JjepjJipg „lhe import or such- n hctrogcne
: mn.ttor, t.lio -Executive fre
rjuoptly finds himself Jorqcc!. into tho
.: signing ' n hiw .which )ij*
.judgment, rpjec|§,. ;pf. 'returning apothOr
whiclj ho r.QalJy.tjpproy.es,. 'Neither alter
.liafiyo, will '»grco jvii|». ii)c,‘.is in
(Strict ftcc»rduncp will) tjit* mandates of
!,ihe .Constitution. GfPat inconvenience
also refcpN to t lie people,: upder tlrtaiys
• |e«j in-'tfi.o paytji.ent of the enrolment tax
. , upon private law's.! In bills, such ns I liavb
, already described, nniy.bo found u nom
ftet of items, some taxable, and others not,
ftrtd tllo bill must bo.'cnrojle’d under its
'proper number and title, and the tax bp
paid. Oho party interested in this
•; • -^titfaltitloto• irthy pay his share,- another
do sd, and n third,-on sco.<
• . -'log' ihd nmpnnt of tho lax, concludes-
ho con live without tho law; nnd
)hus it has been no v uncommon thing for
- jpersdng to ho forced to pay tax on laws in
• wbicfi, Ihoy havo no interest, in order to
i livnif themselves of what the Legislature
hod expressly granted, Such a stale of
nflhirs |s gporcely consistent with the dig-
Itity great State, and certainly- de
)hand» on efficient remedy.
. 1 Some ofmy predecessors havo urged the
-Penferal tp chango this system
• ■Jtttd jf) several previous communications,
. | hsvo suggested tho propriety nnd justico
pf passing each proposition scpcrately; at
shast5 hast (fS for ns jhe objects 'were dissiipilar.
Ipltho eyil still exists, and f am deeply
' ifeengible qf tho difficulty which the nppii
< of n prompt arid efieotua) remedy
\imist salways nrtsept |p ths Geperal'As
fomhly, After much reflection on the
1 magnitude of this' evil—its vexatious in
- roads upon private rights, arid its dernor
>f)di?ing tendency upon tho interests of the
“lP?®pl t V a Pd-Iho more elevated purposes of
:, ff , gl9lA , ipPi I have determined to co-oper
'?tto with tho General Assembly ioftlio ap
plication of the most efficient ipcaris wlpcli
- {heif iyjstlem may devise lor its removal;
-Jiut'* in the mean lime, as a restraining
•jpart of the law-making power, I must beg
<; Jff bo indulged in claiming tho privih’go of :
.' Considering each subject of legislation
■ fOpordtPlyj and on its own merils~ns con
jemplatcd by the spirit of the Constitution.
Hebceforih, therefore, bills containing n
:Vnrje(y ftf subjects of legislation, dissimi
far in'their character and purposes, crin
-j>°l Tccpive t|)o sanction of tho present
Executive.
. Another branch of tho evil, nnd if possi
j)lo n still greater one, consists of special
Vppd local legislation. It is to this prac
jico that rye arc jnaiply ipdbjjted for on .
pnnual volume of linvs of most unseemly
• ditpensions, and for a separate codo for
pearly every locality in the State. The >
.. femedy for this must be found in the adop- 1
- lion oi a few more general jaws, ngd the I
. rigid- administration of those already iu
jyrislouco. flpecial acts, you will agree
with me, should in no instance be passed
-prhere the object can/be reached under
general laws.
■ J-i IFfia [n\v of 1791 and its several sup
■ ylemcnts make provision -for the creation
jrud amendment of corporations for litey
• pry,-charitable nnd religious purposes, aryl
jo create beccljciqry societies and firo en
> •feinc) and hpro companies, through tho in
fiiumeniality.oflho Attorney Genera! and
the Supreme Court. Tho net of the thir
ienlhof Oct. 1829, extended this power to
ifoe oourls of the several counties. The
■ pets of and 1838 make provision for
“lllB : o 5Soc i a t! 0n of individuals, through the
' instrumentality of tho. Attorney General
. htld the Governor, for the purpose ofman
• pfeGluritig trap from mineral coal. In ad
-1 tu these acts, the law to encourage
• 'pibriafneluring, passed in 1849, and Tts
supplements, provide for associations for
' purpose of manufacturing woolen, cot
a', n , n goods, or for making
»> glass, salt,’paper, lumber, oil f r om
Ufmineral paints, artificial slate, and
•jor printing nnd publishing; and the su.p
jriement ol extends its provisions, m
n modified form, to the business of mi
ttirjg of nlrnost every description.
' . a |he subject of erecting new town
ships, and igdorpornting new boroughs 1
Ilia courts have unlimited power; und in
lbo matter of selling yea | estate, ll,e prop-'
.prty.p.f riiinors by-guardjpip, ex'ecqto'rs or
r.fUAUrs.abflhg in a fiduciary cnpacity, (he
.of last session ort this subject will, in
my opinion, reach every imaginable caso
ris provisions should no! he’infringed, for
: ,h? MP-rigs to t!ie
pourt#, ■ •'
. .. Jean see no reason why the power to
p(pction houses should not be
•. ponhded to tho commissioners of tho sev-
I.counties. 'I heso otSpefs arp usually
. famjl mr with the localities, ./and cun rea
- jlily delarmino what arrangement Would
pesf dubserye tho convenience of tho elec-
Jorg. lb ndditipn to the fact, which will
pot be disputed, that this business receives
but partial corisiddratiim in the Legislature
is objectionable, b'ecdriso of'the gfbm
bpace it aDnuully occupies in thb journals
pnd laws. lam awaro, however; that it
has been suggested that tho laws of tho
United Stattio i proyidd that'tho places for
holding the elections' for McipbeM of Con
gresS shall bo fixed by the Legislature bf
the several States, and that, therefore, the
ttodm view cannot bo attained. j In an
»r??. r X l '"r S Ol . 1 i" 0,ior, l '‘maybe remarked,
ihrit the Legislature 1 having in 0 -hor in
te eS Relegated'dodbtl\,l' powers, such
lK°. T! ght ,0 m «ke 'paper riiorieyV'rt ig
■ecaroely mpeehsary to raise the qOestio'n
of the r,ght to flcipgafe' a function so ex'
voressiy conferred.^
'L.'Adarge number of tho laws of the last
of special nets to m'cp.rpo
,P a , t 0 construct plank roads.
mloM 0 and pro I ,or in i,Seli i
might it seetps "to me, bo reached by a
general law,authorizing the association of
any numjwy of citizerisf to'cpristruct these
jughvyays on proper Conditions! '
comniu pibnti6ris I have held
tWUoptrme, that but" little' letfiEori of
understood by oil and tvfiliin" the Venc|i ‘» ,, n’nsJiippnd nt i'iie latter’"ns nfthe'forrnerJly strengthen the views I ovnree«n,i in r 1 , ”
of moderate meansnijd that most cer-'city. ■ 1 '" ■, I lost annual message on llm subiect nf - pnC , P 7 er ?°^ dl, J s of^ftiiinHhnt-liib 'exchange ek
tainly, whatever might bo deemed expedi- j’ So fits ns concerns the benefits to either currency. 'The dangers oftin infinted na i ' ,n " " C . l . 10 19 .engnged. - bo.tnodo q source of profit to thesintbt’b'o?!
cut should be general in its character.-‘city, indident 'to a'transhipment, the idea ! per system liasbcohSstrikSjKtf!"V7 g 7 ' P * P^
That, the Legislature nol/torol right is unworljiy'of notice. But the-effeetspr, ifested in iho experience of a nOmfeJ of S,| In 7 'heroloro so deeply inter- interest can be. paid alUiyTrcnsury*,, nd j
to grant special ndmduges.to one citizen 1 a break of gauge, and consequent tfftti-'tho States, and " nolhini* in ! ”°* m r^ e^ nt ,o the,merits of business oLthnt department'!^
and deny tlicit) to unqther; nnd I have, shipment oust to Erie, pp.on the business;my opininp, saved, our own nfotroDofis Iwhllv7*' en ? r S|P B pipre sipiplc apdsale.' 7 \
declined to approyo any het on this;sut,. 'qf/hat harbour,must bo.pui T .ly«ing,'if not and probably other paVts oS!S 1' •. 1 bo financ.ul yepr ctommeheesh^d"cii,
jcct, whefe ihu pornorators wero not made; fi>tiil. It would virtually rc.quiro shipments tho'consequence's of ti severe contraction the wnv '”r^L hll *ri» Cen *. n Y5 om n l,sh ®^.-• In • 8 .??-°& n h^ ust d ; , J , and
ll.aEe in.theif ind.v.dual estates for tlieitq tornado cither.at Cleavelond or Buffalo, of the curJdhcy f humour vJ? nericuffl SU R 7• ! 'f 9 te » oro ;'W ro P™^
|4ebts of tho corporation.. Scarcely less embarrassing would this nr- ; h»d mineral productions, and thoESfiv iJSSf c! ' t;ri8 I l,ed W inat any system Julie, The effect of <hu»hrrangcmchtiiS[
No clearer evidence, it seems to me, rnngcment bo .upon the interests of tho high prices which these command in for 'thmui-hm7 1 edu( j“ tlon > “ r,d b y , lho ox ' beget confusion |n ilia business of'fhnjsff
canbo furnished io show Hint much of Sonbury and Erie road, or any other nvc oign markets. jtmguishment of doubts as to tho ui.l.ty, of;. vernj departments of goyernmebi. IridJ
this special legislation is sought, and is, mm-that may I,ereader connect the Jukes I h avo alwnvs held ,l,e ° P rocl . ,cnbll "y> ofnpptyng tho'so completely tli.s the cdso, ytKdt
j valuable oply becnusp.it is special, l|u.i, isjwiili the oily of Philadelphia, •' our cWtrv ikn ell Id ‘ I,Q lloclr , ,n .°- "». nt gW. 1 * 1 - 88 of se ' o " cc t 0 the business of ,qu.ie* imp o ss,b(e jbr-a person not (uniifii?
found in its own Ipsiory. It will bo re-1 It nin vbe that neighborin'' states nos ourcnMn / y ’ hlto *»•> others, must havo a forming. - . i.witli the subject to comprehend tlioif oho!
membered by pony of you, that during tossing similar natural advantages' w?utd JishtedT’* n,ld ' v . hlls, .> tlicroforc ’ MMllmt theso. principles can bejation,. -I suggest Jhc.propriety o f£
the ndiinpistrutioii of Governor Sliunk, give them nway-for 6ur benefit,’but' I have baril-lL mfffn excoss,vo ,n ? ronso of so-applied, lam gratified, to.pcrccivo is mencing tho focal year for all purposed
numerous applications wero made for spe-i not been able to discover any fact in their d’' WV ° not 8 ? u 8 hl *? “P* ra P ld| y gmnmg popular favor. Indeed, tho first of Decembpr..; This would b'rin?
cml acts to incorporate riiauiifiuddringipolicy, to justify such n conclusion I t ilm" i ! yB,e . m 7 ,mVO, rhnt “? experiments which-have been made in:tho Canal, Treasury,'School and Audf
companies, and.that ihb Govornor refused shall await'your'nclion with anxiety “• !., , 1 ,. ut ,h . c w,t ° r man could de. this country nnd in Europe, clcprly cstnb- tjng Dcpartmetns into harmonious nctidii'
to give his assent to their passage. In! The subscripiions of iho cities of Phila ,\ ' 'i’u b “ l| , e . vcd * nor 18 “ pr°b a ble that isb ihc utility of scientific farming, and in and rcndcriheir'operatioriSconcurrenttini
1849, a general law to encoutago• monu- ideiphia and-Pittsburgh to the stock ofthe , nQ f S Ql l ««- paper aystepi, enjoying both : ‘ ho necessity for such n,system is simple. , . •
fncturing, liberal in.its 'provisiorts,' was {Pennsylvania railroad, and tho nromnt ,0 ?‘ % P c ” on P° of,ho P«8o»t ago-and pos- manifest, I have nem-felt willing to see our fun
adopted, and you will bo astonishod to 'payment of the interest op tho snmo to •, s s 110 v . a , s f amount of com now in px- A proper understanding of llio constitu- damental law changed for light onlpjjblfijl
learn that nt this tinio tlio'renre not a doz;-, 1 gather with the fiatlerinc prospects of that ,slcnc °> would I,av p entailed this evil upon ont elements of the soil—tho influonco. of, reasons, but I sincerely beliovo that when
en companies in existence under if, Dq- improvement, had tho effect of extending T’- - av ? lt,nnd 1,10 best wo can -theso..in tho production or vegetable mat- the proper time arrivos it will be wisd'sdtV
ring tho sessions oflSoS apd 18f>3, mucjiliho belief that imipicipql subserintions » tO . mitigate its consequences whilst it ter—tho means of maintaining theso ele- amend tho Constitution as to require that
time wqs copsumecl in the consideration i could bo'safely made to any similar cn. ? n{ ! urcs ' and ‘hrow it off by degrees. I ments in their original strength—tho tip- each law shall be passed in a separntp bill
of'special acts'to incorporate mining com-Jtorprizu—that- such subscriptions wore in" -° Va - l " 1,0 I’pnpsylvania. system of turo ot slimulants 1 for the soil, apd tjieir and receive not less than n tnnjorilv of
panics. Near the cl'oso of the lust sesj-1 truth, what had been alleged bv some J j money,-resting on a specie basis, proper quantity of seeds, and. tho ! Votes of each House on a call of yeds
sion a general law on the subject, app|icn-j mere loan of tl)d.credit of*'the resneef’- , qs 11 l ' ) > n Ht| tho individual liability hreed a_f apimals, make up the main fea- rapd pays; to provide thiit all laws ofa
bio to nil the counties in the State except! municipal corporations and that ni»ii/\ 0 ' i 1 , ?. B, ? c hh°ldprs, is as salo as any other, tares oj.tliis system,. Tho subject will con-(public nature shall be general in. tlielV"
six, was passed, apd although this law is | principnl nor interest would over I n 7 • vastly to tho loose plan ei|isting Stittito aii.a<>recnblc, nnd I havo no douht,'character and apply to the'entire state'-,
as' favorable in -it?.'torms as the special j manded. °* SQftto of .the neighboring States, or to n .highly, advantageous study for tho farm-(that, municipal corporations, vested \viih,
acts solicited, Jjut a singlo application lias f Tho consequences of *his nlansiMc nnH ,hc of free banking adopted i.n.olh* ing community., . ’ jdtl'tho power tho Legislature could confer
been made upder it for mining purposes j ! seductive doctripo wore nromnllv er sections of Iho Union. .In my last annual message I suggested j should not have the right to become suE
andeyen in this instance operations have Ifested iq.the form of numerous n I’ • 101 any B y sle m °f banking that aulli- tno propriety pfappointingnn Agricultural jsefibora to or holders of tho slock of other
not been commenced. These are signili-Uiops for legislative authority to m, *? • I Pf 1^8 lbo emission ofsmull paper ns.nnie- Chemist, to bo pnidn modcintosalary, nnd jcorporaiions ;to interdict tliq 'creation of
cant facts, nud in my opinion will full v! bodies to subscribe to railroad 7“ i 1 ? 1 dl,,m of circulation, must entail evil copse- whose labors should bo given to the State debt for any purpose except war; to uuita
justify tho rejection of ull special nets oh'various parts of the' State The - 8 t" (] . uon f ca upon the country, has been 100 and county societies. 1 still enlortain the! some other funtldnnrv with iho Governor
the subject in tho future. I cn'n sco no'cations were invariably c oarly demonstrated by ouf own.experi-|op!mop that such anofficcr, surrounded by jin thocxerciso oftho'pardoning power '
reason why this general law should not he i plea 'of promptin'* nublie ' ■'fnoo-to ncod. elucidation by argument. It piojtcr oppor|ut|itles, could render great. In compliance with tho.provisionsorilm
extended to the balance qf the State, if the, the general prosperity nnd n J7i n P y ,S CV 7’ lherer ° re ’ ,Imt 11 19 1,10 truc Be, -vice to tbo cause of agriculture. : last general appropriation law direction
people desire,to have it; but no special laws of this Character \voro adorned l ’°l iCy i° f tluS nll(1 ° f nl ‘ lh ° Stn,cs ’ 10 rc ‘ riie "f'LV of establishing an ncricultu-j the Governor'to “sell and'convoy tho.
act to organise . companies within the [films these apply to cities and , nct -i ■■ P n P cr . cir culntion to notes of a ral college, with a uttnehod, 'State arsenal property .in Juniper slrbot
counties pot included :in tlm* general law,'their operation has been rather.nSi’ | ar8 ° Those of n small de- wherein t|«o principles of a scientific oulii- 1 in the city of, Philadelphia,’' coridilioned
cap rcceivo my approval, apd such ns nroi but when applied to counties-it h n , ’’ boni ' f,n . llOU «l'quld bo gradually withdrawn vation of the soil and manual laborin .that (that the sum of thirty thousand dollar*
now in my possession of this character, i tainly been much less so- li ill Vn l T C| f culllll0 «> ln order to make room pursuit would be joined to the usual aca- I should be obtnincd.fdr tho same, I'caused
will bo returned without the Executive 1 in somo instances and in others t„n,; m r M>° v «« accesstops of tho prepious met- domical studies, has been strongly urged j notico to be given through the press, tlm
sunctiop. jlo violent controversies hrnonfrst dm nr- i ~o m o J l^rn ! a, 'nd Australia. In yum upon.my nttcntiDH, Such an institution/sealcd pro|iosals would be received fortlia
At the dale of my last annual message, iplc, destructive to tho value ortho m.»m ' s,a V ve coins through- lund system of education, jt is believcd>'saine, and naming the minimum price and
proceedings were pending in the Supremo! pul bonds thus created Viewed 'n ' ° Ut ,fl 6 CQ " ntry > «nd induce their circuit- 1 would at the same time improve the physi- terms of said. The highest and only bid
Court of Pennsylvania, to lest thp right of ospccl, ns a mere oucsiinn nf „ vn i?r Cry - “. o . n nt P o,n^s • renio! P from tho Atlantic cal and moral condition of the professional received was!\hnt of the Pennsylvania raff
'.hoFrank ,: - ' 1 - - ' .. * u .** o* txpcuiency long as small nnnm- **nd 1 ‘ ' ’ '- ' -
tho Franklip cupal conipany ip construct
a railroad froiri t|iocjty ol'Erip to the Ohio
stalo line. Tho decision of tho C’ourt
was against the company on the main
point, and the opinion of Chief Justice
i Black sho\ys most clearly that tho con
struction of their road was without au
thority of luw, but the preliminary in
junction prayed for by i|io complainant
j was refused on the ground that the Com-
I inonweallh could not, under tho law, give !
security for costs. Tho effect of this do-' |
cision was tp place the privileges claimed j
by ific company wjthip the control of the'
Legislature. In anticipation of (his result 1
l had suggested to tho General Assembly !
tbo propriety of taking charge of these!
| valuable rights, nnd so far as might bo i
practicable, without the exercise ofan .il-!
liberal principles, render this important •
link of communication,, between the sea
board and thegreat west, subservient to the
jutprests of the people of Pennsylvania.—
Tlio subject was considered, but not final
ly disposed of.
In May last I received n communication
from the president of tho company, cover
ing the procefcdings of a meeting of tho!
j boapd of directors, in which,aflcr allusion i
[to the aqliop of the Supremo Court and 1
tho Legislature, a number of propositions!
were submitted, indicating tho willingness!
of the company to pay certain rates of'
luxation for tho unrestruined use of the
road, .until after the coming session of tho
Legislature, or until that brapciiof gav
ernnient should act on the subject. Belie*
ving tlmt l had np right to make conditions
with the company, or even to receive tho
money which they were willing to pay, I
declined to entertain the proposition. The
relations of the company toward the State
t|icrcfofc, |iavc undergone no change since
the" adjournment p.f (ho last Legislature,
except that the Atto.rney General has re
cently taken measures to obtain a final de
cree in the plea for nil injunction nnd by
writ ofe quo wafrdtito to reypfce the fran
chises claimed by'the company,
Recent occurrences at tho city of Eric
evince un intensity ofVecling amongst the
people, seldom equalled on a question of
this kind, indicating nit only tho propriety
but necessity, for prompt and decisivoleg
(slatlye nqtion, as to the rights of this com
pany, '
. It must be cleai- mparlial pbscr
ver,- that the Legist lever intended,
by any previous act, liorize tho con
struction of a railroa' cen the city of
Erie and the Ohio. lir idecd, the high
est judicial . tfibupul State has ex
pressed the opinion, that, no such author
ity can bo found in the' charter of the
Franklin canal compnny ; and, in my
opinion, the grant should hereafter bo
made on such conditions only, ns will pro-'
tect atjd advance the interests of the pco-l
plo orPennsylvapia, sq.lar ns they may '
be involved in the subject. so happens 1
that Pennsylvania holds the key to this I
impoifant link of connexion between l|io[
East nnd the West,' and mp.st unhesi
tingly say, that u'jiprn no principle of upi-i
ity or commerce is to be violated, it is the
right and the duty of the to turn
her natural udvuntages to the promotion ■
or tjto views uh(l \vclliuo of her own pep-'
pie.' " j
Lj|] a y be said that a restriction that
would require a break of railroad gauge
at t|io harbor pf Erie, woqld be t|ic use of
an illjbornl princip|e. 'j’jio answer is, that
■l l ° n c for a bronof guago between [
tho Ohio hpc and tho sen,board exists, ns!
difference in the width
or t|ie New York nud Ohm roads. Tbo
only question fo'settle, therefore,- relates
to tho point nt wjpcli'it sjiouhl - occur. I
have been able to discover no reasons,
lounded in public policy, whv the break
shouid bo fixed at Buffalo, (hat do not op
ply; with equal; forcq jn luvor of Erie.-
tonnage and passengers can bo,ns \yell
the experiments ntrr>nrt„ . n » I Clues so 10115 us small paper is permitted
to n r ould r tQ.exist, irno.es of the denomination of
subscriptions- indeed 11 iv? “Y ' fivc do,lnrs were withdrawn from tile clmm
in sayino- that the ave’rsinn77’° ICBl . tn,lon ncls of circulation,'the vneum thus created
£& r U '>= m pWly aoppliert »iU, e oH n„J
peciully. its extension to coumiS i,J sbee ' B ‘ lvP . r ’ f , TO W‘ h I ,lloso ° 1 a Sinter
greatly strengthened by this experience • no > lnr> ' y alu ° r . .^ u f 80 *?Pg 08 ‘h's pnper
and wo should now it ,* rienco ’ medium is permitted to. circulate, it willbc
prudent people, profit by this Sand ™P rnc r ,ic “ b ! 0 *?. i n the general diflu.
avoid the practice in lli/f m ii “ B , |on °- f co,n ” ho-paoplo inquire why it is,
doubtintr tho nollnv'nr «?, n "I’ - vays ‘hat with (ho vast increase of gold so, little
jT&Stt?j£-S&!SR “«*“•; Tho nnswer is, thnl bank „o,c
them I have not fnt, S always lntorvcne. Tho trader, merchant
tho Executive ° m‘crp°se and others retain, tho coin and pav out the
judgment of tho r V ° 5' Sf l ,nst tl,a P n P° r > nad tho only remedy is to'ho found
in ,i»n ; p p t d x / m, tcmovd -° r ■ <4- ,?<»» *
iudeo for riti™,’* nf n I ■'?“% I P cr h°P s i 00 princtplo applicable to l|us
ona subject relating morn!'Y Y -° C£ " ty j question, better settled, than that' which'
niarv iniLresis ? Merely to their pecu-, proves that two kinds of,currency, differ-
SSSS& ’"*» ° r fey? ™;>'“v' v VI ”»■ ?‘^vr'r-
In a edmmimin S“d . , I The least valuable will ccr ninly bo obtru-
General Asc lw n M T 5 5! tliej ded, whilst the more precious will be dis
d, n emarl d < U ., r , C ; 011 The gradual withdrawal of the
are identical,'but when applied to the peo- r 1 , v y oul M not, nbwever, ho understood as
pie of a county, it may not bo so On the ‘ av ° nn o Q vcr y sudden alteration in 6ur|
contrary, it may prove most unjust and B >' Btcm of currency, regarding, l,do, all j
oppressive—suhjeciing the pcopto t 0 bur- Vl ° cnt ctia ?6 c3 pohey of govern
tltensin the shape of taxes for tho con ! nc, . lt as UD J ust and oppressive. All the
struction of public improvements, from . busin . es3 arrangements of tho country nrc
which they may never realize benefit di- - cd U|lon P rcscn ‘ plan, and it is so
reel or remote.; Thepcopio in ope scc’tion m "' r " r ov t en , .' vith the general afiiiirs of life
of a county may derive valuublo advan- “ s forbid Us rapidaWjthdruxyal. Rut the
tages from tho construction of a public hPgmmng should bp made, apd wc should
work, whilst those of another section P re P arc lo - throw ofi'a system which will in
equally taxed lor the payment of tho in- urc * lo a greater extent, perhaps, than in
tercst and principal of the debt, socontrac- !‘° P ast > re ndcr oyr country tributary to
ted, may possibly realize no benefit nt all ’ , rlvals > at ' d make our people “hewers
It is to these effects that may bo attributed •• wo ,, n " d drawcra ef water to other no
tho violent contests that havo grown up in t10 ," 3 ' ,- ot . reform in tho political
certain counties, to which the principle * )0 icy °* 11,8 nal ' on >. I sincerely believe,
has been extended. 1 ■ 'V°uld have, such a direct tendency to pro.
In the State ofOhio, where this daimer- m °‘ e "" real in . torCsls of-‘ho. Amcri
ous practice also prevailed, : a constitutTon can ,f ,eo ( l A practical, safe and efficient
al prohibition has been deemed necessary" ? .°- mg put this work, is to be
by the people, and municipal subscriptions [ , 111 adual ,^ extinguishment of
ennnot now bo made, even with the assent j bank notcs ofa smalldeuominatien.
of those nfleeted by the measure. Tho ex-1 Tl >is rcfornrii however, to be complotp,
perieneo of that Slate, as Iratvo learned,! ? nd 10 g* vc the pcopio, the full benefit of
was alike against the practice of making ’ ls salutary cflects upon our commercial
improvements in this way, and that in the °P ora, ‘ on3 w ‘ l h other nations, must be
end, it became inefficient, through tho dis- c °mm°n to the whole country. The ef
positiou of ; capitalists and others to rely I f° rls °f a single member of tho confedcra
nlono upon municipal. corporations for Iho » however, thorough and wcl| directed,
means of constructing public improve* I can ® c Wovo but partial success.- : Even in
rnents. lam decidedly of the opinion, a P°ipt of view they can scarcely exr
that q similar decision would and should I erc * sc a controlling influence. For in
hernado by tho peoplo of this State, when stanco > vneums in the channels of paper
tlie proper opportunity is presented. In circulation in ono Stato are too liable to bo
the mean time, this insiduous and dangor- su Ppi> ed by the issues of dthers, intordict
ous mode of contracting debts should° be cd f ‘hough the circulation of the latter may
guarded against with the utmost vigilance. hc» ( by positive law. T|ieso considerations
1 shall indulge the hope, that all futuie have suggested the.importnncoof n simul
applications for legislation of this charnc- ‘ Qnc oUs action of tho Slates on tho subject,
ter may bo rejected by the General As- and ‘‘ hos occurred to my mind, tliut a
sembl v.; . convention of each, appoin*
t r *‘ * 3 my duty 1q inform, you t|mt $528,- ‘ ed hy tho respective legislatures,-might bo
35,1 of the relief issues of May* 1841, are a g° od mode of directing public attention to
stjll inexistence, nnd cohtinuo to pollute ‘ho subject, and securing efficient notion,
the channels of circulation. Under! tho ' In the mean tjmo, our State can take tho
pi nv'Mops of the act ot April last, $121,. lead in this work, as she can also carefully
°i 'heso hotos of a less denomination restrict the evil tendencies of the present
mwhll do!US,mvo h ec n cancelled, and! system, by confining the amount of bank
who e amount can this law, bo|ing capital, asabasfs of paper issuestotho
ultimate y cxtmguisjied. But the process!lowest point consistent with the demands
nor P f pid 03 wns nnheipated, of legitimate, business. '-1 believe the
- 1‘ sulficiep lyso tomeotthedemands amount tyo now havo comos up to this
tporefoip, that he law hp so amended ns people requito that it-should-not bo in
to make a theduty of ths Stato Treasurer creased. - -. .
l| me l,‘o timeas nearnsprac- Eflbrts, extensive,energetic, and highly
ticuble, t|io amoupt, m 1 relief notes, ncces- commendable are being made in ull parts
sinking S I'nlso‘re' f °‘ t -‘° , c6untr * v to ndva »co thb interests of
ne of thonct of Am-i U V°' ?S“ cultu . re > hy ‘he dissemination of correct
pern 01 me net ol Apr I 10, 1840, author* mlormation concerning this nursuif
r/.inglhe re-issue ofthis currency, u. , ( and in. this way bestow upon“Thmf.Sr’
iho occurrences of tne past year great-' the blessings ef a scientific, ns Well up a
tperpnntilc classes, and promote the; road coropar.yj'naming tho sum'of''thirty
social and intellectual attainments of the; thousand dollars. 'JTci;o‘l)ciug riq'oiljffp
agriculturalist, mechanic und laborer in j bidder, the property \yas accordingly con
addition to the vast benefits it would con-j voyed to that company. °
fer upon the pursuit of tho farmer. These j Tho purchase of another suitable lojt
considerations, and others which willdoubt- j and the erection of a now building, pfe.
less bo presented by the advocates of tho jsented ri service of greater difficulty, tha
proposed institution, will comrpcnd the law- restraining tho entire cost to the price
subject to your favorable consideration.— (obtained for tho oh] properly. deemed
It is believed that such an institution can J it proper that military gentlemen of Phils'."
Uo successfully organized under tho auspi. dolphia should be consulted, ns to tho lo-
CCS *°i •* | C I > ni ! co .d n, y societies. cation of the now building. Tho general
• A-highly useful institution has recently wish appeared to bo tho selection of a con
been orgunized at Philadelphia, undor the trnl site, and nt the same time the erection
auspices of liberal and patriotic citizens of of a building of greater dimensions ana
that city and vicinity, in pursuance of an cost than the net seemed to codtemplato,
act ortho lasi session named “Tho Poly-1 Recently, however, negotiations have
technic College of Pennsylvania,”in wliich been started for the purchase of a lot of
j the education of youth in a practical knowl- ground, which it is believed will answer,
icdgo of mining, mnnutacluring and the the purpose, and givo general satisfaction
mechanic arts is united with tho literary ns to location. 1
studies. Surely, as much can be done to Tho Attornoy General, ns required bv
[impart a .practical understanding ef the 1 an net approved the 19th of April last, has,
0r ihe r nirn,or - tna.de diligent efforts to dose the claims of
Vyithm a few years past tb.o general tho Commonwealth ngainst defaulting,
government has expended a (nrgo sum of j agents and public officers. The result of
ptopey in the constructiop of a dry dock t his labors will bo communicated to you at
at the l hiladelpbia nnvy yard, with a, rail- an early dnv.
wny attached, to facilitate the operation of In accordance with the 55th section of
rutsiug and repairing vessels. A survey the appropriation law of last session, f
° L- 1 u • > va,e r * ver _bas also been made, nppointcd"Gcorgc Blnttenbcr«or, Esq., to,
" justifies tlio opinion that there is a superintend the removal ofeertniri obstruc*.
sufficient depth of water in its channel to tions out of the “raft channel in'iho Sub
admit vessels of a large class with 1 entire 1 quehanhn river, nt Brubaker’s islands Ho
safety. The location of this yard, on the has caused the work to bo completed in a,
bank of tho Delawnre, |n the southern pa,rt satisfactory manner, at a co3t 0f8247 50,
of the county of Philadelphia, accessible leaving 8102 50, of tho appropriation un*.
Iromnll points, siirroundcd by a vigorous'expended, in tno treasury.
and flourishing population, and blessed with | I deem it proper to rcinnrk in'this con-,
a healthy climate, gives to it advantages inection, that there arc obstacles in tho way
not surpassed by those surrounding the of the descending navigation l at various
navy yards of any other section of the Un-' points in that stream, tho removal oCwhich,
ion. Thcio- is, then, no reason why it! by die stale, would be but nn actof justice,
should not receive a full share of the pat- 1 to those interestod intho navigation, in
ronago from tho government. Why it has j view of what they have suffered in person
not beep so favored,! shall not at this time, al comfort and pecuniary profit, itvconsc
ttllempt to leurh, but that tho fact has been i quence of the construction of tlio public
the cause of regret arid complaint amon"! works. r
tlm people of Philadelphia and other parts The numerous accidents that have oc
ol'the State, is a circumstance which enn- curred on tho railroads of the country 1 dtt
not bo disguised. No considerations ofl nng'tho pa6t season—the consequentdes*
public interests; which I havebeen able to! Iruciimi of human life and property ; tho
discover, Would sccrq tp demand this poli- '■ difficulties that have surrounded all efforts.
=y-. N°ming, in my opinion, is gained byito trace these casualties to their true cause,
it m econo.my, efficiency or sKill in tho and to impose upon the delinquents just
construction of vessels. ■ The materials fori responsibilities, have suggested the neces-'
l l'’ s ;h c .a s conveniently nndjsity for more specific laws on the subject;
cheaply procurca'ut Philadelphia nsat any! al >d I respectfully recommend the mea-'
Other point in tho country, and her me-'surc to yoitr favorable notice. Itisbelie*
chantcs stand as high 03 any others in red that much could ho accomplished for
point skill and efficiency in nil the j the security of railroad travel, by addition
branches of. this business, nnd pro-eminent | a l precautionary measures in the direction,
intho eonstructipnofstcammachincry.— lof passenger'trains. Our state, it is true,
I feel justified, therefore in entertaing tho j has not boon the icone 'ofso many of these
hope that n more equal distributioh of pat- disasters as someotliors; but this may not
ronngq shall hereafter distinguish the uc- ho tltecase when speed shall bo grcntly'ia*
*- ‘tpptxftcncnt at Washington. creased, aa is'contemplated by Some of
[ r , . con . 3 9hdation of tho city nnd county < our rail road companies. I i
,of Philadelphia into ono municipal govern* j Whatever relates to tho cause of educa-,
j m^n 7 a s , l,l ’i°,cnliat wijl.bo pressed up. | tion—to tho moral and social condition of
on your corisulprailon during the present! •ha people, or to: the amelioration'of ho*
session., vyiil|out desiring tqexpress' an’man suffering, should command'dfclibor*
opinion on the the policy of the measure, }utc consideration. 1 All our educational,
I may sny, that I regard it ns involving!benevolent, charitable and 1 reformatory ,
vast cohsideriitipna connected with the web I institutions are, thoreforo commended to,
fure of our metropolis, ami consequently yout special care,. • - . i
to the state at large, nnd ns such it should, The state Lunatic Assylum, : situate |
as I hnvo noI’doubt 1 ’ doubt jt will, command within a milo of tho capitolj is now insuc* I
prompt and anxious consideration. ! cessful operation, and in u most flourish*
I have long believed that tho loans of mg condition, realising'to tho fullest ex- I
the sfato should: be consolidated into three [ taut the sanguine expectations of its nmia- 1
or four classes, ‘and bo under the direct hie and benevolent 'founder; aud it' is but 1
cpntfbl dftho'iteasury.department nt flar-ijust to its accomplished superintendent to I
cftshtirg. The books are now kept at tho say, that Miss Dix'regards'its present or* |
Bq^nlt'of Pennsylvania, where tho loans ganization nnd matlagemerit as'eminentlyi-1
aro v trdhsfe»TedV ra-issued and cut up into 1 proper and skilful. Upon this institution
apy. slinpo to suit tho wishes of tho holder; the state has already bestowed tho sum of
lor Avliicfi service that institution is cluihri.f $206j49D,’ and a smull sum may still bo’:, f f
mg a- hfcavy yearly compensation, ; Thcro! required to place it in a condition of perfect-' U
,would he rib - difficulty jwhatiever,’ lam self-reliance:'' . - i %
I new coupon bonds I By tho act of April 7,;1853, was incor* j
| lor tlio certificates Of-loan how outsfund* porated tho “Pennsylvania tinining.school ijy
,n ?.’ u ri ?S°. ex ? cn ®'°h of tlio! for idiotic nnd feeble-minded chilareh.”—" 3.1
maturjtj'eff tpo lon'nsjr at''a cost of : n fcvv'To this humane abd ,bendy,pfonf purpose- |g?
ihousttnd 'lrideed 'Oh this point 1[ t the Logislatufp,• with thejiberality' whitsjl-'
■il.
,J J