By unanimous consent, Mr. Forster asked and obtained leave to introduce a bill entitled "An act concerning the Pilots of the channel of the East river commonly called Hell Gate," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on commerce and navigation, when appointed. By unanimous consent, Mr. Forster asked and obtained leave to introduce a bill entitled "An act to authorize corporations to contract to pay any conventional rate of interest and to prohibit corporations from interposing the defense of usury in any action," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on the judiciary, when appointed. By unanimous consent, Mr. Strahan asked and obtained leave to introduce a bill entitled "An act to amend chapter 460 of the Laws of 1847, entitled "An act for the better regulation of the county and State prisons of the State and consolidating and amending the existing laws in relation thereto, " which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on State prisons, when appointed. By unanimous consent, Mr. Strahan asked and obtained leave to introduce a bill entitled "An act authorizing the removal of male convicts confined in the county penitentiaries of this State," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on State prisons, when appointed. By unanimous consent, Mr. Mills asked and obtained leave to introduce a bill entitled "An act to amend chapter 534 of the Laws of 1879, entitled "An act for the preservation of moose, wild deer, birds, fish and game," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on game laws, when appointed. Mr. McCarthy, from a committee appointed to wait upon the Governor, reported that the committee had performed that duty and that the Governor would communicate with the Senate by message. By unanimous consent, Mr. Mills presented the memorial of George B. Anderson claiming the seat of Hon. James Stevens, Senator from the Twenty-second district, which was referred to the committee on privileges and elections, when appointed. By unanimous consent, Mr. Forster asked and obtained leave to introduce a bill entitled "An act to prevent the obstruction and incumbrance of docks, wharves and piers in the cities of New York and Brooklyn," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on commerce and navigation, when appointed. By unanimous consent, Mr. Forster asked and obtained leave to introduce a bill entitled "An act to repeal chapter 606 of the Laws of 1875, entitled "An act further to provide for the construction and operation of a steam railway or railways in the counties of this State," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on railroads, when appointed. By unanimous consent, Mr. Forster asked and obtained leave to in[SENATE JOURNAL.] 2 troduce a bill entitled "An act to provide for the establishing of houses of correction and refuge for women, "which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on miscellaneous corporations, when appointed. By unanimous consent, Mr. Forster asked and obtained leave to introduce a bill entitled "An act to provide for the licensing and government of the pilots and regulating pilotage of the port of New York," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on commerce and navigation, when appointed. Mr. McCarthy moved that the Senate take a recess for ten minutes. The President put the question whether the Senate would agree to said motion, and it was decided in the affirmative. The ten minutes having elapsed, the President resumed the chair and the Senate continued business. Mr. Jacobs offered the following: Resolved, That the President and Clerk of the Senate be requested to take measures by which the light and ventilation of the Senate Chamber may be so arranged as to insure the health and comfort of the members. The President put the question whether the Senate would agree to said resolution, and it was decided in the affirmative. By unanimous consent, Mr. Sessions asked and cbtained leave to introduce a bill entitled "An act fixing the amount to be paid on a policy of insurance," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on insurance, when appointed. Mr. Robertson moved that the Senate take a recess for half an hour. The President put the question whether the Senate would agree to said motion, and it was decided in the affirmative. The half hour having elapsed, the President resumed the chair and the Senate continued business. Mr. Halbert, from the committee appointed to wait upon the Assembly, reported that the committee had performed that duty. Messrs. Husted and Benedict, a committee on the part of the Assembly, appeared in the Senate and announced that the Assembly was duly organized and ready to proceed with business. A message was received from His Excellency the Governor in the words following: To the Legislature : STATE OF NEW YORK: In obedience to the Constitution, information relative to the condition of the State is herewith communicated, with such suggestions. and recommendations as are deemed expedient. The year just closed has been one of increasing prosperity and encouragement. With the resumption of specie payments by the National Government, and the restoration of a sound financial basis, there has been marked improvement in all business affairs. Renewed confidence has set in motion the current of industrial activity, and willing hands have had ready employment. Ample crops have found eager markets, and agricultural interests have abundantly prospered. There has been unusual exemption from disease, while peace and good order have prevailed within our borders. Seldom, indeed, has there been such cause for thankfulness. May we, as a people, have a realizing sense of gratitude for the Divine favor so generously bestowed upon us. FINANCES. The finances of the State are reported to be in a satisfactory condition. The operations of the last fiscal year and the general condition of the State treasury, on the 30th of September, 1879, are shown by the following statement: Aggregate balances in the Treasury of all the funds Aggregate receipts during the fiscal year ending Deduct payments during the year.. $4,293, 883 54 12, 852, 944 88 $17, 146, 828 42 12, 628, 472 01 Balance in the Treasury, September 30, 1879.. $4,518, 356 41 The amount of receipts into the Treasury on account of the General Fund revenue, during the year ending September 30, 1879. The payments... Apparent deficiency, September 30, 1879..... SUPPLEMENTARY STATEMENT. Balance due from County Treasurers, September 30, 1879, on State tax of 1878.... Add amount paid on account of 1879, appropriations included in tax levy of last year, payable in State Treasury in April and May, 1880... $7,101,964 40 7, 191, 533 60 $89,569 20 $147,984 66 835, 352 18 $983,336 84 On the 30th September, 1878, the total funded. debt was $9,154,054.87, classified as follows: General Fund. Canal.. $122,694 87 9,020,360 00 Bounty.. On the 30th September, 1879, the total funded. debt was $9,122,054. 87, classified as follows: General Fund. Canal.. The General Fund State debt is all paid, and the item of $122,694.87, included above, represents the amount required to yield, at the rate of six per cent, the sum necessary to pay the Indian annuities. The balance of $11,000, Bounty Debt for which funds are provided, had not been presented for redemption at the close of the fiscal year. A balance of $1,451,628.48 in the Canal Sinking Fund, leaves the amount of that debt, unprovided for, September 30, 1879, at $7,536,731.52. The State Debt on the 30th September, 1878, after deducting the unapplied balance of the Sinking Funds, amounted to... $8,130,726 69 On the 30th September, 1879 (including $122,694.87), to 7,659,426 39 Showing net contributions to the Sinking Fund of. $471,300 30 The actual reduction of the debt during the same period by cancellation being. $32,000 00 ΤΑΧΑΤΙΟΝ. For the fiscal year 1879, the tax levy was at the rate of 2,863 mills, which is expected to produce the sum of $7,690,416.34, while that of the previous year, being at the rate of 2 mills, produced the sum of $7,941,297.94. Among the questions which public sentiment will press upon your attention, is a revision of the laws for the assessment of property as a basis of taxation. The laws now in force are imperfect and unequal in their operation. By unjust discriminations, enormous values of property which should contribute a fair proportion to the public revenues are allowed to escape taxation, thus imposing onerous burdens upon a portion of our citizens. Perhaps no subject demands more careful consideration, and a wiser exercise of sound judgment. The important and complex questions involved require close, constant and long-continued examination, and it is doubted whether the necessary attention can be devoted to them during an ordinary legislative session. It is, therefore, suggested that the subject be placed in the hands of a Commission fairly representing the agricultural, commercial and other material interests of the State, to perfect a plan for the consideration of the next Legislature. It is believed that such course would give the best promise of an early and final determination of this important question. CANALS. The aggregate receipts of the canals from tolls, and all miscellaneous sources, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1879, were $921,252.81, being less than the preceding year by $67,398.54. The total expenses for ordinary repairs, superintendence and collection of tolls were $751,774.82, or $12,025.85 more than the year previous. The surplus revenues were $169,477.99, showing a decrease, as compared with the preceding year, of $79,424.39. The constitutional requirements in regard to the canal debt for the year are as follows: For interest on canal debt... $540,822 00 For sinking fund for the extinguishment of the debt, 450,000 00 Total amount contributed by the taxpayers on year... $960,822 44 The laws regulating canal management were enacted prior to the change in the Constitution creating the present mode of administration, and are in many respects insufficient for public requirements. Some legislation is therefore necessary to accomplish all that was contemplated by the new system. PUBLIC EDUCATION. There is no subject in which the people have a deeper concern |