TO sur
render them in conformity with the principle of the
arrangement. From information derived from the
agent of the bondhoders, who is now in attendance,
would that certain notifications of the bill
Of last session are desired on their part.
The proposed notifications have not yet been submit
ted to my inspection, but am informed that they do
not conflict with the principle of the BILL and yet are
deemed essential for carrying into full effect its fair
and obvious intent. They will be submitted at an
early day for the consideration Of the General Assem-
bly,. Any notifications required for the success or
efficiency Of arrangement so emlnently conducive
the prosperity of the people and to the honor and
reputation of the State, and which will not vary Its
principles, add to the burthens of the people,
WILL it is believed, be but responsive to their WILL
and trust will receive your favorable action.
After repeated attempts on the part of the United
States for honorable adjustment of all existing DIFF
ferences with the Mexican Government, consisting 10
part Of the accumulated wrongs and injuries commit
ted citizens Of the United States, In their persons
and property for more than twenty years, AMIGA
bic relations with that power suddenly termina
ted the 9th of April last by the invasion OF ou
Territory by Mexican force aud the shedding o.
the blood of our citizens upon our own SOIL
This event duly communicated to Congress BY
the President of the United States the llth Of MAY
ast for the consideration Of that branch of the Gov
ernment which, by vote nearly approaching 4
unanimty, passed act approved on the 18th of th
same month, recognizing the war thus commenced OF
the part of Mexico existing between the two pow
ers and authorizing the President to call for and &C
cept the services of any number OF Volunteers, no
exceeding $4,000, for its speedy and energetic prose
cuton.
BY communication from the Secretary of War
dated the 10Th of the month, and received late II
the evening of the Dist, enclosing copy OF the &C
referred to- was requested the part of the Presi
dent to call for three regiments from this State,
serve as infantry rifemen, and to cause them to
organized the earliest practicable PERIOD prepare