Litchfield enquirer., 1849-05-10

J Academies, and Colleges, has invariably
been an object of anxious solicitude; and
in our Halls of Legislation the education
of the young, has at all times been deem
ed a paramount duty.
While we are in the full enjoyment of
their labors, let US be careful to emulate
their laudable example, so as not cnly to
perpetuate, but materially to improve
these most valuable institutions of learn
ing; institutions upon which not only
our individual responsibility and happi-
ness, but our reputation as State, essen
TALLY depend.
Gentlemen-I have only to assure you
of my cordial cooperation, in any meas
ures lending to advance the cause of sci
ence, of virtue, and of enlightened civil
lization.
The facts respecting the School Fund,
will be carefully detailed in the report of
the Commissioners, from which it will
appear, that the capital of this fund is
equal to $2,O77,641,19-that the sum
divided during the year among the school
districts, is $l33, 500, 5O-that the num-
Der of children between the ages of four
and sixteen, is 88,91l. l know of no
reason to doubt that the principal Of this
fund is in safe and prosperous condition.
The annual report of the Comptroller
of public accounts will be presented for
your inspection. By examining this doc
ument you will find that the balance of
money in the State Treasury on the lst
of April, 1s49-including $4,000 bor-
rowed within the year from the School
Fund, was $2O,241, 90. The whole
amount of Indebtedness from the State to
the School Fund, for money borrowed at
various times, is equal to $46,212, 43.
The judicial expenses for the last year
amount to $4l,374,S4, exceeding by a
bout ID, 900, the expenses of the preced-
ing year. The endeavors to lessen this
class of expenditures have thus far pro-
we'd Intellectual, and the subject matter will
demand from you strict scrutiny.
The General Assembly at its session in
ie4s, passed an Act authorizing the par
ties in suits at law to be examined as wit
nesses. In the exposition of this Statute,
serious doubts have arisen, especially as
to whether the trainers intended it should
include criminal trials. How far pris
oner should be tempted by the hope of
escape, to testify falsely-how far he
should be required to criminate himself,
or upon refusal to testify, subject him
self to injurious Prescriptions, are ques-
tons of serious import.
Our Statute prohibiting usury is enfor-
ced by sanctions exceedingly penal, COM
pared with the offence. Is it expedient
to prevent debtor to invalidate his vol
untary contract, by his own testimony?
Or by his testimony to sustain prose-
cution for taking usury upon such con-
tract? 1t may be presumed that the ex-
perience of year will afford some aid in
ascertaining to what extent this Statute
conduces to the attainment of justice, or
whether any notifications are required.
Fully concurring with my immediate
predecessor, in the sentiments by him ex-
pressed in his communication to the Gen
eral Assembly at it's last session, respec-
ting the imperfections of our laws rela-
tive to creditors and debtors; and finding
that no Legislation has been had to rene
DIV the evils which are admitted to exist,
l feel it my duty to ask for this import
ant subject your serious reflection during
the present session.
Reports will be laid before you by the
several officers having charge of the
State Prison, State Arsenal, Retreat for
the Insane. and American ASYLUM for
the deaf and Dumb, all Of which are
presumed to be in good condition, but
with which I have been unable. since
the duty was devolved upon me, to be-
come particularly acquainted.
These various subjects will, Of course,
demand and receive from you all the at
tention necessary to renter them in the
highest degree, beneficial to the commu
nifty.
Gentlemen-I am sure you will indulge
me in asking whether at this season of the
year, the personal convenienc of many of
the members of this Assembly, and the
general interests of the State, do not re-
quire of us to avoid all unnecessary de-
lays in bringing forward and advancing
the business of the session.
In the execution Of my official duties,
l shall readily concur with you in &C
complishing whatever may be deemed
conductive to the safety and welfare Of
our invaluable republic.
And that we may be successful in our
endeavors, let us unitedly implore direct
ton from that infinitely wise Being, who
safely guided our fathers through all their
dangers and difficulties and who will
never desert us, their children, while we
walk in their footsteps, and initiate their
worthy examples.
| HOUSE OF REPR ESENTATIvES.
Remonstrances Of Richard B. ellison, of
Coventry, against giving sea: in the
House to George N. LOOMS, aud claiming
his own election referred 10 committee on
contested election.
Committee on the Judiciary. -Messrs.