penditures, many of which, established during the period of inflation and fixed at rates now extravagant, have become needless burdens upon the taxpayers. Especially is this true in the city of New York. Overburdened with debt largely created by the criminality of faithless officials, the expenses of the city government should be reduced to a frugal and economical basis. All measures calculated to simplify the methods and promote the stability of local as well as State administration, or secure efficient and economical discharge of official duty are earnestly commended to your favorable consideration and support. CONCLUSION. We enter upon our duties under circumstances which mark an interesting event in the history of the State. For the first time since the organization of our State government in 1777, the executive officers and the members of both branches of the Legislature were chosen simultaneously at the recent election. A trust of unusual magnitude, therefore, is committed to us, for the faithful performance of which we shall justly be held to strict accountability. Commissioned as the representatives of a grand constituency, unequaled in enterprise, wealth, and power, may we be impressed with the gravity of our responsibilities, and solemnly resolve to be guided by worthy motives in every official action. ALONZO B. CORNELL. By unanimous consent, Mr. Husted offered for the consideration of the House a resolution in the words following: Resolved (if the Senate concur), That there be printed of the Governor's message 15,000 copies, of which 5,000 shall be in German, the cost not to exceed 13 cents per page per 100 copies, 1,000 to be bound in cloth for the use of the Governor. Mr. Speaker put the question whether the House would agree to the resolution, and it was determined in the affirmative. Ordered, That the Clerk deliver said bill to the Senate, and request their concurrence therein. Mr. Curtis offered for the consideration of the House a resolution in the words following: Resolved, That the regular sessions of this House commence at 11 o'clock A. M. Mr. Bradley moved to amend by adding at end of resolution the words "and end at two o'clock." Mr. Speaker put the question whether the House would agree to said motion, and it was determined in the negative. Mr. Speaker then put the question whether the House would agree to said resolution, and it was determined in the negative. Mr. Alvord moved that when this House adjourns to-day it be to meet to-morrow morning at eleven A. M. Mr. Speaker put the question whether the House would agree to said motion, and it was determined in the affirmative. Mr. Husted moved that this House do now take a recess until four P. M. Mr. Speaker put the question whether the House would agree to said motion, and it was determined in the affirmative. FOUR O'CLOCK P. M. The House again met. Mr. Skinner from the committee appointed to examine the ballots to be used in drawing seats, reported that they had examined the same and found them correct. The members of the Assembly then retired to the rear of the Chamber, and each member, as his name was called, selected his seat as fol lows: Mr. Speaker announced the appointment of Wm. N. Haskell as Mr. John Warner appeared before the bar of the House and took Mr. Speaker presented the report of the State Board of Audit, which (See Doc. No. 10.) On motion of Mr. Hayes, and at 5 o'clock and 30 minutes the WEDNESDAY MORNING, JANUARY 7, 1880. The House met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer by Rev. P. H. Krohne, of Troy. The journal of yesterday was read and approved. Mr. Speaker presented the twenty-sixth annual report of the Department of Public Instruction; which was laid on the table and ordered printed. (See Doc. No. 11.) Also, presented annual report of the New Capitol Commissioners and General Superintendent; which was laid on the table and ordered printed. (See Doc. No. 8.) Also, presented the report of the special committee appointed by the Assembly, 1879, to confer with the Capitol Commissioners in relation to making such alterations in the Assembly Chamber as would improve the acoustic qualities. (See Doc. No. 9.) Mr. Alvord moved that said report be printed and referred to the committee on ways and means. Mr. Speaker put the question whether the House would agree to said. motion, and it was determined in the affirmative. Mr. Speaker presented the annual report of the Comptroller; which was laid upon the table and ordered printed. (See Doc. No. 3.) Mr. Clark introduced a bill entitled "An act to amend chapter 34 of the Laws of 1858, entitled An act to make school district number nine in the town of Pomfret a union free school district,' ›" which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on public education, when appointed. Mr. Curtis introduced a bill entitled "An act to authorize the sale by towns and villages, in the county of Chenango, of capital stock in railroad companies," 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. Mr. Sheridan introduced a bill entitled "An act to regulate the sale of intoxicating liquors, wines, ale and beer 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 internal affairs, when appointed. Also, the bill entitled "An act to regulate the employment of convicts and prisoners in State prisons, jails and penitentiaries," 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. Also, the bill entitled "An act to amend an act entitled 'An act to amend chapter 467 of the Laws of 1862, entitled An act to prevent the adulteration of milk, and prevent the traffic in impure and un wholesome milk,' passed May 2, 1864," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on internal affairs, when appointed. Mr. Wren introduced a bill entitled "An act to restrict convict labor in State prisons, penitentiaries, work-houses, reformatories, and all penal institutions," 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. Mr. C. S. Baker introduced a bill entitled "An act to repeal certain acts and parts of acts exempting persons and property from taxation," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on ways and means, when appointed. Mr. Wells introduced a bill entitled "An act to amend an act entitled 'An act to amend chapter 147 of the Laws of 1876, entitled An act granting to the United States the right to acquire the right of way necessary for the improvement of the Harlem river and SpuytenDuyvil creek, from the North river to the East river, through the Harlem kills, and ceding jurisdiction over the same,' passed May 20, 1879," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on federal relations, when appointed. Mr. Cohen introduced a bill entitled "An act to exempt charitable institutions from the payment of water tax rent," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time, and referred to the committee on cities, when appointed. Mr. I. I. Hayes introduced a bill entitled "An act relative to the incorporation of religious societies, which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read the second time. On motion of Mr. Hayes and by unanimous consent, said bill was read a third time. Mr. Speaker put the question whether the House would agree to the final passage of said bill, and it was determined in the affirmative, a majority of all the members elected to the Assembly voting in favor thereof, and three-fifths of said members being present. |