Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-12-12

tuTe, referring claims against the stare 10
commissioners, or other specially consti-
tGted tribunals, for adjustment or ad,udi-
cation. think the policy Of such refer
onces very questionable. especially when |
accom- panied by preambles or rectations.
assuming as established, matters which
should be left TO be proved by evidence.
thus forestalling the action of the tribunal
proposedly established TO investigate the
merit OF the case. and depriving the State
Of her legal defence. Ordinarily. the leg
islature with its appropriate committees.
possessing the power TO send for persons
and papers, can sufficiently investigate all
claims presented by citizens against the
State. Ii such claims are just, they
should be paid, and it is much better to
appropriate money directly from the trea-
sury for that purpose, than in this Indirect
mode, to cripple the treasury by subject
ing il 10 demands uncertain in amount,
aud frequently unjust in their character.
Il would be much better to remove at
once the privilege of the State. and allow
all persons to bring suit against her in the
courts, rs in other cases, than thus to
open the door to only privileged few.
who may by management and influence
succeed in procuring reference by this
species OF special 'egisIaiion.
The practical effect Of the reference of
these supposed claims against the State,
Is to send them to some tribunal, not to
ascertain the rights Of the parties in the
controversy. but usually to determine how
much the State is able to bear. 1t would
be much better 10 for the State that the re-
representatives. should directly vote the
money out Of the treasury. as past ex.
Al. q, Stat hac
" suffered. when the Legislature has been
persuaded to create special tribunals to
settle rejected claims.
The success attending our benevolent
institutions is q subject that we should be
proud Of; and il is your duty to sustain
them by liberal appropriations. No part
Of the burdens upon our people ere paid
with more cheeriulness than those laid for
sustaining the benevolent institutions Of
the State While this is your duty, it is
alike indispensable that suitable checks
should be provided for all expenditures of
money for this or any other purpose au-
thorized by law.
While principle of economy in all pub
lie expenditures should never be lost sight
Of il is equally important that we should
be careful to guard ourselves against ex-
tre,nes. 1t is Just and right that all the
officers in the employ ofthe people should
receive an adequate compensation for
thcir scrvices-sucb compensation as will
enlist the capable and trustworthy. The
most wholesome laws may fail to meet the
object for which they were passed, in con-
sequence Of their improper administration
ar incorrect Interpretation. II is the part
Of sound policy in the administration Of
our laws to employ integrity and talent.
We should not have in our midst officers,
the compensation Of which are such, that
none but men Of wealth and fortune can
hold them; thereby depriving those equally
as well qualified or perhaps better, on
account Of their poverty, from filing the
same situations. We should make the
compensation Of those who administer
Justice and execute trusts sufficient at
least for their support. Entertaining these
views, il would meet my hearty approval
TO see the salaries Of our public officers so
regulated as not to confer wealth on the
one hand or poverty on the other.
A thorough geological examination Of
State 10 alike demanded by the interest Of Ag
riculture, Manufactures and Commerce. We
learn from the hurried and incomplete recon
aoissance made by DR.. David Dale Owen, many
years since. that We are rich in mineral we'll
agricultural resources; that about seven thou
ssnd square miles Of the great Illinois coal fields
are embraced within the limits Of Indiana. Ii
10 to be TeRrcttc that he not permitted to
complete his survey. which promised such rich
results. That have coal, iron and other min
erals in abundance is already known. for we
have terprizcs in different quarters Of the
Ststs laying hold Of these elements of power
and wealth. A full and practical eport from an
able and scientific source would disclose, fully
vast agricultural and mann featuring resour-
ces; and would doubtless facilitate the compa-
81 a. SAoN@ al
the works they SO en-rgetcalIy pressing for
ward. cannot forbear to say that it would graf
ify me TO see this subject attracting your early
and favorable attention.
There 10 no subject Of more gener raj Compl amt
than the delay attending the settlements Of es-
tAtes in our Probate Courts; and the expense
connected herewith. 1t is most respectfully
sugRested that change which can be adopted,
will bring about the reform so much required, SO
we'll ono which would mike the pay Of the
officer administer ring the law. depe nde mt some
what on the settlement Of estates; and which
should operate a mutual check upon the rep
rssentative Of the decedent and the court.
II is q source Of complaint the part Of
fellow citizens, that too frequently time is spent
in State legislature in the disc ssion of ques-
tions Of national character, that more appro-
psiAely belong to another tribunal. That these
queslious bring with them into your disc ussions
angry aud vOie mt de unciations, harsh and Bit
ter epithets, and are calculated to create party
spirit and feuds, will not be denied. While the
tight to express the sentiments Of the people Of
the State through their representatives on ques-
lions OF national character. will not be contro-
verified, yet citze and represe natives Of the
people, we shall find the most Of time well
employed. il we will carefully and watchfully
attend TO the increasing and growing interest of
the State. We can most proftabIy employ our
selves in devising means TO d-velope her resour-
ces-to make her municipal regulations firm.
uniform and stable-and to avoid special and
partial legislation. by such means may be
able gradually to reduce the principal and in
t~rcst Of our public debt aud give an education
TO every child Of the State. When we shall
have attended TO these things shall have but
little time to spend in bitter party debates. We
sheuid at least endeavor to maintain in all our
discussions and intercourse with one another,
spTit Of harmony, concession aud compromise,
not forge ting that high conservative position,