IJV GEO. \V. £25)1VJ5.11'.
NEW SERIES.
Select jAoctnj.
Eife aicd Death.
BY J. S. HOLBROOKE.
Awak* ! awak<*! th# ro/y hill*
Are abaiipriled with ro-y lt!:t.
The waving forest-, warbling rills,
All worship God aright.
Where trees like emerald pillars rise,
Axhild i- kneeling on the -od,
iter fare is looking on the skies,
Her heart Las gone to God.
Her prayer is aid, she raises now,
stfje eek- the clear, familiar bower,
Shadowed by many a leafy bough,
Perfumed by many a iiovver.
With fingers pale the bridal vine
Still cla-ps her forest lord, and strays
Where warm voluptuous sunbeams slime
A thousand different ways ;
Or hang: fh" curtain that she waves
In fold- before the temple fair;
A lovely tapestry ol leaves
That stirs with every air.
The child approached the lone retreat,
With quickened step and eager eye ;
She called—Awake 1 oh. sister sweet!
Put there was no reply.
She (few the leafy veil apart.
She looked above, but nothing said ;
And entering with a heating heart,
She stood before the dead.
Alone and with the dead she stood.;
The dead, asleep among the flowers,
That ye-tej night tier band bad strewed,
Marked not the changing hours.
She knew not it was morning prime,
Shall never know the -ilei.t noon,
Snail never heed the twillight time,
.Nor chronicle the nioou.
A broken lily in her hand.
A dumping rose on drooping head ;
Even Nature seemed to onderslaitd,
Her queeiiltest flower lay dead.
The child, with aspect sad and still,
Stood gazing at her sister's side,
Content, if it bad been God's will,
That moment to have died.
She fcit like Eve. when Eden's gate
Had closed on her forever more;
She felt that life was (i**-oiate,
That Paiudtse was o'er.
No tear- are hers, for tears are vain,
The heart and not the robe i- rent ;
If God w on gives will take again,
'Tis felly to lament.
Then drop the curtain, fold by fold,
Over the consecrated bower,
And veil from curious eye- and rold,
The dead and living tlower.
What is Hanjttufss ?
BY ROBER T JOHNSON.
Hours of bliss ar" now departed,
>cenes ill childhood, hope a' I joy,
All aie gone, we. broken-hearted,
Sigh tor days that b!e--ed the boy ;
Tlur' some transient gleams of glory
Tloat acros- our manhood's prime,
Yet old age soon tell-the story,
Happiness is not lor tinie.
Here 'mid earth's doln ive pleasure ;
Golden streams HI prospect flow,
Holding out each w i-hed-for treasure,
I.ver gliding as they go.
'Till you think you're at the fountain,
U hem e to diavv life's pleasure free ;
'i hen like shadows on the mountain,
They will leave no trace tor thee.
. YY arror, statesman, man of trade,
Tell me plainly it you can,
Where tins earth has ever made
Perfect happiness for roan.
1- it in the halls ot nations t
Is it on the tented held f - .
Js it linked with riches, stations 7
Tell ine where it can he found.
Pleasure's votary, have von found it
in the giddy rounds of life 7
Tin' in Bacchus' cup you'd drown it,
Has your conscience ceased its strife?
In the gilded hall- Of folly
There's a drug to clog the soul,
And will leave its melancholy
Though you drown it in the bowl.
\\ here, then, doe- true jov await us
YV here's the refuge we can meet 7
\\ Imn all other- -hall forsake us,
We would know some safe retreat;
I ell ns. then, since man can tell not,
Ye bright -eraphs near the throne,
II in all thy rounds some bright -pot
Ye have found to us unknown.
ihen an angel robed in beauty,
"-looped while in hi- heavenward ilight,
High invested with the duty.
Points poor man to joys more bright.. _
Bic- him take, though oft rejected,
I hat which Time and seme outlive :
though late and long neglected,
Joys which nought but Heaven can give.
RiGilT OF COLORED PERSONS TO VOTE.
Mr. I). L. Smith, a representative from Al
legheny county, read in the Pennsylvania Le
gislature, a few days since, the following bill :
*'U\ JiCT to confer upon colored persons the
of Citi en ship.
Sec. 1. That from and after the passage of
this act, all colored male persons of African or
ibixed extraction, who are now or mav hereaf
ter become residents of this Commonwealth, be
Peemen, and are hereby entitled to all the ci
treligious and political rights, as fully and
amply, to all intents and purposes, as the same
a ' e enjoyed and held by any person, or persons.
Giizetjsof this Commonwealth.
Reception <if Gov. Pollock—the €crcmo-|
nics at the Capitol.
\V hen Gov. POLLOCK made his appearance
to take ids place in the procession, lie was
creeled with enthusiastic and long continued
cheers, by 'be thousands of people who throng
ed the streets and side-walks. After gracefully
acknowledging the compliment, the Governor!
elect took hi- seat in the carriage, and the pro
cession moved though various streets to the
Capitol, w here from ten to fifteen thousand peo- ;
pie were already assembled. The Governor
elect, accompanied BY Gov. BIGLI:;:, Ex-Gov
ernors JOHNSTON and POUTRK, the officers and
members of the legislature, and the various;
committees, was escorted to the portico of the
Capitol, where a platform had been erected lor
the occasion. As Gov. POLLO'-K ascended the
steps, he was greeted with three enthusiastic,
heart-warm cheers, bv the immense concourse j
of people who filled the spacious enclosure.—
Rev. ALFRBII COOK MA \ then approached the
front of the stand, and addressed the Throne of
Giace in the following earnest, impressive ami
eloquent prayer, appropriate to the soiemn oc
casion :
'•Who is like unto Thee, oh Lord, among the
Gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in ho
llies:;, fearful in praises, doing wonders. Thou
art Lie Author ol the world, the Creator of ire n,
the Ruler of Nations, and the E-tahlisher of
Governments. Sensible of our entire depen
dence upon Thee, we would come into Thy au
gust presenc.e~trith all that reverence and hu
mility which are due to Thy greatness, and with
ali that hope and love which Thv goodness
should inspire. Look Complacently upon os,
and let the words of our lips, and the medita
tions of our hcurst he acceptable in Thy sight,
oh Lord I our strength and our Redeemer !
Reminded b v sun tumding circumstances of
our national blessings, we would render Thee
heartfelt praise for this good land which tin* j
Lord our G d hath given us—a land distinguish
ed I,*v knowledge—dignified as theabodeof civil
ant! religious liberty, and endeared to our hearts ;
bv the patriot'- Zeal and tie ashes of our fore
fathers. GnrLof Nations, sanctify and perpetu
ate our civil arid sacred pri\ileg-s. let the fu
ture of our country's hi-toiy lie rriore prosper- ■
ous arid glorious than the past. Upon this,
Freedom's fair heritage, Ft the bright cloud of
the Divine glory continually rest, and upon ail
tins glorv he Then an unfailing and abiding tie
fence. Lies- the President of the United Slates,
hi- advisers in Cabinet council, our Represents- ;
lives in National Congress assembled, the Judge*
of our supreme and subordinate Courts, tin* ,
Governors and Leg Jators ofkiui various Stales, ;
and all who are in positions of authority, and
responsibility, and honor. Give unto them
that wisdom which is profitable to direct, and :
may their conduct, both public and private, he j
marked by the strictest justice and the most un
swerving integrity. Graciously remember, oh !
Lord, Thv servant, our Governor, who tlii
duv retires from a station which he has occu
pied with credit to himself, and with profit to !
the people. We praise Tie e lor the peace and !
prosperity which have prevailed duriitgAhe en-i
tire term of his official service. Accompany
him into other spheres, and mav his conduct in
the future be characterized by the same purity
of intention and uprightness ot action which j
have yver dignified and adorned his life in the
past.
And now we earnestly and unitedly invoke
the richest blessings of thy Grace upon the
Govern";- i-hft, who, with all the solemnities I
o! an oath, will this day he inducted into his !
new and responsible office. \ i.-it him as Thou j
did.-t M es in the hush, Joshua in the battle.
Gideon in the field, and Samuel in the temple.]
Give him the blessing of David and of Solo- ]
uan. L-t this riav, so blight and beautiful, be
emblematic of his prosperous Administration J
and happy life. Kindly t 'aid those who ;
shaM be associated with him in the various de
partments ot t in' State government. May they
he men of clean hands and pure hearts, always j
acting vv i'li a reference to the Divine will ant; i
the public good—mav they eventually lie re-j
warded with the delightful plaudit of "well
done, good and faithful servants." Hear our
prayers—forgive our sins—accept our praises—
and at fast may we form a part of that might
ier multitude who, encompassing the Eferr.a! j
Throne, fin ! (heir highest joy in ascribing un-j
divided praises to Father, Son and Holy (/host,!
f'n ever. Amen."
At the conclusion of Mr. COOK VAN'S eloquent !
prayer, GRO. VV. HAIIMF.KSL.Y, Esq.. C'i* rk of
the Senate, read the certificate of 'elect! n.
when Gov. Pollock was esc <rtel In the front < i j
the platform, vvhave the oath of olfice was ad
ministered to iiim by Mr. HIRSTKR, President
of the Senate, in the presence of thousands of I
his fill ivv citizens. During this brief hut sol- !
emn ceremony, the stillness o{ death reigned]
throughout the vast assembly. Having been i
duly qualified in the form required !>v the Con
stitotion, tiie Governor proceeded to the deiiv- :
ery of Ins inaugural address, as follows :
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
GOV E RS 0 R POL L 0 C K,
.U.XT.7RY 1(5, 1855.
FEI.LOW-CJTI7.ENS :—Custom, sanctions, and j
demands, a brief declaration of tin* principles,
and policy, to be adopted and pursued by an j
Executive about to assume tin* functions of that-,
ofiicc. The character of our institutions demon- !
strates the propriety of such declaration. All j
the just poweis of the Government emanate
from the peopte, and to them sboujd be com
municated the manner in which it is proposed
to execute the powers conferred.
Tim people are sovereign : and in the exer-j
cise of their sovereignty, they have "ordained
and established" a Constitution for the govern
ment of the State. That Constitution, I have,
this day, in the presence of my fellow-citizens, j
and of Him who is the searcher of hearts—and j
BEDFORD, P.A.'FRIDAY MORNING, JAN. 26, 1855.
I with humble reliariceon His wisdom to direct—
| sworn to support. The high powers therein
| delegated to the respective co-ordinate branches
i of the government arecleariv expressed and de
fined. Side by side with the grant of powers,
! stands the declaration of the rights of the peo
: pie, recognizing the general, great and essen
tial principles of liberty ami free government.
To guard against the transgression of the povv
] ers delegated : a/id to preserve forever inviolate
the rights, liberties, ami privileges ol the citizen,
"Ethos declared, will he both a duly and a plea
sure, in full harmony with every sentiment of
my heart, everv impulse of my nature.
Republican institutions are the pride, n,r.
justly the glorv of our country. To enjoy them
is- our privilege, to maintain them our duty. —
Civil and religious liberty freedom of speech,
and of to*- press, the tights of conscience, and
freedom of worship—ar*- the birthright and the
j boast of the American citizen. No roval edict,
no pontifical decree can restrain or destroy them.
In the enjoyment of these bhs.-ings, the rich
and tlie poor, tlie high and the low, meet to
gether— the constitution, in its f\dl scope and
ample development, shields and protects them
a!!. When these rights are assailed, these pn
vileges endangered, either by mid ambition, or
by influences foreign to the hue interests of the
Nation, and at war with love of country that
noble impulse of the American heart, which
prompts it to revere home and native land as
sacred oijects ol its af.'ections—it is then the bal
lot box in its-omnipotence, speaking in tlmnder
tones tiie will of the people, rebukes the wrong,
and vindicates the freedom of the nftin—the in
dependence of the citizen. To the American
people have these blessings been committed as a
sacred trust: thev-are, and must ever be, their
guardians and defenders. The American citi
zen, indi j endent and free, uninfluenced by j ar
tizaii attachments, uhaw ed by ecclesiastical uu
thoritv or ghostly intolerance—in the sirengtii
i of fearless manhood, and in the bold assertion of
j his rights—should exhibit to the world a living
illustration of the superior benefits of American
Republicanism: proc aiming a true and single
allegiance to hi* country, and to no other power
but "the God that made and preserves us as a
Nation."
Virtue, intelligence and truth are the founda
tion of our Republic. Bv these our institutions
and privileges can, and will be pteserved. Ig
norance is not the mother of patriotism, or of
Republics. J is the enemy and destroyer of
both. Education, in its enlightening, elevating
and reforming influences, in the lull power of its
beneficent result*, should lie encouraged by tl.ej
r:at**yj Not that wre intellect rial cn'fthr** thai
leaves the mind a mora! wa>te, unfit to under
stand the duties ofthe man or citizen, but that
higher education, founded upon, directed and
cotitrofed hv sound and, < levated moral princi
ple —that recognizes the Bride as she foundation
of true knowledge, as the text-hook alike ol the
: child and the American Stat, swan, and as the
: great charter and bulwark of civil and religious
freedom. The know ledge thus acquired is tin*
power conservative of States and nations: mure
potent in its energy to uphold the institutions
j of freedom and the rights n an, than armies and i
j navies in tr>*-ir proudest strength.
! The trainers of our constitution understood
this, and wisely provided jbr the establishment
I of schools and "tiie promotion of the arts and
: sciences, in one or more seminaries of learn
ing," that tiie advantages ot education might be
be enjoyed by ail.
To improve tin* efficiency of this system, not
onlv hv perfecting our common schools, hut bv
j encouraging and aiding "one or more'" higher
literary institutions, in which teacbeis can he
; trained and qualified : and to increase tiie fund
• appropriated to educational | urj"O's, are objects
: which w ill at a!! times rec- ive my willing np
i proval. Motley liberally, vet'wisely, expended
in the pursuit and promotion of knowledge is
; true economy. The integrity of this system
i ami its fund must lie preserved. No division of
! this fund for political or sectarian purposes
| should ever he made or attempted. To divide
iis to destroy. Party and sectarian jealousies
j would be engendered ; the unity and the l;ai
tr.onv ofthe system destroyed, and its noble ob
jects frustrated and defeated. Bigotry might
rejoice, patriotism would weep over such a re
; suit.
j In the performance ofthe duties now* devolv
| ed upon me, it vv ill he my desire to aid, bv ail
: constitutional and legal means, the development
j ofthe resources of the State : and to encourage
! and promote her agricultural, mining, manufac
turing and commercial interests. A kind Pro
vidence has bestow ed upon u, vv ith a lib. nil
j hind, all the elements of wealth and greatness.
Our valleys and plains offer their f"i!i!e soil to
tin* plough-share of the husbandman, and re-
I ward with their rich productions his honorable
! toil. Cur inexhaustible coal fields; our rich
I iron deposits ; limestone everywhere, and just j
i where most required : the interminable fbrest.
; and our rushing streams : all invite the energy
; and enterprise of our citizens to the develop- ;
merit of their treasures, and promise a rich re
] ware! to their labors. The smoke ofour furnaces,
j the crash of rolling-mills; the hum ofthe spin- j
j die* . and tlie din of the workshop, attest the
energy and manufacturing skill of our people ; j
] and whilst the plough, the loom, and tlie anvil,
| unite in the ptoiluction of Wealth, commerce, hv
j her Thousand avenues, is hearing their valuable i
and abundant products to our marts of trade.—
Amidst all these great interests, and their ra- '
] pid and almost romantic development, it is a
; matter nf congratulation that agriculture, in its
| various departments, has awakened public at- i
j tent ion to its importance, and claimed and re- j
ceived from science the tribute of its aid. Penn
sylvania, so deeply interested in the success of j
her agricultural industry, cannot be indifferent ;
to the laudable efforts now making to perfect
and advance this first, and noblest, pursuit of
man. This, and all other branches of industry,
should receive the fostering care and encourage- j
I merit ofthe Government.
j The interests ofour great commercial empori- 1
Freedom of Thought and Opinion.
jura should receive the considerate attention ofj
the Legislature. Her manufactures, trade and 1
j commerce, are of great and inci easing impor- ;
tance, and Philadelphia, as consolidated, in pop- j
illation, wealth, enterprise and intelligence, ;
ranks and livals the first cities of the Union. To
i make her the first among the cities of otir coun
try, should he the pride of every Pennsylvanian.
Her interests are so identified with the interests
of the State, that they cannot he seperated with- ]
out injury to both. A prudent and liberal sys
tem of 1. gislat ion, appropriate to her real wants,
! would promote her own and the interests of tin*
j Common wealth.
A sound currency is essential to the prosperi- J
tv of a commercial people. All classes ol s>-
ciety, and every branch of industry, in their
I varied interests and economical relations, are in
terested in securing and maintaining a safe cir
i . •
cuiating medium. To accomplish tins result,,
wise nn<l prudent legislation is necessary. The
creation of a well regulated, and carefully guar
ded system of hanking, is not only sound policy,
hut beneficial to the legitimate trade and coin- ;
tnerce of tlie country ; and aids in developing
her great natural and industrial resources. Cur
i present system (('tanking, with the limita
tions, restrictions and liabilities, individual and
otherwise, imposed by law on tiie>e institutions,
has become the settled policy of the State.—
The checks and guards thrown around them j
should not he lessened or removed. Their own
sal* ty, and the security of the public, require
Their continuance.
Notice of numerous intended applications to
the Legislature for new hanks, an increase of
banking capital and savings institutions, has
j been given as required by the constitution.—
Without desiring to assume a hostile attitude
towards all hanks, the propriety of incorpora
ting all that mav be called lor, under the notice
given, cannot he justified or defended. The
extravagant, improper or unreasonable increase
ofbanks and banking capital, is not demanded
by the wants of tin* community, and wifT not,
and cannot be sanctioned by the Executive. The
j present commercial and financial embarrassment i
ofthe country: tiie riepressi d state of trade : past
■ expeirertce. and tin* more recent exj**.tience ol j
i our sister States, as seen in their ruined banks i
; and depreciated currency, demonstrate the ne
cessity of legislating cautiously and prudently
j oil tins subject.
The number of banks, and consequently the
amount of banking capita! should be limited to, j
and regulated bv, the proper demands of active j
, and healthy trade, and the actual business wants j
land necessities q!' < This policy, j
Mionestfy insisted upirari(l pursued, would pro
tect the country from the disastrous consequen
ces of improvident banking. An extraordinary
nod unnecessary increase of banks and banking
facilities, irr seasons of great general prosperity,
leads to extravagant and ruinous speculation.—
Such increase in times ot commercial distress,
aggravates and prolongs the evils it was design
ed to remedy. Entertaining these views] will
not hesitate to sanction the re-cl:arlering of old
and solvent banks, which hv prudent and care
ful management, and an homst adherence to
' the h •ritimat.* purp <s"<; <>i their creation, have
merited and received the confidence of the pub
lic. Nor will I refuse to sanction the incorpo
ration of new banks, when indispensably necer
sarr and cb arly demanded by the actual busi
ness wants arid interests of the community iti
which they may be located. To no other, and
under no other circumstances, can 1 yield tiie i
Executive consent. "f
To promote the welfare and prosperity of the
Commonwealth, hv regulating and increasing
h-r finances, economizing her re>■ mew, main
taining Iter credit, reducing h*r debt, and re
lieving lor people from oppressive taxation,
will fie the objects of mv anxious desire ; and
to the accomplishment ot which every energy ot i
mv administration will he directed. I tie pub
lic debt, now exceeding forty millions of dol
lars, and the annua! taxation necessatv to meet
the payment of its interest, seriously affect the
great industrial interests of the State; drive la
bor and capital from the commonwealth : pre- ;
vent the extension and completion of her noble
system ol edurat ion, and the prosecution of those 1
laudable schemes of benevolence, which at once
benefit, dignifv and adorn a tree and enlighten
ed people. 1 *
Every consideration of Stale pride, every
motive of interest, require ds reduction and
speedv liquidation, bv every available and
practicable means. To secure this object, rig
id economy in cverVTlepartm.ent ot the gov-j
eminent : retrenchment in the public expendi
tures: strict accountability in all the receiving ;
and disbursing officers of the Commonwealth; ;
and an honest and faithful discharge of duty by j
all her agents, would contribute ninth, and al- ] <
so save millions to the Treasury. >
Created by the State, in the prosecution and :
management of her system of internal improve- :
meats—a system characterized by "prodigality, I
extravagance ami corrupt political favoritism' ;
—tlie sale of these improvements, or at least of ;
the 'main iine,'as a means of reducing this debt, .
lessening taxation, and saving our financial!]
credit, has for many years occupied the atlen- j l
tion ofthe people, and their representatives.— ;
i Bills for the sale ofthe main line have been,;
passed bv three different Legislatures, two of i
which were approved by the Governors then in ; J
! office. The people, on the question being sub- |
! mil ted to them in LS+4-, decided, by a large; I
' majority, in favor of the sale ; and yet these ] t
works, from the defective character oi the laws
! authorizing the sale, the restrictions contained |
*in ihem, and from other causes, remain unsold, i
| Public sentiment, found on economical, moral ] t
and political considerations, still demands, and ; ]
tiie public welfare still requires, their sale. (
The consideration to be paid, the mode, terms (
and conditions of the sale, ought to be carefully t
considered. Just and liberal inducements I
should l>e offered to purchasers, whilst at the i
same time the people should be protected against t
* wrong and imposition. By avoiding the errors '
!of former legislation, a safe on terms favorable I
| to the State, and beneficial to the purchaser,
may lie secured.
it is vain to hope for a reduction of the debt,
and relief fiom taxation, without a sale of the
whole, or part, of our public improvements.—
Incumbered with debts, and taxed to support a
system, the management of which has been
marked bv extravagance, expenditure, fraudu
lent speculation, and a reckless disregard of pub
lic interests, the people demand relief and re
lease from these burdens. The press and the ;
ballot box have decfated the popular will on
this subject, and that will should he obeyed.—
Duty and a conviction of its propriety, will
prompt me to give a cordial support, to the ac
complishment of this object.
In this connection, and whether a sale ofall
or any of the public improvements be effected
or not, the abolition or reorganization of the
Board of Canal Commissioners, and the substi
tution of sotre other efficient an I responsible
system of management, are suljects worthy of
consideration. Every measure of reform in
this regard, calculated to increase the efficiency
and responsibility of the supervisory power :
protect tlie interests of the State ; and correct
the real or alleged abuses of the present system,
will receive my approval.
The people having in the recent election de
cided against the passage of the law prohibit
ing the manufacture and sale of spirituous li
quors, it w ill bec*ime the duty of the Legisla
ture and Executive to consider what other leg
islation may be necessary to control and cor
rect the evils of intemperance. Cur present li
cense system, although highly penal, and cor
rective of many abuses, is Still defective. The
facility with which licenses are obtained for the
sale of malt and other liquors, is an **v j| that de
mands reform. The number of places in which
these are sotd, should he limited by law; and
no license gr(tnt"d unless by the courts, and in
the manner now required in the case of public
inns and taverns : and subject to the sime reg
ulations, restrictions and penalties.
The desecration ofthe Sabbath by a traffic so
fruitful of evil, and so demoralizing in its Je
suits, is in direct opposition to the law of God,
and the moral sentiment of the people: and is
a reproach to tlie age in which we live. A
stringent and comprehensive law, remedial in
its provisions, and vindicating tlie great law of
the Sabbath, in its physical and moral relations
to u an, is required, not only by the moral sense
<>f community, hut would be justified by every
sentiment ot humanity, every consideration ot
philanthropy, every impulse of pure and gen
uine patriotism. The history of intemperance
is written in tears and blood. Pauperism, tax
ation and crime follow in its train. A remedy ]
should be applied ; and public sentiment, with
the full force olds moral sanction, will approve
ail prudent and constitutional legislation on this
subject.
The pardoning power /—the harmonious blend
ing of mercy and justice in our Constitution
w ill be exercised with a just regard to both
these important principles. With every desire
to extend mercv to the unfortunate and repen
tant transgressor, justice, in her stern demands,
will not be overlooked by tlie pardon of the
vicious and hardened criminal. This power
has been conferred on the Executive, not to
overthrow the administration of justice, hut to
aid and promote it. It should be exercised
with great caution, and onlv upon tlie most sat
isfactory assurance that it is due to the con
demned, and that the rights and security of the
public will not be prejudiced by the act. To
prevent the abuse of this power, and fo protect
tiie Executive from imposition, notice of the in
tended application should be published in ttie
city or county where the trial and conviction
took place.
Experience has demonstrated the impolicy of
subscriptions hv municipal corporations, to the
stock of railroad companies. This is especially
true m relation to county subscriptions. The
practice should be avoided, or at least not en
couraged bv future legislation.
Legislation, so fin* as practicable, should be
genera! and uniform. Local and special legis
lation ought to be discouraged, when the object
can be obtained bv general laws. Its tendency
is pernicious: and general principles, and pub
lic good, are often sacrificed to secure personal
and private benefits. "Omnibus legislation"
being improper in itself, and demoralizing in its
influence, can not receive my sanction. The
views and practice ofjnv immediate predeces
sor on this subject, meet*rny cordial approval.
Pennsylvania, occupying as slra does an im
portant and pioud position in the sister-hood ot
States, can not be indifferent to the policy and
acts of the National Government. Her voice,
potential for good in other days, ought not to he
disregarded now. Devoted to the Constitution
and tlie Union—as she was the first to sanction,
slu* will he tlie last to endanger the one, or vio
late thp other. Regarding with jealous care
the rights of her sister States, she will be ever
ready to defend her own. The blood of her
sons poured out on the many battle-fields of the
Revolution, attests her devotion to the great
principles of American 4 freedom—the centre
truth of American republicanism. To the Con
stitution in all its integrity ; to the Union in its
strength and harmony : to the maintenance in
its purity, of the faith and honor ofour country,
Pennsylvania now is, and always has been
pledged—a pledge never violated, and not to
lie violated, until patriotism ceases to be a vir
tue, and liberty to he known only as a name.
Entertaining these sentiments, and actuated
by an exclusive desire to promote the peace,
harmony and welfare ofour beloved country,
Ihe recent action of the National Congu ss and
Executive, in repealing a solemn compromise,
only less sacred in public estimation than the
Constitution itself—thus attempting to extend
the institution of domestic Slavery in the terri
torial domain ofthe Nation, violating the plight
ed faith and honor of the country, arousing sec
tional jealousies, and renewing the agitation of
vexed and distracting questions—has received
from tlie people ofour own and oilier States of
TSERAI*, §2 PER YEAR.
VOL XXflf, NO. 24.
the Union, their stern and merited rebuke.
With no desire to restrain the hill and entire
constitutional rights of the States, nor to inter
fere directly or indirectly with their domestic
institutions, the people of Pennsylvania, in
view ot the repeal of the Missouri Compromise,
the principle involved in it, and the consequen
ces resulting from it, as marked already by
fraud, violence, and strife : have re-affirmed
their opposition to the extension of slavery into
, territory now free, and renewed their pledge
"to the doctrines of the act of 1780, which re
lieved us by constitutional means horn a griev
ous social evil: to the great ordinance of 1787,
in its full scope and all its beneficent principles;
to the protection ol the personal iights of every
human being under the Constitution of Penn
sylvania, and the Constitution of the United
States, by maintaining inviolate the tnal by
jury, and the writ of habeas corpus : to the as
sertion of the due rights of the .North, as well
as of the South, and to tire • integrity of the
Union."
The declaration of these doctrines, is but the
recognition of the fundamental principles of
freedom and human rights. They are neither
new nor startling. Thev were taught by patri
otic fathers at the watch-fires of our country's
defenders; and learned amid the bloody snows
of Valley Forge, and the mighty throes of war
and revolution. They were stamped with in
delible impress upon the great charter of our
right, arid embodied in the legislation of the
best and puri st days of the Republic : have fill
ed the hearts, and fell burning fiom the lips of
i orators and Statesmen, whose ntemosies are im
mortal as the principles they cherished. They
have been the watch-word and the hope of mil
lions, who have gone before us, are the natch
word and the hope of millions now, and will
be of millions vet unborn.
In many questions of National and truly
American policy—the due protection < I Amer
ican labor and. industry, against the depressing
influence of foreign labor and capital", the in>-
provement of our harbors and rivers: the Na
tional defences ; the equitable distribution of the
proceeds ofthe public lands among the Slates,
in aid ot education and to relieve from debt and
taxation : a judicious "homestead hill reform
in the naturalization laws: and the protection
of our country against the inui igration and im
portation of foreign paupers and convicts—in
all these, we, as a State and people, rue deeply
interested : and to their adoption and promotion
every encouragement should be given.
To the people of my native State, who have
called me to preside over her destinies, ] re
turq the tribute -of my warmest gratitude for
the honor conferred ; and my pledge to them
this day, that "I will try" to realize their ex
pectations, and not betray their confidence, in
assuming the responsibilities of this high office,
I would be false to myself and to the feelings
that now oppress me, should I hesitate to affirm
my unaffected distrust in my ability to dis
charge its appropriate duties in a manner com
mensurate with their importance. If I cannot
secure, 1 will labor to deserve the confidence
and approbation of my fellow citizens. ]do
not expect, I date not hope, to escape censure.
Deserved Censure I w ill try to avoid, all other
to disregard. Conscious of the rectitude of my
intention- : with no ambitious desires to grati
fy : no resentments to cherish : no wish, but for
tiie public good ; ii will be nty endeavor to per
form every duty faithfully and fearlessly, ami
having c n* this, will abide the judgment of a
generous people: assured that if they condemn
the act, they will at least award to me tile meed
of good intention.
With the constitution for my guide; "equal
and exact justice to a!!'* nay desire: the great
est good ofthe greatest number mv object—and
invoking the aid and blessing of the Cod of our
fathers, and desiring to rule in his fear—my
outv, and highest ambition, will be to promote
the true interests of the State, maintain our civ
il and religions privileges, defend the honor,
and advance the prosperity and happiness ot
our Country.
JAMES POLLOCK.
ROUSTING OF A MOLNTAN. —We learn from
a gentleman in Scott county, that a mountain,
about five miles from Waldron, has exploded
three times dui ing the last week. The explo
sions were very loud and terrific, causing the
earth around to quake, throwing up stones and
earth, and filling the atmosphere with clouds of
dust and smoke. The repor tof one of the ex
plosions was heard in the vicinity of this town
a few mornings since, a distance of forty-five or
fifty miles. The earth on the mountain has
sunk to a considerable depth. The people in
tiie vicinity are very much alarmed.— These
are the facts as far as we are able to learn : but
we hear more fully and particularly in a lew
days. What does it mean ? Are we to have
a volcano in our State, belching forth fire and
smoke, and hurling red-hot stones into the at
mosphere, and filling the valleys around with
melted lava?— Fort Sntii.h lhuld. Dec. lb.
DAMAGICS AGAINST A RAILROAD. —Horace
Colt, of Massachusets, has recovered §B,OOO
damages from the Southern Ruiliead Company
for alleged personal injuries, it appears he
was standing up in the cars at the time of a col
lision, and received a slight shock or jeik, as
one would be liable to in such a case while
standing. From this shock, it is said, spinal
affection has resulted, which has doomed Mr.
Colt to the life of a helpless cripple. He sued
lor -$'20,000 damages.
MR. BUCHANAN. —The Lancaster (Pa.) 1 ntelliuen
cer says that from letters receiver! by friends of -Mr.
Buchanan. >n that city, it >eems he intends to re
turn home in the month of October next—and not in
the spring, as stated by some of the papers. He
will then have remained abroad more than two
years, the period he expected to be absent when he
left. Mr. Sickles, his secretary, who returned home
in the Atlantic, tendered his resignation before leav
ing London.