Indiana Palladium, Volume 11, Number 48, Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County, 12 December 1835 — Page 2

GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

Gentlemen )f the Senate, and of the Home of Ilejrescnlatirct: The duties pertaining to the legislative branch of the GoTermnenthaven$ain called us together, and whilst giving you "information of the affairs of the fc?tate, ami recoiu'meuding to your consideration such measures as shall be deemed expedient," it is a source of gratification to say, that the return of the time of our meeting has brought little to deplore. The seasons, if not in their usual profusion, have yielded a sufficiency of the solid comfottsof life. In the unprecedented acquisition to our population, with its consequent increase in wealth; in the enhanced value or real estate ; the ample reward of labor ; the liberal compensation for the products of the soil, and the bustle and activity to be seen all around us, we perceive evidences of prosperity seldom before enjoyed. And whilst in ether por tionsof the Union scenes of irreverence for public law and good order, highly discreditable to our national character, have been exhibited, the citizens of this tate have maintained their uniform respect for the authority of the laws which protect the life, liberty aud property of each, tor these and many other favors attendant upon out onward course, we are indebted to a kind and overruling Providence. This is your first sessiou in the new Capitol; and from a conviction- that the occasion will not fail to inspire fecl-

of exultation with you, l win not wiinnou, on my

nirm

,- t . i . i ... t .;

part, the oflenrg oi a neariy weicuiuc mm iuiiuiiaiiwn. It it an edifice worthy of the State, and being dedicated to the public interests, within these walls, the representatives of the people will annually assemble to perform some of the most important duties ever delegated to man. The people, through their representatives, will here speak their wishes, utter their complaints, and obtain remedies for their wrongs. And it should be the constant care of all who fill our stations, that their official acts, inspirit and precedent, shall tend to the perpetuation of our liberties, our Stats and national institutions. In the return of the assessment?, under our present system, we have evidence of the usual increase, and an assurance that the revenue will equal the ordinary demands upon the Treasury. The payments made from several sources, have enabled the Treasurer to meet all demands, without resorting, as yet, to Sic loan of the small sum authorised for the benefit of the State House. The aggregate receipts, since the last report, amount to $107,71 1 U"J, and the payments tow ards the building of the Capitol, and for all other

purposes, for the same period, amount to 103,901 43, whichvwith the balance reported in the hands of the Trea

surer at the ciose of the last year leaves in his hands an unexpended balance of ,6137 31. Th Annual Report of the Auditor will be made.

Erie

That great thoroughfare the Michigan road it the avenue through which we receixethe accession daily made toour population in the new districts, from the states south

and east of us; their constant use of it, in the -veen state oi the improvements, with the heavy rains of the season, have so greatly injured the road, that tae convenience and interest of the public require that some repairs should be made. The remaining lands, at the minimum price, w ill command $'20,000, and it will remain for you to say, whether you will anticipate their proceeds, or apply other means in maintaining the usefulness of the road. The commissioners superintending the erection of the State-house, have performed the various duties confided to them, it isbelieved, in such manner as will be satisfactory. In the changes made, they have aimed at permanency and durabilit-, combining a just taste in the style and finish. On account of the unfinished state of the grading, and the daily conveyance of materials to the ground, they

have not deemed it advisable or safe to enclose the square. The want of further time has prevented the completion

of the interior of some of the offices of the building, of the pavements of the porticos and of the railings to be built on

the outside of the pillars of the Senate Chamber ana Ueprcsentative Hall, separating those apartments from the lobbies. The report of the commissioners will soou be submitted for your examination.

The appointment of a Keeper, by the Governor, as contemplated by law, has not yet been made. The person to

be appointed, It is believed, should visit the building every

day during the recess of the legislature, and to protect it from injur' he should be present every day during the session, as at thai time it will be most exposed. The com-

pensation of seventy-five dollars per year, allowed by law, will not induce a competent individual to render so much service, and it is suggested, that the agent or Keeper shall also be the Doorkeeper of one branch of the legislature, and made responsible, if from neglect the building should be injured or defaced. The projectid improvements at the rapids of the Wabash river, under the joint superintendance of the Commissioners, on the part of this state and of Illinois, have not progressed so successfully, as desired, in consequence of the repeated freshets of the Wabash and White rivers, during the past session. Contracts for the removal deposits of timber, and for other purposes, have been

tie at the points below the Grand llapids, deaigna

mad

mated

The operations on the line of the Waba-.lt

ar.J

Canal have been conducted the past season, with cr.ergv

and great success. The middle division, extending from the St. Joseph dam to the Forks of the Wabash, about thirty two miles, has been completed for about 232,000, including all repairs to this time, being something less than the estimated cost by Mr. Ilidgeway. Upon this portion of the line, the navigation was opened on the 4th day of Julv, on which day ourcitizens assembled to witness the mingling of the waters of the St. Joseph with those of the Wabash, uniting the w aters of the Northern chain of Lakes with those of the Gulf of Mexico in the South. Ou this division, boats have been running without the interruption of adv, sLuce the letting in of the water. The line from Huntington to Lafountain's creek has progressed, with muh spirit, ami with the exception of the locks, is almost complete. Thirty-five sections have been finished and accepted, and without some preventing cause in the seasons of the next year, its navigation will be opened by the 4 th day of July next. The line from Lafountain's creek to Georgetown, about

twenty-two miles, w as put under contract in the month of

September, cince which, most of the sections have been

commenced

The large amount of additional duty imposed on the

Board and Engineers by the law providing for the surveys,

made the past season oiw? of great labor, and particularly to

Mr. illiams, the chief engineer, whose presence was ucc

ded at so many points in planning and directing the field

service.

Economy and public policy require, that an additional portion of the line from Georgetown to Lafayette shall be . , . . I . 1 I I

placed under contract the ensuing jear, aim mai uie v,umrmssioners shall be authorised and directed to let out that part of the line east of Fort Wayne, when it shall be ascertained" that Ohio has commenced that part which she has undertaking to construct. Owing to the great demand for landed property, to supply the wants of the new population in the vicinity of the canal, the sale of the canal lands the past summer, have been unnsualiy active. The sales, since the last report of the commissioners, have amounted to 175,740 3 1. The experience wc have had in converting these lands into available means, and the rapid rise in the value of lands in that section of the State will now justify the assertion, that the unsold 1 mis with the selections yet to be

made, will be sufficient to complete the canal to its original

by the name of "Black's Cutoff," the "Grand Chain," Coffee Island, and the White River Rapids, which, when finished, will be a charge of about nine thousand dollars to the joint fund exclusive of superintendance. The report of the Commissioncs, embracing a detail of his proceedings, will 1)2 submitted to your consideration. As sometime must elapse before the remainder of the 24,000 dollars appropriated oa the part of Indiana can bj

expended, would 1 not be more expedient, to loan it out at interest, ou safe and sullicient security than to permit it

to remain idle? It is pvobabls that the Commissioner

may need the aid of Legislative authority to use mater-

disuioti the deficiency is already felt and acknowtedged. It has generally been the practice in Nankin" institutions to have votne of their transactions

based upon the deposites entrusted to them and in

that way such funds instead of remaining idle are

actively employed. AY hen you shall nave examined the reports which will be taid before you by the officers of the Bank, you will find that there is a

large average amount in deposites from individuals in each branch. But in consequence of the prohibition in the charter, these large eums are of no service to the individuals, to the bank nor to the public. It 19 believad this limitation in the charter only serves to restrict the Bank in its accommodations and business without any corresponding advantage, as the public are abundantly secured against all danger of overtrading in the bank, by that clause which limits their issue of paper to twice the amount of the

capital paid in. Indeed it is difficult to see how any damage can accrue in permitting the Bank to loan as far as it has the means, provided the restriction remain as to the issue of paper. Many banking institutions, in other state?, where sucli restrictions do not exist, allow a smalljinterest on deposites, on which business transactions are based. Such a course would call in large sums now inactive, and induce many to save and deposite a portion of their earnings. For our canal fund deposited in New York,

a Bank.of that city is now paying four per cent., but while this unusual prohibition in our charter exists, our own banks cannot do for us that which foreign banks are doing. The incentive offered to agricultural enterprise by the law of the last session providing for the appointment of members of a State Board of Agriculture

and for the organization of auxiliary county associations, I am glad to say, is like to accomplish all the good the advocates of the measure promised themselves. In most ot the counties the agitation of the subject has excited a spirit of emulation andcompe-

I tition which has already caused the introduction of

many fine specimens ot stock, 6eeds, and implements of husbandry. Such examples will hardly fail to have a beneficial influence on the agricultural pursuits of the country.

Under the provision of a law of the last session, !

very considerable portion of tho State , and of itasus-j ihousand dollars, which they will satisfactorily se- -ceptibility of improvement will be invaluable a the cure the slate, by real estate of fixed andconvcrtablo

basis ot subsequent Legislation. value in double the sum, to be secured at the expenso Justice and inclination require me to say that Col. f lh0 company, and as may bo directed. Of their Stansberry, the officer commanding tho parties, and u d , . w;Uloul lho s d f , the r ass stants have performed their several duties ,,7 , T nm ' ;nrf,fi rpnrT1 , . , 1 uanSer 10 with a zeal and ability that command my entire con- 1" I am convinced from my own knowledge fidence and approbation. the eflates of the members of the company, and,

RtlfovinfMliQ measure well calculated to nd- inCreiore,c....u..jr . ... request to tho

consideration ol the legislature.

vauce luu uuai imu.esia ui uiv aiaiv; unu um.

public sentiment called for, I deemed it my duty, at the list session of the legislature, with some earnestness, to urge the propriety of adopting a well digested plan of Internal Improvement. It was then contended that the construction of public works, on a scale that would benefit every portion of the siate, was within the reach of proper efforts that our sister states, whose examples were most successful, commenced under circumstances less favorable thin ours that whilst tho state can command any desirable amount of capitalfat five per cent interest, it would be our tune policy to promole such improvenents as will prove beneficial to

the country and yield a profitable return tor ihe investment that such a course would not impover

ish the stale nor the people, but would enricli both; and that any increased taxation for a time, to meet

the interests on loans, would be more than coun

terbalanced by the increased business, enterprise and wealth. Tho experience derived from the

work .in which wo are engaged and tho prosperous

condition of other slates, have confirmed me in

the correctness of the opinions heretofore advanc

ed, and I again recommend tho subject to your fa vorable consideration.

Tho examinations made the past summer, by

the Canal and Rail Road Engineers, will place you in possession of such facts and information

in referetica to the several routs, and of the susceptibility of the general face of our territory , as, will

allow you to act advisedly in the selections you - - . m. .

may make. OI the several kinds ot the improve

the canal commissioners were directed to procure I rnents proposed, it isbelieved lint of canals should

examinations, surveys, and estimates to be made up

on several proposed routes for canals, and submit the results to the Lcgislauire at the commencement of its present session, with the view of furnishing

you proper data for the adoption of u judicious eys

sr ' . . 1 a. m. A L . i . . a m m . I Li. . FIT

lass, irom private property, aim w jiruica uie uimiu. lci)1 0j internal improvement ior me oiaie. 10 damage or injury lor which suitable provisions are recom- accornplsh so much within the time prescribed, the

cessary, immediately, to precure

mended.

The condition of the State College at Blooininjton, has

much improved during the year, while every t;ung seems to indicate for it a continued and increasing prosperity.

It is indeed gratifying to observe that the cause of education is in the fostering care of the same spirit which is now

prompting the people ot lsdiana to put iortn tneir ener-

nes in behalf ot Internal Imnrovemtnts. I he institution

at Cravv-fordsville, in the north-west and the one at Hanover, in the south-east, part of the Stat1, built up and sup

ported as they are by private capital, lunr.saes, m their unusual growth and advancement, the proudest commentary on that enlarged benevolence of heart which must exit in the bosoms of their founders. The success of these institutions has suggested to my mind, the propriety of your complying with that requisite of the constitution which provides lor the establishment of a Universrty.J This can be easily accomplished by clothing the Bloomingtou College with that character, lty so doing, you will withdraw tke state institution from all competition with the private institutions named, or with those that may hereafter be established, you will allay the jealousy, and put down the spirit of opposition which probably exists, or may exist among them ; and on the contrary create a reciprocity of interests mutually beneficial to all. These views, how

ever, are submitted with great deference to the better and more matured consideiatioa of the .Legislature.

The report made by Col. Kelso, tlu isiter of the State Frison, is submitted for your examination. In the management of it3 atfairs, no material change has been made since j our last meeting. Under the laws regulating the Prison, the duty of farming or leasing it, with its inmates, for a term of years, will devolve on the tiovemor next spring; and as some have doubted whether the spirit aud object of our criminal laws are complied with, in permitting the superinteudant to remove the convicts from the prison to operate in brick, yards, and at other places in the town and its vicinity, it will be well for the Legislature to express an opinion on the subject. If thep:i;ctice be sanctioned for the future, it will, no doubt, lessen the charges on the treasury for a period, but whether, in the end, it uo-.ild not be better, as regards

the safety and morals ot the convicts, to conhnc them in

Legislature and ot the executive o sheers, 1 would advise that it be made the duty of one or more of the state oiticers, to ascertain whether, and if so, for what sum the prisoa and prison grounds can be sold, and upon what terms a new and more capacious oue can be built at or near the seat of government, either on account of the state, or ou

termination, and that the people will never be called upon j their workshops, within the walls, will be for you to deter

to pay any portion oi its cost. j mine. Towards the close of the last session's deliberations, the As this institution is so far removed from the e3'C of the

legislature appointed Col. U. 11. bnuth, of r ayette county, their agent to visit the scat of government of Ohio, for the purpose of obtaining from the legislature of that state, then in session, permission to construct that portion of the White-w ater canal, w hich, pursuing the alle3 of that river, passes a short distance through her territory. That duty was promptly performed by Col. Smith, in delivering my communication covering the Joint Resolution of tho General Assembly to Gov. Lucas, w ho submitted it to the legislature of Ohio. The subject was referred to a committee

which, I regret to say, seemed to act under the impression that the White-water canal would be a rival of their Miami canal, and by withholding their assent, the busines of the Wite-water country would be forced into the Miami canal, and made tributary to Ohio, and therefore reported unfavorably. That report, how ever, was not concurred in, and it is believed that, at the ensuing sessiou of the legislature a more liberal and enlightened policy will prevail and

we shall obtain the desired permission. But if, contrary I to all reasonable and just expectations, the narrow and selfish policy recommended by the committee at their last eession, should influence the subsequent action of the state, itill we are not without a remedy, as from a recent examination, by Col. Stansberry, our principal Rail Road Engineer, it is ascertained that a much cheaper and shorter communication can be opened by means of a Rail Road commencing at or near Brookville, and connecting with the Lawrenceburgh and Indianapolis Rail-way, at a distance often or twelve miles from the river. The loss of time and trouble consequent upon the transshipment from the one mode of conveyance to the other, would, however,

tender the coutinuttion of the canal to the Ohio much pre

private account, lor a term ot years; the lnJiviuual to clothe, board and operate the prisoners; the internal police to be left to the Legislature, and the whole to be surrendered to the state at the expiration of the time. The circle, with the building designed for the residence

of the executive of the state, has been enclosed with the j best fence the appropriation would procure. That house, in its location and plan, is not well suited to the purpose, for w hich, it was originally intended, and as the public offices will soon be removed to the capitol, I would advise a sale of the property w ith time for payments, the proceeds to he applied in erecting and furnishing a suitable family ! residence for the governor oa part of the reserve at the western termination of market street. A private building

of sufficient size and eonveniance for the residence of your governor can never be rented at this place, and without a suitable one he cannot acquit himself with the members of the other branches of the government, and with visiting strangers in that manner w hich his station aud the laws of hospitality require. The proceeds of the house on the ciiclewill be sufficient for the creation of the new one and

will furnish it as far at it should be furnished without cost

ing the state any further sum for the next thirty vears

Since the last report of the agent, the Treasury has re

leased about nine thousand three hundred dollars from the

sales heretofore made of the public property at the seat of

lerame. ine communication or 01. enmn, m relation to government. Othersumsto the amount of 1,000 dollars

thesubject,is Herewith laid Detore you. uin sooa reacn the Treasury through the hands of the a In accordance with the authority granted them by law, ) gent The 1Cport of that oilicer will, in due time be sub the Fund Commissioners have borrowed for canal purposes ! mitted.

at an interest of five per cent, the sum of b0,'i.7 dollars

Upon the loan made early in the season tney received a premium of two percent., and upon those made subsequently, they received as high as seven per cent, premium, or at the rates of one hundred and seven dollars for one hundred dollars on our bonds at five per cent, interest. They have

also borrowed the further sum of four hundred and hfty thousand dollars, the Bank capital, at five per cent. interest, for w hich they received a premium of four and a half and five dollars on the hundred. Their report will be laid befor you in proper time. Of tha three per cent, fund accruing to the state on ac count of the sales of the Tublic Domain at the United States Land Offices, the receipts, at the treasury, the past year, amount to twenty-four thousand three hundred and ninety-eight dollars, leaving the sum of five thousand and five dollars to be supplied from future receipts, to satisfy a balance of eighty-nine dollars sixty-seven cents due to each county under the last appropriations. The sales at the United States land offices, within this state, during the past year, must amount to one and a half millions of dollars; consequently, the dividend of three per cent, to be received by this state the ensuing year, and probably for some time

afterwards, w ill be larger than at any former period. After meeting the unsatisfied claims upon this fund, it is for the legislature to say whetner it will be advisablo to anticipate our annual receipts by a loan for the purpose heretofore recommended, or make some other disposition of tt. lu its application the claims of the new counties, having roads yet to open, should not be overlooked. Among the other sources of coutribution to the treasury.

the past year, the Saline lands have produced by sales, t???ad lntcrcnoauni5aid entailments, the sum of4,C36 5a. The newly selected Michigan road land wr ernosed

nd told at public out-cry, in the month of September, and commanded an average price of four dollars and seventeen cents per acre, amounting to $21,30 1 27 ; and subsequently, the private-entries at three dollars per acre, amounted to $b0'J 04. Of the old election-, the sales since the last annual report of the commissioners, brought $10,917 00 the entire receipts for the year amounting to $n,030 31. These sums will absorb every claim upon the fund, leaving an unascerfained balanco of from one to two thousand dollar in the hands of the commissioner, which, with the pro:erds of the lf,5G I acres remaining unsold will coastiuttih paeans applicable to future improvemeati.

Upon the plot of the town there are several squares marked and set apart for publie purpose?; but not having been specifically designated by law for those

purposes, no one has exercised any cure or authority ! over them. It will be well for the legislature to

make some final order on the subject. The block of timbered land on the eminence west of the capitol, marked on the plat as public ground, if intended by the Legislature for that purpose, shonld bo granted to tho corporate authorities of the town, on condition that they enclose it, preserve the timber, ornament and improve it. You will act in this matter for future generations, whe the population of this place shall amount to thousands, when a forest tree will not be 6een for many mileo. Most of tho largs cities

of the United States, have such ground for the pur.

poles, both 01 utility and ornatneut.

The commission created by a law of last session for the assessment of damages to private property on

the canal line has been arrganized, and is now billed by an executive appointment of Messrs. Graham of Jackson, Talbot of Putnam, and Wallace of Fountain counties. The appointment of a commissioner by the Governor as authorized by law to take releases on the White Water line of canal, was made to Gen. Morgan of Rush county, who has performed the

duties assigned him, by filing the releases of the major part of the land holders on the line, with the Secretary of State. The operations of the State Bank through the

Branches have had a most healthful and beneficial

influence on the enterprise and various pursuits of

our citizens, and to an extent greater, it is believed,

than had been predicted by its friends. These ac

commodations have been extended to every class of

our citizens as lar as the resources or the institution under its charter, would justify, experience has al

ready satisfied the officers, that the time is not far

distant when it wilt be found that the capitol is en

tirely insufficient for the rapidly increased business ind population of our State. Indeed, in iome of tho

15oaru lound it n

the service of competent gentlemen, having the ad

vantage ot practical skill in the science of civil engineering. Accordingly a member of the Board engaged the services of Dr. Whippe of Pennsylvania, of Mr Goodwin of Illinois, and of Capt. Cleaveland of Ohio, whose well established reputations and experience as scientific and practical Engineers, gave the strongest assurances of their qualifications. Whilst this preparation was making, the chief Engineer, Mr. Williams, as eariy as April went to the

field, and in furtherance ot the work made several experimental lines. The examinations commenced and progressed with the greatest industry, until their progress was arrested by sickness, which, for a time, threatened the success of the work. Although the estimates are as yet incomplete, I am gratified in being able to say, that enough is known to satisfy us that the route from the Wabash Canal, by the way of the Mississiniway and White river to Indianapolis, and thence down the valley of

White river, by the way of Princeton to the Ohio, river, at Evansville, is not only practicable, but of easy and cheap construction. The same is also ascertained as regards the continuation of the route from Lafavette to Terre-IIaute. The proposed

route from this place by the Driftwood fork of White river to Jellersonville, after a- careful examination, has been tound to be too doubtful und expensive to he undertaken. The facility and cheapness of the line, from the seat of Government to Evansville, having been satisfactorily ascertained, and other facts relative to the topography of the state being developed by the

surveys already made, it was tuougnt aavisauie,

while the necessary force was in the field, to run an experimental lino of levels from White river at or near the mouth of Eel river to the Wabash at Terre-IIaute a distance of about forty miles the result of which has satisfied the Engineers and the Hoard that the Wabash can be united with White river and the Ohio, at Evansville, at comparatively, a small expense. The law of the last session, authorizing the several surveys and estimates for Rail-ways and Turnpike roads, under the direction of the Governor, has been executed as regards the field operation; and the ne

cessary estimates and drawings are in such a state of forwardness as to allow the superintending officer to present his report in a few days. The great

length of these surveys, traversing a large portion

ot the state, and extending in length to upwards of seven hundred miles, suu-jrested the necessity of

adopting such measures as would bring the requisite forces into the field as early as the month of April; and as there were no gentlemen of acknowldeged skill in rail road engineering unemployed in the

western country, assistance was sought from the Atlantic States. For that purpose, Caleb B. Smith Esq. was requested to proceed to Washington City before the adjournment of Congress, with letters to our delegation, requesting them to unite in an application to the War Department for the necessary number of officers, and in the event that the request for the assistance should not bo complied with, he was authorized to go into the adjoining States and employ such a number of engineers as would ensure

the completion of the work in time for the present session. The application at Washington was met by an assurance from the Secretary of War that Col.

Stansberry and two assistants would be detailed for

the purpose. 1 he work requiring at least four se

perate parties. Mr, Smith entered into a written

agreement, with Col. Stansberry herewith submit

ted, authorizing him as the superintending officer,

to organize four parties, including the two assistants

promised by the Secretary of War, the State paying

him two dollars and titty cents per day. In pursu

ance ot this agreement, Col. stansberry proceeded

in the organization ot the several parties, but in

consequence of the Secretary of War subsequently

declining to detail the assistants without assigning any reason for it, he, Col. Stansberry, was obliged then to select others to supply their places. The parties were organized and reached their place of destination the latter part of April and the first week in 3Iay. The one upon the Lawrencebuagh line was conducted by Mr. Adams-of Connecticut, the one on the Madison and Lafayette line by Col. Schenck cf New York, the one on the Evansville line by Mr. Collins of Baltimore, and the one on the

ATew Albany and Crawfordsviile line by Mr. Watts

of Pennsylvania, the whole acting under the orders

of Col. Stansberry. The party under Mr. Adams

reached this place in August and was preparing for

the survey ot the Columbus and Jeifersonvillc route.

wuen, in consequence 01 sicKness among the othcers it was disbanded. That route was then confided

to Mr. Coy le, the Eccond officer under Mr. Collins,

ior wnicn purpose a new party was organized. Col. Schenck terminated his examinations at Lafavette

in uciouer. inuiur uaus cioseu me survey 01 the

New Albany aud Crawfordsviile route, and com

menced his examinations on the New Albany and

Vincennes road when its progress was interrunted

by the lamented death of his assistant, Mr. Paul.

and soon after he was so much disabled by sickness

as to mate it necessary ior mm to abandon the field The party under Mr. Collins after closing its oper

have preference over rail ways or turnpike roads, on ths ground that canals ore cheaper, more per

manent, and belter adapted to tho convenience and habits of people, arid to the character and products of the slate. But in designating the several branch, s or parts of a general and connected plan, should you adopt one, you will find, that in consequence of ihe pecularshape fonnatioiVof the surface of the state, it must embrace in its parls, a combination of canal?, railways and turnpikes, each having a beginning, connection with, or termination at tho Like, lho Wabash canal or the Ohio river, the Wabash canal constitualing the moin artery or trunk of the plan. And in discriminating between the relative value of each propos-

ed work, that which will accommodate the great

est amount of population, commerce and business generally, should bo adopted. That of making a selection is a duty within the province and sound discretion of the legislature, thereofre the task of making an Executive recommendation is relinquished, not entirely on account of its delicacy and resposibility, but because the reports to be made by lho engineers are not yet so complete as to allow an ex miaalion and lime for a decision. The first steps in most of tha important works undertaken have met with opositiou from those who entertained fears of taxation, bankruptcy und ruin, but of all the public works in other states, there are none that have been abandoned or that have proved burthensome or unpopular with the people, even under the highest nto of taxation; on the contrary,

they have uniformly become sources of wealth and

couilort, monuments ot public spirit and enterprise, and objects of just pride and exultation with the people. These triumphant successes have settled the question as to the practicability and utility of

public works, and encouraged by these examples, our citizens have manifested their willingness to enter with spirit upon a system that will contribute not less to their own prosperity, than to tho credit of the slate. If, after you shall have had a full and free conferenco upon th-j subject , you agree with me in the opinion, that public p hcy, public interest and public sentiments, require of you a liberal expenditure in lha improvement of the condition of the state and of 1I13 people, it will be for your better ! judgement to determine tho extent of the invest

ment: 1 will not however, withhold the opmom, that you ni3y safely expend the amount of ten millions without calling on the present or future generations for the payment of any portion of the principal under the process of taxation. But to

sustain an enterprise of such magnitude, u suitable provision should bo made for the payment of the interest 011 the capital, one million of which

would be needed the first year and about an equal

sum annually until tho work shall be finished.

The additional revenue required to meet tho in

terests on the loan would increase tho whole am

ount ot lax now paid by our citizjtu. one half:

ihat is be who now pays oue dollar would have to pay the further sum of fifty cents each year. To one who has not looked into the process, by which thidfact is ascertained, it may appear strange that so small an increase in the rato of taxation will

meet the interesti on so large a sum. It is nevertheless certain that an addition of one half on the present and annual increase in lauds and other property, with the lolls that will be coming in after

the first few years, will be amply sufficient. Of the vast increase of property liable lo taxation, some idea may be obtained by cQmparing our population of 847,000 in 1S30 with our present

number ot not less than bl)U,000; and wc have unerring evidence that tho 4,050,000 screaof land

returned for taxation last year, will be increased to

8,000,000 in 1840.

Relying on the correctness of these estimate.

one enquiry only remains to be made, and that is,

will ourcitizens cheerfully pay the same additional

tax: Or in other words, should the state bv a wise

policy, open a market, with increased prices for

uouuee and wages of every kind, will they pay a

cent or two for each additional dollar thus put in-

to mcir pockets f Jt this you can best determine.

it alter your mature examination of tho sub

ject, you think it advisable lo embark, I beg leave

earnestly to remind you of the policy and neces

sity of organizing a Board of public work with all

needlul powers to plan and carry ou thu improvements authorised.

In my last annual communication I noticed the very laudable exertions of the Lawrenceburg and Indianapolis rail road company, &, it is with great pleasure that I have since witnessed the zeal and perseverance with which they have commenced

their work, giving satisfactory evidence of their

Not intending lo elicit any action on your pari at

this time, but for tho information, ns well as tho gratification of the members of the Legislature, I

lay belore you two pampiuets wun ihe piocccdings of ihe citizens of Cincinnati and of Charleston.

South Carolina, and, also, tho messages of the governors of Gcorgic, nnd North Carolinia, all of which

aro in reference to the construction of a rail way

Irom uincmnati io me city ot Charleston. Considering that this is the nearest and most direct

route to the sea board, every step that may bo taken to render it, available, cannot but becmo a matter of deep and abiding interest to tha people of Indiana. The law of last Session, providing for a chango in our revenue system, does not require the clerks of the several counties to report the returns of tho assessors to lho Auditor of State before tho first day of December, consequently I am not ablo la present you with a view of tho result of tha valuations. From the best informatiou I can obtain however, it is believed that tho disparity anticipated in the value of real estate in the old and now districts of the state, does not exist. If, upon a comparison of all the returns, his opinion shall ba found to bo correct, there can be but little reason

to question the policy or justice of a change. The expenses of our State Government have been hitherto, borne, principally, by tho land holders, while other large, and generally, much more productive investments of capital have contributed little or nothing lo the State Treasury. Although some of our ciizons object to lho number of articles included in the law, it is confidently believed, it can be so shaped as to render it agreeable to their views particularly when they see ihat tho tax upon land will be reduced in proportion to tho amount thai is charged upon oilier subjects of taxtion such property as now pays nothing, and which can only be brought in by the chango proposed, No good and satisfactory reason can be assigned why

capital invested in town property, Hank stocky MerGhondise or money at interest should not bo subject to the same rate of taxation as an equal amount invested in land. 'fliere is to bo found in the legislation of several of tlie late- sessions of lho General Assembly a departure from general rulo and analogy, from

wnicn evu may anae, anu wnicn is at war with that principle in our government which requires that ihe operations of all laws shall bo equal and general. I allude to the want of uniformity in tha organization of our courts doing county business; to the modes of appointing township officers;.' and to the civil jurisdiction of justices of the peace. Ia some counties justices of the peace transact county business, in others, that duty is performed by commissioners elected for that purpose. In soma instances, township officers are chosen by tho people, in others, they are appointed by tho courts doing county buisness. In some counties, justices of tho p-?ace have civil jurisdiction throughout tho county, in others, they ure restricted to- tho townships in which they reside, with, perhaps-, a stream or an ideal lino for its boundary. Theso and simi

lar examples should be arrested and tho ono or tho

other principle should prevail'. Our laws should be

equal and uniform, resulting from that compromise of opinion out of which has grown-the best principles of our republican form of Slate and National Governments, and, particularly, that which declares, that in legislation the majority shall' rule. In a casual conversation with a gentleman last year in the service of the United Slates, I learned, that in making some Geological examinations near the line of the National road ho had discovered indications of coal and other valuable minerals which determined mo to suggest the propriety of a geological and topographical survey, of the sUto with a view of looking into her mineral wealth and resources, and, also of publishing under the sanction

ui ityisiauuc a correct map. iiui as our new territory had not then been subdivided into counties and brought under civil jurisdiction the recommendation was postponed. That objection having beer removed by the legislature of last winter, I respect-

iuiiy recommended the subject to your consideration. In all countries where mineral deposites have boon discovered they havo become leading items of commerce and wealth. In lho mountain districts of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland, their iron, coal, marble, and gibsum will bo tho chief articles of commerce and of support to lho public works. From tho many indications and discovers made, we havo much reason to believo that this state abounds in such deposites; but without the aid and application of geological scienco they will never be perfectly developed. Should

you think the measure advisable, the surveys for tho two purposes can bo confided lo lho same head, or that for geological purposes can ba conducted alone. By an act of Congress, of March, 1S0S, tho sum of two hundred thousand dollars was annually annli-

j j .t e . . . r-

ea iu uju nianuiaciure oi arms lor lho milita of tho

several states. Since this State came into the Union near four million of dollars have been expended under that act. Tho quota of arms allotted to Indiana, under the general distribution among tho states, li3s, as yet, been distributed among tho militia; but where these arms are, or what has been dono with them, no one can tell : nor. has the Otiar-

w . . . . ' '

ler Master Ueneral been able to trpt ftnv aif !of Am

information from the officers

believed, from other sources of information, that the light companies in many instances havo been broken up, tho arms delivered to them destroyed, converted to private use, or carried toother states by persons removing. In this way our loss in public property, of this kind, must amount to twenty or thirty thousand dollars. According to an estimate recently mado at tho ordnance department, about one thousand muskets aro duo this state; of which, about fifty boxes, with accoutrements, have, within tho last month, arrived at Madison. Thcso arms arc worth, at first cost, near fourteen thousand dollars; and as tho impolicy of distributing them, as herefore, has long sinco been so apparent as to induce many of the states to provide a safe depository, instead of delivering them to the militia, would it not bo advisable for Indiana to adopt a similar policy,it least, until we can get some further

account ot those already distributed?

i . . i. , r uwuuiH oi moso already distributed? determinano., to .eeomplnh tho entorprize. TtalCWh. session before tho las I endo'ore.l to print route is destined to constitute a nfe n thn m-t ... . . ' c,,u-voreti " po'

ationsat Terre-Haute returned to Vincennes. and

finished the survey of the New Albany line to the

termination of the survey by Major Watts. These surveys have been necessarily expensive, but it is believed that the fund of accurato Topographical information that hat been obtained as to a

route is destined to constitute a link in the nreat

line of proposed rail way from Charleston, South Carolina, to tho Ohio Uiver at Cincinnati, and to the Lake. This public spirited association of our fellow-citizen3 do not intend to press their equal claims lo pecuniary aid from the stale. Thev ask

her to tako no share in the work; but they ask that from her which can be granted in safety and to tho

great service of the public: They desiro hr to

give them credit to tho amount of five hundred

out some of tho prominent defects in our orobatn

system, anu as a remedy, proposed that the business

snouia oe transferred to tho circuit courts, and that

in consequence of the increased duties, the judges1 salaries should be raised to one thousand dollars Satisfied with the recommendation then made I beg leave now to reiteralo it. In point of expense, it may safely bo said, that tho increased salary of the circuit judges will require less from tho treasury than is now paid to tha probate judges.