The Placer herald., 1856-01-12
Synopsis Of Gov. Bigler's Message, deli.
vere6 January 10th, 1856.


Congratuaes himself on meeting the Legisla-
tnre and hopes their labors will prove valuable
to the State. Proceeds at some length to give the
political htsory of the State and account for its
Indebtedness in which he says:
Of the existing State debt, about one million
two hundred thousand dollars were expended in
providing for the necessities of the sick. destitute
and insane; one hundred and twenty thousand
for census of 1852, taken in accordance with con-
stiutional requirement; three hundred and fifty
thousand dollars in the erection of prison and
wall for the safe keeping Of convicts; one hundred
| and fifty thousand dollars for the Insane Asy um
Building and furniture; thirty thousand for turni-
ture for the Capitol. last year, and twenty-three
thousand seven hundred and eighty-one dollars
and eighty-two cents in 1851. forty-six thousand
and thirty-one dollars; ten thousand for the rent
! of State Offices for the year S55; not less than
sixty thousand for previous years-and other
equally important expenditures not necessary
here to specifically enumerate. amounting in the
aggregate to sum but little less than the entire
Indebtedness of the State at the present time.
| He says the credit of the State abroad will
compare favorably with the Western States of the
Union--says the agricultural interests Of the State
are being fast developed and that class of popu-
| ation is now coming into our borders of sub
stantial nature to make permanent homes among
us. Goes in for encouraging agricultural fairs,
speaks fatteringly of the schools and colleges es
! tablshed-brags on the system of common schools
and says there's half million of dollars now in
treasure to be applied to that and no other purpose.
| The State Prison affairs he thinks are much
better conducted under the management OF the
Directors than under the previous system The
wall around the prison will safely keep one thou
sand convicts. There are now 427 prisoners in
the institution Recommends the Board of Direc-
tors be abolished and cconomsing in other re-
spccts until he thinks hirty-two thousand dollars
IL o,-,J IL, l,-t
The Insane Asylum at Stockton, he thinks. as
an edfce. is an ornament to Stockton and an en-
during monument, attestng the progressive spirit
and libcrality of the State. Says that those hav
ing charge Of the Institution. "by their skill. urba
nifty. kindness and unWavering attention, have
given the utmost satistacton.'
On the 18th of January. 1855 there were 134
patients there under treatment, since that 1873
new patients have been added to them. making
the whole number 32T. OF these. 1872 have been
restored to reason. cured and discharged l. have
died and l64 now remain under treatment
Recommends the building of an additional wing
to the house for female patients.
The institution has been economically managed
for the past, and on the lst of December last was
out of debt.
Mining has been quite successful during the
past year congratulates the miners thinks gold
good article and lays over cotton.
The San Francisco Water Front. he thinks will
do as ii is. thinks it wouldn't hurt to sell some
more, if it was necessary. but recommends that
some agent be appointed to guard the interests of
the State in this valuable property. with drec-
tions neither to sell, nor allow it to be stolen.
The constitution should be amended, so as to
dispense with the offices of Superintendent of
Public Instruction. Surveyor General, Quarter
Master General. and have biennial sessions of the
Legislature and to adopt an amendment securing
to the people the exclusive right of adopting or
rejecting new constitution if one should be
made.
The whale trade of the Pacific should be further
fosered by legislation-75O vessels manned by
10000 scamen are engaged in that trade on our
coast To secure to us this trade, every available
means should be used to make it the interest of
the whalers to visit ports.
The swamp and over1owed lands of the State
should be further exposed to sale, that the cutiva-
tors may acquire title.
More Legislation is needed on the subiect-the
lands are rich and when reclaimed produce fine
vegetables and beats the world on sweet potatoes.
The TUE sent to the Atlantic States to make
paper Of too small in quantity to test the ques-
ton well-thinks it feasible nevertheless.
Protection to actual settlers. should engross
portion of the attention OF the law makers-recom-
mends the rembursing the bona fde settler for
his improvements
The school lands of the State should be selected
as soon as possible and thereby prevent sale of
them by agents of the United States
The Pacific Railroad is shown TO be an impor-
tant work, one of the necessities of the age, and
points out beautiful plan for the building Of it,
Insists upon the establishment of military posts
by the United States along the route for the pro-
lection of the overland travel to California.
The Postal system of the General Government
is objected to so far as it relates to California
upon the gronnd that it is unjust aud without pre-
cident, and the Legislature are recommended to
urge the matter upon the notice of Congress
lie urges the payment of the printers for the
publication of the proposed amendments to the
Constitution.
Refers to the aspersions that have been cast
upon him whilst in office, and appeals to the
cords, calm Judgment and sense of justice of his
fellow-citizens for his vindication finally places
them under the care of the Great Disposcr of
human events and starts the Legislature upon
their duties.