The New York Herald Newspaper, January 8, 1862, Page 2

housework. hire out. J. M. Comrad,Cary street, be- 3 purchase, a good female cook, without in- Apply at ‘the office of John a. Lancaster & ORGANIZATION OF THE TWO HOUSES, Henry J. Raymond Elected Speaker of the Assembly. THE GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE. What the Empire State Has Done to Crush Out Rebellion. OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION. SPLENDID STATE OF THE CANALS, VOLUNTEERS FOR THE WAR. One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Men in the Field. Enlarged Powers for Criminal Judges and Supervisors. EMIGRATION AND COMMERCIAL STATISTICS. THE DIRECT WAR TAX. REVIEW OF THE REBELLION. THE CONTRACTS FOR SHOES, CLOTHING, &C. Reorganization of the Militia Recommended, &e., &e., de. SEW YORK LEGISLATURE. Senate. Aunawr, Jan. 7, 1862, The Senate mot at eleven A. M., and was called to order by Lieutenant Governor Campbell, who administered the oath of office to Senators. Tho following officers were olectod:— Clerk—Jamos Terwillizer. Sergeant-at- drms—Richard HW. Owens. Firat Assistant S-rgeant-at-Arm:—R.. M. Whipple. Doorieepe’ Se vi Ps pers— Cha ‘les Johnson, Sanders Wilson ‘The usual committees were appoiuted to inform the Governor and Assembly that the Senate had organized and was ready to proceed to business. The privileges of the fioor wore oxtonded to Colonel Mulligan. ‘The daily session was fixed from eleven A. M. tilla quarter of two P. M. PRIITIONS PRESENTED. To prevent the sale of ewil! milk. and Setting forth tho defonceieas condition of Cape Vincent | and asking for the construction of a fort at that place. Referred to the Committee on Puvlic Defence, TEE GOVERVOR'S wrSsAGR, Governor Morgan, through his private secretary, Mr. Doty, sent to the Senate his annual message. It is as follows THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. To Tum Sexare axp Asszurny — In the presence of events so momentous as those now surrounding us we can but realize that man’s strength is woakness, his wisdom foolishness, and huma: forecast a mockery. It is most fitting, thorofore, that we seek the favor of the Great Source of all power and knowledye and tmpiore the counsel of Omniscience in our delibera fions. Let us remember that from devastation and bloody strife God restores the wasted Innd and evokes peace, while from a condition of apparent prosperity and mutual faith He may permit the spirit of discord to enter, and suddenly bring a whole nation to the verge of bumiliation . In communicating to yon tho condition of the State, 7 acknowledge with fecling’ of the profoundest gratitude the Diessings of Almighty God in proserving the public health, | in rewarding the labor of the husbandman, in prospering the great industrial and commercial interests, and saving the popular mind from all tendencies to disorder. But beyond our beloved State, truths, the most painful, force themselves upon us. Abroad, those gations whose friend ship we have for generations cordially cultivated and desired, whose rights we have scrupulously observed and whose sympathy we had expected, have turned cally upon us in our trials, and with a perversity that causes more of sorrow than of anger, will not understand the vital questions underlying our difficulties. At home, the year 1861 has been the most eventful in the annals of the American Union and of constitutional freedom. It has just closed on a great nation, torn by civil war, and threatened in its very existence. The calamitous strife that has marked it bas deepened into tragedy, and the Present year opens ata period big with interest to our Selves and consequences to our posterity. THR REBELLION. Without stopp ing to consider antecedent facts, we be- hold « rebellion of extraordinary proportions, menacing the safety of a government, whose common benefits hare made us a free and prosperous people, and given us an homored name in every land and om everysea. A vast army alone keeps back thie beleaguoring tide, saves the Rational capital, protects the persons of the lawfully chosen chief magistrate and bia constitutional advisers, and preserves the public archives. New York has been no idie spectator of the Progress Of the insurreetion. She responded to the first sum. mons to protect the endangered capital, and to-day ono hundred thousand of her brave sons bear alo‘t the banner ofthe Union, in and near the rebellious States. From ber imperial resources vast supplies have been drawn forthe war. Her bankers, and particularly thore of the city of New York, with a patriotism and en lightened confidence which is a wonder to Bu- rope and a marvel to ourseives, have furnished a most important element to the goverument. She has frosiy contributed from her public treasury, as well as in the cities and towns, through formally organized action of Private citizens, and through the less formal means of individual benevolence. The care of the families of volun. goers has been assumed by municipalities, by villages ‘nd by individuals. The cord of brotherhood has been strengthened by our public grief, and this dire calamity bas afforded the American people a sad opportunity to vViadicate themselves from the calumny of national gel- shnees. The spirit of universal liberality and fraternal kindness will everywhoro be accepted as convincing evi dence of the moral integrity of the people in this hour of Grial; of unaiteradie attachment to their institutions, and determination that not one jot or tittle of national rights oF dignity or manhood shall be surrendered. The corm- Mmanding position of this State, never go obvious as in “nie struggle, rendors her voice potential in a groat crisis Wke this. For the time being, you are to give utterance to that voice. I am sure it will be no uncertain ono, THE STATR FINANCES AND CANALS. During the year the administration of justice and the execution of the laws have been prompt and universal Our State credit, an index of abiding confidence in the government, never stood higher than now, and though Grawa upon for the war, our finances, as will appear from $20,242,615 02 seececseseee 1Tj167,5%3 17 Making a total of....... . ‘The stock or funded canal 1 debt outstanding was authorized by the constitution as follows, debt recognized by section one of article 7 of the consti- tution has been reduced by the payment of $982 ; of the principal from the constitutional si canal revenues. It will be further re- duced before the 30th of September next by the redemp- tion of two million one hundred thousand doliars of ma- licable to that purpose, leay- ‘® principal of twenty-three million nine hundred and eighty-one thousand six hun- dred and ten dollars and tw. nual interest thereon of one mi eighty-one thousand nine hundred and seventy dollars and seventy-six cents. An averago annual reduction, pastand prospective, of more than one and « hals million ig thus shown; and it is confidently believed that the stock, amounting to seven million seven and thirty-nine thousand and twenty-four dollars and seventy-six cents. maturin, willbe met as it falls due turing stock from funds ing due, after that peri ty-five cents, with an an- jion three hundred and previous to January, 1871, rom the surplus revenues of the capaia set apart by the constitution for that specific ‘Years of taxation and disappointment in relation to the cost aud income of the canals wili give to the exhibit pre- gonted below more than usual interest. gain in the canal revenues of nine hundred and eighty- six thousand and thirty nine dol! cents, and at the same time a reduction in the expenses “ tred and ninety dollars making a total net gain over the n and twenty-six thousand, 8 and fifly-tive cents. lars and ninoty-one forty thousand, two hundred and thirty doli From tolls on the Chemung Canal Crooked Lake €: Co from canal tolls ents to Superintendents for >f assistant collectors, and expense of collect: y and extra clerk hire of State En- gineer, refunding tolls, printing nemte $706,786 14 -$2,695 842 16 Surplus revenues The revenues have followed tho direction contemplated by the constitution, which is in order ag follows, viz. :— 1st, To yay the expenses of collection, super- intendence and ordinary repairs of canals, crimo of murder into two grades, only the most hi land under article of which to be punished with death. This cl 2d. Transferred to sinking { ction 1 of: the constitution. . 84, Transferred to stuking fund of the constitution. aa wining surplus transferred to ‘the sinking fund under article 7, section 8, of the constitution he + $2,375,017 16 ined, wit-— ial tolls, rent of surplus Sr EGON TR $3.402,628 80 For proceeds uf loans and pre- water, interest For proceeds of taxes, | For miscellaneous... coutructors, superintendents, collectors and woighmastors.” 1,626,821 76 Leaving a balance to the credit of the Cupal Fund on the 30th of September, 1861, of. $2,604,621 25 Of this balance there was on de- posit in banks, to the credit of tho Treasurer on account of the Canal Fund... $2,435,845 04 Of this balance the sum of four hun nine thousand five hundred and thirty dol my nine cents was not available, it being the aggregate of e canal deposits in insolvent banks: but-sinee tho Ist of October a portion of this amount has been paid iuto tho y, and it is estimated that the ultimate loss on de- will not exceed Since the termination of the fiscal y and up tothe close of the calendar yea from canal tolls was one million nine hun thousand four hundred and ninety-seven di ty-nine cents, the expenses of coll dand nineteen thousand , and the availa several deposit bank million nine hundred and tite ved and twenty-seven dolinre | timate and successful eonnection with pensi institutions 3 | prisons to examine iuto their police and fircal manai | suitablo inquiries in r tion and repairs about two hud dollars and sixty | rartia forty-seven cents. THE CANALS V8. THE RAT By the opening of navigation the ei | completed throughout iis who ex | stances of the country arc © bourds, comm issic 8 whose duties have connected tie work, and with operating the canals, the people owe their thanks, and especially so to the Canal Bard and t} tor of the Canal Department. The completion of t should lessen the engineering expenses in an important The system of contracting for repairs of the is found to materially decrease the yearly expeudi ture, bot the structures become deterjorat end ‘of no incousiderable period the State wili be obliged to make good the annual depreciation by new structures eoommend that such at large cost. I would therefi by advertisoment, an | three inspectors of prisons one Superintends quired to give ample security that be will leave his | section in as good condition as h that avery section be inspected by the proper oil d, and any depreciation be enforced | The railroads have seriously diverted business from The extent of this is most marked in west Of the revenue of thres million ep thousand six hundred aud seven ved during the last navigation sea- two hundred and elghty-three thousand two and seventy-two dollars were collected at the cities of New York and Albany, and at West Troy and Waterford, on freight bound while the tolls at Buffalo and Oswego on froight eastward bound were two iillion seven hundred und jive thousand eight hundred and twenty-three dollars, or nearly twelve There can be no question that the carrying ise, which forms the bulk reight, is almost oxcius: 1661, vefore tolls were removed [rom railroads, there were ty five thousand tons of morchan- | don the canals, paying eight hundred and seventy-seven thousand dollars in tolls, while in 1860 | there were but two hundred and fifty ‘thousand tons transported, paying only two hundred and twenty-th-ee | and dollars, or a reduction of nearly seventy-five This results from no diminution of thie class of the carrying trattic; for the anuual report of the State Engineer ahd Surveyor on railroads will show that the Dusivess of the railroads has largely increased in the In 1851 the tolis on mer: chandise formed thirty-five per cent of the revenues of the canals; in 1860 it was but seven aud one half per ward bound freight. nine hundred and ty-seven collars rec westward and northward | three hundred and ration of morchandise To make the businees of the canals depend so exclu products of the forest aud tho largest rises. The carriers of merchan dise have an aesured business even in prices or fluctuating markets, but’ that it whose business is restricted to trans- portation in a single direction of coarse etaples may, by id ite traffic reduced below the cost of ile our canals will always be large car. riers, yet undue competition may divert their legitimate nose in desirable traffe to euch an extent as to dia- y them from meeting their constitutional demands. t rgoly augmented revenue of thecanals, while due i @ degree to increased tonnage, is principally owing to the enhanced ratos of toil. tno he J to reduce the tolls, yet the Canal Board of 1861 wisely re- of 1860, increasing the rates on some be periods when rates unfavorabl, of transportation en the canals; it egetable food, asone of partial Sing Sing prison, malos.. Sing Sing prison, females Clinton prison. Although much tained the achedul ie 5s B SamenAL FUND DEBT, _ general fund debt remains unchanged. cipal ig six million five hundred and five a pe $367 82 three hundred and fifty thousand dollars is bie by the constitution upoa the general fund aebt ing fund; but owing to the temporary inability of the fund’ to pay into the treasury, from its surplus reve- nues, this ih to, the ‘sinking fund, the joterest for four years preced @ last was paid from the general fund revenue. Last year the increage in the caual revenue credit of the general fund; and the consi the main, of the Legislature of last winter in regar appropridtions, enables me to state that a balance of fifty-three thousand seven bundred and fifty dollars and fifty-one cents stood to the credit of this fund at the cloge of the fiscal year ending with September last. in 1860, has been paid into the public treasury. The net amount was five million three hundred and uinety-seven thousand five hundred and twenty-four dollars and forty- five centa. This sum includes the ordinary levy of a million and sixty-four thousand dollars for schools, and two miliion seven hundred and fifty-cne thousand dollars for the canal fund; the remainder is for the support of overnment. The Legisiature authorized a direct tax of four and three-cighths milis for 1861. Of this three- quarters of @ mill was for echovis, three-quarters for canals, seven-eighths for general purposes, and two mills for aefraying the expenditures under the act authorizing the embodying and equipment of @ volunteer militia, and to provide for the public defence. Anticipating an instal- ment of forty per cent. from the federal treasury. upon ‘the advances made by tho State (which has been re- ceived), the Comptroller, to whose discretion the ques- tion was left by Iaw, caused the levy for war purposes to be roduced to one anda half mill, The direct tax for the present year will therefore be throe and seven- eighths mills on each dollar of the taxable property of tho State. THR ASSESSMENT LAWS—THEIR DEFEOTS. ‘The defects in the assessment laws are found to be such as to throw more than three-fourths of the burthea of taxation upon real estate. This 18 evidently unjust. ‘The whole property of the State, personal as well as real, should be made to pay its due share of the cost of govern- ment. As such ts not now the case, the importance of a revision of the statutes relating to assessments is maui- fest, and especially so at this time, in view of the large prospective taxation to be apportioned by the gonoral go- vernment to this State, required for tho oxpenses of the war and which is laid on real estate. Our laws relating to the assessment and collection of taxes were, in the main, enacted nearly a half century ago, when property consisted mostly of lands. The amendments which have been made from time to time have been so imperfectly drawn that, by resorting to expedjents, the owyers of personal itbperty have beeh enabled to ésckpe taxatiog, In fsome of tlle States taxpayers are required make sworn inyentories of their persolal pro- perty. Itremains for you to say whother or not this mode, or some other equally efficient ono, shall be adopted in this State. The manifest partiality ahown to personal estate should at once engage your attention. ‘The annual report of the State Assessors, presenting their views on this subject, together with tables of valuation and other important exhibits, will be early commu cated to you; and to that I refer you for valuable data. From this it will appoar that the total valuation of real estate in 1861 is $1,121,184,480, being an increase of more tran $1,000,000 over the preceding year; while a decrcase of nearly $7,000,000 in valuation of personal property is shown. Iu this connection [ feol it to be my duty to allude incl- dentally to the snbject of the extension of time for the collection of taxes, and to respectfully refer to my former nual and special messages in relation thereto, time and expericnce haying strengthened and confirmed the opin- iops therein expressed. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT—MODIFICATIONS RECOM- MENDED. ‘The acts of April 14, 186), and “April 17, 1861, in rela- tion to capital punishment ‘should be ropeaiod, with @ careful saving as to all oliences heretofore committed. If not repealed they should be essentially modified. Quos- tions of the most serious importanco have been raised in regard to certain provisions of these acts. ‘There is oyi- deatly a settied purpose in the public mind to divide the nous ge has my decided approval, and would, I beliove, serve to meet many of the objections to existing lawa. A Jaw should bo passed containing a new definition of murder in tho first degre, confining it to poisouing, Ktlling by lying in wait, aud killing where there was a deliberate design to effect death formed by the accused prior to the meoting be- twoen the accused and the deceased on the occasion of the assault that proved fatal. This would exclude all constrictive murders and render punishment more cer- tam. Aside from all othor serious objections the defini- tion of murder in the first degree, in tho acts to which I have referred, includes offences involving uo more moral guilt than the commission of an assault and battery. 1 commend the subject to your early consideration. ‘THE PARDONING POWER. Laat year I fuliy statod my views rospecting tho par- doning power, which subsequent cbservation has served tojustity. Daring (he year 1361 thore wore presonted to mé four hundred aud two applications for pardon; added to this number were ninety-five cases undecided on tho lat of January last, and forty-soven applications for re- examination; a total for examination of four hundred and forty four is thus produced. Of these I have pardoned sixty-six; have donied four hundred and two; have com muted fifteen; discharged by court and terms expirod forty-one; loaving twenty undecided at tho termination of tho year, in consequer.ce of incompletenoas of papers. STATES PRISON DISCIPLINE, In 1861 I recommended the passage of iaw providing for the appointment of a commission to faqnire into the ayatom of our prison management, with reference alike to discipline and economical yadministration. ‘The Legis. lature, probably for want of time, omitted to take any action’ on the subject. Finding, in tho latter part of the summer, that’ the duties connected with ge amt equipping of volunteers for the of the general government were such as prevent me from making my annual visit to the 8; and in view of the fact that the corangement of business of the country might ultimately ca" had not already produced, embarrassment in th and ulso incidentally affect the disc! advisable to request the Sa tiary, whoso p culiarly qualifiet him for the duty, to visit t Ment, and to report the result of his observations to me iu writing. ‘This he has done. I desired him to make ard to the alleged severity of Punishments inflicted at Sing Sing, and respecting administ jon of tho affaira of the Lunatic nected with the prison at Auburn. I also req to make such inquiries as would e: able him to determine | if the recent murder committed at Clinton prison was the | result of any want of proper foresight, or of avy insult ciency in the rules or discipline of the prison. The re sult of his examinations, though necessarily only 1 ws the need ‘of a commission of the above pained. 48 will Le below, receipts are fully @ quarter of a million of dol- ss than the expenses of th» prisons, This dife- i¢ increatcd of course beyond what it would be in but is due in a great measure to the ractiog the labor of convicts. I would not etod as Underrating the ability or faithfulness aloiticors to whose hands ire coufided the local administration of prison aff. ‘they much interest and aye pat forth active hai ibis efforts to preserve order and to render the prisons pro e; but the disciplinary and fiscal «ystems are of years’ standing, aud every txt proves them to be ulty. It doee not appear possibie that able bodied eh, of ordinary intelligence, sentenced in every case for at least two years, aud occupying quarters Valued at able ‘The sulject'is certainly @ pature to invite the most scrutinizing attention celiberate opinion that when the constitution shall the change, it will be wise to subs to be ap- pointed by the Governor and Sonate, leaving to the war- deus the duty, mmder proper reuglatious, of contracting for the conviet labor and of controiling the government and jnteroal management of tho respective prisons, Diveipline and reformation of the comvict a1 of primary importance in our prison system, ¢xgago the most serious attention. The subject of flaances, though but secondary in comparison, ts eulitied, especially at this time, to the most carefal coneitera- tion The total expenditure for the prisons during the last fiscal year, including forty-four thousand one hundred and aoventy-nine dollars for building and permanent re- pairs, was three hundred abd eigh! hundred and forty-thres dollars eawury was but pirty-nine do'lars er, remains due actors for convict’ labor. ehould applica tion be made to you, too much caution cannot be oxer. cised in ente: taining the subject of releasing contractors. Serious injustico has heretofore resulted to he State from nce With obligations of th sprcting commitinents aud 4 the special eare and manageme: refer you to the annual report of the inspectors. ‘The three prisous have recently been enlarged, and it is oxpected that no further appropriativos fer this pu pose willsoon be required. It has been suggosted that a small per centage of tho earnings of convicts bé placed to their credit, and paid thom on their leaving the prison, ‘There is god reason for believing thet future crime would often be prevented if this wero done. Many of the dischargod without friends, and nearly all of them ar upon the labor of their own hands (or support, Not un froquently, before preesring employment, or their good rosolutions have acquired sufficient strength, their sien det means are exhausted, and they chocke unfavorably between baggary and theft. ‘The following is a statemont of the number of con. viots in the prisons on the Zist of December, vie.— Avburn prigon........ +4 ’ . Auburn Asylum for Insane ‘Total number. There were 16 Convict burn, on the Bist of eoomber, feventy nine patients. With go limited @ number of inmates, requiring a rola- tively large attendance of officers, the expenses of the in- stitution even with the strictest economy, will be propor. ir tionatel, . In this connection, attontion will be called, in tho conta report of the huepectore, to a clase criminal insane, confined in county jails, whose mental fan hae A 1 recommend 233 lars, should bo un. | of the District Attorney, shail be ordered there by the presiding Judge, to be treated at the expense of the re- spective counties. STATE COLLEGES AND ACADEMIES. The system of higher education in the co: ‘academies of the State continues in uninterrupted opera- tion; and the spirit of patriotism, always ardent in the schools, has withdrawn professors and studente from the peaceful pursuits of by financial embarrassment in times of peace. In many of these institutions military companies have been formed, and the students have attained a high degree of Perfection in military drill. ‘This is especially true of the Normal School. Its physical and disciplinary effect has been most salutary—in the former respect even su- perior to gymnastic exercises. I recommend that works on military tactics be introduced as text-books into these institutions, and that drill be madea part of the exer- cises. To enforce the observance of these requirements, the inoome of the literature fund should be awarded with reference to the proficiency and attention given to this branch of education. During 1861 the aggregate attendance upon our common | sehools was about the same as for the year 1860, The expenditure for school buildings and improvements is ia excess of the preceding year. The deportment, health and future usefulness of the pupils in preserving and, if need be, in protecting the institutions and rights of thoir country, would fully justify me in recommending that mae ils above the age of twelve years be instructed in the elements of military science for # portion of the year in ali the schools supported at the public expense, provided it be practicable. It may be so in cities and larger villages; but in country districts, its feasibility is doubted. ubject is worthy your attention. ‘The building for the People’s College is yet in progress. Numerous applications from this and other States have been and are still being made for admission. It is ex- pected by the trustees that all things will be in readiness for opening tho institution next autumn. The annual statistical reports of the Secretary of Stato on pauperiam and on criminal statistics will ‘afford you valuable data on those two topics. THR BANKING AND INSURANCE DEPARTMENTS. The Superintendent of the Banking Departmenxt will be able to present a very satisfactory account of his re- sponsible trust. During the fiscal year thore was a de- crease of about one million eight hundred and fifty-two thousand dollars in banking capital, which at the c stood at $100,982,324. ‘Ihe aggregate of the securities heid in trust for the free banks was $30,218,780 59, or an increase of $18,318; while the aggregate circulation issued to free banks was $28,360,482, or a decrease of $330,924. In addition to this, it appears that $464,661 52, in bonds and mortgages have been withdrawn, aud government and State stocks have been sub- stituted therefor. Since the close of the fiscal year, about one million dollars in securities have been added, and the circulation has been increased between eight and nine hundred thousand. It will appear that six bunks suspended during the fiscal year, with an aggre- gate capitel of $1,464,560. The securities held in trust for their circulating notes were sold by the Suporintend- ent, and all thoir outstanding circulation, with the ex- ception of that of one bank, is in process of redemption at par. On this, with o circulation of fifty-one thousand five b nded & al fifty. fy dollars, there was a loss to holders of sevéh por cant: ~ ie ‘Tho Superinterdent of the Insurance Department will submit a detailed account of the several insurance com- panies, located and doing business in this State. From this it will appear that, with a single exception, no fail- ure of fire,marine or life insurance companies has occurred during the past yoar. ‘Tho. Stato Engineer and Surveyor will submit to you a report on the condition of the enlargement and other matters connected with the canals; and also a report on the railroadg of the State. THE SALT WORKS. Tho inspection of salt at the Onondaga Salt Works, during the past yoar, amounted to 7,200,391 bushels. This is in excess of any previous year. A duty on this production, at the rate of one cent per bushel. is payable into the Treasury, and forms a portion of the permanent Tevepue of the genoral fund. The oxpouses of the works, Aalaries of officers and the cost of providing supplies of brino to the manutactorics for 1661, were about forty-six thousand collars. In his annual report the Superintendent will communicate informaticn bearing upon the future of this important interest. Irespectfuily refer to my last annual message in connection with this subject. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. ‘The Superintendent of Weights and Measures bas fur- nished me a carefully propared statement of the articles and tho condition of tho public Proporty under bis super- vision. From thia it appears that all the counties of the State, with the exception of four, have been supplied through him with new or corrected standards, of supe- rior workmanship. The duties of this office are conducted with commendable economy. EMIGRATION STATISTICS. There were landed of alien emigrants at the port of New York, during the past year, sixty-flve thousrnd flye hun- dred and twenty-one, against one hundred and four thou- sand three hundred fer tho year 1860. For tho first four months of 1661 emigration exceeded the corresponding period of 1869 by several thousands, but during the lat- ter haif of the ycar there has been # large falling off, re ducing the aggrogate arrivals thirty-soven per cent below the preceding year, and leas than during any yoar since the organization of the Board of Commissioners. The re- duction of income thus occasioned has induced a rigid economy on the part of the Commissioners, who expect that, wit hout detracting from tho usefulness of tho com- mission, they will be abloto support the institutions under their charge without assistance until emigration shailagain enable them to moet tho ordinary demands upon their income. Tho report of the Commissioners will bo presented to you in due time, and to that I refer you for valuable details. A oating bospitel for the treatment of yellow fover is proven, 1 think, by the experience of tho past throo years, to have advantages over fixed quartors. It is found'to be not only better for the comfort and woll being of the aick, bit safor and more economical. We can, therefore, at least safely postpone the purchase of lands, or the erection of costly attifices, or the emplo} FantiNo PurpyS try are at an end. sienors will present the af believed that this is the principal source of danger from yeliow fever. The cost ought not to be large, as the re- quisite accommodations would be iconsiderabie. The Commissioners will endeavor to impress upen you the ne- cessity of a revision of the quarantine laws. Authority should be given to sell the grounds lately occupied ag » quarantine station on Staten Island, and,in that case, to provide fora new bourcing station at asuitadle point elve- where; to require the propar distribution of,the sick, and to provide means therefor; to invest the Health Oiicer with control over the floating hospital; and for the per- manent maintenance of anchorage grcund for infected vessels iu the lower bay during quarantine reason. The office of Physician of the Marine Hospital, which, sixco the resignation of the incumbent in June ‘last, has been 1, SLould be abolished, the salary of five thousand 8 beretofore paid should be saved to the emigrant fund, and the Health Officer be required to perform the fow remaining duties free of expense. THE METROPOLITAN POLICE. Tho labors aud responsibilities of the Metrapolitan Po- lico have temporarily been materially increased by the quartering within the district of large numbers of sul- diers, and by the passage through and det city of regiments from this and other $ duties also imposed at the Ja 2 of tho Logislnture. Without display, however, and in manner to win still more fully the popular ec the police have preserve: the — pub! d faithfatly performed the duties assign annual roport of the ( y hands, and will be trangn. itt lature without delay. It embraces a large amount of tant detail, and contains several recommendations your consideration. ‘There is an inereare*f four hun. dred patromen in New York—a number amply sufficient to protect lite and property, and to repress any outbreuk against the public pence, Statistics are therein given with reference (o the Sanitary Folice,and the examina- tion of un bujidings and steam boilers (more than twenty per cent of which are found defective), and the ny aye trom and ventiiation of tene ‘he importance of srequent eud careful examination of y boats plying Sei harbor of New York is esta- 4 by the rety bmitted with the report, which i during the past year forty four million six hundred and forty-one thousand eight “hundred and nin ty-five passengers were carried, with tho loas of Ife, that of a fireman, while Cleaning bis engin Commissioners segaost the propriety ot imitating Earope- an cities in transferring to the police many duties now dis- charged by other functionaries, and thereby saving large- ly in expense whilegaining in efficiency. The supervision of weights and measures, custody of the markete, inspec- tion of atroete, piers and bulkheads, and enforcement of inwafor tho government of the harbor aro thore spe- cially named. The duty of appointing poll clerks cannot with propristy remain yorted in the Board, but 1d be transferred to the Supervisors of the countir aro other points which will engage your atter ‘The ing Of our State wand country abroad depends, in no logtes, upon the good order of the com r lice which bas od itsell, under trying ob cow and careful atiny , to bo equal to the obj ought in ite establish per'y claims such legislative aid as experince 1 to be requisite, COMMISSIONERS OF PILOTS. The Board of Conmissionors of Pilots have continued to satisfactory discharge the duties devolved upon them by the several acts of tho Logisiature relating to the pre on of the harbor of New Yook. In their aanual they will call your attention to several important tod with the wharves, piers, slips and the harbors of New York. ORE STATISTICS HARBOR MASTERS, Tho number ¢f vosse's of ail kinds arriving at the port of New York, in 1861, was Afteen thousand and sixty, ex clusive of river craft, ‘To lasure the proper care of there, it is nocessary that the several harber mastors should bo continuously at their posts, Such, however, has not boon tho fact duting the past year, but ua thore is no law ex. presely forbidding there officers from absenting them- solves or from employing persons to perform their duties io their abseno», there exists no authority for correctin 8 wrong wipon th cial public ‘@ revew the following recommendation contained ndmonts are necessary to chapter seventy-two, of the laws of 1860, relating to the harbor imters of the port of New York, Tho defect of the law is found to be in not prohibiting harbor masters from em- ploy ing assistanta to perform their duties and from ab. senting the:mselves from their poste, and it is beloved that these subordinates, to some extent, oxact and re- colve illegal fees for berthing vessels. Stringent pro- virions against the employment of assistants, under an: pretoxt whatever, and against demanding, receiving, of- fering or paying gratuities, should be adopted.”” The practical operation of the tet. OF April, 185 practical tion 7 organizing the Board of Port Wardens, pt 5 to loos with goneral approval, No will therefore be pee yt that 10,008 report of so of the ending with the 30th of November. THE ORNTRAL PARE. artes progrece as bovn made during the past year NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1862.-TRIPLE SHEET. m the Central Park, although the ex: ture ‘wae but about one-half as much as for 1860. condi- tion of a portion ofthe work commenced in the latter year, required its complotion, in order that it might be saved from damage. The great utility aud growing beauty of this grand municipal enterprise have ly given it # high value in the estimation, not of New York alone, but of the public at large. ELEEMOSYNARY INSTITUTIONS. Benevolent institutions are springing up in every P of our State, devoted to specialities. There could be no better evidence of the humane tendencies of our people than is afforded by this fact. Some of these have been instrumental already in accomplishing much good. I would specially mention the Children’s Aid Society Organized in the city of New York, for the purpose of providing homes for vagrant and homeless children, The managers of theseveral charitable institutions of the State have reported to me thvir present condition, with @ brief account of the administration of their respective trusts. The New York Institutions for the Deaf and Dumb and for the Blind, the Asylum for Idiots at Syracuse, and the Lunatic Asylum at Utica, have each been measurably proaperous, and Iam glad to inform that, with a single exception, they require no special legislation. As the usual annual report will be made to you from each, presenting a statement of its affairs in de- all, Trespectfully refer you thereto for specific informa- In regard to these and all similar objects, secking ald from-the publio treasury, I desire to repeat the following recommendations contained in my message of 1861:— “While the State should be exactly just, and while I ehoula be unwilling to counsel a withdrawal of its patron- 6 from the several charitable institutions which ha hitherto enjoyed it, would suggest the adoption of a more rigid system of accounting and economy with regard to them. ‘Ihe doctrine of strict accounta- bility should apply as well to our.eharities as to any other interest. I am sure that no valid objeo tions can be urged against this by those to whose hands the interests of there important establishments are com- mitted, since it will afford to the people a sufficient guar- ante that the moneys appropriated to those objects have ® proper direction. I would recommend that all applica- tions for aid to State institutions beyond that for usual ana necessary support, should be carefully scrutinized, for it cannot be denied that, while their crdinary affairs have been generally manoged with care, large expenditures have somotimes been made for mere ornosmentation. If we keep constantly in mind the fact that the bor rie is charged with the care and support of the poor of his own locality, and, in addition, willingly pays all uired of him for these general purpose at hid will bo more carefully considered ; and, by limiti ‘the amount only to actual wants, we may be less liberal, but more just.’ ; ‘The Now York State Inebriate Agylum at Binghamton is not yet completed. The report of tho officers will af. ford some interesting detail in respect to the character of applications for adm: 4 ‘The Society for the Reformation of Juvenile Delinquents, in New York, will also present to you a favorable anoual report. Their buildings are completed, and the fullest efficiency of the institution is now being enjoyed. ‘The managers of the Western House of Refuge, located at Rochester, will present you their report, showing a “— satisfactory condition of affairs at tia: institution. 0 Department ar nd Correction hag reibwod (oN Tab Heedeadasbe finade fils Int annual message, to which I respectfully refer und which Inow repoat. ‘the Commissioners very justly call atton- tion to tho fact that no provision bas boon made for the soldier who, after being disqualife! from wounds re- coived in service, has returned to tho State, without pen- sion or means of procuring proper medical attendance, and is left to depend upon the charity of the public. Congress ovght at once to make suitable provision for this class of cases. Near the close of the last session of the Legislature a bill providing for the more certain and guarded prosecution of vagrancy and other petty offences in police courts in the city of Now York was presented for By signature, Such of its provi- sions as were indicated by its title were proper and de- sirable, but in some other respects it was so objoctiona- ble that I was unwilling to give it my approval. It pro- vided that the soveral claims of the police justices to make their compensation equal to that allowed to the City Judge should be liquidated from the revenues and receipts of the cert, and be paid to them by the chicf clerk of their own ‘court; and further, the iacumbents wero to be continued in offices “until provision shall bo made for their successors by appointment or election, as the Convention to amend the constitution may deter- mine.” Twas not willing to givo validity to anact which permitted a subordinate to receive and compensate his superiors, without any chock being put upon his acts, Not only was there more than one subject embraced in thig bill, while but one was cxpreesed in the tit.e, but it doubled’ the compensation of the polico justices, aud made their official term depend upon a future contin- gency, which, as it might nover happen, would give them an unlimited claim to the office. AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS, Agriceliural interests lave been more than usually Prosperous. The products have been abundant through- out (he State, and the remunerative rates have given in crease: business to tho various mecdes of transportation in the direction of markets; at the samo time the a:ticlos of human food have been so reasonable that ‘plenty has been within the reach of the humbiest laborer. Public Polley alone would counge! us to foster this great source of happi: ess and national th. SUPERVISORS—ENLARGED POWERS RECOMMENDED. Ihave heretofore recommended an enlargement of the powers of boards of supervisors. J believe that the pub- lic interest would be materially promoted by widening the scipe of their legislative jurisdiction, “But should this be done, I advise that it he coupled with a provision making it necessary, especially in countica whore thoro are cities or large villages, to procure, before they can take effect, the approval of ‘a designated county.officer to all acte. ordinances or resolutions levying special taxes or creating debta. Tt appears to me that, for several rea- sons, the County Judge would be the proper officer to per- form’ this duty. I desire to call your attention to the necessity of at least two amendments to cxisting laws aifecting the pow- ers of auporvisors and town boards—tho ono reapecting the extensien of time for the collection of taxes, when stayed by injunction; (he other in relation to providing means for constrioting bridges when destroyed by acci- dent and for the extraordinary repairs of the roads. Ax regards the former, it is shown by experience that the provisions of chapter 488 of the laws of 1851 should em- race and be mado applicable to boards of supervisors in cages relating to the imposition and collection of taxes, and that after the stay of proceedings is terminated, « period not exceeding tho number of days during which such stay of suspension continued, should, after their making proper return, be allowed to collectors. As re- Spects the latter recommendaticn, it js only necessary for the Legisiature to provide for calling a special town meot- ing to voto upon the question of levying a tax or making an. In addition to this it would be well to in- under suitable restrictions, tho amount now authorized to be borrowed by ‘the board of su pervisors. Each Legislature is obliged to spend mich time, at rerions disadvantage, in examining those subjects, often at tho risk of legalizing debts whose pro- priety could more readily be determined by the voters or local officers of tho districts directly affected, and ca- pecially by those persons from whom the moneys are to be drawn. At present, under the plea that the town elec tions have passed and no power exists for calling the electors together, or that the sum now authorized to be raisd by boards ig insufficient to meet the exigency, the Legislature is induced to arsume resporsibilities which belong to local officers, to whom it ehould be exclusively confined. A cursory examination alone of the subject will show that more than seventy por cent of the counties are pro- portionately, and ail are actually wronged by the present system of paying the cost of transportation of State prison cony he expense of executing writs of requi- n from the State Treasury. I have heretofore called tion to this subject, and now renew the re- mmendation that the cost be made a county charge, ‘There can be no doubt whatever of the justice of this plicy. bi A change is ebviously necessary in the laws relative to excise fo a8 to insure their enforcement, especially in regurd to licenges. At present thovo who pay for li- censee practically receive neither privilege nor protection therafor. CROUINAL COURT JUDGES—ENLARGED POWERS RE- COMMENDED. I consider it unnecessary to repeat at length the views prevented by me in former meseages in regard to the fol- lowing subjects. I desire tosay that reflection and ob- servation have only served to confirm the propriety of the recommendations, and I therefore renew them:—The conferring of larger discretion upon judges in fixing the terms of sentence of criminals; that aliens actually ro- siding in this State be authorized to acquire, hold and convey rea! estate at their pleasure; that females con- vieted of crimos involving imprisoninent for brief pe- riods should be sent to the ponitontiaries instead of the State prison; that a careful attention be given to the subject of ' public health, especially in the city of Now York, and particularly to providing the no cersary scientific sanitary supervision; that it be mado the special duty of some officer to enforce tho law of April 12, 1863, providing for the care and in- struction of idle and truant chiidren; that a revision of tho laws applicable to breachos of trust in various forms, and to persons acting in fiduciary capacities, has become necessary, that power should be given to the Governor to suspend for misbobavior during the recess of the Senate, ail officers where removal or suspension ia not otherwise provided for, CITIRS AND VILLAGES. Twould carnestly ask your attention to the subject of the modification or enactment of city and village char. are goneraliy {ll digested, aud, except in special entirely unnecessary. A well considered act or some atnendments to the general law of 1847, would be far Letter calculated to secure the objects sought in village charters than such as «well the size of our an- nul reasion laws, On reforence it will bo seen that the subject of city and village chartors occupies two- ths of the space of tho last annual volume of laws. ‘Tho constitution has determined that no private or local bill shall embrace more than one subject, and that shall be expressed in ite title, ‘There is, evidently, a growin, 0 inecrporate inconsistent provisions In local This is cleatly contrary to the spirit of the conatl- provisions. I respectfully ark your attention to hject in making up the annual tax levy of the New York, and in other moasures affecting the several cities of tho State. KANSAS RELIRG FUND. By the actof the 16th of February Jast, the sum of fifty thousand dollars was appropriated (or the purpore of furnishing supplies and provisions for the relief of the suffering people of Kansas. The Governor, Comptroller and Secretary of State were constituted a commission to auporinted and direct the expenditures of these moneys, A competent agent was employed by them, who, under their direction, at once pr to carry out the provi- sfons of the act. Areport on the subject, made by the Commissioners, will bo found in the last Assembly docu- ments, number one hundred and forty. The sum of thir- ty-eight thousand, seven hundred and fifty five doliars i i aeuaeneen af s drawn from the Treasury, ving unexpen the approprirtion, eleven thou: sand ,two hundred and forty-four dollars and twenty-three conte. THE PACIFIC TELRORAPH. An ovent which, in more peaceful times, would have excited the liveliest interest throughout ‘the continent haa, owing to our deep solicitude about our domestic con- corns, attracted scarcely more than a passing attention. T reteb to the completion, in October last, of the Paoide Ime, connecting the Atlantic coast with the or san Frame. "An enterprise of such magnitude Well be classed the wonders of the present age. this as the forerunner of @ railroad, uniting, an important tay the same points, and Rave securing ‘important share of Asiatic commerce to our Btate, we ‘have special reason for gratulation. REPRESENTATION IN’ CONGRESS. 1 transmit a copy of the cortifeate of the Secretary of ‘oved May 23,1850. From this it pears that Bite oo New werk Is entitled to thirty-coe members in Use | presentatives. It beco! your district the State in conformity with this certificate” ‘ATE DIRECT WAR TAX, By the act of Congress of August 5, 1861, a direct tax of twenty millions of dollars is laid upon the United States and ‘tioned to the States respectively. The Proportion of this State is two million six hundred and three thousand nine hundred and eighteen dollars and fom tard cents. ae tax is Bee nak ote only. ‘operty belonging to any indiv’ who actuall} sides thereon, 10 the value of five hundred dollars, fox: empt. The details of the act are quite complex sofar as relate to the collection of taxes under it. But it contains 4 provision that any State may ‘‘assume, assess, collect and pay into the Treasury of ihe United States the direot tax, or {is quota thereof, in his own po and manner, M4 and through its own officers, using & valuation list, by State authority, and any State giving notice to the Sceretary of the ‘Treasury previous to the second Tuesaday of February, shall be entitled, in lieu of all ex. Peuses, to @ deduction of fifteen per cent on such portions as havo actually been paid into the Treasury of the United States on or before the last day of June, and ten per cent on such parts as shall have act ally been paid on or before the last day of September. No assessors nor collectors are to be appointed after a State gives notice, and the ‘quota or diroct tax is liable to be paid or satisfied, in whole or in part, by t) of such State advances, duly executed to the United States, of any liquidated and determined claim of such State of equal amount against the United States.” Ihave no hesitation in recommending that the tax be avsumed by the State at once; and I submit for your consideration the pawns mode of liquidating it:-— The act of Congress of July 27,1861, provides for in- demnify ing the States for advances to the general govern- ment, and covers all the expenditures incurred in raising volunteers, under the act of the Legislature of this State, of April16. On the Ist inst. these amount ted in the ag: $2,873,501 1 ss eves 1,166,048 60 Leaving etill due from the government, on advai.ces, the sum of.. + es++ $1,717,462 66 This balance, it is assumed, will be allowed at the Treasury Department, and will be credited on account of the direct tax due from this State, which, as before stated, is...... Deduct the 16 per cent... $2,608,018 ‘300,688 Loaving a not tax of...........csse0ee 213,382 Deduct above balance due on advances of State. 1,717,452 And there is found to be due tho United States Treasury. $405,880 Under chapter 27° 5 ect tax of one and a half mills on the taxable property of the State was levied. This will produce about two million, one hun- dred and forty-one thousand doliars, of which but about hve hundred thousand doliars, as appears above, will be required to liquidate tho balance of the United States tax. It iste be retnembered that this Stato tax was lovied upon personal as well as real property, and that there were no exemptions, such as are provided for in the law of Congress. But, with the privilege of adjusting the debt due to the State for advances, the opportunity for moaking an important saving on the collection of the federal tax, providing at the same time for paying a de- mand which must be met, the Legislature, I think, will find no difficulty in making such a disposition of apart of tho proccods of the tax raised under chapter 277, as will accomplish there ends. . ‘The act aiso provides for collecting upon the annual in- come of overy person residing in the United States, whether derived from property or from any profession or vocation, carried on in the United States or elsewhere, if such annual income exceeds cight hundred dotlars, a tax of three per centum on the amount of stich excess of in- come above eight hundred dollars, and upon the income accruing upon any property or securitios owned in the United States by any citizen thereof residing abroad, a tax of five percentum. A favorable excepticn in both instances is made on income from Treasury notes and other securities of the government. Theso taxes are to be assessed and collected under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury. ‘Yhis is @ novelty in our country. We have heretofore taxod only real and pergonal property. It is obvious that eat inequality would rogult from an enforcement of this Ww in @ mannor £0 partial as would be tho case now. I¢ ig understood that Congress will take measures for maé+ tying its provisions. A question as to the constitutions ty of this measure has been raised. It is asked if it does not conflict with the terms of section two, article one, United States constitution, which determines that ‘rep- resentation and taxation shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers.’” THE STATE MILITIA—REYORMS RECOMMENDED. In my annual message of 1861 I rocommonded that the wer, spirit of the Stato, which for several years has n gradually declining, should be fostered, and called attention to the fact that it was a part of the established policy of our country to maintain a woll regulated militia ag @ pledge of domestic security and of safety from ex- ternal violonce. 1t was obvious that our miifia was im no condition, either as respected discipline or equipment, for minute duty. The growing apprehension the country that a collision might occur between the au- thorities and tho insurgents, and especiatly in view of the fact that our arsenals and armories were lamentably deati- tute of suppiies, induced mo on tho 9th of January, im transinitting the annaul report of the Commissary @ aueral, to call special attention to the facts presented therein, Among othrr things it was shown that the great body of the organized militia of the State was unsupplied with reilablearms. Ispeciaily referred to the then exist doficiency in the military stores, which I recommet the Legislature to take early measures to supply, urging that, in order to be prepared for any emergency, a suit- able appropriation shouid be made from the jury and at the discretion of the Military Department. ‘able terms and the large market at that time would have enablod tho Stato to procure the eye | articles at very moderate prices, when compared wi subsequent ones. ‘ihe tinal consideration of the sul as is known, did not take place in the Assembly unti 12th day of April, when @ Dill passed appropriating five hhondred thousand dollars for the purpose of arming the militia of the State and providing for the public defence. There have been purchased in Europe, under this act, tem thourand Enfield rifled muskets, of which number about six thousand have been jivered in New York. The report of the Commissary Gencral will embrace a full detail of the receipts aud issues of military stores and the present supply of arms and munitions, Our constitution requires that the militia of this State shall at all times be armed and disciplined, and in readi- ness for service. To accomplish this some essential modifications of our present militia laws are obviously necesgary. As Congress has the power to provide for or- ganizing, arming ond disciplining the militia of the coun- try, the system of this State must haye for its founda- tion the various acts of that body. ‘The de‘ective charac- ter of the act of ess of 1792 presents a serious difll- culty in the way of such modifications of-our present laws as experience would dictate. A carefully prepared report, the rosult of a systematic inquiry and corres. pondenco with the active military men of the State, made through the Adjutant General by the Judge Advo- cato 1, will bo presented to you. ‘It pro- poses tain the main features of tho pre sent militia system; to abolish, with two ex- ceptions, the elective system; to roturn to the mode of enrolling prescribed by the act of 1792, to require yearly drills, and thus provide a well trainel nucleus in'every locality; to limit tho duration of commissions and to terminate within a given period those now in fo to require candidates for commissions to be examined, and the enactment of a series of articles of war for the government of troops in the service of the State in time of war, based on thoge in force inthearmy. It recommencis other and minor amen iments. In modifying our system it is important to keep in view two facts: the ‘one, that too much is not attempted to be accomplished; the other, that suitable igion shall be made for the necesrary oxpenses of the men. Tho act of 1792 erred undoubtedly in requiring more than it should of @ people whore pursuits aro largely agricultural and mechanical, Fxporience shows that those between tho ages of twenty and thirty constitute the class who maintain the militia organizations, and from which has been drawn the great bulk of the volunteers. Upon this class we must prin- cipally depend for the efficiency of our future militia en- tablishment. There is an obvivus necessity for immediate attention to this subject, and I thercfore recommend the early preparation of a bill which, while conforming to the laws of Congress, shal! meet our present and future needs, OUR POLITICAL TROUBLES—REVIEW OF THE REBEL- 1LI0N, Our political troubles, which have so engrcessed the at- tention and employed the resources of the country since the close of tho last session, are the fruits of a tree whose seods were sown a third’ of # century ago, and, though ‘unobserved by os, its growth has been carefully watched by those whose nurturing bande havo given direction to its roots. Tho attempt to ignore the federal power in 1882 was an inexpression of the same sentiment which now animates the leaders of secession; and time has rorved to justify the prediction of General Jackron that, though crushed, the spirit of nullification would under the form of slavery agitation. but a the process of poisoning the Southern = mind been going forward. His- tory in its own time will sit in judgment and review the account; to its record I loave the rise aud progress of secession, To those events only which directly involve our duty, shall { rofer. THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OF 1860. ‘The summer of 1860 was one of seg political inte- rest. ‘The manifestations of popular opinion were un- usually open and candid. Early in tho year political conventions had placed four candidates ro the people for the Presidency. Three of these stood unequivocally lodged to uphold the constitution and maintain the Jnion, The fourth, while believed by his Northern sap- porters to be loyal, was by the more general opinion re- garded as othorwisc, Recentevents have fully justified the popular suspicion in this respect. Tho election was on ‘November 6. The North proceeded calmly and de- liberately to the exorcise of a right which had beon eet- tled at the Revolution and confirmed at every subsequent quadrennial election. The vote was unusually large. ‘The vordict at the polls was omphatic. Of the four million six hundred and fifty-four thor eand ballots given three ‘mi lion eight hundred and fifteen thousand were for uncon. ditional, Union. New York, with sixtecn others of the thirty-threo States, gave her electoral vote for the present incumbent. Aside from the logal obligation, the South, by participating, wore pound in honor to acce;t the result of the election with. out dissent; but the leaders of disunion, with amazing audacity, made it a protext for precipitating the catastro. she of attempted secession upon the country. They well mew that tho rights of no = been outta by tho reauit of the election. deed the #1 | party had, in all authoritative modes, oxpressly contended for tho right of each State to control its own domeatic inst} tutions, More than this, the opposition hold @ majority {a both brapoles of the national Logislature, aad the Ju