USA > Georgia > The Confederate records of the State of Georgia, Vol 4 > Part 31
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The reports of the Treasurer and Comptroller-Gen- eral will furnish you detailed information relative to the finances of the State, and with statistical information of an interesting character. I commend to your serious con- sideration the suggestions of the latter in reference to amendments of the revenue laws.
The collection of the Federal tax upon lands having been suspended before much progress had been made, I did not feel authorized to suspend that imposed for the support of the State government. I regret exceedingly
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that any portion of our fellow-citizens should have been required to pay the Federal tax, but not believing that your legislation contemplated partial suspension of the State tax, I could not come to their relief. The State tax, ad valorem, is very light, being only one-sixth of one cent.
The tax upon the sale of spirituous liquors seemed by its terms to embrace the first quarter of the present year, which had nearly expired before the tax was im- posed. Being retroactive, the seller was deprived of the opportunity to add the tax to the price, in his sales. Be- sides, many merchants had during that quarter sold the article for non-residents, on commission, and made final settlements with the owners. Had the tax been exacted of them, it would have exceeded largely their commis- sions, and subjected them to serious loss, without fault on their part. For these reasons. I suspended the tax for the first quarter, and now invite your attention to it.
The people of Georgia have always been lightly taxed, and I see no indications that the State government will be constrained to make this burthen onerous in the fu- ture.
EDUCATION.
The re-opening of the university, after an unavoida- ble suspension, has elicited the most satisfactory evidence of public approval. Many of its most ardent friends entertained the apprehension that causes connected with the war recently terminated, and chief among them the utter impoverishment of some, and the straitened cir- cumstances of others, formerly both able and willing to educate their sons, would occasion such diminution of patronage as would render the effort abortive. The re-
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sult has been far otherwise. The number of applicants for admission, very respectable at first, has rapidly in- creased, and is still increasing. There are now matric- ulated considerably more than one hundred. It offers to the people of Georgia very great educational advan- tages, whilst the tone of moral and religious opinion and feeling is decidedly high, without the slightest taint of sectarian bias.
We live in an age when educated mind must take a leading part in affairs of State. Any people neglecting to provide either elementary education for the mass, or to afford facilities for obtaining such higher and more extended knowledge as will enable their youth, passing into manhood, to master in due time difficult problems in political economy and in State policy, will assuredly fall behind in the competition of States and nations for supe- rior development.
Prejudices which in former times found voice in our legislative assemblies against liberal education, we may well hope, have been dissipated by experience. Georgia has profited too much by the services of her educated sons, in all departments of public employment, not to see clearly how largely her future prosperity and greatness depend upon the enlightenment of the rising generation. The third clause of the fifth Section, second Article of the Constitution, clearly indicates that, in the opinion of the convention of 1865 the present endowment of the University of Georgia is inadequate to its necessities. Mindful of the serious losses our people have recently sustained, and the temporary depression of their mate- rial interests, I forbear urging you at this time to in- crease the endowment. My object in adverting to the subject now is to congratulate you and your constituents
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upon the good use which is being made of the limited aid heretofore and still extended to this venerable institution, and to ask that her past and present usefulness be ac- cepted as an earnest of the fruit that may be anticipated from a larger endowment in more prosperous times.
There is, however, a measure by which the usefulness of the university may be greatly increased, and a great public trust, now devolved upon the General Assembly, judiciously executed, without imposing any burden upon our impoverished people. A large extent of public lands belonging to the United States has been, by an Act of Congress, devoted to the establishment of agricultural colleges in the several States. At your last session you accepted, for the purpose indicated, such land as might be allotted to Georgia under that Act, and your accept- . ance has been communicated to that government. This resource can be applied to no other purpose whatever, and the question arises how it can be most advantageous- ly employed for that. If a separate independent institu- tion be established, much expense must be incurred, which might be saved by making it an appendage of your uni- versity. The term university is expressive of the idea of divers schools and colleges, each devoted to some par- ticular branch of science, and all united under one gen- eral government, and constituting a grand seminary of learning. This was the object contemplated in the estab- lishment of the University of Georgia, though the means for its full development have never been furnished. There are now connected with it, quite apart from the ordinary collegiate course, a school of civil engineering, a law school, and a department of agricultural chemistry. As the university is a State institution, and as the agricul- tural college must also be under State management, I
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respectfully recommend that the latter be organized as a distinct department of learning in the former, care being taken that the specific endowment now referred to be devoted exclusively to the maintenance of that de- . partment.
COMMON SCHOOLS.
There is no subject demanding your attention, of greater importance to the State, than that of common school education.
In so large a population, there must always be a considerable number, to whom, without government aid, even elementary education must ever remain forbidden fruit. If these be regarded simply in their individual- ity, their destitution of mental culture must appeal strongly to the sympathies of their more fortunate fel- low-citizens. But the interest in the subject rises im- measurably when they are looked upon as future mem- bers of the body politic, under a Constitution, extending general suffrage to male citizens.
A conscientious man, wholly uneducated, always feels much embarrassment in choosing between rival candi- dates for popular suffrage, and whatever be his natural endowments, and however prominent his virtues, is con- scious of his own want of qualification for public service. No plainer proposition can be stated than that a people who govern, ought to be an intelligent people.
Experience has shown that it is difficult to organize and keep in successful operation, a system of common school education where the population is sparse. But the difficulty should not discourage effort. Persistent trial will expose errors and suggest remedies. Even our
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imperfect system, has, like all other useful enterprises, suffered suspension. I remarked with pleasure, that at your last session, you had raised from your own bodies a joint committee to consider, during your recess, and on your re-assembling, to report upon this great subject. Relying upon their fidelity and ability, as your own chosen depositaries of so grave a trust, I venture upon no sug- gestions as to details.
It will, of course, occur to you, and will doubtless have commanded the attention of your committee, that the sources whence the fund for this purpose was derived, have almost entirely failed. The bank stocks owned by the State, and applied to this object, have been lost. The Western and Atlantic Railroad has yielded no revenue within the past two and a half years-and in all proba- bility, until it shall have thrown off the war-imposed bur- dens, can do little or nothing for this cause. Its reve- nues are now pledged to the payment of interest on, a sinking fund for the public debt, necessarily consider- ably increased within the past financial year. Notwith- standing all these difficulties, I respectfully suggest that attention to, and provision for, this public interest, does not admit of delay. I doubt not that your constituents will cheerfully bear, even now, such contributions as may be demanded of them to foster it.
THE WESTERN AND ATLANTIC RAILROAD.
I transmit herewith a copy of the report of the Super- interdent of the Western and Atlantic Railroad, accom- panied by reports to him of subordinate officers, and sun- dry tabular statements. *
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From a careful perusal of these documents, not only . general results, but detailed information relative to the different branches of service, and a clear insight into the general management of this important interest, may be readily obtained. The very great improvement made since the road passed under the management of the pres- ent superintendent, in the track itself, in the motive pow- er and other rolling stock, and in the general service, whether stationary at the termini and at intermediate depots, or moving with the trains, reflects the highest credit upon him and his subordinates. These documents disclose the facts that reconstruction, renovation and in- creased capacity to meet the demands of travel and com- merce, were required at all points and in all departments, and that large arrearages occurring between the 25th September, 1865, and the 1st of April, 1866, have been met since the latter day. Accidents and losses are now of very rare occurrence, and failures or delays of trains almost unknown.
During the first six months of the year the business of the road was very large, owing to the fact that many roads in the Eastern line of connection with the Northern cities were not in operation. They, having been put in working order during the spring, have again drawn to themselves much of travel and transportation formerly enjoyed and properly appertaining to them.
This circumstance and a general, though it is believed temporary falling off during the summer months of this business, have greatly curtailed the gross receipts. Should there come a revival in the activity and pros- perity of the country, now slowly recovering from the exhaustion of long war, railroad business will revive with them. The location and connections of the Western
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and Atlantic Railroad, as well remarked by the Superin- tendent, insure it a large participation, under any cir- cumstances, in the general travel and transportation, be they great or small. Should the good time hoped for come, there is every indication that this road will be in a condition to do its part in the general service promptly and efficiently. It was estimated when you were last in session, that, to put the road in all respects in thorough working condition, it would be necessary for the State to contribute from half a million to seven hundred thou- sand dollars. The aid, so far extended, really exceeds very little the sum of three hundred thousand dollars. It will probably be necessary to add to this sum two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, being an aggregate of about five hundred and fifty thousand dollars, moder- ately exceeding the smallest estimate. To make this further advance, you have already provided the means.
There hangs, however, over the road a heavy debt to the United States Government, contracted in the purchase of supplies and railroad property by the provisional superintendent, for the payment of which a year hence, the faith of the State is pledged. The State of Georgia has a claim upon that government for the use and occu- pation of the road and its rolling stock and other items, which may or may not be so far liquidated and acknowl- . edged, by that time, as to be set off against that indebted- ness. Every effort will be made to effect a full and amicable settlement, which will ease the State of this burden; but, in any event, the faith of the State must be kept.
Looking to the contingency of this payment having to be made, if it be thrown upon the road no reliance can be placed upon it for revenue to meet the current ex-
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penses of the government during the year upon which we have just entered. The precise amount of this debt has not been ascertained, in consequence of a failure to deliver some of the cars purchased. But, deducting from the whole amount of the invoice, payments made, the remainder will exceed somewhat four hundred thousand dollars.
If authority be given the Executive to make payments upon this debt from time to time, out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, (failing all efforts at settlement), it may be arranged in the course of the year, and the amount of interest meantime gradu- ally reduced. My belief is that if the net profits from the road be even fair, the sum estimated by the Comp- troller-General, to arise from that source, may be de- ducted and this debt discharged without creating a new loan.
I concur in the suggestions of the Superintendent, relative to the inadequacy of the salaries of the Treasu- rer and Auditor. If the ability and skill required to fill those offices properly, and the amount of labor and responsibility attending them be considered, it would seem very clear that the present salaries, in times like these, are not compensatory. I request the General Assembly to give just consideration to this subject.
During the existence of the war authority was given to the Superintendent to issue change bills for a stated amount. Of these there are now outstanding from seventy-five to eighty thousand dollars. That the holders of these change bills are entitled to payment by some rule, can scarcely be questioned. They were not issued with any view to aid in the war, but to relieve the road
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and the people from one of the inconveniences of the war the difficulty of making change. For this purpose they were interchanged with Confederate treasury notes in settlements, and the question is, whether they should be redeemed at their nominal value or at the then value of Confederate notes, (on the level of which they stood), at the time of their issue, or on what other scale? It is a small matter, but the Superintendent, wishing to do what is right, has felt some embarrassment. There is little doubt that they have been to a considerable extent coun- terfeited, and, therefore, their payment in currency at some set value would be much safer than their absorption for fare or freight on the road. The matter is submitted for your determination.
THE LUNATIC ASYLUM.
One of the most grievous evils to which our race is subjected is the deprivation of human reason. The greatest alleviation of this terrible malady is found in the establishment of asylums for the stricken, where their wants are cared for, their evil propensities and their power for mischief controlled and their disease skilfully treated. Georgia has established one of these institutions, devised by advanced civilization. It is in successful operation; is, I believe, well managed, and is dispensing a noble charity to the indigent, and a more than compensatory blessing to the wealthy, whose mis -. fortunes bring them to its doors. The report of the Superintendent and Resident Physician will be before you, advising you in detail of its condition and manage- ment, its wants and susceptibility of improvement. Your committee of scientific professional men and financiers
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will look into these subjects with more capacity to en- lighten you than I can bring to bear.
On one point, however, I deem it my duty to invite your serious deliberation. The Code requires that per- sons of color shall be admitted into the institution; but another section of the same Code enjoins it as an impera- tive duty on the Superintendent to keep patients of the white and African races separate, a provision founded in the wisest sanitary policy. I am informed by the Superintendent and Resident Physician, that with the present accommodations and plan of the building, and the number of white patients there and likely to be there, it is impossible to comply with both requirements of the Code. Something must be done for the enlargement of the building, or colored people must be excluded continu- ously from it. The latter alternative, allow me to say, should not be contemplated for a moment. The informa- tion brought to me, induces the belief that this fearful malady is on the increase among that people. Heretofore accustomed to be cared for, themselves uncaring, they have been free from very many anxieties and responsi- bilities, which often harrass and craze those in higher social position. Now, suddenly, after many years of irresponsible, unsolicitous life, they find themselves invested with the boon of freedom, coupled with the bur- thens of self-preservation and family provision, whilst their evil propensities, previously kept in check by wholesome home government, are left unbridled. Among them insanity most assuredly will increase. Heretofore when it has occurred, home provision has been made for it, but home, such as they once enjoyed, remains to them no longer. Will the State abandon them to all the mis- eries, sufferings and perils that wait upon insanity ?
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Humanity to them and safety to the public alike forbid it. Either in the State Asylum or in county poor houses, immediate and efficient provision should be made for the case. Your attention is earnestly requested to it.
THE ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND.
The school for the instruction of unfortunates de- prived of the sense of sight, is in successful operation. It is one of those benevolent institutions which commends itself to the support of governments and of individuals. It is truly an interesting entertainment to hear those long shut out from light of day-some of whom never enjoyed its perception-reading fluently and accurately from the Word of Life, or from uninspired though instructive books. This art generally extended to such sufferers, and the number of books adapted to their use multiplied, how wide a field of enjoyment and improvement will be opened to those otherwise doomed to lives cheerless and almost useless. But it is not alone mental cultivation and literary enjoyment that are put within their reach in this Academy. There are simple branches of manu- facture, for which they are entirely competent, if only instructed by those blessed with sight, and which may afford many the means of making a livelihood, who must otherwise depend upon charity. Such instruction is now being imparted in this institution, greatly redounding to the credit of the managers, and increasing its usefulness. The annual report of the Principal will be before you, and to your favorable consideration I commend the insti- tution.
ACADEMY FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB.
In the exercise of the discretion given me by the
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General Assembly, I have not caused this institution to be reopened. Had it been in operation, I should have felt it my duty so to continue it. But being already in a state of suspension, it would doubtless have required prompt pecuniary aid to enable it to resume its functions. Not until a very late period could such aid have been furnished, nor can it even now without increasing the fiscal embarrassment pressing upon the State. I trust, . however, that at the commencement of another year, this may be done, and that it will be the pleasure of the Gen- eral Assembly to provide for it. This is another of those great humanitarian enterprises which having been under- taken by the State, should not be suffered either to fail or to languish.
INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
The failure in agricultural pursuits during the year 1866, resulting in part from the indisposition to steady labor of the freedmen, but chiefly from unpropitious seasons, has doubtless exercised a depressing influence upon the energies of our people. It is to be hoped that they will speedily rally, and rise above despond- ency. It should be assumed that neither of these causes will prove continuous. It rarely happens, in the dealings of Providence, that two seasons, decidedly unfavorable to the cultivation of the soil, come consecutively, in the same locality. The next may reward the husbandman with abundant harvests.
Nor should the people of the South yield readily to discouragement in regard to the labor of the negro in his new status. All reflecting minds cannot fail to perceive, that the first effect of sudden manumission must be un- favorable to his well-doing and to his well-being. Unac-
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customed to caring for himself, he is prone to believe that the freedom with which he has been invested involves freedom from labor, which was, in his eyes, the dis- tinctive trait in the condition of slavery. It is not to be expected that he would, at once, reason correctly as to his surroundings and prospects, or adopt promptly the reasonings of the late proprietary race. Experience alone can teach him wisdom, and what her teaching will be is not a subject of speculation; we all know what that will be. In addition to all this, there is abundant evidence that he has indulged most extravagant and unfounded expectations of benefits to be conferred upon him by the Federal Government. He has expected from that source a free grant of land in his own right, and had been indis- posed to cultivate the land of others. If driven to it by present necessity, he has regarded it as a temporary expedient, and went to work predisposed to shirk it. Time will dissipate these delusions. It would be both just and kind to wait for and to assist his awakening from them. Many who have hurried into courses of vice and crime, will probably prove irreclaimable. These must be committed to a just and impartial administration of the law, as is practiced with the vicious of our own race. But the great mass of these people, under good influences, may be made useful to themselves and to the country.
The planting interest in Georgia can never again be what it has been. Few, if any, will be able to prosecute it on as large a scale as some have done in the past. But agriculture must continue to be the chief industrial pur- suit of the State. The return of prosperity will only be retarded by inconsiderate abandonment of it under a feeling of despondency. So far as the great staple for export is concerned, many will probably be surprised at
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the pecuniary results, even in this disastrous year. The price of the article will be more than three fold that of the average of former years, whilst the product, in weight, will be fully one-third of that realized in those years. We cannot derive the same consolation, to the full extent, regarding the provision crop. That will fall short of the quantity required to subsist the people of the State; and whilst those who combined with it the cultivation of cotton, will be abundantly able to supply the deficiency, the poorer classes, who were never accus- tomed to produce more than a livelihood, will be greatly straitened. But such has been always their experience under like circumstances, and they must be helped, as heretofore, by those more favored. Surely it will be so. Especially should the creditor class favor the debtor thus unfortunately situated. He who, under such circum- stances, would coerce payment, by legal compulsion, be- yond his positive necessities, would be a monster, even in the family of Mammon.
Good policy and wise forecast undoubtedly require diversity of pursuits. Resources, other than agricultural, which are abundant in Georgia, should be developed. And there are those who have pecuniary ability, without adaptation to husbandry; and others who have brain, or bone and muscle, or all combined, who have neither land nor the means of purchasing it, to whose these other fields of enterprise are especially inviting. But agri- culture is at last the leading and the most desirable pursuit, and those having experience in it, or adaptability to it, combined with the possession of land or the means to purchase it, should struggle with all possible energy and persistence to overcome all obstacles to success. In view of material prosperity, the most gloomy picture of
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these gloomy times is productive land lying fallow. Let all holders of arable land cultivate the freedman, in order that he may cultivate the soil, to the great advantage of both parties. And if, at last, he prove untractable and unavailable, let the pauper population of other countries be sought after. But, come what may, let our broad acres be tilled. There lies, for us, the broadest, and deepest and most reliable source of subsistence and of wealth. Whatever the General Assembly can do to en- courage and foster this branch of industry, I earnestly urge upon them. They are themselves chiefly of this class, and may be supposed to comprehend its wants. At the same time, doubtless, they will be disposed to do all they can legitimately to promote the introduction and development of other industrial pursuits.
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