The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-17

much reflection and deliberation not only on the
part of the representatives of the people, but
the people themselves whose interests are 50
materially affected, should have an opportunity
OF bestowng upon it deep ard mature thought,
before a plan can be indicated which is most
likely to secure 10 the State all the practical
advantages to be derived from the acceptance of
the propositions now before you. Up to the
present period, the citizens of the country have
had no means of forming or expressing their
opinions relative to il, and it occurs to Inc that
their representatives who We're not chosen with
any view to act upon u question Of 80 much i'm
portance, and who have had but little opportu-
nifty of acquiring knowledge of their will in
regard to it, will not be disposed to precipitate
measures which might not meet the appreciation
Of thor constituents, and the delay OF which
can result in no injury to the State.
There is to be superadded to this the consid-
Grafton that agitation Of this bject at your pre-
sent session, will, from the diversity of opinions
no doubt existing in reference to it, elicit long
and labored discussion, protracting the session,
and necessarily create heavy draft on the Trea-
sury, already in feeble aud exhausted state.
Though secondary in Importance, this objection
is not without its force and validity, for the dis
|
State prolific in legislative bodies; causing Il
heavy drain upon the Treasury; and it now be-
comes an important desideratum in our political
economy, to restrict the action of the one in
order to curtail the exhausting drafts upon the
other; besides the progressive and healthful con
dtion of affairs of the State generally affords
ample and satisfactory evidence that its pros.
perty is not likely to be materially retarded for
want of Legislative action.
By holding on to the stock for the present
the interest accruing from it would be more thar
sufficient to meet the immediate and pressing
demands upon the Government, and the members
of another Legislature would assemble better
prepared after the subject has been discussed
throughout the country, to make such ultimate
disposition of the amount referred to, rs woulC
be most conducive to the public veal.
| have therefore no recommendations to make
to your honorable body other than that the dis
position Of the funds be postponed for the nc
ton Of u future Legislature.
In adopting the suggestions, my mind has beer
directed chiefly to measures promotive Of thu
general good without for II moment losing sigh
of the interests and wishes Of our creditors
In disposing of the five millions of stock, TIL
: delay which | proposed is not with a view t.
f disparage any just or equitable claim. An homes
S payment Of the public debt and rigid preserva
f ton of the public faith embraces in my hunbl
t Judgment principle too sacred never to be dis
) regarded, certainly never to be abandoned, b.
those entrusted with the faith, integrity and ST..
bility OF our State government; but individual
t interests must under the circumstances, yield t.
the public veal. An important portion of Thu
t public debt yet remains to be ascertained, anc
2 by existing laws the creditors are allowed unit
| September next to file their claims with the Au
? ditor and Comptroller for adjustment. Thes
t claims, Off immediate action be takcno the legis
lature cal not be properly prepared for: when b.
A the delay proposed until tho meeting of tn
legislature at its regular session, the entire pub
t lie debt will have been ascertained, and legis,
tive action can then be based upon Thorough
r knowledge of the subject.
l Within the last year, Gentlemen, you hay
been thrice assembled, and upwards Of fou
months within that period have been employs
!, by you in Legislative action, subjecting you t.
much personal Inconvenience and trouble, an
the State to an expenditure which she is bad
{ prepared to meet, and you will, am sure, par
t don me for suggesting that neither the publ
, interest demands, nor will the constitution O
1 the general sentiment Of the country sanctio
i that your labors at the seat Of government b
h prolonged at this time beyond very REASONABLE
period after you shall have completed the wor
l. for which YOU lave been specially assembled
e and in this view the Executive does not desire t
e engage the attention of your Honorable Bod
+ with any subjects disconnected with the gray
4 and important question upon which you are no
n called to act.
+ invoke for your honorable body in conduc
J. ing the public councils, Il spirit Of kndnes
>. courtesy and cancellation, commensurate wit
h your high position and the sacred trust conflc
IS to you aud | sincerely hope that the result {
st your labors may by the decision of after time
d prove to have been for the happiness and pro;
s. perity of our State, and that you may return t
Is the bosom of your constituents with the inwar
ID appreciation of having faithfully discharged yol
t. duties to the State, and receive from them til
sc highest tribute awarded to public setvants-t
if warm greetings and paudits Of their fellow
IT citizens. i. II. BELL