Governor's Message.
T. the Honore&le, the Serriiiiors istsi Menders of
ato Hoists of Rrpreseafatives of She Genera Ar.
oitshWy:
1 congratulate you. my fellow citlasns, on the du-
Spiciosia circumstances under which you have con •
vested at the seat of government. An all-wise sod
besides's' To,. idencas has greedy blessed our coun
try during the yaw fist closed. The desolations of
war—the ravages of pestilence—the wasting' of
famine hive not hien witnessed within her limits;
Sir bars the sickly influences of internal strife
been permitted to paralyze her prosperity. Ali the
great interests of the Nation have received addition•
al growth, and her institutions of government ac
quired pew strength. Agriculture, commerce, trade,
ananuractures, the arts and sciences, hive been em
inently prosperous, and each been distinguis Ad by
IMMO fresh discovery to facilitate its progress.
Another Presidential election has been held.—
Once more the people of this vast country, thrungh
the agency of the ballot box, have designated the
damn, who, fur the ensuing four years, is to fill'the
highest offide known to the c inetitution. The
cheerful submission of the minority, in the result of
the coitest, and the magnanimity of the msj irity
in the enjoyment of their triumph, afrai gratifying
evidence that our Civil institutions are n,', at this
day, endangered from the violence of party spirit.
The vole' of the majority is honored by
obedience, whilst the rights of the minority are
protected by the constitution and laws. The a
kar thus chosen is the representative of the whole
people, and is bound by his oath and the obligations
of patriotism, to do "equal and exact justice to all
men of whatever persuasion, religious or political."
Each successive test of the elective featu-e of our
government has been followed by renewed confi
dence in the whole system, and so it will doubtless'
continue to be, so long as the exercise of the right
of suffrage be characterised by intelligence sod pa
triotism. In all parts of the civilized world the
people are becoming convinced; not only of the
practicability, but of the wisdom ani j lades of a
government founded on the principles of a repre
sentative Democracy. Even the firm prej slices of
monarchists, are bagioning to yield to the powerful
evidence furnished by our experience.' The mission
of the present generation is to secure the future .
triumph of these principles in other countries, by
transmitting to posterity, unimpaired, our model
system of government. That this will be done, un
der a kind Providence, I have a steadfast belief.
At no period since the acknowledgment of our ia
dependence as a nation, have the people of this
Union enjoyed a higher state of ,piosierity, or en
tertained a brighter hope of the future. At peace
with all the world, and freed from internal strife
between the several members of the confederacy,
by.the ready acquiescence of each in the recent
Congressional adjustment of the controvereies inci
dent tq the institution of domestic slavery and the
acquisition of new territory; when has this Union
been more firm and perfect? • We may well ex
change congratulations on this 'auspicious picture,
as lam sure-we should mingle our thanks to Al
mighty Goa for His bounteous goodness and guardi
an care.
Twe statesmen, lon eminent in the c 'quails of
the nation, have been called from amungst its with
in a brief period. Henry Clay stet Dame! Webster
will be known no more except in History; but that
immortal record will make their good works familiar
to posterity. The tolling of bells—the sable ea
sign and tbo solemn obsequies have manifested the
Nation's regret. tVhilst thus lamenting the lose
of Ocoee patriots, we should be consoled by the re
collection that-they hod been spared to fill the full
measure of time allotted to man. According to the
beautiful figure of one of them, presented in wdis
course at New York, not many mouths since—mes%
swing time by ideas and events—they had become
modern Methuselah. in the extent of what they had
seen of the world, and done for their country. Who .
could expect mere? and who is not satisfied with the
exteSt of their labors! . -
The receipts to the Treasury during the late fis
cal year, exclusive of the proceeds of loans, smoutit
od to the gross sum of $4,561,885 60, which among
added to the balance in the treasury on the lst of
December, 1854(1e:tying out the unavailable mesas
which only serve to confuse the secount.) makes
the total ordinary means of the Treasury for the
year, $5,104,424 71.^ The payments, exclusils of
the cancellation of State stuck—the appropriations
to the North Branch canal and the Portage railroad
easounted i to the sum of $1,i29.2624.9, beincs976,-
602 13 less than the receipts. Of this excess, how
enseh.the sum of $334.024 95 was applied to the
completion of the western reservoir—to relay the
north track of the Columbia railroad, an I tt) other
extraordinary repairs on the public works, leaving
an actual available balance in the treasury on the
- Ist day of December, 1852, of $671,037 73. But,
it must be-observed; in order tow correct coinpre
hessian of therelative condition of the Treasury,
that the unpaid balances of appropriations for 1851,
amounting to $621,338 95, whilst those of 1852 on
ly reach the sum of $529,801 14, allowing a d !Ter
ence in favor of the latter year of near $lOO,OOO.
The receipts to the Treasury for the coming year
may ItWeafely estimated at $4,626,500. Taxes (run
real and pertional estate and tolls on the public
works, are the only sources of revenue in which
there cats be any considerable variation from this
estimate. The former of thesaf halve estimated et
$1,400,000, and the letter at $850,000. To the
above estimate must be added the sum of $571,037
72, the balance remaining in the Trpseury un the
let day of December, 1852, and, thus seelling the.
whole meenp of the Treasury ur 1853, to the sum
of $5,297,537 71 The ordinary expenditures for
the same period, including everythreg except new
wOrk, may be estimated at $4.028,67e, which ait
leave a balance in the Treasury on the Ist - day ce
December, 1853, of 81,211,108. In this expenditure
11 included $300,000 forthe sinking lord, which,
added to the foregoing hslanq,e, makes the titini at
$1,571,208; and deducting from tlii; $671,037 73.
the amount in the Treasury on the Is; of December
lost, we shall find an actual balance of $898.630.
applicable to the payment of debts and the comple•
Lion of the North Branch canstatid the Portage rail
road. The result of these estimates demonstrates
Met ciearly,to my mind that when the improve
meats just named shall have been completed, should
All new schemes of expenditure be sternly resisted,
as they shall be, so far as 1 am concerned, the Trea
sury will be in a condition to cancel at least one
million of -dollars of the public debt annually.
- la actordattc* with the previsions of B,n act of O.
Legislature, approved the 2J day of &mi. 1852, I
proceede.) to borrow, on the faith of the Cothraon
w•althillS4o,ooo for the completion of the Am, h
Stench canal.. The maximum rate of iniereet nam
ed in the law is 6 per cent. The loan was awarded
to Messrs. Harris k Co., for C. H. Fisher, of Phi.
ladelphia, Duncan, Sherman k. Co., New-York, and
George Peabody, of - . London, on the 12th day of
Jape last, as -
follows: $2OO 000 at an interest of .11
per cent., ebd 11660,000 at an intertat of 6 per 'Cent..
sod the bonds of the State issued accordingly, in
sums - of $l,OOO sash, free of taxation, with coupon*
snitched, reimbursable in thirty year* after their
date.
The 100th section of an act to provide for the
enliaary impetrate of the governmeat sod other pur-
PIPM approved the 4th day of May, 1862, declares
“ that the Governor And State Treasurer be, and
they are hereby authorized and empowered to bor
row, on the faith of the Commonwealth, luring the
year 3852, at such times, sad in such smenots, as
they may deem best for the interest of the State.
say sum not exceeding five millions of dollars, and
Wee the bonds of the Commonwealth for the seine,
bearies a rate of interest not race:dine Site per
mitten per annum, payable semi-anntic,,, which
heeds shall not be subject to taxation any pur
pot* whatever, and shall bo re-imburoable in twen
ty-fire years from their date; and the sain so bur
rowed shalt be applied to the payment of the 6 per
cent. loans that are payable at the,.option of the
Cotametmealth, after the years 1846 end 1847; to
the cancellation of the certificates issued to domes
tic, creditors, and the outstanding and unclaimed in
terest certificate., in the manlier hereinafter provi•
led; and the balance of said fivemilliona shall be
Applied lathe extinguishment of any of the five per
eget. bond. of the State now outstanding, and for
no other . purpose." •
In compliance with this and the other sections of
the law relat . tur to this eubjoct. the State Tressu.
rer, Auditor General, and myself, proceeded to mike
the loan of.five °ratlines. The details of our action
will be found in the State Treasurer's report. The
6 per cent. iptnds, the domestic ereditor_certitioates,
and the certilicales fur outstanding i nterest, have
been cancelled at fast as pretreated; and the money
is now in the Treasury to pay off the entirobilance.
It n °peeling , dill bids on Vglf 7tlttif SepOrtiberPre
discovered that' only 834114,000 had been bittfir,
and owing, ae 'we 60004 to .a slight misinniler
standing betsieen nur Govectatneitt and thatl Greet
Britain on the fishery teeestiott„,w hich se tett to
disturb the monetary world, for•• short se isimi the
bits were not Si) revocable.' as we ha.l;,aitietpated;
Mr, nevertheless, felt bower by dliterin- Amor PO
lie notice. to accept the amount olf.red. Ti,e r;e
mai !icier of the five millions has heel' ii-ed n the ca i t
callow* of the s , per cent. bondA, try tte eseltan ;
for them of new bonds, bearing s interest, for
which cm:halite the cutretionwes'•.; ...• reeseivede
caoh - premium of 5 per rent., welch is ..rr.stlran
tetzeout loan fur it, .-....: than s. -. to '....: 'nen-
ed on the 7th of September. -
The premiums ricelieJ un ii,i ' . , ~ - ,ritiiited to
$134,534 00 5 -which Oro, In i:t7c :res rice With the
terms of the law, hasteen pr....i :iter to theinstill
sinners of the Sinking Fuoti, to 5i eepli to the
e lo
cancellation of the public debt. In &titian) tis the
premiums, there will be annually saved to ;the Tree-
sury, by the reduction ip_the rate of interest nn the
renewed debt, the sum of e 20,436. 62, which for
twenty five years, the period which the Irian has to
run. will amount to a saving to the Treasury of
6516,915 SU. This result is not q tine equal to my
expectatinns; but when it is remembered, that all
this Kan bees accomplished without the exaction of
a dollar from the people, we have much reasoreto be
gratified with the result.
Iu our effete to effect a conversion of the five per I
cent. luau into newsbueds bearing 4 per cent. inter
' es.t free of taxation, with coupons attached, reim
bursable in 30 yeah§under the 105th section of the '
law already , referral to, after centultatien with a
number of the most experienced commercial men of i
!he State, we deemed it our duty to send an agent 1
to Europe, - where most of the five per cent. binds
are held, to prornote, as far as poottih:e, the desired
end. • Accordingly, we assigned to Cul. John J.
M'Caben, of Philadelphia, the performance of this
ditty. '!'his gentleman immediately repaired to
London, and Pubaewiently to Paris, an] devoted him •
self fur some weeks to the objects of hie mission
with untirinr seal and energy. ; , Whitat' it is true
that we can , claint for his efforts the credit of no de
finite
result, we are nevertheless decided 4, of opin
ion. that his Mission has been of great service to the ,
"Mate.- His minute knowledge of the whnle history '
';of the' financial di ffi culties of Pennsylvania, their 1
*vise and the remedies anplied, enabled him to re- '
move many unfounded prejudices which were cher-
Ished hi the money circles of (hit country, against
the integrity and honest imrposes of the deeendanti
of Penn. Mr. fdtahen thinks lie co ild have etTec
ted • conversion of a large portion-of flielloan at 4j
per aut. but the officer,. of the governent - had no
power under the law Hs alhew a greater i m uterest than
4 per cent. I i .
; .
I reapectfnily recommeed the pastragej of a law
similar to that of the 4th Of Alley 1851, sUthorieing
the officers of the governMent to cancel the old five
per cent. bonds by the creation of new ogee, Into of
• taxation, with coupons attached, bearing la lessliate i
of interest or; bents hearing 5 per r cest. tin wthieh '
'not less thati'3l per cent, of a 'cash prehiium Shall ,
be paid. Thit blue casi, In this Way, 1 briniest', Con
fidently, W/84 large arnowrit of money, an] hinny
sauces all ti present buud , , and be clear of the
treub'e and ettpenoe of keeping luatibordo, sot t ens .
(erring her tucks. This' consideatium alone is a
most desirsalet end, and would go far toWards com
pensating foriall the labor and trouble oft renewing
of the bonds fur periorls'of five, ten, and Twenty-five
years. 1
, The-financial operaiion4of the year,inlclnding the
Nort h Branch loam of $850,000; I am grp , ,t ly grati
fied to discover, has left but little additional burtheo
upon the Treasury, The interest on tit r ionst will
amount- to 5)41,500, annually. Deduct i'i g 'free, this
sum of $20,436 63, the yearly savinrsecured by
the comeelletion of our six per cent. debts, and we
have i Wants of interest on the North Illranch loan
I to provide for of $J1,063 38.. The receipts to the
Sinking Fund from ordinary sources, up to the close
of the fiscal year, , Alotnited to $221,49 74, which
when added of thr prem . utni received on the five
milton loan, and the tax'from the Penes 'vials rail
road company, make a ; thtal of $377,* 40, the 3
in
terest on which, at 5 per t cent. will make an annual
saying-°( $18,863 93, and thus, nett with the
than, interest saved by the fi ve million an, A a b ut - es t :kr
ted, will entirely exhaust the whole as ount of ..io
teriot on the North Branch loam lees 4.1,101 46. '
It is proper to remark, in this connictiou. that a
considerable per ion of the State stook purchased
f ,r the Sinking Fund, was not deltvereat the Suite.
Tressul until afterthe close of the fi anciat year,
hence hen this investment is Out wasted in the report
i t
of the Auditor General. 1
The receipts from the ptiblic'works ''for the fiscal
year of! 1853, as appears in the report]of the Genii
Cemmilisiotiere, amounted to i.he'sum Of $1,896,811
42, and the ordinary expenditures fur the same per
ied, to the sum of $1,029 1 341 33; leavipg a net rev
enue to the Stir.) of 11t0367,470 19. rrhii result,
when compared with that of, the last aid preceding
year, presents a somewhat nattering ivieture. It
must be remembered, however, that s. have had a
most foriumite tvason.. The geriers, , teeseerity of
'cl u e State ha s tended to swell the ~;t,' ; r tonnage,
'whilst no imerrupti-ns of htisit.eas or ,oj ire to the
overlie have i'esulte.: . rsai lire en J' ~..',. - 1. ought,
perhaps, in - sie.v of these things, an. e. soergetie
competition which has griinei ~, a., ;,. i .! ts, beste-
I,
safe to anticipate any' increase ~. t;i .wet income
for any year hereafter, mei: • s': No flu Brunch canal
and the Portage raitroadalisii have ben completed.
Pressed on all sides by rivals of vast power the
necessity for an economical, energetic aid skillful
management of the public works is de manifest.
The utmost eigifance to preveuut dm rruptionl by
breaks, the greatest skill to regulate thie rate uf tolls,
and other detaikao as to secure an iHa null amount
of tonnage mid the prontpt abolition ors etecy urine.
cessisv (ffice or OtherietUie of expeaditure., is de
manded by the exigencies wheel surrOund oil s ' , •
The law passed at limiest sessisitt,'. forbidding the
Creation of debts by the offieers on 1 he Iputiltc Merks;
respiring the paryment of cash fur all; labor swims;
terials and monthly returns of all receipts and: ex
penditure', has already and will contilnne to exer
cise a ialetary influence. As a codirequence r the
expenditures will be much dec , easede and the -re
ceipts transmitted to the Treasury with the greater
oromptitude. 'he administration of 'this law, haw
ever, I regret to say, has not been as efficient ii it
should be hereafter. Its failure war owing, to mime
extent. to a deficiency in the apprioprlation' and to
other difficulties ineideat to the introduction of a
new system oflt \ okras. This and Other reforms
ti
en wisely comm a ced within a short] period, 'with
such additional retrenchments as egperience may
have shown to be prsctia•ble, will doubtless be rig
icily carried out in future, by the ufficert controlling
that branch of the pubblic affairs. ...L
The net increase of profits on the Columbia mad
for this year over the profits for latiN is but little
short of one hundred thousand dollars, whilst the
net losses on the entire operations on the Portage
road must have exceeded that coin .1 The direct,
unavoidable and incidental - expendittites on this lat
ter road, must necessarily be very heavy. Wheth
er it be practicable to arrest this mottistrous demand
upon the Treasury, by any other meads their the
avoidance of the planes, is a cinewiowl am not pre
tested to answer. for I have riot looked into the de
tails of the subject. Certainly a mere honest and
devoted public servant could not be found, than the
gentlemen who superintended the operations of this
work for the last year. !Toth he siml the Canal
GommiOsioners concur in the ooiniion, that this
growing expenditure is owing to the increased b i
siness and the dilapidatedconditmo of the road..]
' The nvoidattce of these planes—the cotneletieu of the
Nprth floinch cued. and the relaying. of the now track
or the Columbia railroad, are subjects Ositici. will chalet
Your earl, 'eremite,. These measures were all in pro
ere.a when I came into 0111 , e. In a spite's! mestizo to
th e last Lssisli`too.e. I declared the fiptikm, that they
were necessart to the publtc w. !fare, and 'Mould hoopoe-.
duly consummated. I still entertain theSe views.
Should the Qeneral Auembly adopt this policy, it tell
he fur them to provide the means PI austitio the Treasury
under this increased demand upon its Teem:roe" In
another part of this communication, 1 have given yoe
my views touching Its future eondiCon. No permanent
kana,it seem s to orte.should hereafter be made for akaypa r
pose whatever: nor shneld the shaking Pond be diverted
from its legitimate end*. The General Assembly
however. in view of the pressing neeessity for the im
mediate completion of these improvement,. deem it
wise to antberilie the anticipation of the-surplus *high
may seem* en the Treasury for one or two years.
When the foregoing ischeenee shall be . completed, the
government. in my opinion. should attention entirely the
weliey of eionatrectiag losprovements of this eltareeteri--
The citagnusteocee which made it right end wise ter the
State le participate in Web Mats bre,. Mond Wit
Grebe! avenues have been mainarweitrie tames nestilY
all Ms of the Stale, elyhilerthdivideel 'tat has I.
4
crease% sad le impasilfiteceplieg every ablisitehens•
of the kind. With nitieesettiimp - I AIL en
der all cireasistances, /insist 11114, comm meat of any
new preitmar of this character. i •
As etipleasant mispederstandine has 'Masted fir some
titneebetween eke Boiled of Comet Cannettesions aad the
Peadetleatrie tseiroaffersinpaer. The points in the coo •
troversy bays been passed epee by the highest judicial
nu the State, and the decision on each made kuowu to
the public.
The management of the public works is as indepen
dent branch of the public service, and has been colifie
ed to the care agents Selected by the people. It might
seem unbecoming, therefore, 41 en officer of this dep./t
-weet of the gavernment to dismiss them:mien orate high
ly competent gentlemen who at promo: diiiieharge the
troublesome duties appertaining to the office of Canal
Consmissieuer: nor can any good result from a discos•
elate the polity which heretofore governed the Peen
eylvanis railroad eempauy.
As a citizen, and as a public officer. I have ever felt a
deep interest in the suer:Lisa of the great enterprise WTI,
meuced by this company, aad hare inclined to facilitate
its objects as far as they may be consistent with the in •
terest of the State This corparatiou should be allowed
to enjoy its legate:netts rights without beiug permitted to
infringe upon those of 010 State.
It 'scans. of regret that feelings should have been ex
cited. calculated to lead to an unnecessary rivalry be•
tween the roam line of the State iinpreverneats and the
Penneylvanta railroad. .These Browses of contmenice•
tiou holstein the east and the west should be made to
move in harmony, so far as that may be practicable.—
They will doubtless be competitors for certain kinds of
tonnage, bat in the main, under proper regelatione, the
confirm could not be wiry injarious to either. T he !Ai l.
read. with a single track. cannot have the capacity to
traesport more than mee-half the teenage destined from
the west to the east. uor is the State line adapted a that
branch of bosiuess most desired by the railroad. I can
see no reason why one of these great improvements
should be so
. cmtroled as to destroy the other. 1n all
their elements. their objects and coeseepsences. they are
both. emiueutly Peensylvauiati, and should. it seems to
me, be so controled as to promote the trade, commerce
and general prosperity of the St a te.
-
The which the State has in the receipts from
this branch of her improvements should he guarded with
jealous care; in doing this, however, we should not for
get that this is not the oily interest 'evolved—that those
of trade and commerce. are quite as important for the
people. A policy looking exclusively to the former of
these considerations, might measurably destroy both in •
terests. We cut have. LIU income fir the coffers of the
government without trade and tonnage. We may have
the latter without the former. Oar efforts should) be
to secure both. if the twee of competition from foreign
rivals should defeat ns in this, we should then yield much
of the revenue to save the trade, rather than lose both.
I am not indium' to o.leoo alarm in reference to the sue•
case of the State tine. I believe that it will coutinue,
ender the worst circumstances anticipated. to receive a
lair share of the through and local tonnage. What is
most to be desired is, that the facilities pt.ssessed by those
great artificial highways shall be united, as fur as possi
ble. to counteract the influence of their rivals outside - of
the State. The exercise of a wise discretion, stash as
should, and doubtless will, govern the action of those in
trusted with the control of this subject, may, it is hoped.
lead to the attainment of t'it's desirable ord.
There are still iti circulation about six hundred thou
sand dollars of i'..3 relief is.aeo, a considerable portion of
which have become so defaced and ragged as to render
their future use almost impracticable. About $250.000
of the old notes were cancelled st the Treasury during
the past rear, under the provisions of the act of the 16th
April, 1849. and a like amount of new notes issued by
certain banks, for which the State paid these institutions
two per cent. The efficiency of 1110 law of 1850, prohib
iting the circulation of the small issues of other States,
has been - greatly weakened by the continued use of the
relief issues under the denomination of five dollars. The
presence of these notes famifiarizesithe people to the use
or smell paper, and prevents the circulation of coin ;
whilst the officers of the law, in wilily instances, make
this a pretext to evade the ditty of scrutinizing this car
rency. The law of 1859 never will. 1 fear, be thorough
ly vindicated so long as this depreciated paper is permit
ted to supply the channels of circulation. To remedy
this evil. three modes have 'tweeted themselves to my
mind. The first is—to allow all holders of these notes to
coo ven them into State bonds, bearing a rate of int• rent
not exceeding fear per cent . in sums of not less thin one
thousand dollars. The meow! 4—to apply the means of
the Sinking Fund to their cancellation. These notes
are as much a debt against the State as are her bonds.
and it would be the legitimate work of this read, to take
them out of existence. The•thiod is—in apply to this
purpose all the premiums that mar be received from a
tardier convention of the present debt into new coupon
beads, as saggeated is another part of this communica
tion. Shnoldoh• latter idea meet your approbation, the
Sinltiog Fund can be made the iustroineet of performing
the practical work of cancellation. By the adoption of
this policy, this illegitimate carreney would be removed
(fern the ehaele of carculatine without entrenching op.
out the preeeu i' means of the Treesury. or ilipesiug new
borthens on the people. With the necessary legislation.
'-confidently believe that this sad can be atmeinplisited.
. I hope, titular:iv. moat sincerelt , that the General As
sembly, in tberezercise of its wisdom. ins! devise seine
mode-of bringing about a speedy cancellation of these
notes. • .
Thn currency of the Stets generally. seems to be in •
sound condition, sad to be sufficient in the aggregate
amount. to answer the ends of trade sad commerce.—
Au increase - of paper circulation. at this time. would, in
my opinion. be unwise policy, The legrtimate ends of
bitainass do not seem
,to demand such increase. Indeed
thi fact esanot be-dieguieed, that to a considerable extent
the present upward tendency in the priced of geode and
property. is the cousecrenee of the abundance of money.
This advance in nominal values is rapidly approaching
an unnatural elevittion and should excite jealeasy rather
than coufi fence. The indications that we are on the
eve of i dangerous inn It;ou of prices and an artificial ex
pansion in commercial and other business affairs. are
too clear, it seems to one. to be misandorstood. This
tendency should nut be stimulated by an increase of pa
per money. It is the part of wisdom to restrain. rather
th in be!ghteo this excitement. To the influence of the
u.iperalleled amount of gold furnished to the world by
this mines of California and Australia, during the last
year. may undoubtedly be attributed, in no inconsidera
ble degree. the production of this state of nominal ruiner.
The careless observer may region! this result .as a real
ulnae* is the value of goods and property, when in f•irt,
it is only a cheapening of the standard by which these
things are measured. Like all other commodities. in .a
ay will depreeisto so soon as an excess of it be placed in
the market.
A common ef f ort, it seems to me, might be wisely
made. throughout our vast country to prepare the chew!
bele •t circulation for this great increase of coin. Beek
notes of a less denomination than five dollen, now oc
cupying a large specs in these chemists, should be forced
to give way for the precious metals. Peunsylvania. I
am confident. will moot cheerfully. new and hereafter.
perform her share of this great work ; and I hope to wit
ness. at no• remote period. a general movement of all the
States on this sabkct—first,to remove from circulation
sal notes under five dollars end nest the fives Abe.
1 am fully aware, that in declaring this sentiment I am
encountering a strong adverse feeling, nor am I insensi
ble to the difficulties which would surround its practical
adoption ; but entertaining II • conscious belief, as I do.
that it is the true policy of our Cutantry, as regards her
commercial rivalry with other nations. I should be un
worthy of your respect, or of the confidence of Ike peo
ple, if I did not so declare.
Ths dissemination of the precious meta!, in paints re
newd from our commercial emporium, .hould be facilita
ted by every proper means. Such dietribution cannot
be fully accomplished. to long as the channels of circu
lation are eupp'i•-d with small paper issues. Every mer
chant should eudenvor to draw coin into the interior of
the country ; not o.ily because it is the best currency fur
the use of the people, but because of the great protection
it affirds against ths consequ-snces of commercial Tarot
slogs. When these come, and the bruits at the seaboard
close and country paper depreciates, the merchant can
then fa I back ou this coin for relief. Roth will not cir
culate at the same tinie, iu the same channels. Tnere
is. perhaps, no principle in political economy more com
pletely settled, than that which detnoostrates that two
of currency. differing in value, cannot circulate at
theism') time. The leeavaleable of the two will be con
stantly on the surface sad obtruding itself epee the use
of the pubic. whilst dm inure precious article will retire
to quiet vaults.
Tits efforts a a single Stets. however. it must be ap
parent. eau little in this great returns. To be
complete. it mast be the work of the whole country.—
Forced ramming iu the channels of paper circulation in
ose State. are 'redtly sroppited by thi issues of another
and thus the effort to introduce coin is defeated. No
other feature in the po'ic% of our country. I sincerely W
here. so deeply concerns a I oar great intermits as this
subject of the currency. Is rain will the mansfseturer
rely on the tam!? laws for protection against foreign com
petition, so long as the nominal valises are greatly inflat
ed by es expos/die Issue of paper money. All his theo
rizing about specific duties and home esluatione- will
avail him nothing, if the upward tendency of prices out
rune the ewe of duty. The paralysing effect of aq
flrtsd omannoY upon all set State end nstiesal interests
when closely pressed by foreign competition cannot be,
mineealed. "It virtually opens cur ports to invite such
rivalry against all thou parealta, and no rate of - tariff
that the wiscluto of Congress can detrits, a ithin any rea
sonsble limit, can counteract its influences. it greatly
berhAtteesehe nominal prices of goods and commcotties
it this. above what they will bear in other cowrie*,
whilst at the Name tier*, it retard* rather than faeilitatse
their prodectlen. It tins gives the foreign protfooer the
opperlanny of issenofeetaring et the low rate, of his own
orriotry, col selling al the inflated pricey of can; for be
remises 148 psi, sot in dorwsiated pspinr bet in yid
sod oilvotit dijoi &ate sit. ullcoae m in Album
soy ether tart OF*, polio 11i coo lh Wes •
Wes tbo ( lin swainatactaroititkompete , irate& to
trudereell the itntoritau•prodoiaor in our ow' minims."
Special Nglielittloa to crest* corporationa hos aurally
occupied millet or the thne of lb. General Assembly
This business will &intakes be prospei olsoli your coo.
siderettoit during llto coming session It fa right cud
proprr, thrreefote. that I should dectsre to you fu.fy end
frankly my views leeching this irrho!e subject.
These artificial bodies are created by ,k to au
assocustion 01 individuals powers and privilege, not en•
joyed by the mass of my people under the general laws
of Ms State. Oes important clogs of these seem, to
result (ruin and to havo 40 object bat
the promotion of publ:c convenience. Another', Iwyrer •
er, seems td look solely in the prlvate gain of the tit lies
interested. - Among the toravr, may be classed corpora
tions to friciliiate the constructien of to.ids, bridges, ca
nals, railwa)a. Ao., the direct tendency of which is to
promote the comfort and prosperity of the people get.er•
ally. To accomplish these ends. the association of cep
ltd nodal- oorpwatito powers. imposing only 4 limited
liability on the corporator., may be whet)* encouraged.
In reference to such, the policy of the State seems to be
well settled. In the latter sissy in iy be nhiced all kinds
of corporations to promote the emit. Mis al gain. as
connected with the ordinary business euterpAies of tpe
cosstry. With regard to soch, the legishstiots of the
Cortimeuwea:th him bees extremely Uncertain.
I entertain the opinion that, us a general rule, corps
rations of this character are not essential to the petilic
weal—that Whatever legislation may seem necessary .to
facilitate the business of mining and inauufacturing and
the various other pursuits for which corporate p iwers
are otiosity sought, should, as far as possible, be general
its its character and be available alike to all. There
it seems to me, no evidence to be found in the history of
our Commonwealth, or In that of any other State, that
these great intetasts are more successfully managed by
special corperations than by tndtvidusla or associations
under general laws. Whilst in the eep-irience of all, et
is ma& very apparent that hid/widest etnrts and (wen.
events are much less _liable to entail injury upon society
at large. That energy. independence. integrity and
purity which usually characterzes individual operations,
are not, all a general rule, so well maintained in the ef
forts of artificial bodies. Ambition, prido and responsf
bility, the great incentives to action, si•em, 10 some ex
tent, to lose their proper itifloence over individuals thus
associated together. 'Carelessness, inefficiency end prod
igality are too often the fruits of a light interests and
limited responsibility on the put of those entrusted with
the management of incorporated companies.
But why should therie privileges be desiredt—
Are they intended to sh.tid the parties interested from .
the full force of the loss where set enterprise may prove
unimeceesful? &pall , • of rights to all is an elementa
ry principle of our goy. remota. If. therefore, for alin
ing. manufacturing id other pursuits, corporate powers
are to be granted. G nv shall the Legislature refuse elm
iley privileges to the farmer, the miller, the hatter and
the shoemaker? If one clan of citiseus are to have the
opportunity of experimenting is their chosen business.
on only a limited liability for live losses, all can justly
claim a like advantage.
We should thus be - led step by s'ep in the crea
tion of these artificial bodies, until the field of per
sonal enterprise would be occupied by privileged
classes—individual enterprise be completely pv.s
- beneath the powur of concentrated wealth
and special privileges, and the relative position or
the people rendered lees equal theft before this aye
tem was commenced. We must notice, in addition;
the pelp‘ble injustice of its practical operations as
compared with those of the individual citizen. A
corporation' is organized on the principle of a limit
ed liability of the stockholders—its busicess is un
wisely chosen, or unskillfully managed, and it, re
sults in failure and loss. The stockholders in such
case, lose the amount they may have paid in,, and
the remainder of thy loss falls upon innocent +par
ties, whit, misled by its great nominal capital - have
become the creditors of the institution. Au indi
vidual engaged in a similar enterprise, meets a like
fate, and the last item of his personal estate is sac
rificed to pay the debts fie has thus incurred.
But it is said that capitalists will not invest their
means in hazardous enterpriser, if required to bear
more thin a limited liability. lam aonfideut that
you will agree with me, that this reasoning in favor
of special privileges has no found - oion in corree.t
principle, and is not, therefore, entitled to favorable
consideration. jn a mere business point t r view
the position is nut a sound one. If a given enter
prise be hazardous, it is less liable to competition
and the more lucrative, if sueces-.1,11. But it it be
a dangeroos business, and, therefore, likely to result
unprofitably, upon whom should the loss fall! Cer
tainly it will not be contended that 'it abould be
thrown upon innocent parties who have hid no
agency in the lotsihev. It is surely more just and
reasonable that those who are to receive the profits , .
should beer the lo=s=es—that those. who eojo; the
privileges should bear the responsibilities. The
Constitution never intended -to sustain any other
policy.
,11..nerer contemplated acts of legislation
to advance one Man's interest at the expence of an
other's. Nor am lat all convinced that capitalists
would not Invest their means under the individual It
bilky principle. It is but a short period since it
was extensively believed that banking capital could
not be concentrated, if the stockholders were made
liable in their individual estates fur the debts of the.
bank. A short experience has dispelled this doubt
_and served to demonstrate the wisdom anti justice of
this policy. So it would be, lam confident, if this
principle were extended to all corporations to facil
tate the ends of private gain. Capitalists who
might be apprehensive that their 'private estates
would become involved for the current debts of the
corporation, can employ the simple and espy reme
dy of making no such debts. Lit the contraction
of a debt be forbidden by the laws of the institution.
Let their business be transacted on the cash system.
By this policy they will glie the greater efficiency
to their operations and escape the dreaded liability.
Besides, it dues not seem reasonable that special
legislation for the ostensible porp.tse of concentra
ting cspitsl, should at the' saw time look to the
creation of large debts. •If the incorporation of
this principle should do no more than lead to the
adoption of the etch system, it would be the means
of 'profit to the corporators and great• goad to the
public.
If there he enterprises legitimate and useful so com
plicated in their operations as not to come within the
reach of the general laws, and it should be deemed prop
er to extend to such the convenience of a corporate seal,
such corporation should always be limited to n mode
rate existence and be accompanied by the principles of
individual liability for all the debts of the association.-- ,
The convenience of special legal organization is all the
advantage that any association of individuals should ask,
and is certainly all that, any proper enterprise can need.
The salutary effect of this policy would doubtless be,
that whilst it could not restrain th e association of capital
for wise and legitimate ends, it would save the legisla
ture the labor of considering unwise and visionary
schemes, and - the public from the injurious consequen
des.
In a message to the General Assembly during its last
session, I took occasion to refer, to the growing incli
nation for special legislation, snd recommended the
adoption of some measures to remedy the evil. A res
olution was passed by that body authorizing the Govet
nits to appoint three commissioners to prepare general
laws for the consideration of the legislature, touching va
rious subjects therein named. Acctirdingly, in June
last, Hon James 31. Porter, Edward A.
Penniman. and J. Ell: Bonham, Esqrs., commissioners
under said resolutic... These gentlemen have, for
smile time been devoting themselves to the performance
of the duties inns uevolved upon them. The result of
their labor shall be communicated to you at ate early pe
riod in your session. •
The evils of special legislation seems to have been
a subject of complaint in the earii hi-tory of the State.
In the preamble to the law of attended to obviate
the necessity for special or private le:cislation, this com
plaint is freely expressed. The volume of laws for
that year nutubered.filly-nine pages of a small book; in
1831, they count eleven hundred of a large one. This
evil was diem in its infancy—it is now full grown and
should be corrected. This, in my opinion, can only be
done by. the adoption of a few more general laws, and
the rigid administration of those already in existence;
I deem it right to say that regard the mainten
ance of tats policy as a high obligation to the people.
The law of 17t11, and its several supplements, make
provision for the creation and amendment of corpora
uons for literary, charitable, and religious purposes.
and to create beneficiary societies, and tire engine and
hose companies, through the instrumentality of the At
torney General and the Supreme Court. The act of
the lath of Oct., Irl9, extended this power to the court-C
of the several counties. The acts of 1836 'and 1838
make provisions for the association of individuals thro'
the instrumentality of the Attorney General and the
Governor for the purpose of monufacto. ag iron from
mineral coal. In addition to these acts the' general
manufacturing law of 1849, and its supplements, provide
for tha creation of corporations for the purpose of tnan
ufaieturing woollen, cotton, flax, and silk goods, or for
making iron iliac. set, paper, lumber, cal from rosin,
mineral paints, artificial and for printing and rib- '
lishing.
The commissioners already narre'd have reeontinen
ded the etterutiou of this law to the busiuess of minikig,
rolt, ind to the mining and smelting of iron, lead, cop
ner. and ether ores, and an to al:er it. , pro v;-inns as to
render the liability of the stockholders more - "ostensive.
Thopalsetsacommend the isasegtrifa law eilinic the
Piens naafi, general powe on ilhe subject se ling
reed estate by parties acting in a representative eispaell•
and another referring all claim' against the. ceminope
wealth to the courts. These things done, and a more
general administration of the law giving the warts - the
power to change nitrites, to erect boroughs, to incorpe.
rate bridge and read companies secured, and we shall
hivre a new era el, legislation or Peunsylvania--shall
save a large 'minuet of money annually. and prevent
many impositions in the shape of hasty legislation, butt
ed on ex-parte statements.
These commissioners have also prepared with creel
care, a general tax law, simplifying the laws as tlir
stand—extendidg their previsions to certain new sub
jects of taxation. and altering-its features so as the more
completely to reach moneys at inten st and other prop
env. This is a most intricate important subject,
and should be handled with the mutest care. ! have
not had the opportunity sutheieetly to examine Misr*.
po-efl law, to give au opinion as to its merits: but I am
clearly of opinion that there is much room to improve
':;e tax system now in operation.
The enhject of agriculture has not, it seems tome,
received that attention in this State which its exceeding
importance would seem to justify. It was the trittlifttl
remark of George IVaithington, that there is "no purl
suit in which wore real or important good can be ren
dered to a country, than by the improtonent of its ag
rireltnre.” The art of tilling the soil iu such manner
as to secure the largest yield of vegetable matter of
which it is capable. and the application of the principles
of science to that art. far as indispensable to the at
tainment of this end, 1- a topic worthy of the attention
of the hest minds of the State. Agrieelteral is the pri
milive Its it is the most necessary occupation of man.—
It vk - f at the beginning of his existence, and is at the
foundation of all his pursuits. Inihis commonwealth,
it is peculiarly adapted to the soil, to the climate, and to
the habits.of the people, and constitutes their greatest
source of wealth and happiness. It is the agriculturist
who pays the largest share of the conutry's taxes in
time-of - peace, and furnishes the greatest number of her
soldiers in time of war. *lt is the most steady, peaceful
and dignified, as it is the least exacting of afl our great
interests.
Bat it is - said hr many good citizens that there is no
utility ill the applicatiOn of the teachings of science to
the practice of agriCulture. This, in my opinion, is a
erronemti Hee. In a late report from the patent office
at Washington, it is estimated that "1111,1100,000,000
would not more than restore Ico their original richness
Ind szruagth the 100,000,000,000 of acres of land in the
United States, which have already been exhausted of
their original fertility." A proper application of sci
ence would arrest this waste of the elements of the soil.
In Europe, this processor exhaustion I: I, long since ex
citell alarm. What it is doing in'onr country, is shown
byithe startling facts already presented. To counteract
its effects in the former country, about 350 agricultural
schools have been established; in the latter there are
not a dozen. The result of the Europea:, Imola has
demonstrated the practical ntility_of scientific farming.
These institutions are calculated to teach the art of till
ing-the soil, and to •i;sseininate a scientific knowledge
of this great pursuit. To place within the reach of the
agriculturist, knowledge of the constituent elements
of the soil, and theintlnence of these upon vegetation.
enabling him to discover a deficiency in any one of
these original parts, and showing him how to restore it
without exhausting another—to learn him to compre
hend the different s'imulants for the soil, of mineral,
vegetable, animal or liquid origin, and the proportion
of each which the lands may from titue to time requite.
They also teach methods of practical farming—the use
of implements, the nature of seeds, and the origin and
character of insects destructive to vegetation. What
fanner in Pennsylvania can say, that he has never made
.a mistake in the use of manures, or that his crops have
never-been injure,' by destructive in4ects? And where
is there one who would not he willing to contribute
something to be protected against such damage in fu
ture ! -
But is it not astonishing, that in this progressive coun,
try'of mini,. so suited to agriculture, and in this age of
scientific disebveries and perfection in all the arts, that
no institutions to impart instruction in the science .of
agriculture have been established. It is true, that so
cieties have been formed in a number of the Statea
and exhibitions have been he'd calculated- to awri :
ken the people to the importance of this subject.—
Our State society, organized about two years since,
has held two exhibitions, which have done much good
in the way of sending to all parts of the State the best
breed of domestic animals, the best grains and seeds, and
the ino4t approved agricultural machinery. But it
seems to me, that the government might justly lend her
aid and caluateuance to this good work. In Maryland,
au agticultural chemist has been employed by the State,
and I am informed that the result of his investigations i
have been highly sattsfacto and useful to tin people.
ry
Cannot the great State of Pennsylvania do as much ror
her farmers! She has expended a large sum in the de
veloputent of her talueral resources, and has cherished
her unuttfacturers by every proper means, and it is
right that she should now do something for her agricul
turists. I. therefore. respectfully recommend the ap
pointment of an agricultural chemist, with a moderate
s.dary, leaving the details of his duties to be surgested
by the State and comity societies.
The subint of growing wool, in our State,' is
worthy of especial attention. I had the pleasure,
at.the late- tate fair, a short time since of examin
ing an exten‘ive card of specimens of this article
exhibited by Peter A. Browne, Esq., of Philadelphia.
It is said to be the most extensive, interesting and
lustructive collection of specimens in the U. States,
or perhaps in the tvorld. No man can examine it
end nut feel himself edified by the great practical
truths which it is calculated to impart. It demon
strates most conclusively that our Commonwealth is
.peculiarly adapted to the production of title article,
and that in the United States we can raise as flue
fleeces as can be Produced in the world; au.] finer
than in any other country except Saxonv.
It appears by the census of 1850 that l'ennsylva•
nia - lies only 1,814350 sheep—that Ohio with a
much less territory has 3,967,000—that New-York.
has 3,454,351, and that whilst our consumption of
wool in manufactures for 1850 was 7,560,399 lbs.,
.. , ir Production was only 4,481,570. France Noises
thirty-six-millions of sheep, and England with less '
than half the advantages of this country raises fur
ty-six
This subject is one deserving the attention of, the
people and the•government.
I cannot refrain from congratulating you on the
evidences of the great : prosperity of Pennsylvania
to be found in thecensne report of 1850. Her rela
tive position to hersisieSEltates is truly a proud One:
Of the four large Stated her per tentage of increase
-in population, since Ib4o, is the greatest, and she
t.
11,. besides, excelled t e best of-her sisters in th e
production of wheat, ry , iron and coal. • •
Her population num bers 2,311,786, being an in
crease of etroi,st 35 percent. since 1840. A ccord
ingto this nitio,of groxtb ler people in 1870 will
number near 4,000,000. Our debt of forty millions
is, at this time, a charge on each inhabitant-of a
little over eighteen dollai,i; in 1870, according to
this datum, it will bat little exceed ten. The pre•
sent assessed value of real and personal estate is
$497,039,649. showing-an increase of eighteen per
cent, since 1810, it will amount to the SUM of $675,-
973;932. The debt of forty millions was a lien of
8 per cent, on the assessable property of 1840; on
that of 1870 it will be only five per cent. and eight
mills. But in the census report of 1850 the true val . -
ue of the property of. the State ... estimuted at $722,-
486,120; on this sum our present debt is but e frac
tion. over 5e per.cent. Who can doubt the solvency
of such a debtorl
Her production of wheat in 1840. was 13,213,077 bu
shels ; in 1850, 15,482,191, tieing an increase of 17 p er
cent.. at which rate her yield for 1870 will exceed 0;-
009,000 bulimia. The same rate of inerec It apparent
in rye, corn. oats, barley, buckwheat and lice stock.—
The census of 1840 shows a production for that year of
98,&15 tons of pig otetal; that of Itroso is 2EG,702, or an
increase of 190 pet Prot. At this rate the yield of lt-70
would he 1,371,370 tons. iVroughtiron in 1840 amount
ed to 87,244 tons in Itlso it is 182,506 tons. On this
datum the production of 1870 would he 589.369 tons.
Our woollen manufactures for-1840 were valued at $2,-
319,161, ant for 1830 at $5,321,866, showing a gain in
ten years of 12 per cent., and the enormous yield by
1870 of $13.738,404. In cotton goods the increase has
been about 0 pot cent., which ratio of growth up to 1870
would show a production of about six million dollars. —
The whole amount of anthracite coal mined and taken
to market in 1 8 -10 was 867,000 tons. In 185t1 the pro..
duct will reach near fit e .miliions of tons, being an in
crease in twelve years of tioo per cent. This rate- of
augmentation tip to 1870 would give the startling pro
duction of over forty-five million+ of tons, and yielding
at the present PhiLidelphia prices the sum of one hun
dred and eighty millions of dollars, being more than tee.
Lla the present revennesof the whole United States!
This is a most gratifying picture,.and goes fits' to
prove what I have for some Owe believed, that before
the close of the present century Pennsylvania, in point
of wealth and real greatness will stand in advance or ,
all her sister States. '
There are yet a few publie enterprises to be consum
mated to render her triumph complete. The North
Branch canal must be finished. The Allegheny moun
tains must be passed without the use of inclined planes,
and our metropolis must be connected with the lakes,
by means of a railroad.
The trade of die State is only second in importance
to her agricultural anti mineral wealth. Nature has its
signed to Pennsylvanian Most advantageous position
f o r eati•ru-ti trade. l'oitileetevl with the Atlantic, the
hikes and the western waters,- and eatsndin g
sides of dos'AllOghenies, she forms the great t:
tween,the blot sad the West. The only ohrn e i
artificial union of the great natural highway s
s h e ii emiptspect, is tills interposing chant of
v
which cutting transversely across our tsrnt eey.
the tributary graters of the 01.:‘, mill the lakes fro !
of the Atlantic. But this mountainous range.
rejoice _ to know, upon close examination.
present no imiuperable impediment. It is to
within a short period, by two railroads of
gradients. The West will then communicate
east without i nterruption from these mounts'
•
But the railroad to Pittsburg; should not fine
ternal connections. In addition to the railroad,
valleys of the Susquehanna and the Seim)lkil
proper.' of rapid construction, the best is'
Pennsylvania require a railway to Erie.
shortest and best line of communication bee
lakes and the Atlantic at Philadelphia. The
Alone in favor of such an improvement are
One to be given in this document. The
which it would po.aess in distance—in light
uniformity of guage, when tested bs :he Los s
render its superiority over any other ars eee
now exists or that-ran hereafter he constructed F
the Atlantic and the lakes, a fixed fact. The
Erie is regarded by competent engineers as
the lakes, and from no other point can so shoe
be made to the seaboard. Such a medium of ,
nication would be of inestimable value to tn.
intermediate country and to our State enetropeC
eitizetr, by neglecting or deferring the construe,
this work, may subject themselves to the coo,
slightiug the beneficence of nature .uot eotoye
with her great designs.
The trade of the west, and.the lakes. tear
walls lie secured to' Philadelphia. ":•, time.
should be lust in the construction of great
Delay may lessen the chances of success, sit
certainly afford opportunity to our rivals to 6
cement business connection% which way not be
severed in the future. Nor are we to look at d
terml advantages alone. Nothing* can do snore
went the foreign trade of Philadelphia, than a /
elute to the lakes... Iler growing commerce
rite the . construction of steamers to cons ey
her own port the merchandize which she wont
mad upon to supply to the_ boundless west
are her natural advantages, no observing man
to see, that deprived of the sustaining arm of
commerce, she cannot attain to that distingui
tioti, as a mart, which nature intended the shot
The right to construct a reilroed from Erie is,
stale line. parallel with the lake, has been a eel
controversy in the Legislature for some year
Franklin Canal company chinned to have Wail
the State the privilege to_ construct a railroad
route. sad bare proceeded to construct it accord'
The authority of this company to do so has beet,
and the Attorney' General has filed a bill preying
tojametien to restrain the construction and use r
road. So long as this question is pending be
highest judicial tribunal of the State. it woutd '
coming in an officer of any other branch of the
meat to express an opinion touching the questa
see. I- may, however. it seems to ins. with p
suggest, that should the decision of the court not
the entire rights claimed by the Franklin eerie'
the Legislature should take such action as win
valuable privilege completely within the roans.
State. and so far as may be. without the elm ,
illiberal or contracted principle, render this i
link between the seaboard and the great Wee,
tient to the interests of the people of Pounsylvera
Amongst the multitudinous obligations realm/
Government. there is none more binding or inert
tom which looks to the 41dt/canoe and mural ei
the people. These great Considerations will r'
receive your anvons ears, You will hod in is.
We and cemproheusive report of the Superintent
Common Schools, many interesting and metal
trues in reference to - the present condition of sae
MOO school system, and the cause of education y
ly; to all of which I most respectfully ask yosr
teatime lam deeply eensitile of the carreetneu
priety of the remarks of that officer on the subject
ors for the common schools. It is the greatest ,
difficulties surrounding the system. and I most
entreat yoe, if it be practicable. in the extorts.
wisdom, to adopt some mode of sopplyieg this di
There are many other defectie which - will claim yt
sideration, but this is of pre-eminent importance
general law should be made plain and simple, so
most ordinary mind could administer its peoesea
It is, the questions and deciii : ions toachiog the au
of the law, here become more voluminous thee ti
itself.
For information in reference to the military at
the Stave. 1 respectfolly refer yea to the able ate
interesting report of the Adjritant General. 1
loam. ea 1 have done by this ewesespeot, that 0
of the public service is not is i very flourishii„
The report contains misty highly important eel
and recommendertions. some of which Ink so
correct that they Minot fail to receive your favor
sideration.
la conformity with areoolotion or ohe Gettefli
bly. paned on the - 25th day of February last, All
Waterman. E.q.. of Philadelphia. attended a en
tion of &replica froni the thirteen original Ann
Independenr e in Philadelphia, convened it
4th of July last, for the purpose of taking into eerie
ation the subject of erecting a monument in lode-
Square. to commemorate the event of the Decler
Independence. Delegates were in attendance fr
Stites of Masisachesetts. Connecticut Rhoda lel
Hampshire. New York, New Jersey, Delaware.
and Peuivsylvania. The subject was favorably t
by the coavention, and an able address to the f
the thirteen original States was prepared and si
the delegates, presenting a comprehensive view
considerations in favor of this most noble design, ei
Besting a practical mode of carrying 'Onto meal
copy of this address, together with ill the othe
logs of the Convention. 1 shall cases to be '
ted to both.branches of the Logislature.
It would be difficult to conceive a RION hue
idea, or one so ensigenial to Wogs of the people,'
consistent with a just spirit of national pride, thi
commemoration by seine visible and imperishable
of the great event that distinguished the dawn et .>
can freedoms The propriety of this design clr
am sure, be doubted by the Legislature or the peselr
I shall not, therefore trouble you with any fartl.ir
gestiona ins its favor. -
It is proposed to raise the means to reunion tie
omen' from the States in theirs ign espial
to make no expenditures until the whole arnesatoi
ey shall have been secured. According to thorn
of the committee appointed by the conventree
'bject. Pennsylvania's share would amount bet
fifteen and twenty thousand dollars.
1 reapeetfelly recommend the adoption of loch
ores as will indicate the willingness of this State'
her part, whenever her sister States shall hays f
similar intimation, and to take such prelim:OW
may seem proper and right.
I desire to call your attention .to , o ndirroo
public grounds surrounding the State Arsenal it.
occurred to me that this eligible spot should be Pito
With a good fence, be planted with shade trees. ,d
wise - improved. As at present exposed it main * l '
a barren and cheerless space between the to BOO'
capitol. If properly enclosed and beautified. it villso
much to the appearance of both. A due respestsv i :
generous donor of this valuiblo piece of era"' aat .,
than a just regard for the appearance et the MIA r e
ornament. wouldeeem to require its proper impnvo .
1 respectfully commend this, subject to yell Is" il
consideration.
Recent difficulties in a neighboring State kung'
gaited the existence of a deficiency in our 5te15 41 ,.."
reference to the conveyanee of persons bald to now
tarp servitude, from one State to another Tbs
ylvania statute of 1788 gave all persons passing thiwr
or sojourning in the State for a brief period the rel . ,
hold their domestic slaves. The act of 1847 repoebdf
provision, and the repeating sections of the last 0 _ 1 :
did not reinstate it. therefore, respectfully revon7,
that provision be made for the transit of thus de ,
through the limiur of this Commonwealth. S. eM
seems to be contemplated by the constitatiou of rho
ted States, and to be suggested by those rules of
which should exist between the States—by the
peace and by individual ornev•eience.
It has usually been the eastern to delay the P•••" -
the appropriation bill until near the closer of the hut
Aly predecessor recommended a change in 0 1
in which recommendation I most heartily rprineer. ty
ordinary purposes of government eheold be Pr'''S.
early in the session. If there be other nocessal
priations. they.can be embraced in another bin ""
lowed tostand on their own merit'.
Daring thin, gentlemen. given you as briar! l'r.Pl:
sible my views touching Some of the subjects w hi f i La i
claim your attention during the preterit r oans. I. '
me in eouslasion. to assure you. that I shall roost 0 ;
folly co-operate with the General Amenably o °, l l
lion- et . all measures calculated to promote the 1"`"
our beloved Commonwealth.
EXECVTIVIC Cal ***** WILLIAM BIGL E/
Harrisburg. Jan. .5. 1853.
FLOM Wasalsotow.--A aorrespoodsat of
Pennsylvanian, who dates on the Ist WW I°
writes:
Our Democrat friends are in capital spiriti.
are paying their best respects to the estolloi l ;
President, so far ai he is able to melte lbegs
to Messrs. Cass, Houston, Douglass and 0 40
nur justly distinguished men. Bali., pewit
amusements, everywhere abound, givinir and
that "the gay season," as well as the rain? 0044
fairly " set in."