Biennial message of Governor Alfred H. Colquitt to the General Assembly of Georgia November 3d, 1880

BIENNIAL lVJESSAGE
Gov. Alfred H. Colquitt
-TO THE--
~OVEMBRR ,M, 1880.
ATLANTA, GA.;
CONSTITUTION PUBLISHI:NG CO., l'RINTER8.

GOV. COLQUl11T'S MESSAGE.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, STA'PE OF GEORGIA,
ATLANTA, GA., Nov., 3, 1880. To the General Assembly :
I extend a cordial greeting to the Representatives of the people of Georgia, who now assemble to consider the public welfare in the second biennial session under our new Constitution. Through the blessings of a kind Providence, our State has been permitted to grow in prosperity. There is everywhere in the broad limits of the commonwealth, progress, order, thrift and contentment. All industries have thrived. All classes rejoice in an improved condition, and in the hopefulness of a bright future. Our resources have been multiplied and developed. The different sections of the State have grown in wealth and population. Our credit maintains its exalted standard; our public ~ebt is diminishing; crime is steadily on the decrease. It is a matter of congratulation to all true patriots to observe the rapid progre1:1s of the State in moral and material development.
In reporting to the General Assembly the workings of tho various departments and institutions of the State government, it becomes necessary to include two years. Accompanying are copies of the reports of the officers in charge, to which the members are referred for the details of each.
STATE FINANCES. At the close of the fiscal year-September 30, 1878-the balance in the 'rreasurJ was $295,789.68. During tho year, from October 1, 1878, to September 30, 187!), inclusive, the receipts amounted to $1,847,790.54, making a sum total in the Treasury of $2,143,580.68. The disbursements d11ring
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GOVERNOR'S MESSA.GE.

that fiscal year were $1,212,671.60, leaving a balance in the Treasury September 30, 1879, of $930,908.62.
During the year from October 1, 1879, to September 30, 1880, inclusive, the receipts were $4,,589,0\5.64, making a sum total in the Treasury of $5,519,924.26. The disburse-
ments during the fiscal year amounted to $4,833,683.79, l~li~-
ing a cash balance in the Treasury Septe1nber 30, 1880~ of
$686,240.47. One large transaction reported was_ the _item of
$2,298,000.00. This was the funding of the 7 per cent. en~' dorsed bonds of the Macon & Brunswick, North & South, and Memphis Branch Railroads in 6 per cent. State bonds, under the Act of 1877.
The Treasurer recommends that the Act approved December 14, 1878, authorizing and requiring the Governor to issue $100,000 of 4 per cent. bonds in 1881, to meet bonds issued under the Act of February 27, 1856, be repealed, as there is a surplus in the Trea:sury. He also recommends, that of the $400,000 of 4 per cent. bonds already issued, of which $300,000 have been redeemed, the remaining $100,000 still out be called in and redeemed, as there is a sufficient surplus in the Treasury to do so. I concur in these recommendations. Suuh action will save interest to the State, and will diminish instead of increasing the public debt.
The report of the Comptroller-General exhibits the gratifying fact that the increase in the value of the taxable property of the State will exceed fourteen millions of dollars.
THE LUNATIC ASYLUM.
The man_agement of the Lunatic Asylum for the past two years has been able and ecc:tnoinical. The average of patients during the year, from October, 1878, to October, 1879, was 748 patients, at a cost per capita of 152 9-10 cents, against 34 35-100 the year before, and 36 33-100 in 1877, showing a steady reduction of expense. The expense aggregated $89,629.19, which included the purchase of twenty-five acres of land and the rebuilding of stables and barns. The whole number of patients in the Asylum during the year was 951. A balance of $35,000 was ieft unexpended to the credit of the Asylum for this fiscal year.
The average of patients for the year, from October, 1879, to October, 1880, increased from 748 to 820, and the cost per capita was 35 64=.100 cents, being an increase due to advance in the price of supplies, provisions and labor. During this year, new buildings were added for the accommodation of

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colored patients, under the authority of the General Assembly, and were paid for out of the savings of the two previous 7ears. One hundred and sixty-four new rooms were added
to the Asylum. 'fhe whole expenso of the Asylum for this

year, including many improvements, was $106,7i2.39. The whole number of patients was 1,058. The number of cases

discharged restored was greater than any previous year. The attention of the General Assembly is called to certain

stigges_tions in the reports of the Trustees accompanying this message. The proper vouchers for the expenditures of the Asylum are in the .Executive office for the examination of the

legislative committee. Special attention is called to the recommendation of the

Trustees and Superintendent for an additional Asylum, as the present building will not accommodate the insane of the

State.

THE PENiTENTIARY.

'J'he Principal Keeper of the Penitentiary reports that October 20, 1878; there were in the Penitentiary 1,239 con-

victs, and since then have been received up to October 1; 1880, 444 convicts, making an aggregate of 1,683 in the%wo

years~ Of this number, 332 have been discharged, 80 died; 32 escaped and 52 pardoned-496 in all, leaving 1,187 in the

Penitentiary. As in 1877 there were 209 convicts received, and 340 in 1878, or 549 in the two years, against 444 in 1879

and 1880, it will be seen that there has been a gratifying decrease in crime in the State. The decrease in d\laths and

escapes show~ the humane treatment of the convicts as well

as the vigilant discipline preserved. Every effort has been made to secure the two-fold object of the strict execution of

legal penalties in conjunction with humanity. The grand juries of tho counties where the camps are located, maintain

a close supervision of the convicts, and report them in excel-

lent order, and as conducted with every regard to the law and the welfare of this unfortunate class.

The Principal Keeper recommends that when convicts are released from the Penitentiary, some provision should be

made for supplying them with a small sum oi money to ena-

ble them to return to their homes. Without money, and

under suspicion created by their convict garb, they are driven sometimes to crime to get subsistence. The recommendation is worthy of consideration, and I suggest further,

that provision be made for suppiying them with citizen's clothes.

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GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.

THE STATE UNIVERSITY.
During the year 1879, the revenue of the State University, at Athens, was $33,274.57. The total number of students was 149. In the last year, 1880, closing July 8, tho total available fund was $40,035.96, of which $7,276,65 was the balance from the previous year. The disbursements were $32,188.48, leaving a cash balance of $7,897.48. The amount realized from tuition was $2,277.50. The whole number of students at Athens in 1880 was 152, a small increase-over the previous year. Of these, 82 were in the Literary College, 63 in the College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, and 7 in the Law School.
In the branch colleges at Dahlonega, Thomasville, Cuthbert and Milledgeville, were 1,024 pupils, showing. a most remarkable patronage of these institutions, and their value to the State. At Dahlonega were 325-males 245, and females 80; at Thomasville 170, all males; at Cuthbert 178, all males: and at Milledgeville 351-males 165, and females 186. Adding to these the 112 students in the Medical Department in Augusta, and we have the large aggregate of 1,288 students receiving education at these various State institutions.
I cannot forbear a few words of earnest commendation of these branch colleges. Their remarkably successful establishment in a short time, and the good they are doing, constitute the best practical commentary upon the sagacity and public spirit that inspired them. The North Georgia College last July commissioned 79 young men and women to teach in our State schools, and reliable returns show that the teachers sent out from this institution instructed in the fall of 1879 no less than 5,000 children. 'fhe college at Thomasville was not organized until September, 1879, and it now has 4 teachers and 177 pupils. The citizens of Thomasville raised $7,000 by private subscription, and invested it in connection with the campus and buildings of the old Fletcher institute, generously given by the Methodist church. This college has received $2,000 from the Trustees of the 8tate University. The college at Milledgeville was organized in January, 1880, and the old State capital utilized for the purpose. With only $1,200 of State money, this institution has employed 10 teachers and ins'tiucted 385 children. This college will get $2,000 for the year from the Trustees of the State University1 The college at Cuthbert began work Sep-

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teuiber 15, 1879, and has had 4 teachers and 187 children. The c9llege property consists of good buildings and real osUi\te, which formerly belonged to the Bethel Female College and the Cuthert Male High School.
In view of the valuable work effected in the great cause of education by these institutions, I submit to the General Assembly the question, whether the public interest cannot bE,l substantially subserved by some judicious method of aid and encouragement to these colleges.

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture is especially interesting, and shows valuable results. _The duty of protecting our farmers from inferior fertilizers is very important. The statistics show that during the season of 1879-80, there were 119,583.06 tons of commercial fertilizers inspected in the State. This was an increase of 34,534 tons over the previous year. Of these, 104,838 tons were ammoniated superphosphates, and 13,906 tons were acid phosphates. The number of brands of fertilizers was 182 for this year, against 162 last year.
The amount of money received from the inspection of fertilizers was $59,791.53, and the cost of inspection was $10,353.17, leaving a balance of $49,438.36 of revenue from this source that went into the Treasury. Of the $10,353.17 of cost, however, $841.79 was paid on previous account.
The Commissioner recommends a revision of the laws relating to the inspection and analysis of fertilizers, on account of their ambiguity and the impracticability of executing some. of the requirements. '.l'he Commissioner also recommends that the surplus of money from the inspection of fertilizers be used in establishing an experimental farm.
The Department has issued 148,000 copies of circulars and, crop reports, and has now in. press a "Manual on Cattle,' for. distribution.
The Commissioner includes in his report the report of the Superintendent of Fisheries of Georgia. In June, over one million of young shad, received from the United States Commissioner of Fisheries, were placed in the Oconee, Ocmulgee, and Chattahoochee rivers. A small number of German carp were also distributed for ponds.' The Superintendent recommends a reasonable appropriation to carry on the work of stocking our rivers with fish.

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GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.

The Commissioner of Agriculture call8 attention to the gratifying fact of the advance in the agricultural prosperity of the State, to improvement in home comforts on the farr:na, .to the general introduction of improved implements and machinery, and improved methods of culture. Steam power has been largely utilized on the farms, especially in running cotton gins An increased demand has been made for im. proved seeds. Thoroughbred cattle and sheep have been bought. The dairying interest has received a decided impetus. Local agricultural organizations have been instituted in greater numbers, and there seems to be a general and practical interest taken by the farmers in the Department of Agriculture.

THE STATE FREE SCHOOL SYSTEM.
The report of the State School Commissioner shows that in the last year the attendance upon the white schools was 145,000, and colored schools 79,000, making a total of 224,000, being an increase of 14,000 over the year 1878.
The Commissioner gives the attendance since the inauguration of the school system in 1871, and the figures exhibit the gratifying fact of a steady growth of the system in each year. In 1871, white pupils, 42,914; colored, 6,664; total, 49,578. In 1873, white, 6:1,922; colored, 19,755; total, 83,677; increase, 34,099. In 1874, white, 93,167; colored, 42,374; total, 135,541; increase, 51,864 In 1875, white, 105,990; colored, 50358; total, 156,394; increase, 20,808, In 1S76, white, 121,418; colored, 57,987; total, 179,'105; increase, 23,011. In 1877, white, 128,296; colored, 62,330; total, 196,626; increase, 11,221. In 1878, white, 137,217; colored, 72,655; total, 209,872; increase, 19,246. The total number of children of school age is 433,444. The net amount appropriated in 1879 for the schools. was $155,264 31 In 1880 the amount was $185,789 54 'rhe increase in 1880 was due to the liquor tax, a half year's yield furnishing $35,000 The poll tax is to be added, which is retained in the counties. In 1879 the net poll tax collected was $160,484.35. The whole amount estimated for the public schools for 1880 will be $376,000. Certain cities and counties, under local laws, raise by local taxation for school purposes about $150,000 yearly, making the whole sum, which will be annually raised by the present laws for free education, $526,000.
The Commissioner recommends a number of methods for

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increasing the school fund, to which legislative attention is directed. The sum of $300,000 has supported the public scJ:tools in the different counties for periods varying from one
and a half to three months of the year. The steady increase
iii the attendance at the public schools demonstrates the
growi_ng popular appreciation of them and their enhancing utility. I trust that some means may be devised to strengthen this powerful instrument of State progress.

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S REPORT.

The report of the Attorney-General in9ludes the operations of his department since 1878. In 1874, an Act was passed by the Legislature taxing the property of all the railroads in the State as other property of the citizens is taxable. Many of these corporations claimed that they were entitled by their ch3:rters to a limited, prescribed rate of taxation, and that it was a violation of the contract made with the State to attempt to impose a higher rate. The rate prescribed in their charters was generally one-half of one per cent. upon their net income. The object of the Act was to test the right of the State to tax the railroads beyond the limits prescribed in their charters, and a method was prescribed by that Act by which the railroads could avail themselves of all the privileges conferred by their charters. Suits wez:e instituted after the passage of that Act against most of the railroad companies for taxes due under that Act during the term of my predecessor; and while taxes were collected against those roads which had no chartered exemptions, yet in most of the leading lines of this State, the decisions of the Courts, either of this State or the Supreme Court of the United States, were. adverse to the right of the State to re-
cover any taxes beyond its chartered rate. These fl. fas.
were generally for taxes due for the years 1874 and 1875. Still, the Legislature, by re-enacting the Act of 1874-
only amending it--continued to impose the tax, and made it the duty of the Executive to enforce it, if possible, under the law.
The Attorney-General called my attention to these Acts, and suggested that if new suits were instituted against the railroads, a decision might be obtained from the Courts, either declaring these exemptions unconstitutional, or else materially modifying them. Gen. Toombs, who had been
employed in the suits arising under the fl. fas. for the years

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GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.

1874 and 1875, was also employed at the suggestion of the Attorney-General to aid him in reopening this li~igation. The Comptroller-General, whose duty it was under the law to issue the fl. fas., declined to do so, on the ground that
under the decisions of the Courts, no taxes were due by the roads beyond their chartered rates, unless an Executive order was issued requiring him to do so. This order was accordingly given, and the fl. fas. issued.
The report of the Attorney-General will show the result of that reopened litigation, and that from this source, apparently closed, there has been collected for the State the handsome sum of $216,683.27. These collections embrace taxes from the railroads for the years 1874 and 1875, as well as subsequent years, with interest thereon from the time when due. A prinlJiple has been established which will result in bringing a large amount of revenue into the State Treasury annually from this source.
The Attorney-General recommends some legislation in connection with the tax on certain roads, to which special attention is called. The Attorney-General further recommends that, in order to secure a proper return of the taxable property of railroads, the duty of determining what taxes the roads should pay, should be devolved by the Legislature on the Railroad Commission instead of the Comptroller-General.
A very important case is now pending, which involves the nonstitutionality of the Act creating the Railroad Commission. A bill was filed by M K. Jessup, surviving Trustee of the bondholders, for the old Atlantic & Gulf Railroad, in the United States Court, to restrain the Commissioners from executing the Act to regulate tariffs. Judge Bradley dismissed this bill, when a second bill was filed by one of the stockholders of the Savannah, Florida & Western Railroad Company, which succeeded the old Atlantic & Gulf Railroad Company, and a preli~inary injunction has been granted, and the case is now pending. As the case is one of importance, I retained Gen Toombs and Messrs. Mynatt & Howell to assist the Attorn~y-General, and have paid them a portion of their fee out of the contingent fund. I respectfully call the attention of the General Assembly to the case, and to the employment of assistant counsel, and request that an appropriation be made for paying their fees.
In conformity with a resolution of the General Assembly, fl.fas. were issued against John W. Renfroe, Treasurer of tho

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State, and his sureties, for certain moneys received as interest on the public funds. Bills were filed in these cases by the defendants, and injunctions granted, and the cases are now ponding.
In the case of the State against John Jones, Treasurer, and John T. Grant and C. A. Nutting, sureties, a judgment was obtained for $96,000, dated :May 23, 1879. A motion was made to set aside the judgment. The suit was instituted during the term of my predecessor, by the Attorney-General Hon. N. J. Hammond, and Gov. Smith employed to assist him Gen. R. Toombs, Messrs. McCay & Trippe, Col. Willis A. Hawkins and Mr. Wm. T. Newman. All of these able lawyers advised the acceptance of $35,000 offered in compromise by Mr. Grant. The tax-books showed the available property of Mr. Grant to be about $6::l,000, on which there was a mortgage of $22,000 made prior to the judgment. This left but $40,000 property to cover the judgment. Mr. Grant urged, and some of the State's counsel conceded, that he gave the bond to serve a temporary purpose, deemed im. portant for the public service, and thought that tho new bond given was legally a substitute for his bond. This con. stituted a strong, equitable reason for accepting the compromise. Under the circumstances, I felt that I had no alternative except to act upon the unanimous recommendation of the counsel for the State and accept the $35,000 as the best thing for the State's interest. This offer was accepted pending the motion to set aside the judgment. The Supreme Court afterwards decided in favor ofthe State, but the decision would not have increased the chances of a larger recovery.

THE MACON & BRUNSWICK RAILROAD.

The General Assembly passed an Act, which was ap-

proved September 3, 1879, authorizing the lease of the Macon

& Brunswick Railroad, with tho privilege by the lessees of

purchasing the road for $1,125,000. On the 16th of Septem-

ber, 1879, the road was advertised fo'r lease as _directed by

the Act, the lease to be made at public outcry, in Macon, on

Thursday, the 6th day of November, between the legal hours

of sale. The road was put up on the said day, and the bid-

ding was not finished when the legal hour of sale had closed,

while in the confusion and rapidity of bids as the clock

struck, it was impossible to decide whose bid was entitled to

the lease, and the highest bid obtainable had not been offered.

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GOVERNOR' s MESSAGE.

The sum of $176,000 was bid as the yearly rent. In conformity with the law, the road was readvertised for lease on the 18th day of November, 1879, in Macon; the lease to be made on Tuesday, the 13th day of January, 1880, in the legal hqrs of sale, and to continue from day to- day until made. The road was knocked down to Mr. James M. Couper, representing a company of capitalists, for the sum of $194,000 rental, and the $10,000 requirlld by the Act was promptly paid. In concluding the negotions, the lessees offered to purchase immediately, and desired an unconditional warrantee deed to the road, which I did not feel authorized to give in behalf of the State. After some delay, the lessees consented to receive the road under a deed accompanied with an explanatory document that no warrantee was given, save such as was authorized by the law of the lease and the general laws of the State. On the 28th day of February, 1880, the lease and sale were concluded, and the road transferred to Jas. M. Couper, Geo. H. Hazlehurst, A. J. Lane and W. M. Johnston, as lessees first, and afterwards as purchasers. All of the provisions of the law were complied with. The sum of $250,000 in 4 per cent. bonds of the State of Georgia was paid by the purchasers, and the title transferred. 'J'he purchasers have already begun to survey a route for the extension of the road from Macon to Atlanta, as required by the Act, within twelve months after the execution of the lease,
The Act has been fully executed, the sale of this valuable property having been effected to a strong company, financially responsible, and in every way legally bound to carry out to the letter the law of the purchase, and I have every reason to believe they will comply with their obligations.
The Directors of the Macon & Brunswick Railroad make their fi~al report of their management of the road from September 30, 1878, the date of their last report, to February 29, 1880, when they turned over the road to the lessees and purchasers. The earnings during this period were $638,731.36, and the expenses $496,246.35, leaving balance of $142,484.91. The road has paid into the Treasury during these seventeen months $164,608.12, which includes some of the earnings previous to October, 1878. Considerable addition was made to the equipment of the road, including engines, cars and rails. The Directors refer to the reduction of the net income received by the State from the road by several large amounts

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paid since the road was seized by the State in 1873, including $97,796 of fare bills of the old company, $11,585.06 of old mortgage bonds, and $14,041.60 of freight balances
bJ lost, due the Atlantic & Gulf Railroad of freight balances.
The Directors have been engaged, under Executive direction, since the sale of the road, in winding up the unsettled business, a portion of which still needs some attention, but is in process of settlement..

MACON & BRUNSWICK R--AILRAD COUPONS.
The last General Assembly passed a resolution approved October 17, 1879, requesting the Governor to investigate and report to the next General Assembly about 1he validity of certain coupons due on or before January 1, 1873, of the Ma~ con & Brunswick Railroad endorsed bonds.
I have to report to the General Assembly, in response to this resolution, that the coupons referre4 to were coupons of the first mortgage bonds of the Macon & Brunswick Railroad endorsed by the State. Gov. Smith seized the road on account of the non-payment of the interest of the road July 2; 1873. The interest was due July 1, 1873. The Legislature of 1875 passed an Act authorizing the issue of $540,000 of bonds to pay the back interest on these and other bonds, and June 23, 1876, Gov. Smith gave an order to the Treasurer, which appears upon the minutes of the Executive Department, which contains these words:
"In paying off the coupons of the $1,950,000 Macon & Brunswick Railroad recognized and endorsed 1st mortgage bonds, you will be authorized to accept and pay those only which matured July 1, 1873, and to July 1, 1876, inclusive."
The exclusion of the coupons due before July 1, 1873, was based upon the following considerations: The Governor, under the law authorizing the endorsement, approved December 3, 1866, was required when any bond or bonds endorsed by the State, or the interest due thereon, shall not be paid by said railroad company at maturity, or when due, to seize the road upon information of such default by any holder of said bond or bonds, and apply the earnings of said road to the extinguishment of said bond or bonds or coupons The first information given by any holders of said bonds of default in the payment of interest, was on the 2d day of July, 1873, of default of the interest due July 1, 1873; and upon this inform.ation the road was seized. No information was given

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GOVERNOR'S MESS.A.GE.

of default in the payment of any interest due before this time, and the Executive had therefore no ch:;mce to protect the State's interest, if there was such default; and the Act authorizing the endorsement only provided for the a11Plication of the earnings of the road when seized by the State to the extinguishment of said bonds or conponR in default of the payment of which the road was seized. The coupons d_ue on or before January 1, 1873, of the Macon & Brunswick Railroad endorsed bonds, were excluded from payment under the Executive order of June 23, 1876, quoted above, as not being valid and binding clamis against the State, the holders losing their right by their failure to iniorm the Governor of the default; the State, by this failure to give notice of the default, losing the opportunity to protect its interest.
It would be a difficult and tedious task to ascertain the facts about the holders of these coupons, and when and from whom they received them. Under the present construction of the law, they are not valid claims against the State. The facts as ascertained are respectfully reported to the General Assembly for such action as is deemed proper.

THE DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTE.
In 1879 there were 67 pupils, and in 1880, 64 in the State Deaf and Dumb Institute. Of these there were 43 males and
24 females the first year, and 32 males and 32 females the second year.
In 1879 the receipts of the Institute were $15,641.94, including balance of $1,135.80 from the previous year, and the amount paid out was $15,016.07. In 1880 the receipts were $16,969.87, and the expenses $14,616.18, leaving a balance July 1, 1880, of $2,341.69.
The Superintendent calls attention to the.fact that the accommodations are very crowded, no additions having been made to buildings that were first used for 40, and now are used for 65 pupils. There is an absolute necessity for an enlargement of the buildings. Some 15 applications from colored mutes have been made for admission to the benefits of the Institute The Trustees furnish a statement of the treatment given by other States to their deaf and dumb, and they show that Georgia is the lowest of all the States in the general appropriation for these unfortunates. Attention is called to the recommendations of the Superintendent aud Trustees

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ACADEMY FOR THE BLIND.
The year from October, 1878, to October, 1879, was the 28th year of the Georgia Academy for the Blind, and the expenditures amounted to $9,624.26. The whole number of pupils in attendance was 66, and the average monthly attendance was 58. The per capita cost of each pupil was $165.93. For improvements and repairs $3,300.03 were expended.
])uring the year from October, 1879, to October, 1880, the 29th year of this Institution, the number of pupils was 57, the State appropriation $12,000, and the expenditure by the Principal for the maintenance, salaries, etc., was $10,340.84.

THE .RAILROAD UOMMISSION.
The report of the Railroad Commissioners has not been prepared for the Executive, on account of the illness of Col. Barnett, to whom was specially deputized the preparation of the report. I am informed that the report is being prepared, and I will lay it before the General Assembly as soon as completed.

COMMISSIONER OF LAND AND IMMIGRATION.
Under an Act approved October 17, 1879, I appointed Mr. Francis Fontaine State Commissioner of Land and Immigration--an office without emolument from the State. The Commissioner entered immediately upon the discharge of his duties, opening two offices, one in New York and one in Atlanta, instituting an extensive correspondence in this country and in .Europe, and printing circulars and pamphlets to disseminate information of our soil, climate, productions and resources. His expenses, including the cost of his living, he reports at about $2,500, while his fees have altogether aggregated about $100. Agents have been appointed North and in Europe. The matter of immigration has bRen practically inaugurated, and information learned as to the proper methods to succeed with it.
The Commissioner reports very fully .his experience, and presents an interesting and instructive paper, furnishing valuable and detailed information on this most important subject. He concludes that the best plan to get immigrants for Georgia is to obtain them in Europe, and bring them direct to the State by steamship to Savannah, distributing them by our own railroads. He suggests that the following chan~es be made in the Act :

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GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.

A fixed salary and an office at the capitol, in Atlanta, for the Commissioner; a salary for one secretary'; office rent, and fixtures provided for in the city of New York, if that office
be continued; a fixed sum provided for printing, stationery,
postage, etc.; and authority to make contracts of a business nature with applicants for labor, under certain limitations, in order to defray the expense of agents in rnch cities or counties in Europe as circumstances shall warrant, subject to the approval of the Governor or Bureau of Immigration, if such a bureau be constituted.
If immigration is to be encouraged, the fact must b{l recognized that the State must incur some expense to obtain its benefits. If additional labor is needed to develope our mineral deposits, to cultivate our idle land, and to run manufactories, we must go to work practically to get it. Mr. Fontaine has made a good beginning, and attention is directed to the record of his labors, as containing the germ of what seems to be the most feasible plan to secure such immigration as we wish and need. The matter is commended to the careful consideration of the General Assembly.
PARDONS.
I submit, in accordance with the requirement of the new Constitution, a list of the pardons granted by me since the date of my message to the last General Assembly, giving the particulars in each case of E:rncutive clemency.

MAIMED SOLDIERS.
The last General Assembly passed au Act carrying into operation the last clause of paragraph 1, section 1, article 7 of the new Constitution, to supply the soldiers who lost a limb in the military service of the Confederate States with substantial artificial limbs during life. The method of proof was submitted to the Att_orney-General, who prepared carefully a system of blanks fop use. The soldiers were required to make affidavit of the facts entitling them to the aid of the State, and to support their ciaim by the affidavit of a commissioned officer of their company, or if there was none, by the affidavits of three responsible citizens to the facts, and th~se affidavits were required to be attested by officers holding their commissions from and recorded in this office. A certificate under official seal from the Ordinary of the county where.the applicant lived was finally exacted as to the identity of the applicant, and h1s witnesses and their respectability,

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to complete the proof. The blank forms were sent to the Ordinaries of the different counties for distribution among the maimed soldiers, and the great bulk of tho applications were sent direct to the Comptroller-General, who kindly consented to take the trouble of drawing and remitting the money. Thus every effort was made to guard against fraud, while affording every facility to the poor soldiers to secure their money with as little expense and trouble as possible.
The sum of $69,870 has been paid out on this fund to 960 maimed soldiers. In spite of every effort to prevent it, some parties in Atlanta forged the seals of the Ordinaries of several distant counties, and presented some bogus applications very skillfully gotten up, and thereby drew a small portion of this fund. But the duplication of a name led to inquiry, and resulted in the discovery of the fraud. The matter was was promptly put in the hands of the Solicitor-General of the Atlanta Circuit, and the parties were arres~ed and indicted, and one of them has been convicted.

STATE DEPOSITORIES. \
Under the Act of the General Assembly, approved October 16, 1879, I appointed u State depositories the following banks, each under a good bond of 850,000, as required by the law, viz: The'' Central Georgia Ba.nk," of Macon; the " Citizens' Bank of Georgia," of Atlanta; the " Southern Bank of the State of Georgia," of Savannah; the "Eagle & Phcenix Manufacturing Oompany," of Augusta; the "Bank of .Rome," of Rome; the "LaGrange Banking & Trust Company," of LaGr~nge; t~e II Georgia Railroad & Banking Company," of Augusta; the" Bank of the University," of Athens ; the Bank of Americus, and the "Griffin Banking
Company." These depositories.agreed to furnish all exchange free of
charge, and each to take, if required, its proportion of 4 per cent. bonds at their par value, and thus preserve the credit
of the State.

GEORGIA'S MINERAL .RESOURCES.
The last General Assembly m,ade no appropriation for the continuance of the geological 'survey of the State and the payment of the State Geologist: The field work was, therefore, suspended. The State Geologist has continued the correspondence of his office to some extent, and the collec-

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tion of ores and geological dtJ,ta along the lines of the various railroads. He reports a constantly increasing interest in the mineral region of the State. There are in operation 50 gold mills with nearly 500 stamps, repres-enting a capital of nearly half a million of dollars, brought into the State from the .North and West during the five years of the active prosecution of the survey. New investments are being consta?tly made.
The State Geologist reports that he has just finished the work of collecting the mineral statistics of Georgia for the tenth census of the United States.
The mining of manganese c,re in Bartow county, brown hematite iron in Dade county, and copper in Haralson county, are among the developments of the last year, and may be ascribed to the Geological Department. Fertilizers are being made of the potash deposits in Houston and Twiggs counties, soapstone is being shipped &om Murray and Fannin eounties, sandston~ from Bartow county, and asbestos, barite, mica and rutili from other counties.
The collection of minerals discloses some astonishing evidences of Georgia's wealth in minerals. There are specimens of iron ore from 71 counties ; granite from 45 counties ; gold ore from 61 counties; limestone from 48 counties; quartz from 46 counties; soap-stone from 22 counties; mill rock from 71 counties; asbestos from 28 counties; copper from 27 counties; corundum from 9 counties; kaolin from 11 counties; manganese from 15 counties; .marble from 6 counties; serpentine for mantels from 11 counties; &c.
The survey shows water power afforded by over. 600 streams, ranging from 10 to 300, an.d as high as 30,000 horse power. These can be used for cotton factories and other manufactures.
The State Geologist calls attention to the vast number of valuable statistics and facts that have been gathered by the survey of the varied and magnificent resources of our State that have not been published, and where publication, under official authority, would be beneficial.
A large map of the State, complete and accurate, is well under way. Every State in the Union save one has had geological surveys. It is a matter of serious consideration for the General Assembly whether the interest of the State will not be subserved by the completion of the geological survey.

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.

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CONCLUSION.

The interests of this great commonwealth which are committed to our hands by the Constitution of the State, are of incalculable importance and dignity. If by our patriotic devotion we shall conserve and advance these, we shall have accomplished a great work-one worthy of the noblest ambition. The times are propitious for our efforts in behalf of our beloved State And now that the excitement and disturbing agencies of popular elections are no longer diverting our attention, we may bring an undivided zeal and industry into our labors for the public weal The happiness which good and wise government so powerfully aids in diffusing, is worthy of the highest powers and utmost sacrifices of the sons of the State, and the glory of our common country will be ,consummated when every community embraced in the great family of States is made to share in that large degree of prosperity which wise government will surely promote.
I gratefully feel my obligation to assist you in every attempt to elevate the fame and increase the happiness of the
people of our beloved Georgia, and I can propose to my own
ambition no higher enterprise or nobler reward than to be a co-worker in this glorious service.
ALF.RED R COLQUITT