bank is virtually inoperative at this time, excepting so far as their present means will enable them to redeem their circulation, pay depositors, or make collections; the Commissioner having required of them to subscribe an affidavit, in which they promised a suspension of all operations whereby their liabilities might be in any manner increased, until upon further investigation, he was satisfied of their ability to resume fully.

The undersigned takes this opportunity to say that he has great confidence in the integrity and honor of the president and other officers of the bank; that their assets are substantial, the united responsibilities of the directors very great, and their real estate securities ample and perfect; and from this combination of facts, constituting a guaranty to public security, he was induced to afford them an opportunity to sustain themselves, and thereby readily pay their debts, rather than close their operations by injunction and wind them up, under a process, though sure in its determination, yet naturally productive of delays and embarrassments to the public, and frequently of much loss in consequence thereof, to the bill holder and depositors.

Into the affairs of the Branch bank of Michigan, at Kalamazoo, the Commissioner was unable to make an examination, in consequence of the absence of the cashier at Detroit, and the indisposition of the person left in charge.

An examination into the condition of this institution, will be made as soon as practicable, and the result reported to your excellency immediately thereafter.

The payment of their tribute to the "safety-fund," has been by many of the banks neglected; but the importance of the requirement has been impressed, and its compliance insisted on, and assurances are given that all arreages shall be paid, and the law strictly conformed to hereafter.

Most of the banks under the general banking law, have furnished the full amount of real estate securities, required by it; some have even exceeded their quota, while others have not fully complied with the law. The banks in default have invariably been required by the undersigned, to perfect their securities, as soon as the actual amount of deficiency can be ascertained from the Auditor General; and to this end, as well as to have correct and authentic information of the amounts and condition of the securities pledged by all the banks within the district, a letter has been addressed to that office, requesting to be furnished with a statement of that description.

A full and immediate compliance with the law, in this respect, has been promised by the banks, whose securities are now imperfect and although in the present state, no injurious result to the public is apprehended, still it is important that the law should be

fully observed, and the Commissioner is determined to enforce it, to its extent.

All the banks within this district, except those in suspense, and under injunction, were at the time of their examination by the Commissioner, redeeming their bills in circulation, in specie or other funds satisfactory to the billholder, as he is informed and believes; and it may here be noticed that since their resumption of specie payments, an average of one third the aggregate amount of their whole circulation, has been redeemed and withdrawn.

In conclusion, the undersigned begs leave to state, that he considers the present responsibilities and resources of the several banking institutions, now in operation, within this district, an abundant and ample guaranty for the payment of all their present liabilities to the public; and although the cash resources of some of them are much diminished, owing to the constant draft upon them, produced by a combination of embarrassments, they have, notwithstanding, hitherto sustained themselves; and it remains to be ascertained how long they may continue erect, and how far their common participation in the relief promised by the sale and exportation of our immense surplus crop, their ability in consequence, to make collections, and a reliance upon their own proper resources, will be productive of substantial benefit, of freedom from peculiar embarrassments, and a restoration of public confidence in their integrity and ability.

The Commissioner most respectfully submits the foregoing, and has the honor to be,

Your excellency's obedient servant,
DIGBY V. BELL,

Bank Commissioner.

Ionia, September 3d, 1838.

(No. 15.)

Report of the Secretary of State, in relation to Salt Spring lands, &c.

To the Honorable KINSLEY S. BINGHAM,

Speaker of the House of Representatives:

In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives, requesting the Secretary of State to inform the House what saline lands have been located and confirmed for the state, and what have been located and not confirmed; and also whether the whole of the five sections granted to the state for the erection of public buildings have been located and confirmed, I respectfully submit the following report:

It is not made the duty of the Secretary of State to see to the location or confirmation of either the saline lands, or the lands granted to the state for the erection of public buildings; nor is there any law requiring a description of such lands, when located and confirmed, to be filed in this office. A list of lands selected for such purposes is on file in this office; but, for the reasons stated, he is unable to inform the House whether it does or does not include all of the lands selected and confirmed. All lands selected and confirmed, or selected only, for the purposes mentioned in the resolution of the House, of which there is any record in the office, will be found in the schedules hereto annexed.

Schedule A, contains a description of the saline lands that have been selected and confirmed; schedule B, a description of the lands selected and confirmed for the erection of public buildings; schedule C, a description of such saline lands and lands for the erection of public buildings as have been selected only.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

RANDOLPH MANNING,
Secretary of State.