Delaware weekly Republican. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1841-188?, 1857-01-08
MESSAG
FROM THE GOVERNOR OF DELAWARE

ROM THE GOVERNOR OF DELAWARE.
. a. General As,embly. Delivered, January 9, 7
1867.
FnLLow CiTr1zNs OF THE SENATE AND OF THE
IeusH or REPRESENTATIVES, TIE time has al-
ived when, by established custom and the proVi-
lions Of the Constitution, it becomes the duty OF
he Executive to address you upon whatever he
may deem. calculated to advance the interests or
promote the general welfare Of the State The
interval that has TRANSFERRED since the last session
Of the General Assembly, has been to our whole
eountry period Of almost universal progress
and prosperity;and our greaiful acknowledgements
should be freely offered to the -Benehoent hnier
Of the Universe for the many and signal oiess.
inae He has bestowed upon US. IL ID true that
for season the Christening hand OF Pesulence
was heavily laid upon the people OF some por-
lions Of our confederacy; but even this afniciing
proyidpnce was kindly tempered with mercy, anu
vas the occasion Of our exhibiting to the world
the beautiful example Of great people, VINO,
though widely separated in territory, are yet
closely bound to each other by the ties OF sym
pethy for their mutual suherings ana sorrows
IL in time Of danger from invasion by foreign
foe the rapid march of an army Of citizen soldiers
from one sister State to another far distant, be-
Yokepa the existence Of pure patriotism among
,,a the swift q ight Of messengers OF healing and
mercy from far-of sections Of our country, 10
those SCIENCES where the pestlenos walkeln IN
darkness and obstruction wasteth by MONDAY,
most surely evnees virture no less sacred and
ennoblina 10 our nature-a virture which, 80
long as Il exists 10 our national character, must
provo an iavincible barrier against the rude as.
sults of those who may strive with the spirit oil
demons 10 divide and then destroy our pleased
Uniop. While foreign war and domestic conVul-
sions have disturbed the tranquility and threa-
tened the very existence Of other goVernme n's,
We have made steady and rapid growth IN all
that tends to coafsr dignity, respect and power
upon people. ;.
sspeciAlly gratifying to observe the many eVid-
enoes Of progress in OR own State. Va every
hand, our citizens are Weakening to the many ad'
yantnges We possess In our proximity to the great
eommercial marts, as we'll as the natural yigor
Of our soil and its capacity for tho highest ferti
Iisation, The introduction of concentrated ma
nures, until recently unknown among US, has,
with other causes, which shall more particular
" refer to, opened up o new era in the history
Of agriculture, and has been the means of resusci
tatina lands whose generous yield has hitherto
been taxed beyond their power of profitable pro-
duction. Waste and neglected fields are now re-
inyiRorated by the use Of these new fertilizers,
and made to yield abundant crops Through
their agency, the basis is laid for permanent i'm
provement. Our advantages are beginning to be
sens from neighboriug States are directing thei
attention hitherWsrd, and are attracted by thu
oheapness of cur lands and the many 81 Sthes ,j ~
IL, no in the spirit Of our Federal Constitution
extend TO them the hand Of good fellowship, an'
Uolcome them to participation in all the bless
inoa We ourselves enjoy. Our location and sol
peculiarly adapt the section which we occupy 4
The purposes of agriculture, and as this IS tn
important interest of the whole country, NOR
especially that of own State, no effort should
he united. on our part, to foster and encourage
this element Of political wealth. 1t becomes u
10 afford every facility of transportation aud in
Recommendation that may be absolutely neces
Bary for the full development snd SUCCESS OF ag
sonltursl enterprise.
while the habits and customs Of our peop
and their comparative seciuson have hitherto
turned their attention and capital almost entire
ly to agricultural employments, yet the improve
rnent Of our lands, and the farming interest gen
orally, are not the only pursuits TO which on
State is adapted. Most certainly highly cul
tiyated SOIL and the resuscitation of worn GU
landg are among the surest indications Of ID
prosperity and progress of @ community but y
my Judgment, we have greatly erred, 10 suppos
ing that these we're the only agencies by Wlic
the wealth Of our State could be increased, ar
her position elevated among her sister States
There is no good reason why we may not becom
manufacturing and commercial, as well as a
agricultural community. As the means bel
calculated to accomplish an end so desirable,
earnestly recommend iudicious, and well -egl
lated system Of internal improvements. Sou
of our sister States, with natural advantage
not to be compared with our own. have far GU
stripped us in all that is essential to the prospe
lily and greatness of commonwealth. In spl
Of q rugged and sterile soil, and of cold inht
pitabe climatc-ebstacles, which to those me
favored, would seem almost insuTmountaole
they have achieved for themselves an envia'
reputation, for industry, enterprise aud Skin
Their success may well be attributed to their
lIxhtened views Of public policy, and their j
appreciation of the advantages flowing from
easy communication between remote section'
country. 1t is thus they have been able to
vslop folly their natural resources and to inn
new life and Vigor, to the manufacturing
mechanical arts. Whilst railroads and chi
have been opened in other States, through
psdiments apparently invincible, the State
Delaware, with territory prosecuting an ala
upbrokeu surface, with soil capable of
highest culture, and with a large surplus in
treasury, has yet scarcely manifested an
probation of her position and ability for s
works Of public utility and necessity.
have already spoken of the evidences of
provsment 10 our State, with particular refer
TO it's agricultural interests. By the large u
susno, lime and sther fertilizers; aad more e
cially by the opening of a communication bet,
the interior Of the State and the Cities value
been impaired to many products hitherto UNI
able, and means afforded Of improving the
and rendering it more productive From
same causes, our population is rapidly augm
Ing, new modes of agriculture and farm-man
ment are growing into use, and erroneous pr
dess so long entertained respecting the clil
and soil Of our State, are constantly yeldir
practical observation, and experience, the
arguments by which they can be success
eliminated. But above ali, regard the CHI
no obviously taking place in the habits Of
people FROM state OF insctieu and want OIL
ergy, to that Of industry, management
thrift, as a subject Of great felioitatioa,
tribute this gratifying result, almost enlirel
the opening of communication by steambt
whose influence, in this respect is more
rent in parts adjacent to their landings, ant
the railroad, which extends the same inau
more largely into the country. ascribe tn
cent unprecedented advancement Of the Stat
population, in the value Of assesssble prop
aAd in the change of habits 10 the people,
great degree, to the improvement policy ado
By two previous legislatures and am ls
believe that the influence which that policy
alKamdy arerted nnnn thu habitg of the peOp