Year: 1865

GEnrLEnrS cr rHs SENATE AND House OF
Representatives,


Having been selected as representatives Of tho
people. and having taken the oath Of Office, we
are now assembled In accordance with the pro-
visions and requirements Of the Constitution for
tho purpose OF inaugurating another biennial
term In the political history OF Michigan; Of ex-
amining critically the condition Of the State, and
Of considering what Legislative action Is re-
quired to promote and secure the best interests
Of those whom we represent. Relying upon our
capacity and Judgment, upon our integrity and
honesty of purpose, our llow-citizens have del
egated to us--to o certain extent Mt least--thc
exercise Of their political rights; and have con-
| ferred upon us tho requisite authority for tho
proper performance Of the duties thus imposed.


Before proceeding to tho fulfllment Of those
duties, IL becometh US to pay our vows Of obedi-
ence to the Ruler Of the universe, and with
grateful hearts to acknowledge bis bountiful
goodnnss. Since the representatives Of the peo-
pie were last assembled within these halls, n
benefcient Providence has watched over tho in
terests of the State, and health has prevailed
within har borders; and notwithstanding tho
shadows that may have clouded our national hor-
izon, ps have been graciously surrounded With
pence and prosperity. and are now permitted TO
assemble under favorable auspices; and, although
our granariss may not have been flled 10 over
flowing, yet the earth has yielded an abundant
supply for all our necessary wants. Industry
has found an abundant reward and all tho chan
nels Of business have boon more than ordinarily
prosperous. Let u.s. then, with profound graft
| tude for the mercies Of the past look TO that
same guidance for wisdom in the future, in our
endcavors TO promote tho continued welfare Of
our noble commonwealth.


The constitution Of our State provides that the
executive, mt the close Of his official term, ''shall
give TO the next Legislature, information by mes
sage, Of the condition Of the State, and recon-
mend such measures to them a. he shall deem
expedent." This provision Of tho constitution
is sufficiently clear and explicit where both tho
retiring and incoming executive officer is the
same person; but when such is not the case, as
nothing Is said in the constitution In reference to
the duty Of the executive in this particular, at
the commencement Of his official term, IL may
be- somewhat doubtful how far his duty requires
Of him specific recommendations which may be
but repetitions Of, or perhaps in conflict with,
those made by the retiring officer, and must
necessarily be made in the absence of q full
knowledge Of oil the facts. But if the constitu-
tion does not an unbrokon custom does demand
Of hi% At lsa,. brief inaugural address. and
this rogard--if not unconstitutional-would ut
lcsst be singular.


The condition OF our country, and the present
and prospective high rates Of taxation, require
that appropriations and outlays Of money should
bs made with great caution and prudence. Not
that prudence which Is merely another name for
parsimoniousness and meanncss, bat that pru-
donoe which is liberal without being profuse and
extravagant. True economy avoids all extremes,
and looks 10 tho saving Of money by rational
and judicious expenditure Of money. The policy
OF the Legislature in the enactment Of laws
should be such as 10 secure the best interests Of
the whole State; and oil mere local OF special
legislation designed to promote the exclusive and
separate interests Of some particular section, but
which would be to the detriment Of tho interests
Of the State at large-no matter how great the
benefit may be 70 that section-should be avoided.
And on tho other hand, legislation for tho pro-
motion Of the interests Of any particular locality
should be freely and promptly made, II tho bon
efts to be derived therefrom should exceed the
expenditure thereby incurred on the part Of the
whole State.


rISANcE.


The financial affairs Of the State are in pros
perous condition; and tho receipts and payments
Of the State Troasury during the fiscal year end
tnx No. L.. - I'll