Lewistown gazette. (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, January 05, 1850, Image 2
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.'*