Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1859-01-08
THE GOYERNoR,s MESSAGE.

THE GOVEhNURS mESSAGE.
We present, entire, to our readers, this
morning, the Annual Message of the Governor
to the Legislature, and take this opportunity,
to urge upon all our readers, careful reading
of it, and thoughtful consideration of its con-
tents. They will find, in it, renewed evidences
of the eminent qualifications of Gov. Banks,
for the position he holds, and of the assiduity
and fidelity, with which he devotes himself to
the guarding and protecting of the great pub
lie interests of the State, which are committed
to his care From somewhat careful reading
of it, we do not hesitate to say, that, for en-
iarged, comprehensive, and liberal views, for
statesmanlike suggestions, and for general
ability, it will compare favorably with any
document of similar kind, which has emanated
from the Executive of this State, or any other
in the Union, for long period Such con-
viction, we think, will force itself upon any
mind, whether politically favorable to the Gov
ernor, or otherwise; and we are happy to learn,
that, Mr.. Gushing, of Newburyport, took the
earliest opportunity, after the withdrawal of
The Governor, to indicate his appreciation of
the general features of the Address, and to ex-
press his hope, that the recommendations,
therein made, might be promptly acted upon.
and carried into effect.
There will, probably, be some difference of
opinion, in relation to the recommendation of
an increase to the salaries of the Judges of the
Supreme Court; but, we believe, that no one,
who has the best interests of the State at heart,
who will inform himself fully on the subject,
and give it fair and unparalleled considera-
ton, can come to any other conclusion, than,
that the recommendation is q wise and proper
one. We have, already, on another occasion,
expressed our views Of the importance of keep
ing the bench of this court filed with judges of
the highest character, as regards talent, legal
requirements, and personal integrity These
opinions are the result of well matured and RI
pened convictions. Judge Thomas, one of the
ablest members of the court, has just retired
from the bench, because, with less confne-
ment and less labor, he can make so much
more than the amount of his salary, that he
cannot afford to remain there. The same con-
sideration will deter Others most suitable to fill
the place, from accepting an appointment,
and, we have no doubt, that Gov. Banks would
| find it difficult, now, if not impossible, to fill
the vacancy with such man as the people
should require, and, without which, they ought
not to be satisfied. 1t will be sad day, for
Massachusetts,, that sees the bench of that
| Court filled with second and third rate men,
and it is BETTER far better, that the vacancy,
now existing, should remain, than that it
should be filled by such one. This office
should notgo begging, to suitable men, but
should command such talent, as would relieve
the Governor of the opportunities of those of
interior qualifications for apnnintmnnt To the
The Governors recommendation in relation
to the poll tax, will commend itself to general
approval.
The necessity of establishing system of
rigid economy and responsibility in every de-
partment Of the government, is not too strong
| ly put and the treatment of the whole subject
of taxation and expenditure, evinces thorough
examination and profound reflection, and can
not fail to command the early and serious con-
sideration of the legislature, and the desider-
alta presented by the Governor, for the attain
ment of the Legislature, viz: the reduction of
the sessions of the Legislature from one hun
dred and fifty days to sixty; the removal of
State Tax of nearly 100000, in two years
and, the contributing, indirectly but forcibly,
by precept and example, to the reduction of
Town taxes to the amount of $4,000, while
| how hoo i
partment of the Government is rendered more
efficient, will be, as he says, "an honor not
often won by legislators, and should stimulate
the Legislature to early and efficient action; and
we fully accord with the sentiment of the Gov
ernor, when he says: "But honorable as the
service will be, if accomplished, and however
much it may be appreciated, it is nothing in
comparison with the fact, that, by systematic
organization of every department. you will
have made it impossible ever TO repeat the ex-
cessive appropriations, expenditures, and tax
alton, from which the State will have escaped"
There are several other Subjects treated of,
in the Message, on which we should like to
comment, but our room torbids yet, we can
not forego the opportunity Of expressing our
most hearty concurrence, with the PROPOSE
ton to enlarge the School Fund, by the appro-
priation of sales of the Back Bay lands, till |
it shall amount to three million dollars This
is due to the educational interests Of the Com |
monwealth, which have permanent claim for
protection and encouragement, o. the repres-
entatives of a free people, as thebest conser-
tive Of their rights, and liberties, and as the
best guaranty, for the future of ahgh-minded,
intellgent and virtnnus community.
For the rest, we can now DIV command
the Message, with the other RECOMMENDATIONS,
contained in it, again, to the atention, and
consideration, of our readers, asa document
which will add new glow to ther patriotism,
and give them better, and higher apprecia-
ton of the character, and qualifications, of the
statesman, they have selected tobreside over
the Executive department of thebtate.
----.------.---s----=-------sst-
SERGEANT-AT-ARMs.-At the Republican
Legislative Caucus, (both branhes) at the
rising of the Legislature, yeslrday, Hon.
John Morriseo,, ,,o,, ~ plv,ol4l, b,,t la