i&i lljujtiifyt
IS PUBLISHED
KVERY FRIDAY MOENINO,
BY
J. R. fiIRBORROH ,ISD JOh? LI'TZ,
ox
JULIANA St., opposite the Mc ngei House
BEDFORD, PENN'A.
TERMS:
$2.00 a year if paid strictly in advance.
If not paid within six months S2.RO.
If not paid within the year $3.00.
ATTORNEYS AT LAWT
J* M'n. SH.VRPE E. P. KERR.
SHARP i KERR.
A TTORNE YS-A T-LA V.
Will practice in the Courts of Bedford and ad
joining counties. All business entrusted to their
care will receive careful and prompt attention.
Pensions, Bounty, Back Pay, Ac., speedily col
lected from the Government.
Office on Juliana street, opposite the banking
house of Reed & Schell, Bedford, Pa. mar2:tf
Jso. H. Pll.mil J. T. Khagy.
17IILLER A KEAGY
; Have formed a partnership in the practice of
the law. Attention paid to Pensions, Bounties
and Claims against the Government.
Office on Juiiana street, formerly occupied by
Hon. A. King. aprll:'6s-*ly.
JOHN PALMER,
Attorney at Law, Bcillorcl, I'a,.
Will promptly attend to all business entrusted to
his care.
Particular attention paid to the collection
of Military claims. Office on Juhanna st., nearly
opposite the Mengel House.) june 23, '65.1y
JB. CESSNA,
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
Office with JOHX CESSNA, on Pitt st., opposite the
Bedford Hotel. All business entrusted to his care
will receive faithful and prompt attention. Mili
tary Claims, Pensions. Ac., speedily collected.
Bedford, Jane 9,1885.
J. E. DCRBORROW JOHN LUTZ.
DURBOKROW A LUTZ,
JITTORJVEYS .IT L.9W,
BEBFORD, PA.,
Will attend promptly to all business intrusted to
their care. Collections made on the shortest no
tice.
They are, also, regularly licensed Claim Agents
and will give special attention to the prosecution
of claims against the Government tor Pensions,
Back Pay, Bounty, Bounty Lands, Ac.
Office on Juliana street, one door South of the
'Mengel House" and nearly opposite the Inquirer
o gi cc , April 2?, 18S5:t
SPY M. A LSIP,
ATTORNEY AT LAW, BEDFOCR, PA.,
Will faithfully and promptly attend to all busi
ness entrusted to his care in Bedford and adjoin
iug counties. Military claims, Pensions, bap A
pay, Bounty. Ac. speedily collected. Office with
Mann A Spang, on Juliana street, 2 doors south
of the llengcl House. apll, 1864.—tf.
TA. POINTS.
ATTORNEY AT LAW, BR.NPJNN, PA.
Respectfully tenders his professional services
to the public. Office with J. W. Lingeu'oltcr,
Esq., on Juliana street, two do rs South of the
"Mengle House." Dec. 9, 1564-tf.
KIMMELL AND LIXGENFELTER,
ATTORNEYS AT LAW. BF.UFORII, PA.
Have formed a partnership in the practice of
the Law Office on Juliana Streot, two doors South
of the Mengel House.
aprl, 1864—tf.
J" OHN MOWER,
ATTORNEY AT LAW.
BEDFORK, PA.
April 1,1864.—tf.
___ poriSTS.
C. S. HICKOK J- G. XINJFICS, JR.
DENTISTS, BEDFORD, PA.
Office in the Bank Building, Julian" Street.
All operations pertaining to Surgical or Me
chanical Dentistry carefully and faithfully per
formed and warranted. TERMS CASH.
jan6'6s-ly.
DENTISTRY.
I. N. EOWSER, RESIDEST DENTIST, WOOD
BERUY, PA., will spend the second Monday, Tues
day, and Wednesday, of each month at Hopewell,
the remaining three days at Bloody Bun, attend
nir the duties of hi 3 profession. At all other
iiiies he can be found in his office at Woodbury,
excepting the last Monday and Tuesday of the
same month, which he will spend in Martinsburg,
Blair county, Penna. Persons desiring operations
should call early, as time is limited. All opera
ions warranted. Aug. 5,1864,-tf.
FHYSICIMS.
WJM. W. JAMISON, M. Lb,
VY BLOODY RUN, PA.,
Respectfully tenders bis professional services to
the people of that place and vicinity. [dec-clyr
P. H. PENNBYL, M. D.,
(late Surgeon 50th P. V. VA
BLOODY BUS, PA.,
Offers his professional services AS Physician and
Surgeon to the citizens of Bloody Bun and vicin
ity. declrlyr*
R. B. F. HARRY,
Respectfully tenders his professional ser
vices to the citizens of Bedford and vicinity.
Office and residence on Pitt Street, in the building
formerly occupied by Dr. J. H. Hofius.
April 1. 1864— ff.
JI„ MARBOURG, M. IX,
, Having permanently located- respectfully
tenders his pofcssional services to the citizens
of Bedford and vicinity. Office on Juliana street,
opposite the Bank, one door north of Hall A Pal
mer's office. April 1, 1864 tf.
HOTELS.
BEDFORD HOUSE*
AT HOPEWELL, BEDFORD COI.KTY, PA.,
BY HARRY DROLLINGER.
Every attention given to make guests comfortable,
who stop at this House.
Hopewell, July 29, 1564.
~BASKERS.
C. w. Rl-pr O. r. SHANNON F. BENRDICT
RUPP, SHANNON & CO., BANKERS,
BF.DFORD, PA.
BANK OF DISCOUNT AND DEPOSIT.
COLLECTIONS uiado for the East, West, North
and South, and the general business of Exchange,
transacted. Notes and Accounts Collected and
Remittances promptly made. REAL ESTATE
bought and sold. apr.15,'64-tf.
JEWELER, V
JOHN REIMUND,
CLOCK AND WATCH-MAKER,
in the United States Telcpraph Office,
BEDFORD, I'A.
Clocks, watches, and all kinds of jewelry
promptly repaired. All work entrusted to his care
warranted to give entire satisfaction. [nov3-lyr
DANIEL BORDER,
PITT STREET, TWO DOORS WEST OF TIIE BED
FORD HOTEL, BEBFOKD, RA.
TCHMAKER AND DEALER IN JEWEL
■ RY. SPECTACLES, AC.
He keeps on hand a stock of fine Gold and Sil
ver Watches, Spectacles of Brilliant Double Refin
ed Glasses, also Scotch Pebble Glasses. Gold
Watch Chains, Breast Pins, Finger Rings, best
quality of Gold Pens. H# will supply to order
any thing in his line not on hand,
apr. 28, 1865—zz.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
JOHN MAJOR, ~
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, noPKWELt.,
BEDFORD COIXTY. Coilcctions and all business
pertaining to his office will be attended to prompt
ly. Will also attend to the sale or renting of real
estate Instruments of writing carefully prepar
ed. Also settling up partnerships and other ac
counts. Apl '6l—tj.
Q YES! O YES!
The subscriber having taken out Auctioneer's
License tenders his services to all those who de
sire an auctioneer. All letters addressed to him
at Bedford will reach him, and receivo prompt at
tention. MARTIN MILLBURX.
Bedford, Pa., March 2:3 m.
-', , ,
BURBORROW & LUTZ Editors and Proprietors.
THE CROOKED FOOT-PATH.
Ah! here it is, the sliding rail
That marks, the old remembered spot—
The gap that struck our school-boy trail,
The crooked path across the lot.
It left the road by school and church,
A penciled shadow, nothing more,
That parted from the silver birch,
And ended at the farm-house door.
No line or compas traced its plan;
With frequent bends to left or right,
In aimless, wayward curves it ran,
But always kept the door in sight.
The gable porch, the w.oodbine green,—
The broken millstone at the mill, —
Though many a roadway stretched between,
The truant child can see them still.
No rocks across the pathway lie,—
No fallen trunk is o'er it thrown—
And yet it winds, we know not why,
And turns as if for tree or stone.
Perhaps some lover trod the way
With shaking knee and ieaping heart—
Aud so it often runs astray
With sinuous sweep or sudden start.
Or one, perchance with clouded brain,
From some unholy banquet reeled, —
Aud since our devious steps maintain
His track across the trodden field.
Nay, deem not thus—no earth-born will
Could ever trace a faultless line:
Our truest steps are human still,
To walk unswerving were divine!
Truants from love, we dream of wrath,
0, let us ever trust thee more!
Through all the wanderings of the path,
We still can see our Father's door.
[O. W. HOLMES.
SCHOOL GIRLS.
Merrily bounds the morning bark
Along the summer sea,
Merrily mounts the morning lark
The topmost twig on tree.
Merrily smiles the morning rose
The morning sun to see:
And merrily, merrily greets the rose
The honey-sucking bee;
But merrier, merrier far than these
Who bring on wings the morning breeze,
A music sweeter fhan her own.
A happy group of loves and graces,
Graceful forms and lovely faces.
All in gay delight outflown:
Out flown from their school room cages,
School-room rules, and school-room pages
Lovely iu their teens and tresses,
Summer smiles, and summer dresses,
Joyous in their dance and song,
With sweet sisterly caresses,
Arm in arm they speed along.
EDITORIAL CONVENTION.
Pursuant to a call issued some time since,
a Convention of Editors of the Union party
in the State, met at the Joues House at
four o'clock, Tuesday, March 6th, 1866.
The following editors were present :
E. S. Durban, Courant, New Castle, Law
rence county.
J. M. Knester, Journal, New Castle,
Lawrence county.
J. A. Hiestand, Examiner and Journal,
Lancaster.
T. T. Worth. Courier, Lebanon.
J, M. W. Greist, Daily Express, Lancas
ter.
Jacob Ivnabb, Journal. Reading.
R. M'Devitt, Journal and American,
Huntingdon..
W. A. _ Rupert, Record and Courier,
Conncautville.
F. 11. Baldwin, Daily and Weekly Tele
graph. Cony City.
E. W. Capron. Bulletin , Williamsport.
J. M. Weakly, Herald, Carlisle.
. H. M.Jenkins, Herald . Norristown.
H. T. Darlington, Intelligencer, Doyles
town.
George Bergner, Daily Telegraph, Harris
burg.
E. B. Moore, American Republican,
West Chester.
J. H. Seheibley, People's Advocate, New
Bloomfield.
Geo. Washington Fcnn, Register, Ly
kens.
W. W. M'Alarny, Journal, Couders
port.
M. H. Cobb, Agitator, Wellsboro'.
Lucius Rogers, Miner, Smithport.
H. H. Wilson, Sentinel, Miffiintown.
J. J. It. Orwig, Telegraph, Mifflinsburg.
1). H. B. Brower, American. Danville.
11. Bart Jeffries, Western Hemisphere,
Tyrone.
J. R. Durborrow, and J. Lutz, INQUIRER.
Bedford.
B. Bannan, Miner's Journal, Pottsvillo.
H. B. Masaer, American , iSutibury.
Samuel Young, Banner, Clarion.
John C. Harper, Commerci<d, Pittsburg.
John Bilger. Tribune, Middleburg.
Col. John W. Forney and J. RobleyDun
glison. Press, Philadelphia.
On motion of Dr. Brower, a committee
of seven was appointed to prepare business
to bring before this meeting. The Chair
named Messrs. Brower, Darlington, Geist,
Forney, Batman, Moore and Knabb.
It was moved that the meeting resolve it
self into a permanent association. Carried.
It was moved that a committee of three
be appointed to bring forward laws and reg
ulations to govern the association. Carried.
The Chair named Messrs. Jenkins,
Young and Cobb.
On motion, adjourned to meet at 9 o'clock
on Wednesday morning, at the State Capi
tol.
ON WEDNESDAY MORNING.
Convention met pursuant to adjournment,
Mr. J. W. Hiestand in the chair. The fol
lowing additional names were placed on the
rolls :
John T. M'llhenny, Star, Gettysburg.
Hiram Young, True Democrat, York.
L. H. Funk. Miltonian, Milton.
Emanuel Wilvert, Ann Jean, Sun bury.
D. K. Wagner, Republican. M'Connells
burg.
S. 11. Miller, Dispatch, Mercer.
The committee on resolutions made the
following report, which was unanimously
adopted:
WHEREAS, We have an abiding faith in
the principles upon which the great Union
party of the loyal States twice elected Abra
ham Lincoln to preside over the destinies of'
' the nation, and upon which that lamented
A LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWSPAPER, DEVOTED TO POLITICS, EDUCATION, LITERATURE AND MORALS.
patriot and statesman so successfully carried
the Government through the most trying
ordeal to which any people were ever sub
jected;
Ajid whereas, These principles were fully
accepted and endorsed by Andrew Johnson,
in lus acceptance of the nomination to the
second office in the gift of the American
people by which he affirmed that the founda
tions of our Government should be fixed "on
Srincipies of eternal justice which will en
ure for all time;" that in the reconstruction
of the rebellious States "treason must be
made odions and traitors punished',—that
the men who voluntarily gave their means
and influence to destroy trie Government,
should uot.be allowed to participate in the
great work of' reorganization, and that the
traitor even 1 'forfeited his right to vote with
loyal men when he renounced, his citizenship
and sought to destroy our Government,"
therefore.
Resolved , That in the future, as in the
past we will adhere to these principles, be
cause we regard them as those only which
will "fix the foundations of our government
on the principles of eternal justice, which
will endure for all time."
Resolved, That ours being a republican
form of government deriving its powers di
rectly from the people, it is the duty of all
loyal citizens to sustain their Senators and
Representatives in Congress, and that while
in this crisis, wo counsel moderation, we
will give them our hearty support in a fair
and faithful discharge of their duties to the
loyal people of the " nation.
Resolved, That we have full confidence in
the integrity, patriotism and descernment of
Congress, who have faithfully labored to
maintain what we believe to be the true in
terests of the loyal people of all States, that
they alone have the right to determine the
question of reconstruction of the States
lately in rebellion, and to judge of the qual
ifications of members asking admission to
either branch.
Resolved, That it is the imperative intent
as well as the duty of every nation to protect
its labor, which creates the wealth and adds
to the grandeur of the country. We, there
fore, earnestly call upon Congress to so ad
just the present tariff that it will protect
our different branches of industry, and at
the same time, yield its proportionate reve
nue to the coffers of the Government.
Resolved, That we would earnestly re
commend to Congress such a change in the
rates of the present tarriff, in connection
with interest taxation, that will give ample
protection to all branches of American indus
try, and thus remove the question as far as
possible from legislation, which always un
settles business and deters investment of
capital, by authorizing the Secretary of the
Treasury to increase duties to a certain per
centage whenever our importations are ex
cessive. until our exportations exceed the
importations, thus adopting a sliding scale,
which will secure an equality of trade with
other nations, and keep our coin at home as
a basis for resumption when it is prudent to
do so without unnecessarily contracting our
currency, or disturbing the business of the
country.
Resolved , That inasmuch as the influence
of the press depends largely upon the liber
ality, dignity and impartiality with which it
may be conducted, we earnestly urge upon
our brethren of the Republican press the
importance of upholding the character of the
profession, and establishing its position as
the instructor and leader of the people.
REPORT.
The following officers were elected on per
manent organization.
PRESIDENT.
Benjamin Banuan, of Pottsvllle.
VICE PRESIDENTS.
E. W. C'apron, ofWilliamsport;S. Young
of Clearfiejd; Col. T. T. Worth, of Lebanon.
SECRETARIES.
John Lutz, of Bedford; E. B. Moore, of
West Chester.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
H. M. Jenkins, of Norristown.
TREASURER.
J. A. Heistand, of Lancaster.
Our motioned, adjourned.
SPEECH of Hon. G. W. HOUSEHOLDER
OF BEDFORD COUNTY.
On a Resolution relative to a more uni
form system of Revenue for Camnion
School purposes, delivered in the Sen
ate of Pennsylvania, January 17, 18GG.
Mr. Householder offered the following
joint resolution, which was read :
Resolved, That (if the House of Repre
sentatives shall agree) a committee of three
shall be appointed from each body, whose
duty it shafi.be to report, by bill or other
wise, a more uniform system of revenue for
common school purposes, and such other im
provements in the system as they may deem
to be necessary.
Mr. White —Mr. Speaker, this resolution
seems to contemplate a radical change in our
common school system, and as it is a subject
affecting us all, I would be very glad to hear
from the gentleman from Bedford what the
resolution contemplates before I vote upon
it.
Mr. Householder said :
Mr. Speaker : In regard to this subject, I
must confess that I feel considerably inter
ested, and it seems to me proper to offer a
resolution of this character, in order to get
a special committee for this special purpose.
1 have always been of the opinion that a
standing committee never feel disposed to
give their attention to a question of this
character —to a question of such importance
as I claim this to be.
Again, sir, 1 observe by the Constitution
of the State that all measures creating rev
enue must emanate in the popular Branch
of the Legislature.
I conceive that a special committee could |
better prepare the bill and adjust the system j
and then present it properly to the other j
branch of the Legislature.
As the Senator from Indiana,(Mr. White)
has asked for reasons why I introduced a
resolution of this character, and why I wish
a reform in the financial condition of the
school system, I shall beg the indulgence of
the Senate while I give some of my reasons.
As this seems to be a new question, one
which has not before been agitated in this
Senate, at least for years, it may be well to
state my reasons for introducing this meas
ure, which I shall endeavor to do in as few
words as possible, compatible with the im
mense importance of the subject at issue;
and I shall beg the indulgence of this 'Sen -
ate whilst I give a few of the reasons that
induced me to move in the matter.
1 must profess, sir, that my feelings and
inclinations, engendered by a long and close
intimacy with the common school system of
our State, have created a love within my
breast for its prosperity and ultimate suc
cess in the great work of education and ele
vation of the masses, which no defeat in the
law, or management in its administration,
can abate.
And 1 would further say, in this connec
tion, that whilst I admire the noble philan
thropy exhibited by the founders of our
common school system, in placing within
the reach of every child in the Common-
BEDFORD, Pa., FRIDAY, MARCH 33, 1866.
wealth the means to procure a liberal edu
cation, I regret much that, thafin that ear
ly day , when it would have beej more easy
to have obtained the great objeft at which
I am, the equity of the system ras not duly
considered.
I believe, sir, that the commoe school sys
tem of Pennsylvania, and of theloyal north,
originated in a desire to elevtte the stan
dard of education and the general diffusion
of knowledge among the masse* of the peo
ple, irrespective of their individual ability
to pay. That in doing so, ignonce might
be dispelled—the rich am poor, the high
and the low —the noble ind she ignoble
might be made to stand ipon one common
platform, according to the severel intellec
tual capacities which their Creator had im
planted within them.
What a noble idea! Anl how consonant
with the great and gloriogs principles of
free government, as enuncited in the sec
ond paragraph of the Decoration of Inde
pendence. i
"That all men are created equal—that
they are endowed by their Cre-wr with cer
tain inalienable rights—that unong these
are life, liberty and the pursut of happi
ness. ''
1 believe furthur, sir, that thi moral and
political status of the America! people is
mainly due to our system of com*on schools.
That just in proportion to its dfieiency in
the several States of the Union, >o has been
the marked character and intellectual attain
ment of their sons and daughter in the va
rious pursuits and avocations oflife. It is
singularly true, that the boundry of com
mon schools has marked the h'vntbiry of
treason in the late rebellion, for ji treason's
land common schools, with thor popular
system of education, were unknovn.
But, Mr. Speaker, it is not mj inteution
to pronunce a eulogy upon tfc common
school system, but to point out jome of its
defects, and, if possible, effect a remedy.
There is scarcely a system devisql, perfect
in all its parts and operations, at the time
of its adoption; but most systems improve
by age. It is unfortunate, in this instance, i
and whilst in many particulars, I idmit, our
common schools have improved in efficiency
and have beon accomplishing nnch good,
nu>rt, vastly more than could have been ef
fected by any other system of education,
yet I firmly believe we have been receding
from the original intentions of its Founders,
as clearly expressed in the seventl article,
first section, of our organic law, which says:
"The Legislation shall, as soon as conve
niently may be, provide by law for the es
tablishment of'schools throughout the State,
in such manner that the poor may ce taught
gratis.''
Now, sir, I submit that if thus action in
the Constitution of our State proves any
thing at all, it proves right the reverse of
what has obtained in the financial workings
of our common school system ever since its
adoption in the year 1834.
The language used in the latter clause of
the section is so explicit that no one can for
a moment doubt the original intention of
the Legislature, and of the people in ratify
ing the same—' 1 That the poor may be taught
gratis."
Let us inquire now, is our present system
a common school system, financially consid
ered, and are the poor being taught gratis ?
The twenty-eighth section of the act of
1854 provides :
"That the school directors or controllers
of every district shall annually, and by the
votes of not less than a majority of the mem
bers of the board, determine the amount of
school tcuc which shall be levied on their dis
trict for the ensuing year, which shall, to
gether with such additional sums as the dis
trict may be entitled to receive out of the
State appropriation and from other sources,
bt sufficient and necessary to keep the
schools of the district in operation, not less
than four nor more than ten months in the
year.
It will certainly not be disputed that our
noble State is one vast community; that
there is a common interest and a common
sympathy pervading every sectiofi; that our
social and political system embraces all class
es and extends to the mutual benefit and ad
vantage of all her people. We contract
debts, and devise means for their liquida
tion, by a system of State taxation, in pro
portion to the ability of her citisens to pay,
in order that the burdens, as well as the
blessings of free government, may be natu
urally borne Dy all.
If this be just in one instant, why should
not the same equity be extended to the
common school system, especially when it is
so explicitly taught in the Constitution?
It is manifest that an unjust discrimina
tion is made in the section I have just quo
ted, between wealth and property, compel
ling "each district to levy its own lax," and
at the same time fixing its term without any
regard to the ability of its inhabitants to
pay. _
If a district, perchance, happens to be
wealthy—having a rich and populous com
munity—with a highly cultivated soil, it
will not feel the burden of taxation, in con
sequence of its aggregation of wealth, and
the absence of poverty. But when poverty
stares a district in the face; when the topo
graphy of the country forbids the presence
of highly cultivated fields; when the inhab
itants are compelled to subsist and rear
their families upon nature's scanty stores,
with which she so sparingly decks the fields
of many of the townships and counties of
this State—it is then, sir, that the inequali
ties of the system are felt, and it is there,
too, that the common school system has ob
tained its unpopularity, and that with a
reason.
Permit me, Mr. Speaker, to appeal to the
philanthropy of this Senate, and ask the
question: Is it just—is it equitable—that
poverty should be compelled to support and
educate poverty, whilst wealth ana influence
are eased of its burdens ? Is the moral
right to educate the poor of one section of
our Siate less obligatory upon the wealthy
tax payer of a different section, than upon
the man of means inhabiting the localities
of poverty itself ? I hold not, sir. It is
said, that "charity commences at home" I
admit it; but that does not release her from
the obligation of extending her aid to the
remotest bounds, and the most ignorant and
benighted regions of our Commonwealth.
There is a common charity and a common
duty to be performed, and how can it be
more laudably done than in educating and
elevating our system of common schools
throughout every section of the State?
The question may now be asked, how is
that best to be done? By what system of
laws can the grand object of universal educa
tion be best promoted and made conform to
the spirit of our organic law? I answer,
evidently by a uniform system of revenue
for school purposes; a system, whilstit is not
oppressive upon any portion of our people,
will greatly mitigate the burdens of the poor.
Under our present law there is no unifouiity
save in the particular district to which it
solely applies, each one being independent of
the other, and each compelled to keep open
her schools without the mutual assistance
and co-operation of its immediate neighbor,
rich and populous through that district may
be. Is tnat right? Is it equitable?
Other States have moved in this impor
tant matter, and many of them, seeing the
inequalities of the system, have effected rad
ical changes in their laws, all ten/ling to this
uniform system of revenue; and it would bo
much to the discredit of our noble State, if
her Legislature, seeing the inequalities of
her system, would fail to profit by the ex
perience of others and reap the advantage
the}' now enjoy.
As the subject of reform has engaged my
attention for some time, I would here re
mark, that during the past year I have en
deavored to obtain all the information possi
ble concerning the various systems in opera
tion in many of the States most noted for
the efficient and successful management of
their common schools. Through my corres
pondence with several of the distinguished
educators of New England, New York and
Ohio, I have been able to obtain their school
reports, and in several instances their digest
of laws and other valuable papers, detailing
the internal working of their several sys
tems.
In addition to that, I have had the the
extreme pleasure of a personal interview
with the very able and efficient Superinten
dent of Common Schools for the State of
Ohio, the Hon. E. E. White, at tiis office
last summer, when passing through the cap
ital of Ohio. The information 1 received
on that occasion was of the most satisfactory
character, and which convinced me that the
laws regulating the financial condition of
the common school system in that State
were far superior to those of Pennsylvania.
I also had frequent interviews with gentle
men of large experience f.'om various sec
tions of the country, during the sessions of
the Teacher's National Convention, which
met in this city last August. The knowl
edge I obtained, on tbese several occasions,
from gentlemen who have devoted their
whole time and attention to the improve
ment and perfection of their various schools
systems, I conceive to be most valuable.
Were it not extending my remarks en
tirely too long, Mr. Speaker, I would detail
to some extent at least, the internal opera
tions of the school systems of several of those
States. Suffice to say that, whilst I admire
the pToficiency to which the common schools
of New England generally haveattined. and
would hail with delight tne day when Penn
sylvania shall have arrived at that advanced
state of literary anl scientific attainment in
her common schools, I cannot think at this
time we could safely adopt their systems; and
whilst in most instances there seems to be
great uniformity in the collection and distri
bution of their school funds, they are never
theless, so complex, and at the same time
so expensive, owing, probably, to the ;?u
--purahundancc of their irreducible school
funds, that Pennsylvania, without a provi
sion of that character (which, to the discred
it of our national representation, years gone
by, be it said, failed to secure for us) could
not at this time safely adopt.
I confess, sir, that lam better pleased
with the financial workings of the common
school system in the States of New Pork
and Ohio. And although there is consider
able differance in the laws regulating the
school funds in these two States, they never
theless seem to have the same grand object
in view, viz: The alleviation of the burden
of taxation from those who are least able to
bear it —and at the same time dispense the
blessings of a free and liberal education up
on all classes and conditions of their people
by a system of uniform and equitable taxa
tion. The laws regulating the collection
and distribution of taxes in the State of
New York provide that there shall be levi
ed upon the assessed valuation of the real
and personal property of the State a tax .of
three-fourths of one mill to the dollar of
said valuation, which, in conjunction with
the United States fund, (a small annuity
derived from the sale of the public lands,
under the distributing act of Congress, a
few years ago,) she is enabled to keep open
her schools a minimum number of months,
by a uniform system of distribution, wherein
one-third of said school revenue shall be di
vided equally among the whole number of
schools in the State; and the remaining two
thirds, alter deducting and defraying the ex-
Eenses of the system for the year, shall also
e divided equally ameng the schools, accor
ding to the whole number of children in the
State between the recognized school ages.
The laws creating revenue for school pur
poses in the State of Ohio, are three fold in
their character —and, to me, it would seem
for wise reasons.
When Ohio was yet a territory, their dele
gates to Congress, forseeing the advantages
that must accrue to her offspring by provid
ing a basis upon which a liberal system of
education might be founded, secured to the
State of Ohio a reservation of one section
of land in each township in the State for
educational purposes. The procoeds aris
ing from the sale of this land is called irredu
cible school fund, and applied exclusively to
the support of common schools.
Secondly, by the act of 1854, they provid
ed a State tax for school purposes similar to
that of the State of New \ orlc, which, a
niended by the act of 1862, only requires a
tax of one and three tenths mills upon the
dollar, of the assessed valuation of the State,
which, in conjunction with the interest aris
ing out of the iireduciblc school fund, cre
ate a revenue generally sufficient to keep
open the schools in the State a minimum
term of six months a year.
And third and lastly, the law also provides
for a school or district system of revenue
by which a tax is created for building pur
poses, and all incidental expenses relating to
the schools in each district and its manage
ment, and for such additional cost of instruc
tion as may either be necessary to keep open
theschoolsthe minimum term of months re
quired by law, of such additional length of
time, under the maximum, as the majority
of the directors shall decide.
Now, Mr. Speaker, you will readily per
ceive the many safeguards that are thrown
around the Ohio school system, by which
poverty, wherever found, is made to feel the
benefits of a common school education,
without grevious and oppressive taxation,
whilst at the safiie time due provision is
made that each school must be kept open,
at least, a minimum number of months,
under forfeiture of all money acerueing to it
according to the division of said funds a
mong the whole number of .scholars residing
within the State, and within the school
a e-
A system so uniform m its character, as
either of the two I have just sketched, can
not fail to become popular in any community
and if applied to our present excellent sys
tem of instruction, as practised in many por
tions of this' State, and especially in the city
and county of Philadelphia, would at once
so popularize our common schools, especia
ly among the masses, that our State would
at once take rank as the most popular sys
tem in the land.
But I have extended my remarks already
too long. I trust, sir, that I have sufficient
ly answered the inquiries of my friend, the
Senator from Indiana, and this Senate, of
the propriety of passing my resolution, cal
ling for a special committee for the purpose
named. But before I close, permit me to
' exhibit, respectfully, for the consideration
VOLUMES®: *0 12.
of this Senate, a tabular statement of the
operations of our present school system, in
a succint and ■jomprehensible form, wherein
the inequalities, irregularities and opprese
eive character of the system are readily per
ceived. I have taken occasion, in this cal
culation, to take counties as they are arrang
ed alphabetically, and generally selected, at
random, two or more townships or school
districts in each county, based upon the cal
culation, showing the disparity existing be
tween the sevenu districts in the same coun
ty I have also predicted a system, which, by
way of distinction, I have denominated
"Revucd System," as estimated upon the
basis of two mills to the dollar valuation,
upon the real and personal property of the
State, and about ten per cent of the gross
receipts annually coming into the Treasury.
This sum, taken collectively, will at anytime
net over and above all the expenses of the
department, collection of tax. &c., a school
fund of at least one million six hundred
thousand dollars, which, equally divided a
inong the whole number of scholars within
the school age, viz: seven hundred and nrre
thousand nine hundred and thirty, accord
ing to the school report for the year LSt>4.
will give to each scholar, per month, forty
five cents, or two dollars and twenty-five
cents for a minimum term of live months'
tuition, paying an average of twenty-four
dollars and eighty cents per month to each
teacher.
In the first five columns of the subjoined
table I get fourth the workings of our school
system, calculated from the school report for
the year 1864, and the sixth column ex
hibits the fact what each county or district
in the State as the case may be. would entit -
led to receive from the State Treasury for
school purposes, under the proposed system
(Here follows the tabular statement which
wc omit.)
Now, Mr. Speaker, I am afraid I have al
ready trespassed too long upon the patience
of the Senate. I have but to say in conclu
sion, that 1 only ask a candid and impartial
consideration of this question. I think, sir,
that it is worthy of it, and that the course 1
have taken in raising a special committee to
digest a bill, will most likely acomphsh the
purpose. I trust, sir that I have sufficiently
given my reasons and that this Legislature
will see the propriety of the measure.
Mr. IJigham. Mr. Speaker, 1 have no
doubt of the inequalities referred to by the
Senator, (Mr. Housholder,) but I doubt very
much whether during the term of any of us—
unless we are re-elected once or twice —the
system proposed by him will be adopted.
It is not necessary to say that such a sys
tem would equalize the burden to a certain
extent. The poorer counties would be
benefitted, but our friends from Philadelphia
may be very well satisfied that they would
not find their financial interests advanced by
the propposed change. But without now
going into that matter, what I propose is,
that as wo are going to have a financial com
mittee to revise our revenue laws —board
composed of three State officers, who meet
next month —I would suggest, whether or
not this joint resolution might not be amen
ded so as to have the committe act in con
nection with the board of State officers, who
are to revise the revenue laws.
1 am more intimately acquainted, on ac
count of our proximity, with the school sys
tem of Ohio than with that of New York.
It is true that the systorn of Ohio, in refer
ence to the valuation, assessment and collec
tion of taxes, is largely in advance of ours.
For example: Ohio, in general terms has
over eleven hundred millions dollbrs of
property upon her assessment books. The
amount in Pennsylvania, as fixed by the last
revenue board, is six hundred millions in
round numberti. I presume there is no per
son here who doubts that the Commonwealth
is worth two and a half times what it is as
sessed. Ido not believe there is a county
in this Commonwealth that is not worth two
and a half times what it is assessed. My
own county is certainly wrote more than that
-—I will not say how much. The question
is, could we not vastly improve that? lam
in favor of the proposition recommended by
the State Treasurer.
I received a note from the State Treasurer
last night, stating that he is not well, but he
hopes to be hereby the middle of next week
and I think that the joint committee, in
connection with the board of State officers,
might act on a more general scale than what
is proposed here.
In reference to the particular system of
schools advocated by the Senator from Bed
ford, (Mr. Housholder,) I think that would
be so radical a change that there is no hope
of its adoption this year certainly. Philadel
phia has so far as the whole city is concerned
what my friend proposes to extend to the
State. Pittsburgh, also, has that same sys
tem. Some twelve years ago, when that
was made the system of the city, we had a
great fight in the old wards against the new
—the new wards being more largely benefit
ted by the introduction of the system than
the old, in consequence of the "number of
children in the new wards. I have no doubt
the mountain districts will be largely benefit
ted by this change.
I would suggest to the Senate that instead
of the reform being confined to the school
system, that this joint committee be directed
to inquire into what improvements can be
made in the revenue system of the Common
wealth generally.
If the taxes are taken away there would
then be no motive for under valuation.
We have, under the old assessment system
the oaths of over three thousand persons,
and you can hardly make the English langu
age stronger in reference to the oath and du
ties of assessors and revising boards than
they now are. that they shall appraise pro
perty at a cash valuation and yet there is not
a Senator on this floor who cannot select out
instances where the assessment is not one
tenth the value of the property assessed.
I think I have presented the subject so
that the Seuate can understaud iny idea.
I was not aware that the subject in this
form would be introduced, and have nothing
prepared upon the subject. I only offer
some general suggestions.
I suggest wh ' her the Senate had not bet
ter strike out the part of the resolution which
bears upon the common school system alone,
and apply the resolution to the revenue sys.
tem of the Commonwealth.
I think now is the time, when the com
mittee can act in connection with the intelli
gent gentlemen who have charge of the
State finances.—Some of their terms will
soon expire and then we cannot have their
experience. I suggest, this amen-'merit to
the Senate.
Mr. White—Mr. Speaker. I have only a
word to say. I always listen with great re
spect and with groit interest to the remarks
of the Senator wl.o has just taken Iris seat,
up on any question of finance. I have the !
most implicit confidence generally in his j
opinions upon that subject, and i think
there is uo Seettor upon this floor who does
not entertain the same sentimeut. His head
seems to be foil of statistics, and f > >■
to bejust the kindof ainan th rod
upon a committee in the re vis; up ul the reve 1
nue aysi mof the Commonv .itb.
I make these remarks sincerely, because I!
feel them, and I agree with him that it is
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necesary for this Commonwealth now, or at
least during the present session, to take
some measures to revise the general revenue
system of the State. —But it occurs to me
that the subject is so extensive, that a com
mittee would not be able to complete the
task during the present session of the Legis
lature.
It seems to me that it may be necessaiy to
get up a special committee on that subject,
who may sit during the recess, composed of
members of the legislature, or otherwise,
as may be deemed best.
But it appears to me that the committee
need not millitate against the committee ap
pointed under the resolution of my friend,
the Senator from Bedford (Mr. Househol
der.
The interests of the school system are
sufficiently great to engage the attention of a
committee such as is contemplated, and I
apprehend that the action of that commit
tee may be submitted to the Legislature for
their information ; and there is no reason
why the action of that committee, and the
committee appointed upon the general reve
nue revision, may not harmonize.
I'ou will infer from the remarks of the
Senator from Bedford that it is an extensive
subject, and I think the action of a commit
tee would relieve the labor of the Senate to
a great extent.
For these reasons I am in favor of the res
( olutions of the Senator from Bedford, and
trasttheennmittee asked for will be ap
! pointed.
Mr. Householder.—Mr. Speaker, it may
be necessary to reply to a few of the remarks
of the Senator from Allegheny (Mr. Big
ham)*! thought when the idea first occurred
tome, of a revision of the common school
system and ot its financial condition, that
we had better unite the two objects as sug
gested by the Senator from Allegheny; but
upon more mature consideration, I perceive
that the subject is too great, too complex,
and that we cannot harmoniously blend them
! together and bring out a perfect and elabo
rate system.
The system I have proposed, I must con
fess, does not meet my entire approbation,
but it is the best that I could devis? and pre
sent iu a tangible form before the Legisla
ture.
I think ty taking the good of the system
of New England, Ohio, New York and else
where, and rejecting that which does not
suit us. we can perfect a system in its de
tails which would be superior to that of any
of the systems in tbi.- country.
The plan I have suggested does not con
template perfection.
Myideawili secure entire uniformity, but
I have suggested that it is. not as equitable
r irougbout all the country as I should pre
fer.
I think that r: committee appointed for
this special purpose would be preferable.
The revision of the sehool system and tin
general revision of the revenue laws, which
the Senator from Allegheny contemplates,
would be a very great task for one com
mittee. I think there had better be two com
mittees appointed, one for this special pur
pose and another for that general revision,
and let the two committees harmonize aud
co-operate together, if necessary. I think
by an interchange of opinions between the
two eommttees they could gpt up something
that would meet the approbation of the
Senate upon the common school system,
and also upon the revenue system. I have
examined both to some extent and perceive,
I think, thiee different plans of adjusting,
or partly adjusting, the defects in the school
system, contingent upon the revision of the
revenue: but, of course, they are all based
upon the same general idea, but I cannot
think tnat the general revision of the reve
nue system and of the sehool system by the
same committee would be preferable.
As the Senator from Allegheny, Mr. Big
harn has referred to the city and county
of Philadelphia, permit me to make
one remark. 1 bad theextreme pleasure of
visiting the board of control of Philadelphia
a few weeks ago. and I must say of those
gentlemen thit, I met a very cordial recep
tion indeed. They very kindly gave me all
the formation in their possession. Their
reports and their assessments, and whatever
pertained to the general management of
their school system. The revenue which
supports the school system of the city of
Philadelphia is derived from a general fund
and is distributed equitably throughout all
the schools of the city of Philadelphia. This
is what I desire for the State at largo. I
want an equitable system extended to the
whole State of Pennsylvania, that no one
portion of the people will be oppressed by
taxation.
. Mr. Champneys.—Mr. Speaker, I have
listened with great satisfaction to the re
marks upon this subject, and I have no ob
jection to the committee which the Senator
from Bedford (Mr. Householder) suggests.
It is a subject which is, of course, dear to me
The common school system should shed its
light into every heart in the land—not of
the poor alone, but of all classes. This is
the great beauty of the system.
There are inequalities in the present sys
tem, but whether they can be remedied or
not is another question. It is an experiment
and therefore I would be satisfied with the
resolution.
But my friend, the Senator from Alle
gheny, (Mr. Bighaiu,) wants to launch into
a general revenue system, and, upon a revis
ion of our finances and start with new project
I presume. Such a course may involve us
in increased taxation and lam not prepar
ed for that.
Now as to con) missions. I think that wo
have had commissions enough upon that
subject. We have Had a commission to re
vise the revenue laws. I read a report of
the commission with care and commended it
almost from beginning to cad. It was for
altering everything, and I do not think would
be of any benefit to the TV■■■ssury of the stte
daatis my judgement al that ooiniuissi .n.
ihe juan they pr* ft would rather in
crease taxation.
I rise, not to object to •• re vision pf the
common school system, i n merely to olyect
to being set to sen. without chart or compass
upou an expedition to -..arch a new revenue
system. It would require the committee to
sit at least six months to review the revenue
laws of other States and r. yV. our awn.
I would therefore oppose 100 prom>;,j4wi /.
the Senator from AH'v.liCm.v, '(Mr. Bfahdui ,*)
but shall vote f>r the re.-oration ot the Sui:;.<-
tor from Bedford (Mr. flou.-cbe Idfir.)
Mr. Bingham.'—Mr. Speaker. I mcvlv
made * sugg-.-t.oB, and instead of prop--jug
to increa-e the Uixatioa, I proposed Tic tax
ation at all lor Stat,.; purposes.
I pfiored no ninendu'ftui- ty uq resolution
and (io rot ea.: about miy. Icm perfectly
wnhiig tnar tric S •rtm fion; Bedford shall
feavtf hi- eeuihftttw. At the end of ten
year;, tucre urn,, ho perhaps sou:* system
like that vvhjcn ue- propos .> adopted in ref
erence to onr COBJJU. IH schools, but he will
-.1 it siow work. I think he will be .re-elec
ted at least three times as I Pope he may fee
from his own Senatorial district by the time
ho secures this change.
The resolutions of Mr. ! louseholJer worej
then adopted.