The independent. (Harrisonburg, La.) 1853-18??, 1859-02-02
Our state Affairs.

80 ''PSSS
of our State affairs, as presented by the
message Of the Executive and the~various
reports and exhibits accompanying the same.
From these we gather that the financial con.
dition of the State, although not so bad as
was anticipated by many, is yet far from
being prosperous. The expenses of the
State are still and we see no
reasonable hope that any reduction in the
amount Of taxation can soon take Place
No effort we believe, will be made to effect
this most desirable object. "Eetrenchment
aud Reform" seems TO have lost even the
poor honor Of Icing recognized as things de-
sirable or needed.
From the Reports, it appears that there
are few of the institutions Of the State, if
indeed there are any in as prosperous a con-
dition as could be desired. The Charity
Hospital is utterly without means, and there
is an imperious necessity that some provi-
sion for its maintenance shall be made at
the present session. The State Engineer
asks for more money to get along with bis
operations. $4,000 are needed for the ex-
pensos of the Insane Asylum for the present
year. The Deaf and Dumb Asylum is also
asking a large sum. The Lessces Of the
Penltentiary report a nett profit Of only
:2514.S6 from their lease Of the establish
ment last year. The aIledge as the reason
that there was but small demand for their
cotton fabrics and that they could not sell
unless at very reduced prices.
On the subject of "Public Schools"
nothing official or unofficial appears
Whether by general and tacit consent our
free school system, long a bore and a hum
bug, is to be abandoned without any effort
to reform or amend it, we are at a loss to
conceive from any thing we are able to find.
IN 1858, the Governor informs us there
were Swamp Lands SOLD to the amount of
1880 acres. Of graduated lands the
amount sold was 1861 acres. Internal
improvement lands 1867 acres. School
Lands lo.15l acres. Seminary lands so
acres. The Governor makes some judicious
remarks on the Levee system. lie recon-
mends a general system of levee building by
the State and the release of the onerous bur
den imposed on riparian proprietors, of
keeping up levcos at their own expense
He advises as preliminary to entering upon
the new system, a general survey of the
State or at all events a survey Of the Mis-
sissippi from the Arkansas line to the Gulf.
lie gives it as his opinion from the Reports
Of the Presidents Of the Nicksburr, Shrevc-
port and Texas Rail Road, the New Or
leans, Opelousas aud Great Western and
Baton Rouge, eros Tete and Ope!ousas
Roads, that the affairs of the respective
roads have been managed with great pru-
dence and skill.
The Governor urges upon the Legislature
" the repeal Of the law which throws upon
the State Treasury the costs Of Criminal pros
e~cntions. lie advises an amendment of tic
law relative to the trial Of slaves.
And finally, His ExcelIcncy announces
g%raciously that " the relations in which W.
stand to our sister States are hopeful if not
prosperous" lie more than intimates his
willingness 10 let lis remain at least for the
present, within the Union. For this we
most hnmJly thank him. His hopes appear
to lie predicatcl upon the probability that
the universe. South, with a portion Of the
Northwest, will be able to keep in power
the great Democratic party aud the Cover
nor is not avcrse to a continuance Of the
Union. 50 long as lis party can hold the
spoils Of Office, hut not An hour longer.
STATUE OF HENRY CLAr.-Latc accounts |
from Italy state, that the Colossal Bronze |
Statue Of Henry Clay. intended FOR LaFav-l
square in New Orleans, IS nearly COM
and vii! be in readiness for shipment
the approaching summer. Il is said
that the eminet artist employed TO execute
great work, has bccn successful to an cx-
traordinary degree, in drawing a lito-lke
Of the strong expression and the man
i bearing 'of the noblea5 Roman oftAe1n ALL"
TIE SvGAE CRoP OF 7552.-Wo have
ately made a trip through most Of the surar.
growing parishes Of this state. ana have hnorl