GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.
7o tin Senate >ul FFouse of ReprtstrUafivtS of the
Comnomcealth of Pennsylvania.
Fellow Citizen's :—The Legislative branch
of ihe Government meets under circumstances
calculated t" produce emotions of deep grati
tude. The events of the past year cannot fail
to afford assurances of the continued mercy of
the Almighty Father of the I'niverse, and of the
Mess tigs He tias dispensed to the people of this
Commonwealth. \S bile in other parts of our
country, and in distant lands, pestilence has
mode fearful ravages, leaving in its track the
wretchedness of destitution and the tears of
crushed affections: a healthful climate, in the
disposal of a righteous Providence, has preserv
ed the citizens of the State comparatively free
from the miseries of the destroyer. During a
period of war, famine and civil commotion in
the old world, bringing in their train desolation
and want; blighting the iiopes, paralizing the
industry, and ruining the prosperity of the peo
ple : our beloved Commonwealth, in union with
others under the National Constitution, has en
joyed the delights of peace, and her citizens, in
the exercise of industrial pursuits, have found
contentment and competence. To the Author
and Guardian of our being, whose beneficence
caused all things to work together for our good,
our reverence and gratitude are especially due.
The recent efforts for the establishment of li
beral puhtical institutions in Europe, have exci
ted in the people of this country, the warmest
sympathies. The conflict between the oppressor
and the oppressed, whatever may be the inci
dents or results, having for its object a govern
ment capable of protecting and extending poli
tic il and social liberty, must be regarded by the
people of the United States with the deepest
solicitude. In the enjoyment of institutions
which recognize the inherent rights of man, and
are founded on the acknowledged principle that
all political power is a trust to he exercised for
the benefit of the citizen, they cannot witness
the struggle between despotism and freedom,
without ardent hopes and sincere prayers for the
triumph of liberal and enlarged justice. It is
impossible to behold a people long the subjects
of tyranny and oppression : enlightened by our
example, and solicitous for equal enjoyments :
rising up beneath the burthens v hieh centuries
have heaped upon them : casting aside the rev
erence for power and the pride of regal splendor;
looking forward to the establishment of human
rights : to the elevation of the moral and social
condition of society : and placing their lives and
fortunes on the hazard of a struggle for these
objects ; without, on our part, au earnest, an
anxious desire that they may succeed. That
struggle has been unsuccessful. The arbitrary
governments, in whose midst the noble band of
patriots erected their standard, have succeeded
with their immense force in maintaining tvran- :
nical authority, and the brave men who fought j
for freedom, have either perished under the bar
barous exactions of despotic will, or they wan
der in foreign lands, exiles from homes that no
longer aflord security. It is not the policy of
our National Government to mingle in the con
troversies of foreign nations, nor is it desirable ■
tnat it should, by acts of hostility or friendship, :
break up the commercial relations which exist
for mutual advantage ; but it is, nevertheless, 110 j
violation of international law to enter our so- j
iemn protest and warning, against acts of cruel- j
ty and barbarism upon heroic men and defence
less women. It is no wrong for our government •
to unite with others, in the expression of indig
nation against tiie violation of national faith and ]
national law, involved in the demand, for an
guinary purpose*- of the brave defenders of hu
man rights.
The consideration of the Legislature :s re
spectfully invited to the financial condition of
the Commonwealth.
The present funded debt is a- follows
6 per cent, loans, $3,041,022 51
5 per cent. do. 37,336,716 00
4.' ? per cent. do. 200.000 00
530,577,739 41
Unfunded debt, to wit:
Relief notes iu circu
lation (without in
terest) $653,164 00
Int't certificates out
standing 179.422 91
" " unclaimed 4.44*; 38
*' or, certificates to
be added when the
same shall be fund
ed or paid 11.201 34
Domestic creditors(en
settlement; £5,104 8%
033.434 51
Amouiitof canal, railroad and mo
live power debts, contracted
prior to Dec. 1. 1848, So unpaid
by the appropriations of the
last session, 63,230 53
Total indebtedness of Common
wealth, Dec., I'-10, $40,574 413 45
The funded debt on
the Ist December,
1848, was $39,303,350 24
Unfunded debt, 1.081.386 69
Amount of canal,
railroad and mo
tive power debt,
contracted prior
to Dec. 1, 1848, 367.642 38
540,842,379 31
Amount of public debt paid dur
ing the year 1849, exclusive of
the sum paid commissioneis cf
the rakme fund 267.965 80
Amount paid during the year lc-40
to the. commissioners of the
sinking fund 227,513 53
Amount appropriated during the
year 1849 toward payment of
public debt $495,479 39
In exhibiting the operations of the Treasury
for the last fiscal year, the stun of $130,000, bor
rowed on special loan for the avoidance of the
Schuylkill Inclined I'lane, arid included in the
aggregate of the public debt in December, 1849,
should be added to the above stated sum of 495,-
479 39.
The amount of receipts at the
Treasury during the year end
ing Dee. 1, 1819, is ' $4,433,688 65
The amount of expenditures dur
ing tne same period, is 4,084,771 80
Balance in the Treasury on (fee.
1, 1848, " 577,290 39
'• " " " 1849, 926,207 24
Imourit paid to commissioners of
the sinking fund to Jan. ]-t,
1850, $227,513 53, with which
was purchased of the funded
debt, and transferred to the
Commonwealth 2.53,500 00
.'.Difference between the indebted
ness of the Slate on the Ist Dee.
1848, and Dec. 1, 184'J 267,965 86
Total amount of public debt paid
during the year $521,465 86
Estimates of receipt- at the Treasury during
the vcar 1850
From Lands $20,000 00
Auction Commission#, 22,000 00
Duties, 50,000 00
Tax on Hank Dividends, 130,000 00
" Corporation Stocks, 160,000 00
" Real and Personal Estate 1,330,000 00
" Tavern Licenses, 80.000 00
" Retailers' Licenses, 160,000 00
" Pedlar's Licenses, 3,000 00
" Broker's License*, 12,000 00
" Theatre, Circus ami Mena
ries Licenses, 3,000 00
" Billiard Rooms, Bowling
(Saloons and Ten-pill Al
ley Licenses, 5,000 00
Distillery &. Brewery licenses 1,500 00
Eating-houses, Beer-house*
and Restaurant Licenses 15,000 GO
Patent Medicine License*. 3 000 00
" iGrnphb t Law a s>o 00
Militia Finrs 2,000 00
Tax ou Writs, Wills, Deeds, A c. 40,000
'• certain Offices, 20,000
•' Collateral Inherit mce, 200,000
! Canai and Railroad Tolls 1,825,000
j Canai Fines and sale of old materials, 5,000
Enrolment of Laws, 11.000
Premiums on Charters, 40,000
Tax on Loans, 125,000
: Inclined Plane Loan, 270,000
, Dividends on Turnpike .and Biidge
; Stock 2,000
i Nicholson Lands, 900
i Accrued Interest, 5,000
i Refunded Cash, - r i,ooo
' Escheats 2,000
j Fees of Pubic Offices, 2,000
: Miscellaneous, 2,000
j Interest on Stock purchased, 15,000 00
$4,566,300 00
; Estimated payments during the year
1850 :
!To Public Improvem'ts $611,000
Expenses of Government, 235,000
' .Militia Expenses, 4,000
j Pensions and Gratuities, 20,000
| Charitable Institutions, 80,000
[ Common Schools, 200,000
j Interest on Loans, 2,005,000
I Guarantees of Interest 32,500
j Domestic Creditors, 10,000
Damages on Public Works, 20,000
; Special Commissioners, 2,000
j State Library, 2,000
| Pub. Buildings and Grounds, 2,000
I Penitentiaries 15,000
j House of Refuge 5,000
Nicholson Land®, 300
j Escheats, 2,000 "
Abatement of State Tax, 40,000
j Counsel Fees it commissions, 2,000
i Miscellaneous, 5,000 "
Inclined Plane, Schuylkill, 270,00(1
! North Branch Canal, 150,000
Coiu'rs Sinking Fund, 293,000
54,034,800 00
j $531,500 00
The foregoing estimated balance in the Trea
' surv, at the end of the fiscal year 1850, would
I appear to justify the appropriation of forty
thousand dollars toward the completion of the
Western Reservoir at Johnstown, as hereinafter
recommended. It would also authorize the ap
propriation of a sum not less than $300,000, in
addition to the amount already appropriated, to
be expended in the completion of the N. Branch
canal.
The Legislature at its last session authorized
the re-issue of the relief nctes then in circula
-1 tion. and suspended their cancellation for three
j years.
j The amount of the whole issue now
I ( outstanding is $653,164 00
The amount paid into the Treasurv
and supplied by a new isue is 443.537 00
Balance, $209,627 00
The above balance has been destroyed, or has
failed to reach the Treasury during the year.
These notes, the redemption of which being am
ply secured, and aflbrdiug a safe and convenient
local currency, have the confidence and favor of
the citizens. It is therefore recommended that
authority be given to the proper officers to keep
them in good condition, by a new issue, iu lieu
cf uch as may become mutilated and defaced.
In addition to the suggestions made to the last
Legislature on the subject of the monicd affairs
ot the State, it is deemed proper to call your
attention to the fact, that a portion of the funded
debt is over due—a part bearing an intcre-t of
six per cent.—and a part falling due in the year
leso, as follows :
The amount of five per cent, funded
debt overdue, except bank charter
loans, is $354,519 10
The amount of six per cert, funded
debt overdue is ] --,o 335 0€
The amount of five per cent, funded
debt failing due on or before Dec.
1, 1850. is 999 211 15
The amcunt of unfunded debt, now
due * 85,104 88
Amount demandable at the Treasury
during the year, $3,191,170 19
I Provision should be made at an early day for
arrangements with the creditors holding these
j claims. Io permit them to remain in their pre
seut condition, would not only evince an indis
position to pay our just debt's, but would also
i operate injuriously to the holders of the sio< k,
ov compelling sale* at a price below their par
value. The annual demandsupon he Treasury,
with the present means of the State, will not
| permit the payment of these loans ; and the only
practicable mode which suggests itself seems to
be the negotiation of irew loans, stipulating an
extension of the time of payment. It is believ
ed that such loans could be negotiated at a rate
ot interest not exceeding five per cent. Should
authority be given in the arrangements suggest
ed, to stipulate that the said stoek should be
exempt from taxation, the inducement# to in
vestments therein would create such competition
as would be highly advantageous to the Treasu
: ry. Justice and honesty require that these debts
should be promptly paid, or arranged to the
satisfaction of the parties interested, and am
provision which the Legislature may <le< m pro
per on the subject, will meet the cordial appro
bation of the Executive.
1 he establishment of the sinking fund, by the
appreciation of State stocks, and the consequent
increase oi confidence in the ability of the State
to meet tier engagements ; with the replacement
by a new issue of the old and defaced relief notes,
bax bad the salutary effect of enabling the Trcas
utT D* partment with slight expense iri the ex
change or transmission of means, to meet the
payment of interest on the public debt iu par
money, as also to pay other creditors of the State
in good funds. The payment of the public lia
bilities in the manner aforesaid, and the adoption
of a system to extinguish eventually the public
debt, must bring to their par value, the stocks of
the Commonwealth. It is estimated that $13,-
049,000 of the public stocks are held in this coun
try, and the addition to their value, by these
simple operations demanded alike by sound policy
arid honesty,will increase their marketable worth
in the hands of the citizens $1,950,(100. To the
efficiency of the Sate Treasurer, the Auditor
General, and other officers charged with the col
lection and disbursement of the public moneys
during the past year, is justly attributable in a
high degree these favorable results.
1 he beneficial results of the sinking fund can
not be doubled. The payment from various
sources to the Commonwealth, during the past
year have been as follows :
From collateral inheritance tax, $180,212 41
From premiums on charters, 35,969 40
From eating and oyster houses arid
restaurants, 5,867 20
4 rorn billiard and bowling saloons
anil ten-pin alleys, 2,985 50
J roiu theatre, circus and menagerie
licenses, 2,210 00
From distillery and brewery licences, 384 00
Amount received for the vear end
ing December 1, 1849, $227,629 01
The estimated payment* for the same period,
for the year ending Dec. 1, 1850, arc as follows :
From collateral inheritance tax, $200,000 00
From interest on stocks purchased, 15,000 00
From premiums on charters, 40,000 00
From theatre, circus and menagerie
licenses, 3,000 00
From distillery and brewery licenses, 1,500 00
From billiard and bowling saloons
and teo-pia allejs, 5,000 00
From eating and oyster houses and
restaurants, 15,000 00
From balance in Treasury after de
ducting appropriations hereinbe
fore recommended, 91,500 00
$371,000 00
The opinion is confidently expressed thai the
estimated receipts above stated will be found to
approximate the truth, should an adherence to
the policy pursued by the last Legislature, in re
la'ion to premiums on charters, and other finan
cial measures be authorized and continued.—
Should si no Ii le the case, the above sum, at the
present rates, would extinguish upwards of four
hundred thousand dollars of the funded debt,
during the present fiscal year. The sources from
which the sinking fund is supplied must necessa
rily increase. The tax on collateral inheritance,
and on theatre, circus and menagerie licenses,
prior to the act creating a sinking fund, yielded
to the Treasury about the sum of #45,000 annu
ally. By the provisions of that act, these have
been increased to the sums above stated, and the
other sources of revenue have been created by
recommendations heretofore made to the Legis
lature.
With these means for the supply of the sink
ing fund, together with such additions as the pro
bable resources of the Treasury, from time to
time ma-v justify, it is susceptible of easy calcu
lation to determine, how nearly approaches the
period when the State taxes may he repealed,
and the burthens of the people removed. So
manifestly important are these results upon the
industrial pursuits of the citizens, and the inter
ests and honor of the State, it is suggested for
consideration whether good policy would not
require the transfer of all balances in the Treas
ury at the end of each year to the Commissioners
of the said Fund.
Every consideration that can impose itself on
a government demands the pay inent of the public
debt. The local advantages of our Common
wealth ; the salubrity of our climate—the va-.t-
of our mineral deposites—the fertility of
our soil, and the prosperity and happiness of the
people, alike require the repeal of a system of
laws, which compel emigration—prevent tiie
settlement of uncultivated lands—drive capital
from our borders, and paralyze the industry of
every class of our citizens !! Should these bal
ances remain in the Treasury unappropriated to
the said Fund, the history of the past will remind
us that prodigal expenditures will he made to
objects of diminished importance.
The subject of the revision and equalization
of the laws for raising revenue, is again earnest
ly pressed upon the attention of the Legislature.
Great injustice arises under existing enactments,
from the w ant of adequate means to prevent or
to punish individuals making false returns of pro
perty subject to taxation. The conscientious
citizen, scrupulously exact in the performance
of bis obligations to society, may weii complain
of laws which suffer the dishonest to elude with
impunity the payment of an equitable share of
the public burthens. The tax on bonds, mort
gages, and moneys at interest, is assessed so un
equally, that great reason for complaint exists
throughout the State. To remedy to some extent
this evil, it would be well to require the Prothon
otaries of the several counties, to collect trom
the Plaintiffs in Judgments tlie tax thereon as
sessed, and if necessary to compel payment by
legal process ; allowing to the officer entrusted
with this duty a reasonable compensation, to be
paid, where the payment of the tax is made
voluntarily, out of the fund, and by the Plaintiff
when the payment has been compelled by legal
process. A similar provision with regard to
mortgages, giving the Recorder the authority be
fore stated in re'ation to Judgments, would em
brace these two mtems of taxation, and would
doubtless compel the payment of a large amount
of revenue, now fraudulently withheld.
The laws subjecting to a tax the commissions
issued to officers of this Commonwealth, should
he extended to embrace commissions to non-resi
dents. The justice of taxing the citizens of the
State, and of permitting non-residents who hold
commissions under the government, to enjoy the
emoluments free fr"tn taxation, cannot readilv
be perceived.
No effectual mode has been devised to compel
the agents of Foreign Insurance companies to
make a semi-annual exhibit of the amount of
funds employed by their respective companies
within this Commonwealth. A law having an
effect of this character, is highly necessary, and
would be productive of decided advantage, in
tiie enactment of such a law, it wouid be well
to make the certificates issued to agents of said
companies, subject to taxation.
Incorporated companies of various kinds, de
riving their charters elsewhere, have agencies in
the State and transact business therein, and yet
no accurate account is taken of the money em
ployed, or of the value or profits of their invest
ments. Were the proper departments required
to make a list ol the Incorporations, and author
ity given to ascertain the amount of the invest
ments, the rate of dividends declared, or the
profits made, arid a tax was levied on such divi
dends. or profits, as well as on the capital stock
employed, a large revenue to the Commonwealth
would be the result.
W bile money borrowed by citizens, boroughs,
and incorporated districts, is subject by existing
laws, to taxation, it is not perceived why money
borrowed by incorporated companies should be
exempt from similar assessment. To make an
equitable distribution of the public burthens,
should be the especial object of the Legislature,
and care, should be taken that no exemption
should be allowed to any eiass of citizens over
another, where the property employed is the
same. Attention to the foregoing objects of tax
ation will not only increase the revenue, but is
demanded alike by justice and sound policy.
.Next in importance to the public debt, and the
eqalization of the tax's, is the management of
tiie public improvements. The vast expenditures
annually made for the repair and supervision of
these works, and the amount of revenue derived
therefrom, so materially effecting the condition
of the Treasury, render them objects of peculiar
interest. It is believed that an increased amount
of nett revenue should be derived from these
works. The enormous appropriations of the last
year for their maintenance in repairs, and to
wards the pay iuent of debts theretofore contract
ed, should have placed them in a sound condi
tion, and would authorize the conclusion that a
small expenditure during the present season
would be sufficient. In the absence of the i eport
of the ('anal Commissioners, no specific amount
for these objects can be given by the Executive.
The system for the management of these im
provements invites unnecessary expenditures,
and removes responsibility from the proper de
partment. Were the number of Canal Commis
sioners increased to five ; the State divided into
districts for the election and supervision of each
Commissioner ; the direct and immediate charge
and control of the district imposed upon one of
these officers, requiring of him the performance
of the duties now executed by superintendents
and supervisors, and stipulating for the annual
alternation of the said Commissioners, much
practical information of interest to the State
would be acquired ; a direct responsibility for
the well ordered condition of the Public Works,
and the economy of expenses would be secured ;
arid the large discretionary powers now vested
in superintendents and supervisors, in the adop
tion of plans and payment of money for repairs,
would be placed in officers directly accountable
to the people. In relation to this subject, legis
lation should be clear and specific, as discretion
ary power over the money of the citizen must
be. deprecated by right thinking men.
The method adopted in the management of the
Public Works is evidently defective. Repairs
on the canals and railroads are made in a wav to
prevent all competition. Were the several ser
vices performed by contract, and awarded to tiie
lowest bidder, giving the required security, can
there exist a doubt of favorable results "to the
public interests ;
The State does not receive an adequate share
of the profits arising from the use of the Colum
bia Railroad. The construction of the road ; its
maintenance and supervision ; and the supply of
the Motive Power, involving great expense and
risk, demand from the profits of the road a larger
return than finds its way into the Treasury. An
evil so detrimental to the public interests calls
for a speedy remedy.
It is suggested that the ('anal Commissioners
should be required to invite proposals lor fur
nisliing the Motive Power on this road, stipula
ting in detail the services to be performed, and
the nature of the security to be given. The ob
ject being to procure competition in the supply
of the Motive Power, encouragement should be
given to individuals, willing to undertake the
dutv of running one or more locomotives on the
road, whether belonging to the State, or the in
dividual bidder. Should the locomotives belong
ing to the State, be furnished to the bidders, the
eontract should stipulate the terms on which
they should be used.
The transportation of passengers should be
done by contract wHit the lowest bidder. In the
agreement, it would be necessary that the Canal
Commissioners should fix the kind of cars, and
such other details as would secure the accommo
dation of the passengcis, and faithfully guard
the public interest.
in the transmission of burden ears, an arrange
ment might as well be made with their owners,
by which the State would receive instead of the
present tolls, a portion of tlie freight charges.
The consequences would he advantageous to
both parties.
The changes in the present system would, it is
believed, largely diminish the expenses of the
Motive Power; would authorize a deduction in
tiic rate of tolls; produce an increase of business
upon the road; furnish with profitable labor
many citizens now refused employment, by rea
son of the monopoly held by the State over the
Motive Power on the road ; prevent the expen
diture necessary for the purchase of new loco
motives; save to the State the immense sacrifices
in the old engines ; accommodate the travelling
public by a lower rate of fare ; and would ad
vance the public interests by lessening the annual
outlays, and increasing the income from the road
more than
Discriminations in the tolls on the Public
Works against portions of our citizens, by means
of a sy stem of drawbacks and maximum rates of
tolls, are unjust and improper. Their labor and
property, in common with others, were incum
bered in the construction of the improvements;
their industry and wealth have for years assisted,
and continue to assist, to sustain them ; and it is
difficult to perceive upon what principle of pub
lic policy a Tariff of tolls is maintained, dis
criminating against their interests. The de
mands of trade cannot excuse a palpable wrong
of tbis character, while a reduction of tolls on
the w hole line of improvements would produce
an increase of business and secure the desired
foreign trade.
The practice of contracting debts for repairs,
and for the purchase of materials beyond appro
priations for these purposes, should be prohibited
by severe penalties. Nothing can Vie more de
structive of all accountability, or offer stronger
inducements to extravagance, than such power
over the public money. An officer guilty of an
act of this kind, violates the trust committed to
him, and should be forthwith dismissed from the
public service. Debts already contracted in this
way should be paid, for the labor in behalf of
the State has been performed, and it would in
flict an injury on those who could not have a
knowledge of the wrong, to withhold from thein
the value of their services; but immediate
measures should be adopted to prevent occur
rences of a like nature in future. A practice of
tfiis kind, authorized in some measure by subse
quent appropriations of the Legislature, for the
payment of the debts thus contracted, cannot
fail to mislead the people, and embarrass the
public officers in their estimates and recommen
dations. The large appropriations for the pay
ment of old debts, made at the last session of the
Legislature, show the extent to which the prac
tice has been carried, arid should admonish us to
guard against a recurrence of the evil. In pro
viding by legal enactment against the mischief
here stated, authority might he given to the Ca
nal Commissioners, should it te deemed neces
sary, to meet deficiencies in the funds provided
for any line of improvements; to draw from a
specific appropriation for that purpose, requiring
from thein a detailed and special report on the
subject, to the auditing department as well as to
the succeeding Legislature.
The avoidance of the Schuylkill Inclined
Plane, and the improvements connecting with
the Columbia and Philadelphia Railroad, which
are in rapid progress of construction, runs. ma
terially increase the business on that public
thoroughfare, and will render the relaying of a
portion ol th ; said iv.ad, a work of absolute ne
cessity. In the performance cf tins work,
should the Legislature authorize it,good policy
would seem tn require so far as the means of
the Treasury will permit, that one track at
least, should be laid with a heavy rail; and it
is worthy of consideration whether the public
interests would not be greatly subserved by a
location of the new track, so as to avoid the
many short curvatures on the eastern end of
saul road. Triey increase the danger to pas
sengers and freight; forbid a dispatch safely
performed rn a straight line; and require
greater force than would be necessary on a di- '
rect track with higher grades. In the event
of the Legislature authorizing the relaying of
ihe eastern section of the said road, and the
change of location before mentioned, a due re
gard to the public interests and the limited re
sources of the Treasury would seeut todcrnand.
that the improvement should commence at an
early day, and progress from year toyearasthe
revenues would warreut, until it should be
completed.
The Portage Railroad, from the completion
of our line of improvements tothe present lime,
has been a serious obstacle to the business of
the community, and the occasion of trade
seeking other channels to the Atlantic markets.
Any mode, therelbie, of lessening this evil,
must meet the hearty concurrence of the citi
zens. The sum of five hundred thousand dol- 1
bus judiciously expended, will avoid ail the
short levels, and tour of the five Inclined
Planes on the western slope of liie Allegheny.
The annual expense of maintaining these
Planes is not less than ten thousind dollars tor
each Plane, and if to that amount be added the
cost of the short levels, and the perishable na
ture of the materiils connected with these
works, with the delays and risks incident there
to, the annual amount tor their maintenance,
cannot be less than one hundred thousand dol
lars. Were these Planes avoided, and those
en iho eastern slope of the mountain repaired,
the commerce on the Public Works would be
facilitated and increased, anJ the rennsylva
ma Centiai Railroad Company, would find it
their interest tor ninny years to use it in con
nection Willi their great improvement.
During the last season, the scarcity of water
on the upper poitionoflhe Western Division
ot the Pennsylvania Canal, itiatettflily injured
the character of the Public Works, and di
minished ihe revenue trom that source not less
than (J-V),(XK). To guard against a recurrence
ot this evil, it is recommended that the West
ern Reservoir, in the construction of which, the
sum ot sixty thousand dollars lias been expend
ed, be completed. The estimated amount re
quired for its completion is #10,(100, and would !
in tiie opinion of the Executive, be a judicious
appropriation.
Ii Iris been suggested that an alteration in
the canal locks, by making them conform to
the shape of the bottom ol the boats, would not
only strengthen them, hut would be a saving
ot water. This might be affected, ii deemed
of sufficient importance, by the insertion of
wooden bottoms, in such manner as to produce
the results indicated.
Ry the reports of the Auditor General and
State Treasurer, made under the directions ol
the act ot the lOtli of April, 1840, it appeared
that after the payment of the interest on the
public debt, and the liquidation and payment
of other claims for w hicli appropriations had !
been made by the Legislature, and retaining a
reasonable balance the Treasury, the sum of
$150,000 might, with safety, be applied to the
completion of the North Branch Canal. J ac
cordingly gave immediate notice of the fact to
the Canal Commissioners, and portions of the
work it is understood, have been placed under
contract. Considered as a part of the i'ublic
Improvements, and re-commended as a revenue
measure, that work should be finished at the
earliest clay the condition of the Treasury will
pet mil. Jt should not he forgotten, that the
ptesent unfinished condition of the work, by
interrupting the free navigation of the river:
by the destruction of roads, and injury to pri
vate property, without offering any conveni
ence to the community, inflietsa wrong which
demands immediate reparation. In addition to
the sum already appropriated, it is confidently
believed that S:]((,(HWJ can, with propriety, be
given to that Improvement in tiie present sea
son ; and in the following year, provision might
be made for its completion.
While it has been deemed advisable to bring
these subjects to the notice of the Legi-dature,
considerations of sound policy, the interests of
the citizens already heavily burdened with tax
ation—and the general welfare of the Common
wealth, forbid an increase of the public debt.
The equalization and revision of the revenue
laws; —the proposed change in the manage
ment of" the Public Works, and their early im
provement and completion;—with a rio-id
maintenance of the Sinking Fund, and the con
sequent reduction of the public debt, would,
with the present resources of the Treasury,
produce in a few years a condition of financial
prosperity, justifying the conviction of the
speedy relief of our citizens from the payment
of all taxes tor the support of Government,
schools and charities.
The Eastern and Western Penitentiaries
have been conducted with skill and prudence,
and in the reformation, and security of oifen
ders, society hm derived important advantages. .
It is however worthy of senou3 consideration,
whether in the adoption of a system of solitary
confinement, the severity of the punishment
authorized by jaw, does not injuriously affect
the mental and physical vigor of the prisoner.
The frequent recommendations to the Exec
utive for the pardon of convicts afflicted with
ill-health, and mental imbecility, would appear
to require a modification of the present laws, j
It is earnestly recommended that a small in
crease of the annual appropriations be made to
the House of Refuge, and the Asylums of the
Deaf, Dumb, and Blind. These institutions,
long the deserved objects of State bounty!
have been increasing in usefulness, and jucur
ring additional yearly expenses, while the an
nua! sums bestowed have remained the same.
In the growth of population the demands on
tlie.-e Asylums must be augmented, and their
expenditures necessarily enlarged, and the
same degree of liberality awarded on firmer
occasions, would c.aim the appropriation of
larger amounts.
In the prosecution of tlie work for the Slate
Lunatic Asylum, the appropriation of a former
year has been exhausted, arid a sum of like
amount is required for its completion. Coder
the supervision of excellent and attentive trus
tees, ttie building has rapidly advanced, and is
r.ow under roof. The structure is plain, sub
stantial and beautiful; eligibly situated in re
gard to the comforts of the patients, and sus
ceptible of a finish, honorable to the State, and
useful to the community. The probability of
it: abandonment by the Legislature, cr of a re
fuaul to grant the additional sum required for
its completion, cannot be entertained by the
Executive. Too long already has public char
ity been withheld from the Insane Poor of the
State; —too long have they been suffered to
wander destitue and deserted; the jest of the
thonghtlcßP, and the victims of the profligate;
while humanity and christian be.aevoTence
claimed for them public protection. It is not,
however, protection alone that is contemplated
in this Asylum. The reports from different \
similar institutions afford the gratifying intei
igence that eighty, and in some instances,
ninety per cent, of the number afflicted, are
radically cured. In tins view of the subject.!
combining shelter and protection, with restora
tion to health and reason, the inducements to
energetic action on our part, cannot be over
looked. It is estimated that 3n additional urn
of S,)fI,(XX) will finish the building, and fit it
for 'ho reception of patients, and the same is
respectfully and earnestly recommended.
Notwithstanding the revision, bv the last
Legislature, of the laws, in relation to common
schools, the system will require modification
It does not receive from the citizens the favor,
that a sound and enlightened scheme of educa
tion deserves, and the evil must exis in the
laws which control its practical operations. A
serious defect, is the want of properly qualified
teachers It is worthy your consideration
whether the establishment of Normal schools in
the different counties would not remove this
evil. Education may well be termed the great
measure of the age. In a Republican govern
ment it is the safeguard of liberty, and enlicfit- I
ened statesmen regarding it in this aspect, !
will cordis ly co-operate to establish, to defend,
to cherish and to maintain it. The Superin
ti ndent having bestowed much thought on the
subject, will, at an early day, submit a report,
to which you: attention is invited.
The militia law of the last session is imper
fect in many of its details, and requires revi
sion. In the abolition of the mockery of pa
rades incident to the old system, and the es
tablishment of an effectual uniformed n.ilitia,
well disciplined and drilled, it has been pro
ductive of general utility. Slight moditica- 1
tioe.s of its provisions will moke it all that can
be desired. The report of the Adjutant Gen
eral is well worthy your consideration, and is
accordingly submitted.
Reports from the Surveyor General and Au
ditor General, exhibiting ihe condition of their
respective department, are herewith transmit
ted to the Legislature, and the latter will fur
nish m detail much valuable information, in
relation to the financial condition of the Coin- .
monwealth.
The duty of districting the State for the
election of Representatives, will devolve upon
you. Returns of laxables, required to be made
by the different counties, have not been
transmitted, us by law they were directed ; but
the officers charged with theduties under the
law, are engaged in their preparation, and they
will be laid, at an early day, before the Legis
lature,
By resolutions passed at the last session, the
Executive was required to transmit to certain
officers, citizens or natives of the State, resolu
tions expressive of the approbation of the Le
gislature, for their distinguished services in
the late war with Mexico. In performing this
duty, these resolutions were transmitted to
such of these officers, as, by the report of the
Adjutant General ol the United States, had
been breveted for good conduct.
Ihe resolutions for the amendment of the ■
Constitution, having been duly published ac
cording to the terms ofthat instrument, it will
be the duty of the Legislature to take such ac
tion on the subject, as tuny be most consistent
with the wishes of the people it is proper to
state, that the trpropnaiion made t. defray the
expenses of the publication of these resolution*
was wholly instiffi'ient for Ihe purpose, and
an additional sum will be required.
In the message delivered at the opening of
the late session, reference was made to the
citizen soldier, who had returned to bis home
after having earned for himself am! the Slat?
in the war with Mexico, a reputation of un
daunted bravery, patient suffering and hero c
virtue ; and the opinion was expressed, that it
was due to those patriotic citizens, that the
Common wealth should make a suitable acknow )-
edgment for these illustrious services. No ar -
tiwn having been taken upon the suggestion 1
would again call the subject to the attention of
flic Legislature. It is also proper to refer to
the recommendation therein made, in relation
to the death of certain officers of the govern
ment, and the omission in the constitution to
supply'.he vacancy. The j-uhjct is deemd
of sufficient importance to justify an earnest
hope that the Legislative action may pot be
withheld thereon.
I he practice of postponing the passage of
appropriation hills to the last day of the session
forbids deliberation, as well to the Legislature
as to the Executive, and should hereafter be
avoided. These bills, requiring care and al
tenfion to the specific items, and disposing of
large amounts of the public money, should be
deliberately examined before they obtain the
sanction of laws. Nothing can excuse hasty
and unadvised legislation, on a subject so im
portant to the pub'ic interests. It is confident
ly anticipated that this legislature wiU adopt
a rule of practice more consistent with pru
dence, economy, and sound policy.
The intimate connection existing between
the industry of the citizen, and the currency
of his country, demands for that question the
9erious attention of the statesman and lawgiver,
j In authorizing Banking or other Institutions,
1 to create a currency other than gold and silver,
it would be unfaithful to our trusts, to permit
them, for want of proper checks .and guards to
! aliow it to become less valuable than the coin
;it is intended to represent. The views ex
pressed in the last message in favor of the re
striction of the number of these institutions,
to the real business want of the people, and
refusing a renewal of Bank charters until a
thorough examination of their affairs had de
monstrated their entire solvency, remain un
changed. The tax on banking capital, exacted
by the last Legislature in the granting of char
ters, and applied to the payment ot the public
debt, has re-ulted in securing to that object a
sum exceeaing one hundred thousand dollars.
While this tax should not be increased to an
j extent which would cripple the resources of
these institutions, the present amount cannot
be considered as an unfair equivalent, for the
privileges conferred, and should therefore con
tinue to be imposed as a legitimate source of
revenue.
The laws intended to prevent the circulation
of notes of a less denomination than five dol
lars, are practically disregarded by the citizens.
In a government founded on popular opinion,
experience would teach the impolicy of contin
uing in force, statutory provisions which are
generally inoperative. The violation, with
impunity, of laws however unimportant, will
lead to a disregard of others, indispensible to
the gecurity of society. It i?, indeed, to be re
gretted that this circulation lies not been pre
vented, as much evil has been experienced by
the community from the reception of this ir
responsible paper. The amount in circulation
within the State, supplied by institutions of
adjoining .States, is estimated at not less than
five millions of dollars, and is valueless, except
in localities near the Banks by which it is is
sued. To the extent of this circulation, the
constitutional currency, and the notes of sound
specie paying banks of the Commonwealth afe
displaced. The solvency of the institutions
this paper, cannot be known to the cit
izens, and it passes from hand to hand the rep
resentative of a vaiue it may not possess, over
which our laws can have no control.
In endeavoring to eradicate an acknowledged
evil, the practical Statesman will frequently
find a necessity for yielding to popular incli
nation, and will consult the welfare of his con
stituents by striving to mitigate what cannot
tbe removed. If, as is alleged, the business op
erations of the community require a circulating
medium, other than gold and silver, of a less
denomination than five doiiars, a supply under
the regulations and restrictions of our laws,
would not be open to the objections of the ex
isting method. Were the Banks of the Com
monwealth authorized to establish agencies cr
branches in one or more places, and permission
given such brunches to issue said notes, upon a
statement in detail by the parent institution
being made to the Auditor General, satisfactory
! to the said officer, of the entire solvency of the
said Bank; exhibiting its whole assets and lia
bilities—designating the proportion of its cap
ital stock to be employed at the said agency or
branch, which in no case should exceed a grad
uated per cent age of the said capital stock;
and should deposi'e with the Auditor General
i an amount of State Stocks equal to the amount
, of notes to be issued; the Auditor Genera!
thereupon required to grant a license to said
Bank to establish said agency or branch, and
to issue said notes, marked by the said officvr
as the issue of the said branch and redeemable
at the counter ot the parent institution; a sound
convertible currency would soon displace ihe
present irresponsible paper of foreign institu
tions, and would afford security to the citizen,
without a withdrawal of the necessary circu
lation. Notes issued under the foregoing re
strictions, having their redemption secured in
the manner herein pointed out, would necessa
rily receive the confidence of the people, from
tiie fact that the stocks pledged, woul'. under
every condition of tilings, ensure their eventual
payment. In times of commercial convulsions
the specie might be drawn from the vaults of
the Bank—the means of stockholders might
fail—speculative value might be affixed to
property;—and shrewd men, watching the
signs of tiie times, could release themselves
from individual liability ; —but the stocks of th-*
Commonwealth would remain valuable and
available for their certain redemption. Had
the notes now in circulation from the banks of
the State, a basis of this character, even to a
small proportion of the capital stock < f these in
stitutions, the losses resulting trom a failure to
pay their liabilities would be largely diminish
ed. These views are presented to the Legis
lature fir the purpose of urging upon it the ne
cessity of devising means to protect our citi
zens from the losses incurred in the failure ol
Banking institutions. In any well digested
system it will afford me pleasure to co-operate,
particularly in reference to the security ot that
portion of the currency entering so largely into
the business of the producing and laboring
classes of the community.
The general Manufacturing law of the_lt
session cannot fail to be productive of decidrJ
benefit to the State and the people. Although
the time which has elapsed since its passage,
has been insufficient to test its advantages. it.
erection of large establishments in many place-,
which must soon afford employment to H,v '"
siderable number of the citizens, warrants t '
belief that its salutary eft* cts will be teit at •
di-t mt dav. ,
Representations have beeq trade tc r.'*