r 23 GOVERNOR'S' MESSAGE. To the Senate and House qr . firepresentatires oft he 'Coin ronwealth Pennsyfaanta. • FELLOW The Legislative branch of Government meats. nus der circumsfaucee calculated to' produce deep sensations of gratitude. The events of the part year cannot fail M afford assurance of the continued mercy ofthe Almighty Father of the Universe, and of the blessings He has dis pensed to the people of this Commonwealth. While in other parts of our country, and in distant lands. pesti lence has made fearful ravages. leaving in its track the Wretchedness of destitution and the tears of crushed af fections; a healthful climate, in the disposal of a right eous Providonce.has Preasteed the citizens of the State comparatively free from the , miseries of She destroyer.-e- Duriog a period of war, famine and civil commotion in the old world, bringing, in their train desolation and want; blighting the hopes, paralyzing the industry. and ruining the prosperity of the people. our beloved Commonwealth h a u n ion with others under the Notional Constitution. has enjoyed the delights of piface, and her citizens. in the exorcise of industrial pursuits. have found contentment and competence. To the Anther and Guardian of our being:whose benifiesnee caused all things to work to gether for 9ur good, our reverence and out gratitude are especially due. The recent efforts for the establishment of liberal institutions in Europe. have excited in the people of this country the warmest sympathies. The conflict between the oppressor and the oppressed, whatever may be the incidents or results, having for its object a govern ment capable of protecting and extending political and social liberty, must bo regarded by the people of the Uni ted States with the deepest ivilieitude. In the enjoyment of institutions which recognize the ij4terent rights of man, androunded on the acknowleWprinciple that all political power is a Wilt to be exerhised for the benefit of the citizen, they cannot witness the struggle between despotism and freedom, without ardent hopes and sin• core prayers for the triumph of liberal and enlarged jus tice. It is impossible to behold a people long she sub jects of tyranny and oppression—onlighteued by our ex empla, and solicitous for equal enjoyments--rising up be neath the burthens which centuries have heaped upon them—casting aside the reverence for power, and the pride for regal splendor, leoltirig forward to the establish nient of human rigida; to the elevation of the moral and Rectal condition of society; and placing their lives and fortunes on the hazard of a struggle for those objects; without, ou our part, an earnest, an anxious desire that tls may succeed. That struggle has been pi:emcees ful. The arbitrary Governments in whose midst the no. ble hand of patriots erected their standard, have succeed ed with-their immense force in maintaining tyranical an• thority, and the biave men who fought for freedom, have either perished under the barbarous exactions of despotic will, or they wander in foreign lands, exiles from homes that no longer afford security._ It is not the policy of our National Government to mingle in the controversies of foreign nations, nor is it desirable that it should. by acts of hostility or friendship, break up the ,commercial re lations which exist for mutual advantage; but it is, nev• ertheless„ no violation of interuationa 1 law to enter our solemn protest and warning against acts of cruelty and barbarism upon heroic men and defenceless women. It is no wrong for our government to unite with others, in the expression of indignation against the violation of tui tional faith and national law, involved in the demand, for saucuivary purposes, of the brave defenders of human rights. The consideration of the Legislature is respectfully invited to the financial condition of the Commouwealth. The present funded debt is as follows: 6 per cent. 'oats, 10.041.02.2 St 5 per cent. " 37.336.716 90 4i per cent. " 200,000 00 Unfunded debt, to wit Relief notes in entitle- ton, without interest, $60,169 00' Interest Certificates out- blending. Int. Cert. unclaimed, " on certificates to be added whon the same • shall be funded or paid 11394 31 Domestic creditors on set demon t, Amount animal. railroad and .motivo power debts. contracted prior to Dec. I. 1848. and unpaid by the appropri ations of the last session, Total indebtedness oldie Commoner'lth December. 1849. ' $40,574,413 45 The funded debt on the Ist of December, '4B WllB Unfunded debt. Amount of canal railroad and motive power &but contracted prior to Dec. 1. 1848. $39.393.330 9.1 1.681,986 69 $40,842,379 31 • Amount of public debt paid during, the Year 1849, ezelusive of the sum paid Commissioners of the sinking fund, Amount paid during the year 1849 to the commissioners of the sinking fund, 227,513 53 Amount appropriated during tho year 1849, toward payment of the public debt, In exhibiting the operations(or the Treasury fur tho list fiscal year, the sum of $lO,OOO, borrowed on ape. , cial loau for the avoidance of, f tho Scuylkill Inclined i Plane, and included in the agg egate on the public debt in December, 1849, should be added to tho above stated sum of $495,479 39. The amount of receipts at the Treasury during the year ending Dec: 1,'1849, is $4,437,688 65 The amount of expenditures during the same period, is Balance in the Treesury on December 1, 1348. 577.290 39 Bal. in Treasury- At De c. 1. 1849. , 926,207 24 Amount paid to oommissionem of-the sinking fund to Jan. 1. 1810. $227.- 513 53. with which was purchased of the funded debt, and transferred to the Commonwealth, 1 , 253,500 00 Difrererence between the indebtedness of the State on tho first of December 1843 and Dec. 1541849. Total antount'of public debt paid during the year, 8521.465 86 Estimates of receipts at the Treasury during the year 18.50: •i From Lands. 1 . $20.000 00 Auction Commissions. , I 22.000 00 .. Duties, 1 50.000 00 Tax on Bank Dividends. ' • 130.000 00 •• •• Corporation. Stocks, 1 1 - 160,000 00 " •• Real and Personal Estate 1, 330,000 00 •• . 4 Tavern Licenses, • ', 80,000 00 " .. Retailer's Licenses. 1 169.000 00 " •' Pedlar's Licenses. , 1 3,000 00 •• .• Broker's Licenses, , 1 . 12.000 ,00 " •' Theatre. Circus. & Menagerie licences 3.000 00 ii. ... Billiard rooms, Bowling Saloons, and Ten-pin Alley Licensee, " " Distillery & Brewry Licimies. " " Eating Houses, - Beer Muse.. and Restaurant Licensee, 01 " Patent Medicine Licenses, " u Pamphlet Laws, 1 Militia Fines, Tax on Write. Wills, Deeds. &c. 0 1 11 Certain Offices. •' " Colaterel Inheritance, Canal and Railroad tolls, Canal fines and sale of old materials, Enrollment of Laws. Premiums on charters. I Tax on loans, I Inclined Plane loan Dividends on Turnpike & bridge stock. Nicholson Lands. Accrued Interest. ' Refunded t,...asb. Escheats. Fees of Public Offices, Miscellaneous. 1 bores; on stock purchased, 1 , $4,566,3000 WI Estimated payments during the yr 1850: To Publie improvements $640.000 00 Expenses of Government 235,000 00 Militia expenses 4.000, 00 th Pensions and expenses. 4.000, 20,000 00 Charitable Instil%liana, 80.000 00 Common Schools,, 200.000 00 Interest on Loans. ' 2,005,000 03 Guarantees of Interest:, 32.504 00 Domestic Creditors, 10.000 00 Damages on Public works. 24.000 00 Special Commissioners. ' 2.000, 00 State Library. ' 2.004 00 Pub. buildings and grounds 2,000 00 Penitentiaries. - 15,000 00 House of Refuge. ' : 5.000 00 Nicholson Lands, 3.000 00 Eschews. 2,000 00 Abaternent of State Tax 40.000 00 Counsel fee. S commissions 2.000 00 Miscellaneous. • 5.000 00 inclined Plane. ISaltnylkill) 270,000 00 North Ilranch Canal, - 150,000 00 Cow'''. thinking Fund, 293.900 00 - $39.577,739 41 179,422 41 4,448 33 ,85,104 88 $933,434 51 63,239 53 367.642 38 $267,965 96 495.479 39 4,084.771 80 267,955 86 5000 00 1.500 00 15.000 00 3,000 00 500 00 2.000 00 40,000 00 20.000 00 200.000 00 1,825,000 00 5,000 00 11,000 00 40.000 00 . 125,000 00 270.000 00 2,000 00 300 00 5.000 00 5.000 00 2.000 00 2.000 00 2.000 00 15.000 00 $4.034.800 00 $531.500 00 The foregoing estimated Wants itithe ;TriasurY. dt the end of the fiscal year 1850, would appear to justify the appropriation of forty thousand dollars toward the completion of . the Western' Reservoir at Johnstoin t , as hereinafter recommended. it would also au thorize the appropriation of a sum not less than effete hundred thousand dollars. in addition to the amount' al ready appropriated to be expended In the completion of the Norih Branch Canal. - - The Legislature at its last session aulhorked the re-is sue of the relief notes then in circulation. and suspend ed their cancellation for three years. The amount of tho whole issuti now out- standing. is $653.164 00 The amount paid into tho Treasury and supplied by a uow issue. is ' 443.537 00 Balance. $209.627 00 The above balance has boon destroyed or has failed to reach the Treasury during the year. These notes. the redemption of which being amply secure. and a safe con. vonistit local currency, have the confidence and favor of the citizens. It is therefore recommended . that bulbul ity be given to the prow officers. to keep them in good condition, by a new issue. iu lieu attach as may becotne mntillated and defaced. In addition to the suggestions made to tile lasi Legis lature on the subject of the monied affairs of the State. it is deemed proper to call tour ettention to the _fact, that a portion of the funded debt is over-due—a part bearing au interest of six per ,caut-.-and a part fdling due the Tear 1850. es follows: The amount of five per cent Nag, debt overdue, except hank charter loam; is $354,519 10 The amount of six per cent funded d ebti over due. is 1.752.335 06 The amount of five per cent funded debt falling due on or before Dec. 1, 1850.15, 999.211 15 .Theamount of unfonu'ded debt now dus. 85.104 88, Amount demandable at the Treasury du ring the year. $3,191,170 19 Provision should be made at-an early day fur arran gements with the creditors holding these clai ms , To permit them to remaidin their present condition would only evince an indisposition to pay our just debts, would also operate injorioueiy of the stock, by compelling sales at a price below their par value.— Anneal demands upon the Treasury, with the present means of the State, will not to permit the payment of these loans; and the only practicable mode which suggest itself seems to be the negotiation of ne w loans, stipulating an extension of the lime of pa ment. It is believed that such loans could be nego tiated at a rate of interest not exceeding 5 per cent. Should authority be given in the arrangements suggested," to stipulate that the said stock should be exempt front taxation, the inducements to invest ments therein would create such conieetition as would be highly adtantagenua to the Treasnry.— Justice and honesty require that these debts should be paid, or arranged to the satisfaction of the parties interested, and any i t rovision which the Legislature may deem proper on the Subject will meet the cordial approbation of the Executive. The establishment of the Sinking fund, by 'the ap preciation of State stock, and the cosequent increase ofcontidence in the ability of the State to meet her en gagements; with the replacenieneby a new issue or the old and defaced relief notes, has had the salu tary effect of enabling the treasury Department with slight :expene in the exchange or transmission of means, to meet the payment of interest on the public debt-in par money, as oleo to pay other creditors of the State in good funds. The payment of the public liabilities in the manner aforesaid, and the adoption of a system to extinguish eventually the public debt. must bring to their par value, the stocks of the Com monwealth. it is estimated that 51 3,0-19,000 of the public stocks are held in this country, addition in and the their value, bylthese simple operations demanded alike by sound policy and honesty will increase their marketable worth in the hands of the, citizens $l,- 950,000. To the efficiency of the State Treasurer, the Auditor General and other officers charged with the collection and disbursement of the public mon eys during the past year, is justly attributable in a high degree these favorable results The beneficial 'results 'of tho sinking fund cannot be doubted. The payments from various sources to tho Commissioners, daring the pest year have been as fol lows: From collateral inheritance tax, . 8180412 41 G! Premiums on charters, 35,969 40 " Eating and oyster houses and res taurauts, • 6,867 20 " Billiard and bowling saloons and ten-pin alleys,' 2,985 50 ' u Theatre, circus and menagerie li- censee, 2.210 00 Dislllery and brewery licenses, 384 00 Amount received for the year ending December 1, 1849, 6227,629 01 The estimated payments fat the same purpose, fur the year ending Dec. 1, 1850, arc as follows: From collateral inheritance tax, 5200,000 OCi " Interest an stocks purchased, 15,000 00 " Premiums an charters, 40,000 00 " 'Theatre, circus and menagerie licenses, .3,000 00 " Distillery and brewery licenses, 1,500 00 " Billiard 'and bowling saloons and - - ten-pin alleys, 5,000 00 " Eating and oyster houses and res taurants, 15,000 00 " Balance in Treasury after deduct ing appropriations herein be- fore recommended, 91,500 00 $371,000 00 The opinion is confidently expressed that the estima ted receipts above stated wil be found to approximate to the truth, should an adherence to the policy pursued by the last Legislature. in relation to premiums on charters, and other financial measures be authorized and continu ed. Should such be the case, the above sum. at the Pre sent rates. would extinguish upwards of four hundred theinsand dollars of the fended debt. during the past tie cal year. The sources from which - the sinking fond is applied must necessarily lee/01180. he tax on collateral inheritance. end on theatre, circus. and menagerie licen ces, prior to the act creating a Milking food. yeilding to the 'Freasnry about the sum of $45,900 annually. By the provisions of that net, these have been increased to the sums above stated, and the other sources of revenue have been created by recommeudations heretofore made to the Legislature. With these means for thio supply of the sinking fund, together with such additions as the probable resources of the Treasury, from time to time may justify. it is suscep ••tible of easy calculation to determine, how nearly 'ap proaches the periad when the State taxes may he repeal ed. and , the burthens of the potople removed. Be mani iestlyimportant are these results upon the industrial putt suits of the citizens. and the interests and honor of the State, it is suggested for consideration whether good pot. icy would not require the transfer of all balances in the Trtlasury at the end of each year to the Cotnmissioners of oho said Fund. Every consideration that can impose itself on a goe r eminent demands the payment of the public debt. The local advantages of our Commonwealth—the salubrity of oar climate—the vastness of our mineral deposites—the fertility of oursoil—and the prosperity and happiness of the people, alike require the repeal a system of laws, which compel emigration—prevent the settlement °fan cultivated lands—drive capital from our border*, and par alyze the industry of every clues of our citizens! Should these balances remain in tho Treasury unappropriated to the said Fuad, the history of the past will remind us that prodigal expenditures will be made to objectaof unditein ishedimportance. The subject of the revision and equalization of the laws for roisiug revenue is again earnestly pressed upon the attention of of the Legislature. Great injustice arises under existing enactments. (rein the want of adequate means to prevent or to punish individuals making false returns of property subject to taxation. The conscien tious citizens, scrupulously exact in the performance of his obligations to society, may well complain of laws which suffer the dishonest to elude with limpnnity the payment of en equitable share of the public blathers'. rho tax on lands, mortgages, and moneys at interest. is assessed so uneqUisliy, that great reams for complaint exists throughout the Stale. To remedy to some extent this evil, it would be well to require the Prothonotaries of the several counties, to collect from the Plaintiffs in Judgments the tax thereon assessed, and if necessary to compel payment by legal process. A similar provision with regard to mortgagee, giving the Recorders the au thority before staterlin gelation to Judgment,. would em brace these two items of taxation, and would doubtless compel the payment of i large amount of revenue, now fritudelently withheld. The laws subjecting to a tax ; the commissions waled to the officers of this commonwealth. should be eat laded to embrace commissions to non-residents. The justice of taxing the eiiizons of the State, 'mid of permitting non residents who hold commissions under the government. to enjoy the emoluments free from taxation, cannot rea dily he perceived. No efrettual mode,has beeti devised to compel the agents of foreign insurance companies to make a Semi annual exhibit ofthe amount of fonds employed by their fisspective companies within this commonwealth? A law having an effect of this char/4w. is highly necessary, and would be productive of decided advantage. - in the enactment of such a las,..it would be well to make the certifitate issued to agents afield 'companies. subject to tuition. Incorporated companies of various kinds. de r i v i ng their charters elsewhere. have agencies In pietist* and tmasact'busiuess therein. and yet no accdrate account la taken Of the money etnployed er of the value or pro fits of their luireattueati.— Were the proper departments required to make a list of these incorporations, sod en. thur i ii g i ven to ascertain the &mouth of the investmeuts, the rate of dividends daclanid, or the profits made. and a sax was levied Oa ouch dtvideads, or profits, as welt as •un the capital *tack employed. a large revenue to the commonwealth would be the result. While money borrowed by citizens. boroughs, and in corporated district*, is subject. by meting !awe, to tax *dun. it is out perceived wily money burrowed by incor porated companies should be eOetupt from similar assess. meet. To make en equitable o di b s i t e ri e b t 001 the oLfetchieslaptuubrlelt: burthens, should be the special end care should be tukeu that too exemption should be alloWed to any class of citizen's over another inhere thit property employed is the saline. Attention to . the fere. going objects of taxation. will not only increase the rev enue. but is demanded alike by Justice and sound The next iii importance to Ito public debt, and the equalisation of the lases. is the management of tho pub lic improvements. The vast expeuditures annually made fur the repair and supervision of these 'works and the revenue d er i ve d therefrom; Yo materially utrecting the condition of the Treasury. render them objects of peculi ar interest. it is believed that an increased amount of nett revenue should be derived from•theas works.. The enormous appropriations of the last year, for their ntaiii tenunce its repairs, and towards the payment of debt (barterer contracted should have placed them in Depend condition. and would nutherizo.the conclusion that a small expenditure during the present season would be suffici ent. In the absence of the annual report of Canal Cotri missioners, no specific amount for there objects can be given by the Executive. The system for the management of these improvise misfits, invites unnecessary expenditures. and removes reponaibility from the proper department. Were the number of 'Canal Commissioners increased to five,..-ithe Stot t ° divided into districts for the election and supervis ion of each Commissioner,—the direct and immediate charge and control of the district imposed upon one of these officers. requiring of hint the performance of the duties now executed by superintendents and supervisors. and stipulating for the annual alteration of the said Com missioners; much practical lefermation of interest to the State would be acquired; a direct responsibility for the Well ordered condition of the Public Works. and the economy of expellees would be secured; and the, large discretionary powers now vested in supervisors, in the adoption of plans and payment of tnuuoy for repairs, would be placed in officers directly accountable to the peo ple. In relation to this subject. legislation elionld ho clear and specific. as discretianery power over the money of the citizen must he deprecated by eight thinking men. The method adopted in the management of the Pub lic 'Works is evidently. defective. Repairs on die ca. nuts and railroads are made in a way to prevent all cons petition. Were the several services performed by con tract. and awarded to the lowest bidder..giving the re quired security, can there axis' a doubt of favorable re• quits to the public interests. The Stale does it.d derive an adequate share of the profits arising from the use of the Columhin Reamed. • rho construction of the road; its maintenance. and su pervisions and the supply'of the blotivo:Power,-involving great expense and risk. demand from tho profit,' of the roaa a larger return than finds its way to the Troaiury. Au evil so detrimental to the public interests calls for a speedy remedy. It is sug4ested that the Canal Commissioners should be required to invite proposal. for furnishing the Motive Peeler on the said road, stipulating in detail the services to be performed, and the nature of the 'emits given. The object being to procure competition in the supply of the Motive Power. encouragement should be given to individuals. willing to undertake tho duly of running ono or more locomotives on the road, whoteer belonging to the'Sulte or to the individual bidder. Should the loco motives belonging to the State. he furnished to the bid ders, the contract should stipulare the tares on which they should be used. The transportation of passengers should be done be done by contract with the lowest bidder. in the agree ment, it'would be necessary that the Canal Commission ers should fix the kind of care, and such other details, as would secure the accommodation of the passengers, and faithfully guard this public interest. la the transmission of burden cars, en arrangement might well be made with their owners, by which the, Stem would receive instead of the present tolls, a portion of the freight coarges. -"rho consequences would bo ad vantageous to bath parties. These changes in the present system, would. it is belieired, largely diminish the expenses of the Motive Power; would authorize a reduction in the rate of tolls; produce, an increase of business upon the road; forniSh . with profitable labor many citizens now refused employ. ment, by reason of the monopoly held by the State over the Motive Power on the road; prevent the expenditure ' necessary for the purchase of new hilonotives; saverto• the State the immense sacrifice, in the' old engines; ac comodete the traveling public by a lower rate of fare; and would advance the public Worms by lessening the mi nted outlays, end incaeasing the income front the ropd more than $200.000. Discriminations in the tolls on the Public Works, against portions of our citizens, by means of a system of drawbacks and maximum rates of tolls aro unjust and improper. Their labor and property -in common with others, were incumbered in the c. , estrution of the iin • proveinents; their industry and wild% have for years assisted, and continuo to sustain them; and it is difliult to perceive upon what principle of public policy. a Tariff of tolls is ineintained.'diseriminating alphas( their inter ests. The demands of trade cannot excuse a palpable wrong of this character. while a reduction of tolls on the whole line of improvements would produce increase of business and secure the desired foreign trade. The practice of contracting debts for repairs. end for the parchese of materials beyond appropriations for these purposes, should be prohibited by severe penalties.— elethieg can be more destructive of all accountability, or offer itronear inducements to extravagance, than such a power over the public money. An officer guilty of an act of this kind, violates the trust committed to him. and should be forthwith, dismissed from the public service.— Debts already contracted in this way should be paid. for the labor in behalf of the State has been performed, and it would inflict an injury on those who could not have a knowledge of the wrong, to withhold from them the val ue of their services; but immediate measures should be adopted to prevent occurrences of a like nature in future. A practice of this kind. authorized in some measure by subsequent appropriation,. of the Legisleture, for the payment of the debts thus contracted. cannot fail to mis lead the people, and embarrass the public Olean in their estimates mud recommendations. The large appropria tions for the payment of old debts, made at the last ses sion of the Legislature, show' the extent to which the practice has been carried, and should admonish us to guard against a recurrence of the evil. In providtng by legal enactment against the mischief here stated. author ity might be given to the Canal Commissioners, Should it be deemed necessary. to meet deficiencies in the funds provided for any line of improvements; to draw frum a specific appropriations for that purpose. requiring from them a detailed and special report on the subject, to the auditing deparuneat as wallas to the succeeding Leg's. lature. The avoidorce of the 'Schuylkill Inclined Plane, and the improvements concocting with the Columbia and Philadelphia Railroad, which are in rapid progress of construction. must materially increase ;be business of that public thoroughfare. and will render the relaying of a portion of the said road, a work of absolute necessity. In the performance of this work, should the Legislature authorize it, good policy would seem to require, so far as the means of the '1 reasury will permit. that one track at least should be laid with a heavy rail; and it is worthy of the consideration whether the public interests would not be greatly subserved. by a location of a new track, so as to avoid the many short curvatures on-the eastern end olcaid read. They increase the danger to passengers and freight. fortfd a dispatch safely performed on, a straight line; and require greater force than would be necessary on a direct track with higher grades. in the event of the Legislature authorizing the relaying of the eastern section of the said road. and the change of loca tion be 'ore mentioned. a due regard to the public inter ests and the limited resources of the Treasury would seem to demand that the improvement should commence et an iarly day, and progress front year to year as the revenues would warrant, until it should be completed. The Portage Railroad, from the completion of our line of improvements to the present time, has been a serious obstacle to the business of the community, end the occa sion of trade seeking other channels to the Mende mar ket Any mode. therefore. of lessening this evil. must meet the hearty concurrence of the citizens. The sum of five hundred thousand dollars judiciously expended. will avoid all the - short levels, and four of the five Inclin ed Planes on the western slope of the Allegheny. The annual expenses of maintaining these Planes is not less than ten thousand dollars for each Plans, and if Ps that amount be added the cost of the short levels. and tha liftable nature of the materials connected with these wire, with the delays and risks incident thereto, the an nual amount of their maintenance. cannot be less than one hundred thousand dollars. Were these Pram.. avoid ed, and those on the eastern slope of the mountain re paired. the commerce on the Publie Works would be fa cilitated and increaired. and the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Company would find it their interest foe many' years to use it in connection with their grentlnoptZwe• mint. During the last season. the scarcity of water en the upper portion of the Western Division of the Pennell-1h vania Canal. materially inj ured the character of the Pub. lie Works. and diminished the revenue home that gourds notions than *50.000. To guard against a recurrence of this evil. iris recommended that the Western Reser voir. in the construction or tvsich the sum of sixty thou sand &Matti has been upended. be completed. The estimate amount required for its completion is tifk.ooo. sad won% In the ophrloA of the Executive, be a jai- Claus oppropriation. 1 It has been suggested that an alteration in the Canal locks, by malting them conform to the shape of the bot tom of the boats, would not only . strengthen them, but would:be a saving of water. Tole might be etfected, if deemed of aufillient Importance, by the insertion of wood en bottoms. In such manner as to produce the remake tn. didated. . . By the reports of the Auditor General and State Treas ury, made under the directions of the act of the 10th of April. 1819. it appeared that after the payment of the in terest on the public debt, and the liquidation and pay ment of other claims for which appropriations had been made by the Legisletitre. and reteining El reasonable bal ance in the Treasury. the sum of $150,000 might, with safety. be applied to the completion of the North Branch Canal. I accordingly gave immediate notice of the fact ' to the Canal Commissioners, aud portions of the work. it is understood, have boon placed under contract. Con. sidered Inn put , of the Public Improvements, and re commenced as n revenue measure. that work s houldl be finished at the earlieist day the condition of the Treasury aviillierinlt. It should not be forgotten, that the present unfinished condition of the work. by interrupting tho free navigation of the river; by the destruction of roads aud injury to private property; tvithaul affording, any con venience to the community. inflicts a wrong which do ntands immediate reparation. In addition to the sum already appropriated, it is confidently believed that $300,. 000 cart with propriety. be given to that improvement in the present season; and lii the following year. provision miht be made tor its completion. While it has been doomed advisable to bring these subjects to tho notice of the Legislattire. considerations of sound policy. the interests of the citizens, already heal , ily burdened with ton ;tion--•and the general welfare of the Commuuweelth. forbid au increase of the public debt. The Oquidization and revision of the /evanue laws .... 1 the proposed change in tho management of the Public Works, and their early improvement nod completion— with a riged mainteutince of the Sinking Fund, and the consequent redpction of the public debt. would. with the present resources of the Treastry, produce in a fow years a condition of financial prosperity, justifying the convict lion of the speedy relief of our citizens from the pat-meet of all tales for the support of Governineut, schools aud charities. The Eastern and Western Fenitentieries have been conducted with skill and prudence, mid in the reforms. lion, end security of offenders, society has derived im portant advantages. It it however worthy of serious con sideration, whether in the adoption of a syatein of solita ry confiuoment, the severity of the punishment authoriz ed by law does not injuriously affect the mental and physical vigor of the prisoner. - The frequent recommendations to Pie executive for pardon of convicts afflicted with ill-health and mental im becility, would appear to require some modification of the present laws. It is eartieso recomenetided that a small increase of 1110 annual appropriations be made to the Douse of Ref uge, and the Asylum! of the Deaf, Dumb and Blind.— These institutions, long the deserved objects of State bounty, have been increasing in usefulness, and incur ring additional yearly expenses, while the annual sums bestowed have remained thd same, lit the growth of population the demands on these ASyluins must be aug mented, and their expenditures tiecesserily enlarged, and the same degree of liberality awarded on former occa sions. would claim the appropriation isf larger amounts. In the prosecution of the work for the State Lunatic As) tom, the appropriation of a former year, has been ex hausted, and a sum of like amount is required for its coin pletion Under the supervision of excellent and attentive trustees. the building has rapidly ailv.mned, and is now under roof. The structure is plain, substantial and beau tiful; eligibly situated in regard •to the comforts of pa tionta, mid susceptible of a finish, honorable to the Stdto and useful to the community. Tho probabilitV of its abandonment by the Legislature. or of a ramiel to grant the additional sum required fur its completion, cannot be entertained by the Executive. Too long already has public clutaity boon withheld from the insane poor of the Statetoo long have they been suffered to wander des titute and deserted; the jest of the thoughtless. and the victims, of .the profligate: while humanity mid Christian benevolence claimed for Mein public protection. It is nor, however, protection alone that is con templated in this A*sylurrh• The reports front diffe rent similar institutions afford the gratifying intel ligence that eighty, and in some instances, ninety per cent of the number afflicted, are radically e ur el In this view of the subjisct, combining shelter and protection, with restoration, to health and reason, the inducements to energetic action out our part, cannot be overlooked. It is estimated that an additional sum of 450,000 will finish the building, and fit it for the reception 'of patients, and the same is respect fully and earnestly recommended. Notwithstanding the revision, by the last Isvia ;attire, of the laws in relation to common schools, the system will require modification. It does not receive fr im the citizens the favor, that a sound and enlightened scheme of education deserves, and the evil must exist in the tows which control its practi cal opervations. A serious defect is the want of properly qnalifiediteachers.. It is wottliy - your con• eideration whether the establishment_ of Normal seheels in the difThrent counties would'not , improve this evil. Education may well be termed the great measure of the age. In a Republican government it is the safeguard of liberty, and enlightened states men regarding it in this aspect, will I cordially co operate to establish to defend, to cherish, to maintain it. The Superintendent having bestowed mach thought on the subjedt, with at an early day, submit a report, to which your attention is directed. The military law of the last session is imperfect in many of its details. and requires revision. In the abolition of the-mockery of parades incident to the old system, and the establishment of an effective unimformed military, well disciplined and drilled, it has been productive of general utility. Slight mod ifications of its provisions will make it all :hat can be desired. , The report of the adjutant General is well worthy your consideration, and is accordingly submitted. Reports from the Surveyor General and Auditor General, exhibiting the condition of their respective departments, are herewith transmitted to the Legis lature and the latter will furnish in detail much val uable infurmation, in' relation to the financial con dition of the Commonwealth. The duty of districting the State for the election of Representatives, will devolve npon you. Returns of taxables, required to' be made by the ditterent counties, have nut been transmitted, as by law they were directed, but the officers charged with duties under time law, are engeed in their preparation, and they will be !aid, at au early day before the Legisla ture. By resolutinos raised at the last session, the Ex ecutive was required to transmit to certain officers, citizens or natives of the State, resolutions mires ive of the approbation of the Legisture foitheir dim ingnished services in the war with Mexico. In iperfurming this duty, these resolutions were trans mitted to such of those officers, as; by the report of the Abjutunt General of the United States, had been brevetted for good conduit. The resolutions for the a mendmeat of the Conati tution, aiming been duly published according to the instrument, it will be the duty of the Legislature to take such action on the subject as may be mast con aistent with the wishes of the people. It is_Proper to state, that the appropriation made to defray - the expenses of the publications of these resolutions, was whooly sufficient for the purpose, and in an additional sum will be required. in the message delivered at the opending of the late session, reference was made to the citizen sol dier, who had returned ,to his home, after having earned for himself end the State, in the war w•th Mexico, a reputation for undaunted bravery, patient auffering . and heroic virtue; and the opinion was ex pressed. that it was duo to these patriotic citizens, that the Commonwealth should make a suitable ac knowlegdment - fur their illusttions services. No action having been token upon the auggestion, I would again call the Subject of the Legislature.— It is also proper to refer to the reccommenda- Umn therein mode, in relations to the death of certain officers of the government, and the omnis skin in the constitutiontoseppty the vacancy. The subject is deemed a sufficient importance to justify snearnest hope that legislative action may nut be withheld thereon. The practice of postponing the passage of appro priation bills to the last day of the season, forbids de liberation, as welt to the Legislature as to the Ex ecutive. and should hereafter be avoided. These bills •reuniting /are and attention to the specific items, and disposing of large amounts of the public money should be deliberately examined before they obtain ed the unction of laws. Nothing can excuse hasty and unadvised legislation, on a subject so importaut to the public Inches. ft is confidently anticipted that this Logislature will adopt a rule of practice more consistent with prudence; and sound policy. " The intimated connection existing between the industry of the'Citizen. and the currency of his coun try, demands for that qution the serious attention of the statesman hnd lawgiver. In authorizing Banking or other Institutions, to create a cnrreuby other than gold an silver, it would be unfaithful to our trusts to permit them, for want of proper checkeand guards to allow it to become WS valuable - than the i cell) it is intended to represen . The views ex pressed in the Net message hi f vor of the restric tion of the number of these 'lieu mining, to the reel business wants of the people, ago refusing a renew al of Bank charter until a trungtiout examination of their affairs had demonstrated their entire solvency remain unchanged. The tax on banking capital, exacted by the 111,1 Lowielature in the granting of charters, and applied to the payinent of the public debt, hue resulted in 'securing to that object a sum exceeding one bun red thousand dollars. . While this tax should ISM be inerea'sed to an extent which would cripple the resource of those a4unions, 1 the present amount cannot be c neidered en unfair equivalent for the privalegea con (erred , and should therefore continue to be impo ed as a legitimate I source of revenue. , , The laws intended to prevent the circulation of notes of it less denomination titan live dollars, are practically disregarded by the cilia ns. lea gov ernment founded on popular opinion. experience would teach the impottcy of continuing in force, statuary provisions filch 'anti generally hops orallive, The violation, with mpunity, of laws , however unimportant, will lead Ito a disregard of other., indispensible to the security. It is, indeed to be rgrctied that this circulatiohs intellect) preven. ted, as much evil has been experienced by the coin. mutiny from the aceeption of this irresponsible pencil. The ammuunt iti eirculation_withot the State, 44- I plied by institution's of adjoining States, is es t fiita-• ted at nut less than . five millions if dullard, valueless n except in localities ear the Banit4 by which it is issu ed. TO the extent of thiscireidatien, - the cunst t utional currency, and the notes or .ountispecie_pay ing banks of the .Commonwealth ere displaced.— The solvency of the institutions'issuing this paper, cannot be known to the eitizens,land it passes froth hind to hand the representative of value it may not possess, over which our It ws can.l hove no cove!. In endeavoring to eradicate an acknowledged evil, the practical Statesman will frequently find a ne cessity for yielding to populur inclination, and will consult:the welfare of his - con-dit tents by striving to mitigate what ealinut f o remove.., . If, US is , alleged, the business operations of the col than five doll ra, a supply under imunity, . require a circulating medium, other titan g ild and silver, of a less denominations' L i the regulations and restrictions of our laws, would not be open to the o ijec i ins of tne existing method., Were( the Banks of the Commonwealth authorized to estabtizit agencies or hraticltes isuchone or more pla ces, and permission given to issue sail notes, upon a statement in detail iail hy the P treat institution being made to the At(ditor General, eat , isfactory to the said officer, of the entire solvency of the said Bank; exhibiting it whole assets and liabilities,-.-designatt lig the prop mien of its capitol sleek to be employed at the said 'agency er brunch, which iii no case slionld exceed a graltiuted per Outage ofthe riaid, capital stock; 'and should tiepin, rte I tith the' AttOr Gehdral 'ad I amount of Stalel l Ste ks;equi to ' li, aniout(t of hut:es to be issued; the' c 'r Auditor Gerleal th ereupon 'required to grant a li- ' cense to said Bank to establish said agency or branch, and to issue said notes, marked by the said officer as the issue of the said branch and redeema ble at the counter of the parent ihstoution; a`setind convertible currency would soortidisplace the pres ent irresponsib:e paper of-foreign institutions, and would afford security to the citizen, without a with -di-mai of the necessary circulation. Notes issued under the foregoing restrictions,' having their re demption secured in the manner herein pointed out, would necessarily receive the colitidence of the ;tau ' pie, (roar the fact that the mocks pledged, w.iuld, under every condition of things, ensure their event ual payment. In times of totninercial convulsions the specie might be drawn from (he vaults of the Bank,—the metes of st iel•eiolders might fail,— specelitive value might:be; affixed to property;—and shrewd men, watching the signs pf the tone , , coned release theinselvei front itidividital liability;—but the stocks of the Commonwealth would remain from valuable and available for their certain re demption. Had the notes now in circulation hum the banks of the State, a basis 4.4%1)6 character. even to a small proportion of the capital stock of ths4e institutions, the losses resulting (nun a f a il. ure to pay their-diabilities would be largely dimin ished. These views are presented to the Legisla ture for the purpose of urging upon it th e necess i t y of devising means to protect our( citizens (ruin the losses incurred in the failure .ef Banking institu tions. In any well digestedsystem it will afford me plenswe to co-nperate, purtiqnlarly in reference to the security of that portion of the currency en tering so largely into the business of the prodheing and laboring classes of the community. The general Manufacturing law fifth° last session cannot fail to be productive of decided benefit to the State and the people. Although the time which has elapsed since its passage, has been insuffi cient to teat its advantages, the erection of large es tablishments in many places, which must soon af ford employment to a considerable number of the citizens, warrems the belief that its salutary effects w Rho felt at no distant day. Representations have been made to this denarta meet alleging that by the erection of a bridg over the Ohio river, at or near Wheeling. Va., great obi:true, ion to the navigation of that highway has been produced. hi times of high water in the river, the largest class of steamboats are unable to pass * ender the bridge, and serious itijury to the commerce of the western part of the State, must result from this nuisance: Connected as is 'the Ohio with the lineofternal Improvements through Pennsylvania, and furnishing to our camas and railroads a large amount of inerchandize for the Alantic market, an obstructon of this nature IA ill hive a direct tenden cy' to diminish the trade on our Public %York's; to effect the Eastern market; and materially to decrease the revenue (tithe State. Results of a character so important should warn the Legislature that speedy and ettgrgetic action is required, and that measures dictitted by jestide and policy, should be resorted to with a view to the removal of the evil. The expression of our opinions' on questions more directly belonging to the national government, is a right arising from the nature of our institutions, and where they are intimately connected with the interests of the people, becomes a duty nut lobe dis regarded. The representatives in Congress of the State and of the citizens, aware of the tendency of measures an the prosperity of their constittients,and knowing the respoussbilitymf their exalted position, must regard with becoming-favor, a deliberate dec laration of public sentiment from the State they rep resent.. Entertaining these vieete, mnd persuaded that questions of vital importance to the well-belts, of our beloved commonwealth claim the amen-. Lion of Congress, I have deemed Wright, on this oc casion, briefly to refer to a few of those which may be considered of great-consequence to the welfare of the pe The adjustment of the revenue laiis for the pro tection of the peculiar interests-;, of Pennsylvania, must be regarded as a measure deeply affecting all clasper of society. In relation to, the policy of the Otional Government on this subject, the mantifac- 1 liver, the artizan, the agriculturahlit, and the labor er' feel alike that their business and pursuits are d eviated or depressed as protection is nfforded or with held. In the history of the-past, they are furnished' with lessons fur the future, The events of Sir past section have Warded Conclusive 'evidence, in the slotted doors and deserted buildings of the manufac tories; in the distresses of the laborer, and the gen eral depression of profitable industry. of the impera tive necessity for a system laws, which will sus tain' against foreign competition, the employment of our. citizens. When profitable investments and useful capitol are stricken down; when surplus prez duce finds diminished.prices; and when labor is de pressed. and industrious operative., are thrown out of employ; neither party dogmas, nor local interests nor sectional jealouses, should prevent a united and energetic effort in our National Representatives, to restore the general prosperity. On the application for the admission of new states intcr-the Union, the subject of the extension of slbve ry will claim the attention of Congress. Our 'Midi ern brethren united by lung association and habit with this institution, and depending upon it in, a, large degree for their domestic comfort and commer cial advantages, will not willingly allow of its ex clusion from territories belonging to the general government, No disturbance is contemplated of their relations therewith, in states where it murex lite. Holding their slaves by compromise and con • cession, it would involve en our part a breach of faith, and en interference in the sovereignly of sister republiqa to intermeddie witls their social. policy, or to controvert the legality of their domestic - relations. Whatever injury may be inflicted upon northern in terests from the jealousies incident to the existence of the institution, and the effort to prostrate free la- bor a - sacred regard for our pledged faith a ee us to suffer, rather than attempt r fi where our authority will not be acknowledpi extension of the evil beyond its preseiit lin closes a very different feature. The comes free states of the Union to its further prop," evince en ignorance of their true interests, rights of justice and humanity, and an indi to the character and dignity of their tominil try. Where these are implicated, it is all a) meat of duty to compromise. So fully views of the Executive expressed on the at the tariff and the extension of slavery, in , message, that a reference to them here, as Mug his present sentiments thereon, would f to.be sufficient. . The dissemination amen the people of information I f, feeling their peaco and prosperity. should be iegsrd i d as a meas u r e of sound wisdom , and should be I d isik ik a e d s b w y is n e o l l:ll:::CT iot a i ry on ei t tlC le tiO g n:• jec lio , give mo t i o n : c ha mw t oo l i z : s oattE f t one section of a common country. a correct kdowledgt ti n t o o f ill e t of the wants. the opinions and general condi people of oilier portions thereof. should be the a fa trill t more strongly to dissipate sectional joalouses aud and to unite in sentiments of neighborly kindne ss , .. eery part of this great confederacy. Intercourse, w lie& r pre. duccd by the agency of Railroad' or of 'rolegr'eph..b r Personal or written communications, is an age nt dissensions and to foster social - chanties, than national laws. To tax beyond tho necessities °Nis government the intercourse of our citanis, creania a be , . rier to the dissemination of knowledge, and 4sisb la in estranging the affactioas of the ildt , rent ponious of the Republic. In this view of tho subject, thskates of postage charged by the national governor int. hice. - U ts 4 question of deep importance. and sound wisdom would dictate a reduction of present charges. it cannot fad to be perceived that the obiervalioni is relation to postage. as connected with national intercoms., applies with equal forts-to improvements in the ;nod e o f travel between remote sections oldie country.- Syliertii-z -er facilitates free communication among the_ciliz ess , strengthen. the unity of government. Whether lioin the country and the nature of its surface. it is prscticalife to construct a great national- thoroughfare from the [Missie sippi to the Pacific ocean, has not been fully ascertainad; but it must be evident that such an improvement would bo of inestimable value to every portion of the Vi1i013.... In addition to the opportunities it would afford u'r n in terchange of hospitalities between the people of Irainote sections, it would not fail to be loaded with i tria d , a , profitable to the country. as it would be importan t l to dif ferent localities. To Pennsylvania, i.. - its beniis can scarcely be imagined. The improvements alreldp made and those in prugrese in this State. connecting 'Kith the public works of other states, will anon form ono inibiokes chain of communication from the Atlantic to thei,llbm. aippi. Wore this gigantic work completed, no in 'n could estimate the social advantages which must ensue toeve. ry section of tne country - united therewith; an nso place would its salutary results be mere effectuld than within our own borders. The subject is emineu4 woe thy the attention of tho Legislature. 1 lii a faithful adherence to the. National Conotitution, ii the sntms has been expounded by the sages and p ilrioe IT ages ... pi... of other days, the people of Pennsylvania rely for 'the per petutsion of their political. social and religious 'lberia. Although in its provisions may be found the ackniiwl;ilg, moot' of principles they do not approve, it is es j tee'ined by them as the funtlarnental law of the country, aid they 1 reverence it as the imustattitnation of wisdom an y pe.tri wisp], devoted to the general welfare. %Vhen sectienal interests and jalousies contend for supremacy. a4d sec tional rights aro to be determined; when questiotts . be tween States ere controverted, and disregard of +noml laws is manifested; in Peace and War; in prosperry and adversity, in foreign or domestic difficulties, the citizens of Pennsylvania turn with abiding confidence to die 'Na tional Constitution. Neither the thirst for power, insiths prostration of their peculi .r interests. can shake their al legianco to the Nationall government, or raise with dim the traitor cry of d.aunion. Tae sentiments expressed. and the language used on tho subject.. by the Fat he r of his Country, are so appropriate to the period in which ire live, that I have 'deemed at proper to call ybur siientioa to the following brief extract from his farewell addres: j•Trie unity of government which constitutes a l ou ens. people, is also dear to you. It is justly'so; fur it is l a ni l sia pillar in tho educe of your real independence: 114 se?. port of tranquility at home; your peace abroad: of }cur .urea}'; of 'our prosperity; of tha• very liberty whieh non se highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee.ahas heal different causes and from different quarters, null pain, w.li ba taken, many artifices employed, to weiken, l lia your minds,. the cotivict•on of this trutla; as tlirs ha the point of. your political fortress, against which the heiherirs of internal and external enemies will be molt cons,tatitly and actively (though often covertly' and insidiamle) di rected; it is of infinite marnrint that vim should prio9rlF estimate the itnmenso value of your national an on Its your collective and individual happiness; that. you s cherish a cordial. habitual. and - immoveable attscl, to it. thus accustoming yourselves to think and ep it as tho , palladium of .your political safety and prowj watching for its preservation with brerthless anxiet countenancing whatever may suggest even a ens that it can. in any event. he he abandoned; and nantly frowning upon the first dawning of every a to alienate any portion of our country from the to enfeeble tho tircrod ties winch now liuk togettre: verious parts." Gentlemen: fn the performance of a copetituion I iention, the me , ssues deemed necegeary for your cy erat , on,linve been stored as consfiely ea, their impo end nntnro would permit. To the ropre , entativos, oft he peolle attaches th of enectiniz ouch laws as the wrlf.o of our comfit may require, and to their. care and' deliberate ,etto chaerfay confided {Me Beaty. ,honor,-.and pro -1e tilo Co tttt nonwealty."" * WM. F. JokissT Ex.:curt, CHAMBER, Harriatiurg. Tan LIMO. LAT6sT FROM yAUFORNIA.-TUE RE SULT OF THE,ELECTION. [From Mir Alta California, Nov. 15.) We have decayed the publication of our Steamer Paper for a few_hours iu c•rder to give ths .retorns of the canvass in the District of San Francisco, at the first general election in the State of California. The day was a very disagreeable one, , and un doubtedly prevented many [thin attending . the polls! The recent rain havinj rendered the streets alniost itnitassible, would of itself have detained numbers, but when we add to that fact the hurry and bustle of business, and 'the several showers that fell duffing the day, the wonder is that so many ballot) were;del posited. It was the general impression previous to the election that about live thousand votes. would be', polled: but the poll list shows only about three thousand and two hundred; Judging from the - -.ging tru... returns given below 7 we sho r nla say there is nut much doubt that Peter A. B u rnett iielectedEroverner, and John Mc :.Doirgaf,. Lieut. Govenor. The Congress ticket is a matter of much greater uncertainty, but the result here would seem) to indicate the election of Price and Wright. The regular democratic ticket for State Senel'ets and Assemblymen is elected by a large majority, and it is therefore certain, that Mr. King will get no support from the district of San Francisco. Under these circumstances, we regard it as certain, that he will not be returned.to the United States Seii ate. The election passed off' very quietly and. orderly, The electioneering was animated, but the greeter good feeling and good humor prevailed threughot I. notwithstanding the raid and mud wee a severe 1 I upon the patience of all. All, or nearly all, the candidates are indepent ,nominations. In some instances they hare c n endorsed or recommended by public meetings in 1- ferent parts of the State; but in only one distil to (San Francisco,) has an attempt been made to or. ganize a party, or fight the battle upsnt the old iss Je of Democrat and IVhig. - We have no doubt that had time been permitted, there would have been a state convention held, a which a "regular democratic ticket" wouldhavebea nominated; and, had such been the fact, we eve w e I satisfied that its complete triumph would have beds i the results Ten STATE or aturoittvLs.—Taking the vote this district as a criterion, there can be no doubt the adoption of the Constitution try the people of Ca ifurnia. The "State of California" is, th.fore a real tan gible, and great commonwealth, from this day foi ward. To her thirty sisters on the east of the hock" Mountains, she sends her message of lore and fellowship, praying that the "golden' chain that binds her to them may never be broken by- the rude shocks of time, and that the "glittering" glory which surrounds her may not be tarnished by a cllti or in different-admission into the great confederacy. MODS. FROkt TOD GOLD Mimics. fgoc.—We saw • man yesterday from the Middle loork,.who had been at work but six weeks, and in-that time has turn4l, nut six, thousand five hundred dollar.. Me had 0 1 1 lump weighing twenty-seven and a half _ounces. Our advices-from the placers continue favorable? although many cases of sickness are constantly ol curring. Miners are now making their "fall and winter arrangements," and the dry diggings will b densely populated. during the winter. We hay nothing of interest from. the Trinity Diggings. I is thought, however, that the miner will scarcel be paid for the toil and expends of his journey to the region.--From the Placer Times, Oct. 27 U Inlonish. ) rmatioli !ed. . th e its, dig. t of t h e ei would of the tflerence ill Cutui. ill 0 anden. ere th e turr e 4j er f I ernbra• I PPear al 0. • nsid tsar dri t y urnts )11 ere Mc 0
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