Smyrna times., 1873-01-08

THE MESSAGE-Ihe biennial message of
Governor Ponder, read before the Legislature
yesterday, is a long, smoothly written docu-
ment, and though temperate in tone, is tho
roughly orthodox to the spirit of Delaware
Democracy.
After congratulating the State upon the fair
amount of prosperity and the entire absence of
organized lawlessness within its borders, he
proceeds to the consideration of the State debt
aRd finances. Under this head he goes linto
the usual special pleading for the bungling,
uupatriotic draft laws, and thinks the debt
created by them was fully justified because it
"enabled our fellow citizens to escape the de
moralizing influences of the military camp,
and doubtless preserved the lives Of many for
future usefulness" This is pleasant refec-
tion for those patriotic Delawareans who vol
UNFAIRLY went into those demoralizing camps
and risked their lives for their country's good
He says but few can be found to question
the wisdom" of the objects sought to be at
tanned in the creation of this debt. Such an
assertion, however, it may be charity to con-
strue into unintentional irony. Every other
ioydt OIdCc ndS ildu lJS WAT ueUG dSSuneu Uy
the General Government but Delaware The
objects and results sought to be attained
by the laundering Legislature that enacted
those draft laws is the bar to the assumption
in our case, and we are left to shoulder our
folly.
The debt statement, he thinks, shows sat
isfactory financial condition. The present in
debtedness, after deducting investments other
than those appropriated to free schools, is
$685. The State Treasurer has, during
the year just closed. paied of s37, 900 of the
principal of the debt, besides meeting all other
obligations.
He is opposed to any material alteration il
the revenue laws, but thinks some of the tax
laws might be made more equitable.
In reference to the dispute with New Jer
sey over the question Of jurisdiction over tn,
twelve miles circle" around New Castle, h,
by the Legislature, to meet with similar on
for New Jersey, to settle the matter in dispute
lie fully sustains Delaware's claim.
He favors the repeal of the attachment law
and thinks 81 it more than doubtful whethe
compensation paid for personal services ought
in any instance, to be subject to garnishmcnt' =
He favors the chartering of the propose,
ship canal, and says that while the chief ad
vantage will accrue to the commercial cities Q
the country, it will, nevertheless, be of grea
benefit to our own citizens.
He thinks the Treasurer's salary is who'll
inadequate tor his services The increase vc
ted to this officer in 1869 was unintentionall
repealed he thinks, by the last Legislature
in the revision of the revenue laws
He thinks the State Library room and tn
Office of the Secretary of State need fxin
up" and states that the Secretary has prepa
ed the edition of the Laws of the State autho
lied by the last Legislature, by which all Law
are arranged under proper titles.
The conviction of State tax collector by
Federal court is referred to at length, and ii
Governor sees the greatest dangers to our Ill
critics in such process. He says our laws f
the assessment and collection Of taxes are
nearly perfect as can be, but, notwithstand1
this fact, it is impossible to prevent omission
OF names e-."r'aIIy OF negroes, aud that Il
Federal authority should step in to punis
this unavoidable omission of State ofic
is most fearful thing. TO protect these of
GERS he recommends the passage of a law r
quiring the assessors to place the name Of eve
assessible person on their lists that they kno
to have fixed place of abode, and none othe
unless upon the persondl application of d
person desiring to be assessed; and furthc
that the Levy Courts shall not add names e
cept upon the personal application Of any D,
son who may have been left off. He says al
that collectors should give notice when q
where they will attend for the receiving of ia
es remaining unpaid, aud all who fail to
spond should be returned as delinquents,
the discretion of the collectors. The questi
OF residence should also be more distinctly
fined. The present law is too vague.
Federal relations close the message.
course these do not suit his Excellency.