TERMS OF PUBLICATION.
THE BEDFORD GAZETTE is published every Fri
dsv morning by METERS A MEN'GEI,, at $2.00 per
annum, if paid strictly in advance ; $2.50 if paid
within six months; $3.00 if not paid within six
onths. All subscription accounts M UST be
settled annually. No paper will bo sent out of
the State unless paid for ix ADVAXCE. and all such
subscriptions will invariably be discontinued at
the expiration of the time for which they are
paid.
All ADVERTISEMENTS for a less term than
three months TEX CENTS per line for each In
sertion. Special notices one-half additional All
resolutions of Associations; communications of
limited or individual interest, and notices of mar
riages and deaths exceeding five line/, ten cents
per line. Editorial notices fifteen cents per line.
All legal Notices of every kind, and Orphans''
Court and Judicial Sales, are required by late
to be published in both, papers published in this
place.
All advertising due after first insertion.
A liberal discount is made to persons advertising
by the quarter, half year, or year, as follows :
3 months. 6 months. 1 year.
♦One square - - - $4 50 sfi 00 $lO 00
Two squares ... 600 900 16 00
Three squares - - - 800 12 00 20 00
Quarter column - - 14 00 20 00 35 00
Half column - - - IS 00 25 00 45 00
One column - 30 00 45 00 SO 00
♦One square to occupy one inch of space.
JOB PRINTING, of every kind, done with
neatness and dispatch. THE GAZETTE OFFICE has
just been refitted with a Power Press and new type,
and everything in the Printing line can be execu
ted in the most artistic manner and at the lowest
rates.—TERMS CASH,
ir All letters should be addressd to
METERS A MEXGEL,
Publishers.
pnt-ftood'S, etc.
/SASH BUYERS, TAKE NOTICE!
SAVE YOUR GREENBACKS!
NEW
FALL AND WINTER GOODS,
just received,
At J. M. SHOEMAKER'S Store,
AT GREATLY REDUCED PRICES!
Having just returned from the East, we are now
opening a large stock of Fall and Winter Goods,
which have been BOUGHT FOR CASH, at nett
cash prices, and will be SOLD CHEAP. This be
ing the only full stock of goods brought to Bedford
this season, persons will be able to suit themselves
better, in style, quality and price, than at any
other store in Bedford. The following comprise a
few of our prices, viz :
Calicoes, at 10, 12, 14, 15, 10 and the
best at 18 cents.
Muslins at 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, and
and the best at 22 cents.
All Wool Flannels from 40cts. up.
French Merinoes, all wool Delaines, Coburgs, Ac.
SHAWLS Ladies', children's and misses'
shawls, latest styles ; ladies' cloaking cloth.
MEN'S WEAR —Cloths, cassimeres, satinetts.
jeans. Ae.
BOOTS AND SHOES--In this line we havo a
very extensive assortment for ladies, misses, chil
dren, and men's and boys' boots and shoes, all sizes
and prices, to suit all.
HATS—A large assortment of men's and boys'
hats.
CLOTHING—Men's and boys' coats, pants and
vests, all sizes and prices
SHIRTS, Ac.—Men's woolen and muslin shirts;
Shakspeare, Loekwood and muslin-lined paper
collars; cotton chain (single and double, white
and colored).
GROCERIES—Coffee, sugar, syrups, green and
black teas, spices of all kinds, dye-stuffs, Ac.
LEATHER—SoIe leather, French and city calf
skins, upper leather, linings. Ac.
IdsT We will sell goods on the same terms that
wc have been for the last three months—cash, or
note with interest from date. No bad debts con
tracted and no extra charges to good paying ens
tomers to make up losses of slow und never paying
customers. Cash buyers always get the best bar
gains, and their accounts are always settled up.
J. M. SHOEMAKER,
Bedford, 5ep.27,'67. No. 1 Anderson's Row.
10 per cent, saved in buying your
goods for cash, at J. M. SHOEMAKER'S cash and
produce store, No. 1 Anderson's Row.
sep27
BARGAINS!
The undersigned have opened a very full supply
of
FALL AND WINTER GOODS. \
Our stock is complete and is not surpassed in
EXTENT,
QUALITY AND CHEAPNESS.
The old system of
' I TR US TING FOR E VER''
having exploded, we are determined to
SELL GOODS UPON THE SHORTEST PROFIT <
FOR
CASH OR PRODUCE.
jy To prompt paying customers we will extend j
a credit of four month*, but we wish it expressly
understood, after the period named, account will be
due and interest will accrue thereon.
BUYERS FOR CASH
may depend upon
GETTING BARGAINS.
novl,'G7 A. B. CRAMER A CO. !
jUEW GOODS!! NEW GOODS!!
Idle undersigned has just received from the East a
large and varied stock of New Goods,
which are now open for
examination, at
MILL-TOWN,
two miles West of Bedford, comprising everything
usually found in a first-class country store,
consisting, in part, of
Dry-Goods,
* Delaines,
Calicoes,
Muslins,
Cassimers,
Boots and Shoes,
Groceries,
Notions,
&c., Ac.
All of which will bo sold at the most reasonable
prices.
I'Jf Thankful for past favors, we solicit a con
tinuance ot the public patronage.
Call and examine our goods.
. may24,'67. d. 1 EAGER
N'EW ARRIVAL.—Just received
at M. C. FETTERLY'S FANCY STORE,
Straw Hats and Bonnets, Straw Ornaments, Rib
bons Flowers, Millinery Goods. Embroideries.
Handkerchiefs, Bead-trimmings. Buttons. Hosiery
and Gloves. White Goods. Parasols and Sun-Um
brellas, Balmorals and Hoop Skirts, Fancy Goods
and Notions, Ladies' and Children's Shots. Our
assortment contains all that is new and desirable.
Thankful for former liberal patronage we hope
to be able to merit a continuance from all our cus
tomers. Please call and see our new stock,
may 31
A RARE CHANCE IS OFFERED
ALL PERSONS
isplay their Goods;
Tc sell their Goods:
To gather information;
To make known their wants;
Ac., Ac. Ac. Ac., Ac., Ac., Ac., Ac.,
by adTwtisirqjin the columns of tbk Gazsttk.
BY MEYERS & MENGEL.
CJOVKK.XOK\S NKSSAGE.
To f/ie Senate and Home of Representa
tives of the commonwealth of Pemist/l
vania :
GKNTLEM EX : —Before performing 1
the customary and constitutional duty
of transmitting to you information of
the affairs of the Commonwealth, and
recommending such measures to your
consideration as are deemed necessary
and expedient, it affords me great grati
fication to tender to you my most
friendly greetings on your assembling
at the Seat of Government, and towel
come you to the council chambers of
tlie State.
Our grateful acknowledgments are
due to the Beneficent Author of all
good for the continued prosperity and
well-being which everywhere pre
vails, for the abundance which has
crowned the labors of the husbandman,
for the general health with which we
have been so signally favored, and
for all the enjoyments of peace, con
tentment and happiness within our
borders. 1
Our country has just emerged from
the trials and* dangers of an unright
eous rebellion and entered upon a pe
riod of important political struggle
arising therefrom. Being convened
as the representatives of a confiding
constituency, grave duties and respon
sibilities devolve upon you to so h gis
late upon the great and manifold inter
ests committed to your charge as best
to subserve the welfare of the people
and advance the honor of the State.
The fullest confidence is entertained
that your deliberations will result bene
ficially and your public duties be faith
fully discharged, and on my part, per
mit" me to give you assurance of zeal
ous co-operation in all your labors cal
culated to promote the general wel
fare.
Due of the most important duties
devolving upon the Legislature is the
consideration of the public finances.
Such action should be taken for the
provision of funds to defray the cur
rent expenses of the Government, the
preservation of the credit of the Com
monwealth, and- the speedy extin
guishment of the public debt, as cir
cumstances shall be found to require.
These objects are of the highest impor
tance and claim the first attention of
the Representatives of the people.
Finances,
The report of the State Treasurer
shows that the balance in the
Treasury November 30, 1866, was $1,741,033 27
Ordinary receipts during the fiscal
year ending November 30, 1867, 5,423,330 07
Loan for the redemption of the over
due bonds 23,000,000 00
Depreciated funds in the Treasury,
unavailable 41,032 00
Total in Treasury for fiscal year
ending Nov. 30,1807 $30,205,395 34
Payments, viz :
Ordinary expenses during the fiscal
year ending Nov. 30, 1867 $4,583,606 99
Loans, Ac., redeemed 20,918,829 89
Depreciated funds, unavailable.... 41,032 00
25,543 55S 88
Balance in Treasury, Nov. 30,1867, 4, 661,836 46
Of which the Treasurer reports as
applicable to the payment of over
due loans, the sum of 2,937.978 55
Balance 1,723,575 91
Amount of the State debt on Nov.
30, 1866 $33,622,052 16 1
Funded debt, viz .
6 percent, loans $25,311,180 0(1 j
5 per cent, loans 12,104.025 20 j
4i percent, loans 175,000 00 |
$37,590,205 20 j i
Unfunded debt, viz :
Relief notes in circulation 96,623 00 j
Interest certificates outstanding... 13,086 52 !
Interest certificates unclaimed 4.448 38 i
Domestic creditors' certificates.... 44 67 i
| i
114,204 56 j
Total outstanding 37,704.409 77
From which deduct the amount in
Treasury applicable to the pay- _ _ i
ment of over-due loans 2,937.978 55 '
i
34,760,431 22
Amount redeemed during fiscal year
ending November 30, 1867 855,620 94
That the operations of the sinking
fund may be clearly understood, the
following "recapitulation" is quoted j
from the report of the Commissioners
for the year ending September 73, 1867 :
Balance in sinking fund, September
3, 1867: $2,752,351 77 I
Receipts in fund for year ending
September 3, 3,354,819 69,
6,108,162 40
Disbursements :
Paid interest $2,573,330 55
Loans redeemed 1,795,569 50 j
Premiums 275 00 |
Domestic creditors 75 00 I
4,370,250 05
Balance in fund 1,737,912 41 .
By the sixth section of the act of
May 16, 1861, a special tax of one-half
I mill on the dollar was especially set
apart for the payment of the interest,
I and redemption of the loan created by
: an act of May 18, 1861, entitled "An
j Act to create a loan and provide for
; arming the State."
I The receipts from said tax and tax on gross re- j
ecipts amounts to. $489,178 17
Interest paid in Fehruarv and Au
gust, 1867 169,245 00 ;
Balance on hand 319,933 17
Public debt, November 30, 1867... $34,766,431 22
Assets in Treasury, viz :
Bonds of the Pennsylvania railroad
company $6,500,000 00 j
Bonds of the Pniladelphia and Erie
railroad company 3,500,000 00 :
Interest on bonds of the Philadel
phia and Erie railroad company.. 1,4(10.000 00
Cash in Treasury 1,723,857 91
13,123,857 91 !
Liabilities in excess of assets 21,642,572 31
The above assets will be available as
follows; •
By the act of May 16, 1867, the Penn
j sylvania railroad company are to
pay on the above bonds, $lOO,OOO a year
I until July 31, 1890, when one million
of the residue shall fall due, and one
! million annually thereafter, without
i interest, until the whole is paid, which
! will be in the year 1895.
By the act af March 7, 1861, the $3,-
f>ou,ooo of bonds of the Philadelphia
and Erie Railroad were surrendered
to that company, upon the deposit of
four millions of dollars of their bonds
as collateral security for the payment
I of the original bonds, and a mortgage j
of four millions of dollars was also giv
en by the company to secure their pay
ment. These bonds are to be paid in
i forty years from date of issue, and will
mature A. 1). 1901.
There is always a discrepancy in an
nouncing the reduction of the State;
debt, between the annual proclama
tion of the Governor and report oi; the
State Treasurer, arising from the fact
that the sinking fund year termi
nates on the first Monday in Septem
ber and the fiscal year of the Treasury
on the 30th of November. To pre
vent complications of accounts and an- 1
I nual explanations I recommend that
1 the termination of the sinking fund
year be made the same as that of the
Treasury.
The promptitude with which citi
zens of Pennsylvania came forward last
April and took the whole amount of
the twenty-three million loan, (the
bids being for upwards of thirty-three
millions), may be considered a most
auspicious circumstance in the finan
cial history of the State, and indicates
unbounded confidence in the good
faith and substantial credit of the Com
monwealth. The statement
of the finances is set Tort TP with plea
sure, in consequence of their flourish
ing condition.
In addition thereto, the balance in
favor of the General Government for
Pennsylvania's quota of the direct tax
levied in the several States for war
purposes and for cash from the United
States, amounting, in all, to nearly
two millions of dollars, iias been set
tled in full by the allowance of claims
for extraordinary expenses incurred by
the State during the war.
J n consequence of the lapse of time
since the remaining claims were con
tracted, the want of sufficient vouch
ers and explanations,TTiiflthedifficulty
of finding the parties, some of them
being dead by whom they should be
made, render their settlement diffi
cult, and in many instances, doubtful,
the accomplishment of which will,
however, be vigorously pursued ami
the results laid before the Legisla
ture.
Passing from this general review of
the finances of the State, I cannot
permit some of the most prominent
ideas connected with them to pass un
noticed, because they clearly indicate
the path of duty in the discharge
of the executive trust. It is deemed
proper to call your attention to the
fact that during the entire year a very
large sum of money is in the keep
ing of the State Treasurer. This sum
has not at any time for years been
less than a million of dollars, and at
present amounts to considerably over
four millions of dollars. That it is
unnecessary that the greater portion
of this money should he kept in the
Treasury to meet the ordinary de
mands upon it is obvious; and* that
it should be withdrawn from circula
tion is certainly a detriment to the
business of the* community. A eon
traction to the amount of several
millions, as at present, cannot fail to j
make its impression upon those en- j
gaged in mercantile, manufacturing,ag
ricultural, mining and all other kinds j
of employments. This money, I am
informed upon good authority, can be
loaned, with ample security for its re
payment when needed, "for certain
specified periods, at a reasonable rate of
interest, and the proceeds placed in
the Treasury for the benefit of the
State, which would not only be bene
ficial to tlie tax-payers, by increas- ]
ingthe public revenue, but also en
large the accommodations for business
purposes. If this plan were adopted,
the withdrawal of the circulating
medium, by the payment of taxes,
would he so brief that it would not ma
terially affect the public welfare.
The fund tfiiis oould bo addnil
to the sinking fund, and would materi- j
ally slid in the reduction of the State j
debt.
A glance at the condition of the
Treasury will show that at least four
millions of dollars might now be
loaned, and at four per cent, would re
alize the handsome sum of $lOO,OOO
per annum. Or nearly the whole a
mount oi the balance now in the Treas
ury might be rendered productive by
being invested in the bonds of the;
State, bearing six per cent, interest, i
even though purchased at a premium.!
Or, it might be invested in United
States interest bearing bonds which
would be available at any moment a
necessity might arise for the use of the
funds. If that amount were exchang
ed at par for United States ten-forty
bonds, bearing five per cent, interest,
in gold, the product would be at the
rate of $200,000 per annum, in gold, or, '
at the present value of gold, $206,000
in currency. Besides, the funds i
would not become "depreciated and |
unavailable" by long continuance in
tiie Treasury. * A law for this pur-1
pose could be passed, specifying the
method by which the unneeded mon
ey of the* Treasury may be loaned, j
authorizing and * empowering the
State Treasurer, and such others as you
may designate, to execute, or carry
out, its provisions.
Your attention is also invited to the
fact that the salary of the State
Treasurer, now only seventeen hun
dred dollars, is entirely dispropor
tioned to the duties and responsibili
ties of that officer, and that the amount
of the bond, eighty thousand dollars,
given by him to the State, is equiva
lent to no security at all, under the
present system of placing, uncondi
tionally, the entire funds of the State
in his hands. The only security is
the incorruptible honesty and integri
ty of the Treasurer. Suppose that
when there is in his keeping millions
of dollar., the incumbent of that
office should be tempted to become a
defaulter! How easily could he se
cure to his bondsmen the amount for
which they would legally be iiable to
the State and appropriate the balance
to himself! For years, it seems to me,
the Treasury of the State has stood, as
it were, upon a volcano. Examples
all around us show the fallibility of
man, and how frequently and easily
he is swerved from the path of recti
tude and honor. Evdn many of those
in the most elevated positions and en
joying the highest confidence of the
public, are often found to yield to tiie
temptations that surround them. The
desire for the rapid accumulation of
wealth ; the thousands of schemes pre
sented to excite the cupidity of human
nature; and the looseness of public mor
als, engendered by the escape of the
guiltv from punishment, have so de
moralized public sentiment that it may
| be considered a wonder—almost a mir
acle—that Pennsylvania has so long
{ escaped from the calamity that might
at any time have happened, or that
may hereafter happen, by the robbery
, of her treasury, and render the sus
pension of the payment of the inter
est upon tiie 'Stale debt, for a time, in
evitable.
Jti tiie performance of my duty, 1
have forewarned the Legislature of a
danger as respects her finances, of no
common magnitude. It remains for
it to determine whether this danger
shall be averted by prompt and effi
cient legislation and the Treasury
guarded against the occurrence of so
great a calamity.
Education.
The report of the Superintendent of
the Common Schools exhibits a full
view of on r excellent system of public
BEDFORD, PA., FRIDAY MORNING, JANUARY 17, 1868.
instruction, which is widely diffusing
its blessings by securing a sound and
substantial education to all the chil
dren of the State. A brief summary
will give an idea of the immense pio
portions it has attained and the vast a
mount of usefulness of which it is ca
pable.
At the close of the year the number |
of school districts in the State was:
1,899; the number of schools, 13,486;:
graded schools, 2,147; school direc
tors, 12,031; county, city and borough
superintendents, 68; teachers, 16,-523;
pupils, 789,389; the cost of tuition, 88,-
< 28,065 70; building, 81,262,798 68 ; con- '
tingencies, 8790,065 33; tuition, build-1
ing and contingencies, 85,081,539 71 ; 1
and the amount expended for all pur
poses, relating to schools, 85,169,750 17. |
Your attention is particularly invi-j
ted to the want of uniformity and con - j
slant change of books in the public
schools. These are matters of serious
inconvenience and needless expense to
the poor, and might easily be remedied
by judicious legislation.
The chief aim of our system of com
mon schools is to place the advantages j
of an education within the reach of all
the children of the Commonwealth ;
and when it is considered that intelli- j
gence and virtue are the principal!
safeguards of our free institutions, !
this system earnestly claims the foster
ing care and wise guidance of the Leg
islature.
The graded schools have largely in
creased during the past year. The
system established by the State was
designed, not only to furnish instruc- j
tion to our youth in the elements of j
knowledge,'but wherever practicable,!
to impart to them an education in the !
higher branches of learning. The j
multiplication of grammar and high i
schools should, therefore, receive every i
encouragement, for they are necessary i
to perfect the system and enable the i
States to avail itself of that talent which i
is born in the cottages of the poor quite I
as frequently as in the places of the ;
rich.
Good schools cannot exist without
good teachers, and good teachers can
only be obtained by using the prop
er means to prepare them. Recogniz
ing these facts, the Legislature of 1857
passed a general Normal school law,
dividing the State into twelve dis
tricts, and looking forward to the
establishment, in each of them, of a
Normal school. According to the pro
visions of tiiis law four of these schools
are now organized, the prosperous
condition of which is exemplified by
the fact that two thousands one hun
dred and eighty-five students attended
them during the past year, of whom
forty-six graduated.
Fourteen colleges and thirty-two
academies have made reports to the
School Department during the past
year. Such institutions supply a great
public want, as the common school
system is not competent to perform the
whole work of popular education. —
A State requires men of generous cul
ture in all the walks of life, as well!
as in the profession of teaching, and
the perfection of the system of public
e/-Jwuii >nu*vuction is one of the wisest
and noblest object!? or legtslaton. All
of the different institutions of learn
ing would be strengthened and their
usefulness increased by bringing them
together in a closer union, which possi
bly can be best accomplished by the
creation of a general Department of
Education.
Soldiers' 1 Orphans' Schools.
The Superintendent reports the ex
penditures for the eleven months end
ing November 30, 1867, as follows:
Education and uiaintcnanc 8341,889 S5
Partial relief 210 00
Clothing furnished 1,988 children, in
advanced schools 37,187 83
Making and repairing clothing,
freight, Ac 8.350 74
General expenses 6,781 60
Total am't, from Jan. 1, to Dec. 1,'67 394,420 02
The expenses for the six months,
from December 1, ISG7, to June 1, 1868,
are estimated by the Superintendent,
as follows :
Education and maintenance of 1,850
children, in advanced schools, at
8140 per annum $129,500 00
Education an'd maintenance for 500
children in primary schools, at
8125 per annum 31,250 00
Education and maintenance Of 1,050
children in <; Homes, at $lO5 per
annum 55,125 00
Clothing 1.550 children, at 825 per
annum 23,125 00
Transferring pupils, salaries, Ac... 3,970, 00
Estimate for six months, ending
June 1,1868 242.975 00
Total actual and estimated expen
ses for seventeen months, from
January 1,1869, to June 1, 1868 $637,395 02
Or, at the rate of $449,925 80 per an
num.
From which deduct total amount ap
propriated for seventeen months at
$350,000 per annum 495,833 33
And a deficit for seventeen months is
shown, of 141,561 69 ;
Or, at the rate of $99,925 80 per an
num.
Add the amount due for December,
1866 31,049 77
And it exhibits the total deficit from
December 1, 1866, to June 1,1868,
to be provided for by special ap- _ j
propriation 172,611 46 |
i do not deem it inappropriate here
to state that if the bill which passed;
the House at the last session had be
come a law, making an appropriation
of 8450,000 per annum for the orphans' j
schools, it would have been sufficient
to have paid the total expenses.
The estimates for the year ending
June Ist, 1869, will be found fully set
forth in the report of the Superiuten- j
dent. From that report it will also
be seen that there are in operation
thirty-nine orphan schools and homes,
having in charge an average of two
thousand nine hundred and thirty-one
pupils, for the year ending Novem
ber 30, 1867, at an average cost of one
hundred and forty-eight dollars and
forty-three cents per annum.
These schools have doubtless reach
ed their maximum numbers. Six
teen years being the age at which the
orphans cease to be chargeable to the
State, and they will henceforward
decrease in the following ratio, viz :
; 374 will reach that age in 1868, 329 in
! 1869,348 in 1870, 403 in 1871, 179 in
1872, 460 in 1873. 416 in 1874, and 344 in
1875, after which there probably will
i not be more than 600 remaining in the
schools. Should the term be reduced
to fifteen years, as lias been proposed
by some, fully one fifth of the number
now in the schools would enter upon
trades or business within the present
: year.
No calculation can furnish an esti
mate of the benefits and blessings that
j are constantly flowing from these in
| stitutions. Thousands of orphan chil
dren are enjoying their parental care,
moral culture, and educational train
ing, who otherwise would have suff
| ered poverty and want, and been
! left to grow up in idleness and neglect.
Many a widow's heart has been glad
dened by tiie protection, comfort and
religious solicitude extended to her
fatherless offspring, and thousand? are
the prayers devoutly uttered for those
| who have not been unmindful of them
|in the time of their affliction. In mak
ing the generous disposition it has
I done for these destitute and helpless
! orphans, the Legislature deserves and
| receives the heartiest thanks of every
good citizen, all of whom will cordially
approve a continuance of that benefi
-1 cence. In shielding, protecting and
j educating the children of our dead
1 soldiers the Legislature is nobly per
| forming its duty. Those children are
1 not the mere object of our charity, or
pensioners upon our bounty; but the
I wards of the Commonwealth, and have
; just claims, earned by the blood of
their fathers, upon its support and
; guardianship, which can only be with
held at the sacrifice of philanthropy,
I honor, patriotism, State pride, and ev
! ery principla of humanity.
Agricultural College.
The act of Congress of July 2, ISO 2,
granted land scrip to the several States,
to be appropriated to the mainten
ance of colleges, whose leading object it
shall be to give instructions in the
sciences which minister to agriculture
and the mechanic arts. By theruleof
apportionment, adopted by Congress,
700,000 acres fell to the share of this
Commonwealth. The act of Assembly
of February 19, 18(57, appropriated the
benefit of the whole of that grant to
the Agricultural College of Pennsyl
vania, which has thereby become sub
ject to the supervision and guardian
ship of tue State. I therefore invite
your attention to the organization
and condition of that institution, as
exhibited by the president of the board
of trustees, in his report for the year
18G7, which will he laid before you
The commissioners appointed by the
Legislature to sell the land scrip
have compeleted the sales, which a
mount to $139,186 80. In accordance
with the act of Assembly, the one
tenth of the proceeds has been applied
to the purchase of sites for "Model and
Experimental Farms," and the residue
invested as follows: 8129,000 in United
States 5-20 bonds; §20,000 in Pennsyl
vania war loan, and $235,000 in the
Pennsylvania bonds of 1867.
Theeollege has been thoroughly re
organized in order to make it fully
respond to the object and require
ments of the act of Congress and to
the educational interests of the indus
trial classes, and to meet these ends
it now gives courses of instruction
in general science, agriculture, me
chanical arid civil engineering, metal
lurgy and mining, ancient and modern
languages, and military tactics, em
ploying a faculty comprising six pro
fessors and two instructors in the col
lege department and three instructors
in the grammar school. This im
portant educational enterprise in the
interests of agriculture and the me
chanical arts deserves favorable consid
eration.
Military.
An adequate preparation in time
of pence in n preocr-votivTJ against the
probabilities and contingencies of war.
This oft repeated axiom was not
sufficiently realized before the rebel
lion, tor, when it broke out, it found
the nation wholly unprepared. Had
it been otherwise, the war which con
tinued through a period of four years,
and cost the country millions of treas
ure, hundreds of thousands of lives,
and an incalculable amount of suffering
and want, would have been of compar
atively short duration, if not crushed
in its incipiency. That war, however,
has not been without its useful lessons.
It has taught-the necessity of adhering
to principles in practice which we
havo heretofore only acknowledged in
theory. It has trained many thous
ands ofour young men in tlio science
of arms and infused among them a
spirit of military ardor which may
salely be relied 011 in any future emer
gency, and paved the way for the es
tablishment of military organizations
that will prove a safeguard and honor
to the State, The Legislature, avail
ing itself of these facts; should adopt a
liberal and effective system for increas
ing the volunteer milita. The law of
18(14, though excellent in many re
spects, does not meet the requirements
of the times, and alterations and a
rnendments are needed before it can
accomplish all the contemplated and
desired objects. The minimum of men
necessary to lorm a company is entire
ly too high, and in many places where
smaller companies would be formed,
it is impossible to rais, them in accor
dance with the ratio established by the
act. From the report of the Adjutant
General, it will be seen that there are
now but thirty-eight uniformed com
panies in the State, comprising only
about three thousand men. whilst the
suggested amendments, which should
be made as early as possible, would
increase these organizations to any de
sirable extent, tend to renew and keep
alive in our soldiers the proud mem
ories of the service and to preserve the
military ardor born of our recent strug
gles for national existence.
New Arsenal.
The necessity for a new arsenal, af
fording a place of safe deposit for ord
nance, ordnance stores and a magazine,
is so obvious as to require nothing
more on my part than to call your at
tention to the subject, and to ask that
authority be given and an appropria
tion made for the purchase of a site
and for the erection of suitable build
ings for the purpose indicated.
Reynolds Monument.
Agreeable to the requirements of the
act of Assembly, entitled "An Act to
authorize the Governor to transfer to
the Reynolds Monument Committee
unserviceable and condemned ord
nance," approved March 7, ISO7, 1
caused the ordnance in the arsenal to
be inspected and turned over to the
committee for the purpose indicated
tive condemned six-pounder brass can
non, weighing in the aggregated three
thousands seven hundred and forty
eight pounds.
History.
In 1864 the Legislature made an ap
propriation for the purpose of hav
ing prepared and published a com
plete history of the military operations
of the State in reference to the late
war. M v predecessor appointed Samuel
P. Bates, Esq., for the purpose of con
summating the provisions of that act,
who proceeded to collect the necessary
materials and to prosecute the work.
Although the country has again
been restored to peace, the people con
i tinue to feel a deep interest in all that
i relates to the struggle which so re
j eently convulsed the nation. In the
• prosecution of the war Pensylvania,
VOL. 62.—WHOLE No. 5,426.
always among the first to answer the
country's call, give additional evi
dences other devotion to liberty and
to the nation's giory. Over * three
j hundred and sixty thousand of her
I sons stood in the ranks of the Union
j army. Many have fallen, and nearly
: thirty thousand by wounds and dis
l ease received in the field, repose in
death. To commemorate their heroism,
to preserve their names and perpetu
ate the record of their deeds are among
the objects of the work in progress.—
In its pages will be found an account
of each and every military organiza
tion of the State, the officers and men
of whom they were composed; the
name of every individual, with his place
of residence/time of muster, date of
discharge, and the special acts by which
lie was distinguished, as well of the
dead as those who have survived.
Transportation Department.
The Department of Transportation,
created during the war, has accom
plished its purpose, and ceased to ex
ist by the determination of the Leg
islature, expressed in the appropri
ation bill,approved April 11, 1867. The
report of the .Superintendent shows
that for the year ending November
:j<), IS<)7, the whole number of claims
settled and paid was eight hundred
and eighty-two. These were for the
disinterment of the bodies of deceased
Pennsylvania soldiers on distant bat
tle-fields and transportation to the
homes of their relatives, and the total
expenditures were thirty-two thou
id five hundred and thirty-nine dol
lar:; and forty cents. There remain
unsettled one hundred and twenty
three claims, amonuting to about four
thousand dollars, for the payment of
which and some unsettled transpor
tation, an appropriation of four thou
sand five hundred dollars will lie re
quired.
All the papers and business of the
Department have been transferred to ;
the office of the Adjutant General.
State Agent,
During the war a State Agency, tor
the examination, adjustment and
collection, free of expenses, of mili
tary claims, was established at Wash
ington, for the maintenance of which
'he Legislature, with commendable
liberality, has annually made the neces
sary appropri atio n s.
In January last, Col. John H.
Stewart, of Allegheny county, was ap
pointed Agent, and Lieutenant Col
onel Wm. A. Cook, Assistant. After
a faithful and efficient performance
of its duties until 31st of October, Col.
Stewart resigned in consequence of
domestic afflictions, when Col. Cook
was promoted to till the position, and
Lieutenant Col. J. Copelan, appointed
Assistant.
During the year ending December
15, 1807, one thousand seven hundred
and eighteen claims have been settled,
and three hundred and twenty-one
Treasury certificates collected, araoun
ing to' $241,(569,43. Two thousand
one hundred and twenty-nine new j
cases remain unsettled, the most of !
which will probably be settled by the
ooth of Jmm next , at which period the
appropriation terminates. When this
is* exhausted, the Department will
have doubtless fulfilled its mission,
and the documents and papers can be
transferred to the Adjutant General's
office.
Cemeteries.
The reports of the commissioners ap
pointed under the act of March 12,
1867, to investigate the transactions
relating to certain cemeteries are here
with presented.
The work at the Gettysburg cemetery
is progressing, but with less expe
dition than was contemplated, in con
sequence of the difficulty of procuring j
such blocks of marble as were required !
for statuary.
The appropriation of three thousand
dollars to the cemetery at Antietam
has-been withheld, as it appears from
the act of incorporation by the legsla
lature of Maryland and the resolutions
of the board of trustees, that the
rebel dead are to be interred within
the enclosure and to be honored with
the same memorials as the Union sol- j
diers who are there buried.
The custom has ever prevailed to
specially honor those in death who
won special honor by meritious lives.
The monuments reared to the memory
of departed worth bear ample testimo
ny that our people have not been un
mindful of this custom. But where
were such memorials ever erected for
men whose actions were infamous, and
who perished in en ignoble cause?
Who would glorify the treason of Ben
edict Arnold with such monuments
as have arisen to the memory of Wash
ington? Who would dare to insult
the loyal heart of this nation by propo
sing to lay, side by side, in the same
sepulchre, the body of the assassin
Booth and that of Abraham Lincoln ?
Xo loyal man would take the heart
less Wirz and the other demons that
presided over the prison dens of erual
ty, starvation and death, and the exe
cuted conspirators against the nation's
illustrious chief, and deposit them
in the same tomb with the patriotic
men who sacrificed their lives in bat
sling for "the right against the wrong."
Yet it is proposed that the loyal
j States construct cemeteries for the he
roic dead, and then desecrate them
i by the burial therein of those who
i prosecuted against the country a war
fare which for its diabolical ferocity
is without a parallel in the history of
civilization, and even to erect monu
ments to their memory. Carry out
; this purpose and what inducement can
be hereafter offered to the loyal citi
zen to fight against treason when he
feels assured that should he fall in
! battle thejtraitor's grave will be honor
ed equally with his own?
The cause of the Union was a holy
! one, while that which opposed it must
have been its converse. To one side a
lone the glory belongs. This was
1 not a war of nations, but of treason a
i gainst loyalty. It was a contest of
1 rebels who would have drained the lite s
blood of the government which
had nurtured and protected them a
gainst its patriotic sons who fought to
save it from destruction. It was a
war carried on by the defenders and
promoters of oppression against the
friends and lovers of liberty and
their country's integrity.
While there is no reasonable objec
tion to giving decent sepulture even
to the rebel dead, those who consider
! them deserving of honorable testimo
■ nialsmay bestow them. It is our du
ty to render honor only to whom we
i believe honor is due.
! Monument to Deceased soldiers of the
Mexican War.
The commissioners appointed under
I an act of the Legislature, approved
April 22, 1858, "to contract for, and su
perintend the erection of a monu
ment to the memory of citizens of
Pennsylvania who were slain or lost
their lives in the late war with Mexi
co," have contracted for the erection
of a monument, in a prominent portion
ot /'\ e Capitol grounds, and the
work is progressing as rapidly as cir
' cumstances will permit. The appro
priation of ?o,nt)O, to which the commis
sioners are limited, is inadequate
for the object contemplated. The low
est bid for the contract was $8,2(K1.
I 1 join the commissioners, therefore,
in requesting an additional appro
! pnation of three thousand dollars, to
be used, or so much thereof as may
be necessary, to complete the underta
king.
Your patriotism will doubtless give
a favorable response to this request,
and the enlightened people of the com
monwealth, rising above selfish and
partisan feelings, will sanction such
expenditure for the erection of this
honorable memento. A State that has
been prodigal of her millions in
the employment of her physical re
sources and in the performance of ev
ery noble and disinterested act which
philanthropy could suggest, cannot for
get her gallant sons whose sufferings
and sacrifices for their country have
never been fully appreciated, and
whose remains repose among strangers,
in a foreign land, without a stone, how
ever rude, to indicate their last rest
ing places, or distinguish their graves
from those of their fallen enemies.
Legislation.
At the last session certain bills were
passed in which the large numbers of
citizens were deeply interested, the
responsibility for which after the ad
journment, but few members could be
found willing to assume, or even to
admit any knowledge of their passage.
It is expected that every legisla
tor should be acquainted with all that
is transpiring in the legislative
halls. He is not simply chosen to
give his support to certain bills which
have been called to his individual at
attention, but, to be constantly on the
alert to frustrate every act that may
have a tendency to jeopardize the
public intersts. To plead ignorance
after a real or imaginary wrong has
been done, is to ackuowedge a want of
attention to the trust reposed by his
constituents. One bill, the authorship
and knowledge of which has been gen
erally disclaimed, passed both branches
of Assembly, and was sent in due
form, with signatures of the proper
officers, for the Executive approval in
duplicate. All such hasty and careless
legislation should be avoided, ana the
members of the session now about to
commence be enabled at its close to give
an account of their participation in ev
ery act however unimportant. The
Legislature, coming as it does, fresh
from the ranks of the people, should
set an example in economy, retrench
ment and reform. It is the custodian
of the public interests, and any unnec
essary extravagance or prodigality
in the expenditure of public money is
reprehensible. It was a matter of
common notority at the last session
that a number of subordinate officers,
in both branches of the Assembly, were
appointed, to whom liberal salaries
were paid, and who were never seen
at their designated posts, and rendered
no service to the State. This practice
has been emphatically condemned
by the press and the people, and will
not be continued by any Legislature
which means to acquire a reputation
for a faithful performance of duty.
Y'our attention is respectfully invited
to the law on this subject as con
tained in sections fifteen to eighteen of
tiie act approved the 7th day of May,
isr,s.
General Railroad Law.
The subject of a general railroad law
lias long been agitated, and al
though it has found opponents, but
few objections have been urged against
whilst arguments accumulate in its
favor. It seems impossible that any
person can receive injury from its adop
tion, whilst its benefits may be felt
by all clases of citizens. Even the char
tered companies have no reasona
ble grounds for opposition. The in
tention of the proposed law is not
to deprive them of any vested rights
or franchises; but to secure to others
the same privileges and opportunities
for competiton. It will open new av
enues to distant markets; improve the
value of property; give new im
pulse to immigration; put additional
lands under cultivation; stimulate
trade agriculture, manufactures and
mechanic arts to increased energy;
furnish greater inducements and fa
cilities for travel, and add to our gen
eral prosperity. Other States have
tried the experiment with satisfactory
results, and there is no reason why
Pennsylvania should be a laggard in
the grand march of progress and im
provement.
Next to the importance of creating
additional railroads on the free prin
ciple, is the reduction of charges for
passage and freight to minimum rates.
L'iiis is a matter that concerns every
individual. Transportation will in
crease in quantity in proportion to the
reduction of its cost, and as the
facilities increase and the costs decrea-e,
tiie more vigorous will be the develop
ment of our industrial resources.—
Railroads will derive more benefit
from low than from exorbitant.charges.
The increase of travel and freight will
be vastly greater than the increase of
expense. The transportation of aloaded
car costs but little more than that of one
that is empty. In thematterof passen
gers alone, it is reasonable to suppose,
that the the lower rates of fare, the great
er will be the number of persons
to avail themselves of the privilege
of railroad transportation. The same
is true in regard to freight; for the en
gine that draws a half-dozen cars, can
with nearly equal facility propel a
larger number. Mowever the road
that is worked to its utmost capacity
must necessarily, at very reduced
rates, acquire greater profits than
one that transacts but a small portion
of the business for which it is compe
tent. The adoption of a system of
uniform rates for passengers and
freight, so graduated as to be profitable
to all immediately interested in the
use and conduct of such works, would
be productive of decided benefit in
lessening the prices of food, clothing,
fuel, and all the neccessaries of life, to
every citizen of the commonwealth.
*******
I earnestly invoke the blessing of Al
mighty God upon your deliberations,
and that He will prosper your exer
tions to promote the happiness of the
people and the welfare of our beloved
Commonwealth.
JOHN W. GEARY.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Harrisburg, Jan. 7, 1867.
—Mrs. Pollard, wife of him who was
shot, has debuted on the stage at Balti
more.
—An exchange calls Anna Dickin
son, Miss Jaw, and Grant, General
Lockjaw.
—Chicago circulates more counter
feit than genuine postal currency.
—Florida juries are composed of
eight negroes and four white mCQt