THE AMERICAN VOLUNTEER THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. To the Senate and House of Representa tive* of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania. Gentlemen.— An All wise Providence has permitted you to assemble under circumstances demanding profound grati tude to the Groat Lawgiver of tbo Uni verse. Our acknowledgments are first duo to Him whoso hand has not grown weary in showering blessings in profusion upon the people in every department of industry, and crowning their toil with richest rewards. The circumstances under which' yon ' commence the duties of the present ses sion are, indeed, auspicious'; and at no former period in our history has there been greater cause for felicitation upon the inestimable blessings we enjoy, and the happy and prosperous condition of our great and growing Commonwealth. The meeting of the General Assembly is always a matter of deep interest to the people, and perhaps never more so than now, when an unusual amount of neces sary general legislation will occupy your attention, and questions of the highest importance are to be discussed and de termined upon. X sincerely trust your industry and faithfulness in the perform ance of the important work before you, will win you the proud title of “the working Legislature.” Amid such circumstances our attention should bo directed to a careful review of all the most important and essential interests of the State ; and in the exercise of that discretion which the Constitution has confided to the Executive, I proceed to communicate such information, and to recommend to your consideration such measures as are deemed necessary and expedient. As first in order and’most Important, I will present a carefully prepared and precise statement of the financial con dition of the Commonwealth. FINANCES. It affords me pleasure to congratulate the people upon the satisfactory con dition of the Treasury. Every demand upon it for ordinary and other expenses has been promptly paid, and the public debt materially reduced, which has in spired -such public, confidence in the securities of the Commonwealth as to cgpse them, to command the highest premiums in the market. The operations of this department will be presented to you more fully and ih detail in the re ports of the Auditor General, State Treas urer, and Commissioners of the Sinking Fund. The following statement exhibits the receipts and disbursements for the fiscal year ending November, 30, 1870 : t ßeceipU. Balance In .Treasury, Nor". 30, 1860 $1,400,862 49 Ordinary receipts during the fiscal year Hot 80, 0,330,608 24 Total during ’ ye»r RUbureemenie, Ordinary expenses-paid ' *• during the year ondmg - Not. 30, 1870 $2,800,83- 00 Loans, 4c., redeemed G,434.622 01 Balance In Troaiurjr. N0t.30, 1870. .{1.303,042.82 Public Debt, Dsductnmount redeemed by. Pinking Fund Com mißßioiere daring the fiscal Tear ending Not.'. 80, 1879.. .i.. $1,002,391 31 Amount redeemed by Treasurer during «n« ,i mft 100,657 74 T0tki:.:::.;........ : — 1.702.879 Total public debt, Not 30,1870 $31,111,661 90 The following statement shows tho nature of the indebtedness of the Com monwealth, November 80, 1870 : ‘ *• Funded debt, tlb Amount of OTer duo loans} 707,050 35 4,731,300 00 02,850 00 Amountpoyabloin 1877, , • int 6 p ct. 7,890,550 00 Amount payable in 1877, „ tut 5 pet 3,577,700 00 Amountp.ynbl. In 1818, ' Intfipct....* 305,000 00 , Amount payable In 1879, . intOp ct 400,000 00 Amount payable In 1882, Int 6’p et 1,138,950 00 Amount poyable In 1882, , tn „ Mrin ct 112,000 00 Amountpeyablein 1882, .. Int fl n ct .. 9,273,050 00 IDI 0 P _J $30,997,700 33 Unfunded 'debt, Wb : Belief notes In circulation $90,58- 00 Interest certificates out- 13,080 62 standing.... Intaroat certificates un« 4,448 13 claimed. Domestic creditors’ cer tificate* 44 07 113,061 67 Tetul public debt, Hoy. 30, 1870, as Sil &boss statod • ,111,901 90 REDUCTION OP THE PUBLIC DEBT. On the fifteenth day of January, 1807, the total indebtedness of thojltato was thirty-seven million seven hundred and ■four thousand four hundred and nine dollars and seventy-seven vents. Since then, and up to November 80, 1870, the mm of if* million Jivp hundred and nineiy-iteo thousand seven hundred and forty-seven dollars and eighty-seven cents has been paid. The reduction during the year ending November 30, 1870, is one million seven hundred and two thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine dollars and five cents. The average reduction per annum, for the last four years, is one million ate hundred and fortg-eight Montand one hundred and eightyeeven dollar>. In view of the fact that prior to the first of July, 1872. nearly eight millions dollars of the public debt will bo due, nnd in order that the Commonwealth may continue to meet all its obligations promptly at maturity, X recommend that such provisions bo made by the Legisla ture, as will authorize the Commission ers of the Sinking Fund to soil all the assets that may bo in their possession, and apply the proceeds to the extinguish ment of the debt; or, at the option of the holders, to exchange them for the outstanding bonds of the Common- wealtn. . The indobtcducss J of the State might bo paid in the following manner ; As already shown, it was, on November 30, 1870, about thirty-one million dollars, from which amount, if the said assets, $9,500,000, bo deducted, there would re main unpaid $31,500,000. After which, estimating the revenues and expendi tures to continue as at present, the en tire liabilities of the State could be liqui dated in about eight years. If this mode of paying the State debt Should bo regarded as unnecessarily rapid and oppressive, then a movement lo revise and modify taxation may meet -vritli much more general favor. Our ':::.L ... all". =NJ.. 71■1 1 . ill ii ll 'tji1i.. :. :7‘...... ' Ili 1 :: .. .! . - wilCa€llo. debt is now hold firmly by those to whom it is a great benefit to havo'-so,secure an investment. A certain reduction of one million dollars per annum on it would, porhapd, bo more satisfactory to them and to the people, than to strive to pay it off so hastily. . In an endeavor to'force things under the present mode of taxa tion, there is groat daugor of driving capital away from our manufacturing centres. The landholder hat been exempted from taxes on his land for State purposes, and the burden shifted upon the active, energetic and enterpris ing portions oftho community, who hav° always hadi their full share to boar. The farmer is at case, and runs no risk ; whilst the' business man, merchant and manufacturer arc the motive power of the community, upon which the farmer jiimsolf must, in a great measure, de pend for a realization of his industry. A more liberal policy towards'those en gaged in mercantile, manufacturing, railroad and mining pursuits should bo adopted.. Unless these interests are fostered and kept in full operation, all classes of the people will-.suffer., They are the very life-blood, of the State, and should not, in any way, bo chilled or impeded, by overburdening them with taxation for the immediate payment of the entire State liabilities. The foregoing, recommendations, In my opinion, embrace the true policy of the Commonwealth, and if adopted, will, doubtless, receive a hearty response and endorsement from the people. The tax payers demand that all theirsocial, in dustrial, commercial and financial opera tions shall bo relieved from,the burdens of anymore taxation than may be neces sary for the gradual payment of the debt, as is last above indicated, and to defray the frugal expenses of the ’ad ministration of the government. Econ omy and reform should no longer bo advo cated as glittering generalities, or more abstractions, without moaning or intent, hut as vital, living realities. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. Pour years’ experience as an executive officer has given mo abundant oppor tunity for careful observation upon the workings of our fundamental law, and the legislation of the State. This ex perience has strongly, impressed mo that there should bo a thorough revision of the State Constitution, with such amend ments as the wisdom of a convention assembled for that purpose would un doubtedly suggest, and an enlightened public sentiment demand. The authority l for holding such con vention is found in the second section of the ninth article of the Constitution, and Is declared in these words: “That all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments arc founded ou their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, tl £y times, an' unalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform, or abolish their government, in such manner as they may think proper.” The last convention for this purpose was hold in 1838. During the thirty two years which have since elapsed, sun dry amendments have been made by joint resolutions of the General Assembly, and in compliance with the tenth. article of the Constitution, were approved and ratified by a majority of the qualified voters of theStato. The most important were those of 1850, making the judges of the courts elective ; of 1857, creating a Sinking Fund, regulating tho public debt and legislative districts; and of 1804, conferring tbo right of suffrage upon those engaged in tho military service of tho State or Nation, and imposing sun dry restraints on tbo power of the Legis lature. These amendments, though im portant and valuable, give an incongruous and sort of patch-work character to tho Constitution, and are not consonant with tho requirements of the times.' This is a progressive period, our State has out-grown its fundamental law. That law should, therefore, be 'made to keep pace with the ago in which wo live. Tho existing Constitution, in cluding tho amendments of 1857 and 18G4, impose many wholesome restrictions on tho power and jurisdiction of tho Legis lature ; but experience has demonstrated their inadequacy to protect tho people against tho evils intended to bo remedied and especially those of corporate power, and of special and local legislation. Tho pamphlet laws for tho last four years show that the general,laws for each session made only about onp hundred pages, whilst and special- legis lation for tho same period amount annually to about thirteen hundred and fifty. Tho resulting evils aro manifold and aggravated; and prominent among tho reasons and suggestions why a remedy should be applied, I respectfully submit tbo following : Jtirat. Different systems of laws for roads, bridges, schools, elections, poor housca and many other things, are en acted for the several counties, townships and boroughs, on subjects which ought to be regulated by general laws, opera ting uniformly upon all. Second.— lt is impossible for the citi zens, judges of the courts, or members of the legal profession, to acquire or re tain an accurate knowledge of the varying systems of laws in their respect ive districts; and frequently on removal from one country to another, our people find themselves under almost entirely different codes. Third.— Practically, the whole theory of our Constitution and government is subverted and destroyed by the present system of local enactments. Represen tative government is based on the idea that the laws shall bo framed by, and bo the result of, the collective wisdom of the people’s representatives. But what are the actual facts? The minds and efforts of the members are so wholly absorbed by private and local bills that it is aim ost impossible to got a general or public act considered or passed. The special and local bills ore usually drawn by the member representing the locality, or by some ono from the district inter ested in the proposed law. By what is called courtesy, it is considered a breach of etiquette for any member of the Sen ate or House to interfere with or oppose a merely private or local bill of any other member. The result is, the bills are passed as originally prepared, without examination Jor comparison of views— often crude and ill-digested, and without regard to constitutional requirements, or sound public policy. Borne of the worst of those hasty and badly considered enactments are arrested every year by Executive interposition; but in the nature of the case, the veto at best can only bo made a partial restraint upon the evil; and nothing can eradicate it short of constitutional prohibition. Phurth. —Special legislation is tbo great and impure fountain of corruption, private speculations are public wrongs. It lias become .a reproach to republican government, and Hs one of the most alarming evils of the times. Judicious amendments to the Constitution would arrest and destroy the growing evil; and it is the duty of every patriotic citizotUto. co-operate in all lawful measures to effect so desirable a consummation. In the enactment of laws a radical change is demanded. Every bill presented for adoption should bo road, at least once in full, and the yeas and nays bo recorded on its final passage. Fifth. —It is important that the State Constitution should bo made to conform to the Constitution of the United States as recently amended. Sixth. —The subject of minority repre sentation is now much agitated, and is receiving a largo share of consideration among thoughtful and considerate men. It embraces problems of groat political importance, and its manifest justice commends it to, public favor. Whilst some of the objects it proposes might be obtained by legislative enactments, tbo general principles involved are so ele mentary and radical, they should, if adopted, ho incorporated into the fun damental law. Seventh. —The members oftho General Assembly should be increased in num ber. • Eighth. —There should bo a fun damental limitation to the powers of corporations. Ninth. —There is absolute necessity for greater security for tho public funds and for their proper distribution. Tenth*—' The State Treasurer, Superin tendent of Common Schools, and a Lieutenant Governor, the latter to preside over tho Senate, ayd perform the duties of Governor, in • case of his absence, sickness or death, should bo elected by tho people. Tho ‘Attorney General, Secretary of State, and the Adjutant General, should, for-obvious reasons, continue to be appointed by. tho Governor. Eleventh, —The day for holding the annual elections could, with groat propriety, bo changed from the speond Tuesday in Octobor to tho same day in November on which nearly all thp surrounding- States now hold theirs. This would dispense with one election pvery fourth year, and prevent invasion from other States for the purpose of interfering with our elections, as the citizens of each State bo more satisfactory to the people of tho agricultural districts, as it would not interfere with the harvesting of their corn and other summer productions. The necessity for constitutional reform is appreciated and admitted by all who have reflected upon tho subject, and without distinction of party, the press has been outspoken, and has almost unanimously sanctioned the calling, at an early, day, of a constitutional con vention. For these reasons, and many others equally important .which might bo enumerated, I earnestly recommend that the Legislature make provision for a convention to thoroughly revise and amend the Constitution of the btate. REVISION OP TUB CIVIL CODE. The commissioner to revise the statutes have completed their work. The entire laws of the Commonwealth, including those of British origin, except such as relate to crime, have been revised, collated and systematically arranged in" a volume of less than throe -hundred pages, or about one-third' the size of Pardon’s Digest. Our laws are the accretions of one hundred and seventy years. Many p£ them are' incongruous and disjointed enactments, which have boon increasing, from time to time, by fragmentary legislation, without any attempt at system, logical arrangement, or conciseness of language. From the examination I have been able to give the 'revision, I am satisfied that in the discharge of their duty, the commission ers exercised great diligence, ability and a conscientious desire for its successful accomplishment. It cannot bo-presumed that a work of such magnitude is perfect iu every particular ; and how far it may answer the purpose for which it was undertaken, remains to bo determined. That if is an improvement upon what it is intended to supply there is no- room for doubt. It adheres in the main to the text of existing laws, with occasional changes to meet present demands, but which wmo not needed when they were first enacted, and also additional’ pro visions which the progress of tlio ago requires. The work, as presented, might properly be adopted, without material changes, making it the basis for such amendments as time and necessity may suggest, or as may bo recommended by tbo joint committee to which it was referred for examination by the Legis lature of last year. It will bo seen that some of its provisions have been framed with a view to throw much of our special legislation- into the courts, where it may be disposed of with less inconvenience to interested parties, and a groat saving in our annual expenditures. WHITS-OF EHKOn IS CRIMINAL CASES. .At the last session of the Legislature an act was passed, entitled “ An Act to allow writs of error in oases of murder and voluntary manslaughter.’! The first section provides that a writ of error “ shall bo of right, and may bo sued out upon the oath of the defendant or defend ants. us in civil cusss.” The second section makes it the duty of the judges of the Supremo Court, in ail such oases, to review both the law and the evidence. Before this enactmenttholaw required the defendant to allege that some on or had been' committed by the court on the trial, and to show cause, within thirty days, why the writ of error should bo granted; but this law gives a writ, whether any error is alleged or not, and allows the defendant seven years in which to issue it, according to the practice in civil cam. Heretofore the Executive did not ordinarily issue the warrant for execution of any criminal until the expi ration of the thirty days within which he was permitted to apply for his writ of error. That'limitation of thirty days being now virtually repealed, and seven years substituted therefor, is it expected the warrant shall bo withhold for the seven years? If not, when may it properly issue? Anjl if issued at any time within the seven years, may’not the criminal supersede it at any time ho pleases by his writ of error? ‘And may it not bo reasonably expected that this will bo tbo practical result in every such case? This would soomliko trilling with very serious matters; and I respectfully submit whether the act of last session should notjbo repealed, or very material ly modified, without delay. In my mesr sago of tenth February, 1870, returning tho bill with my objections, 1 gave sun dry reasons why it should not bo. ap proved, and tho’viows therein expressed remain unchanged; and tho Supremo Court of tho State, in tho recent Schooppo case, express their opinion of this enact ment, as follows : “It is not improper before closing to say a few words in reference to tlio act of 1870, to draw attention to some of its defects, and to the radical change in our criminal jurisprudence it will produce. It was passed for this case, but owing to tho Governor’s veto it camo too lato. . I is'ahothor evidence that laws which ar the offspring of feeling are seldom wisely framed. It commands this court to re view the evidence , and to determine 'whether tho ingredients to constitute murder in tho first degree were proved to exist; ami yet in forgetfulness of the former law, it provides no means to take, preserve andbring up the evidence. This, tho first attempt to act under it, proves its inefficiency, tho judge below returning to our certiorari that he was not able to make tho return of tho evidence. Ho is not bound by law to take tho testimony or to certify to it. A bill of exceptions brings up. only so. much of tho evidence as may bo required to explain tho point of law contained in the bill. “The effect of this law seems not to have excited attention. It has changed the whole doctrine of tho criminal law us i to tho speed and certainty of punishment, ] and left to tho felon both tho hope and a 1 door of escape, not only from tho law’d delay, but.by prison breach, and all the 1 various means of avoiding retributive < justice. At this moment, two cases ; occur to my memory of convictions of , murder in Allegheny county, delayed by ; dilatory motions,'whore the prison doom i opened by unknown means, and tlio ; prisoners escaped forever. Any murderer may, under this law—though like Prohat ho may have murdered a whole family take out his writ of error, without limita tion of time or condition, whether ia prison under sentence, or stepping upon the trap of the gallows, with cause, or without it, and suspend his case until tho next term of tho Supremo Court. No one could condemn him, if the death warrant not preventing, ho should- wait till the term of tho Supremo Court bo passed, and then take out his writ of error to delay the, execution of Ida sentence fof a whole year. That only security to tho public, tho examiuation of the case and allowance of the writ for cause, is repealed.” The important duty devoid to apportion, in accordance with lift Tiftu, census, the representation to tho General Assembly and to Congress. This will bo among the most laborious and difficult works of the session. ,In its performance, it is.presumed.and trusted that you will bo guided and governed by'astrict souse of-justice and impartiality to all parties and to every district in the State, so that no well-founded reason be given for com plaint or censure. Under tho laws of the State it is made tho duty of tho county commissioners of tho respective countitf* to make returns to tbo Governor of the septennial enu meration of taxables on or before tho first Tuesday of December. Not one fourth of these returns have yet been re ceived, although tho attention of tho commissioners was invited to the subject by special circular from the Secretary of tbo Commonwealth. As soon as tbo re turns com© to hand, tho necessary ab stracts will bo made out and forwarded to tbo Legislature. COMMOK SCHOOLS. Tbo report of tho'Superintendent of Common Schools shows that there are now within the State, 2,002 school dis tricts ; 14,313 schools; 3,983 graded schools; 13,100 directors; 79 county and other superintendents; 17,613 teachers, and ,838,891 pupils This is an increase over the preceding year of 31 districts.,; 270 schools; 447 graded schools; 200 directors'; 3 superintendents ; 470 teach ers, and 18,138 pupils. ' The coat of tuition for the past year, was $3,745,475.81; building, purchasing and renting school houses, $3,705,045,34; contingencies, $1,175,324.Q5 ; other ex penditures, $95,475 ; making a total of $7,771,701.20. value of school property, $15,837,183. Average salary of male teachers, $40.05 per month; length of school term, 0.00 months ; and tho coat per month of each pupil, 03 cents. In addition to tho above, flvo ; .Normal schools aro recognized by tho State, These are intended specially to instruct in tho art of teaching, and to furnish suitable teachers for tho common schools. The many highly qualified instructors that have graduated therein, afford a sufficient assurance of tlieir success and usefulness. They have aided materially in the rapid advancement of our general and widely approved educational system. Since their recognition, 13,390 students have been received into them ; and 3,075 are now enrolled. There are 70 profes sors and tutors. The libraries contain 8,135 volumes. Tho buildings and grounds aro valued at $303,067 ; and the furniture and apparatus at $75,000. Besides tho schools that receive legisla- tivo support, there are in the State 601 private schools, seminaries and acade mies, employing 848 teachers and having 24,815 students. The estimated value of their property is $OOO,OOO, and the annual amount received for tuition $BBO,OOO. There are . also thirteen col leges, with 157 professors and tutors, and 3,805 students enrolled. They own much valuable property, and their libra ries number 05,000 volumes. . Those statistics will, doubtless, prove interesting to all who peruse them, and those relating to tljo common schopla merit the especial attention of the Legis lature. The prosperity and happiness of all communities depend, more thqu anything else, upon their general intelli gence. - Idleness, immorality, crime aid poverty abound most where ignorame prevails. The greatest wealth a people can possess, and the highest politi al freedom and power they can attain, ire based upon and derived frbm a sou id and generous education. Freedom fr(*n the many evils that disturb the peace if society; social harmony; good and healthful government; and all the mul tiform blessings that conspire to produce human happiness, are its .legitimate' fruits. Money judiciously expended by; any community for the raontaf training of its youth, cannot bo lost; it will not fail to return in duo time, bearing a lib eral interest. The admirable workings of our.Ponnsylvania school system are everywhere admitted, and its great suc cess is chiefly owing to the generosity of the Legislature by which it has been so kindly and so boniflcontly nurtured, and. ifis sincerely to bo trusted that it will never weary in this praiseworthy work, whiclrhas thus far been so well-accom plished ami so abundantly rewarded. soldiers’ - orphans’ schools. Your attention is respectfully invited to tho report of the Superintendent of tho Soldiers’ Orphans’ Schools, for the year terminating May 31, 1870. Since tho first organization of these schools the whole number of children admitted is 5,053. And during tho same period, tho discharges, including deaths, amount to 1,504, leaving 3,500 in .the schools at tho close of the year ; of whom 2,137 are in “graded,” and 793 in “pri mary schools,” and 599 in “Homes.” During tho year terminating May. 31, 1871, 493 of those will bo discharged on age ; in 1873, 477 ; in ’73, 599 ; in ’74, G4C ; in ’75, 040 ; in ’7O, GOO ; hr 77, 584 ; in ’7B, 410; in ’79, 391; and in ’3O, tho remainder, 171. From this statement it will bo seen that all tlio children now |n the schools, on reaching tho ago of six teen, will bo discharged in ton years on age alone. The reinforcements to the schools will hereafter consist only of children bom prior to January 1, 1800 ; consequently all who may hereafter bo admitted must come in during tho next, ton years, and they will bo more than ab sorbed by'tlio discharges on order • Tbo number discharged this year, on ago, is 400, and on order, 330, and 15 have died, making in all, 645. Should tho rapidity of -tho discharges, on order continue, in anything like tho ratio of the pro-ont year, if will not require more than fiva years to exhaust the greater portion of tho schools, and the children remaining in them will from time to time have to bo concentrated in a few of tho schools which shall bo deemed tho best, to close np tho concern. Tho expenditures of the system for tho school year ending May 31,-1870, are ns follows, viz For education nut! maintenance of t till dren in advanced schools For education and maintenance of chll- dren in. primary schools. For education and maintenance of chil- dren in homes, For clothing, shoes, making, mending, Ac. 63,993 76 For partial relief of thirteen children, at jaueiich For general expunges, Total expanse.-* Total r»pproprf«lioiii, lUlfuu-e, The sum appropriated is. for tho amount estimated by the Superintendent in his report of 1860, but owing to tbo extreme pressure of tho guardians and relatives of many indigent and suffering applicants; tho Superintendent, with ray consent, admitted a larger number of children than ho originally estimated for; the balance, as above stated, has, for this reason, necessarily and unavoidably, accrued; Undor an act, entitled “An act to provide moans for the establishing a sol diers’ orphans’ school in each State Normal school district in tins Common* wealth, now destitute thereof, ’ ’ approved April 15, 1807, and a supplement thereto, approved March 25, 1808, tho sum of twenty-one thousand dollars was ad vanced out of tho State Treasury as a loan to flvo institutions. These being fully established, are re-paying this loan at the rate of flvo per cent quarterly, as , specified in tho act. Sixteen thousand eight hundred dollars of this loan re mained unpaid on May 31, 1870, and owing to the change of the form of set tlements which, by law, went into opera tion at that time, it was, unexpectedly to tbo Superintendent, deducted from tbo appropriation by tho accounting officers, and consequently bills for educa tion and maintenance for that sum and tho above balance remain unpaid. No special appropriation for this amount is asked ; but all that is required ia"tho passage of a joint resolution, authorizing its payment from tho sum appropriated for tho expenses of tho current year, which, in consequence of a reduction in prices, I am informed Will exceed them to about the amount pf tbo said balance. The early passage of such a resolution is necessary, because tho institutions to which tho money is duo cannot afford to wait long for it without serious incon venience. Provision should also bo roado by tho Legislature that, as tho said sum of $lO,BOO is rc-paid in quarterly instal ments by institutions from which it is due, it shall bo applied to tbo reimburse ment of the funds appropriated for tho advances thus made. The Superintendent estimates tho ex penditures for .education, maintenance, clothing, &c., of 3,600 children, during tho year terminating May 31, 1872, at $500,000. After a careful examination I find it correct, and respectfully request an appropriation for that amount. * This estimate will, it is believed, enable tbo Superintendent to admit all proper ap plicants. It is $20,000 less than tho ap propriation for tho current year, and it is confidently anticipated that hereafter each succeeding estimate for annual ex penses will be much more largely de creased. I- have personally visited, inspected and examined quite a number of these schools since the adjournment of the last Legislature; and Ido not hesitate to pronounce most of them superior, in all respects, to any other institutions of a similar character in the country. The supervision of the Superintendent, and the male and female inspectors lias been exceedingly faithful ami effective ; and those having the schools in charge, with but few exceptions, have displayed a de votion to their duties, and to the inter ests of the children, as unexceptionable as if dictated by the purest parental af fection. The sanitary condition of these chil dren is one of the most remarkable fea tures of the schools. Otiring the five years they have been in operation, out of 5,053 children, only 71 have died, which is but a Httlo over one and four-tenths L per cent per annum. These facts are incoutcstible evidences of the care and attention that have been bestowed upon these institutions. I Tbo establishment of those schools, I and the liberal encouragement and sup port (hoy have received, have mot the approval and admiration, not only of tbo other States of tbo Union, but of the en tire civilized world. Philanthropists and statesmen from foreign nations are constantly making inquiries concerning the laws governing and directing the operations of our soldiers’ orphans’ schools, their management and the re sults, and give frequent assurances of unqualified commendation. • The foregoing exhibit is, I trust, suffi ciently satisfactory to prompt a continu ance of tbo generous patronage already, extended to an institution unsurpassed by any other of the kind in usefulness. Its benefits extend beyond, the more shelter, clothing, feeding and education of the sons and daughters of our heroic dead. In generations far remote. its in fluences will stimulate to deeds of patri otic ardor and heroism. Hereafter the defenders of our country will • not falter when they reflect that should' they fall, they have in the Commonwealth a pa rental protector of their beloved ones, , who otherwise would be left desolate and neglected. The State has abundant cause to rojoico iu what it has done for Its soldiers’ orphans, and to bo proud of these schools, which now constitute the brightest; jewels that adorn its crown of glory. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. This institution appears to be gradu ally accomplishing the objects for which it has been liberally endowed by the State. It hmrabout sixty students who are instructed, not only in tho ordinary branches of literature and science, hut in all tho field operations necessary for a agricultural education. The Experimental Farms) established under tnc supervision or tnc umccra, nnro thus far answered their expectations. The experiments • therein arc carefully recorded; every incident of cultivation, the nature of tho seed committed to the soil, its inception, growth, progress and results, together with tho conducing causes, being accurately noted. The publication of these observations, made in different parts of tbo State, with vari ous climates and soil, under tho guidance of skilled agriculturalists, will impart valuable lessons fbr'Tbo benefit of tbo practical farmer,’ and, doubtless, bo - tho moans of establishing a “Science of Ag riculture.” having its foundation in tho wisdom of experience. The report of tbo trustees furnishes a full description of tho educational and financial condi tion of the college, together with’ tho progress and results of the Experimental Farms during tho year just ended. ,$2'5,900 *l7 101,475 5S <«,«<>« -f- 390 00 9,100 (10 MILITARY. 5U.120 42 491,T(M 00 Your attention is invited to tho ac companying report of tho Adjutant tions of his department during tho past year. The necessity of a military power in tho State, subordinate and auxiliary to the civil authorities, has been so fully discussed, and so generally admitted, as to render any argument on tho subject entirely superfluous. It is admitted, on all hands, that a thoroughly organized and well disciplined military force con tributes essentially to the maintenance of the peace and goo.d order of society, and to tho security of tho persons and property of citizens. It has been my desire and aim to constitute such a force, to aid the civil authorities, should an emergency arise, in tho suppression of public tiumjlt or disorder. This has been effected more successfully than was at first,anticipated. In 1866, there were but eight volunteer companies in tho State ; at the close of 1860, there wore one hundred and eighty-four; to which number one hundred and fifty-eight companies wore added last year. In tho meantime, thirty have boon disbanded, leaving three hundred and eleven organ ized and active military companies, now recognized by act of the Legislature, as tho V National Guard of Pennsylvania.” From tbo Company organizations fourteen regiments aud five battalions -have been formed. Whilst I am not disposed to encourage regimental organi zations of cavalry or artillery, they being unnecessarily largo and expensive, I regard separate or independent troops and batteries of those branches of tho service, attached to brigades or divisions, as highly important. , $lO 4215 42 The quota of arms duo Pennsylvania has been drawn from tho General Gov ernment.- This amounted to forty-five hundred breach-loading rifle-muskets and accoutrements, with a proportionate supply of tho proper ammunition. These have been distributed, as provided by tho fifty-seventh section of act of May 4, 1804. in such manner as in my judgment “will most effectually subservo tbo military interests and necessities of tho Commonwealth.” As heretofore stated, all tho State military departments created during the war have been merged into that of tho Adjutant General. That department is now the depository of all our military records, tho importance and value of which aro constantly indicated by tbo daily applications of officials of tho General and different State governments, of attorneys and agents, of soldiers them selves, or their • representatives, for certificates and exemplifications. Tho Adjutant General is also tho responsible custodian of all the property belonging to tho Commonwealth. I, therefore, recommend that hia depart ment receive the favorable consideration of the Legislature, and the continuation of such • appropriations as may bo re quired for its efficient administration. hilitaux-histoky The Legislature, in 1864, passed an act authorizing the Governor “to appoint some competent person to prepare a military history of Pennsylvania volun teers and militia,” who had been or might thereafter bo in the Held during the war of the rebellion. In conformity therewith, my predecessor appointed Pamuel P. Bates, esq., to perform this difficult and responsible undertaking, lie commenced the task with Zealand industry, and has prosecuted it with ability. The work has proved to bo far more extensive, and required a much greater amount of labor and research than was at tirst contemplated. Four largo royal octavo volumes, handsomely printed and substantially bound, have been produced, and the fifth, and last | volume, will bo. completed before the first of Juno next. The boob, itself, affords the best commentary or criticism of the manner in which the author has dis charged his duties. It puts.in concise form and perpetuates the most important portion of our history, which otherwise would have been forever lost. Hereafter it will bo invaluable to the Common wealth. RIGHTS OF FRENCH CITIZENS. By the seventh article of a Consular Convention between Franco and the United States, signed February 23, 1833, it was stipulated that the citizens of the respective counties should mutually have the same rights to hold real and per sonalostate, and to enjoy and transmit the same.- My attention has been in vited to this subject by a letter from Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State of the United States,.dated May 9, 1870, enclosing a copy of a communication from the Minister of Franco to the United States, resident at Washington. That letter, accompanied by-said seventh article, and a copy of my reply thereto, (marked A and 11,) are herewith-sub mitted' to the Legislature for informa tion, and with the recommendation that the subject bo carefully considered, and such action taken thereon as will make the statutes of the State conform to our obligations under the provisions of said convention. NATIONAL CEMETERIES. On tho first of July, 1870, an act of Congress was passed amendatory to the act, entitled “An Act to establish and protect National cemeteries,” approved February 22,'1807. The object of these laws is to place undcr'tho National Gov ernment tho management and preserva tion of these cemeteries, ami to secure the consent of tho several Slates in‘whicl» they aro located. This consent has al .rondv.hnnn crivpji as_Jii the r.nmoti'v,., «* Gettysburg, by the act approved. April 14, 18G8; and tho National authorities now ask for tho same action by the State as to tho cemeteries at Glonwood, Lebanon, Mount Moriah, Odd Follows, and Woodland, in Philadelphia; and also those at Harrisburg, Pittsburg and York. Copies of a communication on this subject, from tho Secretary of War, and of the act of July 1, 1870, (marked C and D,) are herewith transmitted, with the recommendation that the consent of the State *bo given, in compliance with the laws of tho United States. The objections heretofore existing to fho payment of tho appropriation for tho use of tho Antiotara cemetery having been removed, tho sum appropriated has been paid over to tho treasurer. IMMIGRATION, In accordance with a rpquest to that effect, I submit, for your consideration, a copy of tho proceedings of tho National Tramifrration.Coavf»uJ,iaa-_/’ m.'u-k/id.J.JVJi tho Westcni States, and was largely at tended, at Indianapolis, Indiana, on tho twenty-third of November last. The main object of the'convention, it ap pears, was the adoption of such,resolu tions as might induce tho different States of the Union to importune Congress to enact such laws as would afford immi grants, while in transitu from other lands, and upon their arrival in this country, protection against tho abuses to which they are now notoriously subr jeeted. As tl{e encouragement of immi gration, of .a useful character, has al ways been the approved policy of our government, tho .object as presented, is regarded as deserving of your attention. THIS MILFOKD AND MATAMOHAS UAIL- HOAD. About the dose of the last session of the Legislature, au act was passed and approved, entitled “A supplement to the Milford and Mataraoraa Railroad Company.” The fourth section of this enactment seems to have been, intended to take from the State, and give to the company, the ten thousand dollars bonus paid into the State Treasury annually by York and Eric Railroad Com pany, under tho fifth section of the act of twenty-sixth March, 1840. Soon after the adjournment, my attention was di rected to tho subject, and to guard against loss I caused the Attorney Gen eral to give notice to tho New York and. Eric Railroad Company that tho Stale would look to that corporation for tho payment of tho annual bonus, as hereto fore, notwithstanding the passage of the supplement referred to, I regard the lat ter as having been onactedand approved through inadvertency in tho flurry-of a closing session, and as hasty and incon siderate legislation, at variance with tho scttldU policy of the State, and highly prejudicial to tho public interest; and I, therefore, earnestly recommend its im mediate repeal, oral least so much of it as relates to the bonus. TEI.EGUAL’II LINES AND UAILUOADS. The question of tho assumption of tho control of tho telegraph lines, and tho chartering of railroad companies within tho State by the General Government, was partially considered by the Legisla ture at its last session, and is now re ceiving considerable attention. Regard ing tho Bubjectasonoof vast importance, involving the sovereign power of tho State, tho interests of corporations that aro enfranchised by it, and of our citizens who have investments in stocks and bonds amounting to many millions of dollars, I most earnestly invito your serious examination of it, and your early action thereon. GEOLOGICAL BUUVEY A reliable geological and mincralogi cal survey would bo of incalculable value to the State. Without it wo have in definite ideas of our vast undeveloped mineral wealth, and the expense attend ing it would bo utterly insignificant when compared with the beneficial results. Wo are, at present, without even a re liable map to indicate the locality, char acter, and resources of our mineral regions: And as good maps are the basis of all useful research in every depart ment of science and the arts, especially in the practical sciences of geology and metallurgy, the first slop "toward a geo logical surrey is to obtain as correct a i map us possible, if not of the entire : State, afc least of such parts thereof as are of thfc most, importance to be studied geologically. This will bo a work of labor and time, and can only bo accom plished successfully by triangulating each county separately, and from the county maps thus acquired, constructing a com plete and accurate map of the whole State.. It ia neither wise n6r just policy to delay this work because it may be more perfectly effected at some future time. There is for it a present necessity, and the time never will come when such a work can be rendered perfect Thoro can be no such thing na a final geologl- cal report. New developments in min eral resource*, as well a a additional acquirements in Scientific knowledge, wiliconatantly bo mado as long as the world exists. The goneraf voice of the business com munity and land-ownership of the State demands this survey. It is especially called for by tho oil regions, newly dis covered coal Helds, and by the iron, manufacturing, and railroad interests. £argo portions of the State remain, to a great extent, unstudied by scicntiilo and practical men. Tho old survey of 183ft •U did a good work, but it is of little value now, except in a few localities. Since it was made, wonderful discoveries have taken place, and problems of struc ture and deposit still remain unsolved, doubtless involving many ‘millions of dollars in value. Then, many of the back counties were comparatively un settled, and scarcely any openings were made in our mineral districts, except in tbo anthracite coal basins and around Pittsburg.’ Now, tho State is full of trial shafts and private explorations; extensive forests have been cleared; roads penetrate what wore inaccessible regions ; railways traverse whole coun ties with instrumental Held work ; many thousands of oil and salt wells have been bored; valuable mines put in working order; the population has advanced in intelligence and grown more observant • and enterprising, and tho skill of the geologist, iilotallurglst, and surveyor bus reached a higher degree of perfection. Posterity has its claims upon us ; and it should bo considered that whatever is done in, tho present generation is so much accomplished for tho generations that may follow. One important function of a geological survey is to preserve knowl edge "for future use. Science is cumu lative, and its advances, are slow. It must collect many facts before it arrives at true conclusions. For want of a proper bureau of statistics, and a, corps of observation and publication to collate and relate tho facts of our geology and mineralogy as they have appeared, the State has already .suffered severely/ Much valuable information has been lost, never to bo recovered; and but little, certain knowledge of past mining, ami' other scientific operations, has been pre served to govern and assist the!future SJ!n!RSP, r :. U V4oy%“atftnTSlP ized, the better will it be for tbo pros pective interests of tho State, as well as for its present necessities. HOARD OP PUBLIC CHARITIES. Under tho requirements of an act, ap proved April 24, 1809, I appointed five commissioners to constitute a Board of Public Charities, who, at all times, have full power to look into and examine the condition of all charitable, reformatory or correctional institutions within the State ; and at least once in every year visit all such as aro receiving State aid, to examine everything connected with their management, and especially to ascertain whether the funds appropriated to them are economicallyfand judiciously expended. Tho requisite number of gentlemen, possessing tho necessary qualifications, have generously consented to servo on this Board, which, is now fully organized, and the objects con templated. aro being accomplished. Early during the session their first an-, nual report will bo presented for your consideration, which will a full ac count of the extent and importance of their philanthropic transactions in behalf of the Commonwealth., i am ortno Battle of Gettysburg, painted by ordlh* of the-Legislature, has been completed. As this valuable production is tho prop erty of the State, I deem it important that you should appoint a committee, with whom I shall be pleased to co opcVato, to lake it in charge and prepare a place suitable for its accommodation. This should bo made sufficiently capacious, and so arranged as to afford an opportunity for the display of the flags and other relics of interest to the citizens of tho State, and to the numerous visitors at tho CUpital. DELAWARE BOUNDARY LINE. Tho Legislature, at its Session of 1809, passed an act, entitled “ An Act to settle, determine* and locate tho southern boundary lino of tho Commonwealth.” In conformity therewith commissioners were appointed to act “in conjunction with like commissioners on the part of the . State of Delaware.” That State, however, has failed, thus far, to make the necessary appointments. The work, consequently, remains unaccomplished, and the boundary lino is not definitely 'fixed; ’ - Under ordinary . circumstances this might npt be regarded as important; but when it is considered that there is a material difference in.tho penal codes of tins two States, and that tho code of Delaware contains certain provisions, and authorizes.tho infliction of punish ments repugnant to' all' the. citizens of Pennsylvania, serious evils may some day arißO'out of tho neglect to determine this lino. , It is impossible to tell what misfit tmuspivc, should tho ■ State t of Delaware seize upon a citizen and sub ject him to tho disgraceful and abhorrent punishment of tho pillory and tho ping pbst, Who, upon subsequent investi gation, was ascertained to have his re sidence in Pennsylvania. The injured party would have aright to demand, and we would bo compelled to grant him. satisfaction for tho wrong ho suffered. This, and other reasons, might bo urged for the immediate settlement of this question, Pennsylvania docs not desire, and cannot afford, to come into collision with the State of Delaware, riSITEHIES. The Supreme Court has decided that the law requiring tho owners of dams in the Susquehanna river to make fish-waya in tho same, at least in cases whore they naa purcuasea incir works Irom tho State, is unconstitutional and void. From this decision it docs not appear that tho State cannot have such ways constructed at its*, own expense. But this docs not seenWiadvisablo until con current bo obtained with Maryland, that Stalgfholding both banks of the Susquehanna river at its mouth and for many, miles above. Tho subject has been brought to tho attention of Maryland, tho Legislature of which State, at its last session, passed a law providing for the appointment of com missioners of fisheries, to report at its next session, which will not occur until Tho fisheries under-con sideration aro nearly, if not, quite, as much deteriorated by tho want of statu tory laws for their protection as by the mechanical obstructions in tho streams. The New England States and Now York have commenced the experiment of fish piopagation in the large streams north of us on quite an extensive scale. Their experience will bo useful to us when all obstacles arising from the divided State ownership of tho river shores shall have been obviated. New Jersey appointed fish commissioners at tho last session of her Legislature, and tho commissioner of Pennsylvania is now in treaty with them in reference to needed concurrent legislation. Tim subject is receiving careful attention in both States by their delegated agents. It is hoped that’ Delaware will join with Pennsylvania and Now Jersey in the reforms needed on tho Delaware river. 6TATK LIUUAUT. The accumulation- of books belonging to the State, by purchase, exchange and donation, largely exceeds the capacity of the cases now in the library for their accommodation. Many thousand of volumes, of great value, are necessarily stored away in such a manner as to render them inaccessible and conse quently useless. I, therefore, recommend I that tho Legislature authorize the con [CONCLUDED ON SECOND FAOK. ]
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers