the advantage. But in no instance has the constitution of any other State been amended, (and the instances have already been many,) in which it is not almost universally regarded as an improvement, and it can hardly be supposed that Indiana would be an exception.

It is therefore respectfully recommended that provision be made at the present session for submitting this question, to the decision of the people at the general election, in August next. This question it will be borne in mind, was voted upon at the election of 1846, and the returns made to the Searetary of State showed that 32,521 votes were cast for, and 27,485 votes were cast against it, being a majority of 5,036 in favor of calling a convention. The vote was small, but if it indicated any thing, it was that the popular will favored the measure.

The next Legislature, however, declined, and perhaps properly so, to provide by law for calling a convention, and mainly, it is presumed, because the vote was far from being a full one, being less than one half of that cast for officers at the same election, and because no returns whatever were made from thirteen counties. My information since that time leaves a strong conviction on my mind, that a large majority of the people are now in favor of the

measure.

The official business of the Quarter Master General, since his last annual report, has not been of such a character, in his opinion, as would require a special communication at this time. That of the Adjutant General is herewith submitted, and will doubtless receive from you the requisite consideration.

The Hospital for the Insane is at length in successful operation, under the charge of a skilful and humane superintendent, Dr. R. J. Patterson, late of the Lunatic Hospital of the State of Ohio.

The edifice has been so far completed as to furnish accommodation for about fifty patients, but as more than that number have already applied for admission, the Superintendent has been under the painful necessity of refusing some for want of room. When completed, the institution will hold in all about two hundred patients. The buildings so far have cost about $50,000, and it will require about $14,000 more to complete them. As they will then accommodate four times the present number of patients, and as the chances for recovery are far greater in the early than in the latter stages of insanity, motives of sound economy as well as of humanity, concur in urging the speedy completion of the work.

The Institute for the Blind has been in operation only since the first of October, 1847, and has up to this time received thirty-one pupils, being a larger number, it is understood, than have ever been received within the same period after its commencement, by any similar Institution in the Union, although located in far more populous States. Besides instructing the pupils in their appropriate studies, a part of the system consists in teaching them useful cupations; thus preventing their becoming a burden to society, and

affording them the means of enjoying that health and happiness which is to a greater or less extent denied to those who spend their lives in inaction. Finding themselves unable longer to procure rooms of suitable dimensions and construction, the Board proceeded to erect upon the grounds belonging to the Institute, such part of the permanent buildings as will answer for a few years, and until their means will justify their completion. By this means the Board are already able to accommodate a much larger number than formerly, as well as in a better manner.

The Institution for the education of Deaf Mutes, continues to improve in usefulness. It already numbers ninety-two pupils, being an increase of twelve since the last annual report, and constituting a larger number in proportion to the entire population than is found in the like establishment of any other State in the Union. The history of charitable institutions generally, and especially when sustained at the public expense will show, it is apprehended a tendency (certainly not a necessary one) to unnecessary expenditure; and this indicates the quarter towards which supervision should be mainly directed. Experience teaches us that it is much easier to multiply subordinate employments and to originate other modes of extravagance in such establishments, that to lop them off when found unnecessary. It is therefore the more gratifying to be able to state, from information derived from the present Superintendent, that a commendable reduction has been made in the expenses in the Steward's department of this Institution, to the extent of four hundred dollars per month, as compared with similar expenses previous to the 12th of April last, when the office of Steward was abolished, and its duties cast upon the Superintendant. Notwithstanding a large and commodious edifice for the accommodation of the pupils, is now in course of construction, yet in consequence of this saving, it is understood, that it will not be necessary to increase the present rate of taxation for that object.

It may be remarked, in conclusion, that with the increased prosperity of the State, are multiplied the inducements to deviate from that system of rigid economy, and prudent foresight, without which, we can not hope for its continuance; and it is trusted that we shall be fully impressed with the necessity of its observance, as promotive of the interest and happiness of those who have honored us with their confidence.

December 6th, 1848.

JAMES WHITCOMB.

WASHINGTON'S

FAREWELL ADDRESS,

TO THE

PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

SEPTEMBER 17, 1796.

(APPENDED to the governor's message according to a law of 1846.)

FRIENDS AND FELLOW CITIZENS :

The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States, being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprize you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made.

I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured, that this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; and that, in withdrawing the tender of service, which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest-no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness; but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both.

The acceptance of, and a continuance hitherto in, the office to which your suffrages have twice called me, have been a uniform sacrifice. of inclination to the opinion of duty, and to a deference to what appeared to be your desire. I constantly hoped that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement from

which I had been reluctantly drawn. The strength of my inclination to do this, previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you; but mature reflection on the then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to abandon the idea.

I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty or propriety; and am persuaded, whatever partiality may be retained for my services, that, in the present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove my determination to retire.

The impressions with which I first undertook the arduous trust, were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, will only say, that I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the organization and administration of the government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. Not unconscious, in the outset, of the inferiority of my qualfications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself; and every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. Satisfied that if any circumstances have given peculiar value to my services they were temporary, I have the consolation to believe, that while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it.

In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the career of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acdnowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon me; still more for the steadfast confidence with which it has supported me; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed, of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persevering, though in usefulness unequal to my zeal. If benefits have resulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals, that, under circumstances in which the passions, agitated in every direction, were liable to mislead, amidst appearances sometimes dubious, vicissitudes of fortune, often discouraging in situations in which, not unfrequently, want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop of the efforts, and a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected. Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong excitement to unceasing vows, that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration, in every department, may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these