MOORE’S RURAL NEW-YORKER: AN AGRICULTURAL AND FAMILY NEWSPAPER, 
GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE. Circumstances,'to be larger than is necessary for advantage to some additional branches of tonnage, The Houses of Refuge for the reformation of 
_ the support of a wise and economical administra- such as cotton, tobacco, Ac., from the States in juvenile delinquents have been administered with 
Fellow-Cilizms of the Senate and of the 'O' 1 ; would recommend a careful examination the Southwest, But constant care and an onlight- a degree of fidelity and success which reflect high 
/» i / ._ J J oi the subject, with a view to determine whether oned discrimination will be required to avoid all credit upon die managers of those institutions._ 
' lsser n 'l : the half mill tax many not safely be reduced to a reductions which are calculated to effect the rove- At the dare of llie last return the number of in- 
The opening of the seventy-fifth annual session smaller ratio. Notwithstanding the important nuc unfavorably, until the obligations resting up- mates was as follows :— 
of the Legislature of New York, since the estab- amendments adopted by the last Legislature, it is on tho canal incomos shall have been Satisfio i. It New Y'otk House of Refuge 393 
lishmeut of our republican Constitution, is an believed that the assessment laws require some should be .constantly borne in iniud that inasmuch Western do do ’ 1 ->M 
event peculiarly suggestive of grateful memories farther modifications lor the purpose of securing a as the revenues have been pledged for the specific ’ , , . . , 
and patriotic hopes. ’ Three-quarters of a century moreequitable distribution of the public burthens, payment of the debt and the redemption of the . ,Ui "*er icgislation is recommended inre- 
havo passed away since our ancestors, uniting with While real estate of every description is assess- certificates, we no longer possess the moral or ’’ion Jw * ,i' 1,1 Co: ' VH,a .''''tween Hie ages of 16 
Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and of the 
Assembly :— 
New Y oik House of Refuge, 
Western, do do 
uge for the reformation of An extraordinary number of capital offence- 
ve been administered with and a considerable increase in other crimes have 
success which reflect high made the last a memorable year in the judicial 
:-rs of those institutions.— annals of the State. This melancholy fact must 
return the number of in- be attributed in a large degree to the pi\ valence 
of intemperance in our cities and larger towns— 
Refuge, 393 a growing evil which has become the nmst pro- 
do 128 lific source of wretchedness, pauperism and 
, „ • __ , , . crime. 
have passed away since our ancestors, uniting with While real estate of every description is assess- certificates, we no longer possess the moral or 
the sister colonies in renouncing dependence on a a f As full value, considerable masses of capital constitutional right to make changes which shall 
distant monarchy, and appealing to Heaven for } !1 other forms continue to escape taxation. This impair their sufficiency for these purposes, 
the justice of their cause, proclaimed the sacred inequality should be removed. Justice and good EDUCATIONAL matters. 
right of self-government, and assumed the attitude Policy require that all property, having the pro- The f un ds devoted to school purposes are be¬ 
ef a 11,00 and sovereign State. It is profitable to toctl, > u ot our laws, should be reached by assess- liev .,.,| |0 be in a Huf( . !m j i lca ! Ujy cifoditi.m. 0„ 
recur to the spintof wisdom and patriotism which :nont > and made to sustain the public authonties t]ie of September, the capital ot t'-c-.- seve- 
guided our legislative councils at that trying peri¬ 
od. Compelled to deliberate amid the strife of 
upon principles of uniformity, except in special 
cases where it may be deemed beneficial to the 
opposing armies, and surrounded by difficulties State to grant an exemption from taxation by ex- 
which called for the highest exercise of capacity P ress legislation. 
and energy, your early predecessors gained a double THE canals—enlargement, etc. 
title to the public gratitude. YY bile their prudent The amount derived from the canal revenues 
impair tneir sumcieney tor tnese purposes. 
EDUCATIONAL MATTERS. 
The funds devoted to school purposes are be¬ 
lieved to be in a safe and healthy condition. On 
the 30th of September, the capital of toese seve¬ 
ral funds was as follows: 
Common School Fund, $2,325,449 72 
United States Deposit Fund, 4,014,520 71 
Literature Fund, 272.880 12 
Some further legislation is recommended in re¬ 
gard to youth til convicts between the ages of 16 
and 20. As the power of the courts to send de¬ 
linquents to the Houses of Refuge is confined to 
persons under the age of 16, many voting offen¬ 
ders who have passed that age, are sentenced to 
hard labor in the State Prison fora term of vears. 
Some of thorn aie the victims of early abandon¬ 
ment, ignorance and vicious associations ; and if 
During the year, seventeen persons were found 
guilty ot murder and three of arson in the first 
degree; and several more are in prison awaiting 
trial. 01 the number thus convicted six have 
been executed ; the sentences of five have been 
commuted to imprisonment for life, and nine 
iwait the^ time fixed or to be fixed for their exe¬ 
cution. [he duty of the Executive in relation 
placed i - a proper school for reformation, might p’; crimes punishable with death is highly r. spmi- 
be restored t» virtue and prepared for a life of S1 , ’' , P ain ful. 111 most cases strong appeals 
honest industry. It is worthy of consideration a ;° toade by the mends and relatives ot the con- 
vv bother a separate department for this class of NN’l . rexorclso 01 the pardoning power ; and 
senrauve government pasetl upon principles ol $200,000 lor the support ot government and in¬ 
justice, equality and social order, combining popu- 650,ODD for payment of interest and reduction of 
lar freedom with those salutary restraints which principal of the State Debt, there remained a sur- 
history had shown to be necessary for the protec- plus of $964,432 91 applicable to the completion cm- ulJ R lg , , lor M ’ lluo1 h , 
tion of the citizen in the peaceful enjoyment of of the Erie Canal Enlargement, and the Genesee state fm-msta?4i ’tin | P' 0, ' e,,t ; law 1,10 
his rights. VaUey and Black River Canals. bl '“‘fr f 1 ’ i00j0t, ° ° . 110 am ° ,nt ^quir- 
PROGRESS OF THE STATE. It should be remembered in this connection hU , l ; |K " t ot 1 10 dl8lr j ct 8ol ". ,(>Js ; 
Experience has vindicated the wisdom of the that the increase of tonnage was in a larger pro- ■ . t’ ot.anonoo 110 . 1,100,110 ol lbe School 
politicjil theory adopted by the statesmen of the portion than the increase of revenue, the rates of i ' alu T ’ . ’equneil to >e raised yearly 
revolutionary era. Within a period comparatively toll on flour and wheat having been reduced 25 ■ c ? / °w X ' 18 estimated that the sum thus 
brief in the historv of governments, the American net - cent, at the commencement, of the Inst, season . iet lom 16 Reasuiy w ! 11 . ,0 8U,1|CI< nt > 111 
his ngnts. Valley and Black River Canals. 
PROGRESS OF the STATE. It should be remembered in this connection 
Experience has vindicated the wisdom of the that the increase of tonnage was in a larger pro¬ 
political theory adopted by the statesmen of the portion than the increase of revenue, the rates of 
revolutionary era. Within a period comparatively toll on Hour and wheat having been reduced 25 
brief in the history of governments, the American per cent, at the commencement of the last season 
Union has attained a prominent rank among the of navigation. 
nations of the earth; and New York, the feeble Some progress has been made in the execution 
and bleeding eolony of 1776, has become a great of the act passed July 10, 1851, “for the comple- 
and powerful commonwealth, holding a high place tion of the Erie Canal Enlargement and the Gen- 
among the States of the confederacy. Under the esee Valley and Black River Canals.” In pursu- 
beneficent operation of free principles, our progress ance of its provisions, the Comptroller has issued 6 
has been rapid beyond example. The blessings per cent. Revenue Certificates to the amount of 
of liberty and security have stimulated the best $1,500,000, for which a small premium was real- 
energies of our people and developed their capa- ized. A portion of the proceeds litis been expond- 
Makingan aggregate of $6,612,850 55 invested <),io,Klors sb<,ubl not be added to our present 
in productive securities for the advancement, of boul08 of refuge, or erected as a distinct esiab- 
education. lull ment 
The annual report of the Superintendent will 1 b ” i m P°rtant, institutions in the city of New- 
present a complete view of the operations of our 1 • ork > under the supervision of the Governors of 
common school system. 1 . , Alms House, are in excellent order and con- 
The number of children taught during the year . 1 be expenses have been largely reduced, 
was 726,291; the whole amount ex pen tic i for ^ ( hsupline improved, and every branch ol 
teachers’ wages, including books for school libra- dimr nt gives evidence of skill, effi- 
ties, was $1,432,696. Under the present law the Ci0,K 'Y' and fidelity. 
.State furnishes $1,10(1,000 of the amo int requir- I'RISONS, ETC. 
ed annually for the support of the district schools, After the adjournment of the last Legislature, I 
viz: $300,000 from the income of the School’ regarding it as a duty to obtain the best lnforma- 
Fund and $800,000 required to lie raised vearly lb)l ,’ subjects pertaining to my official action, j 
by State tax. It is estimated that the sum thus 1 v bited each of the State Prisons and made a 
furnished from the treasury will be sufficient, in personal examination of. their condition. The 
most cases, to make the schools free lor six result was, m most respects, highly satisfactory. 
months in each year; leaving it for each district 1 * 1 ' oat improvements have been made in the sys- 
to provide means by rate bills for such addition- to,! ! ol prison management and discipline. Kx- 
al period as the school may be taught. peiience has slmun that a humane administra- 
The act passed by the last Legislature was 1,0,1 18 more favorable to subordination Un¬ 
adopted as a compromise of conflicting opinions, stei 'n, despotic severity. Every practicable a 
a*e made 6y the iriends and relatives ol the con¬ 
vict for an exercise of the pardoning power ; and 
if this effort prove unsuccessful, the .Joints are 
resorted to for relief, frequently upon points hav¬ 
ing little connection with the guilt or innocence 
o! the accused, but involving merely some ques¬ 
tion of form or regularity in the proceedings.— 
In prosecutions where human life is at stake, the 
greatest care should be observed, to see not only 
that the conviction is intrinsically just, but in 
accordance with established principles of law. 
My reflections upon the subject have produced 
a belief that the ends of justice would bo promo¬ 
ted by submitting every capital conviction to a 
review by the Judges ol tiie S"preme Court, be¬ 
fore fixing a day for the execution of the sen¬ 
tence. it should be made the duty of the pre¬ 
siding Judge of the Oyer and Terminet,iu which 
the trial is held, to report the evidence and all 
the proceedings to the Supreme Court of the 
District, and that Uibunal should be required, at 
its next general term, to examine the ease and 
decide upon the legality of the conviction. If 
...... ... a'luiM'jtjjauou man h,i i. . .. . . . .i > , , , 
auupicu as « oumpiunnse oi eonuieuiig opinions, slern > despotic severity. Every practicable ar- (ur i’s executimNtnd' VoIioi’' 1 ^ 01 ^ ' . x , a t 
and appears to have been received with general mngementseemsto him been made for the health, Executive sueh .■ .J, ■ °- r decls,on to tb« 
favor by the community. It lias put an end to 1 ^omfort and moral improvement of the convicts, vvimld secirc'- ucvrrvc n ° W sug b e8l0 ° 
the controversies produced by the’unequal ope- Much praise is due to the officers, chaplains and j css ihesub i-inti'd hen»'fits f’ lowevor . lnend ‘ 
ration of the law of 1849, which had lor some for their efforts .0 amend the condi- Kj! l ^i^ an «PPeal..r, wh.eh 
proficiency in the arts which multiply the enjoy¬ 
ments ami elevate the character of society; arti¬ 
ficial communications connecting the ocean with 
the hikes beyond our borders, and dispensing to 
every section of the State the benefits of easy in¬ 
tercourse; the consequent advancement of every 
agricultural, mechanical and commercial interest, 
are results which serve to demonstrate the advan 
tages of free institutions, and the capacity of our 
people to preserve thorn in their original vigor and 
integrity. 
>ly the enjoy- remainder of the work at prices considerably below 
society; arti- the Engineer’s estimates, upon which the recent 
ther changes that may be proposed, we should 
endeavor to avoid any experiment calculated lo 
reproduce the divisions that have been so happi- 
inll'ieiice of kindly teaching and example. The 
endeavors of 1 he Inspectors to improve the finan¬ 
cial management of the prisons, have been at- 
tende I with considerable success. No branch of 
the public service requires more constant vigi¬ 
lance to ensure integrity and economy in the ex¬ 
penditures. A striking improvement is percep¬ 
tible iii the affairs of the Sing Sing Prison. For 
the first time in many years, its officers deem it 
+ i,„ _ ,• ,. , 1 t: • 1 1 1 oi.ii. mi wiuu mi uiu oi.uu, report Will lie — — .......... ...... .J J.ai.., HO .■imcio uecui u 
-l iV l el l lC Y Un ^r Shet - Works ’ hlls ro j placed before you at an early day, ami will doubt- »'-necessaiy to call on the Legislature for pecu- 
ceivot the sanction ot on hho nninum Avniwaorl 1 .. . J ’. . . ;. 
4.1 •, * i 4.1 ,• , widt cu uciuic vuu man uany u:i \ . ami W 
the capacity ot our cei ed the sanction ot public opinion, expressed f (;ss receive t jJ e respectful con'siderali. 
- ir ori o uiai vigor and m the choice ol official agents whose views m fa- recommendations coming from one w 
:zz f A to c °- 
L .-.on due to lllal jY r a,d - 
recommendations coming from one whose long I he finances of the Auburn Prison are in a less 
experience and enlightened zeai in the cause of P r J ,s p«rotis condition, and a considerable appro- 
Education are widely and justly appreciated. priatiqn will be required for its support. The 
The ordinary appropriations in support of Col- necessity lias been produced partly by a large 
leges were omitted by the two last Legislatures, expenditure in erecting new buildings, which had 
The present condition of the United Slates Dv- become indispensable. 
posit Fund is such as to justify a moderate grant ® 1 om :i careful examination of the subject, I 
in aid of the higher institutions of learning, 0 and am convinced that the unfarorable results at the 
I would renew the recommendations in their fa- photon Prison may be attributed in part to the 
vor, contained in my last annual message. 8ev- incomplete execution of the original plan, which 
eral new institutions, including the Genesee Col- ’"eluded the necessary works for making iron 
logo and the Rochester University, which have l,ia *n>faeturing it in some of its ruder forms, 
not yet enjoyed the public bounty, present strong f’bat part of the design has been neglected. No 
condition of the State, I would first invite your ’"‘"th tlrat tUe plan adopted is the most feasible not yet enjoyed the public bountv, present strong That part of the design has been neglected. No 
attention to the situation of the finances. and judicious tluit could be devised, within the claims to encouragement, and it'w'.uld seem but f '”'g 08 or furnaces have been erected, and theem- 
The amount of the State debt at the close of the U I r ' 1 1 tat,ons established by the financial provisions j U st and reasonable that they should be admiited !’b>yment of prisoners has consisted in excavating 
last fiscal year. Sept. 39, 1851, was as follows : “ 1,10 constitution. Happily for the public wel- to an i qual participation in the patronage of the antl s <-pnrating the ore; an operation which affords 
Canal Debt,.$15,301,199 16 our internal improvements have been roscu- tjtate. l’he University of Albany has Nt-en or- but little profit in the present condition of the 
General Fund Debt,. 6,389,693 32 °d it om tlie stii te ol parties, and must now cease ganized under favorable circumstances ami if the 1,on mar bet. The difficulty has been increased 
- )C a subject ot political controversy. I consider design of its patrons and prof ssoi s shall be real- by the failure of ore on the land held by the State, 
. . $21,690,802 43 R a pioud day tor the Commonwealth, when its ized, it will ultimately be made equal to the best n ’ a h’ng n necessary to pay a heavy rent for the 
shewing a reduction of principal in the past year j oa ding statesmen of both political parties enierg- Universities of Europe. privilege of working on an adjacent tract. A ro¬ 
ot $840,000. It is believed that the amount of ’"U f lom untavorable antecedents, are found con- Much interest has been manifested for some sulr.Tmich more favorable, may be produced by 
the debt, as now reported by the financial depart- culling in support oi a wise anti liberal policy, years past in favor of creating an institution for "’Acting furnaces for smelting and manufactur- 
mind, that the plan adopted is the most feasible 
winch give rise to differences of opinion in the 
community, a judicial proceeding of the charac¬ 
ter proposer! would strengthen public confidence 
in t he justice of the sentence, and induce more 
general acquiescence in the propriety of its exe¬ 
cution. 
It affords me much satisfaction to refer to the 
good management and excellent condition of the 
Albany 1 enitentiary, in which the convicts for 
minor offences in this and several adjacent coun¬ 
ties are imprisoned. A personal examination of 
the establishment enables me to speak of its ad¬ 
ministration, and especially ot the improvement 
in discipline and economy, in terms of sincere 
approbation. 
RELIEF OF EMIGRANTS. 
It appears from the information furnished by 
the Commissioners of Emigration, that nearly- 
300,000 emigrants were landed at the port of 
New York dtiring the last year. The iVmst grat¬ 
ifying success has attended the efforts ci 5 the 
Board to provide for the wants,and better the con¬ 
dition of the destitute strangers who are coming 
amongst us in such extraordinary numbers.— 
More loan 20,000 of tiie sick and helpless were 
received during the year into the institutions 
. to tiie best 
the debt, as now reported by the financial depart- cuningin support or a wise and liberal policy, 
ments, cannot be materially varied bv theuuliqui- and v 'i° ln g with each other in a spirit of generous 
dated claims existing anterior to”the creation emulation and patriotic zeal for the advancement 
a.lu vicing \vitn eaen qtncr in a spirit ol generous the advancement of agricultural science and of 
emulation and patriotic zeal for the advancement knowledge in, the mechanic arts. The views in 
of a work which had become so essential to the favor of this measure expressed in my last amiii- 
public prosperity. - • • • J 
of the Sinking Funds by the Constitution of 1846. ol a work which had become so essential to the favor of this measure expressed in ray last amm- of convicts. The additional expense of main- ? m P 01 ' lant service has been rendered to thepublic 
At that time large sums were due to citizens on P u ”! 1 c Prosperity. ... al communication, remain unchanged. My im- tabling a larger number would be comparat vely iIltt ' res j ; . 8,1,1 to the cause of humanity. The 
canal contracts partly executed, and for private Nothing lemains but to proceed with united pressions are still favorable to the plan of com- s,Iialk The labor ol the convicts would be much 8U gS e ' , j 10 ’'’ s o1 the Commissioners in favor of 
property taken for canal purposes. I’hose claims C(),mcl fr ui carrymg out the system which is now. billing in one college t;vo distinct departments more remunerative in the manufacture than the 11 1 tliei legislation to promote the objects of 
f/»l .. _4 . V ii 11 - ii.., rfUKUVled on a 11 mint aa W n„,l Kit^ ■ . ° . > u . c .u /i.i .1 .. ■ . their laoors. are h\ 1 f... - v. 
Nothing remains but to proceed with united pressions are still favorable to the plan of 
linn 9 in rvnrrvmcr nut. fho tiuafmn xirliicli ic. i • • • .1 *. 
privilege of working on an adjacent tract. Are- ,neasui 08 were employed to protect the ivliole 
suit,“much more favorable, may be produced by , V, , emigrants from those nefarious frauds 
electing furnaces for smelting and manufactur- v ’. \ ■ la( been practiced lor years with compar¬ 
ing the ore, on a scale sufficient for the employ- all ' e itnpumty. By the establishment of the pre- 
iih nt of two or three times the present number 80,11 system, aud its faithful administration, an 
of convicts. The additional expense of main- ? m P t,llant service has been rendered to thepublic 
taining a larger number would be comparat vely a "d to the cause of humanity. The 
.. 11 The labor ol the convicts would be much , 8u 8S e8lloas (>1 1,10 Ge-mmissioners in favor of 
certain, and could not be ascertained until a final m "tt |a l confidence, and mute our efforts to guard both. Before adopting any financial action on 
adjudication by the Canal Appraisers or the Canal ,l,K l >r 9 locl 1 10 P u ' J,lc interests, in disposing of the subject, the merits of the several systems ol 
Board, this portion of the liability was not includ- the rations questions that must arise from time organization that have been proposed should be* 
1 L. 4-1.• .1 1 i • .. . hmo in Hm nivurimoo fluo .4- ° . . . . *. . • y 
excavation of the ore. Other than financial con¬ 
siderations may be urged in favor of this policy. 
Complaints continue to be made of the em¬ 
ploy ruent of two large a share of the convict la¬ 
bor in mechanical occupations, which conflict 
with the interests of honest citizens engaged in 
similar pursuits. 
their labors, are commended to your favorab.e 
attention. 
MILITARY AFFAIRS. 
For the present condition of our military estab¬ 
lishment I would refer you to the annual report 
of the Adjutant.Generals the Inspector General, 
and the Commissary General. Satisfactory pro- 
apparent amount as shown in the annual report of 38 lke worst enemy of the people, 
outstanding stocks. The most of the unliquidated i ko con ’ph“tion of the canals is predicated up- 
claims have now been extinguished, and the future on 11,0 8l,1 P lu8 tolls set apart for that purpose by 
reduction, by the operation of the Sinkiim Fund, l,ie Constitution. The revenue certificates au- 
wiil be regular and rapid, and more effective than tkorlzed by the existing law operate, in effect, as 
heretofore upon the funded debt. It is safe to as- a 1, ! al,slei ' ol these surplus tolls, in anticipation of 
sume that the entire debt existing tit the adoption thei F rocoi P 1 . without any obligati 
of the present Constitution, will be discharged by on 1,10 P art o1 ’ tho St,lto for the ret 
the annual contributions from the canal revenue certiticate ? flom au 7 °tber fund, 
to the Sinking Funds, within 17 years b'oni the first that the success of tl 
The amount of money in the treasury on the 
30th of September, belonging to all the binds was 1 ° publlC ,u tIiC luture 8ufl,cle,KJ 
$1,897,048 25. The balance in favor of the Gen- ,ov onl,os * 
eral Fund on that day was. $15,753 87. It is es- , f b® stwidy increaso of the wi 
timated that the current revenues of the General ° xll,,,U0(i 1 10 letuins f romjeai 
Fund, during the present fiscal year, will be suffi- P f C f‘ l a PP roho11810,18 00,1 
dent for till the ordinary expenses of government, ,uru P !() ' iuctnolK '^ s ot tlie source i 
iiiciiifliTur tbo 1 • b , , lV certificates are to be redeemed. Itl 
lucmuing tne special appropriations made bv the -i . .< i . •, .. . ,, 
Iasi I oofrtlntiiro TLi- .7. rt, 1 .,.. a \ \ that the annual contributions to thi 
last Legislature. 1 Ills estimate does not include u* _ m.i c.-m nnn io.-c i 
the moneys to be derived from the next lax sale, n- l a t F t 
which is to be held before the close of 1852, and 1 ■ 1>l f aillium ) will discharge 
which will yield about $175,000; nor tlie further ( , C ,f , ln about seventeen years, 
amount due tlie treasury for arrears of taxes as- ^ l 
sessed on mutual insurance companies and certain ‘iff U P 011 the surp 
Indian reservations, from which about $ 150,000 ’ * • N f , be ie o ‘ lhC ' au< bot: 
ought to be realized in the course of the coining N a PP bcable > b 7 exmess constitu 
propriated to the erection of an institution which ton Prison was to withdraw a large class of pri- 
shall stand as a lasting memorial of our munifi- 8, ”*ei - s from mechanical employments. But that 
This evil, unavoidable to a certain extent k’ess has been made in carrying out the act of 
should be diminished as far as practicable. A the last Legislature, and its provisions have prov- 
leadiug motive in the establishment of the Clin- od bl S bl y beneficial. In pursuance of the now 
cenee, and to tlie diffusion of the useful sciences 
and the elevation of the producing classes, during 
all future time. 
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. 
Our charitable institutions continue to fulfil 
purpose lias been only partially fulfilled. Aside 
from other inducements, I am of opinion that the 
management of all the prisons would be improv¬ 
ed by transferring some of the convicts from An- 
law, I appointed an Inspector General, whose 
active exertions have been of much utility in 
promoting an efficient organization and infusing 
a healthful military spirit. Many brigade and 
regimental districts, which have failed to comply 
with the law of 1847, have been successfully or- 
revenues. 
The steady increase of the western trade, ? 
rsity by 
burn and Sing Sing to Clinton. At Auburn the g a ' l,z e d > and numerous volunteer companies have 
number of prisoners sometimes exceeds the num- been lorniod > which promise to reflect credit up- 
ber of cells. The increase of criminals eonse- °a the service. I he importance of maintaining 
quent upon the growth of population and other a web Ruined military force ought not to be un- 
causes, will soon produce the same result at Sing der-esti mated, and it is gratifying to perceive 
Sing. The evils produced by overcrowding the tbal a growing interest in the subject is manifest- 
prisons beyond their regular capacity are too se- otl 111 ab StC fi (, "s ot the State. 
tine spirit of our past legislation. 7 he State I 130118 t0 bc tolerated. It cannot he doubted that 
i-i*. * r -.i , „ * u® has given its powerful aid to every plan of nrac- 
cxhibited by the returns fromjear to year, ought tical philanthropy calculated to mLlioraJ the 
to dissipate all apprehensions concerning the hi- condition of the unfortuuate. So far as human 
ture productiveness of the source from which the skill can supply the faculties of which they have 
certificates are to be redeemed. It tans been shown been deprived by their Creator, the bliml have 
D D F ' il,d made to se3, the deaf to hear, andthedumb 
nrSi $ ’ ,0 lnU , , 8 ^ aud a tL ' l wanls **’- to speak. Liberal provision has been made for 
OoO OOO per annum) will discharge the entire State the infirm and destitute ; the paternal guanlian- 
debt in about seventeen years. When that re- ship „f the Legislature has been extended to the 
suit shall have been reached, inasmuch as no new fatherless, the insane, and even to the idiotic. 1 
sessed on mutual insurance companies and certain ^ 7 v b ® oba,, brcd upon the surplus canal reve- 
Iudian reservations, from which about $150 000 UeS ’ v , JL leloased and become exclusive- 
ought to be realized in the course of the coming constlUltl,mal rcquire- 
year. Proceedings in relation to some of these i jN.’N. i 1 ?' * V, t Ll<Kate8 , b, Fcompleting 
taxes have been long pending in the courts, and it’ ^ m ^ t . ie l 8111 P biS 8baJ l have proved 
is hoped they will soon bo brought to a final de- Mllbcient to extmgmsh them at an earlier (lay. It 
cision. In considering the various applications lndl f tl0 , n of <*0 fllturo 
that will come before you for grants of money in 118 1,088 uf tbo canaI > 11 c j 111 baldly bo doubted 
J J that the annua surnlns wi r iwliarao Bin nna fl. 
cannot too strongly commend the agencies by 
Yvhich these generous aims are accomplished to 
your fostering care and attention. 
It appears from the official report that tije 
nous to tie tolerated, it cannot be doubted that BANKS—RAILROADS, 
the future necessities of the State will require a The operations of the hanks and the state of 
third prison. Alter making so large an expen- the currency will be fully exhibited in tlie annu- 
diture upon the establishment at Clinton, its al report of the Superintendent of the Banking 
abandonment cannot be seriously entertained, Department. The circulating medium of the 
and I would recommend that proper measures be State appears to be in a sound condition. Two 
taken fo” erecting such works as are necessary to recent failures of banks of circulation serves to 
carry the original design into full effect. demonstrate the advantages of the general bank- 
The number of convicts in the several State ing law, instead of impairing our confidence in 
Prjson.s on the first of December last was as fol- its safety. The securities deposited in the Bank 
lows : — Department, under the present restrictions, must 
Sing Sing 830 constitute the best reliance fur the protection of 
Auburn 771 the bill holder, In all our legislation, the free 
Clinton 113 banking system isto be regarded as permanently 
- established. In the course of twelve years expe- 
T° ta l 1714 rience, many improvements have been made in 
The number pardoned from these prisons dur- jt® practical operation,and some further modifica- 
Sing Sing 
830 
Auburn 
771 
Clinton 
113 
Total 
1714 
noot .nmilto fm :„t V ■ ]• .. ,. , - u. u .iva, ™ uio UUUI Ul 11 IMCI11UCI Uni, Wall l UC 11U 111 UC1 JUlklUllUU 1IOIU U1C9B UllSUBSUUr- jiiuv.iw. luuuer uiuuiaca- 
nast results niiuibh a sale indication ol the future the number in the Lunatic Asylum on Black- ing the last year, was 104. The annual list of tarns will undoubtedly be found conducive to the 
iumihm (i lo (ana, it ran baldly be doubted well's Island, on the 20th of December reprieves, commutations and pardons, will be public security, 
aid of public enterprises, it is important to keep in tn |R l ! ie annual surplus will discharge the certih- 503 . transmitted in a special communication. In the T he frequent occurrence of railroad accidents 
view the actual condition of the treasury, and to cates 111 a 811ort0r P el 'iea than rs required for the The total number of insane persons in tins exercise of the pardoning power one of the most renders it but too apparent that proper care for 
limit the appropriations within the reliable reve- P 8 ? 111 , ,, e P rosent debt; but it this antici- State in 1850, as shown by the census of that embarrassing and delicate prerogatives that can their prevention is not now exercfted. A large 
nues of the General Fund. This fund is fully suf- I?t ! A 10 • , Jt j d^ppomterl, they will be rap- year, was 2506, of whom 1106 were in Asylums, be confided to human discretion, l have endeav- portion of these calamities might have been 
ficient for all ordinary purposes, so long as our j'. " , ln ' LruLS , U1 a 101 1110 oxl * s f lt ’{? stock shall leaving 1400 to be supported in private families ored to act upon correct views of justice, hu- evoidedbyduecareintheconstruction.manage- 
legislation is governed by correct views of econo- 11 'im , )U I ! P ! U j . or poor houses. It is evident, therefore, that inanity and public policy. Error iu the convic- ment and service of the roads and their moving 
my; and the additional resources above referred 1 Jie extent ot the annual surplus must depend some further provision ought to be made for the tion, undue severity of punishment, loss of equipment. The obligation of the Slate Govern- 
to will enable you to make some provision for new T! • P ™ a ® nt ro K ,lIat 10,1 ot the canal tolls.— relief of this unhappy class of our fellow beings, health, produced or aggravated I >y long confine- rn e»t to extend its protect ion to the lives of rail- 
objects of public utility. 1 tiat important responsibility has been devolved The number of pupils iu the Institution fertile ment, and service rendered to the State by the road passengers is imperative, and rests on high 
In selecting those objects, vou will doubtless ex- !i P ‘ >1 | '-i. , ana T oal . 8,1 ’ject to the control of Deaf and Dumb, at the close of the year, was discovery of accomplices, have been regarded as moral grounds. I would, therefore, invoke the 
erciae a just discriny.natioii, independent of all ex- 1 10 lj °U 18 . ur ° - ,, 11 18 nia< |° their duty by the 244. of whom the State supports 160. the only legitimate grounds for the indulgence of Legislature to enact such laws as may, on ina- 
traneous influences; and in the ordinary appropri- 8 e c ta>n ol^ the act ot the last session to ad- The New York Institution for the Blind con- clemency. In the discharge of this difficult duty, ture consideration, seem most proper and effi- 
ations it is believed that some reductions may be ^ , r le .[f l08 , m 8 +v ,nanlier 88 111 tbeir J U< 1 U" tained 139 inmates, of whom 86 are State benefi- I have been impressed rvith the importance of a cient for preventing the recurrence of these la- 
made without injury to the public service. ” me . n WI I ^, 000 ‘“e greatest amount of trade ciaries. In pursuance of the act passed by the careful revision of our criminal laws for the pur- mentable disasters. 
TAXATION. NN n : vonuo : I he whole community are coil- last Legislature, the trustees appointed for the pose of making the punishment of certain crimes the STATE library. 
The act passed bv the last Legislature intended 16 ^ 7,1 1 ;™.it Wli f . an, f. . ltbt . performance of purpose, have established an Asylum for Idiots, more proportionate to the grade of offence.— The Legislature, at its late session,provided by 
to compel the assessors to estirnute taxable nron- rio-hta ^ n ; 11 18 ot wtal 1,n P orla,lco to lbe They have fortunately secured the services of Some of the provisions of our statutes are pro- law for the erection of a building for the better 
city at Its full value has resulted in a lar<7> inirciN Inrw rfF” J crc< lton ani the somidness of a l)r. H. B. Wilber, as Superintendant, whose ef- ductive of inequalities which violate the sense of preservation of the State Library. That build- 
of the valuation. In 1850 the entire nfd and net nnd 0t our currency. While good faith torts for the: improvement of imbeciles have been justice, and this evil is aggravated by a want of ing is now under contract, aud will be completed 
sonal estate was assessed at «727 4^4 58in rtUi . u Nti U1 N inlorost8 concur ln de- attended with great success. A suitable build- uniformity in the action of the local courts. with all the dispatch which may be deemed con- 
the total assessment was abmit^’l mriVnOOtai ' dn< v g 8lablbt y> lbore can bo no good cause for ing was procured in the vicinity of this city, aud The amount fixed by the present law to distin- sistent with the permanency and security of the 
7 a ir™ of eT*-h- l o m f O. ’o 'l’ V^ a PP r “ n f that the representatives of the peo- the school has been opened under encouraging guish grand from petit lameny, should be in- edifice. Warned by the lata destruction of he 
du^e8 1 a 1 oorriWDorid?^ incraaseP lc wiU venture upon rash or doubtful expert- circumstances. The report of the Trustees will creased? and in certain cases tlie minimum term Congressional Library of the necessity of adopt? 
the half mill tax which is nredicaLvi dPt) , ?-° mGU *f- Reductions of toll on certain articles Lave present their proceedings more fully, and impart of imprisonment in tke State Prison, which is ing every precaution against a similar calamity 
i r 1 ? ’ Ste ^ ™h ^,1 nZT T llUA 111 T mcrease , 0f NT’e r d rove ™« a,,(] 80,110 valuable information in regard to the tier- now established at two years, ought to be reduc- in our own case, I deem it proper to rec^mmond 
xaiuation. I ho State tax ought not, under any the same policy may doubtless bo extended with its and prospects of this noble undertaking. ed to one year. [Concluded on u 1 
[Concluded on page 14, thi* number.] 
