caused to be presented the claim arising under chapters three hundred and ninety-seven and four hundred and twenty-one of the Laws of 1862, amounting to $281,845.86, which, with the preceding sum, will nearly balance the amount advanced by the United States, including the direct tax; the difference being only $2,842.72. The value of the clothing and equipage retained and issued to the National Guard of the State, has not been ascertained, but under the present orders of the War Department, there can be no doubt of an early adjustment of this portion of our account upon an equitable basis. In addition to the foregoing accounts, are several of comparatively small amounts, created by authority of acts of the Legislature in 1862, 1864, and 1865, and which, as soon as prepared, will be embarced in the schedules for payment. The State has taken initiatory measures to secure a final and complete settlement, by the appointment of commissioners, under the provisions of chapter three hundred and fifty-seven, Laws of 1867, and it is to be hoped that Congress will speedily authorize the appointment of a similar commission, on the part of the United States, clothed with full power to allow all equitable claims. Every proper effort should be made to this end, and when fully accomplished, there will be cause for congratulation, that the State has emerged from the great conflict with so little direct burden for ordinary military expenses.

MILITARY DEPARTMENTS.

The National Guard of the State has improved during the past year in organization, discipline and practice. It has been my pride, hardly less than my duty, to promote such a condition of our military force that, in ordinary periods, it might inspire general confidence, and in emergencies to which a great State is subject, its power could be displayed with advantage and honor.

In a State so strong in its varied elements of power, so rich in means and resources, with a population so sensitive to social and commercial revulsions, and a frontier so extended and exposed to inroads and invasions incident to war, the importance of maintaining a thorough and sufficient military establishment can hardly admit of debate. It assumes the dignity and importance of a co-ordinate branch of the civil government, and as such, is entitled to liberal recognition and support. A free government, however perfect its constitution and laws, cannot safely dispense with a well organized militia. It is a safeguard and protection from those extraordinary outbreaks which occasionally threaten to disturb the peace of society, and the security of property; and when occasion requires, it may always be relied upon to aid in the enforcement of law and the maintenance of order. It may be regarded as the power in reserve for the preservation, in great exigencies, of the rights of the citizen and the safety of the State. It will be conceded that there should be at all times a good organization of volunteers, well armed, equipped and uniformed at the public cost, practiced and disciplined to the best attainable extent in peace, and ready for any emergency that shall call them to arms. It seems to me, however, that we should undertake to maintain only so large a force as may be placed on a complete war footing and trust for its increase, from time to time, to our advance in population, enterprise and prosperity. I therefore respectfully recommend the reduction of the present minimum of the National Guard to a number that can be fully equipped, thoroughly disciplined and qualified for active duty.

I submit for your consideration also the propriety of authorizing encampments of the militia in various sections of the State during the

coming season. Such a measure would tend to incite a spirit of generous emulation, productive of improvement in the drill and discipline of our arms-bearing population. Assembled in large bodies; subjected to rigid inspection; and schooled in the routine of military duty, the men become, in some degree, inured to the exposures and hardships of the more severe service of the field.

The present numerical strength of the National Guard is about fortyfive thousand officers and men. For a detailed account of the condition of the military forces of the State, I refer you to the report of the Adju tant-General, which will soon be transmitted for your consideration.

The other military departments of the State afford evidence of the progress common to every branch of our militia system. The duties of the officers of my staff have been performed with intelligence and fidelity; and in all projects of reform within the province of their respective departments, they have uniformly given zealous and efficient co-operation. Their several reports showing the business of the bureaus under their supervision, will be duly submitted for your information.

SOLDIERS' AGENCY AND HOME.

Incident to the close of our late war, are certain appeals for aid which enlist the higher sentiments of our nature, and command hearty and general appreciation. Prominent among these are the collection and preservation of the evidences of the patriotism of our State; of the endurance and valor of those of her sons who participated in that great struggle;, and of the leading historical incidents of this memorable period of our history. To extend to the widows and orphans of those who died for their country every facility in the preparation and prosecution of their claims on the General Government, and the prompt and economical collection of the amounts due them, is a duty we have cheerfully recognized and faithfully endeavored to discharge. It is, however, a continuing obligation, and the work is not fully performed. Then there are those with wounds received amid the shock of arms, who still have needs that our sense of justice and gratitude will neither deny nor ignore. Many are incapacitated from competition in the market of unskilled labor, whose years and previous training unfit for higher employments. The character and extent of the provisions yet made by the General Government for this class are inadequate to their condition and wants; and I feel assured that it is only necessary to refer to them, and to the origin and extent of their disabilities, to secure the most thoughtful consideration on your part, and the most ample provision for their comfort.

From the report of the Chief of the Bureau of Military Statistics, it will be seen that the labor of preserving and arranging the memorials. and historical narratives, has been continued. Very much of interest and value has been added during the year. The sum of ten thousand, nine hundred and seventeen dollars and eighty-one cents has been received for the "Hall of Military Record" since the last report; making the whole sum for that purpose up to the present time thirty-six thousand, two hundred and eighty-eight dollars and ninety-six cents. The work has already been commenced on the new capitol under favorable promise of early completion, and I venture to renew the gestion made in my last annual message that a suitable room, both as to arrangement, safety and location, may be provided in that building for the purpose I have indicated, without increased public expenditure or inconvenience to other public interests. In view of the fact that Lardly one-half of the amount contemplated by law, has been raised for

sug

the "Record Hall," and that it is not probable that the balance will be fully paid in, it has seemed to me that the funds thus far donated for that purpose could very properly be used in founding a permanent soldiers' home for disabled men of our volunteer forces. This would not be such a departure from the original object as to disappoint the purpose of those who contributed to the fund; on the contrary, it would meet their hearty and earnest approval. It is presumed that the generosity of the citizens of Albany, who placed at the disposal of the State a suitable lot for the proposed hall, would find equally liberal expression in any arrangement for the permanent location of the home in the build ings now used for that purpose.

The military agencies at Washington and Abany, have met with great success in their beneficent work. Over six hundred and sixty-five thousand dollars have been collected since January 1st, 1867; more than forty thousand letters have been written, and there are now in the agencies, pending action at the departments in Washington, over eighteen thousand claims, involving at least two millions of dollars. I think it not too much to say that no public trust, requiring so much detailed labor, has been administered with more economy, nor is there any charity with stronger claims, or more appropriately under the care of the State.

There are at present in the "Soldiers' Home" two hundred and seventynine inmates. Of these one hundred and one have lost one or more limbs; seventy-five have been otherwise mutilated, and the remainder are in the hospital for treatment or disabled from sickness. During the summer months some of these men obtained light employment, and for a time supported themselves; but on the approach of winter, both because of a decrease demand for such labor, and their inability to withstand the severity of the season, many of them have returned to the institution. A large number enter the Home for temporary assistance required by re-opening wounds or recurring sickness. In health, by the aid of a pension, they can maintain themselves, and it is only when compelled from these causes that the shelter of the Home is required. During the first year, nearly three fourths of the admissions were of this character, and during the past year about the same proportion have been received. This large class, by far the most numerous, and alike entitled to consideration, are not within the requirements for admission into the United States Home, which receives only those who are permanently disabled. Something more should be done by us. It is probable that an arrangement could be made with the United States authorities for the support of those entirely disabled, in a home within our own State and under our supervison and control. My observation leads to the opinion that the soldier leaves his own State, however pleasant and generous the retreat within another may be, with extreme reluctance. It was a patiotic duty to accept the trials of war, but it is hard, after the war is over, to separate these suffering and maimed defenders so widely from home and friends, and to remove them from the State whose safety and peace have been secured by their unfaltering courage and devotion. I do not over-estimate the pride and the gratitude of the people of New York, in assuming your readiness as their representatives to meet the utmost requirements of these most deserving men. It is therefore scarcely necessary to recommend that an appropriation bemade for the establishment of a permanent Home. Should the Legislature, however, not concur in these views, I respectfully ask that provi sion be made to continue the present arrangement until such time as the transfer of the wholly disabled to the United State homes can be effected,

and until the partially disabled are in such condition as to justify their return to their families, neighbors or friends.

PUBLIC CHARITIES.

A liberal and humane policy in relieving the subjects of misfortune and affliction has prevailed in this St te from an early period in our history. Though legislative action and the various channels of private benevolence, the means and facilities have constantly been multiplying for providing for the wants of the hapless and destitute in all the departments of public charity. It no sooner became apparent that the provision for the protection and treatment of the insane at the Utica asylum was inadequate, than measures were taken to provide the needed accommodations. Two other institutions were projected and are now in process of construction: the Willard Asylum at Ovid, and the Hudson River Asylum at Poughkeepsie. The central portion and one wing of the former are nearly finished, and it may be opened for the reception of patients during the present year. The commissioners in charge seem to have shown a wise regard for economy in prosecuting the work by using materials found on the lands appropriated by the State, and avoiding the needless and improvident expenditures which too often augment the cost of structures erected under State authority. The trustees of the Hudson River Asylum have adopted well conceived plans for the buildings, and are now engaged in the earnest and faithful discharge of their duties. The necessity which called for this extension of the benevolent care of the State over this class of helpless children, will continue with increasing force until these additional institutions are opened for the reception of patients. I would therefore recommend such action as will lead to their early completion, as a matter of wisdom as well as humanity.

The officers of the asylum at Utica report the general operations of that institution for the past year as follows :

Under treatment at the commencement of the year..
Received during the year...

641

401

1042

159 58 164

51

The commissioners intrusted with the construction of buildings fo the blind at Batavia have made successful progress, but will require a additional appropriation to complete the tasteful and well-arrange structure now in course of construction. They have manifested com mendable regard for the interests of the State; and in the prosecution of

the enterprise have displayed marked intelligence, zeal, and fidelity.

The Board of Trustees suggest that the number and needs of thi

class of unfortunate persons are such as to call for two institutions Of

this character. Should this view obtain, your attention is respectfull directed to their earnest recommendation for the purchase of the build

of the blind.

ing at Binghamton, already selected and prepared for the temporary use briate Asylum at Binghamton have conveyed the asylum property to the In pursuance of an act of the last Legislature, the trustees of the IneState. The board have continued in the discharge of their duties, and I

[SENATE JOURNAL.]

3

am informed the asylum is now in successful operation. Questions relating to the change of title, and the necessity of a modified system of regulations, will doubtless be discussed in the report of the trustees.

The institutions already in operation for the treatment of the blind, the deaf and dumb, and the idiotic, and those of a reformatory character are fulfilling the just expectations of the State, and producing the beneficent results contemplated; and this is apparently true of those founded by private munificence as well as those established and maintained by public authority.

The last Legislature devolved upon me the duty of appointing a board with the power of visitation and supervision over all public charities. Gentlemen of culture and experience were selected for this important trust. Owing, however, to the probable changes affecting this class of interests through the provisions of a new constitution, they have not yet proceeded to make a thorough investigation of possible abuses, nor completed the plans they are engaged in maturing for the purpose of reforming existing defects, and ensuring better discipline in these charitable agencies. It is nevertheless true, that much valuable information has been elicited, and their report will have an interest commensurate with the importance of the subject.

It will be conceded that a system involving so large an expenditure of public money, embracing all classes of the destitute, the afflicted and the depraved, should be perfected as far as possible; and it is believed that the labors of a commission so intelligent and competent, will lead to reforms which will diminish the expense of maintaining these institutions, and render them still more effective as agencies of public charity. Your attention is invited to the interesting report of Mr. John Jay, the special commissioner appointed by me to represent the State in the board of the Antietam Cemetery. The cemetery was originally founded by the Legislature of Maryland as a State enterprise, for the interment of all who fell in the battle of Antietam, or during the first invasion of Lee! By a subsequent law of Maryland, it was converted into a National cemetery for the same purpose, to be governed by a board of trustees, representing the States whose dead should be interred therein, and who should join in its establishment.

Besides New York, the States of New Jersey, Minnesota, Maine, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Massachsetts, Ohio, Indiana, Vermont and Michigan have joined the association and made appropriations for its support. New York has a larger interest than any of these States in this cemetery, from the greater proportion of her sons who fell in the battle. Of thirty-one officers and two thousand four hundred and sixty-two private soldiers whose remains had been identified and interred up to the 23d of May last, nine officers and seven hundred and thirty-six soldiers were from New York, and this number has since been increased, the total burials in November last being reported at four thousand six hundred and seventy-five. A very clear and satisfactory account is given by the Commissioner of the care with which the interments have been conducted, with a view to the identification of each particular grave, and of the substantial character of the improvements on the cemetery grounds, and the prudence and judgment with which the funds have been applied. The appropriation by this State of ten thousand dollars will cover its share of the entire cost of completing the cemetery and all the proposed improvements. It yet remains to provide for head stones, with a brief inscription, for the grave of each soldier, and a pro rata contribution toward the monu