LIBRARIES 266892 MARCH 1930

MESSAGE.

Gentlemen of the Senate

and House of Representatives :

IN entering upon the legislative duties and responsibilities imposed by the Constitution, it is fit and proper, especially in this Centennial year of our National existence and nearly completed century of the existence of our State under a constitutional government, that our hearts should be filled with thankfulness and gratitude to the Author of all blessings, not only for the general health, peace and prosperity which He has graciously vouchsafed during the past two years, but also for the innumerable blessings which have attended our entire existence as a State. And especially is it fitting that we should remember with gratitude. and thankfulness at this time, the mercies aud goodness of that Providence which led our fathers safely through those peculiar and trying circumstances which environed them in the memorable year of 1777, and which scarcely have their parallel in the world's history,--when, though claimed on the east by New Hampshire,-claimed and menaced on

the west by New York,-oppressed and warred against on the north by Great Britain,-unrecognized and unsupported by the sister colonies, they, a mere handful of sturdy yeomen, stood manfully and independently for the right; framed and adopted a Constitution, which for the most part remains unchanged, and under which they and their posterity have been "protected in the enjoyment of life, liberty and property," and have been led to that "firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, industry and frugality," which has made them and us an intelligent, virtuous and happy people. May the same Infinite Wisdom guide. us in all legislative deliberations, that we mar not the fair proportions of the governmental structure reared by our fathers, but enjoy and transmit it improved, adorned and embellished, to those who may come after us.

Standing on the dividing line of the centuries, it is the part of wisdom to consider not alone the present, its comforts and privileges, but as well the past, that we may learn their cost, its lessons, and take warning from any mistakes. by the way, and that we may plan broadly, intelligently and wisely for the future.

The biennial reports of the State officers having in charge particular departments of the public service, will fully inform you of the present condition of the important affairs of the State. The suggestions and recommendations of these officers who have become familiar with the necessities and workings of their respective departments, deserve, and no doubt will receive, your careful consideration.

FINANCES.

It is a matter for mutual congratulation that by wise leg islation, and careful and honest management, the finances of the State are in a most satisfactory and prosperous condition. When we call to mind that ten years ago, after having cheerfully met the enormous taxation necessary for the support of the war, the State was found to have a funded debt of $1,625,500, it is not a little remarkable, and certainly very gratifying, to find that at the close of the present financial year the Treasurer had in hand assets, mostly in ready money, to the amount of $72,907.11. in excess of all existing liabilities. Although a portion of the State debt does not fall due for several years, and is really due from the State to the State, and a considerable portion of the money then on hand will be needed to defray the expenses which will accrue before another State tax can be collected, we have the proud satisfaction of having entered upon the second century substantially free from debt, and with no State financial burdens for posterity to bear.

The Treasurer's report, to which you are referred, will furnish a clear, definite and detailed statement of the financial transactions of the State for the past two years.

From the report it appears that during the financial year ending August 1, 1875, besides meeting the current expenses, the funded debt was diminished $59,000, and there was added to the sinking fund $130.000. At the close of that year, the financial condition of the State was as follows:

During the year ending August 1, 1876, the Treasurer has purchased $2,000 of the bonds due December 1, 1876, and $30,000 of the registered bonds, due December 1, 1878.

The balance sheet for the present fiscal year represents :

LIABILITIES.

Due towns, U. S. Safety Fund,
Due on Soldiers' accounts,
Due on outstanding checks,

1

$11,519.96

11.472.78

1,833.80