Year: 1860

merely primary, but comparatively liberal, a.
mong the youth Of the State, and, aided by the
pledge iu our Constitution, which | cannot
doubt will be faithfully observed, requiring "the
General Assembly to make such provisions by
taxation or otherwise, as with the income ari-
sing from the school trust fund, will secure q
thorough and efficient system of common
schools throughout the State" the future his
tory ofour State will be adorned by even great
er achievements, than the past, gratifying and
honorable as they have been, for the promotion
of popular education, and through it the public
welfare.


But however efficient have been these eau
ses in advancing the material, intellectual and
moral growth ofour State, we cannot and ought
not to conceal from ourselves, that, unaided by
that other noble provision Of the ordinance
which forever barred the territories against sla.
very, they would have been impotent for the
accomplishment of the stupendous results to
which have so imperectly referred.


This was the pre- eminently distinguishing
feature Of that incompatible instrument. 1t
was the first solemn dedication Of national ter
ritory to the rights Of universal human freedom
1t was the first national declaration, in practi-
cal form. condemnatory Of slavery as a social


institution. 1t was the Inauguration of the
policy logically resulting from the Declaration
Of independence, and approved by all the states
OF the confederacyTto forever exclude slavery
from the national domain, and to discourage


its existence everywhere within the jurisdiction
of the United States, not in conflict with the
rights Of the slaveholding States. It was, in
effect, moral pledge Of the world, that as its


trainers and their compatriots, had by long,
arduous and heroic struggle, emancpated them
selves and their country from the political sla-
very prepared for them by an oppressive gov
ernment, so, under our federal system, such
laws and constitutions should be established in
our national territories as would fully recognize
and sacredly guard the rights OF human nature.


And surely it would not be denied, that to
this original and persistent exclusion of sla-
very we are chiefly indebted for our rapid
growth as State; for our individual and social
wealth and comforts, our varied and extensive
agriculture and manufactures, our profitable
commerce, our achievements in all the useful
arts, cur humane civilization, and the love OF
freedom so universal among the people.


Had slavery been established here our popu-
lation and resources would not be one-hali
what they are. In that case, we could not
boast of our almost unrivaled triumphs in ev-
cry branch Of material development; O our ex-
tensive system OF internal improvements; OF
our colleges and universities, our free common
schools, our asylums and other public charatics
which crown our State with such distinguished
honor, and illustrate-in such attractive forms
the superiority Of free over forced labor, for
all the just purposes Of social and government
tai organization.


Upon you, Senators and Representatives, and
your successors, will devolve, in large part the
grateful task of providing by suitable legisla-
ton for the future growth OF the State, and to
preserve in their full vigor, as vital elements OF
our political and social system, the Just and
humane principles to which | have referred.


70 you belong the sovereign functions OF leg


slation. Upon you devolve the responsibilities
of enacting laws regulating the rights Of prop
erty; Of prescribing and enforcing all duties ari-
sing out of the domestic and social relations;
OF regulating elections and preserving the pu-
rity Of the elective franchise; OF establishing
laws for the encouragement OF agriculture, and
all useful arts; for the organization and disci-
pline of the militia for the education Of the
youth, the support Of the poor, and the relief of
the afflicted; Of providing for the payment Of
the State debt, and for sacredly preserving the
public faith, and Of enactiDg all other laws, for
securing civil rights, and defending the honor
OF the State.


For the exercise of these supreme powers of
the State, the people ever extend generous
confidence to their chosen representatives.


The executive forms no part OF the legisla-
tive authority. He exercises no control over
legislation. His duties are to see that the laws
are faithfully executed, and to recommend to
the consideration of the General Assembly,
such measures as he may think adapted to pro-
mete the public welfare.


1t will not be expected Of me, at this time,
to call "our attention to many matters Of lcgis-
lation. Let me briefly re Ter to a few:


The existing legislation on the subject of the
fiscal relations Of our State and local govern
ments, without requiring radical change, needs
better adjustment of details. Our taxes for
State and local purposes are very burdensome,
and made more onerous on account Of the large
amount OF taxable property that escapes the
vigilance of the assessor. The laws should be
more searching so as to subject all the non ex-
empt property, of whatever description, to its
just proportion Of the burdens of taxation.


respectfully suggest the expediency of a
thorough revision of the laws relating to this
entire subject and particularly Of those more
directly affecting our local governments, to the
end not only of limiting the amount, but of
better defining the scope and purpose for which
taxes may be levied, to which may be added,
the requiring more specific publication of the
public expenditures in our cities.


Laws cannot be too explicit in defining and
enforcing proper accountability of all persons
acting in a public capacity. l respectfully re-
commend, that as part Of any law you may
enact on this subject, provision may be made
regulating public contracts, to apply as we'll to
local as to State administration.


The appropriating public money by public
officer to his private use, should be visited by
the most exemplary punishment. 1t should
avail nothing in what form it may be done,
whether by means of loaning, deposting or 9TH
erwse The gist Of the offence shoid be the
expectation or hope of the officer of receiving
a private benefit from the act He should be
prohibited from tampering with the public funds
in any way, and restricted in their use, 10 the
demands of his official duties. All perquisites
should be denied him. If the salary be made
quats to the responsibility or labors of the par
ticular office, let it be increased to compensa-
tosy maximum Leave no pretext for an abuse
of his trust. The sacredneSs of private and
public property is the life Of republican forms
of government, and one of the very highest du
ties Of the legislator is to surround it with all
the necessary Safeguards of law.


The disposition Of the Public Works Of the
State will doubtless attract your attention
These. works are no longer self-sustainng -
They arc an annual charge upon the Treasury
Why this is SO, whether because Of radical de,
iects in the laws relating to their management
Ito an unwise system Of tolls--to the want OF
a proper economy in their repairs. or to dam.
lging competition of the more improved means
Of transportation, Will not now inquire


That the question OF the disposition Of our
W.. has ~