.MjEwMQ.MjYzODE

IX

government, and will serve to impress upon the mind a just estimate of the excellence and self-preserving character of the representative system. From the Penitentiary at Thomaston, it is believed, most if not all of the objects are realized which can be expected from such an institution. The labor of the convicts is productive to a reasonable and gratifying extent; and the affairs of the prison generally, under the management of the present efficient Warden, appear to be conducted with intelligence and fidelity to the best interests of the State. Whether any further provisions by law may be necessary to accomplish more fully the ends for which it was established, I leave to your wisdom to determine. I have received information from the office of the Secretary of State, that the edition of the first two Volumes of the Public Laws published for the use of the State in 1821, has been nearly exhausted in the distribution prescribed by law. A new edition of these volumes, prepared with care and ability, and combining improvements, which have elicited the approbation of many of the most experienced jurists in the State, has been recently published by individual enterprise. Aside from the policy which should influence every free government, to extend a liberal encouragement to such efforts of its citizens as tend to a more general knowledge of its statute laws, it may be more consistent with public economy for the Legislature to avail itself of the opportunity presented for furnishing the State with the volumes alluded to, than to resort to any other mode of supply. The superior value of the new edition, and the economy of the State Government in this