The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-01-16
THE GOVERNORS.
GOVERNOR HUNT.

Governor Hunts annual message, delivered to
the Legislature of New York, on the 9TH inst,
occupies seven closely printed columns in the
New York Tribune. Like other productions of
the class it is full of words and wise saws. 1t is
marvellous that Governors will never take for
granted that the People understand something of
the foundation of republican institutions, and
know whether they are well off, or not
MIR Hunt opens his message with a chapter on
the unvarying prosperity Of New York, which he
might have spared, as the census returns are suf-
fcient upon that point; and be dcvotes another
chapter to discourse on the relations between
North and South, which throws no new light upon
the subject. And then, throughout the message,
mus. o'r'- ~: rSSt or Err take great pleasure in
announcing" &c, before he presents any topic.
The document abounds, as usual, with such
discussions as every reader of political papers is
already familiar with.
These faults are not peculiar to Governor
Hunt. All gubcrnatorial messages have a strong
family likeness, and that is not a very attractive
one. In one sense, they are political sermons, and,
because their authors preach only once a year,
they seem to be impressed with the Importance of
discussing all things, past, present and to come,
and thereby, of making up in length Of discourse
what is wanting in frequency.
A few items in the voluminous message of
Governor Hunt, are of general interest. After
meeting all the appropriations during the last fs-
cal year from the ordinary resources, there re-
manned balance of s5l 52l 2s. 1t is estimated
that the receipts the present year. if due economy
be observed will be sufficient for all expenditures
In addition to the ordinary current revenue,
there is balance due to the General Fund from
arrears of taxes and other sources Of $3.50, 900,
which it is believed the Treasury will realize
within the ensuing two years
The aggr gate amount of State debt ON the
30th September last, was as follows:
Canal Debt Sl6,17l 100 lG
General Funded Debt $3.50, sos 80
s22, 53O,sO3. rs
This is exclusive of the Stock loaned by the
State to certain railroad corporations.
The Sinking Fund is steadily reducing the Ca
nal Debt
Amount received from canal tolls the last fiscal
year, So iSG, 1890, small increase over the re-
ceipts of the preceding year. After paying all
legitimate demands, there remained surplus of
ssOO,2O6AO applicable to the completion of the
Black River and Genesee Valley, and the en-
largement of the Erie Canal.
lie recommends the enlargement Of the Erie
Canal which would cost sll 900 900, and favors the
proposition Of creating a loan Of 100000 or
100000 on the pledge Of the surplus revenues
for the early completion on the enlargement
The capital of the Common School Fund on the
3Oth September was So 300, 67323. An increase
over last year of ST., lO9s7. Revenue for the last
fiscal year, including Deposite Fund of $4,000,
was $500, 792 10, by which s2S5,OO0 TO 5000
can be distributed annually among the Common
Schools
In the State there are II ,3o7 school districts
Number of children taught 7I9 500. Paid TO
teachers 81 1922, 6962i, Of which s767 ,3s9 20 was
contributed by the State Treasury and remainder
raised by tax.
The capital Of the Literature Fund on the 3Oth
September, was s272 $50 II. Income during the
fiscal year was $50, ll2lO.
Capital Of United States Opposite Fund Of
si,OIi ,52O7i is in highly productive state, hav-
ing yielded an income Of s39, ll2.iO in the last
fiscal year.
lie recommends the renewal of the allowance
Of $3.50 to each County Academy, for the educa-
ton Of school teachers
The creation of an institution for the advance.
ment Of Science and knowledge in the Mechanic
Art is also recommended; also an Agricultural
College and Experimental Farm.
The Governor refers at some length, to the |
question of Slavery, in a manner evinoing de-
termination to maintain harmony in his party at
all hazards The Silver Greys,n as they are
called, can hardly take serious exception to any
Of his sentiments and his style Of presenting them
will break nobody's bones.
He speaks most scquiescently Of the admission
II California, the settlement Of the Texas Bound
Try, and the organization Of Territorial Govern.
aents for the Territories, by acts, which he says,
10 efeet, leave the Mexican Law prohibiting
lavsry, in force" Not word Of regret does he
tier for the shameful abandonment Of the Ordi-