Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1860-01-12


ate Chamber, with which are connected *
many associations and Revolutionary meme
fries; and which is justly admired for the beau
~ OF its proportions and decorations should
iE none OF these respects, R0d In no "aS
Whatever, be Hinged or altered that there
should be only renewal Of what is useless
or decayed, IN al exact repetition of the part
taken away, so that the room may remain MS
it was when the Congress Of the Conleiera-
tiou sat there, and on tie day when they re-
ceiyed again the commission under WHICH
Washington secured the independence Of the
Republic.
The care OF the State House and tue pub
| lie grounds is now, by variety of laws, rss-
buttons and orders, left to different hnnds,
not responsible to any officer having the
whole control, care and responsibility. Tree
ommend the passage of law, such as pre-
walls in every State, having just pride in
he preservation of her Public Buildings. re-
peaIing existing regulations, and providing
| for the appointment. of the necessary watch
men, keepers of the House, and grounds. by
some competent authority. to which they
should be directly responsible for the efficient
discharge Of their duty, and the proper care
and good order of the public property; and
making q regular appropriation, as now
therefor, to be expended under the direction
Of the appointing power.
The vouchers for the expenditures made
out Of the regular Contingent Fund, at the
disposal of the Executive, are ready, with
the accounts to be laid before the Committee
to be appointed for their examination as
well as those showing the use OF the sum APP
propriated, as USUAL ia 1868, for the rc-fur-
uishing and repair Of the Government House.
1t will be seen that this was almost entirely
absorbed in the repairs, which, from lapse Of
time and decay had become indispensable
for the preservation of the outside walls and
the building itself preferred to submit to
the Inconvenience ofiusufticient furniture, in |
order that the property itself might have |
more thorough repairs before many Of them |
should be too late.
The various reports and returns which have /.
been made to me, and which are necessary |
for your more complete understanding Of the |
condition, in detail, Of various branches of |,
State service, are herewith submitted, as vel ,
as certain resolutions passed by other States
that copies should be laid before |
this General Assembly.
have thus, gentlemen, laid before You |
the information | have Of the condition Of
the State and of the public wants. Many Of
these are pressing, and will require appropri-
atoms of considerable sums which, applied !
now, will save larger sums hereafter. The
necessity for these expenditures, which have |
to lie met, renders economy indispensable, and |
the suggestion have laid before
YOU, that it would be unwise, prematurey, |
to lessen the State Tax, while such necessi- |
ties exist. That is not relief which takes off |
4 burden for moment, only TO impose n
heavier one hereafter When the good of the
State demands it, a light one is cheerfully !
borne especially when it is remembered tia; |
so it must be, to enable us to keep our faith, |
respond to the demands of the public service,
and tho claims Of public charity and duty
1t is required, also, to enable the State t.
comply with her duties Of protection to her
own citizens, aud to place her equal with her
sister States, io progress and condition, in
that great Union, FOR which she sacrificed SO
much which recognizes and is bound to pro- |
tect the rights of all and each and which
will continue under the blessing Of Provi ,
dence, To work out its glorious destiLy, des-
pite the idle threats and vain fears of those
whose only safety is within its ample pro-
lection. THOMAS HOLIDAY HICKS.
GovEEsMEyT HOUSE, Jan. 4th 1860.