Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1849-01-04
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
To the Senate and House Of
Representative

Representatives:
GENTLEMEN: Yours is the fifteenth Gen.
eral Assembly which has convened in our
State, and, yet, judging the future by the
past, the business of making and chang
ing laws, is, by no means, drawing to a
close.
In making this remark it is not intended
to convey the idea that there is too much
or too little legislating,-that is matter
for your body TO .determine-but to save
the necessity of frequent changes, it is res
pectfuly suggested that great care should
be taken in maturing every bill before it
is finally enacted. Hasly legislation, ex-
cept in extreme cases, shonld be studious-
ly avoided.
Since our State was organized and adj
miited into the Union, period Of about
twenty-eight years has elapsed, and during
that time, we have advanced, with strides
more or less rapid, in wealth and popula-
ton; but never before, has our legislature
convened under circumstances, except as
TO increase of population, so fattering, or
calling more urgently for thanks and graft
tude to our Maker, for the many and great
blessings which the country enjoys. These
thanks and this gratitude highly favored
people should unite in rendering up to the
Giver of all good, and none can do so with
stronger convictions of our deep indebted
ness than the Executive.
Even in the last four years. our condi-
ton has been greatly changed for the bet
ter. A kind providence, smiling upon us
beautifully, has poured out its choicest
blessings from full cup. When first it
fell to my lot to address you as the Execu-
tive, the harvests had been destroyed with
foods since then they have been abundant,
and now. not only the graneries, but even
the barnyards are full; then we imported
more and shipped off less; but now we i'm
port less and ship off more; then the coun-
try was afflicted with disease; now almost
universal good health prevails; then, the
people, broken down with idleness and ex-
travagance. were sorely pressed with debt;
now, through industry, economy and fru-
gality, the great mass have paid their debts,
recovered their liberty, and enjoy ease and
comfort.
AS late as four years ago, many were
too indolent to work, or else foolish enough
TO deem it disreputable; but now, from ne
cessity and the character of the times, al.
most every man has gone willingly, or been
driven to work, and that man might well
be considered insane who could look upon
honest labor as disreputable. 1t may now
be said in truth; that almost every man is
adding to his own and the commonwealth
by his industry. economy and frugality.
The few remaining, who are not actually
l., Co.. tha nf lfa Ioo,t
supporting their families and paying old
debts, and preparing the way to lay up in
future. This change in the character of
large portion of our population is consid-
cred one of the most fortunate circumstan-
ces of our times. In every age and in all
countries, the mass of the population must
live by industry and toll; and as only few
can thrive upon their wits, every encour-
agement should be given to honest industry,
Four years ago, even in our politics, we
were split up, divided and confused with
improper issues. The old division between
wings and democrats was invaded, and par
~ lines obscured, and party colors mixed
and blended together till many had TO ask
"where are WEI" but now this matter toe
is changed, and democrat is democrat
and wing Is wing again. These re
marks are made in reference to our owr
State, and never was the democracy here
stronger or the party better united. Tha
union is considered the surest harbinger o
our continued prosperity. This is said ir
no disrespect of political adversaries, bu
in the honest conviction that democratic
principles are best calculated to promot
the interest and permanent good Of tn
whole people-whigs as well as democrat
land that the union of the democracy il
therefore properly enumerated among III
fortunate circumstances surrounding us.
Four years ago, our State was not onl
in debt, but borrowing money to pay in
terest upon debts--not collecting revenu
enough to meet expenses-now we hav
ceased to borrow, and are collecting reve
nue. sufficient. not only to meet expenses