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Governor's Message

Gentlemen of the Senate and the House of Representatives

By accepting the responsible office to which we have the honor to be elected by the suffrages of our fellow citizens, we voluntarily assume obligations which politically as well as religiously we are sacredly bound to regard. These obligations require us attentively to examine into the condition of the State, to see that the laws are in accordance with the wants and sentiments of the community and that public agents, entrusted with their execution, are honest, capable and attached to the constitution. It is also our duty to search out the abuses that may exist in the administration of public affairs and so far as possible, provide a remedy for every known defect, and on all occasions to exert the power and abilities we may possess to promote the welfare and happiness of the people. While for these purposes we take a view of the condition of the State, considered individually and relatively as a member of the American confederation, we shall, I believe find but few laws that require alteration, and not many cases in which the public interest can be promoted by the aid of the legislature. The increasing prosperity and happiness which continue to attend us as a people, thus rendering the ordinary labors of legislation comparatively light, cannot fail to be the subject of mutual congratulation and to excite feelings of devout gratitude towards that Almighty Being to whom we are indebted for the innumerable blessings conferred upon our favored country. It is also highly satisfactory to learn from the recent exposition of our national affairs by our Chief Magistrate of the Union, that the other sections of this extensive