AISRIOAN VOLUNTEER.
EVERT tUORSDAT .MORKIMU BT
' Jobii JB. Bra*‘dn. -
terms
Srmtfmwiio*.— Dollar and Fifty Cents,
- Two Dollars if paid within the
|e a ir add Fifty Cents if net
iald within the,year. These terms Will be rig
idly adhofofl'to In every instance. jNo sub
scription Ciscov. tinned until ail arrearages are,
pald'unteps at the option of the Editor.
An vEKWsEurjira— Accompanied by the cask,
and ntft cKceetliiig bnb square, will bo inserted
throe times tor One Dbllnf, and twenty-five cents
tor' each additional-insertion. Those of a great
terjongth in proportion.
JoB-PnrHTi»o—Such as Hand-bills, Posting
iblllsi Pamphlets, Blanks,'Labels, &c., ike., exe
cuted with dccuracy and at the shortest notice.
THE GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE.
'.To the Honorable the. Senators, and Members of
■ the House of Representatives of the General
.Assembly,
Gentlemen— By the suffrages of your fellow
♦ citizens, you have been charged with the duty
of representing them,'and the interests,of the.
Commonwealth, in the Legislative branch of the
Government-. The responsibilities you have
assumed-ami the duties to be performed should
ever be regarded as paramount to every selfish
or partisan consideration. The prosperity of
-the State and the general of the people,
should,receive your,earnest attention, and be
the aim and end of your legislative action. To
promole these objects. I will cheerfully, in every
legal auir constitutional manner, during the .
continuance of my official term, co-operate wi th
you. .
The past year, with the exception of recent
■ embarrassment. lias been one of , gen-
Oj-r 1 m-osnerilyforeign wars—no.fraternal
w "" t*“ • • ’ , ' l '•"lAt of onr
strife, has disturbed me H ...
homes. Unwonted; health, with its-bicSsmgs,
has been vouchsafed to ns. Seed time and har
vest haw not failed—the earth hath yielded her
increasi, and richly rewardei the labor of 'lie
husbandman. The M-ts arid Sciences have been
advanced, and the greit interests of Education,
Morality and Religion liberally encouraged and
sustained., ,Ouf ; nation in' its uhity—dur free
institutions in, their 'integrity, noth one rights
and privileges, civil and . 'religious, have been
preserved. Recognizing in "these bjessings the
' goodness of Almighty God, we should render
to Him the homage Of- grateful hearts and the
devotion of our. sincere praise : and whilst
humbly acknowledging His mercies to us.as a
people,,iet us sail further express our gratitude
to Him, by acts of individual charity-and kind
ness to the poor and helpless in'onr midst.—
Sorrow now fills the hearts, and; adversity
darkens the homes of many of our citizens.—
Our , liberality should be generous ; our bene
factions munificent; and thus whilst the wants
of the poor arid.suffcnrig are relieved, the gene
rous giver will find a rich reward in the plea
sure that.results from communicated good.
. The finances of the Commonwealth are in a
very satisfactory condition. During the past
year every demand upon "the Treasury has been
promptly paid, from the revenues derived froth
the ordinary sources; The operations' of this
Department will. he presented to you, in detail,
’ in the report.oi the Stale Treasurer.
. .For the fiscal. ygar ending November 30. h.
1857, the receipts at the Treasury, including
■ balance in the Treasury on .-the first day of De
cember, 1856; of. one million two hundred and
forty-four thousand seven hundred and ninety
five dollars.and forty-two cents. (1.244.795 42)
were live millions nine hundred and thirty-five
thousand throe hundred and eighty-three dol
lars and Twenty-six 'cents. ($5,935,383 26.) —;
The aggregate expenditures for the same period,
were five million four, hundred and seven thou
sand two hundred and seventy six dollars and
seventy,nine cents, ($5,407,270 79.) Balance
in the Treasury December 1,1857, five hun
dred and twenty-eight thousand one hundred
and six'dollars and foriy-sevori cents, ($528,-
106 47.) Excluding the balance in the Trea^
Ihe : first day of December, 1850. the
ri'cnp!k-tVorfi al! ssiirces'wei'o four'iniliion .‘six'.
hnndred-and 1 ninety thousand fire hundred and
' eightvrHcven dollars and eighty-four cents,.
($4.090.587 84.) The ordinary, expenditures
for the same period, were three million nine |
v hundred and ninety two thousand three hun
dred- and seventy" dollars and twenty-nine
cen's. ($3,992,370 29 :) exhibiting an excess
of receipts over expenditures of six hundred
ciglit thousand two hundred and
seventeen dollars and fifty-five cents,.(s69B,-
217 55.) TKe extraordinary payments for the
- year; were one million- four,hundred and four
teen thousand nine .hundred and six dollars and
fifty cents. ($1,414,906 50.) as follows, to wirf
To the completion of the Portage Railroad,
forty-nine thonsand sixly-one dollars and nine
ty-two cents,(s49, o6l 92 :)to the Nor.h Branch
extension one hundred and thirty-eight thou
sand seven hundred and ninety eight dollars
and eighty five cents, ($138,798 85 :)'lo relay
the South Track of the Columbia Railroad,
ninety one thousand four hundred and livedol
lars and forty six cents, ($91,405 46 :) to en
large the Delaware Division.'forty-six -thou
sand two hnndcrd and sixty-three dollars, (46,-
263 00 ;) for motive power in 1856, eighty-one
thousand six hundred and four dollars rind
twenty four, cents, ($81,004 24 :) for repair in
1855" and 1856 forty-nine' thousand five hun
fifed aiTd sixty four dollars and seventy-eight
'cents, fs49 564 78 :) fur; the redemption of
loans, eight hundred and twenty " thousand
ninety seven dollars and three cents. ($820,-
097 03 :) damages on the Public Works, forty
six thousand five hundred and fifty two dollars
and sixty (live cents. ($4O 552 65 ;) old claims
on the Main Line adjusted under the several
Ants of Assembly, forty six thousand five hun
dred anH forty-eight dollars and fifty-seven
cents. ($46 548 57,) and for the new State Ar
senal and Fanners’ High School, forty-five
thousand dollars, ($45,000 00.)
.The interest on the funded debt, duo in Feb
ruary and August last, was then promptly
paid, and lhai. falling doe in February next
wiill be paid out of 'available means now in the
Treasury. By virtue of the provisions of the
Act of the 13th of October, 1857, entitled "An
Act providing for the Resumption of Specie
Payments by the Banks. and for the Relief of
.Debtors,” the Slate Treasurer will be enabled
to pay the interest due. in February, in specie
or Its equivalent. The credit of- the Common
wealth has been fully and honorably sustained.
The promptness with which every legitimate
demand upon the Treasury has been met, has
inspired public confidence in our securities:
and although recent and existing financial re
vulsion may embarrass the operations of the
Treasury, and reduce to some extent the reve
nue, yet the ability of the State to meet her en
gagements and maintain her credit, under in
honest and.economical administration of her fi
nances, is undoubted. The honor and credit
of the Stale must and.can be preserved intact.
The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, re
, port the SUm of foqj hundred and fourteen
thousa'nd.'ninri hundred and, twenty dollars arid
twenty-nine cents, ($414,920 29) as now in the
Treasury to the credit.of that fund. This
amount will be applied to the redemption of
•Belief Notes yet in circulation, and to the pay
ment of the funded debt of the Commonwealth.
. The Commissioners of ihis fund, on the 7th
day of September last, reported to mo that the
sum-of one million forty-two thousand eight
hundred and fifty-seven dollars and sixty-tour,
cents. ($1,042,857 64) of the debt of the Com- 1
moriweallh. was hold by them, as follows, viz ;
Loans of 19th of April, 1853, over
due, temporary, $400,000 00
Loans of 9th of May, 1834, over
duo. temporary, . 104,000 00
Certificates of stock, loans of April
11, 1848, 6 per cent.,
Certificates of stock, loans of vari
ous dates.,s per cent.. 9.316 64
Relief Notes cancelled and destroyed.373,o4o 00
Relief Notes in Treasury, set Aside
for cancellation,
Total, $1,042,857 64
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BY JOHN B. BRATTON,
As required by law, I directed the certificates
and evidences of this indebtedness to.be cancel*
led:; and on thel9th of September, 1857,
ed my proclamation declaring the payment,
extinguishment and final discharge, of one
million forty-two thousand eight, hundred and
fifty-seven dollars and sixty-four cents, ($l,-
042.857 64) of the public debt. . .
In addition to the amount reported to be in
the Treasury to the credit of the sinking fund,
arid applicable to the payment of the public
debt, the Commissioners of the fund now hold
the sum of seven and one half millions of dol-
lars, ($7,500,000 00) bonds of the Pennsylva
nia Railroad pledged by law to the.
payment of the.furidcd debt of the Common
wealth.
By the 4th section of the 11th article of the
Constitution, as amended and ratified by a ma
jority {,f the .nnnlitied ,voters of the Slate, at'the'
general election held on ilio 2d Tuesday of Oc
tober, 1857, it is made the duty of .the Legisla
ture at. its, first session after the adoption of
ilhis amendment, to create a Sinking Fund,
■which shall be sufficient to pay the accruing
interest on the present pit blio debt'and any ad°
ditiona! debt thereafter constitutionally cpn
tracied.' and annually to reduce the principal
thereof by tl sum (css than two hundred and
fifty thousand don.’,. r s, ($250,000 .00,) which
“Sinking Fund shall consist of the pet annual
income of the public works from time to time,
owned by the Slate, or the proceeds of . the sale
of the same, or any part thereof,' and of the in
conic or proceeds of sale of stocks owned by the.
State, together with-other funds or resources
that may he designated by law. The said
Sinking Fund may be increased from time to
time by assigning to it any'part of the-laxes or
other revenues of the S;ate, not required for
the ordinary and current expenses of govern
.merit, and, unless in case of war, invasion or
insurrection, no part of .said' Sinking Fund
shall be used or applied otherwise than in ex
tinguishment of the. public debt, until the
amount of such debt is reduced below the sum
■of five millions of dollars,” ($5,000,000.)
This being the first session of the Legislature
since the adoption of this amendment, the duty
therein enjoined devolves upon you, and should
be promptly and faithfully discharged. •
The funded and unfunded debt/of. the State,
including temporary loans, on the first day of
December. 1850, as per Reports of Auditor
General and Slate Treasurer, was os', follows,
viz: ' ,
PONDED DEBT. ■ .
6 per cent loans,® 5ll;781 00
5 “ " “ -38,800.094 50 .
44“ “ 388,200 00
.4,“ “ “ 100,000 00
Total Funded debt —; -$39,800,975 50
Relief notes in cir
, eolation* $230.550 00
Interest certifio’ts
outstanding,,
Tnt'rst certificates
unclaimed,
Domestic cied’lrs,.
Bnl. temp’ry loan,
Apr.' 19, 1863,'; 400,000 00
Bal. temp’y loftn,,
May,.9,‘1854, 184,000 00
Total unfunded debt-— — t ---
The funded and unfunded debt, at the close
of the lust fiscal year, Dec. 1, 1857, was as
follows, viz:
, FUNDED DEBT,
6 percent loan, $ 445,180 00
5 “. “ “ 38,773 212 52
44 “ •• “ 388,200 00
4 •> “ • “ 100,000 00
Total funded debt : §39,705,592 52
Relief notes in cir-
• culaliqn, : $146,421 00
Imr'st certificates
outstanding.
Intr’st certificates
unclaimed,.
Domestic cred’trs.
Total unfunded debt-
'olal debt Dec. 1,1857.
Total debt Dec. 1,185 G,
“ “ “ 1, 1.857,
Decrease during the fiscal year, $820,097 55
These statements exhibit the gratifying fact,
that during the past fiscal year, the public
debt has been reduced eight hundred and twen
ty-thousand, ninety-seven dollars and fifty-five
cents.: During the stfme period large appropri
ations and payments were made on account of
our public improvements, for old and unsettled
claims adjusted. under the act of last session,
and for other extraordinary purposes.
The condition of the Treasury prior to the
suspension of specie payments by the Banks,
justified the appropriation of at least two hun
dred thousand dollars more in payment of the
public debt, and arrangements were made by
the Treasurer, under the direction of the Com
missioners of the Sinking Fund, to liquidate
that amount ; but affbr the suspension aiid the
consequent financial embarrassment of the coun
try, the proposed payment, from prudential
motives, was postponed. Had this payment
been made, in addition to the payments already
reported, the statement.-, and calculations sub
mitted in my last annual Message in relation to
the early payment and final extinguishment of
the public debt, would thus far have been sus
tained by their actual verification. The cau
ses that prevented their realization, it is believ
ed, will soon cease to aficct injuriously , the rev
enues of the Commonwealth. Actuated by
that indomitable energy that has ever charac
terized the American people—faltering for a
moment, but not disheartened by the adverse
circumstances that surround us—roused to
more vigorous action by disaster and defeat
our progress cannot long be chocked, nor our
prosperity long be interrupted. Confidence
the sensitive, yet powerful agency that binds
in unity and strength the great financial, com
mercial and industrial interests of ,our country
and the world, has been suddenly impaired,
producing -financial and- commercial - distress!
and affecting the revenues of the, Common
wealth ; but with the advantages resulting from
the rapid developement of our resources during
the last quarter of a century—the immensely
valuable increase of our agricultural, mining
and manufacturing industry during the same
period—theabundant harvests of the past year—
our completed improvements, and all the de
ments of material wealth in our midst, its res
toration at an early period is not problematical.
Returning confidence will be the herald of re
turning prosperity. Notwithstanding, then,
the present embarrassment and gloomy condi
tion of the country, after li .careful considera
tion of the present and prospective condition of
the finances and resources of the Common
wealth, I cannot hesitate to.reaffirm my belief,
“that the time is not far distant when .Penn
sylvania will stand redeemed from the oppres
sion of her public deb', and her people be releiv
ed fyom a taxation imposed to inept its accru
60.501 00
30,000 00
VOL. 44.
UNFUNDED DEBT
24,691 37
4,448 38
1,164,00
$40,701,835 25
UNFUNDED DEBT.
23,473 82
4.448 38
802 50
175,145 70
$39,881,738 22
840,701,835 25
39.881,738 22
ring interest and maintain the faith and err-di
of the Commonwealth,” and that “by practi
sing strict economy in all departments of the
Government—avoiding, extravagant expendi
ture —refusing to undertake, any new schemes
of internal improvement; and holding to a rig
accountability the receiving and disbursing
agents of the State, Hie realization of these
views may be’anticipated with confidence.”
As corroborative of the opinion' now and
heretofore expressed, a. brief review of the oper
ations of- the Treasury during the past three
years,, as connected with the payment’ ofthe
debt of. the Commonwealth, may not be. inap
propriate. In my first annual, message to the
Legislature the fact was stated, that during the
three years intervening- between December, 1,
- ai ‘d. December 1, 1854, the public debt
. , been increased one million, five hundred and
eighty-four thousand, three hundred and fifty
nine dollars and thirty-four cents : and that the
total debt at the close of the fiscal year, De
cember 1, 1854, Was forty bite millions, six I
hundred and ninety-eight tht>i.’s3nd, five hun
dred and ninety-five dollars,‘end seventy
cents; ($41,098 595.-T4.) At the close of- the
ate fiscal year. December 1. 1857, three years*'
later, the funded and unfunded debt, as before
shown, was thirty-nine millions, eight hundred'
and eighty-one. thousand, seven hundred and
thirty-eight dollars and twenty-two cents:
($39,881,738:22;) decrease in, threeyears,, one
.million, eight hundred, and' sixteen thousand,
eight hundred and fifty-seven dollars and fifty,
two cents. ($1,816 - ,857.52.)
Thus m three years the public.debt has been
decreased, by actual payment and without i--
sorting to the. expedient of temporary loans,
-one million, eight hundred and sixteen thou
sand,.eight hundred and fifty-seven dollars and
fifty-two cents.- If to this be added- the sum
of four hundred and fourteen thousand, nine
hundred and twenty dollars and twenty nine
cents (414.920,29) now in the sinking fund,
and applicable to the payment of the funded
debt, the reduction would be two million; two
hundred and thirty-one thousand seven hun
dred and seventy-seven dollars and eighty-one
cents, ($2;231,777,81.)'- ' • . '
These facts are not only gratifying, but en
couraging. It has already been stated that
there is in the Sinking Fund the sum of seven
millions, five hundred thousand dollars—boml<
of the Pennsylvania Bailroad Company, bear
ing interest at the rate of five per centum per
annum, payable semi annually, and pledged to
the payment of the funded debt. ,lf this sum
be added ,to the' reduction before' stated, we
have presented to us a virtual, if hot an actual
decrease, of the.Statc debt of nine millions, sev
en hundred arid thirty one thousand, seven hun
dred and severity-seven dollars and eighty-one
cents, ($9,731,777,81 ;1 showing the total fun
ded and unfunded debt of the State on the first
day of December. 1857, to have been thirty-one
millions, nine hundred andsixty-six thousand,
eight hundred and eighteen dollars and forty
one cents ($31,960.81841;) ,
In anticipation of the sale of the Main Line
and the decrease in the public debt,,the Stale
tax, by an act of the last regular session, .was
reduced from three to two and one half-mills on
the dollar: a reduction equal to one sixth of the
tax imposed for State' purposes' prior’to that
act. These facts speak for themselves, .Well
-,™%K;t!iUJ.?oplo i heJcppgr^l I (d^eß;,riri;Sui!b^^.s
•spictous beginning in the processofliqindation,
and well.may they with confidence nriticipalc
the day of their deliverance fibril State taxa
tion. Financial and commercial embarrass
ment may postpone,—nothing but uriwise leg
islation, and the imprudent or dishonest man
agement of our finances, can prevent the early
realization of their well founded anticipations.
The condition of the public works, their
general operation, the receipts and expendi
tures'during the.past fiscal year, will be pre
sented to yon in detail in the Report of the Ca
nal Commissioners. .
The total receipts at the Treasury, from the
public works, for the year ending November,
30, 1867, including receipts from the Main
Line op to the first day of August last,Were
one milljpiv three hundred and eight thousand,
five hundred and ninety-eight dollars and six
ty-t.wo cents, ($1,308.598 02.) Th? aggre
gate expenditures for the same period were one
million three hundred and twelve -'thousand,
seven hundred nhd five dollars and sixty-seven
cents, ($1 312.705.67): the expenditures ex;
! ceeding the revenues four thousand one hun
dred and seven dollars and five cents, ($4,107-
05) . ,
The receipts at the Treasury from tlic sever
al Divisions were as follows, viz
Main Lirie, to August 1. 1857. $796,55033
Susquehanna and North-and West
Branch Divisions 287,718 95
Delaware Division 224,329 34
■ The receipts from the Delaware Division are
less than those ofthe previous year. Thecom
piction of rival Railroads and other causes, 1
have lessened the receipts from this irinportarit
division of our public works : and it is feared
will Continue to decrease them. Its manage
ment has been satisfactory, and compared with
other divisions of the public improvements, eco
nomical. The net revenue, at the Treasury;
was $174,601 87, a decrease of $9O 093 53. as
compared with the receipts of tho preceding
year. In addition to the ordinary expendi
tures, the sum of $40,303 was paid for the en
largement, and improvemerit of this division.
The North Branch Extension of the Penn
sylvania canal, although so far completed in the
fall of 1856. that boats freighted with coal and
other, products, were successfully passed
through jts entire length from Pittston to the
Junction canal, yet in consequence of, a largo
portion of the ‘Horse Race Dam” having been
carried away by the freshet of last spring, bu
siness on the canal was suspended the: greater
part of the past year. It was repaired during
the summer and in the fall business .was resum
ed along jts entire length. Soon aftt-K, the
same dam was again extensively injured by a
suddetf Srid heavy freshet, and the greater part
of the canal rendered useless for business. An
appropriation will be required to rc-construct
the dam.
This canal,: although useful and valuable,
appears to be’doomed to failure and disaster.-—'
These.are.lhe fruits of. former mismanagement
and fraud in its construction. Every effort has
been made to repair the errors of its early man
agemciit, and to complete and render useful
this division of our public works'. Under
proper management it can he successfully ac
complished.
834,859,75
of the abt of the X6th day of
; May, 1857, providing for t|ie sale of the Main
Line of the public works, after giving the no
tice required by law, I caused the said Main
Line to be exposed to puhlio sale at the Mcr-'
chant’s Exchange,, in the city; of Philadelphia,
on the 25th day of June last, and sold the same
to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for the
sum of seven millions five hundred- thousand
dollars, the highest price bid for the same, and
the minimum price fixed in the act.
After a full compliance by the purchasers
with the conditions of the act authorizing the
sale, and the delivery of their bonds in number
and for the amounts equal to and falling duo
at the time provided for the payment of. the re*
speclivc instalments, the Secretary of the Com
monwealth, on the 31st day of July, A. D.
1857, as directed by the act, tnmsfcrrrcd, un-
ltf ALWAYS BERfOIIt'—BUT ftIGIIT OR WRONG, OUR COUNTRY'.,”
CARLISLE, PA., THURSDAY, JAjNUARYm,IBSB.
dcr the great seal of the State, .'to the Pennsyl
vania, Railroad Company, tfieif successor!* or as
signs, the whole. Main LineJ'of the public works
between Philadelphia arid’.'Pjtlsbnrg, together
with all the right; title anduiilerest, claim and
demand, of the Commonwealth of Pennsylva
nia to all property, real;.; personal and mixed,
belonging to or used- in CQhneclion with the
same by the Oomrhpnwciiltfi ; and the purcha
sers having given notice of their readiness to
take possession of the said works, possession of
the same-was accordingly delivered to the Com
pany on the first day of August last; of winch
notice was given to all Superintendents and '
Agents of theOommonwealtli.'hy proclamation
bearing date the 31st day of’July, 1857; ri re
quired by the law niithoiiziqg.lhe sale.
The bonds pf-the Pennsylvania Railroad Com
pany, in lhe sum of seven ahd one-half millions
of dollars, were received by’-thcfState Treasur
er and are held by him for the Commissioners
of the Sinking Fund ; the entire proceeds of the
sale bemg reqnired by‘tliC;T2th section of the,
act. to be paid to, Fund and Applied
to t!;9 payment of the Stale debt. 1
I csnnol forbear congratulating the people of
the Cominonwe,';!lh on consummation of
this' sale.-. Public sentinient, ’as.oppressed
through the ballot box and.in other,foi trisequa!-
ly significant, demanded ib-rpubtio policy and
the intercsts of the Coii 'aoritvcalth required it.
It is done. The many' approve; fcw/complain,
those , most, who, have gained an unenviable
reputation by-a reckless disregard of the pub
lic interests, as exhibited' in: the extravagant,
useless and fradulehf expenditures dnhe public
money for selliiihioKpartizan .purposes.
The sale of the Main Lino has directed public
attention to tbo’ihipoctahcb and necessity of dis
posing of the remaining divisions of the public
improvements, ' The reasons and policy that
required and justified the sale, of the pne, apply.'
witli equal force to .tlio sale of the other. The
■'propriety of separating the' Si '.to from the care
and control of the public!works, is not only ev
ident to',all who have given the subject a candid
and impartial consideration,, but the necessity
is clearly established; by' the -history! of their
coiistiuction' and management. They have
failed to bo a source of'revenue fo the Common
wealth, and if retairiedby the State, will requir
an expenditure in their repair and management,
■largely exceeding any. revenue, that under (]■■■
most fav.ovnblu circumßf,a'riccs,.caa bo derived
from them. 'ln any phasp'.of the question, this
separation is desirable, hilt in, connection with
the payment of the public debt, and the reduc-.
tion of St .to taxation, it becomes an-object of
more than ordinary interest.. A- sale, at the
earliest praclicabloperiod, Of the whole of pur
public works, for a fair, consideration, upon,
terras just and liberal to the and,at
the same time amply protective to the rights
and interests of the people, should be anthoriz
ied by the Legislature. Such-sale, with the ap
plication ol the proceeds r to the payment of.the
I public debt, would secure, its"still more rapid
extinguishment. ' The subject is'rocommendod'
to jmur unbiassed consideration.
The law incorporating.t|iePennaylvnnia,Eail-,|
road Company imposed altgx Of three mills, per
ton, per mile, bn all tonnage passing over that
road, as an equivalent ioftwpy ■decrease in' the
r venues ■of the ouinmobVbaTTii, that might
arise from the, anticipatoct'-oompetition of the
.road, with the business of. the Main Lino off ho
public inipfovoineais. ; This tax ; .fsjpot!imposed
upon the Company, bqt mpm; (llpiyonnage', and
Its collection and payments.) tin) Slate. '-It is
Virtually a tax upon tile trade and commerce of
fbo Commonwealth, and. upon the comi. eroC of
other States whose productions souk an Eastern
market over this road; amSthus. by • increasing
the rates pf charges and the cost of transporta
tion the produce of the West is forced upon the
competing railroads of other States and to'oth
or markets than ourown.Tbo necessity that
required tins tax, as regardsjtheCommonwealth
ami her improvements, lias censed. Its contin-.
nance can only bo justified as a revenue meas
ure. It should be the policy of the Sjato to in
vite the transmission of the- products of'Other
States through her territory.to her own markets,
and, therefore, the propriety of relieving fha
trade and bu-mess of the .Commonwealth and
country from : this tax uppn it,,is respectfully
subraitted'for your consideration'! '
In conscqoenco of the suspension of specie
payments by the Banks of this .and the other
States of the Union, and flip financial embarass
ment and general prostration of business, I
deemed it my ditty .to call, As authorized by the
Constitution, an extra scssioq of the Legisla
ture, to meet at Harrisburg on the sixtli day of
October last. Although the relief provided by
tins extraordinary session of the General As
sembly, was not as ample' asitho' exigency of
the case required, yet it was productive of many
beneficial results, and served to allay the in
tense excitement and alarm that pervaded the
entire community. By the act providing for
the.reanmption ofspeoiopayments hytlio Banks,
all banking institutions accepting the provisions
ofthat law, wefe’required to pay into the Trea
sury one fourth of one per. cent (in their capital
stock; the amount realized by the payment of
this bonus has not only defrayed all tlio expen
cos qf tliat session, lint will leave 1 a balance in
the Treasury of not less than tliiity five thous
and dollars—n result certainly not injurious to
the finances of the Commonwealth.
.My Views expressed in former communica
tions on the subject of hanks and banking capi
tal, fn their relations to the currency and the
general interests-cT lrarte,.remain unchanged.
Hbwover diySrse our opinions may bo on this
subject; it must be admitted by all, that the.
banking and credit systems are ; so intimately
interwoven with the business and commerce of
tho country, that their sudden Separation, or a
rath .Innovation, would produce Consequences
of fearfill magnitude. That tho-present system
of banking is perfect, is nor pretended; that it
could be essentially modified and Improved,
will not bo denied. The present derangement
of the currency may and will Suggest thonecos
sity of reform, not only in the banking system
itself, but in the management of onr banking
institutions
Unlimited.credits by corporations or individ
uals have and will over bo an unmitigated evil.
They contribute to bank expansions,. rash spec
ulations, extravagant living, and excessive over
trading; always sure to bo followed by ruinous
revulsions. ’ IVhattlie. remedy should be, I do
not deem it rny proyince, under existing circum
stances, to suggest;' hut to’ be permanent and
effectual, it must accord with tho natural and
necessary laws of trade. ■ The currency of a
country forms no exception to these laws, and
should be left to their operation and control, so
far as may be consistent With tho public good.
It is, therefore, that a system of free banking,
based on undoubted public securities, and coin
in such proportion to circulation ami depositos;
os way bo doomed sufficient to secure their con
version into,,specie, on demand, with proper
limitations and restrictions, is deemed prolera- 1
ble to-the present system. .Its introduction
would correct munj existing abuses not only in
the system itself, but in the present, mode of
banking. Those questions, however, with the
remedies necessary to prevent a recurrence, of
file evils under which wo now sutler, together
with tho nature and extent of the relief, if any,
that may yet bo required by the Banks of the
Commonwealth, to enable them to resume tho
payment of their liabilities in- specie, are all re
ferred to tho wisdom of the Legislature. They
are practical and important business questions,
and as snob should receive your intelligent con
sideration. : 1
The present condition of our Commonwealth
and’ country deserves at least a passing remark.
A severe financial revulsion has occurred, indu
cing a suspension of specie-payments'.by the
Banks, not only of this Coihmoriivcalth, hut of
all the Slates ot, the Union, deranging the cur
rency and affecting disastrously all the great in
terests of commerce arid the industrial pursuits
of the citizen. Labor is without employment,’
and thousands of strong active men are.now
asking foi- work or bread. The causes assigned
for these evils aro almost as various ns the in
terests or ’prejudices'of those who undertake
their explication. Towhatever cause or cau.
sea they may he referred, it. is neither just, nor
proper to charge all our present financial and
commercial distress to the Banks and their man
agement. However much they.may.have con
tributed, other causes have operated still more
directly and powerfully to produce these results;
and among them flrsi in importance and influ
ence Is the present systerii of low duties, in con
nection with the warehousing System, adopted
as the policy of,the General Government in
18-16. The abandonment of the protective pol.
icy, ns embodied in the Tariff act ot 1842, was
resisted ;, by . Pennsylvania with a unanimity al
most unparalleled in her history;, Her repre
sentatives in both branches of the National Con
gress -strenuously opposed the repenl of that
act; The evils under which wo are now suffer
ing were predicted,; as a consequence of such
repeal. But other counsels prevailed, the act
was repealed, arid the industry of the country
exposed to a ruinous competition with the cheap'
labor'd foreig-i nations. . The disastrous effects
ot the repeal,-were postponed by the operation
of causes well understood by every intelligent
citizen. Famine abroad produced an unprece
dented demand for our breadstuffs,,and the gold
ot California, although it may have added to the
excitemont.of our progress, and Contributed its
full share in producing'-existing financial and
commercial embarrassment, in millions, suppli
ed the means of paying the overwhelming bal
ances against us on our foreign importations.—
Under the present system of low duties, the ex
cess of imports over exports has been buy on
the most extravagant wants of the country.—
They have been enormous and ruinous—destruc
tive of doinestic industry, and involving the
homo manufacturer and home labor, in o ie com.
mon ruin. We have imported more than, we
could pay for, and much more than we 1 needed.
Pennsylvania abounds in iron ore. Iron and its
manufactures aro justly regarded as important
eienients of her material wealth;, and from her
abundance, if properly fostered and protected
| by a wise national policy,- could supply the mar
kets of the world; and yet; since the passage of
the act of 18-16, we have imported of iron and
steel and their manufactures, more than two
hundred millions of dollars in value; paid for in
gold,or out- bonds and stocks, now held by fo
reign capitalists—the interest on which but adds
to the burdens imposed upon us by oiir foreign
indebtedness. The satrie is true of many other
important branches of home industry. Many
millions in, value of cotton.and woolen goods
have, during the same period, been imported,
that should have been made in our own work
shops, should have been woven on American,
and not bn British, French or Gorman looms.
; As an example of the practical working of the
system, official documents exhibit the fact, that
during the past four years the imports of foreign
merchandise, exceeded our exports one hundred
and eighty-four millions two thousand seven
hundred arid sixty-eight dollars; and as a conse
quence, tl drain of• the precious metals was
corrosponi. igly great. The amount of specie
sent out of the country during that period, was
two hundred .and thirteen-millions throe hun.-
drpdi'.aud •, sixtyrfour. imported,
-tffinabod aflff’twenty--
f seven thousand four hundrod.arid fwcnfyvseven
dollars: leaving a balarico against us on specie
account-of one hundred and eighty : six millions
four hundred and thirty-six thousand riine hun
dred, and fifty-seven dollars. This depleting
process, aggravated by excessive importations,
unsettled the currency and induced an inflated
paper circulation, resulting in bank suspensions
and financial embarrassment. Buttirijevil does
not end here. An inflated paper currency, by
cheapening the price of money, increases in this
country the cost of production, and thus, whilst
the American manufacturer is exposed, undera
system of -low duties, to a ruinous competition
with thp cheap labor ot Europe, lie is paid for
his goods in a currency less valuable than that
paid to his foreign competitor., Asa necessary
result the home fabric is driven from the ipar
>-ket, and the homo manufacturer ruined. The
operation of these carises, stimulated by low dm
ties, is siiffioiont to destroy the industrial ener
gies of any people. ~
With these facts before us,-it is no matter of
surprise that our mills, factories and furnaces
have been closed,; and thousands of honest, la
borers-thrown out ot employment; that com
merce has scarcely an existence, that bankrupt
cy and ruin are around jis, and our general pros
perity paralyzed. : To avoid these disasters, to
which wo have been periodically'exposed, re
form not only in our system -of banking, but in
our revenue laws, becomes indispensable.
. If (lie principle ot the not of 1842. had boon
preserved—oven if its rate of duties had been,
reduced, onr specie by millions would not have
gone hit - foreign coffers to build up and sustain
the foreign manufacturer; borne industry would’
be prosperous, and the cry “ wo want work.”
issuing from a thousand lips, in our largo cities
and manufacturing districts, would not now be
heard;, nor would a foreign debt of nearly five
bundled millions of dollars exist to startle and
alarm us. That system that practically prefers
foreign to home labor, —that’ keeps our work
shops in-Europe, instead of building and sup,
porting them here—that fakes onr gold to pay
the wages of the British laborer, whilst onr own
are without employment and without broad.—
thaffills the Country with foreign merchandise
to the exclusion of tho homo.fabric,—Hint lays
the, British rail upon tho road through out iron
districts and by our rolling mills, whilst they
are silent and deserted, and that invites to spe
culation and extravagance, is nt war with every
true American interest and should bo at once
abandoned.
A period of low duties has always been mark
ed by excessive importations,—largo exports of
specie—overtrading — bank expansions and bus.
pensions, and financial and commercial revul
sions. Under tho protective policy these pecu
liar and staitling characteristics of tree trade
havo all been wanting. The,history of thu cenn.
fry establishes these facts. A well regulated
tariff, adjusted to protect the productive indus
try of the country, is not the true policy of the
Government, but is a bettor 'regulator of the
currency, and a more certain security .against
bank expansions, tham any system-of pains and
penalties yet devised for the control of banking
institutions, or the operations of capital. To
this wo should return. Pennsylvania is yet true
to her ancient and long cherished convictions
of its propriety and necessity. Site may have
been misled. Political apd. partisan pressure
may havo true; position l
This was. her raisforlnne, .not; her. fault. She
sees and feels the. «Tohg,.ahd with on emphasis,
intensified by her injuries, will demand redress;
protection for himself and the groat industrial
interests of her people.
The agricultural interests of tho country,
should ever bo fostered and sustained by tho
State.. They are first in necessity and useful
ness, and constitute the basis of Slate and Na
tional prosperity. Upon their progress and de
yelopomont, depend the success of our mechan
ical manufacturing and commercial interests.
Agriculture, in its varied and multiplied re
lations, is tho unfailing source of National
wealth, and to its promotion all should oontri.
buto. Individual enterprise and liberality, State
am) ’County associations, have done much to
advance (his important branch of productive 1
industry; have collected and circulated much
valuable information ; and encouraged by their
honorable exertions, tho progress of scientific j
nnd practical agriculture. Science and art have
nobly proffered their aid—the State should not
withhold her encouragement nnd support..
-I.have heretofore recommended the establish*
mentof an Agricultural Bureau, in connection
With some one of the State'Departments, to
give efficiency to (ho collection and dlllUsion of
useful knowledge* on this subject. - Impressed
with the necessity and usefulness of such u Bu
reau, X again earnestly recommend it to your
favorable consideration. ”
“ The Farmers’ High School
nio,”-an institution incorporated by tlie Legis
lature of 1865, is entitled to the especial atten
fiori of the fVicnds of agriculture. . In the, teach
ings of fills institution, (he scientific nnd the
practical are .united; and whilst the art of farm
ing, and all that pertains, to tho management,
business and work of a farm, will bo the subject
of instruction; (he natural sciences; in their rer:
lation and application to practical agriculture,
will-also be taught. • The,student of the. insti
tution .will bo enabled to test, in bis doily occu
pation; (he truth and value of the knowledge,
communicated. ‘
Much of the land connected with (he school
lias been, successfully cultivated during the past
yenc. Orchards of every variety of fruit,' and.
hedges, have been planted, and many valuable
improvements made. A double storied barn;
largo and convenient; as also the farmer’s house
and part of the out-buildings,.have been erected
and occupied.* *
From the report of the trustees wo learn that
a contract has been made for the erection of
an edifice calculated for the residence of profes
sors, lecture balls,
to bo built o.f stone,, four stories high, two hun
dred and thirty-three feet in front, with wings,
cost fifty-fire thousand dollarb. This j
building is already in progress, and'it is hoped I
that a.part, of it may be.put under roof and be
so far completed as to enable the board to make j
arrangements tp‘ receive a few students before'
the close of the current year.?.’ Tlie Legisla
ture, at their last session, appropriated fifty■
thousand-dollar’s to this institution, one-half of
which has been paid; the remaining twenty-five
thousand dollars to be paid on condition that an
equal sum be realized from other sources, with
in three years from the passage of the act mak
ing the appropriation.
- The objects and character of dhis Institution,
—its relation to agricultural knowledge, and as
the pioneer in the great work of agricultural
education, commend it to the generous patron
age of the Legislature, and to tb.o confidence
and liberality \>f the people of the Common
wealth.; ;
The report to. bo submitted by the Superin
tendent of Common Schools will present a clear,
and satisfactory statement of the general opera-,
tion of the system during (ho past } ; oar.
The separation of the School from (ho. State
Department, by the dot of iho last session, was
a just tfibuto .to the importance and value of our
comrnon.school system. The great educational
interests of the State, the care and guardianship
of the intellectual, social nnd moral improve
ment of the youth of thoCommonwcallh, should
occupy a prominent and independent-position
among the departments of the jovernment, If
the care of the.treasure of the Commonwealth,
the development of her material wealth, and the
advancement of her politico-economical inter
ests, have .received from the government the
marked and distinctive recognition of their im
portance, how much moye should the mind of
:hor youth—with its wondrous activities—-ifs
constantly unfolding energies, and its infinite
superiority to thp material claim
fho representatives of the people, a more bon.
ored recognition. ; , ,
As. an independent dopaVtibymt;-’gfdator.. effi
ciency will bb given to the sysferri-i-a more di
rect and immediate soporvisionjwill be secured
—the details of its operation more carefully ob
served—its deficiencies discovered—its errors,
corrected—the accomplishment of its noble pur
poses nnd objects rendered more certain, and
tlie system itself saved from the dangerous and
debasingMnfluenco.of political excitement, and
partizau.prejudice.
fhe county superintcndency, tested by expe
rience; has realized the just expectations of the
friends of the measure, and may now be regard
.Cd as-a permanent and indispensable part of the
system. When committed to competent men.
it has accomplished a noble "work in promoting
the 'success and usefulness of our common
schools; and wherever the duties of the office
have been faithfully performed; the cbnracterof
the schools lias been elevated, their numborand
the number of scholars increased, and the con
[ fldence arid encouragement of the public secur
i ed. In (he hands* of incompetent, men, those
results have not boon obtained ; button tho con
trary, opposition‘has . been piovoked, arid the
cause of common school education retarded.—
This office should, not be committed to any but
men thoroughly qualified by education anti ex
perience for the performance ofits arduous and
responsible duties; and it tiro school directors
ofaoy county, in disregard of their obligations,
from opposition cithcrlo.thosystein ortlie office,
select an'incompetent person* for the place, the
oc.ium ol the aet, and of failure to secure tire
benefits resulting from a proper and. intelligent
administration of the office, should rest upon
them, and not upon the law authorizing the ap
pointment. The defects of the system, when
cleaily established, should be promptly coivect
ed, but change is not always reform ; and inno
vation. induced by selfishness orprejudice. may
endanger its permanency nnd destroy its efflei
cnc}*.
The act of the 20(h day of May. 1857, provid
ing for the. due training of teachers of common
schools in the Sta'e, by encouraging the estab
lishment of Normal schools within the districts
designated in the law, has received the cordial
approbation of all interested in tho success of
onr common schools. The passage of that act
inaugurated anew era in the 'history of common
school education in Pennsylvania. It is a
ihovomcntin the rightdirectioh j full of encour
agement and hone for the greater perfection and
usefulness of the system. Large anti’ enthusi
astic meetings of tho friends o( education have
been hold, in many of the districts, to promote
tho establishment of Normal schools, ns con
templated by tho act ; and liberal sums of men
ey have been subscribed to secure this desira
ble object. A noble work has been commenced
and sustained by individual enterprise and 11b-
by tho State, and vindica
ted by its own intrinaic.morit, it must go oh un
til State Norihal schools, in number and effl’-
ciency, equal toth" supply of well trained teach
ers, shall become tho just pride and boast of
Pennsylvania.
The organic structure of our system is ns per
fect, perhaps, as human legislation can make it;
but it needs the competent and thoroughly
trained teacher to give it greater vitality and
efficiency, and secure the full accomplishment
:ofthd pot&Mtofjthis creation. Tho teacher,
thp : the well-trained, the
sciehtlffc teacher, is the groat want of the sys
tem, Wo need the teaching mind, not the ati
tonifttons of mere physical organization or anti
quated routine, to direct and control the intel
lectual energies of the youth of tho Common
wealth. We require mind, educated mind, in
our schools, that knowledge may ho communi
cated. not only, effectively and practically. hut
that In training tho young. they' nviv ho taught
to think—and how to think—to investigate and j
know for themselves, and thus lie fitted and pre- I
pared for tho high and responsible duties of the !
man and tho citizen.
This deficiency, can only ho supplied hv State
Normal schools for tho education of teachers.
I To them wo must.look. The future is ffdl "f,
hope. Much has already boon none fa nr *vjdo I
for their establishment and sunport Tn '•on.'
nectfon with honorable individual. eflf*»»t 'vn rn ,
legislative encouragement may bo required. It j
AT §2,00 PER ANNUM
NO. 31.
must again call (lie attention of the Login- ' 'ey;,
lature to the subject of revising the militia lams
of the Slate, They are so crude and impcffcct,
in may of their provisions, and, obscure in'
some Of their enactments, that it is difficult to'.
discover the object intended! ,or comprehend
f tfitrairty-clTJOfncrf—Tbt--porrerß-jiiid- tftttlmjf-
f the respective officers connected, with the mili
tary organization of the Commomvcahh.should'
■bo more dearly definid. Greater encourage
ment should be given to the formation of vol-' .
unteer cpmpanies r the entire system should be
i:gniodelcd;.aqd placed jn a position to become ...' ~
alikedionoiiabie-and useful to the Slate.
The Select and Common Council of the City
of Philadelphia. by an ordinance passed tho’.
Till day of April 1856, and officially commu
nicated to the Legislature at their last general
session, proposed'to convey,' to the Common
wealth of Pennsylvania a lot of ground, in that,
city, for. the purpose of erecting an Arsenal
thereon. By the act of the Oth of May , 1857,.
the Governor wasauthorized to accent from tho
Mayor of Philadelphia, under the.seal of tho
Corporation the conveyance in fee simple of
the lot of ground proposed to bo'donaied to lha
for the purpose indicated.—
The conveyance was duly executed by the May
or on the 20ili day of June, 1857 anil delivered
and accepted on the 31st day of July following,
as directed by the act.' The'4tli section of the
'sanie act'authorized the Governor lo.apply:the
proceeds of the sale of the Arsenal in Philad'a,
tSSO.OOO 00) to the creo.ion of an Arsenal on •
tho lot of'ground thus granted to the Common
wealth. In pursuance of the authority confer,
red. a contract was made with a skillful and
experienced Architect, for the erection and
completion of tho proposed Arsenal : to be
large and commodious, and adapted to the pur
pose intended. The building jvas immediately
commenced under the direct supervision of the
Adjutant General, and is now complei d and
ready for the reception of the Arms, Military
stores and equipments of tho Commonwealth. '
It is of brick, three stories high, one .Hun
dred and eighty two fee front on Fiber! street,
and fifty feet in depth. The foundation,
walls are of stone, and solid anil massive.—
The cost of construction did not exceed the ap
propriation. It is a. substantial and elegant
siiticturc and,will be,u-safe depository lor the "
public arms—an ornament to the' city, aud a . ‘
credit to the Commonwealth. ,■
One of rny predeceseors, in his annual com
munication to the Legislature; immediately af
ter the close of the late war with Mexico", re
commended the erection of a monument to thp
memory of those citizen soldiers, from Penn
sylvania. who died in the service of their coun
try in that war. It is due to them, that some
public acknowledgement of their patriotic servi
ces should he made by the Stale. Concurring
ip the sentiments expressed in the commitment
lion to which rtierenco has been made I would
also invite your aMention o the propriety of
erecting, in the public grounds of the Capitol,
a suitable monutneni to their memory—and '
thus honor those who by their undaunted bra
very and invincible valor, honored our nobjo
Commonwealth.
The publication of the Geological report of
the State, under the superintendence of Pro
fessor lingers, is rapidly approaching cotnpic
lion. The engravings and illustrations ar,o
nearly coinpletqji and the .first volume now in
press, which he expects wiihjbe ready for defiy.
cry soon after the meeting of the Legislature,
and the seconc and last volume before its ad
journment or immediately thereafter. The
style aad general execution of tho work will he
equal if not superior to that of any similar pub
lication by-our sister Stales. It will fully sup
tain the reputation of the distinguished geolo
gist, by whom tho surveys were made, and
wii.t ins d> voted so much care and attention to
its |.nolinil-on- .Tile large g.o.'ogical map pf
he Suite » 1.i.-Ii mil aecoioi any the volume's,
I will ui) lie linihln-d b'. f'U'e i lie close of liie yeae.
I Great cure has beep taken to inakt i perfect in
ui I iis de'nib I'll'. 1 wled.- woi k ~'df be a valit
n file aitdiiio ' tii ceo,'■ ap'rcal, as'well ns groin
gical Koienci.anl will lie abkonsKul to the
unizens of tie t'miioio uvvnl.ti, and honorable
to ils nmbor
1 T!h- n -aihniou'i pm* owing nnlendmems to the
t n •'* I ’»" • o 'u- 0 ''u»n..u;vi‘nh p. wi re pub
j U,N ‘3-CuMD PAWS.]
should be given cheerfully and promptly. No,
, subject of greater interest can claim yourstleh
tlon; no one appeals with more reason and
truth, to duly and patriotism. '
Teachers’institutes, as auxiliary to'Normal ”
schools, should be aided by the State. Through’;
their agency, sustained by (1k noble and self
denying efforts ol the tcaclicrs themselves;much
good has been accomplished in educating ■hfld •
i training teachers, and in dignifyingaprot’eSsiOh't
too long undervalued by those most deeply io-:i
terested in their useful labors. / ■
- S r “" t "’ olk of popular education, thereo
should he no retrograde movement in I’enn.-yi- ■
rania—no yielding to the impotent clamor ol .
ignorance, selfishness or prejudice, in their at
tempts to stay its progress, -these, oho and"
Jail, may denounce and condemn, buf virtue, I
(patriotism, truth; hid you onward. Lot the.
(system be maintained in its unity and usefii)-
■ ness; let it he improved and perlecledinits'do
((ails; but lot no act of yours impair its strength,
or mar tho beauty' and harmony ol its propor
tions.’ '
: Based as our institutions ato on the will ofthb' :
people—dependent for'preservation on their
virtue and intelligence—knowledge whir, ns
should occupy tho high position to which-it is -
so pro-cminenlly entitled. Knowledge, found
ed upon tlic pure principles of eternal truth., is. ■
the crowning glory of the citizen—the safeguard
and .defence ot the State. Education, lull and
tree to nil, is tho boon we ask for the children
ot tho Commonwealth—it’ls the dut}'. para
mount to all Olliers, the State owes to her citi- ‘
zens. Tlic aid of the Commonwealth should ho ‘
libcpally bestowed. The subject, in all its I'cla- -
tions, is warmly commended do the generous "
caro and patronage of the Legislature.
Legislation, whilst properly encouraging the i
developemcnt ol the material wealth of the'
State, should recognize tho still higher’ oblige-.-
tion to improve the social, intellectual and mo
ral condition of the people. The' amelioration;
of human suffering, the reformation o' the or- :
ring, and tho correction of youthful vioionsnoss
are objects that deserve the attention of the.
philanthropist and statesman. To secure theso
results,,the educational, i haritahio and reform- ‘
iitory institutions of ifio Comiuou’wealth shoiilf
he fostered and encouraged by liberal legisia. !
tion. ’ ■ 1 '
, -The reports of (ho Stale Lunatic Hospital, at ’
t Harrisburg, and IheUVstern iVrnisyh-aniaHos
, pita! for the hmno, at Pittsburg, will be laid
before you, and will exhibit In derail tlic’ir ope
rations for the past year. i.
1 , Those institutions, in their objects and-re-;
suits, merit arid should receive.oar warmest ap-,
probation.. Tho condition ofnoclasa. of sutler--,
ing humanity appeals with more thrilling power ■
to our sympathies than that of the insane’.' ■ Ig-'
uorant of the frightful malady that oppresses
them, shrouded in the fearful gloom of piuntal
darkness, and slmt out from- the social joys of.
home and friends, the aid of the benevolent and ’
the benoi ctions of the Commonwealth, should
be libera.,y and cheerfully given to them.' . ‘ ’
The House of lieftige in Philadelphia,itnd the'
Western House of Ifcfugc near Pittslinfg. again l
ask to share the bounty of (lie Commonwealth.
Those schools ,for the erring, neglected ami put-' .
castdohildfcn ami youth of the State'; t(ioso>.
homes'whoto kindness rules and love subdues
(ho vicious and incorrigible, should uot be de-'
nied their request. '
The ■‘Blind’'and the “Deaf and Dumb” asy
lums at Philadelphia, and .the. Pennsylvania,
Training School for idiotic and feotde-rmnded
children, present their annual claim for your ’
sympathy and aid. The darkened eye, the si-'
lent tongue, and the weakened intellect, in Sor-.
row and sadness, appeal to the representative of'
the;people for this boon. It.cannot be refused.'
Sly views in relation to '“ local,”, ••special,'’'
and "omnibus legislation ” liaVo been so fro- ’: .
quo ly expressed; in communications to the
l.egi kture, tljat. their repeti ion now is ynno-’.
ccssnry. Such legislation, often so subversive'
of private rights—so detrimental to the public
interest, and.-generally so 'mischievous in' its 1
e.onscqnences—should not be encouraged or’. ..
permitted. , ■ ■ b.
The report of the Adjutant General will bej’.-v-'...
laid before you. To its valuable and imporiSfe-vic
ant suggestions I invite your careful
tion.