The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1865-01-17

Gsnslemsn Of tie !Sssats and House ef
RsprsseAfGtivss. ~, ,sra.oT ,,I1f

Vs"be"ten " ~ ossoss o"s <1oSss ~
RsprsseAfstivss. sdol9 jnc4oT Sr1'
Having been selected as representa-
tives Of the people, and having taken
the oath of Office, we are now assem-
bled, in accordance with the provisions
and requirements of the Constitution,
for the purpose Of inaugurating anoth-
er biennial term in the political history
of Michigan, Of examining critically
the condition of the State; and of con-
sidering what legislative action is re-
quired TO promote and secure the best
interests Of those whom we represent.
Relying upoo our capacity and judg-
ment--upon our integrity and honesty
Of purpose, our fellow citizens have
delegated to us--to certain extent at
least-the exercise Of their political
rights, and have conferred upon us the
requis te authority for the proper per-
formance of duties thus imposed. !ol
Before proceeding to the fulhllment
Of those duties, il IecOmeth us to pay
our vows of obedience to the Ruler Of
the Universe, and with grateful hearts
to acknowledge His bountitul goodness
Since the representatives of. the people
were last assembled within these halls,
a benefcent Providence has watched
over the interests of the State, and
health has prevailed within her borders;
and Notwithstanding the shadows that
have clouded our National horison, zoe
have been graciously surrounded with
peace and prosperity, and are now per-
mitted TO meet under favorable auspi-
ces; aud although our granaries may
not have been filled to overdowing, vet
the earth has yielded an abundant sup
ply for all our necessary wants, indus
try has found an abundant reward, and
all the channels OF business have been
more than ordinarily prospcrots. Let
US, then, with profound gratitude for
the mercies Of the past, look 20 that
same guidance for wisdom iu the flu
ture, in our endeavors to promote the
continued welfare Of our noble Com
monwealth. aaa4 'at -
The Constitution of our State pro-
vides that the Executive, at the close
of his official term, "shall give to the
next Legislature, information by mes
sage, of the condition of the State, and
recommend such measures to them as
she shall deem expedient" This pro-
vision of the Constitution is sufficient
ly clear and explicit where both the re-
t,ring and incoming executive officer
is the same person; but when such is
not the case, AS nothing is said in the
Constitu IN in reference to the duty of
the executive in this particular, at the
commencement Of his official term, il
may be some ewhat doubtful how far his
duty requires of him .pccifc recon-
mendations, which may be but repeti-
tons OF, or perhaps in conflict with,
those made by the retiring officer, and
must necessarily be made in the alb
sence of a full knowledge of all the
facts. But il the Constitution does
not, an unbroken custom does demand
Of him ut least, a brief inaugural ad-
dress, and failure to comply with the
public expectation in this regard-if
not unc unconstitutional-would at least
be singular. i
The condition Of our country, and
the present and prospective high rates
of taxation require that appropriations
and outlays of money should be made
with great caution and prudence; not
that prudence which is merely another
name for parsimoniousness and mean
ness, but that prudence which is liberai
without being profiise and extravagant.
True economy avoids all extremes, and
looks to the saving of money by ra.
tional and julicious expenditure Of
money. The policy of the Legislature
in the enactment Of laws should be
such as to secure the best interests Of
the whole State; aud all mere local or
special legislation designed to promote
the exclusive and separate interests of
some particular section, but which
would be to the detrimcnt of he inter-
ests of the State at large-no matter
how great the benefit may be to that
section--shouli be avoided. And on
the other hand, Legislation for the pro-
motion Of the interests of any particu-
lar locality should be freely and prompt
ly made, if the benefits to he derived
therefrom should exceed the expendi-
lures thereby incurred on the part OF
the whole State. .uo SOB o-ir hU
'' +. FINANCES.
The financial affairs of the State are
in a prosperous condition; and the re-
ceipts and payments of the State Treas
ury during the fiscal year ending Nov.
30th, 1864, have been as follows, viz:
The receipts into the Treasury were
s2,444,242 25, and were derived from
the following sources, namely:
Balance Of cash in the Trrasury.
Dec. 1861. ................... S354,l2l 05
Received on account Of
General Fuad!ga.b .....T-...... ISL III 81
Internal Improvement Fund. IL $50 IA
Primary Sshosl Fund ......... l76,706 6l
Primary School Interest Fund.-. So, n,sp9 So
University Fund. 80. ........ 32,g3t %
University Interest Fund. 49,. Is 295 es
Normal School Fund. ........ 5,464 e5
Normal School Interest Fund. 1850 96
State Building Fund. ............ 2.373 6O
Asylum Fund. .............. 6,sy7 G9
Swamp Land Fund. ls2A!5 79
Swamp Land Int~rest Fun .... s,75a Z
81. Marie Canal Funi.. I5,l44 90
War FUND.-. $500. els $50 sc
Suspense Account Fund. ....... SO 81
Am refunded II. 8. Clubb.. az ~ IS