JOINT DOCUMENTS.

Inaugural Address of the Governor.

Fellow citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:

The people of the state by their unsolicited suffrages having called me to discharge the duties of Chief Magistrate for another term, I appear before you to take upon myself the oath required by the constitution. Their approbation of my official acts during the term now brought to a close, and this renewed manifestation of their confidence, expressed with an unanimity scarcely to be expected in political contests, impress upon my mind the most lively sense of gratitude, which no language can adequately express. In assuming again the responsibilities of the highest office in the gift of the people of the state, I can only promise that my humble abilities shall be taxed to their utmost extent to promote the public good and to preserve inviolate the constitution and laws.

But no

The experience of every year adds confirmation to the belief that man is competent to the government of himself, and that republican institutions, above all others, are best adapted to the promotion of humane happiness. Sometimes, it is true, the ardor of a free people, excited by mistaken views, and for a time disregarding the control of reason, may be exhibited in acts that merit condemnation. government has been found competent to prevent improper ebullitions of deceived and misguided public opinion, nor indeed at all times to confine the popular will within legal restraints. In our own happy union, where the laws emanate from the people, and are designed only to promote public good, instances of their violation more seldom

occur, and popular commotions are by far less frequent than in aristoeratic and monarchical governments.

With us the people are secured in the certain enjoyment of all their rights, and consequently they have an interest in the preservation and perpetuation of our free institutions. They seek no essential change, because no change can be hoped that would improve their condition. Under other systems, life, liberty, and property are often subject to the caprice of irresponsible rulers. The people have no effective voice in the government, which, as it oppresses rather than protects their. interests, they little care to preserve. They seek a change because no change can be for the worse. Hence the frequent conspiracies to overthrow governments of the old world and to erect on their ruins institutions more free; whilst in our own country, ruled by more beneficent laws, no attempt, worthy of mention has ever been made to effect a change by violent means. A republican government is supported not by military array, but by the affections of the people; and the duty of a republican Chief Magistrate is to give effect to the popular will constitutionally expressed.

The religious freedom secured by the benign influence of a free government is a blessing not of minor importance. No conformity to a given creed is requisite to secure our civil rights, and no religious test is required as a qualification to office. Experience happily proves that neither morality nor religion suffers by leaving free the human mind to choose for itself in matters pertaining to divine truth. Whether a government can be sustained without a conformity in religious faith is no longer a problem unsolved. The revolution achieved by our fathers, which released the body from the grasp of tyranny, is the more important and the more beneficial for having also set free the mind from the shackles it had endured for ages.

Our own state, with the benefits of republican institutions, possesses fertility of soil and salubrity of climate. Her position, too, surrounded by large inland seas, affording unequalled facilities to commerce, enhances the value of her lands and adds to her importance in the confederation. If now she occupies a secondary rank, the time is fast approaching when she will scarcely be inferior to any of her sister states. Her resources are vast and need only an adequate

population to ensure their development. Nature has been bountiful, and, with a prodigal hand, bestowed upon us the elements of inexhaustible wealth. It is our estimable privilege to improve to our use, what is thus placed within our reach.

The progress of Michigan has hitherto been unequalled. For the last ten years her increase in population and wealth has been in a ratio greater than that of any other state. Though, for a time, her prospects seemed obscured, the thick cloud is now dispelled and the obstacles removed that impeded her march onward to prosperity.The paper money bubble of former years has burst, and the mania of speculation has subsided. It is true the ruin has been great, and the desolation wide spread. States, as well as individuals, have been brought within the vortex; yet, the lesson taught will long remain, and the evils suffered will serve as a warning for all future time Men no longer seek or expect to make fortunes in a day. They look to industry and economy as affording the only sure means for the acquisition of competence or wealth.

To you, gentlemen, the chosen representatives of the people, charged with the important functions of legislation, I look with confidence for co-operation and support in all proper efforts to promote the welfare of the state. Without your guidance and aid, utterly, indeed, should I despair in view of the magnitude of the high duties entrusted to my charge. Where errors have been committed, let us take measures to prevent their recurrence;-where abuses exist, let us apply the proper corrective; and where a departure from republican principles is ascertained, let us at once retrace our steps.

It remains, fellow citizens, that, acknowledging our accountability to that Supreme Being, who holds in his hands the destiny of nations, we fervently supplicate him to enlighten our minds and direct our counsels.

January 1, 1844.

JOHN S. BARRY.

Annual Message of the Governor.

Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:

Since the adjournment of the last legislature a kind and beneficent Providence has continued to bestow upon us his manifold blessings. Abundant harvests have rewarded the labors of the husbandman-agricultural industry has been extended-our surplus productions enlarged our imports diminished-our exports increased-and our population greatly augmented.

For these and other numerous mercies, let us unite in rendering thanks to the great Giver of all good, and humbly ask a continuance of his divine protection.

rence.

The assemblage of the Representatives of the people, invested with the sovereign functions of legislation, is an important occurThe welfare of the state, in an eminent degree, depends upon the result of their deliberations, and every step in their proceedings, however remotely bearing upon the interest of the state, is regarded by the public with extreme interest.

I am sure, however, I need uot acquaint you with the responsibili ty you have assumed as legislators for the people, nor remind you that their dearest interests are, for the time, committed to your keeping. You enter upon the execution of your high duties, I doubt not, duly impressed with their importance; and as your measures are characterized by wisdom and justice, so shall they exert a beneficial influence upon the interests of the commonwealth.

At your present session but few subjects of a general character will require your consideation. Changes in existing laws should not be made for slight cause. Legislative acts should be passed with much and careful deliberation, but when once adopted, they should be permanent unless considerations of public good clearly and positively demand their modification or repeal. Complaints are often