The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1872-01-12
MESSAGE or GOVERNOR BOWIE.

Friday, is quite a lengthy document but one
which will command thoughtful considera-
ton, from the many valuable suggestions it
contains, and the interesting nature of its
contents.
The exhibit Of the financial condition of
the State, is represented to be Every satisfac-
tory" During the last fiscal year reduc-
ton of the State debt was effected to the ex-
tent of 81 ,050073.24 This was accomplish.
ed by disposing of stock owned by the State
in the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, ON
which profit was realized of $177 ,001 above
its par value. The actual debt of the State
bearing interest, on the Both day of Septem-
Der, 1871, is put down at $12, 43G 1855
The productive assets of the State are COM
puted at $7,719, 1854, and the unproductive
assets, chiefly bonds, Stock &c, of the Chesa-
peake anu Ohio Canal at $2O,577 1886
This last Investment after having been look
ell upon for nearly quarter of century as
almost worthless, the Governor predicts can
be made in the course of the next eleven
years to yield the State yearly revenue of
half a million of dollars, when it will no Ion
ger be classed among the "unproductive as
SETS"
In reference to the State finances generally,
the Governor recommends first, continu-
ance OF the retirement of the public debt :;
secondly, stringent measures against the Bal
timore and Ohio Railroad Company to COM
pei the payment of the moneys already deci-
ded by the courts to be due from the COM
pany to the State, and amounting the Gov
ernor says, to nearly q million of dollars :;
third, the cancellation of portion of the
sinking fund debt; and lastly, greater econo-
my in legislative appropriations. The pas.
sage of a law is also recommended to compe-
more prompt settlement of their liabilities
by incorporated institutions and accounting
officers.
The cause of public education and the schoo
system is commended to the attention of the
Legislature, with suggestion that the whole
subject should undergo careful scrutiny and
revision. In particular the Governor advises
the establishment of high schools, as q con-
Meeting link between the common schools
and colleges, in every county, or ct least in
one OF two oinlfI3 counties, and more
generous provision for the support of the col
oredtsschools.
The Governor next adverts to the immgra-
ton question, and declines to endorse the ap-
peal from State convention held some time
since in Baltimore, for the appropriation Of
100000 to promote immigration to Mary
land, but thinks much smaller sum suffi-
Gent.
The disputed boundary question between
Maryland and Virginia is made the next to-
pic of the document, and the Legislature is
urged to take steps to adjust the matter in
dispute.
Upon the subject of the treatment of Grim
inals, the Governor makes q suggestion which
can scarcely fail to meet with popular appro-
val, and which is, that instead of confirming
criminals in the penitentiary or Jail, for mi
nor offenses, they be employed, under prop
per supervision, to repair the roads of the
county in which they are convicted.
Ifths plan could be properly carried out
we have not the slightest doubt that it would
result in our having better roads throughout
the State, and at a decreased outlay, than at
present. Punishment ofsuch character, too,
would tend greatly to decrease crime, mas
much as juries would more frequently con-
vict, in the belief that a short term of labor
would be beneficial to certain class of crimi-
nals-those who dread nothing so much as
work. We hope the present Legislature will
realize the importance of this portion of the
Governors message, and prepare the way for
q trial of the scheme, at least.
The Governor then animadverts at consid-
cradle length upon the subject of the pend
ing controversies between the State and the
Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and urges re-
sort to decisive measures against the road, in
case of the further delinquency of the Com
pany to pay the money due by it to the State.
The sale of the States interest (by way of
mortgage to the amount of 81 900 ,000) in the
Susquehanna and Tidewater canal is recon-
mended, provided the sale can be effected for
fair price to parties who will continue to
improve the canal and maintain it as q useful
channel of commerce.
The decline in the military spirit and Or
ganization of the State is regretted by the
Governor, and is presented as a proper sub,
ject for legislative action.
The enlargement and improvement of the
grounds attached to the State live stock scales,
in order to accommodate the increased cattle
trade is recommended
The act of last session for the protection of
wild fowl is thought to have borne with undue
hardship upon class of citizens engaged in
shooting wild fowl for living, while it has
failed to answer the objects of the sportsmcn,
who were the special advocates of the law
Inability at the right time to secure the SER
vices of the right person to act as commits
sioner, under the fish law of last session, is
assigned as a reason why its provisions have
not been carried out. 1t is advised that fish
ing by seine and gill-nets on Sunday be pro-
hibited by law.
The establishment of an insurance depart
ment as a branch of the comptroller's office,
with further legislation to protect the people
from losses through bogus or fraudulent COM
panies, is recommended.
Asnlall appropriation to insure a supply
aAz.H e. Al,r, ~ N n