THE VOLUNTEER
Ilnlm n. Ilrattou, Editor rni.l Proprietor.
OAU.I.ISI.E, TBBKSniT, JAN. li, I*4o.
FROM BAttIUSDURCJ.
Election of United State* Senators—On
Tuesday, on the third, vote, the Hon. Jamba
Cooper, of Adams county, was elected United
Stales Senator, for six years from the 4th of
flldreh next. The volo stood as follows:
_ . . Istbai. 3d bal. 3d bal.
Richard Drodhcnd, Dcip, ”62 - 6*2 62
JAmorCooper, Fed. 57 60 66.
Thaddeus Stevens, Fed, .7. 6 3
Wm/ftlrMoredith, Fed, 3 I . n
Qeorjß^ordr'Nntiv^: - 3. <> 0
s"^’ r: Ctfbpcrla the first adminis
tegislatutev Ho rtas warm
ly opposed by Governor Johnston and his particu
. J btouahl oul Stevens and Meredith
*'*-% opposing candidates. .The aristocrats arid big
the parly were to a man opposed to Coo
-hut they have been most completely floored.
--..'The Democrats, it will bo seen, adhered to their
'noroiriee, Hon. Richard Brodhead, who although
Vdefoated, would have been elected if the Demo
/©ratio votes could have secured this result, and
who is in every way worthy of the high honor
’ his Democratic frien'ds desired to confer upon him.
The Legislature.—-But little business hnayel
;|iecn transacted by our State Legislature, In the
; Senate Georgo Darsie,' (Federalist,) has been
‘elected Speaker., All the other officers of the
Senate are of the same stripe in politics. In the
House the Demccrals succeeded in electing their
Speaker, Gen. Packer, and tho Clerk, William
Jack, Esq. The other officers of the House not
,y,ot elected.
Several articles intended for Ibis day's paper
have been crowded our, for the purpose of making
room for the Message. Two or three advertise
ments shared a similar fate...
We are indebted to Auditor General Purvlapce
for.a copy of his annual Rep%t. * Also to James
Burns, Esq., of the Canal Board,'for a copy of
the annual Report of the Canal Commissioners.
Mojot I»bwib Cabs has .been confirmed by the
•U. S. Sonato as Charge to Rome.
* Canal Commissioners Convention.— The De
mocratic State Central OoromiUeo have appointed
Pittsburg as the place, and . the 4th of July next
as the time, for holding, the Canal Commissiners
Convention. ‘
New Attorney General. —Governor Johnston
has appointed Cornelius Darragh, Eaq., of Pitts
burg, Attorney General, in the. place of James
Cooper, Esq., resigned. This appointment has
taken the Federal camp by surprise, Mr. Darragh
never having been thought of in connection with
the Attorney General's office.
HAnßi&Duno RuMPRS.—It is stated that Govern
or Johnston, James M. Power, (Federal Canal
Commissioner.) and JVm. M. Watts, of this
county, are about to buy out the. “Telegraph”
and “Intelligencer.” the two Federal papers-at
Hamsbn(g, and issue in their place a new Go
vernment organ, under the control of Mr. James
Johnston, the Governor's brother! A bcatifu)
party, truly, ' '
“Tflj Pennsylvanian.”— This.able and fearless
Democratic journal—published in Philadelphia/by
Hamilton & Forney— comes to us dressed in a new
Brevier type, and. presents a fine lively appea
rance. Beyond doubt it Is one of (ho best conducted
political papers in tho Union. Its editor, Co). For
ney, is gentleman well known to tho public as a
pungent and powerful writer/whose zeal in behalf
of . Democratic principles has made his. name fa
miliar to every true Democrat. Most sincerely do
we with success to the Peuntylcanian and its enter
prising proprietors.
The Saturday Morning Post. —We have received
the first number of & large and beautiful paper, bear*
fng the above title, printed at Pittsburg, by L. Har*
. rKR, Esq., editor of the Pittsburg Daily Post. The
Saturday Post is devoted to politics, literature, news,
agriculture, commercial intelligence, dec., &c., and
bids fair to be a most useful ami entertaining jour*
nal. Mr. Hat pur, its editor, is a bold and vigorous
writer, and understands how (a please that surly old
gentleman, The Public. Should uny of our friends
desire a gbod and cheap family paper from (ho snioky
city of (he west, wo would recommend the Saturday
Morning Post. , Terms 92 per annum in advance.
(C/* Thanks to Han. Daniel Sturgeon, of the U. 6.
Senate—to Hon. Daniel. S. Kauffman, of the H. of
Reps., for their attention in sending us documents.
We are also under obligation to Messrs. Slerrell and
LambefUm, of the Stale Legislature, for favors rc*
eeived.'
Don't Dkuxvk It.— An exchange-paper assures
Its readers that “ a person who pays regularly for hi* I
newspaper Is not susceptible of hydrophobia.' 1 Wo
don't behove it—but still we would recommend all
oar subscribers to try the txptriment . “Nothing
like trying.”
* Kentucky U.S.Senator.— The Hon. Thomas
Metcalf, has been elected to tho United States
Senate by the Legislature of Kentucky. Ho now
occupies ihtJ geat vacated by Mr. Ciiltendon.
"Merchant's MdKibbcn,
Ksq., Postmaster of Pittsburg, wo understand,
has leased the Merchant's Hotel, In Philadelphia,
from the I'st of April next.
q 3» We"are pleased to see that tbo Pennsylvanian
coincides >llh ui in opinion in regard to the Report
of the Posl-Maeler-Genorol. Wo hope to sco the
press, of all. parties, speak out on this question* The
recommendation of Mr. Johnston regarding (he pro*
payment by publishers of postage on all papers sent by
them through mail, and the drying of (heir papers be
fore Wing mailed, are so Impracticable and absurd,
that wo think dnij requires every editor to denounce
the recoprmiendatlon, and expose Its unfairness,—
Ajjalb vvo say,,let the press speak out.
Truly Ditxiießsißo Fmi in po, it c AnBON 0 1
Tuesday evening cflaai wor-k, ag wo loarn f(0 '
the Potisvllle Emporium, the house of Philin
Sttinbaeh, al Port Carbon,wss entirely destroyed
>y Rre,and, horrible lo relate,throe of Ms children
fcll victims IFour ohlldten, It seems, wore lofi
at homd while the parents wont to church, and
w(teq.tho Ore was first discovered, it hud udvon
ccd so far that U was impossible to enter the house
and reaoita the little sufferers, Tire eldest child
escaped yvKKout injury,
Tits Fops of ous. Borquoji.— 'At a lalo meeting of
t iho cltllcna of our borough, the following named
feDllcmen ware oppolnled to roooivo contribution!
from onr oltlzona for the relief ol the poor of Car*
Nile—JohnM.Grogg.Polor Mbnyor, Thot.H.Skllea,
BanuelA.Coy 10, Henry A. Dotoy. Sarauol Enamin.
ftr, H. fi. Ritter, Qcofgo Wiio.Jaflob-C. Duty.—
JtfOO W, £b j trie appointed Treasurer.
GOVERNOR JOHNSTON'S MESSAGE.
_ - “ A poor jtlayiir
•That almla and fVbts his hour upon Ihu stage.
And then is-heard no mure:?’ -
v Wo have read'tho-Message of tho .present acting
Governor and .the .Governor elect of - this great Com
monwealth, with some pleasure and some feelings of
-that . the force of public
opinion ' should moke even a Federal, GovoVnor pro.
mise in-sonic things to approximate to a Democratic
policy—humiliation at tho mixture of the evil with
(he-gqod, and the little faith it gives us that the Go*
verhor is not paltering u with us in a double sohso; 1 *
that he will not '
“Keep tho word of promise to tbo ear
.... Ant) break it to tho hope I" .
Ills Excellency pays a handsome tribute to the
sterling worth of his immediate predecessor in office,
the groat, good, and lamented' Shunk, whilo he ac
knowledges (hat M a difference of political views sep.
arated them many years before his death’*—a clinch
ing confession on the part of his Excellency, that ho
has left his old political associations, and sadly fallen
from the faith of his fathers. May ho prove the old
adage untrue, that one’renegade is worse than ton
Turks.’* '
In a business point of view, the Message, hi stylo
and arrangement, is commendable. Ho estates the
amount of indebtedness of Ihe Commonweakh, the
accruing revenue, anil. makes suitable suggestions as
to a sinking fund being raised for Us gradual
liquidation—though we-confess wo do not like the
idea of Belling bunk charters in order to raise that
fund. Far better lux the people directly, than exact
as & condition of bank charters “the paymentofa
certain per centago on the capital of these inslUu.
(ions, in addition to the taxes already assessed on
banks by existing laws.” This exaction from’ the
. banks has a tendency to make the people look to
thorn for relief in every contingency, whilu they in
turn will tulco by hook or crook tho amount thus
levied, from the people themselves. Better, far bet
ter, (ax tho people directly, and teach them (o roly,
upon their own resources, than tax them indirectly,
making the bunks the almoners of their own bounty,
and cause them to place undue reliance upon bank
ing institutions, which never yet produced a dollar
of wealth, or increased tho wealth of the community
one penny. All their resources are derived from tho
labor and sweat of the people, and all 'the exactions
placed upon the banks are eventually levied, on the
people, and have a tendency to make the Legislature
and their constituents subservient to these .institu
tions. .
The Governor recommends cancelling the old
Relief issue and substituting a now issue in their stead,
until such lime ,os they can be entirely withdrawn
from circulation. He aisareoommends the banishment
by suitable penalties, of the circulation of notes of
a less denomination than live dollars, of tho banks of
other States, and thinks ,we had far bettor permit our
own banks to issue notes of k less denomination than
five dollars, than suffer these foreign'notes to circu
late among us, when tbo banks issuing them may be
of a very doubtful character.
On tho subject of banking, the Governor is a little
enigmatical He stales in one part of his Message
that “tho increased prosperity, population.and busi
ness of the country, may require additional banking
facilities”—and in another, lie stales that* 1 in periods
of groat commercial and manufacturing prosperity,
an inflation of the currency beyond tho wants of
sound, wholesome trade, loads to unwise, and often
ruinous speculation.”.'Tho plain. English of which
Is, tnat “additional banking facilities” will no doubt,
from his former voles in tho Legislature, and the
well known views of his supporters, form a leading
feature of his, administration—and after the conse
quent ruin, he may with a smile turn round and say,
you cannot blame mo, for. I warned you against “an
inflation of the currency.” *
There ate some sentiments of the Governor on
this subject which wo hero notice, us a matter
of future references, hould it become necessary, and
which we now place upon the record. They are
these i
“That the Increase of banking facilities is instru
mental in reusing the country iq limes of commer
cial distress, iKbclicf ui.prevalent ns It is unsound.
It may postpone the crisis, but It cannot afford re
lief.”
“In short, tho amount of the circulating medium,
should depend on tho actual, and not tho imaginary
wants of tho country.”
“ From these observations, the Legislature will
readily perceive' that uny extraordinary increase of
banking capital, in the present depressed condition
of trade, is not consistent with, my views of tho gen
eral welfare.” • « r . .
What the Governor himself means by "any ex*
(ruordinory increase of banking capital," remains to
bo seen. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
On the doctrine of the individual liability of the
stockholder* of banking institutions, by which these
( corporations con bo held to the liquidation of their
debts ais well as private person*,, his Excellency is
"us silent as tho grave." With him the belief is
manifest that " corporations have no souls," and
ought to have none. ■ It is quite certain they have no
conscience, .whether their unwieldy bodies bo onl
mntedby souls or not. This tenet of the Democratic
party is firmly established. This cherished doctrine ,
is deeply sealed in the hearts of the people, is watch* 1
led oVor by the spirit of tho departed 9hunk r und on 1
I the fust fitting occasion will be moved to " resurroc.
thin and to life." Tho contemptuous silence of tho
present Executive will never permanently consign It
to " the tomb of tho Capulcls."
' On tho subject of the tariff, the Governor seems
wedded la tho old exploded doctrines of protection.
Ho talks as though ho thought the Commonwealth
1 of Pennsylvania was but a community of iron mas.
tors. , It is true he throws In a little gammon about
the rewards of labor ( and the danger of the liibtr of
this country being brought , dowtr to the level of tho
pnupor.labor of Europe, but it Is all' gammon, and ho
knows U. Hu tiles.to render tho agricultural por*
(ion of tho community satisfied witli tho protective
doctrines, by giving utterance to palpable absurdities,
and which he know are absurdities. For instance,
in speaking pf Uto agriculturalist, ho soys—“ The
home market |s his only reliance, M This great .nb*
surdity Is refuted by looking at the table of the ex
ports of breadstuff* .for tho last throe years, and wo
venture to say that tho future history of tho country
will render ll still more palpable.
On tho whole, this part of the Governor's Alossaga
•macks very much of his speech delivered on the
portico of (ho Mansion (louse Hotel of this place,
while he was canvassing (ho Static for (ho suffrages
of hit “ fellow citizens."-, ll Is the same humbug*
gory revamped, and is an effort to prove that the ed
ucation of the poor, the wag v c» of tho laboring man r
the Interests of the farmer, in fact every thing, do*
pends on a protective tariff! Hb would no doubt
intimate, if il became necessary, that unless the pre,
sent "unjusUttritflaw" be repealed, the cows will give
bloody milk— un soma' future fourth day of Jbly,
wWoh Daniel Wdi.tcr onoo pointed out «■ (lio period
ortho third w.r with Great Britain.
Tho Governor wind, op with a little doee of •'Fred
Soil,” nnd tho curtain fall.- for ll„
ICT TliollarrUburg Telegraph— u rank Federal
print—fur tho purpose of showing n, D »po» a i, r i,;„
of General Taylor. copl*. aovorul onlolea from Eng.
Uih Tory papers, which rejoice over Ihe.oleellon of
Taylor and,(bo, dolbotor Oon. Case. No doubt
Johnny Dull Is well pleased at tbo result of tho elec
tion, In IboUnilod Stoics. Hp always tojuiees (o
hear oflbo tuccesi ofbla/rfrmla. I
GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE.
To the Senati' 6 t nd House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania :.
'FkmJow .Citizens —In performing the responsible
duties unjoined by the Constitution, on-, tho Executive
of the Slulc, a-sinccro plonsu.ro U foil in addeMsing
ul-llic commencement of odeb session of the Lrolslu
lalure.'tho immediate rcprescnlatlves.of the - people.
To present to them in faithful candor ihotruo' posi
tion ot public affairs, to suggest remedies for known
wants, to oid : in the enactment of such measures os
the interests, happiness and welfare of the citizens
seems to demand, is not llio less gratifying that if is
iryido the duty of the'Executive dcpailment. The
events of the past year, will not fail to leftch us the
lesson‘of an overruling'’Providence and the gratitude'
we owe ns a people for the'blessings which, through
the wisdom of Almighty Goodness, have been vouch*,
suleti to tjip nation. , When the representatives of the
people hist met, there . existed between our country
and ft' neighboring ropuolio, a fierce and bitter war.
The result, indeed! was-not doubtful, for with a peo*
pie justly celebrated among.nations, for their uncon*
querablo bravery, unsurpassed skill in military affairs,
arid."their great.superiority over thoir enemies .In
physical and mental qualities, victory wB3\tho tiooes*
sury consequence; yet lhe undecided contest wji a
source of profound regret, for the sacrifice of huirian
life,,and the expenditure of public and private troa*
sure necessary to of
peaceful relations. ' , A .
It is therefore gratifying lo know that the war has
fully terminated, and that Peace, the rational desire
of all, sheds again its blessings on every portion of our
country. To the Almighty Father, who in'mpfcy
turned the hearts of. (he rulers of both countries,'“to
lay aside the sword, to cultivate the spirit
orly kindness, and to establish peaceful relations be
tween the citizens oftheir respective governments, wb
owe the deepcsl'ond most fervent gratitude.
abundance of our harvests, the blessings of continued
and general* health, and the preservation of otir civil
and religious rights; os guaranteed to us by thwfreo
instilulians of oaf country; while destitution, misery,
and convulsed goVefmiibnls, and precorions civil and
religious institutions harass the people of other lands,
should produce in our hearts a fervent acknowledge,
mem of Hia superintending kindness and mercy.
; In thojalo contest with Mexico,lhisCommonwcalth
was called upon by the National Government, lo fur.
nisli a portion of the troops deemed necessary by tho
constituted authorities to carry.lho war to n success*
ful issue; Willi this requisition it is scarcely neces
sary (p alate, our-Commonwealth complied .willi the
alacrity which has heretofore distinguished .her
among her sister republics. AJargo volunteer force
was instantly placed at the disposal of tho National
Government, and it is a matter of just pride to their
fellow citizens, that in the discharge of evory duty,
these volunteers maintained the honor of. the State,
and the renown oftheir country. . The'citizen soldier
who fortunately escaped death, has returned lo his
family and friends, after, having earned for himseJF
and the Stale, a . reputation for undaunted bravery,
for enduring and patient suffering, and manly and
heroic virtue that the future annalist will delight to
record.
It is dub to these patriotic citizens, that this coni*
inonwoulllr do some act os an acknowledgement of
their . past illustrious services. To the memory of
the dead who felt in the service of their country, it is
tho duly of Hie Slate to erect a suitable monument,
that their bravery and virtue may ho enduringly re
membered,and their heroic sacrifice emulated in
oilier limes, should tho- safety pflhe coun
try require it from future generations.
Since the adjournment of the last Legislature, the
Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth, the
late Gov. Shunk, has sunk beneath the malady which
then afflicted him. Ho died, on the 30th day of July,
1848.’
. It will not be deemed improper in mo to sny a few
words in reference to tho character of the illustrious
deceased*
The laic Gov. Shunlc having spent a large portion
dflns life in the public service, and having mingled
much with his fellow citizens, was well and exten
sively known throughout the Stale, and it is with
pleasure the circumstance is recalled to my mind,
that at one period of his life, I had the honor to enjoy
his intimate personal friendship.
During our intimacy, it always gave him great
pleasure to aid and assist the young and unexperien
ced, to relievo the distressed, and In impart, to his
fellow men by wards of kindness, and deeds of charily
as largo a share of happiness .as his condition would
allow.’ - ■ •>- **
His intercourse with others was courteous, his
friendships were lasting, his attachments strong and
enduring,. while his resentments for injury, were
transitory ami made no permanent impression in his
bosom. It may with truth bo said of Gov. Shunk,
that ho wos a sincere friend, a good neighbor, a pure
Christian and nn honest man. Sucii was the repu
tation ho sustained among his fellow citizens when my
intimacy with him, gave mo a knowledge of ills
character, and although n difference of political views
separated Us for many years before his death, his
friends, at a later period of his life, have Arne testi
mony that the saintepurily of intention ahl desire of
well doing remained with him until the hour of his
dissolution. , % : . # *
- The LcgißUtur&lfrcspcctfully invited to take such
action in relation, to the decease of the first Chief
Magistrate of the. Commonwealth, whoso death oc.
currcd during the period for vvhicli ho was elected,
as may be deemed most appropriate to express Us
sympathy for the sorrow and bereavement of the sur
viving relatives, and to testify respect for the memo,
ry of thu-virtucs of the distinguished dead.
. Prior to the dcccso of Gov. Shunk; on the 9th day
of July, 1818, as appears by tho records in the State
Department, ho resigned (ho olTica of Governor of
tfiis Commonwealth, and Ihurciipon Under the provi
sions of tho 14th section of tho 2d article of (ho Con.
stitution, which declares, that " in ease of tho death
or resignation of (ho Governor, of of his removal
from office, tho Speaker of the Senate shall exercise
the office of Governor, until another Governor ohnll
lie duly qualified," tho.dntles of tho Executive Do
partment of the Government devolved on mo.
. Oificiul information of ll)o net of resignation did
not reach mo until (ho I7(h day of July, 1848. The
section of tho constitution herein referred to nlurj de
clared in reference to (ho same subject, (hat "in inch
cuso another Governor shall he chosen at the next
annual election of Representatives, unless such death
resignation or rcmoyol shall occur within three cul.
oudur months Immediately proceeding Bitch next
annual election: In. which ease a Governor shall ho
chosen ot the second succeeding annual election of
Representatives." By tho 3<Uh sccllon of. tho apt of
llio General Assembly relating .to Uib,elections of
this Commonwealth, 11. la provided, th&tvin.pase
any vacancy shall occur In tho office of Governor of
this Commonwealth,more (hah three calendar month*
next proceeding (he second Tuesday In October In
■ any year, it shall be (ho duty of tho Speaker ol* (ho
f Senate, or whoever shall belli tlio exercise of (he
, office of Governor, to Isruo his writs to thcShcrifik nf
the several counties, requiring them to give the ununl
\ notice, thafan election to supply such vacancy wilt
take place on (ho,second Tuesday in October next
i thereafter, and when stioh vacancy occurs within
( three calendar months before tho second Tuesday in
1 October, it shall be the duly of the Speaker of the
1 Senate, or whoever shall bo in tho exercise of the
1 office of Governor to Issue Ids Write ns aforesaid,re.
■ quirlng notice of such election on (ho second Tuesday
in October next, after tho issuing of said writ,'and
in each case said writ shall issue at least throe, cal
endar iJtanths boforo the election.”
An oxomiiidifon of the conßtilutionnl provisions;
tho act of Assembly; ami !ho circumstances of tho
rc.lgnollon, will mthfy you, (hot w!;. 1 . 1 !’ llio rwlgnn
(ion occurred rnoro than three calendar months I 1 ?*
fore the next jinnaal election of Representatives, ll
took place at a (line rendering a compliance will! the
del of assembly hi relation to the Issuing of writs,
utterly Impossible. In this view of the base, it might
have been deemed a compliance with duly, to have
refrained (tom oil Interference in (ho inuilor, loos.
- much os events hod put it out of my power to comply
with tho terms oflho actof Assembly, directory of (he
mode in which the Constitutional provision on the
subject should bo carried into effect.
After u full and careful examination of the whole
mentor, I believed it my duly to issue the writs re-
Sulring notice to be given, that an election would be
uly hold on tho second Tuesday of October (hop
next ensuing, for tho clooilon of a Chief Magistrate
of thisCbfnmonwoalfli. If appeared to mo,-that in
all cases of doubt; there was no safer resting place
than submission to the decision of the people, and
that in tho construction of tho laws relating (o tho
point in question, if any donhf arose, llio bettor course
in a republican government, was to rofer to (ho eili
zen voter the right of selecting at the earliest period,
his presiding officer, rather than assume a position
which would continue, official station In myself, bo
y°nd the oßrlloßt legal opportunity to surrender it
«!*? li *l*l The organic law required the elbollbir,
® *^ vo ®ouctmohl should be-so construed
lK » Con.lliullon«l provl.ioh—
H«d the term, of the Con.mullon .nd law. olt.rly
given a different position Jo the question, how'eVer
unpleasant tho taftk of performing tho duties of tho
office wilhdut the endorsement of the people’s will,
Ijiqy \vmild--.huVe been faithfully executed.
■’ In urtni'ming as Speaker of tho Senate,.the exercise
of Executive fnhclitfiVb, although not dootalng
.soliilely necessary;-prudence suggested the propriety
of beings worn to a failhftjl discharge of the Ekcuti
live duliesj and an oath to that effect tftlminis.
fered to mo by the honorable the Speaket of the
House of Representatives.
A law requiring in.all cases of death or resignation
of the Governor, or of his removal from office; (hat
writs lo the Sheriffs of tho different counties shrill be
issued as soon as.the Speaker of the Senate shall be
°(licijlly informed ;of sucli death, resignation or re
moval, and further, that the officer assu
ming Executive functions 'should .be sworn in the
sanie manner arid to the same effect as in case of a
Chief Magistrate inducted into office,, determining
also tho person authorized lo administer tho.oath,
would obviulo future doubts, and the same is respect,
fully reebrntnunded lo,the Legislature,'.
It is worthy the attention of the Legislature-and
the people,, that no provision exists in the Constitu
tion .in the contingency of tho death; resignation, or
removal of the Governor; for.the selection ofa presi*
ding magistrate. Such an event happening! the go
vernment would bo loft' without a constitutional offi.
ccr-to carry on its operations. An.omission of such
importance should bo supplied at the earliest possible
period. ; . . . ■ r ,
i Resolutions expressive of tlio profound sorrow of
i the legislature, for the death of that illustrious patriot
’ and sage, John Quincy Adams, and of condolence
for llio family in their bereavement, wore passed by.
i that body at ilu lust session; and ihe Executive was
directed to transmit tho same to the widow and fam
■ ily of the deceased. The letter of tho lute Executive,
i in the performance of that duty, and tho reply of lire
i venerable survivor, aro herewith, transmitted.
1 , The attention of the Legislature having been.coll*
I cd to the neglected and suffering condition of tho Ip
i sane poor of tho Stale, an act was passed on Ilia 14th,
i day of April, 1845, providing for thoestablishmcnl
I of an assylum for. this unfortunate class of our indi
, gent population, to bo located within tch mileLprthe
seat of government. The commissioners named in
lhJs ..act,;with funds contributed Tor the purpose hy
humane and benevolent citizens of Harrisburg,aided
by a liberal appropriation made from tho treasury of
Dauphin County, purchased a farm of about one
hundred and thirty acres, eligibly situated within a
mile and a half of the Stale Capitol. In January,
184 G, these commissioners made a report to the Leg*
UlatUre, in which they slated, on a critical ex
amination of the aforesaid act, sudf defects-were
apparent, that they did not conceive themselves jus
tified in proceeding with the building,'or in making,
any expenditure of the sum appropriated by tho Stale;
towards its erection, until som'c modification should
be made in the law under which they were acting.
To remedy those defects a supplementary act. was
passed, on tho lllh day of April, 1848, upon which
the commissioners forthwith, adopted measures for
the commencement of the work, A plan fur the pro.
posed building was adopted, and a contract Was made
with an experienced architect and builder for Us
construction. A considerable portion of the materials, |
as I am informed, has been provided; the excavation i
of the collars and foundation has been mado; tho
laying of tho stone masonry commenced, and the
hydraulic apparatus fur raising water to the building
nearly completed. Of the appropriation made on ac-|
count of this building, a warrant has been drawn fori
95,000, of which only 83,700 05 has been expended.
It Is hoped and believed that the work will be for
warded with as much despatch us is consistent with
prudence and a proper regard for the comforts and
restoration of the afflicted insane poor.
By the net of the 4th of May, 1841, entitled “ An,
actio provide revenue (o meet the demands on tht
treasury, and Tor other purposes,” certain bunks
were authorized to subscribe for a loan to the com
monwealth, to un amount equal to a fixed per ccntogc
therein slated, on their capitals; the
amount of such loan to bo placed in the treasury fur
the use thereof, in notes of said banks of the denotn
.fltton of one, two, and five dollars; By the terms
dflrie law, the loan was rcdcmablo oloOy time within
five years, and was peremptory that it should be paid,,
ond tho notes-authorized to be issued, withdrawn
from circulation on or before the 4lh day of May;
184 Gk The act also provided, that the banks issuing
said notes should.receive them at par value in pay
ment ofdebts due these institutions. It was thought,
that by. making their redemption dependent cm the
faith of tlio State, os well as on that of tho banks by
which they were issued, a safe and reliable currency
would bo constituted, while the Stale would bo largly
benefited by a- loan at one, instead of five and six
per cent ac on previous occasions.
Tlie notes thus issued, were substantially the
creatures of the banks. They constituted a loan to
the Commonwealth, wore required to be paid into the
treasury in the manner prescribed in the law, and
were redeemable at their paV value at the counters
of die banks: and the circumstance of the’faillTbf
tho Stale in addition to that- of the banks, being
pledged fur their redemption, could not raise a ra
tional doubt of their constitutionality. How far a
subsequent act, passed the 31si day of May, 1644, by
relieving the banks from' ull responsibility touching
their redumption and payment, thereby making them
an issue on the port of the Commonwealth, redeema
ble at the treasury alone, contravened the Constitu
tion of the United Stales, it is net necessary now to
decide. ~
Under (lie provisions oflho original act oflho 4th
of May, 1841, the amount of notes issued was two
millions two hundred and twenty thousand two hun
dred and sixty-five dollars, which was specifically
appropriated to the support of the government during
the year, the payment of debts, and other special
purposes (herein mentioned, . Within two yours
thereafter, the sum of one hundred and thirty-five
thousand-.two hundred and fourteen dollars of,said
issuo was funded by the banks and converted into
permanent loans ul five per cent. By a resolution of
the Glh of February, 1843, and the act of the Blh of
April of the sumo year, six hundred and eighty-two
thousand, eighty-seven dollars woro cancelled and
destroyed. The act of May 31st 1844,.is as follows;
"That the Stale' Treasurer he, mid he Is hereby au
thorized and directed, on. the lust days of June, Sop.
tcinbcr and December, in the your one thousand eight
hundred und forty-l'mfr, to cancel and deliver to the
Auditor General, fur destruction, filly thousand dol
lure} and on the last day.of March, June,September
and December in every year thereafter, fifty thousand
dollars of the notes issued by the Dunks of this Com
monwealth In pursuance of the set of the 4th of May,
poo thousand etirhl hundred and forty onb, that may
then be In ttio Troasury~and if said notes shall b*e
depredated, then of the most depreciated,—and con
tinue so in do, until (|ie Whole amount of tho notes
legally issued, by the Dmka as aforesaid, shall have
been cancelled und destroyed; and tho amount, de
posited to the credit oflho Commonwealth, In Banks
or Savings Institutions, or received by collectors on
’ tho railroads und ennuis, or by tho Treasurer of the
City und County of Philadelphia, shall be doomed as
money in the Treasury, and subject to tho cancella
tion us aforesaid; and it shall bo tho duly uftho Au
ditor General to keep und publish quarterly,'ln'at
least one newspaper at Harrisburg, a record of tho
notes so cancelled und destroyed, designating the
Dank or Dunks, that originally issued tho same, in
order, that tho nrlo pur centum interest thorcotr, may
cease; provided, that it shall ho (ho duty of the Stole
Treasurer to retain the several amounts respectively,
out of the receipts of tho quarter, so as effectually (o
secure tho cancellation of tho amounts heroin before
provided f ond the sum of one hundred and sixty
thousand dollars is-hereby appropriated'for (ho pay
ment of domestic creditors* certificates Issued by the
Auditor General: provided, that there Is sufficient
money Jn Bio Treasury after paying the several other
appropriations in !}»i“ “Cl. u
It was doubtless, tho intention of the legislature,
(hat (he sum of fifty thousand dollars should ho dc«
alroycd quarterly, Under, this act, tho sum of one
hundred thousand dollars'was cancelled In. 1844; the
further sum of eighty-five thousand dollars In 1845;
the further sum of one hundred and seventy six
thousand throe hundred dollars in 1840; ono hundred
and fifty thousand dollars in 1847, and one hundred
and eighty nine thousand In 1848.
The following tabular statement, will exhibit with
more qloarncsß, the whole subject in relation to the
issue und cancellation of those notes
OilglnM aui’nl of relief nolos issued, $3,220,205,00
Amount funded; . 135,214,00
Cancelled in 1843 by virtue of llio
resolution of Feb, G, and Act of
April Bih 1843, 083.087,00
Canoeltcd in 1844, under the Act
ofMoy 31,1844, 100.000,00
Cancelled in 1845, undorAqt of 1844, 85,000,00
Cancelled In 1840, under do 170,300,00
Cancelled in 1647, under do 150,000,00
Cancelled In 1848,-under . do 189,000,00
Loevlng apparently In circulation on
the 31et of December 1348, 709,664,00
| itho, first failure to' comply witli .
f lheAot of Assembly requiring lira .■ '•
Cttqoellftion of these ifiolcs, was, •
to, or, on the 31st of Dec. 1844* \J
The. amount directed to be ; '
. cuncclled in 1844 uml . •
1845, undwhichwasnbt
done, wop}/. V • 8165,000, • •
Tlra amount of failure Jo
Cancel in 1646 wdb 33,700 !
.The amount ■of failure to
. cancel in 1847 was; - 50,000 v '
The amount,of failure to
cancel in 1848 was 11,000,
. 8-152,9 64.00
It is worthy of remurk, that had the cancellation
of these notes been made, os required by law, less
than half a million of tho original issue, would now
be in existence, a large portion of which has doubt*
less, been mislaid and lost. It will be perceived also,
that the act requires the destruction of the most do*
predated.. In using .the term, the legislature must
have intended those most defaced.. Tho laws on thol
subject of those notes, having, pledged the faith ,of|
the Slate for their redemption,.it' is nut readily seen
how they could become depreciated in value, .while
on the other hand* many of them had become defaced,
torn and unfit for use. At the passage of tho act 61
May 31st| 1844,'about fourteen ‘ hundred thousand
dollars of this issue, were in circulation, and as it re.
quired the cancellation- and destruction of two hun
dred thousand dollars per annum only, it prolonged
the period of their circulation to seven years, when
by ,the original act of May‘4th,-1641* but twd.years
remained, of. the period of their duration. ' To tho
act of May 31st, 1844, is attributable, therefore, the
continuance incirculolion of these notes, after they
hud become tBVh, defaced and unfit, for use. Tho
original act, hud it not been .counteracted, by subse
quent legislation, provided the necessary means for
tho redemption of these notes, through the banks, On
or before the 4lh day of May, 1846, and tho failure
to destroy them, as required by the act of 3lsl of
May, 1844, clearly demonstrates that tho treasury has
nnt been,since then, in a condition to repay the loan,
or redeem the notes.. lienee they have continued in
circulation, haVo been paid into your public offices,
and. again paid out of the treasury, until, they are
wholly unfit as a-currency , for the citizens* The
amount now in circulation, is presumed ..to be about
six hundred thousand dollars.; It is respectfully sug
gested, that the worst of these notes, as they arc paid
into the treasury, should bo retained) and in'their
stead, an equal amount of now notes, of tho same de
nominations, under an arrangement with any of the I
bunks of this Commonwealth, bo put into circulation |
for a period of lime, so long only. iiE-may be required ■
by the quarterly destruction of fifty thousand dollars,
to absorb tho whole amount of the issue, . A measure
of this character would relieve the currency of those
unfit for use, and have the effect in a shcffl time, of
putting tho whole issue out of circulation. I would
earnestly press upon tho legislature the passage of
such laws, us would prohibit in their mutilated and
defaced condition,' their payment from the treasury.
Should It be doomed a mure desirable course} to rid
(he currency of the entire issue by n loan} it might
be a fair condition of tho renewal of tho charter uf
any bank, at the present session} that it make a loan
at a. low rale of interest to tho government, to bo Used
In redeeming and cancelling the whole, or such part
as might bo deemed advisable. Any arrangmeql on
the subject yog. may'devise) to relievd the people of
(his currency, shall receive my cordial approbation.
The payment of the interest on (he public debt in
a sound convertible currency} is of great moment to
the credit of the Stated,/This demand dti (he treasu*
ry has heretofore, extent, been met by
payments in depreciated paper, by which the holders
of Stale bo.nds have suffered pecuniary loss.
An evil of this nature, demands a speedy and cffuc
uat remedy* The relief notes originally intended to
be temporary in their existence and local in ihoircii
cululion, should not bn forced from their legitimate
purpose or paid from the treasury in discharge of the
interest of the public debt.
No great inconVtajimtte could be fell in' withhold
ing an amount their pfbscnl circulation,
from such application,. To secure an object so dcsl
table/ the revenues of the Stale should bo collected
in such funds only as admitted of ready convertibili
ty into spccio without loss to the Treasury. Thu fo.
liofnotcs, os well as the notes of all specie paying
Banks of this Commonwealth, should bo received in,
payment of public dues while other paper munu-y
under pur, nl tbo pUoodcalginitad fur tliu payment ol
interest on public debt, should be refused, unless, up
on notice to that effect of tho State Treasurer, ar
rangements by the banks issuing the same were made
to redeem it ul such point us ho might designate.—
The Stale Treasurer should bo authorized to require
of those specie paying Banks, whose notes might he
under par ut the place of paying tho interest, to make
arrangements to redeem their notes at par, at tbo
point dcsighllpd, and on their' failure to.comply, to
demand spjlKfunds at their counters. It Is believed
that an of llio kind suggested, would
materially'aid in rendering tho nates of all the solvent
Bunks in l(ie Cominonwoullh of equal value in nil
parts of tho Stale: would increase (heir general eu;*
cutation among the citizens and tend to exclude the
depreciated paper of foreign institutions. A measure
valuable for these purposes, wjjich would give increa
sed worth to our stocks and enable tho Stale more
faithfully to comply with her coplrarls, is worthy the
serious consideration of the Legislature.
Intimately connected with the subject of our public
debt/are thfi assessment and collection of thoTuxcs.
The laws on Ibis important branch of tho revenue,
require lo bo remodelled and arranged in such.form
ait to insure equality and uniformity in the several
counties of tho State. Thu manner uf adjusting and
equalizing the valuation of property for taxation' is u
concern of deep interest to tho pceplc, and should os
far us possible, bo left in' (he bunds qf their immedi
ate representatives. Assessors, it is suggested,should
bo required in tho exorcise of their duties, to make
return in u full and accurate statement of the various
products of Finms and Mauufncloiiii, of tho kind,
nature and amount of the supposed annual vuluu of
tho pfoductivo industry of each district; of the amount
and nature of tho local and general trade and busi
ness, with tho manner and cost of reaching (lie near
est market, and the value of the article In market,:
ul the neflrest point to the district- Should an unnti-l
al statement of this nature bo deemed (on expensive j
for practical utility, a tiiennial return might answer
the purpose intended. Returns ofu nature so genet >
al, of ttio resources ond active industry of tin* State,
while it would afford valuable Information to Ihu pub
lie officer, would place before hlni,suoh facts as would
onatlu him to detect gross errors.ln tho Uniformity of
the assessment!!, and would leave In Hie hands oflhi*
officer elected by the people, the duty of valuing and
taxing their properly; instead of easting n labor so
important Into the care of irre§pon»iblt Boardt,
The Importance of legislative action on the sub
is enhanced by thoTuot, lhaf an cxomiualion of
ordinary revenues ond expenditure for tho lust
years, furnishes evidence that the necessities nf
treasury require increased resources* A sluten
from the auditing department is as follows
'P PPP PPP PPP PP
| uss uss ■sss, us
a & c a **■§" *Lc * S.B
Sio ;»»& g«*
w s», c—b —klj e—i
P 1 5 3 253 3*P 35
■s 'is 'es 'm
a *» 9 « a «o «
I V V .If I
5 I ,I ;I- I
3 II
8
a t
fi 5
S sJ
■ S 8 ■ S 3
. “Epensos of the oonslderei
nary, notwithstanding much of the amaun
cxlraofdinaryjbutas an offset to this, Iho I
and personal citato, received during end
more than the,assessment of a your, (lie exi
from outstanding taxes of,||Dviotii years.
The balance In the treasury on Doe.
Ist, 1644, was 9663,651 88
Balance ih Ihejlroisiiry onDocrlst, 1646,
wor
Deficit In balances in treasury in 4
•1,517, 601.00
your*,
Hod tlio low of May 1844, .been
cortiplicd with by (ho otnaellollbn of
'83.19,700,00.
f»p uu M« w$
S3'. .ss, §s is
w ti§ ii
Jftfi 5
3d* osordl
nl’hi really
lax on rouh
)> year, is
toots
517,390 39
•86,501' 49
tharelior isBuo«,tho additional
would have.boon inadd un t!tq Utsasu*
ry of- . - $249,700 qo
Which added to luo above deficit
, makes,
Deduct excess of apparent revenue,
Real deficit under- existing laws, $248,912 19
, in four years, exclusive of extraordinary expendi
tures. /. -- V#
The operation of laws on the part of tho notional
government, Trunked with a view, to the assessment
ul dulicb und collection of revenue, is a subject sort*
ously affecting the financcs.pf the Commonwealth.
No Slatein the Union depends in a greater degree
for. tho/dVuntiigea of wholesome enterprise, and the
safe employment of’capital* on the stability and
agency of laws affording reasonable prelection to
domestic industry. Our mountains filled with rich
deposits of iron und coiif, invito the manufacturer to
employ his skill .and capital in these commodities
and when they are in demand, tho whole productive*
business of tho Stale prospers. No interest feels the
pressure of foreign competition more keenly, none
requires more certainly tho fostering care of govern*
1 ment, none spreads to a larger extent the active in*
dustry of all classes of citizens, than " the peculiar
manufacturing establishments of our own Slate. Tho
system established by the act of ..Congress of 1846,
■ Is framed for the purpose of revenue, and!,di‘seriim.
nutos against rather than for protection. The effect
of such laws would necessarily be, if continued, to
strjke down the manufacturer, and to depress every
i interest which directly of incidentally leans on him
, for support.
I Of tho interests favorably affected by the establish*
i ment of manufactories, none deserve more espicial
: notice, than the laboring and producing classes.—*
These compose the great mass of oar population,
i and in all. respects differ radically, from the same
■ classes in otfier countries. Hero; they are a part of
1 government Itself, and us such, ore frequently requtr
is ed,ln the exercise of the Elective franchise, to decide
questions the most momentous, affecting, even, the
’ stability and duration of our free institutions. In tho
: formation of the government under which they live
they were a component of the Sovereignty which had
wrested from a foreign power the independence of
the Country, and took with others on equal part in
the difficult questions involved. To enable them (6
discharge in a proper manner the duties they owe io
their country, to others, and themselves, a portion of
their time should.be given to the examination and
com>rderulion of public (jueslioris. By the reward of
their labor, they should be able to elevate their con.
dilion in society,;to command for themselves and
families,-.not merely the necessaries but the comforts
and even the luxuries of life, to give to their children
tho benefits of reasonable bducullon, and to ensure a
competence when age lias disqualified Ihcm for ac
tive employment. The price oflnbor is regulated by
its demand, and the value of the article It produces.
When the demand for labor in small, and iheproduce
of that labor low in price, (ho reward of industry Is
! comparatively reduced { when the demand for labor
Is increased, it Mses In value, and receives an adequate
reward. Hence, whatever increases profitable labor;
in.xubstanliully beneficial to.tho working classes, and.
affords (Item the means bf comfort; the delights of
rational enjoyment; and the opportunity of exalting
their condition and pel fobbing with safety to thb
country the duties pf citizens.
The'manufacturer, if ho he sustained in his enter*
prised produces this result, by opening to the laborer
a new sdufce'df employmcnt. il is frequently urged
that tho system of protection io domestic industry
is of more Interest to the manufacturer than to the
laborer; as it. enables him to dispose of his fabr/cd
for a higher price, and to realize a better profit on his
capital *, but is no,I the capital of the laborer also in
volved in tho fubiic.and does ho riot receive a reward
in proportion to the value of the article?
Lbt it lie remembered, also; that his daily bread;
(ho wants of his family, the education of his children;
at] depend upon the success of tho establishment til
which ho is employed; and the dbjebtiun Cun have but
little weight. It is also urged, that a reduction of
nomiriiil values to a specie standard, would produce a
result, requiring fur domestic labor, no protection nri
the part of gutertimcnf. A doctrine of tnia nature is
radically wrong, und ut variance with the principled
on which bur free government was founded. ’ Bring
down the standard of prices fur labor to specie stand,
ofd; allow no greater reward tor industry in thlrf
country than in England; and the working classes
arc necirssarily’forccd Into the condition of forvign
operatives, compelled to (abof constantly and dilli
gnllly Io earn IbrlliMiisolvrs a mlacrubla RuhsUienM4'.:.
All the luxuries,‘'many of (ho coinfbrts; ond even the
necessities of life, must be denied to them, while the
education of theta offspring must be wholly neglect
ed. These observations apply to the laborers engaged
in the business of mining, and transporting our coal
to market, as well as the operatives more directly
bmploycd al manufactories. After tho demand for
horisohgld Use Is supplied; thitf article must seek a.
market, in those districts nf country, Whore rnahu
lecturing industry abounds, und .the demand fur
it increase* or diminishes in proportion to the active
operations'of those establishments. Hence, every
fire that is extinguished, und every wheel (hut u
stopped, lessens demand for coal, decreases its
value in the market, and.reduces the price of labor;
lessening its v.ilae ttf the owner of the article. When
to Hits is added the fact of competition! from abroad,
underselling in the home market the domestic article;
the occupation of the luborcMs destroyed, and the
ruin is complete. The fCvenuo system invites such
a result, while.the system of discrimination for pto
lection forbids it.
Oliver classes of Society ore also injuriously or
bcnoficfulfy affected/ as llio laws on this subject farof
the ono or the other policy. The agriculturalist, in*
dined to measure the general welfare by the prices
of hid [yradtfoo, and (o reiftutn contented while these
arc satisfactory, is required, only, the exercise of his
practical knowledge, to bo informed, that he sofierrf
also, by a policy which strikes down the manufactur
er. The ho“in6 market is hls.only reliance. Tbocon*
dition of things abroad, may afford Increased prices'
fur (lie produce of his farm { the miseries of linkup*
py Ireland, and the unsettled state o( public affairs
in.other parts of world, may create a temporary do*,
mnnd for grain, and thereby augment (ho va uo of
his productions, but it would be unsafe to depend on
contingencies of this nature, over which his govern-,
menl cun have no control. The entire produce of
his lands, wlielhur dislunl or near the foreign market,*
must depend fur an uniform and fair price on the
Homo demand. Any. other reliance is dependent on.
the policy offyroigq government*, the convulsions of
unsettled power, and (ho unfruitful harvests of oilier
producers.
It is not,-however, in enhanced prices alone, that he
find* his reward. In the homo mnrkot he U | )IB o wn.
factor, avoids (ho risk of agencies, the dangers of
transportation, and can select his own limo tor <*•*•
disposal of his produce. The manufacturer carries
in the market, in the fabrics he proposes to self, Ibe
produce of the funner, who is (hereby relieved oflho
hazard and expense of conveyance.
In another form ho Is still ihore largely benefited.
Ono of the elements of well regulated society, is
unity of interest. Whatever may ho said (othdeon
trury, no natural antipathies exist between coplisl
and labor, they urodopendcnlon.srosupporttd by,*
and receive vitality from ouoh other. The munufuo*
luror who hivcsis under (ho fostoring core df gov
ernment his capital in profitable industry,’opens s
new source of wealth to tho fanner, the urtiiun and ‘
the laborer.
lijecl
‘ the
few
f tlie
nonl
An Industrious population wholre forfard affords
comlorl und competence, gathers around him| other
olorbos are attracted, and tho store huunc, the work
■hop, tho school and llio church arc erected; village*
■prlfiff up ; tho din of active industry and the sound
of enjoyment mingle togolhor { road#-ore oported,
bridges ore built, lands rise in value; and tho farmer
finds a market *it his dour, not only for his ordinary
■Urnius produce, but also fur numberless orllcles
which woro’dcomcd unworthy 'of Ironsportollon.—»
From llist overflowing fountain, by an hundred rivu*"
lo l» wmtllh is poured Into his treasury.
I hose are a few of the mohy advantage* of the'
agriculturalist and laborer, arising from a folr and- 1
reasonablo protection of (ho domestic Industry of the'
country. The existing revenue laws of tho nation*
algoycrnmcnl, by opening our ports to foreign man*'
ufaclurcs, Invito the luhor.of the wretched, starving
operatives of Kuropo, (o a competition with this
healthful and prosperous condition of things. Tho ,
consequences arc ruinous (o'lho interests of tho I®* ,
boring and producing classes?, and dry tho streams
pf prosporly In every branch of industry.
It should not ho forgotten, that the reliable wealth
of •* Stale consits in tho profitable industry end cap*
ital of the cilixens, Whatever tends, therefore, to
prostrate individual prosperity, to diminish the
of produce, to Injure productive labor, or to drive
from wholesome inyestmenlthe money capital of the
country* atrlkts'willvnlorimng force the bsst inler<*t*
of the B'alo. The revenues of the UommonwcaHi*
are derived principally from teal and personal ft*
late, and from our railroads and canals. In rolatm®
to the former it may W said, that pvsry dollar iWP*
336.261 49
87,349 30