The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-03
OUR STATE AFFAIRS.
Meeting Of the Legislature of
New York
-->~--~~~~>->~~-~>,~~~~-~---
De Witt G. Litt!ej0hn Elected Speaker
OF the Assembly.
MESSAGE CT GOVERNOR MORGAN.
THE NATIONAL CRISIS.
SenatOr Spinoa'S Resolution to Raise l0,00o,DOe
for Arnins the State,
&C., &C., &s.
OF GOVERNOR MORGAN.
THE NATIONAL CRISIS.

To 11ia SENATE AND Assembly
You have met under circumstances OF more than usaA6
interest, to perform the high and responsible duty -
making laws which 10 affect the honor welfare and
happiness Of millions. High because no earthly powur
superior TO that which prescribes OF action f
all; and responsible because you acting in repre-
sentative capacity aud therefore charged with sacred
trusts If anything were needed to heghten tho ~
portance Of your position you have but to reflect has
you represent tho sovereignty Of tho State OF New York.
the nobest the erandcst Commonwealth that ever haA
exstenco empire OF nearly four millions Of people,
imperial in all Its proportions with interests NJ
most varied and hopes the most exalted. =
has a proud history and proud namo v
preserve. Those who fashioned our institutions
have passed away but sher works stand, immortal nsa-
uEens q their wisdom and patriotism and accepted -
q, models By other states. Ii remains for TO Mv
whether these san continue be worthy Of enuatiO,
vbeber we appreciate the legacy committed TO koeI
ing
Entering upon our grave duties with the FIRST day OF tbs
year let nporc the favor and seek the counsel
Of Him who warded OF the pestlence who has quick
ened our energies, rewarded abors with abundsa4
return and whose guidance has been apparent in every
trying period of country's history.
Having been chosen by your respective constituencies
under circumstances which impose especial obgaticns
upon yourselves Is for you 10 determine whether tho
eighty fourth Legislative session shall be characterized BY
of wisdom and justice by which shall oon
for honor upon your own names and reflect credit upon
the State and country.
Let us zach recoect that the people the a
all political power that their VIII Is the simple and ssSe
rulc Of conduct and that however complicated a.
times may the condition OF public Affairs by per-
mg il to give shape and direction to our acts, We
shall be representing the governed and shall thereby
cure their approval.
without pledges OF any kind, save those imposed ~
duty God the constitution and the laws, and anxisua
only for the passage Of the wscst and best measures
premise YOU my ready ooperaton in pcrfectng such 60
acimenis viii promote the interests Of the people ana
tho honor Of the State and 1t may not be OF place
here giving pledge for the performance Of duty
In manner becoming my position, TO express my grea
tude for the continued confidence and support o ths
people.
In submitting FOR your consideration such genesN
recommendations deem expedent, nnd in making
such observations most deserving of notice, sa1
leave tho very capable heads Of the respective depart
mcnts to whose prompt operation in the governments
] am greatly indebted, the more specific and detailed
statements and suggestions anticipating only much
will enable lay before you general account u tho
condition of the state.
And nrst Of all l would, in respectful though decided
terms recommend a session az brief as rs consistent
with the public interest The constitution has practically
limited even the important scssons to hundrsl
days, and think II may be fairly inferred that y was
not expected that ordinary sessions should be prolonged
that extent; ono OF the most serious evils Of legsa
tion its cxcess Such Is the facility under system
for multiplying statutes and making Innovations that va
scarcely reflect how serious matter H. AnendmeafB
are adopted and Laws passed without any see@-
ing demand FOR them Every state in the coniederaV
has experienced this and has tried TO remedy II. 60ma
have sought corrective In tho policy Of biennial ses0u
New York restrained from following example IN
this respect by her organic act only rely upon tbs
sdom Of each recurring Legislature for tho needed 10
form.
earnestly adv you to avoid the practice, by far 100
prevalent Of local and special legislation, The great eva
sought TO be rcmedcd by present constitution wa
that Of monopoes and OF class legislation dicultisa
let general laws be amended or passed. but let our
equitable than that Of laying down general laws anA
requiring all alike to regulate their conduct by ths@
operate upequay upon citizens engage the time and
energies Of tho Legislature and serve 70 coDiound rather
than to prot, ct the rights OF the people.
financial condition presents some Interesting facts
which doubt not you win carefully consider.
The receipts of the Treasury, from all gources, during
tho agcal year ending with september 30, 1900
Slo ,oJo ,2oS -
The balance in Treasury on October /, fSts
was .t'.'''..'''.''r lNVvssz -
Total sl7 44s, ,eo5 u
The total paymerts from tho Treasury
during the fiscal year, wefe........., h,tsS,6o "a
Leaving balance in the Treasury on Octo.
The FUNDED debt Of the state On October l. 1885, was,
OF general fund debt ebt............... s6,505 eS4 ~
o. canal debt t...............,.....t. 2300a eS& -
Making total of................. Of. st3,5To x3S -
The stock funded canal debt oustaodIng Septem-
20 authorized by the constitution ss follows.
VIZ
Bearing AnWuag
Turssd,a 70 fnLrea Q
Art I. soc. l. 80. .{10, ,T21 pps % b5s 6TT -
F" 7. /" 3...... II .20o.0 900 - 7ssoO0 -
Z. IO., Ci2 bs5 ~ - 6c9 -
J. l2,..... $500 coo % 10000 -
s27 OS4, ,Jsi - l,s2t ;pS -
when, IN any year tho surplus revenues Of the CAM