early day. If the bond holders shall fully comply with the stipulations agreed upon, it is confidently expected that the State will fulfil all obligations resting upon her. When this great work shall be completed, I feel confident that the revenue to be derived from it, with the other means designed to promote that work, will, in a few years, be adequate to the discharge of the entire canal debt; leaving the internal improvement, with some other miscellaneous items of indebtedness, to be provided for. It is not to be disguised, that any attempt to make efficient provision for the payment of our public debt, must encounter difficulties. It is apparent that there exists in the public mind a kind of vague and painful apprehension, that the efforts now making by the people to meet a portion of our indebtedness, are of little avail, and that they are wasting their energies to very little purpose. The uncertainty which hangs over the exact amount of our liabilities, has contributed much to produce this unfortunate state of the public feeling, and can only be corrected by the adoption of some course which shall elicit its true amount.. It is conceived that this may be done at small expense, and with no great difliculty. I do not feel myself called upon at present to recommend any increase of taxation; but it occurs to me, that, with the exception of the canal debt, the best plan we can adopt in the present condition of our public affairs, is, to make provision for immediately refunding the residue. By refunding the bonds and scrip, the debt will be converted into one uniform transferrable stock. This will require but small expense, probably less than we have already suffered by counterfeits, and will possess the advantage of reducing the whole matter into a clear and tangible shape. For the arrear of interest due upon the bonds, a deferred stock of similar character might be issued, differing only in that it bear no interest for a number of years. By adopting this line of policy with our State bonds and scrip, our debt will not be increased, while we shall be enabled to ascertain the precise amount of our existing liabilities with certainty, and the amount required to meet the interest. To this course, it is believed our creditors will interpose no objection, but cheerfully acquiesce, as it will relieve them from risks to which they are now exposed. It will also remove difficulties which lie in the way of the payment of interest by any one not familiar with the character of the different forms of our indebtedness some of which arise out of the relation which the several issues of our State bonds bear to each other. All our available means ought gradually to be brought into such condition that they can be applied to the payment of our debts. As it is doubtful if any appropriation will be hereafter made by the Legislature to put in repair the railroad from Springfield to Meredosia, it may be of advantage to the State to dispose of it on some terms, with the provision that it be kept in repair and operation. The State lands ought also to be brought into market, to be disposed of at fair prices; and all de ts due to the State from individuals or corporations, put in train for speedy adjustment. An opportunity will soon be afforded the people under an amended Constitution, of reducing the number of the members of the Legislature, by which thousands may be saved to the State, and a stricter economy, generally, introduced into the public service. At the time of the passage of the law requiring the banks of this State to put their affairs in process of liquidation, there were those who honestly doubted the propriety of a measure so stringent in its provisions, and who looked forward with apprehension to disasters which they feared would follow from it.— But time has fully justified its object, and the expediency of its general provisions; and we may date the commencement of our returning prosperity to the passage of that law. When its provisions shall have been fully carried out, banking institutions in this State will be at an end; and it becomes a question of serious magnitude to the people, whether sound policy will justify the establish ment of another, when we may look forward with almost positive certainty to a repetition of the same scenes through which we have so lately passed. A few years have taught us many things connected with this subject, which we were slow to learn. From an habitual and unwary confidence in the integrity of banking institutions, we came at last to look upon them as almost indispensably necessary, and principles gradually but silently crept into their charters, which have wrought deep and lasting injury to the country, and virtually subverted some of those principles which government was founded in an especial manner to cherish and preserve. The series of evils which incorporate banking has brought into existence, find their main source in the power given to banks to trade upon credit instead of money-to loan simple promissory notes instead of cash-not to loan only, but create the currency; and an utter exemption from individual liability; besides placing this very power in the hands of those whose interests often prompt to its abuse, and against which it is scarcely possible to interpose any sufficient legislative restraint. It seems to me that the interests of the people of this State will be better promoted by hereafter dispensing with banks altogether, than again to take their chance upon such a sea of uncertainty and confusion as they have lately passed. If we form an opinion from the current of events which have attended the winding up of the affairs of our banks, even under the disadvantage of coercing the payment of a heavy bank indebtedness, the advancing prosperity of the State, the restoration of a sound currency, taken in connection with the agricultural character of our people, it can hardly be doubted that capital will as readily seek this State for investment-be as securely invested, as well as safely and properly managed--as constantly employed, and rendered as practically useful in all the relations of business, and at the same time preserve as safe and sound a currency under forms of association under general laws, as with the aid of banks; while the community will be relieved from the dangers which are always attendant upon them. Notwithstanding the many attempts of former Legislatures to provide a suitable militia system for the State, the result is, that the whole matter is but little else than a dead letter upon the statute book. It is evident, that, to secure the success of such a system, it must be so modified, that, while it conforms to the spirit of our institutions, it will enlist the hearty co-operation of the people.We can hardly attach too much importance to this almost exclusive arm of our defence, nor unwarily overlook contingencies which may arise when a well trained militia may constitute our sole reliance against immediate and formidable dangers. The popular and well founded jealousy of standing armies, peculiar to free governments, increases the obligation we owe to our present and future security, to cherish with great care this mighty safeguard of our institutions. A more favorable time to make another effort can hardly be expected again soon to occur, or when we can count with greater certainty upon a cheerful enlistment of the popular feeling in its favor. It seems to me, that by so changing the requisition of existing laws as to adopt the volunteer, instead of the coercive principle, which is now applied to all within certain ages, adding provisions having more immediately in view the complete and effective drill of the soldier; giving also to the superior officers adequate power to concentrate companies into larger bodies, at specified places, within prescribed districts, for a more extensive and thorough practice, will be much more likely to answer the purpose which the friends of an efficient militia system are anxious to realize. Among the great variety of subjects which lay peculiar claim to the attention of the people and their Legislature, none rank higher, or are entitled to greater consideration, than that of the subject of our common schools. It addresses itself directly to every citizen of our State, from its intimate connection with the love of social, civil, and religious liberty. Some of our most valued citizens are turning their attention to the subject of common schools, with a zeal and disinterestedness worthy of high commendation; but without the assistance of the Legislature, and a cheerful co-operation on the part of the people, their labors will prove comparatively weak and inefficient. It cannot reasonably be expected, that, in the present condition of our State, with some parts of it thinly settled, any system can be devised, which will be absolutely perfect in its practical operations, or which can realize the utmost wishes of all. This inconvenience, however, is gradually diminishing, and in a few years, will, to a great extent, cease to exist. Complaints are frequent, that the township funds in some sections of the State, are so ignorantly or wilfully mismanaged as to be of little or no benefit. If these complaints be well founded, some efficient Legislative provision ought to be made to prevent such gross wrong in future. I wish here to offer a remark in reference to an unfortunate class of persons among us, who, though few in number, are not the less entitled to our commisseration: I mean the insane. While we make provision for the poor, whether their poverty result from their vices or misfortunes, we overlook this class, whose condition is far more helpless and deplorable; and I most sincerely recommend them to the Legis ature as proper subjects for our sympathy and care. We are just entering upon the discharge of the highest and most important duties pertaining to civil government; and it is most earnestly to be hoped, that, in every vicis itude of our legislative labors, we shall keep steadily in view he Constitution of our country, and the interest of our common constituents. The principles upon which our Government is founded, are plain and simple; and by careful attention to them, our labors will hardly fail to be comparatively easy and pleasant. If we judge of the correctness of our measures by the influence which they will exert upon the hopes, the fears, and interests of the people, we shall be prepared to avoid many of the most formidable difficulties which terd to embarrass legistation. Always recognizing a close community of interests, alike to be respectel and observed, we shall find little difficulty in fully answering the just hopes and expectations of those whose confidence has sent us here. I shall be found ever ready to unite with the Legislature in all those measures designed to advance the happiness and prosperity of our common country; and while confidently relying upon the wisdom and protection of that Divine Providence which has dispensed such numerous blessings over our highly privileged land, we may hope to end our labors here in harmony, and with the conviction of having well discharged our duty. The Senate then withdrew. AUGUSTUS C. FRENCH. Mr. Underwood moved to priat twelve thousand copies of the Governor's Inaugural Address for the use of the House. Mr. Omelveny moved to amend said motion, so as to provide for printing four thousand additional copies in the German language. Mr. Linder moved to print six thousand copies in the English language. Mr. Kretsinger moved the previous question. The yeas and nays were demanded by Messrs. Linder and Omelvency. Pending which, On motion, The House adjourn until ten o'clock to-morrow. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1846. House met pursuant to adjournment. The question peading last evening when the House adjourned, being on the motion for the previous question, Mr. Kretsinger withdrew said motion. The question then recurred on the motion to print twelve thousand copies in English. Mr. Morris moved to print ten thousand copies in the English language, and three thousand in the German language: which was accepted as a modification of the motion submitted by Mr. Omelveney. Mr. Logan of Sangamon moved to print two thousand copies in the German language. On motion of Mr. Logan, of Jackson, The previous question was ordered. The question then recurring on the amendment proposed by Mr. Omelveny, as modified, The yeas and nays were demanded by Messrs. Linder ard Huffman, and resulted as follows: Those who voted in the affirmative, ere, Messrs. Archer, Bailey of Fulton, Barber, Pragg, Boyle, Brown, Cantrill, Creel, Cockie, D'Wolf, Ends, Ela, Epperson, Erwin, Fry, Funkhouser, Glenn, Glover, Grubb, Hans-lord, Harpole, Hart, Hendry, Hick, Janney, Kinney, Little of Fulton, Little of Will. Logan of Jackson, Long, McDowell, Marshall, Martin, Miller, Mortis, Morrison of Monroe, O'Conner, Omelveny, Prevo, Remann, Reynolds, Robeson of McLean, Rhodes, RutJedge, Stanley, Sechorn, Sherman, Stickney, Skinner, Swing, Shumway, Tucker, Turner, Wallice, Wynne and Mr. Speaker.-56. Those who voted in the negative, are, M. sers. Bailey of Brown. Bailey of Rock Island, Blakeman, Boyakin, Buckley, Campbell. Casey, Caswell, Constant, Cross, Cummings, Conningham, Curts, Davis, Dawson, Denning, Ed ly, Enloe, Everett, Gilmore, Grif fith, Harrington, Hayes, Higgins, Hodges, Huflinar, Johnston, Kretsinger, Linder, Logan of Sangamon, Lukens, McConnell, Mann. Miner, Morrison of Hancock, Morton. Pierson, Pickering, Randolph, Robb, Robinson of Menard. Stark, Simms, Smith, Slorumb, Stokes, Stookey, Tappan, Thomas of Bureau, Thomas of Morgan, Underwood, Wardlaw, Watson. West, Wilcox, Wiliamson and White.-55. On motion of Mr. Logan of Sangamon, The vote taken on ordering the previous question was reconsidered. Mr. Speaker: The Senate have adopted the following resolution: Resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring herein, That the two Houses of the General Assembly will meet in the hall of the Horse of Representatives, on Saturday the 12th instant, at two o'clock P. M, for the purpose of electing a Senator to the Congress of the United States of America, to serve for six years from the fourth day of March next. In the adoption of which they ask the concurrence of the House of Representatives. The question recurring on the motion made by Mr. Underwood, to print twelve thousand copies of the Governor's Inaugural Address in the English language, Mr. Pickering moved that eight thousand copies be printed in English. Mr. Underwood modified his motion, so as to provide for printing ten thousand copies in English. Mr. Martin moved to print two thousand copies in the German language. On motion of Mr. Thomas of Morgan. The motion made by Mr. Martin was laid on the table. Mr. Reynolds moved to amend Mr Underwood's motion by striking out ten thousand" and inserting eight thousand," and also by adding that • two thousand be printed in ile Geman language." Mr. Pearson moved to lay the proposed amendment on the table. The ayes and nays were demandel by Messrs. Reynolds and Linder; when, On motion of Mr. Denning, The previous question was ordered. The question then recurring on the motion to lay the amendment proposed by Mr Reynolds on the table, it was decided in the negative by yeas and nays as follows: Those who voted in the affirmative, are, Messts. Bailey of Brown, Bailey of Fulton, Bailey of Rock Island, Barber, Buckl y, Cunningham, Curts, Dana, Dawson, Eddy, Everett, Harrington. Haves, Hullinan. Kretsinger, Linder, Little of Fulton, Logan of Sangamon, Lakens, McConnell, Marshail, Morrison of Hancock, Morten, Pierson, Pickering, Randolph, Robb, Robinson of Menard, Stark, Sim us, Thom is of Morgan, Underwood, Wardlaw, Watson, West, Wilcox and Williamson.-37. Those who voted in the negative, are, Mes-rs Archer, Blakeman, Bragg, Boyakin, Boyle, Brown, Campbell, Cantrill, Casey, Creel, Corkle, Constant, Cross. Cummings, Davis, Denning. D'Woli, Eads, Ela, Enloe, Epperson, Erwin, Fry, Funkhouser, Glenn, Gilmore, Griffith, Glover, Grubb, Hanstord, Harpole, Hart, Hendry, Hick, iggins, Hodges, Janney, Johnston, Kinney, Little of Will, Logan of Jackson, McDowell, Mann, Martin, Miller, Miner, Morris, Morrison of Monroe, O'Conner, Cmelveny. Prevo, Remana, Reynolds, Robeson of McLean, Rhodes, Rutledge, Stanley, Sechorn, Sherman. Stickney, Skinner, Swing, Smith, Slocumb, Stokes. Stookey, Shumway, Thomas of Bureau, Tucker, Turner, Wallace, Williams, White, Wynne and Mr. Speaker -75. The question was then taken on the proposed amendment, and decided in the aflirmative by yeas and nays, on the demand of Messrs. Linder and Denning, as follows: Those who voted in the affirmative, are, Messrs. Archer, Bailey of Fulton, Barber, Blakeman, Bragg, Boyakin, Boyle, Brown, Campbell, Cantrill, Casey, Caswell. Creel, Cockle, Cross, Cam rings, Curts, Davis, Denning, D`Wolf, Eads, Ela, Enloe, Epperson, Erwin, Everett, Fry, Funkhouser, Glenn, Gilmore. Griffith, Giover, Grubb, Harrington, Hansford, Harpole, Har', Hendry, Hick. Higgins, Hodges, Janey, Ja'nston. Kinney, Little of Fulton, Little of Will, Logan of Jackson, Long, McDowell, Mann, Marshall, Martin, Miller, Morris, |