Indiana Centinel, Volume 3, Number 36, Vincennes, Knox County, 18 December 1819 — Page 2

lnautjiu-ai- Address

ted the dernier resort ; ami let the exciting cause he what it may, to disturb the peaceful feeling of society, much should be yield

ed as an onerin? to rrial intercourse and

Of A's excrlltncii Jonathan Jenninz, Gov-

,rmr oiaunm, ortttA.ipr wlMjf of- .tranquility, unless it be intimately connecriel'it'prpd rtpiarp thp .fpnrrni 'assembly I .:L'" .i-.i . i .i.'....

of the State, nf Indiana, on Wednesday, December Bth, 1819.

ted with settled principles or positive duty.

To promote the general happiness and security of the people, is the object ot every well In fur!

DEEPLY impressed with the solemnity of tention of c of niember3, wnen it is

4ho nrrflsmn. and with sensations the most

grateful toward my fellow citizens, I should ungenerously repress my own feelings, if on this occasion particularly, I were not to offer my acknowledments, for the repeated instances in which their confidence has been so liberally bestow ed. To discharge w ith integrity, the duties incident that to confidence, ami connected with the important situation which it assigns me, is required, not only by

those ties which cement the social compact,

but bv

recollected that individual welfaie, as well as that of posterity, is intimately blended with that of the community. Every citizen

indeed, should consider himself a guardian

of the public welfare, to correct by reason and persuasion, the errors of his own time, and to inspire those, to w hom public trust is or may be confided, to estimate the public weal, as pre-eminent to every personal or local object. In a republican government,

there are pihtical maxims indipensibly to

collections while discharging theiiuties.more jio ascertain tha period wheu its operations directly connected with their official situa-h"ould cease. The demand in fivor of t'.e tious, and with much convenience to theU. States on many of our citizens, which people. must be paid in money or snhject them to ccnIn the collection of the Revenue there is too sequent forfeitures, present a still gieatemuch uncertainty and delay, wheu coercion jeetien to such a change in the satisfaction cf

becomes necessary, growing out oi me prea-.ueyi?, anu u uuwi uui aunmuu

public and most solemn appeal. , be rv?arnv,i (lr ,xicu n undeviatinir reirard

Directed by such considerations, and sensi- ;t() pu,;,;c fait!l am public justice, and a steady ble of my own inability. I shall again enter a(:ierence t() virtue, may be considered atipon the discharge of my official dutie ?mons the most leading and essential, and relying on the forbearance of the community, 4inu misChicf, no misfortune, should deter and a generous support from its representa-' from a stlict observance of justice and tives. t 'public faith." A. different course, must inBefore retiring, however, imposing prece- ? variably- produce a general want of confidence dents seem to require some general declara- jin our government, succeeded bv a train of ti- f. audit may be proper to connect themievi,s caicuiated to undermine "the basis of tvith the constitutional term which empires jjts SUperstructure, and destroy the firmest with the present event. t pillars of its support. From the nature ot the change whicn we; Such fe!low-citizens,are in part the views have lately undergone, from a territorial amj opinions which have and will predom-

governmem 10 an muepenueui sovereignty, ( inate in mv mind, especially in the dischar

ge

ent regulations. It is hardly to be expected that either of the Treasury officers should attend the courts at different points throughout the State, to urge the legal measures for collection. On the'part of the several prosecuting attornies ot the different counties, there is not such responsibility to the Treasury Department, as to secure the punctual collection of the Revenue, iu cases of delinquency. The frequent chacges of those officers, by the Courts in many instances, require that all legal proceedings; necessary to our financial system, be instituted in the County, where the Seat cf Government is or may be located where the public records will furnish, at all-times, such evidence as the interest of the government may demand. Connected with this subject, a law authorising the appointment and defining the duties anil emoluments, as may be deemed proper, of an Attorney -General, is recommended to your impartial consideration. Questions frequently occur, which require the aid of legal abilities, in all the branches of the Executive Department. Sometimes cases are brought up to the Supreme Court, in which the State is interested, and no officer to prosecute in

- , t .

its behalf. An Attorney-General

to which it is entitled. Whenever, thr. uhout the country, the amount of debts conictcd exceed the means of payment, a general pressure must inevitably ensue, and the deleterious effects of which will extend to all the monied institutions of the country, as well as ta individuals. In this state of general pressure and alarm, tht suspension of specie payment, which has become so general in the Western country, has afforded an opportunity for speculation iu bank paper, which has been practised upon the unwary and unadvised toenonoous extent; and it ia no difficult determine uhether the situation nfthe banks, or the demoralizing practice of shaving their paper, prodaces the greatest injuries to the community. The State Bank at Vincennes has reccatl farnUhed such report as may deve.'ope il.e concerns of the bank and its branches, which will he submitted at an early period of the Session. Whatever provisions may he deemed necessary by the General Assembly, in relation to the banks within our own State, it will be important to have a due regard to the course of the banking institutions of adjoin-

mg Glares, mac no auvatuage may thereoy

own institutions ; and l j

miu;ht oe;i;e taken oi our

'

made the responsible officer, to prosecute and i guard against increasing incidentally i i -1 1 j... l.. . r,..,... .ir.i;n ::.,. .t:4n..ij -

reflection was only necessary to foresee, that 0f pubjc trust . intending at all times to pay collect all sums due to the State from delin-

to unite puonc gooo anu puum, opinion in Jue respect to public opinion, and to consult quent collectors or otherwise, under such iegthe discharge of important duties, would ;t when it be practicable, through the chan- ulalions as may be prescribed far that purthereby be rendered more intricate. The lieIs of public welfare. In the discharge of poie. To collect the revenue with certainty,

great diversity oi pouucai maatuis auu "pii-:my duties, however, dithculties were Lons,to which our citizens have been accus- te; anU sucl expectations have not tomed. their habits and manners oinering-fi:Mn0:nteii s0 assistance could I

as widelv. as those of the States from whence rjved from tie practiCe of predecessors: v-

thev emigrated, anu euienaumig imcmcs, er tin;j was untried and witliout prrcethe prepossessions and prejudices which were Uent) unless derived from other State, while

common to the rounds or their iormer resi- tne principles of

the ex

isting ditficultie3.

The Jeffersonvslle Ohio Canal Company has made considerable progress towards the ac

complishment of the object of their associa-

Cence ;

are considerations, which conspire

to render time with prudence and persever

ance and necessary, if we shall approximate towards an uniformity and stability in our public regulations. Having little more than entered upon the threshold of self-gov-crnuient, experience is necessary to aiibrd correct viws of our duties and enjoy meats. Differing opinions will arise, however, in relation to the practice and construction of the principles of our government, but the more important the subject matter upon which opinions may differ, so much the more does the nature of our institutions, the genius of our citizens, as well as our best future

hones renuire, that moderation and propriety gklature.

should be more conspicuous. The wisest re- Gentlemen of the Senate, and

suits are only to be expected from calm de. liberations, and such objects will be best Secured bv the dissemination of useful know ledge, and inculcating a proper respect for the government and its laws, both emanating from the great fundamental principles of free government, that the w ill of the maioritv shall rule, when constitutionally

ejrmessed. The free communication of although

. . . . ' i .1 i i. i : l

wisely anu no consoiaiiou viia!t-rr. u

the goveernment were to

eypec-jaud with the least distress to thecommuni-tion,and should be aided by the reou ccs of t been .ty, is materially important ; and it ought not J the Government: A township of land situa be de-ta be supposed that the citizens will hesitate; ted iu the county of O-ane. which was re-

to delray the necessary expenses oi the uov-' served by Congress, ami afterwards granted eminent, when the public money is guarded j to t'ne State for the purpose cf making Salt, with economy, and disposed ol only as they,; has proved to be of no importance in respect

be applied, so fare as a as practicable, to the

character and habits ot the people. It notwithstanding, under these and other difficulties, my official conduct shall have met the approbation ot constituents, I have realized that reward for my exertions, which equals my fondest hopes, and satisfies my highest e-rpectatioris. Corydou, la. Dec. 1819. Governor's Message. TUESDAY. Dec. 7. This day at 11 o'clock, the tollowins: Mess-

by their Representatives, may direct. Lutito the original object, and with the consent

those who manage the monied concerns of the jot the General Government might be sold, Hz State should not be considered accountable 1 the proceeds vested in Canal Stock in b?half for the. public credit, if the necessary mea- of the State. The application of the turds

suresare not provided, and the power ai- anting Irom such a souice cannot be obiecteu.

lorded to render secure such provision as ' to by iiepresentatives in Congress from other may from time, to time be made. " 'States, and it is hoped that the ultimate exeThc resolution of the last General Assem- cution in object so interesting, will attract bly, "authorising the reception of bank notes ! the Farticu,ar attention of the General Asserafor debts due the State, and fur other put po- bly. rIhe dividends arising,therefiom, might ses," U qualified to produce, and has in oiue ' bo directed to further objects o! internal im.mo. . (tliTipnltioa in mnkiiio- provement, or the plrpues of education, as

aze w as

received b bul

i i

; nouses

of the Le-

vj me iiouse oj uepresentatiues, AT no period peihaps. since the operation of the State Government, has the situation of the country at large been more en.b.trassed. uor required more of the fostering interposition of legislative support. Though our citi

zens generally be much less

difficulties than those of adjoinin

shaeklod

State

with i

s, anu

payments to the Treasury. The paper of a

portion of those enumerated banks have been current in one section of the State, and entirely the contrary in another; and although such notes may l ave been current when the collector received them in payment of taxes, yet in the lapse of a short period their credit may have been materially injured, and of course the Treasurer ot the State neither authorised nor bound to receive them. When collectors receive them, under the authority of the resolution, and the same instrument in

thoughts

and opinions,

beini:

! such cases requiring the Treasurer not to ac-

we can derive from such reflection: cepi them m payment t the ucvenue, any Ti . i t t til...

hatever. it should neverthe- luss winch must thereby accrue should dc sus-

rr. 11 siniu in i rvv c- j . - .

amnfv secured by our constitution, it is to less stimulate us to renewed e.ret tions, hy ; wmeu by the fttate, and not oy me Puoc " - --

be expected that every subject of general con- wise and timely measures, to avert public. cV agents. 3 oreover, the practical operation rpr vhMherroustitutionl or otherwise, will private distress, so far as the ultimate good of : toe resolution has given currency to de- a P J 1""ars"n,ce"

produce conflictim- opinions; but from these the whole will render our o

biect practicable Pleciated foreign paper ; and what is much

i i . . i - .

nnd nroner Under the exitinr nrossure.5 1 ne re-retted, has prevented the payment

the e.rtent of which is almost unlimited, we" the annual interest on the public debt, have however ample cause to call forth ourj The embarassed situation of our circulating gratitude towards the Omnipotent Disposer! medium has produced effects distressing to of events, whose goodness, during the past; the community, especially to the farming inseason, has blessed us w ith unbounded health, - terest, and those who arc indebted to the U.

it.. i.,..L n,nAfflmn tlm Phinvmpnt of neare and a sufficient sun-: ! States lor the purchase of lands. The bal-

Tiress v urawnnom toe urwpc n pum.wm- .. -- j r 7. r , . J r i i ilelfareofall, and those powers which are ply of the productions ol the earth, notwith-; ance of trade in its operat.ons against toe not si anted remain with the people them-: standing the unusual season which we have estern country, and the vast consumption selvei. These granted powers, and for the experienced. . of objects of luxury and articles ot foreign wisest purposes, are divided, and their ea-- The subjects which appear to require more j manufactures, have chiefly produced the dilh-

ercise committed to different magistracies; lmmeuiaieiy u.e ueuueruuuns ui ucmui ."T" . f

er sphere,. Assembly, aitnougn limited in tneir numDer,. 'v' "niaiu, uwui ui mui aim ci-

. ...!.

the w elfare of the community has little to apprehend, if decorum be regarded, and the imuortant idea of divided powers and consequentresponsibility,benot confounded with iew9 of expediency .

The powers of our government are ex-

that each should act in its proper spt

producing mutual checks, and at the same Imo mnviiv on harmoniously in the dis

charge of their relative duties, neither exercising 'any of the power properly attached to rither of the others," except in the instances expressly permitted by the constitution. ( assume the exercise, by one branch of government, of any power exclusively vested in another, would equally endanger the constitution, as the exercise of any ot those

powers which are reserved to the people ;

both

are for the most part important to the com

munity, and demmd the united enorts ot the

wisdom and experience ol the legislature.

posed situation, becoming iu part the seat of

war, necessarily threw into circulation among us a greater nuantitv of the circulating

The svstem, under which the Revenue is; medium than we had been accustomed to

assessed and collected, requires a thorough change to insure an impartial assessment and punctual collection ; as well as prompt payment into the Treasury. The public credit must be supported, or the public faith will be materially injured. The former cannot be considered as secure, without the present

-nM K .Unmne. nnd ca CUlated in-; system Mian oe luaienaiiY cuan-cu, ui

juriouslv to affeefputdic liberty and social; place to another substantially different in its order. "Every new svstem of government, as provisions. The assessment, under the pres-

well as that under which we act, has produced and will produce important questions, which at all times had better be referred for

decision to that power, whose jurisdiction is indisputable ; but questions, the importance of which does not dictate the propriety of such a course, can safely be referred for adjudication, to the integrity of public opinion Time will be indispensably requisite, to settle the principles of our constitution, and decisions thereon, even if delayed, should be derived from that tribunal, whose decision when had, would be paramount to every other, but the original power by which the instrument itelf was constituted ; and in settling constitutional difficulties, there can

he

witness, producing an inordinate disposition

for speculation, which, together with the enormous quantities of foreign merchandise introduced into the country with the return J a It.

oi peace, have created numerous debts, anu

the representatives of the U. States and of this

State might deem the most expedient. The Constitution has made it "the duty of the General Assembly, as soon as circumstances will permit, to provide by law for a general system of education' The lands reserved fur the use of the Seminary of learning arc vested in the legislature, to be appropriated solely to that purpose, and it is sub mitted for your consideration whether the location of such institution upon or near such lands, would not grtxtlv enhance their value, and enlarge the funds tor a purpose so important. It is believed that the Seminary

townsnip, situated in Monroe county, would

combining the advantages offer-

healthy climate, as well as

fficiently central to the various

sections of the State. To authorise the sale of a portion of those lands, under judicious regulations, would increase the value of the residue, and the sooner enable us to lay the foundation of an institution so desirable. But the proceeds of such sale however, by the ninth article of the Constitution, is required to be, and remain, a fund for the exclusive purposes of literature, which indicates that the proceeds alone of such fund were intended to be subject to expenditure. The money which has been and will be paid as an equivalent by persons exempt from militia duty, except times of war, is required by the constitution to be applied in equal proportion to the support of county seminaries, and renders some legislative provisions necessary to effect such distribution. To enlarge the means ol education, by fostering; the resources under the control of the general assembly, and to hasten the period w hen those mear.i may be practically and constitu

tionally applied, will merit your timely and

in some instances of considerable amount. judicious attention. The future reputation 'IhenavmenU uhirh thp dehts reouire. to-Und prosperity of the state, must greatly de-

gether with the payments to the United States P" UP the means ol educatn

ent svstem, is unnecessarily and unreasona

bly delayed, which allbrds so much the less time for individuals to prepare for payment, and forthe officer to collect the taxes. An annual assessment for state purposes might be rendered unnecessary, when once being faithfully performed, if afterwards, the owners of property subsequently becoming subject to taxation, by payment being made to the U. S. were required by law to report such oronerty to the proper officer, for the pur

pose of being enrolled with like objects of

taxation. The proper vouchers lor the omcers charged with the collection of the Revenue, should be placed in their hands as soon as practicable after the time required by law,

concurrent jurisdiction, unless ex-for the annual payments into the Treasury ;

ncir

the

by implication, and against the letter ol doiui requireu, snouiu oe held suoject 10 inr

the constitution. claims 01 mc gutcruineni, unui iney Mian "Whatever may arise however, to agitate have been adjusted and satisfied. Such a 4. niihlir minH. the most certain means of course would render unnecessary the cnact-

adjuktment will be derived from consulting mentoflaws forthe relief of collectors, so vhe good sense of the people, ia whoinii ves-. common to our statutes, by facilitating their

pressly provided for, while the exercise of, and their property as well as that of th such jurisdiction in any other instance, must securities, from the time of executing. 1 oe by implication, and against the letter of bond required, should be held subject to 1

on being gen-

- T U

for lands, have drained to a considerable de-! eraHy diftused, and attended with the least gree, and will continue to draw from the! PbIc expense. Ignorance has generally, country its most substantial capital; and it; been the olls5pring of despotism, and ruinous will be" difficult to extend relief by legislative ' to the rights and liberties of mankind. V, hen provisions without doing injustice to some, the exercise of the most invaluable rights, or interfering with Ion established princi- and the discharge of the important duties cf

nlo WhPtl.pr rlitlnn-tl time shall be al- Irecmen, are connected with ignorance and

-

lowed for replevy, after judgment

and the bonds

signable by law

1

arising tnereon

rendered.

be made as-

or whether the creditor

shall be obliged to accept the property of his

debtor in the discharge of his demand, at a valuation, will require the wisdom of the general Assembly to determine. If the embarrassments of the people should require the adoption of either course, both of which are encumbered with numerous difficulties, and more particularly the latter, that course ought to be preferred which would operate most impartially on the commuuity. It cannot be presumed that present judgments can be affected by laws subsequently enacted, which would place the unforbearin"; creditor iu a better situation than those, whose humanity and forbearance presents a different character. Hesides, if the latter be once adopted it will be difficult on the nricciplei of justice,

the privation of the means cf education, the views which may be dictated by an honest

concern for the public good arc at all times liable to be thwarted by the designing and ambitious. The blessings of liberty can only be appreciated, and rendered ultimately " secure, when, by the means ol education, useful information is generally diffused. Its importance will be obvious to the legislature, and will no doubt, receive that consideration which its consequence and beneOcial resujts may require. The opening and improving .of public roads and highways, presents itself, as another subject ot general interest. The recent population and improvement of a considerable portion of the tate, adds materially to the labor or expenditure to be sustained by the people :ai.d with regard to the different mute which have beta suggested, and th