The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-01-03

full and able service by providing adequate
compensation for the performance of public
duties." In this every person will concur.
The beggarly salaries now paid to State OIL
GERS are q disgrace to such State as New
York, where the Governor receives less than
is paid to q competent bookkeeper by any
respectable firm in this city,
The Judiciary system is regarded as needing
thorough revision but the Governor leaves
untouched the most serious evil of the existing
system-the election Of judges by the people.
He alludes to the crowded condition of the
calendar Of the Court ofAppeals as q serious
evil to the country, and declares that all
measures OF relief have failed In the Legisla-
ture from the conviction that the only effective
remedy would be found in . complete reform
Of the system through constitutional conven-
ton. r
The financial statement exhibits deficiency
in the general fund revenue on September 80,
1866, Of over two million six hundred thou
sand dollars, against deficiency last year Of
only little ever million. The other funds
show an ovsrdraft ct the same date Of over
one million dollars against balance in the
Treasury last year Of nearly one hundred
thousand dollars. This, with tax last year
Of i've and nins-sixtesnths mills against . tax
in 1865 Of four and nfty-three-eighH mills.
The Governor very properly recommends
strict economy and retrenchment in every
department. Of public expenditure; but he
should not forget this good advice before the
close of the session and sanction reckless party
legislation.
Some sensible remarks are made in the mes
sage In reference to national finances and tax
alton. The Governor takes the ground already
occupied by the HERALD, that the general gov
eminent should avail itself Of increasing
revenues to reduce taxation. Upon this sub
ject we have commented at length, and the
wisdom Of such policy is selfevident The
people Of the present day have borne heavy
burdens to secure benefits to future genera
tons, and they are still suffering under the
effects Of the war in high prices and reduced
currency. II is proper that they should be re-
lieved to the full extent of the ability of the
general government, and that relief should
come at once in the shape Of reduced tariff and
diminished taxes.
In reference to the contemplated legislation
for the city Of New York the message is con-
else. The duty of providing for the adorn-
ment Improvement and protection Of the me-
tropolis is urged upon the attention Of The
Legislature; and the method by which desira-
BILE results are to be reached il left to the intel
ligent Judgment Of the members. But the Gov
ernor comments very fully upon the legislation
Of last year upon the subject ofQparantiue and
the public health, and claims that the measures
passed by the last Legislature have been en-
tirely successful and productive Of important
benefits. In this he win be upheld by public
sentiment in the city. He calls for such fur
Their action Is may be necessary to continue
the protection against the spread of disease
which was enjoyed during the past summer.
A summary Of the condition of the military
departments and agencies ofthe State, and state.
ments in reference to population, education,
agriculture and manufactures occupy Some
space in To document and will be subjects for
future examination. The canal question is re-
viewed deliberately, and the necessity Of in
creased facilities for the transportation Of the
trade Of the growing West Is urged with conside-
rable energy. This important topic Is dwelt
upon ct some length, and the idea ofan enlarge
ment OF the Erie and Oswego canals to their
fullest capacity Is favored by the Governor.
The canal revenue figures make good exhibit.
The gross receipts during the year show an
increase Of nearly two million dollars over
1865. The revenue from tolls for 1866 is eight
hundred thousand dollars more than last year.
The expenditures are nearly FIVE hundred thou
sand dollars less. The surplus revenue Is
one million and quarter in advance of last
year.
The message, which Is upon the whole
good, substantial State paper, winds up some
what abruptly and without any pyrotcchnic
display. The Governor closes with the public
works, only adding brief paragraph Of half
dozen lines, in which he proposes to tho
Legislature that he and they shall mutually
accept every responsibility which their re-
snective positions impose