The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1855-01-10

In former messages, my views IN relation
to the necessity OF making provisions by law
Tor thorough geological aud Typographical
survey OF the State, and in reference TO the
importance oil creating a Bureau statistics
In one oithe departments Of State have been
laid before the Legs lature. Again arnestly
invite your attention to these subjects.
In the early pirt OF the year 1854. the
State board of Agriculture, at an expense
OF $500 employed DIR. Brown to maketa
cursory geological examination of the State
aud to publish the result Of his labOrs in the
third annual report of the board. In that
report, which has been placed on your tables
you will find much valuable information on
subject OF our undeveloped agricultural and
manufacturing resources. We have neglect
ed these interest. too long, and the present
is favorable time to correct this error Of
our home policy.
Europe is now convused with contest
the end of which cannot be foresPcn, but,
will, while it lasts. continue to disturb the
commercial and manufacturing interests of
the world. While we cannot be Indifferent
spectators of this tie. rible combat among the
nations of Europe, we should be udmonished
of the necessity of cultivating the arts of
peace, and of developing these bouniless re-
has scattered broadcast over our land
Without depending upon the fiuctuating and
uncertain Influences OF national legislation,
1t Is our duty to strengthen and encourage
The arms ofenterpr;se and industry, by the
strong force o. wise and steady st ate
policy.
With a coal field of seven thousand ,quare
miles in extent-with inexhaustable beds of
iron ore-with a soil Of unfaing fertility
with a central position between the east aad
the west-and with railroads traversing The
State in all observation-disclosures, il true To
her own interests, within the course OF the
next ten years may double the present
amount of her wealth and population.
Ii we desire 10 bring iato our State por-
ton Of the now boarded capital of Europe
and the east, we must be able to point with
certainty TO the places at which it can be
profitably invested. To enable us to do this,
we want reliable facts, such as the actual
Investigations of scientific men only can
furnish. The expe nditure OF few thousand
dollars. if authorized by the Legislature, will
secure to Us the advantages OF a thorough
geological survey of the State. While our
sister States, by the aid of science, are un-
folding their agricultural and mineral wealth
we are trusting these great interests to
chance and TO indis idual enterprise.
In view Of these facts, that there are in
Indiana twenty five hundred miles Of rail-
roads, eithsr now in running order, or ap-
proaching a state OF compl tion--that the
uffairs of some of these roads are controlled
by the interests of citizens of other States
that our railroads furnish employment 10
thousands OF hsnds-and that the policy OF
these corporations exereis, an important
influence on the trade and commerce of oar
State, and on the character Of its citizens
II bec6 m the duIy of the Legislature, not
only to adopt efficient measures for the pre-
vention Of unauthorized and unjust exac-
tons upon the travelling public. but TO pro-
vide, as far as human foresight can provide,
and by any means within the scope OF legis-
lative authority, for the prevention OF those
railroad accidents which so frequently result
IN the destruction of property and the loss Of
human life.
Many of the common railroad accidents
of the day, which are caused by unsubstan-
stantal temporary bridges, defective ocomo-
tives, badly constructed railways, improper
signals, and carelessness on the part OF en-
plcyees, might be avoided, by subiecting the
conduct Of railroad companies to the scrutiny
Of officers deriving their authority from the
Legislature. You are therefore invited to
take into consideration the expediency of
providing for the appointment Of General
Railroad Commissioners, who shall be prac-
tical and scientific men, and who shall be in
vested with power to visit the different roads,
enquire into and report abuses, and require
compliance with the provisions Of law. The
companies having charge Of roads that con-
meet with roads in other States adjoining,
should be required to keep, IN this State, an
Office for the transaction OF business.
Fl is confidently hoped that the present
Legislature will, withoua authorizing any
unreasonable interference with the affairs of
railroad companies. provide. by the enact
ment OF suitable laws, for holding to the
strictest accountability all persons entrusted
with the management OF these corporations.
An early considerations of the expedency
Of creating the Office OF Attorney General,
is pressed upon the attention of the General
assembly. With RESI- &C; to this subject,
the business of the views contained in nv
annual communication OF 1851, has been
Confirmed by the experience OF che two past
years. The amounts paid and liabilities
incurred by the State, for professional SER
vices during that period, will exceed the sum
of five thousand dollars. Constitutional
questions that effect the revenues OF the
State, the common schools, the tenure of
sfficers, SC. are continually arising in the
courts, and yet there is, for tire state, no
legal adviser. Economical consider ations
eiea ly indicate the necessity Of creating the
office Of Attorney General.
In the application o! the principals OF
economy, IN iSing the compeneations Of the
officers Ut the State government, we should
be careful to aviod a plrsimonous policy
The salaries attached To our pu6iic officers
should not be prodi ally large; but they