Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1848-01-13
.nse or a useless DISPLAY Of mere

ornament
1t is gratifying to learn that the hospital for tie In
will probably be far constructed by the lst of
July next as be ready for the reception of few
patients at that time and that the work will rapidly
advance TO entire completion
l cannot doubt that each Of these institutions will
continue receive at your hands, that aid and pat
ronage to which they well entitled.
{ The people of Indiana deserve great credit, and
they will doubtless receive the prayers and fearful
thaks of many of these unforunates for the cheer
Bfulness with which they have paid specific tax, In
time of great adversely, for the establishment and
support of these benevolent Institutions and, it is
hoped it will not be forgotten by those concerned,
that the best that be made in behalf of the
the inmates for this kindness, will be strict economy
and fidelity In the expenses and management OF the
establishments.
The facts and suggestions contained In the accom-
panying report of the Visitor of the State Prison,
will commend themselves TO your consideration.
Since its preparation. it has been gratifying to learn
that the convcts have been removed 10 the New Prl
son, which will operate much To the advantage OF
their health and comfort. 1t will be that two of
the convicts are represented insane.
In this connection, and in view OF the expected
early completion of the Hospital. beg to call your
attention to the importance of providing by law, that
twhenever person is acquitted of crime the ground
of insanity and he is found by the jury yet to be in
lsane. or whenever convict becOmes insane while In
the State Prison. he shall forthwith be placed in the
Hospital. The former should not be suffered 60
Fat large, al the peril of life and property in the
FInunity, the latter is not prope subject of punish
ment, and both require that moral discipline and
medical treatment, which would be found in the Hos
pita and which recent experiments have proved SO
Frequently effective for the restoration of reason.
1t is upon the intelligence and virtue of its citizens
the State must chiefly depend for their social eleva-
tIon and happlnesS,-for their just and equal parci-
patton in the advantages of an enlightened freedom-
for the perpeuity of unrivaled Institutions In
their original purity and republican simplicity and
that progressive reformation of abuses, and that po-
tlucal ameIoration, which the results of inde-
tpendent thought and free enquiry. | am therefore
much grated to perceive the increased interest which
has atterly been manifested by the people Of this
State in relation to the important sbjec: of education
Our higher Institutions for the instruction of youth
IN Literature and science, of just pride
and of great usefulness to the State and it is crafty
ing to believe that they have been in q more
fourishing condition than at present.
J in relation 10 the far more important subject Of
common school education it is much be regretted
that at present, when the faith and credit Of the State
in process of resuscitaton and It's available means
are urgently reqvired to meet the engagements enter
ed into with its creditors, well those cccasonet
by benevolent institutions. unable by legis
laon, TO afford such immediate and substantial aid
as IN more fourlshlng condition of the finances of
State would be in accordance with our desires
and with sound and enlightened policy. Much how
may be done, it is hoped, towards the adoption
of system, TO be more fully matured in future which
will increase the usefulness, the efficiency, and thu
amount of the present school funds,-secure thei
faithful application, extend the benefits to be derived
from them equally and satisfactoriy-and espe
cally which will ensure greater degree of uniform
ty and promptiude in tie collection OF school returns
and other statistics bearing upon the queston;-whcl
is almost prerequisite to any prudent and useful lie
glsation upon sub ect which has caused so great
|; diversity Of judgment.
Pursuant to resolutions passed by both branches o
the General Assembly at its last session, recommend
ing the friends Of common school education meet il
convention at indianapolis the 10Th of May last
such convention did assemble and three gentlemen
appointed to draft bill for the purpose of RENE
dying the defects omplaned of in the school law
now in force. These gentlemen have fulfilled the OBJ
lect of their appointment by preparing bill to pro
!, vide for the improvement of common Schools to b
laid before the Legislature. From the whenc
1t originated, and the care and labor which hav
doubtless been bestowed upon it, ii will no doubt re
ceive a mature and attentive consideration at you
hands. As by provision of the bill, it will not g
into operation. until approved by majority of tn
people, it will be proper in case of its passage to pub
sh and circulate it extensively, in order that ever
voter may have opportunity of fully undersaudn!
its provisions, before he is required to pass upon it
the ballot box, on the I'd Monday of March next.
am that have touched upon several topics in M
views which, shall not be fortunate have tn
concurrence OF portion of number -topics which
may regard of national cOncenmen onIy aud there
fore as inappropriate
it will, trusted, be sufficient say III,
prevailing usage in this regard have created genera
expectation that expression part would be mad
the present OCCASION in relation to these questions senc
would give rise to misconsrucon. Feeling il to be
duty 10 meet frankly such expectation believing he
questions 10 be of wide and momenIous bearings and regard
ing the present crisis in affairs imminent. hav
freely advanced such views and indicate ed
policy, in judgment most conducive TO the pros
pey Of The people, and the honor and character Ct
county. In doing however, il has been my wish TO sub
the Of truth, without woundng the feelings
any, The greatest advances in the onward tide of hums
improvement have taken place under free governments
have mainly resulted from freedom of thought and of speech
Mere differ of opinion therefore, far il exces
did discussion, is pOmove of the discovery Of truth and
far from being subject of regret But when the
but by necessary attendants patty divisions
passion and prejudice found so far 10 prevail
hearts that beat in unison upon other question
of human Government TO the ties and deaden Ih
of social and TO blunt the
truth itself; il exhibits m0unful picture Of human weak
and Of deep sorrow 10 The citizen and patriot
However may differ in relation TO such questions lie
forget that there others appel tanning
as State and important the prosperity and happiness
fellow citizens, which it is hoped cordall
i agree aud Cooperate
, In conclusion il becomes TO impore the aid Of Him
whose hands the desnies of nations and without
all attempts will be vain, that he will be pleased
smile upon councils, and bless efforts for she
: welfare. JAMES WHITCOMB.
INDIANAPOLIS, January ilih, 1S4S.
MEXICAN TRoPHlEs.-The War Office, the Unto
says has received, by the officers who have recent
arrived from Mexico, various trophies of the wal
Among them two beautiful brass wall pieces
ordnance sent by Gen. Scott and brought 10 this cit
by Col. Andrews. The curious of these trophie
Y is the black flag of the Guerleros. The material