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YOL. XI -No ft.
PHILADELPHIA, "Wfcl KESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1869.
DOUBLE SHEETTHREE CENTS.
J-L .lri II A I
V
FIRST EDITION
GUBERNATORIAL.
The Elessage ol Governor
John W. Geary,
An Able Review of the Com
m on wealth and Its
latere st3.
HARRiRBuna, January C. The follotvitg It
the message or Governor 'Geary, an sent to the
two houses of ibcSlate Legislature at 11 o'clock
tbla mornlcr
To the BenaUi and TIaitm of ReprrseniaUvet of the
Commonwenlth of Pennsylvania:
Gentle-j en:-For the harmony and general
relations of -comity and friendship existing
tetween.Venireylvania and all the other States
and Territories of the National Union; for the
I reson fc prosperous condition of the Common
we&lt'A; for the glad signs of oomlog political
tiarmoiUHy; and for the success which attends
the progress of on r free institutions, we owe a
berrvyd-sctof gratitude to Divine Providence.
In Ttew of the favorable olrcumstauces under
v, fetch yr)U are now assembled. It beoomes my
prwlnre and duty, as It is my pleasure, to offer
ju my hearty congratulations, and to tender
,3u a cordial welcome to trie legislative halls
m thetstate. This Indeed, affords me a higher
rsrrattfica loo, because! participate with your con
stituents in. theconfluence manifested by them
4n selecting you to represent tbelr individual
it. lj renin as well as those of the Common wealth.
On your wisdom, integrity, judgment, and dis
cretion, all will undoubtedly rely for the cor
rect determination of every question affeotlng
the largest Interests and gravest responsibili
ties, and for a contlnnanoe, and even an In
crease, of that prosperity which has hitherto
been so signally enjoyed.
It is not without a consciousness of the great
responsibility resting upon me that I under
take the performance of a constitutional duty,
'requiring that the Governor "shall from time
to ilme give to the General Assembly Informa
tion of the state of the Commonwealth, and
recommend to their consideration such mea
sures as he shall Judire expedient." In con
formity with this requirement your attention
will be called only to such mailers of public
Interest as In my Judgment deserve careful
consideration and action on your part during
the present session.
Finances.
The following Is a carefully prepared state
ment of the financial csndltton of Hie (State for
the fiscal year ending November 80 1868:
The reports of the Auditor-General
and State Treasurer show that the
balance In the Treasury. Novem
ber 30, 1867, was 0fil,81fH6
Ordinary receipts du'ln? fiscal year.. 6,21(5.019 65
.depreciated funds In the Treasury,
unavailable 41.032-00
Total in Treasury for fisoal year.. $9,013,918 01
Payments, vis :
Ordinary expensesdurlng
fiscal y ear . S2.45I 606 09
Loans, etc., redeemed 4 M?'!
Other payments 12 WH) oo
Interest on loans 1.079,090 91
Heprtclated funds, tin-
available 41.032 00
available . 8)9or,,492 64
Bhlanee In Treasury, Nov. 30. 180841.018 415 37
SINKING FUND.
Py an act approved April 10, 1808, transactions
! the Commissioners of the (Sinking Fund
were ordered to be thereafter reported annually
to the 30ih day of November. Their last report,
therefore. Includes a period of one year and
three months. . ..... ,, , fV.
The lollowlng is the "recapitulation" of the
operations of the sinking fund from Saptem
ber 8, 1H07, to November 80. 18(18:
' Balance In fund September a. 1807 11,737,912 41
Jteceipisln fund from Heolembei 8, OJlon.B,
HOT, to November 30, 1808 3.418,992-31
3,lj6,001 Tl
raid interest Jl.SOS.OOjSl
Premiums paid as cqui-
vulfinl. for coin 49 98
Loans redeemed 2,414 818 01
4.222.87HI6
balance In fnnd November 30, 1803... 8934,032 76
By the sixth section of the act of May 16, ImZ
t. special tax of one half-mill on the dollar was
especially set apart fur the payment of tb Inte
rest and redemption of the loan created by an
act of May 18, 1801, entitled ,'Au act to create a
loan and provide or arming the Slate."
litilanoe on hand September 3, 1807 8319.933 17
Toe receipts from said lax aud tax on
gros receipts from (September 3, 1867,
to November 30. 1888, amount to - 423,879-20
Total 1773,912 37
Interest paid In January aud July,
lfc8 . 169.245-00
Balance In fund November 30, 1808. 8574 667 37
CONDITION OF BALANCES,
Balance In sinking fund
November 80, 1808 8034,032 76
Balance In siuklng fund
November 80, 1807 674 607-37
81.508,700 13
Iiednot balance In Treasury, Novem
ber 80, 1808 1,013,415 37
Balance in favor of sinking fund.. 1495,281 76
SEDUCTION Or THE 8TATE DEBT.
By the report of the Commissioners of the
Sinking Fund for the year ending September
. it 1807. the "loans redeemed" amounted to
f 1.7W4 609 60, and by their report from September
3, 1807, to November 30, 18(18. the "loans re
deemed" amounted to 82 414.816 64, making a
total reduction of the Slate debt, in two yean and
three months, of four million two hundred and
ln thousand three hundt ed and eighty tlx dollart
and four teen cents.
Toe assets remaining in the Sinking Fund
are as follow, viz.; Bauds of the Pennsylvania
Kailroad Company, six million four hundred
tuousand dollars, and bonds of the Philadel
phia and Erie Railroad Company, three mil
lions five hundred thousand dollars. These are
xion-lnterest bearing bonds, ana will not mature
for mary years. I tnerefore reoommend to the
considerat ion of the legislature the propriety
,of the passage of a law autnorlztog the Com.
xalsslonersof the Slicing Fund to Bell these
bonds at public sale to the highest bidder, aud
direct the proceeds to be applied to the liquid
tion of the State debt.
. . FUBLIC BEFIT.
Public debt outstanding December
1, 107 837,704,409 77
I duct amount redeemed at state
Treasury during the fiscal year
ending November 80, 1808. vie .:
( per cent, lonns... 81,354 23 64
4k per cent, loans 63,0'JO 00
Jiclief notes cancelled .... 210 00
l417.lfi.J61
Tobllc debt December. 1, 1808 813.280,91613
Statement showing the condition of the In
debtedness of the Commonwealth ou the first
day of December, 18t8:
Vnnded debt, viz :
0 per cent, loans 825 81 1,180 00
6 per cent loans 7,740 77166
44 per cent, loans..
112 00)00
otal lunded..
-833 172 951 66
Unfunded debt, vis :
Relief notes In elrooUlloD..t'JC.41i 00
- Jniereit certificates out
standing 13.03C 52
Interest certificates un
claimed 4.4IK-38
Doineslio creditors' certifl .
Total unfunded 118.994 57
Total funded and unfunded.. 833 286 946 Tl
I
Which is the amount of the State debt as before 1
stated.
During the last eighteen year there bai bseu
earned upon the accounts of the Aolltor
Ueneral and State Treasurer, and In their
several public statements, tlepreolated fuuds
unavailable" to the amount of fbrty-ine thou
sand and thirty-two dollars, I recommend th
appointment of a Joint committee by the
Legislature, whose duty It shall be to examine
the said depredated and unavailable funds aud
dispose of them to the best advantage of the
Treasury; or, if round, to be worthless, to eanoel
find destroy them, so that the accounting others
may be relieved from the necessity and respon
sibility of annually accounting for tbem.
The large cash balance remaining In the
Treasury on the SOtn of November, 1807, has
been used for the payment of the twenty-three
million loan aud for tbe liquidation of out
standing claims Bgalnst the State. The Invest
ment of the funds, In one of the modes
recommended In my last annual message has,
therefore, In a great measure been rendered
unnecessary for the present. But In the event
ol large accumulations of money hereafter, the
reoom mediations therein given arerespeotfully
referred to, and renewed. Whenever there
may be surplus funds in the Treasury they
can, with safety aud benefit to the State, be
employed In the purchase or its outstanding
bonds, and In saving tbe Interest ou them
which would accumulate prior to their
maturity.
I regret to state that the last Legislature,
although fully forewarned In regard to the In
security and want of proper and surTlolont
guards lor the sale keeping or tne money of the
Commonwealth,' failed to determine upon any
mode by which the Tressury may be effectually
guarded against the possibility or loss. Tbe
present Legislature has It In Its power to sec a re
for Itself no ordinary honor, by the enactment
of such a law, strong and efficient for tbe pur
pose Indicated, and tbe enjoyment not only of
the approbation but the permanent gratitude
of every citizen.
Notwithstanding tbe satisfactory reduction
of tbe public Indebtedness, as shown In tbe
foregoing statements, an Immense State debt
is still upon us, requiring nearly two millions
of dollais to be collected to pay the interest
accruing upon it annually. Its extinguishment
at the earliest practicable period, not inoou-
sMeot wl'h other publlo interests, is of tbe
highest Importance to every taxpayer. I can
not, therefore, too strongly urge the strictest
economy in respect to every expenditure and
the utmost retrenchment in every department.
Retrenchment it emphatically demanded by the
people, in leoitlat ve expenditure! at well as in
every other branch of the Government. Their
eyes are open to Investigate every transaction,
KDd by their ballots they are ready te strike
down those who will not take effective action
in favor of positive and radical reform. The
money paid into the Treasury Is tbe property
of the people, every one of whom has a Just
right to hold his representatives to a strict
accountability for every dollar that may be
appropriated or expended.
1 here renew tbe remarks made Inst year on
the subject of "annual appropriations." to
which you are respeotfury referred. For four
successive years tbe general appropriation
bills have been signed on tbe 11th day of April,
being about the time of adjournment. The
Governor has been forced either to sign tbe
bills without proper investigation, notwith
standing any objections he may have, suspend
Hie mrans to defray the operations of tbe gov
ernment for tbe ensuing year, or call an extra
session of tbe Legislature. I repeat that "It
is earnestly desired that the appropriation bill
be taken up, discussed, and passod at a suffi
ciently early period during the session to
enable It to receive that thorough examination
which its Importance demands."
Education.
COMMON SCHOOLS.
The annual report of tbe Superintendent of
Common tscoools exhibits the condition of that
department In a highly satisfactory manner.
Within tbe State there are 1913 school districts.
13 766 schools, 2382 graded schools, 11,693 soUool
directors, 73 county olty and borough superin
tendents; 10771 teachers,and800l516puplls Tbe
cost of tuition for the yeir was 83 273,209-43; of
building, Turcbaslng, and renting school
bouses, 81.991,152-65; or contingencies, t85 1.253-21.
These three Items, with expenditure for all
other purposes connected therewith, amount to
tbeacereuate sum of 80.200.537 90.
These facts are exhibited with great satisfac
tion, as they show tbe average annual cost for
tbe tuition of each pupil to be about seven
dollars and seventy-four and a half cents. The
averaee amount paid to each teacher Is about
8195-17 per annum. This, lu my opinion. Is
too small a salary to secure tbe services of com
petent teachers; and I am fully .Justified in
urglcg IhenecesBlty of increased compensation.
It is but Jnst, and It will have an elevating
tendency not only upon tbe teaohers, but the
manner in which their duties are performed.
Your attention Is called to the fact that, not
withstanding the ample provision now made
by law for the education of all persons between
the ages of six and twenty-one years, large
numbers of children, principally in our cities,
do not attend any kind of school. Over twenty
thousand of this class are found in PhlUdel
pnla, and the number In tbe Slate Is estimated
to be not less than seventy-five thousand.
These children grow up lu ignoranoe, frequently
without employment, aud many of them con
tract habits of vio'x, which eventually cause
tbem to be commuted to houses of relnge,
couuty prisons, or penitentiaries, llnmauity
and sound public poi -ty demand that some
thing be doue to remedy this growing evil, and
also that of the neglected condition of conside
rable numbers of ch!dren in the alms and poor
houses In many of the oountles.
Four Normal Schools are now recognized as
State Institutions. The number of students at
tending them during the past year was 2115. of
wnnm eignty graduated, two additional nor
mal Schools will probably go into operation
during this year, one located at Mloomsourg,
Columbia county, and the other at California,
Washington county. The valueof these Institu
tions to tbe common school sys:em cannot be es
timated. OorscbAols are comparatively worth
less without qualified teachers, and fluoh teach
ers can most easily be obtain d from tbe Nor
mal Institutes, where the at of teaching Is
made a specialty. '
A meeting ot the presidents and other au
thorities of a number of our principal oolleges
was neld In Uarrlsbnrg last winter, tbe object
of which was to bring about a closer union of
all our educational institutions, and connect
by a bond of sympathy. If not of organic struc
ture, the common schools, high schools, acade
mes, aud colleges. The establishment of such
an educational department seems to be desi
rable. There Is no subject more worthy the delibera
tions of the legislature than the promotion of
tbe welfare of our common schools. They Im
mediately underlie the characteristic features
of onr social system; they are fountains of that
widespread intelligence which, like a perennial
vitality, pervades the nation, and are nurseries
of that Inquiring spirit to which we are
Indebted for the purity and preservation of our
free institutions. In a republican government
education Is a sure basis of power and publlo
prosperity. By it tbe people are taught to dis
cern and estimate the value of thelrown rights;
to distinguish between oppression and the ex
ercise of lawful authority; to discriminate
between liberty and licentiousness; to preserve
an Inviolable respect for the laws, and exercise
"eternal vigilance" against any encroachments
upon them. It la admitted that a thoroughly
educated people alone can be permanently free.
By educational culture patriotism Is expanded,
and tbe principles, manners, and sentiments of
the whole people are assimilated. Many of the
sources of Jealousy and prejudice are dimin
ished, lootal harmony largely Increased, aud
the structure of our tree and happy system of
government cemented, strengthened, and
adorned.
gOLDIERS' ORPHANS' SCHOOLS.
In bis report the Superintendent of Soldiers'
Orphans' Schools exhibit the total expendi
ture for their support from December 1. IHU7 to
May 81, 1808, to be 8230,970 26; total number of
pupils In the schools 3131; average cost per
pupil 869 OO for six months: and the average
weekly expenses per pupil 82 65. The fiscal
year of these schools, like that of the common
schools, terminates by law on the last day of
Mayofeaob year. The present report or the
Superintendent, therefore, embraces only six
months, and reports will be made up to the 81st
daycf May, annually, hereafter. The special
appropriation of February 25 1868, made lu ac
cordance with an estimate of tne Superinten
dent, presented in mv last annual message,
exotedwl the actual expenses 80.004-74,
Notwithstanding every possible effort has
teen and Will continue to be made to econo
mize In tbe expenses of tbe present year, and
to keep them as lar as possible within tbr ap
propriation made by tbe last Legislator. It
JfUJ jemUiy bg scmil tiicre wUl (.a a
deficit for the rear ending May 81. 1809. tbe t
amount or wmonwin De oareiuuy ascertained
and presented to tne legislature prior to the
close of tbe present session.
Tne schools are all In good condition and Im
proving, and tbelr usefulness ts dally becoming
in ore manifest. They are among the saist pal
lauthroplo institutions of the age, and reflect
high honor on the patriotism of tne Legislature
by which they have been so liberally endowed,
and npon our people by whom they are sus
tained. The children who are the recipients of
their benefits are the offspring of brave men
who voluntarily endangered their lives in tbe
cs use or tbelr country la the most trylnet hour
of Its existence, and who.glowiug wltn patriotic
ardor, longht as bravely and as heroically as
the noblest men in tbe world's history.
Thousands of them who left their homes In
the bloom or health, and with the brightest
hopes ol maubood, bow sleep In death, leaving
tbelr widows and Utile ones to the care or the
country In whose service they fell, and whloh
promised them Its protection. Tnelr children
are tbe wards of this great Commonwealth;
and too much praise cannot be awarded Its
people for tbe munificent and tender manner
in wblch they have thus far, through their re
presentatives, discharged the sacred and deli
cate trust.
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
Belore the General Government appropriated
publlo lauds to the several States for too pur
peso ol agricultural and military education
ard tbe mechanic arts, and prior to the time
when Pennsylvania endowed tbe Agricultural
College with her share of those lauds. It was
dependent wholly upon Individual lofluence,
without any other means tor lis support than
lis own earnings. History proves that semina
ries or learning cannot be efficiently sustained
by their own Internal resource. The eduuv
tli n ol youth in tbe higher branches or fcnow
hdge seems to require tbe aid of philanthropic
contributions. Tols Institution had not these
benefits to ary adequate extent, and though
tbe board of trustees bestowed upon it the
most anxious care, their zel and labor, com
bined with tboss of Us friends, were notequl
to a contest with tbe want of means.
lie nee tbe school did not command the confi
dence of farmers who were abieto educate their
sons, and who oould not forget that the charac
ter of the oollege attached to the character of Its
graduates; and that Its failure would enter Into
tbe estimate wblch the world would place upon
tbe education it bestowed. This feature has now
been removed. The people, through their Legis
lature, have endowed this Institution with the
interest upon a fund of 8318,600 (invested In
United Stales and Pennsylvania State six per
cent, bonds), payable to It semi annually. Last
year this Interest amounted to 825.612 78. The re
sidue of the fund, 843,886 50, hasloeen appropri
ated, nndertbe law, by the board or trustees, to
tbe purchase or three model and experimental
faims; one at the College, In Centre count y, for
88000, one In Chester county for 817.750,
and one in Indiana county for 818,130-5'). The
board has aho recently reorganized the faculty
and remodelled the course ot studies, so as to
adapt them to the wants of the agricultural
community. This new order of things goes
Into operation nt the commencement of the
next session, aud It Is earnestly hoped will be a
success. There Is no profession, trade, or call
ing in life where tbe valueof knowledge and
tr e lights of science, and the practical applica
tion or both, are so potent for profitable results
as In tbelr adaptation to agtionltural pursuits.
Ard In this truly practical age it is well worthy
of the consideration or parents whether they
should not avail themselves of the benefits of
this institution, now so generously endowed by
the State.
Blilitnry.
From the report of the Adjutant-General you
will learn the condition of tne Military Depart
ment. Tbe Inactivity In military affairs after the
cessation of hostltllitles and upon the return of
pe ce has In a great measure been dispelled,
and an aotlve martial spirit now prevails
throughont the State: more particularly in
Philadelphia, where, by a special legislative
enactment, the minimum number of men
required to form a company has been reduced,
and a brigade fund Is raised by a tax upon those
who are not members of a military organiza
tion, but liable to tbe performance of military
duly. I recommend the passage of a similar
law for tbe whole State. For tbe sake of pre
serving the great Interests Involved, whloh
Include tbe lives, property, and happiness
of our people, this is presented to you as au
important subject for your delloeration.
Kvery possible encouragement of volunteers
has been afforded, and notwithstanding the
difficulties indicated it has resulted as follows:
In 1800 there were eight volunteer companies
lu the State; In 1807, thirty-eiuht; and In 1808,
seventy-seven, and a number of others In
preparation for organization.
By a reduciion of the number for a company
from t ha. now required to an aggregate of fifty
officers and men, uompunies would soon be
numbered by the hundred, any of whloh oould
cuHliy be recruited to the maximum number if
required for active service. Tne State that
always maintains the highest degree of prepa
ration, accomplishes most and suffers least In
tbe conflict of arms; and by being in readiness
It often prevents improper encroachments
upon her rights.
The Adjutant-General presents a full and de
tailed statement of the disbursements lu his de
pHrlmeut during the year ending November 30,
1808, with an estimate for the newssary appro
priations for tbe current year, and also for such
amounts as have bren discovered to be due
in m the Transportation Department, con
nected during the war.
STATE AGENCY.
The existence of the Military State Agency at
Washington terminated on the 81st day of July
last, at which time tbe appropriation for lue
payment of its expenses was exhausted. Much
benefit resulted;to many of tbe soldiers of onr
State and tbelr representatives fro n this office.
id wbicn tneirjusi dues xrom tne united states
Government were collected and transmitted to
them free of charge. -
In August, alter the agency ceased to exist,
there still remained a considerable number of
unsettled claims, and as no one knew more
about tbelr condition, or could possibly obtain
an earlier settlement of them than the late
agent. Colonel Cook, I permitted him, upon bis
own ofler, to close up the business of the office,
and to transact any other bnsluess for tbe
soldiers of Pennsylvania aton halflnefcet that
are charged by any other private agency In
Washington City, this arrangement has thus
far been carried out, aud, I am pleased to add,
with very general satisfaction. All the books
and papers of the agency will be transferred to
the office of the Adjutant-General.
Registry Law,
At tbe last session ef tbe Legislature an act
was passed known as the "Keglstry Law," the
intention of whloh was to protect the ballot
box sgalnst corruption and fraudulent voting,
lo which it has for many years been disgrace
fully exposed. This law seems to have been so
detective in some of Its provisions as lo have
received the condemnation of a majority of
tbe Supreme Court, by which it was pro
nounced "incongruous and unconstitutional."
At the elect ion immediately after this decision,
it Is alleged that frauds were perpetrated sur
patslng in magnitude perhaps any that have
been consummated heretofore in the history of
the Commonwealth. These frauds have demon
strated the necessity of the passage of some law or
lou t that will accomplish the desired object without
being subject to the exceptionable features poin ed
out by the learned gentlemen who pronounced the
opinion of lite Supreme Bench.
There Is bo subject of such vital Importance
to the whole country as the sanotity of the
ballot-box and tbe protection of all citizens la
their right to the elective franchise. This right
Is onr proudest boast. It endows tbe Amerloan
clUv.eu wlih a freedom and a power not pos
sessed by the subject of any other government.
It mukes him tbe peer of his fellow-man, what
ever may be bis rank, station, or position in
Ule. To be deprived of it by any means what
ever, bis boss'ed freedom beoomes a sham his
especial ard exalted prerogative a mockery and
a farce. What avails it to tbe citizen that be is
entitled to a vote If that vote is to be nullified
by lraud7 Such guards, then, should be thrown
around the polls as will effeoiuslly, if possible,
preserve them from tbe taint of a single Illegal
vote. Not only should false voting be severely
punished, but false swearing to obtain a vote be
visited wlih the pains and penalties of perjury
and with perpetual disfranchisement.
The people must be perfectly free to regulate
their public business in tbelr own way, and
when the voice of tbe majority is fairly and
clearly rxpressed, all should bow to it as to the
voice of God. They are the sovereign rulers,
snd tbelr will must be the law of the laud.
Corruption of suffrage In a republican govern
ment is the deadliest crime that oan be perpe
trated; 11 la assassination of the soverelguty of
tbe people, and will be followed by a despot
Lt,iu, lU. luukivv iu w oX wUlo will bu iuyaey
and perjury. And If this privilege be tampered
with, sooner or later the sure and Indignaat
I opular condemnation will be rendered aud
condign pnnlhment administered. All good
ltireDB, of whatever polltto! opinion, should
lend tbelr aid for the atO'trapltsnment or any
and every measure that may tend to secure to
each voter, not only his right to the eleotlve
franchise, but tbe assurance that his vote will
not be rendered valueless by Illegality, corrup
tion, or fraud.
JCrcry proper facility for the naturalization of
citizens of foreign birth slwuld be aforded; but the
Legislature, in its combined wisaovx, can surely
enact some mode lo prevent the possibility of a
tingle vote bring east uponspurious naturalization
papers, and thus fully secure the purity of the
elective ft anchlse.
Revision of the Civil Code.
The Commissioners appointed to codify the
stutute laws of tne Stale have diligently pro
secuted tbe work assigned them, and with
every prospect that it will be fully completed
within tbe time pre scribed by tbe legislative
resolutions of April 8, 1663; and in further com
pliance with them, they will oause to belaid
before each branch of tbe General Assernly, at
Us present session, vaiions titles of bills, with
brief abstracts or the teveral seotlons of eaon,
which have been matured.
Ininrnnn Department.
Among tbe subjects of importance to tbe
citizens of Pennsylvania is the establishment
of an Insurance Department. Such depart
ments are in successful operation in several
neighboring States, by means of whloh the
Interests of Insurers are guarded and pro
moted. So careful a supervision Is hd over
tne transactions ol insurance companies t iat
frauds are rendered almost Impossible, and
spurious companies can have no exlsleuoe.
Tbe result of the protection thus affjrded Is
that whilst foreign companies, thus protected,
no Immense business in this State, so little
confidence Is had In those of Pennsylvania tuat
tbeli business is almost entirely oonfioed'
within tbe State limits; and lately some of them
have withdrawn their agencies from other
States, because no risks will oe taken, In con
gequtnoe of tbe Inadequacy of the laws to afford
protection to Insurers. To ibis defect, more
over, may be attributed the operations of the
number of worthless companies wuiob. have
sndaenly sprung up, without any solid basis,
aud as suddenly expired, to (he Injury of all
whose confidence they obtained, and to the dis
honor of the Commonwealth.
Whilst Pennsylvania Insurance companies
transact little business ooiside or tbe State, it
is alleged thalforelgn life Insurance companies
alone paid taxes last year on three million
eight hundred thousand dollars of premiums
received in Pennsylvania, a great proportion
of which would be confined to this State If tbe
same protection was given by law to Its citi
zens as Is allorded by other Stales. Tbe report
of the Insurance Department of New York,
publlsbid in 1K67, shows that the companies
wblch were doing business in I860, In Pennsyl
vania, and also lu New York, had risks In fores
for more than five thousaud million ot dollars;
and it is believed that the risks lo Pennsylva
nia companies, which, for want of a proper In
surance Department, cannot be obtained,
would swell the amount to over six thousand
millions.
In view of these fao's, and of the oostly expe
rience of tbe people who have been Imposed
upon and defrauded by unsubstantial and
ephemeral companies, I repeat the recommen
dation made to tbo Legislature at Its last ses
sion, that an Insurance Department be estab
lished, and a superintendent appointed by law,
who shall have supervision and control over
all insurance companies allowed to transact
business witbln the Slate, aud annually pub
lish, under oath, full reports of their transac
tions. Tne commuoiiy is deeply interested in
this matter, and demands the protection which
can thus only be afforded.
New Hospital for the Insane.
The Commissioners appointed by an act of
the last ses-lon ''to establish an additional
Slate Hospital for the Insane," have notified
me that they will present a report or their pro
ceedings some lime during the present month,
which will be communicated when received.
IaniRg;es by Raids.
In accordance with an aot ot the last session,
providing for an investigation and adjudication
of the claims of citizens of several counties
' whose property was destroyed, damaged, or
appropilated for the public servloe, and In tbe
common defense lu the war to suppress the
Hebelllon," a commission of three competent
gentlemen was appointed, who have performed
tue allotted duties, and will soon make a lull
report of their transactions. j
Parla Exposition.
I have received through the Secretary of
Stale of tbe United Slates a bronze medal and
diploma from tbe Imperial Commissioners for
the best specimens of Pennsylvania autnraolie
coal exhibited at the Paris Exposition In 1807.
These tributes to an Important branoh of the
Internal resources of Pennsylvania have beeu
assigned a place among other valuable relics lu
the Executive Chamber.
State Coat of Arms.
Diligent but unsuccessful search has been re
peatedly made for the coat or arms or the Suite,
and for the authority under which the present
design was established. It seems that for years
past no trace of either the original authority
or design could any whare be found, and It, is
recommended that the Legislature take tbe
necessary steps to supply the omission, by suoh
means as they in their wisdom shall determine.
(Slate Beneficiaries.
A number ol benevolent, charitable, and other
similar institutions annually recelveapproprla
tlons from the Slate for tbelr support. These
appropriations, in most, if not in all oases, ap
per to have been adequate for the purposes to
wtiijih II. nan InlftnHal IhAirihnnlil h. antlla.l
and are as liberal as oan reasonably beexpeoied
in tbe present oondlllon of the treasury of the
btate.
The Susquehanna Fisheries.
A preliminary report on the Susquehanna
fisheiies has been submitted by Clonel James
Worrall, Civil Engineer, Commissioner under
the aot of the Legislature in reference thereto.
There are some facts which should be embodied
in the report, bnt whloh cannot be ascertained
until early in January. Permission has there
fore been granted to the Commissioner, at his
request, to postpone tbe submission of his regu
lar report until the earliest day practicable
miring the present month.
Cattle Disease.
The prevalence of contagions or epidemic
diseases among cattle aud oiher animals has
lor some years past been a prolific source of
anxiety and alarm among the producers and
consumers of meats in many of the Stales. It
was therefore deemed important to call a con
vention of competent persons to take into con
sideration the means best calculated to remedy
ibis great and growing evil. Tbla convention,
.composed of three commissioners each from
tbe fourteen States represented, appointed in
accordance with an agreement by the several
Governors, assembled at Springfield, Illinois,
on tbe first of Deoember last, aud an account
of tbelr transactions Is herewith presented.
Without legislative authority, but believing
my action would be sanctioned by tbe people's
representatives, 1 appointed Dr. iitrara (Xirsnn
and Messrs. K. C. liumes aud A. Boyd Hamil
ton commissioners to represent Pennsylvania
in that convention. These geut emeu freely
gave tbelr time and experience, and also in
curred a pecuniary expense of about three
hundred dollars, to defray whloh 1 recommend
that an appropriation be made.
Statistics.
In view of the vast amount and great variety
ot the products of t he State, a desk for the col
lection of statistics relsiive to exports and
imports, sericulture, manufactures, ooal, iron,
oil, lumber, etc., might, with propriety and
profit, be established. This couid be accom
plished by i he employment of a oompetent
clerk, under the supervision of one of the
present beads of department, whose duly
should be to collect and publish suoh facts as
might tend tostlmulale and Increase our pro
ductive energies, instill new lire and vigor Into
our manufacturing interests, and lead lo more
accurate knowledgoof all our internal resouroes
and the proper methods for tnelr development.
There is abundant space in the Capitol build
ings lo be appropriated as a receptacle for
books, papers, mlnerulogical and geological
specimens, and other articles that might be
contributed appropriate to such a department,
and which lu a few years would form an
invalnable collection. Under legislative direc
tion the good results would be almost iuoal
culuble, and are required by tbe progressive
spirit of the age In which we live.
Resolutions of the Vermont Legislature,
Your attention is called to tbe accompanying
Joint molulloijS, pfsed. a( the lajjt, avwiyilVI
the Vermont Legislature, bearing a Jnst tribute
to tbe late Hon. Tfaaddens Stevens. Joint re
solutions from tbe same body are also sent you,
which I regard as worthy of youroonslderatlon.
telative to the aot of Congress "to establish and
protect National Cemeteries," and recommend
)tg "to tbe Legislature ot the State of Penn
f lvanla tbe passage of an act empowering the
board of commissioners having charge of the
Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg to
transfer all tbe right, title, lmerest, and care of
said Soldiers' National Cemetery to the Gene
ra! Government, upon the completion of tbe
same."
In Mcmorlani,
It bat been the misfortune of the Btate dur
ing the pustyearto lose by death two of her
representatives In the Congress or the nation,
Hod. Thaddeus Stevens, of toe Ninth, and Hon.
liar win A. Finney, of tbe Twentieth District.
Botn were natives of Vermont, but in early
life selected Peuns lvanla for their home, and
hu mified themselves with her interests, wblch
they were cbosen to guard in the Legislature;
rod tbe people will long lemember with grati
tude their faithful and efficient services. Tne
first went dowu to bis grave af'er a long life of
publlo usefulness aud in well matured honors:
tbe other In the prime of manhood, which gave
piomUeof a scarcely less brilliant career.
Pardons.
The list of pardons Issued during the pait
year will be found among the papers to wnluh
your attention is called. The principal reasous
upon which they wete based, and the names of
some of the prominent petitioners, are glveu
In every ense. That a few of these pardons may
have been unworthily granted, through mis
repMsentatlons of relatives, friends, sympa
thizing neighbors, and other interested panics,
there is no doubt, but in the majority of In
htances it is certain that the facts not only Jus
tified but demanded Executive clemency.
The whole number ol applications for pardons
during the year has been sixteen hundred aud
twenty-three. The number of pardons granted
in thai time has been one hundred aud six,
w lilco is a little over 6 per cent. Of those
pardoned abont five per vent, have beeuagtlrt
brought before the courts in consequenoe of
their return to the commission ot crime.
Ism fully impressed with the weighty re
sponsibility of the pardoning power, whloa
laDks among the most difficult and embar
rassing duties of tha Executive olfioe. Dally
beset wltb powerful and pitiful importunities,
ss well as conflicting representations, from
those In whom he should be enabled to place
the fullest confidence, In order to avoid errors
In the decision ol any case, the Governor is
compelled lo take Into consideration the action
if the court before wblch the convict has been
tried; the majesty of the law which may
or miy not have been violated;
the oondl'ion of the prisoner; his
temptation to err; the injury that may be in
flicted npon his helpless and dependent rela
tives, aud the argumeats and appeals of citizens
whose opinions and wishes ne Is bound to
respect. And however Just bis deolsloa and
humane and generous his action, either in
favor of or against the petitioner for clemency,
he must expect to have bis motives impugned,
his name and character maligned, and to suffer
virulent attacks for the exercise of this most
important and merciful prerogative.
The pardon report will exhibit that many in
stances in whlcn Executive olemenoy has bean
invoked, youthful prisoners, charged with their
first t ileuses, and those of a trivial character,
have been the recipients. Theobjeolof punish
ment, In all coses, should not bo so inucu to
inflict pain as to reform the sufferer and pre
vent the repetition of evil deeds. This fact Is
frequently lost sight of in imposing punishment
upon criminals, especially wnen inexperienced
youths are shut up In close cells with men
bardened in crime, where its arts are dally
taught, and a romance thrown around its com
mission. Iastead of being improved, they
come forth at the expiration of tnelr terms of
sentence with the loss of self-respeot, tnelr
moral sentiments blunted, and prepared to
practice upon society the lnlamous lessons they
nave learned. Such punishments tend to In
crease rather than lessen the quantity ol crime.
When houses of correction and reformatorlesare
constructed, or a proper system of confinement
and prison discipline Is adopted, there will be a
material decrease of oi lme, and comparatively
jew cases to demand the exercise of tne pardon
ing power.
Commutation of Sentences.
There are confined in the Philadelphia county
prison the following-named, under sentence of
death, for whose execution warrants have not
been Issued:-Edward Ford, sentenced May 12,
1851; Jeiry Dlxon, May 80, 1803; Patrick Flune
gau, February 9, 1803; Newlou Champion, De
oember 1, 1803; and Alfred Alexander and Hes
ter Vangban, July 3, 1808. Successive Gover
nors, for satisfactory reasons, have declined to
order the execution of these persons. Tne law
requires that they shall be exeouted In accord
ance with the sentence, unconditionally par
doned, or beld in close confinement In the
county Jail during life.
The latter punishment, with the additional
erubitterment constantly preying npon tue
mind tbat a death wan aut may at any moment
be Issued, is, perhaps, tbe severest that oould
he inflicted. It would be botn Just and merciful
to give the Governor authority to commute the
seuteuoe of death In tne above named oases to
Imprisonment, at labor, la the Penitentiary ,
for such a term of years as the ameliorating
circumstances may seem to Justify and de
mand. One of the oonvlots named has been
lm prisoned about eighteen years, and although
It might not be advisable to set Ulin at liberty,
humanity and the ends of Justice require the
commutation of bis sentence in the manner
suggested.
Conclusion.
The foregoing snbjeots have been deemed ot
sufficient importance to submit at the present
time for your information and consideration.
Others may occur before the close ot the session
which may be worthy or special communica
tions. It will be my constant oare and delerml
URtlon to co-operate with you in the prosecu
tion of any measures that may tend to preserve
andinoiease the prosperity of the Slate and
the bapplness of its people, with the firm belief
that your united wisdom will aim constantly to
promote these desirable results.
Many of the events that have transpired since
my last annual communication to the Legisla
ture have been unusually interesting and sig
nificant. They have been infinitely more than
political, and bear dlieotly upoa the great
interests and most sacred destinies of the
nation. Apart from the vindication or the
principles of tbe party which sustained the
Government and the army during the contest
for tbe preservation of the Union, and the elec
tion to tue presidency oi tne first soldier or tbe
sge. Is the fact that the people have by trium
phant majorities lorever settled our contro
versy upon certain fundamental principles.
Parlies may and undoubtedly will arise
upon other Issues, but there oan be no
future struggle about slavery. Involuntary
servitude, as a monopoly of labor, is for
ever destroyed. The monster obstacle to
tbe national progress has been removed, and
h nceforward all the faculties of our people oan
be developed "without let or hindrance." The
fair and exuberantly fertile Slates of tbe South,
beietofore comparatively retrogressive and un
productive, relieved from this terrible curse,
with the influx of Northern immigration and
caplial, will soon become the rivals of their
Northern Ulster States in all the arts of peaoe,
and additional markets will be developed in
wblch to exchange tbe varied products of the
heretofore hostile sections.
Hardly less magical has been tbe effect upon
cither nations. General Grunt's eleotlon has
confirmed the hopes of our nation's friends,
aud the fears of its foes in the Old World. It
supplements and seals the verdict of arms and
the progress of republican principles. The
downfall or the Rebellion In the United Slates
was quickly followed by the great civil revolu
tion in England: the peaceful expulsion of the
lust of the Bourbons irnm Spain; the unrest of
Cuba; the concession of more liberal principles
In Germany; and the necessary acquiescence of
tbe Emperor of the French In the republican
sentiments he fears even as he has betrayed
them. What are these but the eohoes of tbe
dire catastrophe that has overwhelmed aris
tocracy in the United Slates?
Notwithstanding tbe importanceof the issues
Involved in the late canvass, aud the bitterness
of feeling as well as the earnestness with which
11 was conducted, lis termination has happily
met wlih the acquiescence of nearly tbe whole
people; and at no time In the history of the
nation has there been opened before us a
brighter prospect of continued peace and in
creasing prosperity; and we have no greater
cause for universal congratulation than that no
differences of opinion now exist that oan
materially mar our national happiness, retard
our onward progress, or threaten the peace or
perpetuity or our Government.
M ecicIuUtu, cuu-i. me ;y rcrctufc tfcat me
olee of Pennsylvania, as welt as that of a ma
jority of the Slates, has at the ballot- x pro
claimed to the world tbat all onr national in
debtedness, no natter hew heavy tbe bur leo,
will be paid socording to "the letter an I spfrll"
of the agreements made and enterel into allbe
time the debt wss contracted; and tbat In tuts,
as in all other respects, our individual and na
tional honor "must and shall be preserved; '
tbat we are determined by all honorable means
in our power to secure ample enonrage
mem and protection to every branch,
of heme industry, and every manly
enterprise tbat contributes capital, la
bur, skill, and Industry to our mate
rial wesltb, social advancement, and po ltlnaf
Iranqnlllll): tbat for all our citizens, tnioull
dren ol tbe Commonwealth, belug also cKtaens
of tbe United States, we demand the fullest
furteci Ion, lo their persons, tbelr property, and
n all their rights and privileges wherever they
may go within the national Jurisdiction or fu
foielgn landp; aud that whilst our Unauolal
policy shall be such as to maintain un
trsmmetle'i our natloual credit, it is to
b- hi ped tbat it may, at the same time, be such
s win permit and sanction the construction of
Hie great railways now in progress andstretoh
Ira out their giant arms to grasp tne mighty
commerce of the Pacific, to develop the untold
rsouicesof wealth In the Intervening terri
tories; end to connect the mo-it distant portions
or our cruntry In a common union, not only
with iron bands, but by the still stronger and
more Indissoluble ties of a common interest
and a common brotherhood.
To lessen the burdens or t he people.and to keep
the expenses ol tbe Stale as nearly as possible
witbln II e limits or its absolute necessities,
will alwajs be among the chief objects of wise
and Just legislation. Lei us. then, wlih a due
sense rf our obligations and high responsibili
ties, endeavor solo discharge our duties aa to
secure the greatest good of the community and
merit the approbation of Him by whom our
Commonwealth has been so abundantly
bleMert. JOHN W. OEAKY.
Executive Chamber, i
Hairlhbuig, January 6. 1869 J
PARDONS.
lite Work of, the Governor During 188S
In Itemming the Sentences or the
ConrlM
Tbe following is an abstract of the Tardon
Report accompany iug Governor Uearj's annual
message:
1. James Mcfoiinell. Convicted In Chester
county, April 30, 1807, of "rorgery," and sen
tenced to fifteen mouths in County Prison,
pardoued January 9, 1888.
2. Edward W. Mafson. Philadelphia, Aorll
15. 18C7.1 "Carrjing a Concealed Detdly
Weapon." One year In County Prison. Par
doned January 9.
3. Parvin Eves nnd George W. McEwen. In
dicted in Columbia county, Dote m her 2, 1867,
on the charge of "Ifpjectibg the Vote of a
Oualitled Elector." Pardoned January 14.
Keccniniended by Charles V. Snyder, J. W.
Cbaroberlin, Kphraim P. Lutz, J. B. Robinson,
Jes6e 8human, Samuel Knorr, C. F. Kuapp. and
many other?, who state that the defendants
were judges of election in Greenwood township,
and acted in pursuance of an act of tbe Legis
lature disfranchising deserters; and that tbey
deserve not only protection but praise for their
patriotism and fidelity in fulfilling their obliga
tions as cood citizens.
4. Andrew Yeager. Lancaster county, Mo
vomber 22, 1865. "Larceny." Iwelve years
in County Jull and a fine of twenty-two dollars.
Pardoned January 15.
6. Daniel H Paulhamu?. Clearfield county.
January 10, 1868. "Perjury." One hundred
dollars fine and nine months tn the Western
jeLitentiary. Pardoned Jauuary 22.
6. William Vanfosseu and Jame-i Leonard.
Montgomery county, February 20, 18C7. "Lnr
ceny." One year and six months In County
Prfson. Pardoned Januury 23.
7. Commodore Hendricks, fchujlklll coun
ty, February 5. 18G7. "Larceny." Two years
and six months in County Prison. Pardned
Jauuary 24.
8. George Color, alias Jacob Zoll. Montgo
mery county, August 20, 18G7. "Passim? Coun
terfeit iloney." Ore year in County Prison.
Pardoned January 27.
9. John D. Barnitz. Clinton tounty, September
10, 18C7. . "Larceny." One Tear in the Eastern
Penitentiary. Pardoned February 1.
10. Sarah Dsvid.-ou. Eiic county, November
7, 1867. "Larceny." One hundred dollars fine
and ten months in County Jail. Pardoned
February 3.
11. Henry Ahern. Philadelphia, April 11,
1867. "Larceuy." Four j ears in Penitentiary and
one thousand dollars flue. Pardoned February
6. Recommended by Hon Jacob E. Ridgway,
ptotecutor in the case; Hons. W. W. Walt,
Samuel Josephs, William M'Candless, James V.
Stokee, 1). A. &agle; Alderman William McMul
liu. Alderman J. W. Boileau. A. J. Diamond,
Johu G. Butler, J. B.Beclx, W. K. Gilbert, R. C.
Tittermury, William V. M'Grath, and many
others. Reasons: The sentence was nnduly se
vere; the prisoner was penitent and anxious to
redeem his character; and having served out
nearly a year ot his sentence, the ends of justice
had been answered.
12. James Muldoon. Allegheny county, July
2, 1867. "Assault and Battery." One year in
Western Penitebtlary and nlty dollars line. Par
doned February 6.
13. William Kiaft. Philadelphia, Dtcember
23. 1859. "Arson." Ten years in Eastern Peni
tentiary. Pardoned February 6.
14. Warparet Miller. Cumberland county,
January 16, 18C8. "Selling Liquor on Sunday."
Hixty days' imprisonment and nlty dollars tine.
Pardoned February 10.
15. John Cash and Michael Hall. Allegheny
county, September 7, 18G6. "Assault and Bau
tciy." Each to pay a tine of fine hunired dol
lars and serve five years in the Western Peniten
tiary. Pardoned February 10.
16. Barney Gallagher. Allegheny county,
October 6, 1864. Felonious Assault." Four
years in Western Penitentiary. Pardoned
February 10.
17. George W. Fisher. Northampton unty,
April 25, 1867. "Larceny." One year in Eastern
Penitentiary. Pardoued February 11.
18. Charles Andress. Philadelphia, May 13,
1817. "Larceny." Two years in county prison.
Pardoned February 13.
19. William Meeser. Philadelphia, Decem
ber 12, 1867. "Libel." One thousand dollars
fine, and nine months In couuty prison. Par
doned February 13. Recommended by the
publishers and editors of the newspaner prese
of Philadelphia; Joseph R. Ljndal), J. V.
M'Kee, HeLry H. Binnbam. G. 0. Franciscns,
G. Percy English, Samuel M. Bines, James T.
Gran, Thomas H. Callenoer, and mote than flf
tteu hundred other citizens of Philadelphia.
Reasons: Meeser did not write tbe libellous
article, and it obtained a place in bis paper
without bis knowledge; he disavowed any
Intention to libel the party aggrieved; Rreat
distress had fallen upon his family because of
tbe senterce; the character of the prosecutor
had been fully vindicated by the verdict: aud
the erids of justice served. Seven months re-
Ullk' 5tl
20-,TomT DonBey. Philadelphia, April
' 186V. , Larceuy." Eichteen months in
)UBty Prison. Pardoned February 15.
26,
Cou
loJi , ' L" iJelohla, May 20,
Jnd1 eDHrI- Pcree yfa's ,n Efttni PenW
termory. Pardoned February 19.
22. William Ryan. Alleghenv county, Decern
per 2. 1866. "Manslaughter." Five years and
three months in Western Penitentiary. Par
doned February 20.
23. Michael Shannon. Ltcoming county.
k?v. 19, 1867. "Attemrit to produoe Abortion."
Eighteen months in Jjattern Penitentiary. Par
doned February 20.
a2Vo,A,ndLew Hamilton. PblladelDtala, April
20, 1867. "Assault aud battery." Five veaVs in
tastern Penitentiary and one thousand dollars
fine. Pardoned February 20.
25. George Boring. Clearfield count. Janu
ary 9, 1866. "Robbery." Western Penitentiary
ruar 21JeErS BDCl teU m0Dth8, Phoned Feb-
26 BVL-E WeUJ- Westmoreland fount?.
August, 1867. "Assault." One thousand dol'
lC(fi;n( JfK jrm ?Wl