Year: 1877

THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
Gentlemen the Senate and House Of Repre-


sentattves.


In discharging the duty of addressing the
General Assembly, imposed on me by the con-
stitution, it seems eminently appropriate that
j should begin by congratulating its members
upon the auspicious circumstances under
which they reassemble. .


The past year has been memorable one.
Twelve months ago We witnessed condition
of things which threatened the existence OF
republican institutions under our ancient sys.
tenn of constitutional government. The whole
country was convused by national political
contest, that every patriot dreaded, as its fear.
full result, civil war; Amid the throes and
the perils of this conyulsion, the government
of which you constitute part. was placed
in>power by the people of the State. Encom-
passed by dangers as novel as they were start
ling, we looked in vain to history for the light
to guide US which experience alone can give.
The representatives of the people, chosen as
their rulers, were called on to fulfill as high
duties and to assume as grave responsibilities
as have ever been imposed on men. No hu-
man wisdom could have brought us safely
through the danger that beset US on all sides.
and we should reverently give thanks to Him
who alone has wrought this great deliversnce.
Our State is rehabilitsted peace prevails
throughout her borders the laws are Impair
TALLY enforced and fully respected; good will
between all classes is rapidly obliterating the
animosities of the past ; health blesses our
people, and the labors of our husbandmen
have been crowned with abundant harvests
We surely have cause for profound gratitude
for the blessings which have been lavishly be-
slowed on US; but while it becomes US to &C.
knowledge these gratefully, we should bear
in mind that their continuance depends on the
condition of our proving worthy of them.
The first step in this direction is for US to ob-
serve, in perfect good faith, the pledges made
during the canvass which resulted In our sue
cess. Upon this point, I feel we'll assured
that the conservative and thoughtful people
of the State are thoroughly united, and that
their representatives will be found in full
accord with them. With impartial justice in
the administration of the laws, with the re-
cognition of the perfect equality of all citizens
under these laws, with the assurance Of pro-
lection to all in their rights of person and
property, and with just, liberal and whole
some legislation, we may look with assured
confidence, to an era of peace and prosperl-
ty in our State This consummation, so ar
IDENTIFY desired by every patriot, is to be
brought about mainly by the labors of the
General Assembly, and rely confidently on
the wisdom, the discretion and the patriotism
which will direct and shape the ensuing legls
lation. Grave questions of public policy,
upon which will depend, in large measure,
the future destiny of the State, will demand
your attention, and will receive, am sure,
your most earnest consideration.


First in importance, is the financial condi
ton of the State, for until this is satisfactorily
settled, all hopes of returning prosperity will
prove delusive.


The credit of the State must be restored to,
and maintained at, its ancient high character
before we can make good our promises OF re.
form, or can expect her to take the proud
position she once held, and to which it should
be our highest duty and our noblest ambition
to restore her. This object can, l feel con.
vinced, be accomplished by this General AS
sembly, without imposing upon our lmpoVer-
ished people all onerous burden AS COM
mission was appointed by the Legislature at
its last session to consider this subject, it
would be premature, if not indelicate, in me
to make any specific recommendations in ad.
vance of their report, and | venture now
only to express the hope that under no cir
cumstances will reputation, direct orindirect,
be couutenanced. Reputation would bring
inevitable disaster and would entail indei-
bic disgrace. The public debt can surely be
80 adjusted that, while the welfare of the
State is carfully guarded, the rights of the
creditors shall not be violated or impaired.
The very fact that State can exercise pow
ers in questions of this nature against which
no remedy exists, should make its legislature
doubly careful of the interests of creditors
whose sole protection is the honor of their
debtors. An ardent desire to see the credit
of the State maintained and her faith unfair
nished, is my sole reason for presenting these
views and with the hope that they will meet
the approval of the Legislature and of the
patriotic people of the State, leave this vital
matter to you, who are the proper custodiaus
of the welfare and the honor Of this common
wealth. In connection with the public debt,
I venture to make suggestion for your con-
sideration. Unless some provision is made to
meet the obligations Of the State when they
fall due, we shall be subjected to great embar.
rassment, and perhaps loss, as the State will
be forced to issue new bonds in order to take
in the outstanding ones. This system of bor-
rowing to pay our debts will hamper our peo-
pie and may impair the credit of our State
There are grave objections to sinking fund,
the strongest of which is, that it may be d.
verted, under emergencies, from its Legitimate
purpose. To guard against this contingency,
and at the same sine to provide for the grad
ual payment of the public debt, advise that
a special annual tax of one half mill be levied,
the proceeds of which shall be placed in the
hands of the Treasurer of the State, who
shall be directed to buy in the bonds of the
State, annually, to the extent Of the fund 30
raised. 1t will be readily seen how pro6ta
bic to the State such plan would be while
the bonds are below par. The proceeds of
such tax as has been indicated could, at the
preseat time, retire bonds to the amount Of
100000, realizing to the State a profit Of
twenty Eve to thirty per cent. The public
debt could be gradually but surely reduced,
while the burthen ofpaying it in this manner
would fall lightly on the taxpayers Imere.
ly suggest such system, leaving its practical
bility and its details to the wisdom of the
General Assembly.


Another subject Of vital consequence to
our material prosperity, to which | beg to
call your attention, is that of the free schools.
The Superintendent of Education, in his an.
nual report, gives not only the result of
his iabors during the past year, but makes