as affording the greatest protection against disease and the least interference with the freedom of commerce.

RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION.

For several years there has been an increasing interest in the subject of railroad transportation. The relations of railroads to the public are of vast importance and demand careful examination by the Legislature. In its inter-State aspect the subject can only be treated by Congress. But the internal interests of the people of this State, comprising one-tenth of the population of the Union, must depend upon local legislation. Responding to popular sentiment, the last Assembly appointed a special committee to investigate the management of the railroads, with instructions to report to the next Legislature. The members of the committee have devoted themselves assiduously to this duty, and will, in due time, present their conclusions for your consideration.

The question of railroad transportation affects directly or indirectly every industrial and commercial interest; and the public have the right to demand that freight tariffs shall be uniform for like service, without discrimination as between citizens or communities, and that they shall also have all reasonable publicity. This should be secured by just and practical regulations.

ELECTION LAWS.

The foundations of free government rest upon the purity of the ballot. Every elector is entitled to have his vote honestly counted and to be protected from all fraudulent practices in the conduct of elections. This is the vital element of National life, and in many respects it is the most difficult to shield from abuse. All enactments, whether National or State, calculated to protect the freedom and integrity of the elective franchise, are earnestly to be commended.

In consequence of enormous election frauds perpetrated in

.

the city of New York in former years, very effective laws have been enacted for that locality. But in other cities defective statutes are still in operation, and in some of them elections are conducted in a grossly fraudulent manner. Remedy has heretofore been sought in more perfect legislation, but obstacles have arisen to defeat the desired object. A well-guarded registry law for all incorporated villages is also believed to be necessary for the correction of existing evils. In view of the importance which these subjects bear to the highest interests of the people, it is hoped they will receive your early consideration.

EXCISE LAWS.

Much dissatisfaction prevails in regard to the Excise laws, and it is essential that some effort be made to render them more effective. The laws are constantly violated or evaded, and inadequate attention is given to their enforcement. Indeed, the chief difficulty seems to be to determine the scope or meaning of the existing statutes on this subject. Under recent and somewhat conflicting decisions, Excise commissioners are left with large discretionary powers. The will of the commissioners is substituted for the mandates of law, hence conflicting interpretations obtain within the jurisdiction of the different boards of Excise. What is needed is a carefully matured act that can be plainly understood and faithfully executed. Although beset with difficulties, it is your duty to seek an intelligent solution of the matter.

HARBOR MASTERS.

The Supreme Court of the United States having declared that portion of the law of the State unconstitutional which authorizes the collection of fees by Harbor Masters, these officers are left to perform important duties without legal remuneration. If the services rendered by them are to be continued, it will be necessary for the Legislature to provide for their compensation in some different form.

PILOTAGE.

It

The laws relating to pilotage in the harbor of New York cause much complaint from those engaged in commerce. is represented that the legal charge for piloting a large steamship in and out of that port is larger than the wages of the captain for the round European trip. If this be true, a remedy is surely needed. The growing competition of other sea-ports for our vast foreign trade renders it imperative that the commerce of New York shall be relieved of all unnecessary burdens. The future prosperity of the State is largely dependent upon the continuance of our commercial supremacy, and no private interest should be permitted to interfere with that great object.

INDIANS.

Attention has been called to the condition of the Indians still remaining within the limits of the State, more especially those residing on the Onondaga reservation. According to the representations of,well-informed citizens, there seem to be ample reasons for the adoption of such measures as will conduce to the moral and material welfare of this peculiar people. Much must necessarily depend in this direction upon the exercise of wise and beneficent influences; but as the State has long sustained the relation of guardian to the remnants of Indian tribes within its domain, the interests involved in their situation are commended to your thoughtful consideration.

LOCAL INDEBTEDNESS.

In

Serious embarrassment exists in different sections of the State on account of the large amount of town indebtedness incurred for the most part in aid of railroad enterprises. some instances towns are being depopulated in consequence of the high rate of taxation rendered necessary to pay the interest on their bonds. The value of property is also depreciating; and looking forward to the maturity of the debt, the prospect becomes still more discouraging. The only remedy

seems to be in refunding the indebtedness, so as to reduce the rate of interest. This, however, requires an improved credit; and it is very desirable that some measure be devised, if possible, to enable the towns to accomplish this object.

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS.

Municipal affairs are prolific subjects of legislation and will doubtless occupy much of your attention. In dealing with them it should be remembered that the restoration of specie payments affords a favorable opportunity for the readjustment of public expenditures, many of which, established during the period of inflation and fixed at rates now extravagant, have become needless burdens upon the taxpayers. Especially is this true in the city of New York. Overburdened with debt largely created by the criminality of faithless officials, the expenses of the city government should be reduced to a frugal and economical basis.

All measures calculated to simplify the methods and promote the stability of local as well as State administration, or secure efficient and economical discharge of official duty are earnestly commended to your favorable consideration and support.

CONCLUSION.

We enter upon our duties under circumstances which mark an interesting event in the history of the State. For the first time since the organization of our State government in 1777, the executive officers and the members of both branches of the Legislature were chosen simultaneously at the recent election. A trust of unusual magnitude, therefore, is committed to us, for the faithful performance of which we shall justly be held to strict accountability.

Commissioned as the representatives of a grand constituency, unequaled in enterprise, wealth, and power, may we be impressed with the gravity of our responsibilities, and solmenly resolve to be guided by worthy motives in every official action. ALONZO B. CORNELL.

To the Legislature:

STATE OF NEW YORK:

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, ALBANY, January 16, 1880.

You are herewith presented with the report of the Agent of the State, appointed by my predecessor pursuant to the provisions of chapter 134 of the laws of 1878, in relation to infectious and contagious diseases of animals.

It will be observed that the sum heretofore appropriated for this purpose has been exhausted; and liabilities have been incurred amounting to about $16,000. In view of this fact, it has seemed proper for me to direct the suspension of all work and expense until the Legislature shall have taken action, notwithstanding the urgent representation of the Secretary of the State Agricultural Society, of the necessity for continuing the work.

Your early attention to the subject is respectfully directed. ALONZO B. CORNELL.

STATE OF NEW YORK:

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,

ALBANY, January 31, 1880. (

Honorable SAMUEL A. BOWEN, Judge of the County of Otsego, Cooperstown, N. Y.

SIR: It is my duty to inform you, that charges have been preferred against you "for conspiracy to stop the course of justice," etc., which said charges have been duly entered and filed in this office.

Herewith you will find a true and correct copy of the same, to which you will please make answer at as early a day as practicable.

Very respectfully,

ALONZO B. CORNELL.