New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-01-07
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

The establishment oil our RepuOuSdh Sc"0NtN
ton, is an event peculiarly suggestive OF CRATE
fpI memories and patriotic hopes. Three-quar-
tiers Of a century have passed away since our
ancestors uniting with the sister colonies IN re-
nouncinp dependence on distant monarchy,
and appealing TO Heaven Tor TIE justice Oh tnelr
cause. proclaimed the sacred right OF seli-goV-
eTnment. and assumed the attitude of free and
sovereign State. II is profitable 10 recur to the
spirit Of wisdom and patriotism which guided
our legislative councils at that trying PERIOD
Compelled to deliberate amid the strlie OF OPP
posing armies, and surrounded by difficulties
which called for the highest exercise OF capacity
and energy, your early predecessors gained
double title 10 the public gratitude. "hue
their prudent but vigorous measures sustained
our arms and carried the country IN triumph
,tbroneh its long struggle for independence, they
accomplished the more difficult work OF framing
a system Of representative government DaseG
upon principles OF Justice equality and sociaI
order, combining popular freedom WIN those
salutary restraints which history had SHOWN 10
be necessary for the protection OF the cilzeh IN
the peaceful enjoyment OF MS rights
Experence has vindicated the wisdom OF the
political theory adopted by the statesmen of the
Revolutionary era Within period compala-
lively brief m the history of governments, the
American Union has attained prominent rank
among the nations of the earth and New-fork,
the feeble and bleeding colony OF l716, has be-
come a great and pow erlul common wealth, hold
ing high place among the States OF the Con-
federacy Under the benefcent operation oil tree
principles, our progress has been rapid beyond
Example The blessings OF liberty and security
Nave stimulated the best energies OF our people
and developed their capablllty for moral intel
lectual and physical improvement.
A system Of education by which knowledge IS
placed within the reach of all, and our youth are
taught to comprehend the rights and duties OF
citizenship; the supremacy OF law and order a
rapid proficiency IN the arts which multiply the
enioyments and elevate the character OF society
artificial communications connecting the ocean
with the lakes beyond our borders, and DIS
peDsing to every section of the State the bene-
fits of easy intercourse the consequent ad.
vancement OF every agricultural, mechanical ana
commercial interest, are results which serve TO
demonstrate the advantages of free institutions,
and the capacity Of our people TO preserve them
in their original vigor and integrity.
When we contemplate a scene so gratifying,
and reflect upon tho progress that has been made
by the inhabitants of this continent IN the short
space Of two centuries, IN advancing the welfare
of mankind, the mind is filled with gratitude
toward the Supreme Ruler OF the world, whose
moral government guides the destiny OF ma
tiOns.
In the discharge Of my obligation 10 cOmmu-
nicate to the Legislature information respecting
the condition of the State, would frs, invite
your attention TO the situation Of the finances.
the last fiscal year, September 80, 1851, was as
follows
Canal Debt. SIS 30l ,l09 10
General Fund Debt ..-..--..--.-.- 6,3s9,o9J 81
Total Observation-Disclosures 4o
showing a reduction of principal IN the past
year of $4,000 Ii is believed that the amount
Of the debt, as now reported by the financial de-
partment, cannot be materially varied by the
unliQuidated claims existing anterior to the Gre
alton Of the Sinking Funds by the Constitution
Of ls46.
At that time large sums were due to citizens
on Canal contracts partly executed, and for phi
vate property taken for canal purposes. These
claims constituted IN fact a part OF the pubic
debt then subslsting, and the Legislature after
ward made them expressly chargea5le upon the
Canal Sinking Fund. But as the amount due on
them was uncertain, and could not be ascertamed
until final adjudication by the Canal Appraisers
or the Canal Board this portion OF the liability
was not included In the original or subsequent
exhibits of the funded debt Hence the pay
nents made from the Sinking Fund on that
class Of obligations, though reducing the debt IN
reality, did not diminish the apparent amount as
shown in the annual report of outstanding
stocKs The most of the UnlIquldated claims
have now been extinguIshed, and the future re-
ducton, by the operation OF the Sinking Fund,
will be regular and rapid, and more effective
than heretofore upon the minded debt. IL Is safe
adoption OF the present Constitution, VIII be
discharged by the annual contributions from the
canal revenue to the Sinking Funds, within sew
enteen wears.
The amour; of money in the Treasury on the
Both OF September, belonging TO all the iunds,
was 81 1897, 0iS 25, The balance IN favor OF the
General Fund on that day was Sl5,753 81. 1t
is estimated that the current revenues OF the
General Fund, during the present fiscal year,
will be sufficient for all the ordinary expenses
Of Government, including the special appropla-
lions made by the last Legislature. This esti.
mate does not include the moneys to be derived
from the next tax sale, which is TO be held be
fore the close of 1882 and which VIII yield
about Sl75,0O0 nor the further amount due the
Treasury for arrears OF taxes assessed on mu-
tual insurance companies and certain Indian
reservations, from which about sl50O00 ought
10 be realized in the course of the coming year.
Proceedings in relation 10 some OF these taxes
have been long pending IN the courts. and 1t Is
hoped they will soon be brought to a final decl-
sion. In considering the various applications
that will come before you tor grants OF money
IN and Of public enterprises, 1t Is important to
Keep In view the actual condition OF the Treas
&fy, and To limit the appropriations within the
reliable revenues OF the General Fund. This
fund is fully sufficient Tor all ordinary purposes,
50 long as our legislation Is governed by correct
views OF economy and the additional resources
above referred TO will enable You TO make some
provision for new objects of public utility.
In selecting those objects, you Will doubtless
exercise a Jast discrimination, independent. OF
ali extraneOus influences and m the ordinary
appropriations II is believed that some reduc-
lions may be made without injury to the pubic
service
The act passed by the last Legislature, III
tended 20 compel the Assessors TO estimate tax
able property at its full value, has resulted IN
large increase of the valuation. In 1850, the en-
tire real and personal estate was assessed al
xfsf 494, $50; in 1851, the total assessment was
saSat Slloo, o0o. O0o being an increase OF nearly
4&aV0oo,o 600 This produces a corresponding
increase in the proceeds of the hall mill tax,
which is predicated on the entire valuation. The
State tax ought not, under any circumstances, to
BE- larger than is necessary for the support OF
wise and economical administration. would