Biennial message of Governor Alfred H. Colquitt, to the General Assembly of Georgia November 1, 1882

BIENNIAL MESSAGE
OF
Governor Alfred H. Colquitt,
TO THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA.
NOVEMBER 1, 1882.
ATLANTA, GA.: JAS. P. HARRISON & Co., PUBLIC PRINTERS.
1882.

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.
To the General Assembly : In transmitting this my final message to the Legislative
branch of the State Government in compliance with the requirements of law and custom, I perform the duty with the
tt deepest gratitude the Giver of all good, and with 1."L,ted
feelings in view of the State of our beloved Common w,mlth. We have never had better reason for congratulation at our present condition, or for hopefulness of the future of the State than we may claim at this time. In our recent history our retrospect has often been of the saddest, while the prospect had but scanty promise.
The strain to which our powers of endurance and recupe_ration were subjected, was such as to dispirit the mogt hopeful and resolute, and our deliverance from the ordeal that threatened to overwhelm and destroy us, seems to have been achieved by a wisdom above that of man.
Without arrogance or vain glory let us rejoice that under the signal blessing of Providence we are pressing on, to take our place abreast of the the most advanced States in Christendom, and with an intense love of the arts of peace and a generous emulation of older and more favored Common.wealths, we are establishing and diffu~ing among our citizens the most potent and beneficial agencies and methods for the development of the highest civilization.
We may justly claim for our State that in every department of our industry, our people are prospering and advancing. In our agriculture-in our mining operations-in the introduction and multiplication of mechanical establish-

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ments-in the wonderful extension of our lumber interests -in the marked improvement in the healthfulness of our State, we find the most substantial grounds for self-gratulation.
And superadded to this cheering summary of material advantage and promise, we may felicitate ourselyes upon the general peacefulness and gooi order which have prevailed throughout the State. With a very few, but unhappily marked exceptions, the public tranquility has been undisturbed by outbreaks of violence, anrl there seems to be a per- " vading spirit of conciliation which has successfully resiste4 all unfriendly influences.
The Reports which are herewith transmitted to the General Assembly are of unusual interest and fullnes~, and would, if sent to your honorable body without comment, give a complete review of the public interests.
I therefore do not deem it important to make any extended ob;;ervations on what is so ful~y and satisfactorily presented by each officer of the Government, in the details presented of the operations of their special departments, and will, in as summary a manner as possible, ref~r to the subjects discussed in each, Report:
THE STATE FINANCES.
The State Treasurer reports the total amount in the treasury from October 7, 1881, to September 30, 1882, the ;fiscal year just closed to be $2,403,976,61 and the disbursments $1,713,507,46, leaving a balance of $690,472,15, of which $275,000 consists of bonds paid by the purchaser of the Macon and Brunswick railroad. Of these securities $115,000 are State bonds and $160,000 United States registered bonds, The cancellation of the State bonds will extinguish that much of the publio debt. The disposition of the United States registered bonds is a matter for the action of your

3
body. The State debt is $9,624,135, with an annual interest of $645,440. The details of the receipts and expenditutes are given in the Treasurer's Report with satisfactoryJullness.
rHE COMPTROLLER GENERAL'S REPORT.
The comprehensive report of the Comptroller General presents a gratifying account of the gener.al condition of affairs in the State. The property of Georgia has increased from last year $16,255,150; the whole amount of taxable property being returned at $287,249,403. The Comptroller states that for the next two years the same low rate of taxation of three mills on the dollar, that we now have, will suffice for expenses. The increase last year was $18,977,611, the whole growth of wealth in two years running to $35,232,761, giying additional revenue, at the present tax, of $.105,698. The polls returned were 236,447. The tax levied was $806,107:76, and tax collected $741,823.60, leaving the remarkably small sum of $64,284.16, to represent both the cost of collection and the insolvent tax. Among the interesting statistics disclosed are that the increase in manufactures during the year was $1,061,795; railroad property, $1,988,169; city and town property, $4,831,186, and a like ratio of im- provement in many other particulars, demonstrating the gratifying de, velopment of the State.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS,
There has been a steady growth in our public schools as is demonstrated by the report of the State School Commissioner herewith submitted. The school attendance for the year 1880 was not given in the report of that year, as the statistics had not been obtained. In 1880 the attendance was 236,533-whites, 150,134; colored, 86,399; increase over 1879, 9,906. 1881 the attendance was 244,197; whites, 153,156; colored, 91,041 ; increase over 1880, 7,664. The attendance of 1882 cannot be given as the school work is in

4
progress now. Thf entire sum, including poll tax appropriated in 1881 for the common schools was $363,677.32. Ur,der local laws there was raised by cities and counties $134,8-55.96, making the entire amount _for the support of these schools in the State from all sources, $498,533.28. The State appropriation paid per capita on school population 84 cents on enrollment $1.49; on average attendance, $2.43. On the basis of both State and local school fund, viz: $498,533.28 the per capita estimate is $1.15 on school population; $2.04 on enrollment; and $3.32 on average attendance.
In the year 1882, the State fund, estimating the poll tax the same as the last year, will be $441.114.88. If the.amount raised under local laws be the same as last year, viz: $134,855.96, the whole sum _raised in the Stak would be $575,970.84, or over $77,000 increase. This would give per capita on school, population $1.13; on enrollment, $2.25; and on average attendance, $3.76.
The school law requires that arrangements shall be made in every county for keeping schools in operation at least three months of the year as a condition precedent to drawing the pro rata of the State school fund. These arrangements were made in every county in the _Btate by having parents to enter into a contract tu supplement the amount ;paid by the State, and thus the entire people of the Commonwealth have enjoyed the benefits of the common schools, .cand every child has had the privilege of entering and re :maining for the term.
The State School Commissioner recommends an increase ,of appropriation to run the schools for six months, and also to conduct teachers' institutes, where instructors can. be tuined in teaching. An account is given of the institute work already accomplished this year: The further recommendation is made for the establishment of one permanent

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Normal School for training white teachers, and it is suggested to convert the College at Milledgeville into such a school and use the public buildings at that pla~e, in connection therewith.
The educational machinery of a great State like Georgia, is among its most vital and complicated interests. We instinctively look to the school-hquse and the temple for the most reliable helps to an advanced and prosperous state of society. It is of the first consequence to our people that our resources for the encouragement of learning and the promotion of an enlightened public opinion, shall not be misappropriated or wasted. With the utmost satisfaction I bear testimony to the zeal, unwearied industry and enlightened methods of _our State School Commissioner. The official career of Dr. Orr, while it has achieved marked benefits for Georgia, has won for himself a distinguished name, and one that reflects honor on the State.
I
RAILROAD COMMISSION.
I would invite the careful consideration of the Legislature to the accompanying report of the Railroad Commissioners. The establishment of this Department of the State Government was preceded by a very thorough and able discussion, and it would seem that it was demanded hy a matured public opinion. I bear willing testimony to the extensive research, great ability and impartiality of the Board of C1mmissioners. From the character of the work which this Commission was organized to execute, it was natural to expect no small degree of opposition a1:d friction in the orders that it might issue and the judgments it might pronounce. The degree of this opposition, however, we may conclude from the demonstrations made, has not been as violent or extended as we might have reasonably expected. The Georgia Railroad and Banking Company has made a case, in-
/

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volving the jurisdiction and powers of the Commission, which _is now pending in our Supreme Court, and which will settle the constitutionality of the law creating the Commission. The Board is represented by gentlemen of wide and unexceptionable reputation for integrity and ability, and it would seem to be the part of wisdom and justice to give the Commission a fair test and to adjust our estimate of its value to the State by the results of its ad..: ministration. Before dismissing this subject, I feel it to be my.duty to ask the General Assembly to take into considera~ tion the recommendation of the Commissioners in regard to the .salary of the Secretary of the Commission. Major Bacon has acquitted himself most creditably in the discharge of his duties as Secretary, both by his ability and industry, and I would add my recommendation that he should recP-ive a salary more commensurate to the ainount a~d character of his services.
THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE.
The State Commissioner of Agriculture has made a report, which is herewith transmitted to your body, embracing the operations of two years of _his department from October 1st, 1880 to October 1st, 1882. Many of the details .of the report are very interesting and evince great industry _and intelligence in the management of this department by the Commissioner. The in~pection of commercial fertilizers in 1880-1, ran to the high figure of 152,464.03 tons, bringing the gross amount of $76,232.03 in fees, costing $12,171.80, and netting for the State Treasury $64,060.23. In 1881-2, the inspection included 125,426.64 tons; g.ross amount of fees $62,713.31, cost $12,461.99, and net payment in Treasury $50,251.32. For the two years the aggregate net sum paid into the Treasury from this source was $114,311.55. In the five seasons since 1877-8, during which the

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State has received the benefit of these fees, the whole amount

has been $230,548.28.

The present Commissioner instituted the existing system

of analysis ,that has, resulted in securing for our State

market the highest grade of fertilizers sold, and giving us

the best protection against fraudulent articles. The im-

portance of a rigid inspection may be inferred from the fact

that the 277,890 tons of fertilizers purchased by farmers of

this State, in the last two years cost at the ordinary time

,

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price of $60 a ton, over $16,000,000.

The appointment of Mr. H. C. White, Professor of Chem-

istry at the State University as State Chemist, gave to the

Agricultural Department not only the services of an able

scientist, but also the use of the extensive laboratory of the

University,and must have resulted in great benefit to the stu-

dents of the University by the enlarged practical experience

afforded them.

To comprehend the extent ofthe "".ork done by the Agri-

cultural Department, the report must be carefully read.

Special attention is called to the report upon Fisheries and

the recommendations made therein. Upon a very small

sum an exceedingly beneficial work has been accomplished.

by the Commissioner and his efficient co-laborer, Dr. H. H.

Cary, in introducing the German Carp in our State. The

Commissioner renews the suggestion made in his last report,

that out of the large amount realized by the department for

the Treasury, it would greatly add to the practical useful-

ness of the department for the legislature to authorize the

establishment of an Experimental Farm.

!would, before dismissing this most valuable and inter-

esting account of the labors of this department, specially

charged with the promotion of our greatest material inter-

est, urge upon your attention a fuller and more earnest dis-

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cussioi"i than we have heretofore given to the claims of our agriculture. At this foundation of a nation's wealth and comfort, we must begin to construct our plans of recuperation. A successful husbandry can sustain and bear on its strong shoulders the remaining in.dustries of the State, while the habitual scantiness of our harvests will keep us poor, and of course keep us powerless. With such a heritage as Georgia, no reasonable limit could he assigned to our wealth and strength, if it were wisely developed.
PENITENTIARY.
The punitivB system of a State is always a subject of vast importance; and we may justly claim for Geqrgia that she has not ignored or neglected the subject. All things considered we have good cause for encouragement in our efforts to establish a judicious, merciful and effective prison discipline. If the mortuary_ statistics, the returned con.victs, and in fact all the results reasonably expected from a wis3 system of punishment for offenders against the la~ are to decide our judgment, we have good cause for satisfaction at the measure of success which this State has achieved. I would call the special attention of the Legislature to the intelligent and comprehensive report of the Principal Keeper of the penitentiary, which places in our possession a valuable array of facts and figures relating to our State prison. Without bringing the poli0y or the wisdom of our present system into the discussion, I regard the results which all good citizens seek to attain by the practical operation of the law establishing methods for the punishment of the criminals of the State as of greatest importance. while we maintain the present system it would seem to be the duty of the State to render it as effective as possible. The preservation of society and the dictates of humanity alik!:J demand this at our hands.

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REPORT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
The Attorney General gives a particular statement of the many transactions of his office during thA last two years. Your attention is respectfully invited to its details, which are too voluminous for special mention in this Message.
In the matter of the two State depositories-t}rn Bank of Rome, and the Citizens Bank of Atlanta-the collection of the amounts due the State has been vigorously pressed. Of $53.017'.03 due by the Bank of Rome, $31.359.50 has been collected, leaving a balance due of $21.657.53. It 1s believed that the assets of the Bank will pay the larger part of this balance. If there should still remain an amount due after the assets are exhausted, the State is amply secured by the bond given by the Bank ~s a State Depository.
Of the amount due by the Citizens Bank of Atlanta, $20,000 has been collected and paid into the State Treasury, and in addition, railroad stock worth $25,000 has been secured, reducing the indebtedness of the Bank $45,00tJ. Suits are pending which, if successful, will realize a sum sufficient to extinguish all, or a considerable portion of the balance due the State.
Under a resolution of the las,.t General Assembly, an examination of the lease of the Indian Springs property was made by the Attorney General. That officer reports that 'the lease has been violated by the lessee, and he recommends that the Legislature consider the subject of selling the property. The attention of your body is respectfully invited to the matter.
THE STATE UNIVERSITY.
The annual report of the Chancellor of the State University exhibits improvement in the condition of that timehonored institution. During the collegiate year, ending July 19th, 1882, the total nuber of students was 1,103, who

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received instruction at the University and its branches at Augusta, Dahlonega, Thomasville, Cuthbert and Milledgeville. Of this number there were 355 students of the college grade. According to the report the new year of 1882-3 opens with 151 students at the Athens department, as against 94 at the opening last year, a most decided and gratifying improvement.
The entire receipts of the University for the last fiscal year, were $49,213.30 and the expenditures $40,510.67. The cash balance from the two years 1881-2 is reported at $13,957.05. But of this balance only $2,658.07 is available for current uses, the remainder being unexpended balances of building appropriations and uninvested proceeds of sales of bonds The actual available income of the institution is shown to have been, 1881-2, $31,972.80, and the ordinary operating expenses, $34,076.65, or an excess of $2,103.85 of expenses over receipts. Tuition fees having been abolished in the Academic and State College departments at Athens, ther_e will be nQ income from this source hereafter.
The Chancellor urges upon the Legislature to make provision for the further organization and equipment of the alreddy very well established Technological Institute at the University. This Institute has tuition in the four practical at"ts of Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and Agriculture. It is proposed to add to the Institute an industrial work~ shop for teaching the actual use of tools in every kind of tnanufacture. Your attention is called to the suggestions of the Chancellor. The direction of education everywhere is practical, and such an Industrial School as is recommended would be an invaluable addition to the educational advantages of the State University, furnishing young men the equipment with which to begin business in mechanical pursuit!3.

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THE LUNATIC ASYLUM.
There are in the Lunatic Asylum of the State 979 patients, this number exceeding by 100 the proper capacity of the in13titution. On the 1st of October 1881 there were 906 patients; received since 257; discharged and died 184. The average number under treatment was 942. The whole number cared for were 1163. The males were 486, and females 493. The whites were 729 and the colored 250. The deaths numbered 82. The appropriation for 1882 was $12-5,000 and from 1881 there was a balance of $35,386.85, making a total of $160,386.85 of which $131,388.90 has been expended, leaving a balance on hand, Oct. 1, 1882, of $28,997.95. The daily cost of the maintenance of each patient was 38! cents. The sum of $165,431 was approp;riated for enlarging the Asylum, of which $45,000 was used, leaving ,unexpended $120,431. The sum drawn was expended in the construction of a hospital for the colored insane, leaving $1,573.79 of the $45,000 on hand. The main building for the colored patients now in process of construction will contain 500 rooms. A number of the rooms will be occupied in March and the whole completed and occupied during the next Spring. The building, now oc?qpied by colored patients upon the completion of the new structure will afford room for 220 white . patients. This accommodation is greatly needed as there are -now over 200 applicants pressing for admission who cannot be accommodated.
The Trustees estimate that there will be 1200patients in 1883, requiring $160,000 apRropriation, and 1400 patients in 1884 requiring $190,000. They also estimate that it will require $89,254.82 to complete the improvements already begun. The Trustees report a decided improvement in the management of the Asylum, in many essential particulars. I respectfully invite special attention to the Report of the

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Trustees of the Asylum which is herewith transmitted to your body.
THE DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM,
The twenty-second report of the Board of Trustees and Officers of the Georgia institution for the education of the Deaf and Dumb embraces the opperations of that institution for the last twenty-seven months, extending from July 1st, 1880 to September 30th, 1882. The Trustees declare the management of the Asylum by its officers to have been very satisfactory. During fifteen months to October, 1881, there were 64 pupils, all white; males 37, and females 27. In the second year to Octobe.r 1, 1882, there were 60 white pupils; males, 35; and females, 25; and 20 colored pupils; males, 12; females, 8. The amount expended for support the first year was $17,376.33, and the second )'._ear, $14,773.68. The sum of $5,000 was appropriated to erect a school build. ing. The Trustees have not used the fund because of its insufficiencJ to build such a structure as is needed. They, therefore, have held it, and ask the General Assembly to increase it by a further appropriation of $15,000, so that a good, permanent building may be put up that win meet the
.. wants of the institution. The further sum of $3,000 is asked
to build a laundry, and $1,500 for repairs and water-works. The estimated expense for the next two years is $20,000 a year.
ASLYUM FOR THE BLIND.
The report giving the condition of the Asylum for the Blind, having been delayed from some unexplained cause, and ~ot yet reaching the Executive Department, I am not prepared to render you a statement of its operations or presents wants.
A CLAIM OF JURISDICTION BY THE FEDERAL COURTS.
I deem it an imperative duty to call the attention of the

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GeJ?-eral Assembly to the claim which the United States District Court asserts in the cases of violations of law when committed by the officers or employes of tp.e General Gov,ernment acting in the capacity of such public servants. Repeated instances of violence and homic.ide have occurred in our State limits growing out of the alleged attempts to enforce the laws of the United States Government. The attempts on the part of our State Courts to assume jurisdiction and control of such cases have been frustrated by the interposition of the judicial au~horities of the United States, and these cases have been transferred to the Federal Courts. As a question of first impression, and taking into view the matter simply of the administration of law and justice, this a~sumption of authority by the Federal Courts might not be regarded as entirely objectionable. But when it is seen that in trials of parties arraigned before these Courts they are zealously defended by their prosecuting officers, and that convictions are rarely secured even in cases of the. greatest enormity in popular estimation, and that these violators of our laws and disturbers of the public peace with avidity accept the choice of jurisdiction offered them, it becomes a subject of interesting inquiry if these trials so .ordered do not amount to a refuge for offenders against the laws and dignity of the State. It is with lilmotions of sadness that your Executive feels that at this hour in our political history it would be futile for him to recur to the time-honored arguments and doctrines which at one time were deemed so pertinent in this discussion. The people of Georgia are not jealous of the Federal authority when it is exerted in vindication of the laws of the United States, but when the laws of the State are wantonly violated, they feel that the interest of justice re'quires that t1:1e offenders, be they foreigner~, natives, private citizens, or

14
Federal oflicials, should be brought to the bar of the State courts to answer for their crimes. I would, with much earnestness, invite the attention of the General Assembly to this grave subject, and ask your honorable body to consider the 'expediency of providing proper and ample appropriations for the prosecution of offenders in the .l<~ederal courts in such cases as are here adduced, and for a proper representa, tion of the State's interests and dignity.
THE CONTINGENT FUND.
The appropriation made for the Contingent Fund by the last General Assembly for each of the fiscal years, 1881 and 1882, was $7,500. For the year 1880, the amount approprL ated for said fund was $10,000, while for the years preceding the latter and succeeding the late civil war, the amount thus appropriated was $20,000 per annum. The annual appropriation for this fund during the years immediately preceding the war, was about $15,000.
The .very material reduction of said appropriation by the General Assembly for 1881-2 was, doubtless, the suggestion of a commendable spirit of economy, but experience has demonstrated that the reduction has been too great. The per diem of the Board of Visitors of the State University
. and the expense of distributing the Laws and Journ. als of
the General Assembly, the Supreme Court Reports and the United States Statutes, to the several counties of the State, are a constant annual charge upon said fund. These items for the present year, aggregate $1,552; so that of the appropriation for the Contingent Fund for 1882, there remained only $6,000 for defraying the contingent expenses of the several offices of the Executive D~partment, for aiding in the execution of the criminal laws in the State, and for making other P,ayments for lawful objects for which no special appropriation bad been made.

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Notwithstanding the smallness of said fund and the prob, ability of its premature exhaustion, I could not believe that
it was consistent with Executive duty, or with the public interest, to refuse, without exception, to offer rewards for fugitive criminals. In consequence sev~al rewards have been earned, while the means of payment were wanting. These clai~s have been filed in the Executive office, and will, in due time, be laid before the proper committees of the General Assembly.
This subject is referred to, not for the purpose of. making any special recommendation thereon, but in order that your intelligent consideration may be invited thereto.
SALE OF CERTAIN LOTS BELONGING ro THE STATE. The last General Assembly passed an Act approved September 13, 1881, directing the Governor to cause to be sold, certain lots and fractional lots of land belonging to the State, which, by an Act assented to December 15, 1818, had been reserved and set apart for educational purposes. The third section of said first mentiuned Act provides that "where any property is advertised for sale under this Act, and the same is bona fide claimed by any person, such person may interpose a claim thereto," etc. It was deemed advisable to ascertain from the record the' condition of said lands, as to claim of ownership, and accordingly, inquiry in. regard thereto was made of the clerks of the Superior Courts in the several counties in which said lots are located. Replies to said inquiries, so far as they have been received, exhibit the fact th~t, in a majority of instances, said lots are owned or claimed by citizens. No provision is made in said Act for the protection of the interest of the State at said sales, and it is quite certain, in view of the foregoing, that the sums which would be bid for said lots would be insignificant.

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In order that useless and expensive litigation between the
State and her citizens might be avoided, I deemed it proper to withhold the action required of the Governor by the Act referred to, and to ask the further consideration of the sub-
ject by the Gene'ral Assembly. It is resp0ctfully sugg'e,sted
that the Governor be empowered to have investigation made of the titles and value of said lots, and that authority bf;l given him to bid for and purcha::le the same when sold, unless they shall bring something like their real value.
OBSTRUCTION OF THE PASSAGE OF FISH IN THE SAVANNAH RIVER
By a joint resolution of the General Assembly, approved Sept. 28, 1881, the Governor was instructed to have full and complete investigation made of the obstruction of the pasSa)!:e of fish in the.Savannah river, caused by the dam of the Augusta Canal Company, and of the feasibility of providing sufficient fish-ways in said dam. L. F. Livingston, H. H. Carey and J. S. Newman were appointed to make such investigation. After visiting Augusta and examining the nature of the obstruction, they reported to the Governor that, while they were satisfied it was entirely practicable to remedy the evil complained of, they were unable to make a definite recommendation in regard to the construction of proper fish-ways, without first observing the plan and operation of such structures in other places. It being one of the prime objects of said resolution to secure this information, said Commissioners were authorized by an Executive order, of date August 18, 1882, to visit and inspect the McDonald fish-ways in the James and Rappahannock rivers in the State of Virginia; the fish-ways at Lawrence, Mass., and the various models of such structures in the Smithsonian Institute at Washington City. The result of such inspection, and the recommendation of the Commissioners, based there-

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on, will be found in their report accompaning this communication. A~ there remained no fund in the Treasury from which the expenses of the commissioners, incurred in mak-
ing said investigation could be paid, I respectfully recom-
mend that an amount sufficient for that purpose be appropriated by the General Assembly.
DRAINAGE OF CHATHAM COUNT'.
I submit to the Legislature the Report of the Board appointed for the prosecution of this important work: and the disbursement of the appropriation made to effect it. It will be seen that they ask for an additional sum for a further prosecution of the enterprise which seems to be,one of very great importance. Savannah, our great port, has evey been to the people of Georgia a cherished interest and pride, and as we have good grounds for believing that in the labors of this Board we already can mark the most beneficial results, it would be well to consider the great good that may be accomplished by continuing and generonsly sustaining the public spirited gentlemen who compose it.
STATE BOARD OF HEALTH.
In 18?5 a law was passed and approved establishing a State Board of Health. The Board was organized under this law and entered upon its duties. The members of the Board received no compensation for their services, and were only allowed their expenses while discharging their duty as a Board. The sum required for the printing the transactions of the Board was $1,500 per annum. During the two years of the active existence of the body it rendered valuable service to the State, but the failure of the Legislature
to make the annual appropriation caused a suspension of
the labors of the Board, and its sessions have been discon. tinued. It may be proper to state that the credit of estab-
lishing a Board of Health was, at an early date, due to the

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fitate of Geor~ia as among the foremost promoters of the measure, and such an agency is now deemed indispensible by most of the State!! of the Union.
PARDONS.
In conformity with the requirement of the Constitution, a list is furnished to the General Assembly of the pardons granted by the Executive in the last two years, with the reasons for the same. The number of cases in which it has been proper to'exercise clemency, has, of necessity, to some extent increased from various causes. Ten years ago on account of the more numerous disorders resultfog from the war, and the unsettled state of society, longer terms of punishment were inflicted than are usual now for similar offenses. In many offenses the penalties have been diminished by statute. It has been deemed proper to approximate penalties to the present standard in meritorious cases.

STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH.

Without assuming anything to whfoh we may not justly

claim for the fortunes of the State, we may, with great sat-

isfaction, make a retrospect of our progress in the last six

years:



In 1877 the taxable property of the State was $235,659,-

530; in 1881-2, $287,249,403; increase, $51,589,873.

Rate of taxation in 1877 was 5 mills on the dollar; now

it is 3 mills.

The gross amount of taxation in 1877, was $1,178,297; in

1881, $861,748; diminishing the amount of taxes annually

over $316,540. In 1876 the cost of collecting the tax, including insol-

vents, was over $200,000; now, this cost is, including in-

solvents, $64,284.16; making difference in favor of the

State of $135,715.84.

In the same time we have collected of back taxes, due

19

from railroads in the State, $200,000, and established the right of the Sate to recover as annual tax on the same roads
\
$40,000 more than was previously pai~. Our State securities, that were quoted at par in 1877, have
greatly appreciated and are now quoted at 113. In 1877 our public debt was $11,044,000, with an annual
interest of over $800,000. We now .1we, $9,024,135, with an

annual interest of $645,446. Showing that in six years

nearly $1,500,000 of the public debt has been paid, and the

interest account reduced $150,000. In 1876 we carried a'.floating debt of $256,000. This debt

,has been entirely extinguished.

' ,

For years the State has not had to borrow a dollar to meet

expenses of the Government, but, on the contrary, we have

been able to call in some of our bonds before they were due.

Within the last six years we have been able to cover in the Treasury nearly a quarter million of dollars, which have

been secured by pressing the collection of long-standing

claims of the State.

Tabulating the foregoing we have:

Public debt reduced

$1,500,000

Floatin~debt extinguished

256,000

Reduced interest on public debt

150,000

Annual taxation saved

316,540

Saving- in cost and loss collecting taxes

135,715

Back .railroad taxes

213,000

Annual inreasce of railroad tax

40,000

Collections from old claims

244,581

Increase of receipts from Macon and Brunswick

.Railroad

242,314

$3,098,150

We must not forget. in the innumeration of particulars of the advanced condition of our State interests, to give due prominence to the success of our penal system.

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The mortuary rate in our State prisons we believe is without a parallel. This rate of less than one per cent. is below that of any other State whose reports are accessible to us. The reform rate, estimated by the number of convicts. returned to the prison is not over 4 per cent., and these results have been achieved without cost to the State. May we not claim that in the three great essentials, of good prison discipline, economy, humanity and reform, Georgia stands preeminent. And last, but far from least, we may express a laudable pride in the advancement in our educational facilities. In 1879 the attendance on our public schools was 179,405; in 1881 it was 244,197; an increase of 64,792. Of this increase 31,738 were white children, and 33,054 were colored.
In this hasty summary; we have presented a chapter in the history of our beloved State replete with cheering.indications and facts. To the critical eye of the capitalist and bu:siness man as well as to the mind of the ardent, patriotic son of Georgia, we behold throughout our borders the brightest promise for the future of our State.
CONCLUSION.
In concluding this, my final message to the represent1ttive body of Georgia, I trust I may be pardoned in yielding to the natural impulse of a grateful heart in giving expression to a few remarks personal to myself.
For the last six years I have attempted, as best I could, to demonstrate my appreciation of the honors which the people of this great State have so generously conferre_d upon me, by a constant devotion to the honor and interests of Georgia. This I have done under a painful sens'e of the vast labor '.>f the undertaking, and the inadequacy of my ability. Of one thing, however, I could always be assured, that all well-meant efforts to discharge_ my official obliga-

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tions_ woulq be generously and justly recognized by the peo-. 'ple, let my success be what it might.
This trust in the magnanimity and justice of Georgia has not been disappointed, and I here, in this august forum, inake my profoundest acknowledgments fo_r the manner in which I have been sustained. For every trial or task in my official career I feel more than compensated by the belief which I take ;with me into private life, that the people of my beloved State will say I have served them wi_th fidelity, and that in-surrendering the reins of government to the illustrious man who succeeds me, this Commonwealth was never more entitled to a distinguished place among the members of this great Union, nor more worthy of the good opinion of mankind, than at this moment.
ALFRED H. COLQUITT.