The weekly Placer herald., 1853-01-08
The Governors Message.

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The Governors Message.
Our limited space will not permit us to
.,s'llish the message entire. 1t is q good
old fashioned document and VIII he read
with interest by the citizens Of the State
There are some wholesome rec0mmenda-
tions in it and which our Legislature
should take under serious consideration
We are indebted to the Journal for the
following summary:
The great and absorbing question OF
State finances is naturally first taken up
and statement of the present condition
of that interesting branch of public affairs
set forth.
The entire civil Indebtedness is set
down at 81 1856, ,2l3 7S. The war debt
at $771 ,19O,O5, making total of 80, 80,
403 80.
The estimated receipts and expendi-
lures for the ensuing fiscal year are set
down at $434, so 90 for the former, and
ST ,O9S,213 69 for the latter, showing an
alarming deficiency, and most disastrous
and rurnous prospect ahead
To rectify this state of things is the
great object to be held constantly in view
by the Legislature, and occupies con-
spicuous place in the message. Most of
the evils are found to exist in the organic
law of the State, and consequently amend
ments of the same in variety of particu-
lars are urged.
First, biennial instead Of annual sessions
are recommended, with an array Of argu-
ment which presents it as of conclusive
utility, especia ly when the fact is present
ed of an annual saving of $4,000.
Secondly, a striking out the 29th section
of the fourth article of tire constitution
which requires the Census to be retaken
in 1855. The present expense attending
that operation, is estimated at $s400 900.
Thirdly, the merging of the duties of
Superintendent of public instruction in
those of Secretary of State, or devoving
them upon Commissioners to be chosen
by the people of each School district or
township.
Fourthly, the amendment of the 25th
section of the 4th article, which is suppos-
ed to require the citation in full of every
act repealed or amended.
Fifth, the abolition Of the 18th section
of the 9th article of the Constitution pro-
vidng for the Election of Surveyor Cen
eral, leaving the matter with the Legis-
ature.
Sixth, change in the commencement
of the fiscal year from the first of July to
the r5th Of December.
In addition to these changes, the offices
of Superintendent of Public Buildings, is
considered useless and unnecessary, and
it is recommended that the duties of that
office devolve upon some other Public
functionares. Also a reduction in the
number of Judicial Districts, from 70 to 8,
and the abolition of the offices of prison
inspectors. At the same time Il reduction
in the sa aries of State officers, of mem
bers of the Legislature and large reform
in the Hospital system.
These several measures of reform, it is
estimated, will operate in saving to the
State, of $5l2, 700 90 as follows:
Surveyor General, $4,000 90
Superintendent of Public In
structlon, 4,50O 90
Superintendent of Public Build
ingS, 1000 W
Prison Inspectors, 5000 90
Biennial Sessions, III 900 90
Reduction of pay and mileage,
pay to SO per diem, mileage
one-half, 10000 90
Limiting Sessions to so days, 4S,2O0 90
Reducing transportation ofprl-
soners from one dollar to fifty
cents per mile, which is re-
commended. 5000 90
State Hospitals, fSee Report
of Comptroller,( 100000 90
Reducing Salary Of Governor
to $1,000 5000 90
&c Supreme Court
Judges, to $1,000, 5000 00
Reducing number of District
Judges from I to 8, about, $4,000 90
Salary of District Attorney at
San Francisco, 5000 OO
The Governor remarks that perhaps
two-thirds of the most valuable agricul-
tural lands of the State are claimed under
Mexican or Spanish grants, the validity
of which is yet undetermined. This is a
subject which commands the immediate
consideration of the Legislature. Some
plan should be devised by which these
claims may be more speedily and salts
factorly disposed Of than by that which
now exists. The present law of Con