Crawfordsville Review, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, 13 January 1855 — Page 2

knowledge «vil from the Slate. The reports of the Trustees of the Benevolent Institutions exhibit the condition and management of these monument* of the benevolence of Indiana. The people willingly pay their taxes to sustain these Institutions. It is, however, essentially necessary to provide additional checks in the expenditure of the public money raised for their support. Their cost, per year, amounts to more than the sum paid anr.nally on account, of the ordinary expenses of the State Government. As they are now placed upon the Treasury proper, to be sustained by dfrect appropriations, it is hoped that necessity of borrowing money to support them, will not again arise.

I receommend that the management of the affairs of the three BeT nevolent Institutions, be placed under the control of one set of Trustees, not exceeding five in number and that the law which governs the expenditures of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, be extended over the other Institutions.

At this time, while financial embarrassments are affecting some of the commercial and manufacturing interests of the country, it is gratifying to observe that there are evidences of industry, prosperity and improvement, among the farmers and mechanics of the State. All classes of our laboring population are turnip^ their attention, as members of various industrial associations, to the consideration of the best means of promoting the interests of thoir several pursuits. Under the authority of the Act of the General Assembly, approved Febuary 17, 1852, about sixty Agricultural Associations have been established in Indiana, and a very large portion of this number held interesting and profitable fairs, in the fall of the year 1854. 1 suggest that the law under which agricultural societies are organized, be •so amended that these associations shall be invested with the right to hold real estate, for purposes connected with the holding of their annual fairs. Many of the societies have purchased valuable grounds, on which they are making permanent improvements.'

The State Board of Agriculture is now in session, with a full delegation from various parts of the State. By the operations of this Board, during the past year, more than four thousand volumes on agricultural subjects have been distributed among the people of the State. These volumes contain only valuable information derived from the experience of tome of the best farmers of Indiana, but, also, many useful and interesting facts in relation to the agricultural experience of the most distinguished farmers of other States of the Union.

It is the duty of those who represent the people in the General Assembly, to aid and encourage the efforts of the State Board of Agriculture and its auxiliary societies. By stimulating labor, by rewarding industry and skill, by encouraging the useful arts, and by diffusing, in various ways, useful and practical knowledge, these associations have exerted a most beneficial influence in promoting the agricultural interest and in increasing the amount and the "Value of the products of our home industry.

I recommend that you appropriate the sum of three thousand dollars for the permanent inclosing of the military grounds at the Capital. This •um, in addition to that which will bo furnished by the citizens of Indiapolis and the agricultural society of Marion County, will be sufficient to provide suitable grounds for the periodical display of the most valuable stock of the State, and for the exhibition of the labor and skill of our mechanics and manufacturers.

Tho correspondence on tho subject of acquiring territory in Liberia, for the colonization of our colored population, will be found in the report of the colonization agent. From this correspondence, it appears that the contemplated quantity of land cannot be acquired in a body. The object in view may, however, be accomplished by 6uch a modification of the law as shall authorize the selection of lands, in smaller quantities, for families and individuals who may emigrate from Indiana to Liberia.— The expediency of making such a modification of the law, is worthy of your consideration.

Since the passage of the law authorizing a State organization for the purpose of aiding the cause of African colonization, 48 persons have been sent from Indiana to Liberia.— A majority of these emigrants were good mechanics, industrious and intelligent men, and well qualified to exert a good influence in that infant republic^

Times has demonstrated that the scheme of African Colonization is practicable, and no enterprise of the age holds out greater promises of good to the colored race. Within the last twenty-years, through the influ­

ence of the Liberian government, the principles of christian civilization and civil liberty have accomplished more, among the twenty-five million of that portion of Africa, than had been achieved by the efforts of philanthropists in the course of many proceeding centaries The colored man in his native land, has established a republic, built towns and cities, founded churches and schools, and adopted a policy calculated to encourage agriculture, mechanics, manufactures, and other industrial pursuits. We must look to this land for the elevation of the African, for the separation of the white and colored races, and for the removal or mitigation of a great source of evil. I recomend that you continue the annual appropriation for the cause of colonization, and that your voice be heard in the National councils asking for the recognition of the independence of the Republic of Liberia.

In former messages, my views in relation to the necessity of making provisions, by law for a thorough geological and topographical survey of the State, and in reference to the importance of creating a Bureau of Statistics in one of t^e departments of State, have bevn laid before the Legislature. Again earnestly I invite your attention to these subjects.

In the early part of the year 1854, the State Board of Agriculture, at an expense of five hundred dollars, employed Dr. Brown to make a cursory geological examination of the State, and to publish the results of his labors, in the third annual report of the board. In that report, which has been placed on your tables, you will find much valuable information on the subject of our undeveloped agricultural and manufacturing resources. We have neglected these interests too long, and the present is a favorable time to correct this error of our home policy. Europe is now convulsed with a contest, the end of which cannot be foreseen, but which will, while it lasts, continue to disturb the commercial and manufacturing interests of the world. While we cannot be indifferent spectators of this terrible conflict among the nations of Europe, we should be admonished of the necessity of cultivating the arts of peace, and of developing those boundless resources of wealth that a bountiful Providence has scattered broadcast over our land. Without depending upon the fluctuating and uncertain influences of national legislation, it is our duty to strengthen and encourage the arms of enterprise and industry, by the strong force of a wise and steady State policy.

With a coal field with seven thousand square miles in extent—with inexhaustible beds of iron ore—with a soil of unfailing fertility—with a central position between the east and the west—and with railroads traversing the State in all directions —Indiana, if true to her own interests, may, within the course of the next ten years, double the present amount of her wealth and population.

If we desire to bring into our State a portion of now hoarded capital of Europe and the east, we must be able to point with certainty to the places at which it can be profitably invested." To enable us to do this, we want reliable facts, such as the actual investigations of scientific men only can furnish. The expenditure of a few thousand dollars, if authorized by the Legislature, will secure to us the advantage* of a thorough geological and topograpical survey of the State. While our sister States, by the aid of science, are unfolding their agricultural and mineral wealth, we are trusting these great interests to chance, and to individual enterprise.

In view of the facts, that there are in Indiana twenty-five hundred iniles of railroads, either now in running order, or approaching a state of completion—that the affairs of some of these roads are controlled by the interests of the citizens of other States—that our railroads furnish employment to thousands of hands —and that the policy of these corporations exercises an important influence on the trade and commerce of our State, and on the character of the citizens—it becomes the duty of the Legislature, not only to adopt efficient measures for the prevention of unauthorized and unjust exactions upon the traveling public, but to provide, as far as human foresight can provide, and by any means within the scope of legislative authority, for the prevention of those railroad accidents which so frequently result in the destruction of property and the loss of human life.

1

Many of the common railroad accidents of the day, which are caused by unsubstantial temporary bridges, defective locomotives, badly constructed railways, improper signals and carelessness on the part of employees, might be avoided, by subecting the conduct of railroad companies to the scrutiny of officers deriving their authority from the Legis­

lature. You therefore incited to take into consideration the exp^ ency of providing for tho appointment of General Railroad Commissioners, who shall be practical & scientific men fc who shall be invested withjpower to visit]the different roads enquire into & report abuses, and require compliance with the. provisions of law. The companies having charge of roads that connect with roads in other States, an office for the transaction of business.

It is confidently hoped that the present Legislature will, without authorizing any unreasonable interference with the affairs of railroad companies, provide, by the enactment of suitable laws, for holding to the strictest accountability all persons entrusted with the management of th'ese corporations.

An early consideration of the expediency of creating the office of Attorney General, is pressed upon the attention of the General Assembly. With respect to this subject, the justness of the views contained in my annual communication of 1851, has been confirmed by the experience of the two past years. The amounts paid and the liabilities incurred by the State, for professional services, during that period, will exceed the sum of five thousand dollars. Constitional questions that affect the revenues of the State, the common schools, the tenure of offices, &c., are continually arising in the courts, and yet there is, for the State, no legal adviser. Economical considerations clearly indicate the necessity of creating the office of Attorney General.

In the application of the principles of economy, in fixing the compensations of the officers of the State government, we should be careful to avoid a parsimonious policy. The salaries attached to our public offices should not be prodigally large but they should be sufficiently remunerative to command, in the administration of the public affairs, the services of the most worthy and the most competent men. The very best and most wholesome laws may, in consequence of their incorrect interpretation or improper administration, fail to accomplish the purposes for which they were made.

In order to secure strength, efficiency, and success in the administration of the public affairs, is the duty and the interest of the State to provide for the payment of fair saleries to public offices. The present saleries of our Judges are Dot sufficient and it is absolutely necessary to increase the compensation of these public servants, if we desire and expect to have, in this department, the services of men qualified to administer justice, and to command, for the judiciary, the confidence and respect of the people. These remarks are applicable to other public offices, and to the discharge of o.ther official duties.

During the course of the years 1853 and 1854, the present efficient State Treasurer has received and distributed about three-quarters of a million of public moneys, on account of swamp and wet lands. For the additional responsibilities and labors imposed on him in the discharge of these duties, the Legislature should allow a proper compensation.

Before the next meeting of the Legislature, the present lease of the State Prison will expire and the duty devolves on you to decide whether the present system of selling out the crime of the State to the highest bidder, shall be continued or abandoned. The policy of making periodical sales of the management and labor of the criminals that the State may have in its custody, is highly objectionable. The Penitentary of Indiana is well kept, in conformity with the law that governs it, as any State Prison in the Uuion but the system is essentially wrong, end unworthy of the State.

The State shuould have the entire control of the Prison, its discipline, its internal regulations and, as far as it may be practicable and expedient, a system of rewards for good conduct should be kept constantly before the view of each convict. Do not make the convict a slave without hope, if you expect to reform him but let him know that the State regards him, even within the walls of a prison, as a man, in whose reformation and restoration to the rights of citizenship, she feels an interest.

In determining the question of the future management of the State Prison, the idea of making it profitable. in a pecuniary way, should be out weighed by a higher consideration—the duty of adopting the best means for the reformation of the convicts within its walls.

The constitution that you have sworn to support, declares that the General Assembly "shall provide houses of refuge, for, the correction and reformation of juvenile offenders." Of two hundred and sixtyseven men in the State Prison, thirty six are under twenty years of age and more than one-half of the whole

numbfcr are under twenty-five years of agfe. The youth of sixteen is found by the side of the old offender, and deprived of all associates other than those who are hardehed in crime. All prisoners, convicted of the first offence, and youthful convicts, shoukl be placed in situations where they would receive the kind advice of parents, guardians, or friends. By adopting this policy, our prisons will soon become houses of reformation, as well as places of punishment.

I communicate, herewith, the lists of pardons, fine and forfeitures, for the last two years, and suggest that they be published with this message and also, that you provide, by law, for the annual publication of similar lists.,

Your attention is specially invited to the interesting Report of the late Visitor to the State Prison, to the Reports of the other officers, and to the views expressed in my former communications upon the subject of the management of this institution.

Early in 1853, appointments of Brigadier Generals were made, with view of effecting an organization of the military strength of the State and at a court martial which was held in the month of October, 1853, lules and regulations were at least sufficient to develop and secure that strength. Commissions have issued in thousands letters of instruction have been sent to the proper officers and every effort has been made to carry the law into effect yet not one Brigade enumeration has been perfected and I hesitate not to express the opinion that no organization can be effected, unless the General Assembly gives to the proper authorities the power to impose penalties for the non-performance of official and militia duty.

Although our strength has incre?ned four-fould since 1831, we are drawing our quota of arms from the General Government, upon our strength of that year. Many valuable suggestions are contained in the reports of the Adjutant Geueral, which will be laid before you. The labor of this officer has been greatly increased, and he should receive additional compensation.

Many questions of vital interest to the State are presented, for your consideration, in the report of the trustees of the Vabash and Erie Canal. The most of those have been alluded to in my former message, to which your attention is invited.

Since the last meeting of the legislature, the Wabash1 and Erie Canal has been completed to the city of Evansville thus forming the longest line of continuous artificial inland navigation on the globe. In the completion of this great work, we may find, taking into consideration the many embarrassing obstacles which have been thrown in its way, causes for mutual congratulation. It opens, for the extensive districts of fertile country lying upon its borders, a cheap means for the transportation of heavy articles of export and import and, by affording the means of an easy passage to northern or southern market, it promotes, materially, the agricultural interests of the State, and imparts a stimulus to other branches of our industry.

It is an unpleasant duty to call your attention to-the fact, that, in a few instances, in some portions of the State, indications of the existance of a spirit of mob-law and violence have appeared. Secret' associations, usurping the progressives of law, have, (by means of disturbing the peace of families, injuring property, and inflicting corporal punishment on individuals,) undertaken to regulate the morals of the committiees in which such lawless combinations are permitted to exist. Civil officers, and peaceful citizens, fearful of incurring the dangerous hostility of members of these secret associations, allow their lawless acts to pass without punishment, and almost without public censure. The inevitable tendency of these secret associationt i3 to corrup the morals ot the community, and to divst men of their respect for lav* and order.

In reference to this subject, it seems that some additional legislation is required, in order to insure prompt and efficient action on the part of the civil authories. If, in cases of unlawful assemblages, riots, affrays, etc., the circuit courts were invested with concurrint jurisdiction with the courts of common pleas, and informants were thus shielded by Grand Juries, the change would, perhaps, afford to society some additional protection against the violence of lawless men.

No state of facts can ever arise, in a government like ours, that should, for a moment, tolerate private citizens in the usurpation of the right either to redress their own real or imaginary wrongs, or to inflict injuries on the property or on the persons of their neighbors. Wherever such usurpations

are

tolerated and encouraged

the people are rapidly approaching

a state of anarchy, in which laws can afford ho protection to life, liberty, or property. It is, therefore, the solemn duty of ev£ry citizen of lndidnd to aid in the preservation of the public peace, and in the maintenance of the supremacy of the laws. These interests must be preserved, and maintained, at all hazards.

The total amount of money arising from the sale of swamp lands, paid into the treasury, and in the hands of the receivers, is at the present time, about §800,000. Of this sum, $340,000 has been disbursed under the law authorizing the ditching and draining of the lands. In some portions of the State, the expenditure of the funds has produced good results in other parts, the money has been paid to officers, and nothing beneficial to wet lands has been accomplished.

The operations of the swamp land laws have confirmed the views expressed in my former communications to the legislature. The correctness of the construction that has been placed, by the offieers of State, on these laws, as they relate to the mode of issuing patents, is, in my opinion very doubtful. The subject demands your early attention. It is yet possible, by prudent legislation, 10 secure, for the common school fund, a considerable amor.nt of the proceeds of the swamp lands. The very valuable report of the Auditor of State will place before you the details of the management ot .this trust.

It is the duty of the present General Assembly, to fix by law, the number of Senators and Representatives that shall compose the Legislature, and to apportion such Senators and Representatives among the several counties, according to the number of white male inhabitants above twen-ty-one yeara of age, in each. In connection with this subject, your attention is invited to the suggestions that were contained in a previous message, in reference to a reduction of the present number of Senators. In the discharge of the duty first named, and in any action which, in your discretion you may deem proper and respect to the suggestions concerning a reduction of the number of Senators, you will, no doubt, be controlled by an equitable regard for the interests of the citizens of all portions of the State.

It is your duty to establish all the guards and restrictions that may be necessary for the protection of the purity of the ballot box, and the security of the elective franchise. I suggest that you prohibit, under severe penalties, against the separation of all the officers of an ejection, until the ballots are counted, and the result of the poll is known and declared.

The attention of the Legislature is again called to the consideration of the subject of providing suitable buildings for the State offices at the seat of government. The proceeds of the property owned by the State and the additional aid that the General Government will, doubtless, furnish, will be sufficient to erect a substantial building on the "Governor's Circle," for the accommodation of the National and State Officers, without imposing any tax on the State 1 reasury. The Capitol building should be appropriated only to the uses of the General Assembly, the Representatives of the people, and the State Library.

An appropriation should be made for the inclosing of the Capitol grounds with an iron fence. This is rendered absolutely necessary, in order to preserve the building and the grounds.

The loss of some of our State Bonds by a late disaster at sea, suggests the propriety of providing by law, for the relief the holders of bonds in similar cases. The law should be well guarded—requiring proof of loss, identification of numbers, dates, and amounts—and made applicable to all cases of loss or destruction of State bonds.

The Secretary of State of the United States lias transmitted to the Executive department of thi.i State, a copy of the details of a "Consular Convention .between the United States and his majesty, the Emperor of the French," concluded on the 23d day of February last. This document, and an accompanying circular that explains the object of the transmission are herewith presented for your consideration.

The great inequality now existing in the appraised value of real estate, and the recent rapid progress of improvements demand it seems to me. a re-appraisement of lands and the expediency of causing a full and complete census of the State to be taken, for the year 1855, is also worthy of vour consideration.

In accordance with the requirements of the resolution of the last General Assembly, authorizing an examination into "the stock affairs of the State, the loss of surrendered bonds, and the excess of scrip, the undersigned, in company with the Treasurer of State, visited the office

"of Our Agency atNew York, in Au guilt) 1853. Tber'missilig bonds .having been fotind a few days previously, were carefully counted, and are now in the office of (he Treasurer of

State. ,'i* The apparent discrepancy between the books of the Agent of State and those ot the Auditor, as to the amount of bonds e»urrehde'red, was examined, in order to correct this discrepancy, a complete copy of tho books of the Agent of the State was made, and carefully compared in every particular. This copy is now in the hands of the Auditor of Stattf^ who, by reference to it, has corrected the supposed errors and it is believed that the Report of the Auditor, based upon this examination, presents a correct view of the State debt.

It had been stated that Indiana had not received any part of the three per cent, fund due her, for lands spldf at Chillicothe and Cincinnati aiid, in the course of the official visit to which 1 have referred, the officers be^ lore named, made an examination at

the

General Land Office, with F£pect to the amount and condition of the three percent, fund due the Stato rom the General Government, submit, herewith, a report obtained from the General Land Office, showing the condition of this fund, up to the date of the report and accompanying the report is a letter on tho same subject, addressed to the Secretary of the Interior, under the date of November 10, 1853.'

The subject of the excess of scrip lias been carefully examined by two gentlemen under oath. Their report, which is herewith submitted, shows the amount redeemed and cancelled upon the books, by each Treasurer. The questions of no further action, in relation to this subject, is submitted to your consideration.

The first and second instalments due by virtue of the sale (in pursuance an of Act of the General Assembly, approved February 28, 1852r of the interest of the State had in tho Madison and Indianapolis Railroad, have not been paid. A mortgage was taken upon the road and all its equipments, and duly lecorded in thO several counties through which tho road passes. Upon the failure, to pay the first instalment of seventy^ five thousand dollars, due the finft day of January, 1854, the claim was placed in the hands of able attorneys for collection. The report of the Trustees named in the mortgage, and the correspondence j^pon the Bubjeet, together with a communication from the President of the Company, will place before you the condition of thiA claim.

Many important questions, all 'df* which will doubtless receive your careful consideration, have been raised under the operations of our new constitution and Revised Statutes, since the last session of the General Assembly. Among the subjects that will claim your attention, are, tho amendment of the law in relation to the? compensation of Sheriffs for the removal of convicts to the Stato Prison—the expediency of investing Clerks of Courts with power to order the holding of elections for Justices of the Peace—the decision of tho Supreme Court on the subject oi tho amendment of Statutes—and the extent to which it will become your duty to revise the laws affected by that decision.

We cannot be indifferent spectators to the action of tho General Government and to the political events of the day. The past year has been one of unusual political excitement and, to the patriot, it must be a source of regret to perceive that this excitement has, in no small degree, evinced a dangerous spirit of sectionalism.

Indiana, as a State, has wisely selected her own domestic policy and the people feel that they have tho right, from time to time, to change or modify that policy. Satisfied with the degree of prosperity that we havo attained under our own free institutions, we have uniformly respected the constitutional rights of eacb member of the confederacy and no« just cause of complaint against Indiana can be made by any State ot tho Union.

Whatever views may be entertained by others, it is my deliberate opinon thai, at this day, the people of no State are more national in their political sympathies than are the citizens of Indiana. Enjoying the privilege of making our own laws, in our o«vn way, on all subjects not prohibited by the constitution of the United States, we acknowledge the existence of a similar right in the people of every other State and Territory in the Union. 1 know of no other principle but this, upon which we can stand with safety and honor. It is tho chief corner-stone on which, under God, the security and perpetuity of the Union rests. If

we

cannot main­

tain this position, there is nc hoprf of peace and harmony in the future.-— Whenever we abandon this stand, wo shall lend our influence in invoking