Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1860-01-13

In 1925. the corner stone of our free
school system was laid. One thirty
sixth part oil the soil of the State had
been consecrated by Congress forever to
its support. Although this munifieent
fund may not have been altogether judi
ciously managed, it has vet been nobly |
instrumental il the diffusion of leaI ming
not merely primary, but mparativeiy |
liberal. among the youth OF the State,
and. allied by the pledge in onr Consti-
t~utien, which ! cannot doubt will be
faithfully observed. requiring the Gen
eral Assembly to make such provisions
by taxation or otherwise. as with the in
come arising from the school trust fund
will secure a t~horoug and efficient sys-
TEN Of C. mmon 81 o g III ongh ~ the
State the future history of our State
will be adorned by even greater achiave-
ment~, than the past, gratifying and
honorable as they have been, for the
promotion of popular education, and
through it the public welfare.
But, however efficient have been the
causes in advancing the material. intel
~lcctual aud moral growth of our State,
we cannot and ought not to conceal
from ourselves that, unaided by that 9TH
er noble provision of the ordinance
! which forever barrel the territories
| against slaves, they would nave been i'm
potent for the accomplishment of the
| ST. pendous results to Which l have so
imperfectlv referred.
This was the pre- eminently distin-
gnishing feature of that incompatible in
strument. II was the first solemn dedi-
cation of national territory to the rights
of universal human freedom 1t was
the first national declaration, in practic-
al form, conlemnarory Of slavery as a So
cial institution. 1t was the inaugnra-
ton Of the poIisy. logically resulting
from the principles of the Declaration of
independence, and approved lay all the
States Of the confe,lerary, tn forever eX-
cIuds slavery from the national domain,
and to discourage its existence every
wlet within the jurisdiction OF The Uni
ted States, not in conflict with the rights
of the slave-hol,ling States. 1t was. in
effect. a moral pledge to the world, that
as it's trainers anil their compatriots, had
by IA lony. ~ariuous and heroic struggle,
emancipate,i themselves ami their coun-
try from the political slavery prepared
for than by an oppressive government.
so, under or ~feiefal system, such laws
and constitutions should be established
in our rational territories as would fully
recognize and sacredly guard the rights
of human nature.
And surely it will not be denied. that
to this original and persistent exclusion
of slavery we arc chiefly indebted for oar
rapid growth as a State; for onr inlivid-
ual and social wealth and comforts. our
varied and extensive agriculture and
manufactures, our profitable commerce,
ont achievements in all the useful arts,
orr humane civiliz stion. anil tho love of
freedom SO universal among tbs people.
Had slavery been established here. our
population and resources wouii not be
ono half what they are. In that case.
we could not boast of our almost unri-
vailed trium2hs ia every branch OF ma
terial development; Of our extensive sys-
tenn of internal Improvements; Of orr
colleges and universities, our free com
mon schools, our a~syluns and other pub
tic charities which crown our State
with such distinguished honor, and illus
trate-in such attractive !orms-the SUI
periority OF free over forced labor, for
all the Just purposes of social and gov
ornamental organization.
Unon you. Senators and Represents
tives, and your successors. will devoive
in large part, the grateful task of provi-
ding by suitable legislation for the future
growth of the State, and to preserve in
their full vigor. as vital elements of our
political and social ;, stem, the just and
lru name principles to which | have refer
red.
To you belong the sovereign functions
of legislation. Upon You aevolve the
responsibilities. of enacting laws to pro
tect the rights O. property; of prescribing
and enforcing all dnties arising ont OF the
domestic and social relations; of regula-
ting elections, and preserving the purity
of the elective franchise; OF establishing
laws for the Engagement OF agricul-
tuIe and all useful arts; for the organiza-
ton anil discipline of the militia; for the
education CT the youth, the support OF
:he poor, and the relief of the afflicted; oil
providing for the payment of the State
debt. and for sacredly rreservingthe pub
lie faith, and of enacting all other laws,
for securing civil rights. and defending
the honor of the State.
For the exercise of these supreme pow
ers of the State. the people even extend
q generous confidence to their chosen
representatives.
The Elk ecutive forms no part of the
Legislative authority. lie exercises no
control over legislation. His duties are
to see that the laws are faithfully execu-
ted, and TO recommend to the tonsidcra
ton of the General Assembly. such mea
sures as he may think adapted to pro
mote the public welfare.
1t will not be expected of me, at this
time, to call your attention to many mat,
tiers of legislation. Let me briefly refer
to a few:
Theexisting legislation on the subject
of the fiscal relations of our State and
local governments. without requiring a
ridical change. needs a better all ustment
OF details. Onr taxes for State and 10,
cal purpose are very burdensome. and
made more oneIous on scenunt of the
large amount of taxable property that es
capes the vigilance of the assessor. The
laws should be more searching, SO as to
subject all the non-exempt property, o.
whatever description, to its Just proper
ton of the burdens Of taxation.
/ respectfully suggest the expediency
of a thorough revision Of the laws rela-
ting to this entire subject, and p%artieu-
larly of those more directly affecting our
local governments, to the end. not only
of limiting the amount, hut of defining
the scope and purpose for which taxes
may be levied, to which may be added
the requiring a more specific publication
of the public expenditures in our cities.
Laws anRot be too explicit in defin-
ing and enforcing a proper accountable
fv of nil pnrSnny actinr in a nuhlic "a.