The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-01-07

We publish to-day the Message of the GOVERNOR
of Maryland to the General Assembly The
GovERNoR begins by referring to the inconveni-
ence of biennial sessions and the shortness of the
period, prescribed by the Constitution, for the dis
charge of the grave duties of the law-making pow
or Economv in the use of the short time allotted
for that purpose, and the utmost dispatch con-
sstent with proper elaboration in passing laws,
are become more important than ever in view of
the acknowledged necessities of the public service,
and the refusal of the people of the State, last
May, to sanction the calling of a Convention to
amend and alter the Constitution. The vote by
which that decision was declared the GOVERNOR
sums up as amounting in the aggregate to 80, 62s
ballots-of which Is, 1852 were in favor of Con-
vention, and 24,276 against it,
The first subject which the GOVERNOR commends
to the attention Of the Legislature is the condition
of the State Finances. This ne finds to be highly
satisfactory, attesting alike 'the wisdom of the
Legislation which has secured such result and
''the faithfulness of the officers who control her
Treasury" The funded debt of the State on the
3Oth September, 1858, was Sl4 S62, $40 &c, against
Z,9l
showing the amount on which the State pays in
terest to be less than eleven millions of dollars.
The active and productive capital of the State
amounts TO more than eight millions of dollars.
Of this sum S46S, 406.66 are invested in Bank
Stocks yielding an annual return of eight per
cent; $3.50, 900 in the Stock of the Washing
ton Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad,
nil tn TON Mill;
in the shape of preferred Stock in that Road,
on which six per cent. interest is assured, and
$685. are invested in the general stock of the
Road. The GOVERNOR congratulates the Legsla-
ture on the States investments in our great work
of internal Improvement and compliments the
present management of the Road for its 'judicious
economy" experience and ability.
The near coincidence between the amount of
revenue received in the year ending September 30
Isl, 2OO 552.77) and that dsbursed during the
same period Isl, l29, 369.62) suggests an argu-
ment against any immediate reduction of the d-
rect tax.
The attention of the Legislature is directed to
the defects of our penal code, and particularly to
the proprety of shortening the terms Of confine-
ment in the Penitentiary for offences of lighter
grade. The GOVERNOR also recommends the re-
peal of the law which forbds the discharge of con-
vcts from the Penitentiary between the months of
October and April, the effect of which is to over
crowd the prison at season when the cost of
maintenance and clothing bears the hardest upon
its finances.
An effective law against carrying concealed
weapons is called for, and the subject of frauds
upon the elective franchise briefly touched upon.
The remedy suggested is such legislation as shall
prevent theuse ofmoney intimidation at elections:
shall precisely define who competent to exercise
the elective franchise; and shall deter by ADEQUATE
punishment from any attempt to defraud or defeat
the Just expression of the popular will Legislative
provision for the ascertanment of residents within
each election district, ward or precinct: to prevent
The sale OF liquor on days of election; and to secure
the arrest and detention of persons exhibiting arms
near any place of voting obsructing free access
thereto, is also recommended
The condition of the State armories. and the
necessity for thorough reorganization of the
State militia are next referred to.
The conduct Of some of the Circuit Courts in
revoking the licenses granted to free negroes to
keep arms is approved, and the passage of a law
recommended requiring every free negro to be en-
ployed in some business, or be bound out-under
proper safeguards as to protection and wages.
The purchase and equipment of small steamer
for the protection of the Oyster Trade the EXPENSE
to be betrayed by trifng tax upon the State
license, to take oysters within certain limits. is
suggested.
The attention Of the Legislature is invited TO
the subject of lotteries, and the decision of Judge
STUMP that the penal enactments heretofore made
against che sale of foreign lottery tickets, no longer
apply.
The case of EMANUEL MYERS, citizen of this
State, who was wrongfully convicted of the crime
of kidnapping, in Pennsylvania, is referred to in
detail, and an appropriation asked to defray
the expense of testing the constitutional questions
involved ia the Supreme Court of the UNITED
STATES.
The measures adopted for the defence of the State.
and the preservation of the public peace during
the late disturbances in Virginia, are enumerated,
and an appropriation to meet the expenses in
CURED, asked for.
The Report of the Commissioner, appointed
on the part of Maryland to survey the
communicated o.a ms,"r" 10
con,n,oto ,ho vol, N'''eA '0' ~
Tho o,a;,,, =. a..
,,o -. '.'"' en''eu''ary -oi
the House of Refuge-and the Deaf and Dumb.
to pecuniary aid, AMI relief from the State Treas.
tho f,,.o,olIo oo,.;ia-s.:. 'o'.'"e''ueu u
Tho .ro 'S",,u'e
refarred 70 and tho naao.s;., &c oe iiouSo are
provsion A.. tho =. 70 "a
no;nted oot
various renorts ond ro,,,,
,.r -, - "ie '"'iiii''eu, reia-
ton of he State tax. sTbat is not ral;ef,, sars