The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1870-01-20
The WEEKLY COURIER.
4. 4. II Il. h1SH19K, HAaIET6N. EDITORS.
THURSDAY. JANUARY 20, 1870
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

Representatives
In accordance with the require
ments of the constitution, it becomes
my duty to present for your consid-
GRAFTON succient account of the
condition of the State, and of the in
stltutions under its care, with such
recommendations and suggestions as
may seem to be called tor.
FINANCES.
The condition of the finances is
fully shown in the report of the
Auditor of State, which is before you,
and in that of the Treasurer of State,
herewith submitted.
During the fiscal year ending Oc-
tober 31st, 1869, the period covered
by those reports there was received
into the treasury, on account of the
general revenue, inclusive of $82,-
114.48 on hand November 1st, 1867,
the sum of 81, ,S39, ,66S.12; the expen-
ditures amounted to 1883. 3.5O7.96,
leaving a balance in the treasury of
1886, 160.16. The above mentioned
reports show the sources Of this rev.
cnue, and the objects of these expen-
ditures. This balance it is proper to
state, includes the sum Of S9,5l9.63,
paid out on account Of losses by fire
at the Penitentiary, for which the
Treasurer holds tho Warden's receipt
This amount deducted, there is an
actual cash balance Of S276,650.53
in the treasury. This large amount
is partially due to the payment by the
general government of the sum of
1929, ,S27.39 on account of claims for
expenditures by the State during the
war, and the further sum of $18, III
to reimburse outlay for the defense
of the northern border of the State,
subsequent to the massacre at Spirit
Lake IN 1857.
This balance is the largest ever re-
ported at the close of any fiscal term
and indicates condition of financial
soundness which, it is believed, few
of the States enjoy. There should
be, at all times, sufficient surplus
in the treasury with which to cash
all warrants promptly on demand
Such has been the case in the main
with us for many years, and during
the term just closed the State Treas
urer paid every warrant on presenta.
tion and there are now no outstan-
ding warrants drawing interest.
The receipts during the fiscal term
on which we have just entered,
including balance Of general revenue
in the treasury, November 1st, 1869,
are estimated at S2,3oS,ss3 81, aud
the expenditures at s1,1O7, ,955.20, to
which sum must be added such spec
ial appropriations as the General
Assembly, in its wisdom, may see fit
to make.
The long experience ofthe Auditor
of State, both as county and state
official, and tho faithful and accepta-
BILE services of that officer and OF the
Treasurer of State, in their respective
departments, entitle the suggestions
in their reports, on matters of vast
Importance to US, to your favorable
and careful consideration.
INDEBTEDNESS.
The bonds issued in 1858 for $780,
600 ceased to draw interest on the
first of January, 1868. Prior to that
time, as stated by my predecessor in
his message to the last General
Assembly, the amount of $4,000
had been paid. The remainder Of
these bonds have since been redeem
cd. Our existing Indebtedness,
therefore, consists of the war and
defense bonds Of May, 1861, amount
ing to 100000 and drawing seven
per cent. interest. These bonds are
not due till 1881. / would recon-
mend, however, that the Treasurer
of State be authorized to use surplus
funds in the treasury tor the purchase
and cancella ion of these bonds,
whenever they may be obtained at
par, and when, in the opinion of that
officer and OF the Auditor of State,
the condition of the finances will
allow it.
THE CENSUS
The Census of 1869, being the
eleventh enumeration of its inhabit-
ants made under the authority of the
State of Iowa, shows a continuous
increase in the population andresour.
.ccs of the State, is before you. 1t
will be found TO contain a vast amount
of information, in addition to that
comprehended in the Census proper.
Two counties and one township fail
ed to report; for these / have adop
ted the figures of the Census of 1867,
although a closer approximation to
accuracy would be obtained by the
substitution of higher figures.
The total population Of the State
according to this report, with the
additions mentioned, is 1,042, ,S07, an
increase during the two year since
tho last previous enumeration of
Of 14o,767," or 1850 per cent-an
oyaroun nf z en- NON cnrt f,ar apuup,