New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-01-03
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.


- ~ Sesoff esa ds<fShs.
You have met under circumstances Of more than
Asaal interest," perform the high and responsible duty
- making Laws which TO affect the honor, welfare,
Ad happiness Of millions. High, because no earthly
1ower is superior to that which prescribes rules OF
action for ALL and responsible, because you are acting
- representative capacity and are therefore charged
with sacred trusts If anything were needed to ghen
ne importance of your position you have but TO reflect
Eat you represent the sovereignty OF the State OF New
Ycrk. the nobest, the grsndest Commonwealth that
sver had existence; an empire OF nearly four mil
Eous of people imperial in all its proportions with
insere Sta the most varied and hopes the most exalted
n has a proud history and proud name to preserve.
Those who fashioned institutions have passed away,
but their works stand, immortal monuments Of their
wisdom and patriotism, and accepted as fit models by
ether States. 1t remains for TO say whether these
shan continue to be worthy of emulation, whether we
appreciate the legacy committed to our keeping.
Entering upon our grave duties with the first day OF
ne New Year let US implore the favor and seek the
ouusel of Him who has warded OH the pestience, who
Aas quickened our energies, rewarded our bors with
abundant return and whose guidance has been apPa-
scnt in every trying period Of our country history
Having been chosen by your respective cSns h
ATOMS upon yourselves, il Is for you TO determine
whether the eighty fourth legislative session shall be
characterized BY acts of wisdom and justice by mea.
suree which shall confer honor upon your own names,
and reflect credit upon the State aud country.
Let us each recoect that the people the Of
Al political power that their win is the simple end ae
sule of conduct, and that, however complicated at
nes may the condition Of public affairs, by per-
uniting it to give shape and direction TO our acts we
xhall be representing the governed and shall thereby
sscure their approval.
duty TO God, the Constitution, and the laws, and
81 thA md hoaf
sasures promise you my ready cooperation IN per-
3ctng snch enactments will promote the Interests
sf the people and the honor Of the Stae and 1t may
net be out of place here In giving new pieage Tor
1he performance Of duty in q manner becoming my
position, TO eyTess my gratitude for Inc continued con-
fdence and suTpo,' Of the people.
In subnittiny so your consideration such general re-
sepmendatioas a.. deem expedient, and in making
s,eh obseryatoas as are most deserving of notice,
Aa leave to the very capable heads OF the respective
departments TO whose prompt cooperation IN tine Gov
eminent am greatly indebted, the more SPECIFIC and
detailed statements and suggestions anticipating only
10 much as win enable lay before You general
account Of the condition Of the State.
And, first Of all would, in respectful though de-
saded terms recommend session As brei w Is con-
ustent with the public interest. The Constitution has
practically limited even the most important sessions to
Dc hundred days. and think it may be fairly inferred
at it not expected that ordinary sessions shoud
he prolonged to that extent One OF the most serious
evils of legislation is its Such is the facility
ander our system for multiplying statutes ana ma Aln2
Innovations that we scarcely reflect how serlous
zatter it is. Amendments are adopted, and laws are
passed without any seeming demand for them. Every
State in the Confederaey has experienced this and has
AIRED TO remedy it. Some have sought corrective In
she policy Of biennial sessions. NewYork, strained
from following their example in this respect by her
urganic act, only rely upon the wisdom OF each
yscurring legislature for the needed reform.
earnestly advise you 10 avoid the practice, by lar
500 prevalent, of local and special legislation The
greet evil sought TO be remeded by our present Con-
stitation was that Of monopoes and Of class leglsla
zion. IL difficulties arise let general laws be amended
OF passed. but let policy be opposed TO special enact
1nenss. No rule be more equitable than that OF
having down general laws and requiring all alike 10
regulate their conduct by them Special laws Interfere
with the administration of Justice, operate nnequaly
ppen our citizens engage the time and energies OF the
sislature and confod rather than to protect
The rights Of the people.
Our financial condition presents interesting
facts which doubt not you win carefully consider.
The receipts of the Treasury from all sources, during
ahe fiscal year ending with September 81, 1862,
10 81, SbS "
Ss balance in Treasury Oct ], 1859 was.. I991 "a
Total ,...........,............Sl7,4is2 POS 10
sfh. total payments from the Treasury during the .
&sca year 4f'io' W
Ie~,ipx a balance in the Treasury Oct, I, 1850 .
''-'''' -
The Funded Debt Of the State on October l, 1860.
swss Of General Fund Debt. roSoeS4
OF Csnhl Debt. Ev4o7
Maxim total %
The Stock or Funded Canal Debt outstanding on
September 80 was authorized by the Constitution as
AZ follows, viz:
int. TpetO of