Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-01-12
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

The people of Maryland have never per-
haps in all their history been commended to
more satisfactory view Of their affairs than is
contained in the able document which has
just been submitted 10 the Legislature by
Governor Swami, Dealing with q most in
teresting variety Of topics, and bringing TO
bear upon them the soundest dictates of com
mon sense, the perusal of this document will
convlnce-it would seem-even those who
may indulge unwonted preiudices against its
distinguished author, that sroug hand is
once more at the helm Of State, and that all
that can be done will be done by the incoming
Executive to give new impetus 10 its advance
ment. Taking up the various subjects to be
discussed in regular order. he does not leave
any one of them until he has given to it its
full and fair consideration; and Extensively
urging nothing, he yet with manly determine
ton and frankness tells all what they have to
expect, justifying, in the most ample manner,
by the ability he displays. the choice made by
the people.
The first subject to which he calls public
attention-it will be seen, is the subject of the
State finances and whilst he intimates that
certain measures are needful to make every
thing safe and satisfactory, he yet shows that
no State-conslderlng its resOurces-has bet
ter reason to congratulate itself on its sub
stantial prosperity and solvency than our own.
Without going into detail Of the needs of the
occasion in advance of the Reports of the
Comptroller and Treasurer. he expresses the
hope that Congress may yet contribute, by its
action upon the war debt Of the States, large
amount to aid in putting the finances Of the
State in a still better condition.
The exemption of bonds from taxation is
strongly recommended; as also re-assessment
of property; and coming TO the discussion of
what should constitute one Of the most valu-
able sources of revenue, he very iudiciously
recommends that stringent measures be
adopted TO protect the interests we hold as a
commonwealth in the immense supplies OF
oysters within the bounds of the State.
The new Governor is thoroughly alive-we
are glad to Observe-to the need so kcenlv
felt at this time by other communities, of en-.
cOuraging immigration to the State, in order
that our lost labor may be replaced and a
new impetus be given to every interest by the
influx of capital Well aware that other States
have taken the most ample means to advertise
their advantages to the world at large. he
suggests action also i'll this direction, such as
needed, could not but result to the greatest
advantage to us as a progressive common
wealth. Reminding the Legislature that other
ut ~ J,
these ends, he insists that the best results may
''be fastened by timely and vigorous lcgs-
''lation."
The needs and advantages of the harbor OF
Baltimore next claim his attention, and briefly
and succinctly reviewing what has been al,
ready done TO deepen the channel and make
IT more acceptable as great entrepot of com
merce, he pertinently suggests to the General
Government the location Of naval station"
here something that in practice has been
already realized to considerable extent
through the period Of war just at an end H.
dwells with satisfaction upon the movement
to establish line of steamers for foreign trade.
and telicitates himself and his auditors that
since the establishment Of free constitution.
and the elimination of so much that means
advancement, that ''at no period has the fiji.
''ture of our State looked more encouraging.
He next passes in review the call there is
for reorganization Of the militia. in view of
the recent lessons TO which the State has been
subjected by the events Of the war: and nat.
urally passing thence to the condition of opr
returned and manned veterans, he urges
strongly that the Legislature should in some
way-such as its wisdom may suggest-pro-
vide for them. In passing, we may say that
we hope, for the honor Of Maryland, that this
recommendation of the Executive on this
point especially. be promptly acted upon, and
u home be ut once provided whore these brave
men may receive the attention they need and
which it is the duty of the State, and should
be It's pleasure, to bestow
Next comes a notice of the Naval Academy
Mt Annapolis, and we are glad to see that, in
view of movements to remove it on account Of
alleged want of space. that The Governor is
enabled to give the most ample guarantees
for the City of Annapolis, something which.
We trust, will be paralleled by the action of
INT Legislature 81 ltI iS IL mas power 10 con-
troll matters.
The important subject Of revising the slave
laws we are glad to see receives its share of
attention; and we doubt not but that meas,
ures will be taken at once to expunge from
the statute book all that modern progress and
a great revolution has made either an absurditv
or dead letter.
The registration law is discussed and its
necessity justified, the Executive in this thing
as in all else in the message, coming square up
to the mark: and he proposes to leave to expert.
ment, and to the next meeting of the Lecisla.
ture modification of its provisions if by
that time it shall be deemed advisable.
Coming to the questions of our federal re-
lations, reconstruction, and negro suffrage
he endorses the action of the President in his
past policy in dealing with the disloyal States,
and cannot see the wisdom or good policy of
insisting upon negro suffrage generally, and
especially as matters stand in our own State.
The Monroe doctrine is earnestly endorsed,
and the Message winds up by recommending
indemnity to Governor Bradford for the de-
struction of his residence
Taken altogether-we repeat-this docu-
ment is an admirable one, and cannot but COM
mend itself to the people generally for its
enlightened and progressive views, and its
manly and frank dealing with the important
questions of the hour appertaining to the wei.
fare of the State.