The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-11-27

being made under the law approprating FIVE hundred
dollars year. for the increase of the public Library
continually receiving large accessons by our
nerchanges with the States and the National govern
ment Additional space should be provided for them
AS to how this may be best effected have specific
recommendation to submit.
The old arsenal building, at an inconsiderable
pense (now entirely useless might be made available
for some public purpose.
call your attention to the condition of the buildings
and grounds, provided by law as the residence of the
Governor. They have been occupied as the head
quarters of the Military Commandant of the State, since
the capture of this city by Gen Sherman's army, in
April, 1865. The fencing has been removed, the gar
den the fruit trees and shbbery exposed to stock
of the ornamental trees cut down and the build
ings damaged and defaced. have not asked to
cupy these buildings They require essential repairs
to make them suitable residence, and nearly all the
furniture has been lost destroyed and appropria
ton has been made TO repair and rernsh the premises
On entering upon the discharge of my official duties.
found that the standards of weights and measures,
belonging to the State, were missing. Many counties
which had lost part all of their standards of weights
and measures heretofore supplied by the State were
applying for new On application to the Secre-
tary of the Treasury. new supply was SENT and, in
the meantime, addressed circular to the Chairman
of each County Court in the State to ascertain what
measures 1t would be my duty to provide TOR them,
under the provisions of chapter IL Revised Code.
could not contract with discretion, for the manu-
facture of these measures until knew the whole
Der to be supplied. Very many OF the chalrmen did
not respond I sent second circular to the county
court clerks, and have answer from nearly all
of them respectfully submit that the details of this
duty ought not to be imposed the Governor, that
he should be authorized to employ and pay suitable
agent to attend to it, refer you letter this SUBJ
Ject from Prot. A d Bache, which accompanies this
message.
well regulated militia is essential to the admins
traon of the State government, well to the dis
charge of her duties member of the Union. AT the
beginning of my administration total dsorganizaton of
the militia existed Under the act of the General AS
sembly passed the 18th day OF March last appointed
John Gner, Jr., Aduant General, with instructions
to carry out the provisions OF said act The duties TO
be performed twenty times greater than they were
before the Nearly five thousand officers had to be
elected. commissioned and qualitiedprOper records to
be kept-a correspondence to be conducted with every
county in the State, and nnumerabe other difficulties
to be overcome. The salary allowed to this officer,
when the services were comparatively light. was two
hundred dollars year. This was not altered by the
act of last March. Believing that this over
sight, and that you would make him adequate compen-
saton he entered zeaousy upon the discharge OF his
duties. l herewith submit his report, and recommend
it to your careful consideration.
BY an act of the General Assembly the offices OF
Auditor and Comptroller were consolidated and no
Clerk allowed. The duty of auditing claims imposed
this officer his decisions being final, and subject to
SUPERVISION require officer of rmness and capac
ity, and the extensive okkeeping, and methodical
arrangement OF the papers pertaining to his duties as
Auditor and Comptroller, require much labor. re-
commend an inquiry whether judicous economy does
not require an increase of salary and the aid OF Clerk
have considered it my duty. in few instances,
under existing laws designate Judges to hold Courts
of Oyer and Termner: but after full inquiry and care
full examination of the laws, am in doubt as to What is
the legislative will in reference to the compensation OF
Judge for such special service. ask such action on
your part as shall leave grounds for doubt.
Under the provisions of the resolution passed by the
General Assembly, in March last. authorizing the Gov
to make needful repairs the State House. and
under the powers conferred upon the Governor Sccrc
tary of State. Public Treasurer and Comptroller, by
chapter 1913 of the Revised Code have caused such
repairs to be made to the Capitol and such additional
furniture supplied TO the Halls and Offices we deemed
necessary and the Governor and Public Treasurer. in
obedience to resolution of the Convention OF the goth
day Of une 1856, have had the necessary fixtures
put up for the lighting of the Halls and rooms of the
Capitol. We have executed these duties with as much
economy possible.
/ have received communication from Gen. r E
Colston, Superintendent of the Hillsboro' Academy,
which accompanies this message, generously Offering
grautousiy one scholarship in his Academy to one
young man from each Congressional District in the
State, and scholarship to young man from the
State at large to be designated by the Governor The
Institution asks pecuniay aid from the State Poor
young men will be unable to avail themselves of this
opportunity to acquire scientific and military educa-
ton in this distinguished Seminary ofearnng. without
aid to pay their board. submit this subject to you in
the hope that may be able to offer aid or en-
enlargement to this generous desi ign.
1t should be matter of Just pride that in spite OF the
exhausting drafts of the and its npOverishng re-
Suits the State has never ceased to care for the unhappy
inmates OF her Asy ums and that both still perform
ing their works of benctcence. The reports OF the
President Directors Principal. Auditor and Treasurer,
of our Asylum for deaf mutcs and the blind, which l
steadily executing, with undmnished vger, the benev-
olrnt purposes for which it created l commend
their reports to your careful consideration.
| have not commented on our finances the expedi-
ency of establishing Banks. other means OF supply
ing currency and relieving the debtor classes OF our
people, because my administrative duties have so fully
engrossed my time that have been unable to mature
any plans these subjects. which could confidently
recommend proper t" be adopted AS TO our finances
have nothing add to the suggestions of the Public
Treasurer which endorse.
For the large number of persons reduced from athu-
ence to poverty, without fault of theirs. and still OPP
pressed with debt, and the sill larger class who still
have moderate competency, but beset to find the
of supplying their indispensable wants, and meet
ing the memorable demands of the collector, feel
the most profound sympathy, but fear you do lit
tie for their relief. They should place their great re-
upon individual industry. and economy and So
briefly. and arrangements and compromises between
debtor and creditor and expect little from government
beyond the protection OF their rights. The mutual IN
erest of debtor and CREDITOR generally indicate the pro-
per basis of settlement. In the case of a 'Shylock
creditor, the existing law furnishes the debtor with
remedy. by deed of trust and otherwise for bringing
the creditor to terms by preterring the more enlent
ones. The peculiar circumstances OF each case VIII
indicate the best ustment between debtor and cred
tor. The wholesome provision of the Constitution OF
the United States. which orbids State to pass any
law mparng the obligations of a contract should be
faithfully observed, should be all constitutional
obligations; and in the end, the State and individuals
will reap the reward which always follows a steadast
adherence to duty. Let act that, hereafter as
heretofore, hearts may swell with pride at the men,
ton of the good old North State -
There is much to occasion the gloom prevailing
throughout the State 1t has been exhibited in various
ways The growing inditfence of people, in all the
elections which have lately occurred is greatly to be
deplored. Let never despair of the Republic Our
me-honcred axiom that ali political power is vested
in and derived from the people only - will have become
Improbable declaration of principle. when the peo-
pie shall cease to takran interest in elections. There