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VI in our parent Commonwealth. I allude to the New England Asylum for the Blind at Boston. In accordance with the provisions of a Resolve, passed at the last Session of the Legislature, appropriating the sum of One Thousand Dollars to be expended under the direction of the Governor and Council, in defraying in whole or in part, the expenses of such applicants as might be deemed fit subjects for the bounty of the State, six persons have been placed at said Institution, one for the term of two years, and the remainder for the term of one years. Should it be deemed proper to continue these beneficiaries beyond these periods, a further appropriation will be necessary to defray their expenses. And I would suggest for your consideration, whether we may not, as the friends of humanity, and as the advocates of an enlightened public policy, avail ourselves of the opportunity presented by this Institution, of extending new and invaluable privileges to a portion of our fellow citizens, who have heretofore shared but sparingly in the County of the State. Our Penitentiary System will necessarily be a subject of inquiry. Under the Resolve of the twenty eighth of February last, a Committee was appointed to visit the State Prison at Thomaston, to investigate the conduct of its officers and the affairs of the Institution generally, and to report, with all reasonable dispatch, the result of their examination. This Committee have executed the trust confided to them, in a highly satisfactory manner; and a copy of their report is herewith communicated. An examination into the extent of Pauperism in our State, will be sufficient to demonstrate the propriety of some legislative action upon the subject, of a precautionary character at least. While ample provision should be made for all cases of