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

present session. II is one which will require
much reflection and deliberation not only on the
part of the representatives of the people, but
| the people themselves whose interests are so
materially affected, should have an opportunity
OF bestowing upon it deep ard mature thought,
before plan can be indicated which is most
likely to secure TO 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 were not chosen with
any view to act upon question Of so much Inn
portance, and who have had but little opportu-
nifty of acquiring a knowledge of their will in
regard to it, will not be disposed to precipitate
measures which might not meet the appreciation
of their 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 subject 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 rrea-
sury, already in feeble aud exhausted state
Though secondary in Importance. this objection
is not without its force and validity for the dis
turbing events of the last year have made our
State prolific in legislative bodies causing n
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
ample and satisfactory evidence that its pros
perity is not likely to be materially retarded fol
want of Legislative action.
| b. 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, as 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 n moment losing sigh
of the interests and wishes Of our creditors
In dsposing of the five millions Of stock, TIL
delay which proposed is not with view t.
disparage any just or equitable claim. An homes
payment of the public debt and rigid preserva
ton of the public faith embraces in my humble
judgment principle too sacred never to be dis
regarded, certainly never to be Abandoned b,
those entrusted with the faith, integrity and sta
bility OF our State governments; but individual
interests must under the circumstances, yield t.
the public veal. An important portion of tn,
public debt yet remains to be ascertaincd, and
by existing laws the creditors are allowed unit
September next to file their claims with the Au
ditor and Comptroller for adjustment. Thes
claims, Off immediate action be takcn,) the cgs
lature car not be properly prepared for: when b,
the delay proposed until the meeting of til,
Legislature at its regular session, the entire pub
lie debt will have been ascertained, and egsli
tive action can then be based upon thorough
knowledge of the subject
Within the last year, Gentlemen, you hay,
been thrice assembled, and upwards Of fou
months within that period have been employed
by you in Legislative action, subjecting you t,
much personal Inconvenience and trouble, ant
the State to an expenditure which she is badi,
prepared to meet, and you will, | am sure, par
don me for suggesting that neither the public
interest demands, nor will the constitution o
the general sentiment of the country sanction
that your labors at the seat of government b.
prolonged at this time beyond a very REASONABLE
period after you shall have completed the worl
for which YOU Lave been specially assembled
and in this view the Executive does not desire t
engage the attention of your Honorable Bod
with any subjects disconnected with the gray
and important question upon which you are no,
called to net.
invoke for your honorable body in conduct
ing the public councils, spirit of kindness
courtesy and Cancellation, commensurate wit
L your high position and the sacred trust confdc
5 to you; and sincerely hope that the result G
your labors may by the decision of after time
prove to have been for the happiness and pros
perlty of our State, and that you may return t
= the bosom of your constituents with the inwar
1 appreciation Of having faithfully discharged you
: duties to the State, and receive from them tn
{ highest Tribute awarded to public servants-th
t warm greetings and plaudts of their fellow
t citizens. u. H. BELL.
t Report Of the Gcneral-in- Chief
Referred to and accompanying the Report Of III
Secretary Of War.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,