©o <2s ds>o X&o IFIE^TtSnSS'IP^IEHsnsIEIHESa
WHOLE NO. 2913.
Poor House Business.
The Directors of the Poor meet at the Poor
House on the 24 Tuesday of each month.
~~sixraDidf 5T 00.,
IB INTEGERS,
LEWISTOWN, PA.,
Collections and remittances promptly made.
Interest allowed AMI time deposits. jan23-ly.
O-EO. W. ELESIR,
Attorney at Law,
Office Market Square, lewistown, will at
tend to business in Mltflin.Centre and Hunting
don counties • mv 26
H. J. aULEBB.TSCrr,
Attorney at Law,
LEWISTOWN, PA.,
OFFERS his professional services to the citizens of
Mifflin county. Office with D. W. Woods, esq.,
Main street, below National Hotel. my' 2
LYCOMING COUNTY
Mutual Insurance Company.
Capital, $2,500,000.
THIS Company continues to issue Policies of Insur
ance on Buildings and Personal Property, in Town
or Country, at casli or mutual rates.
JAMES RANKIN, President.
JOSHUA BOWMAN, Secretary.
JOHN HAMILTON. Agent.
janl6 '67 Lewistown. Pa.
2?.. JOXIT J. DA.HLEYT,
Practicing Physician,
Belleville, Mifflin County, Pa.
DR. DAHLEX has been appointed an Examining
Surgeon for Pensions. Soldiers requiring exam
tnation will find him at ins office in Believille.
Belleville, August 22,1866.-y
DENTISTR"?.
J. SMITH
RESPECTFULLY inform the citizens of Lewistown
and vicinity, (a few doors from the Town Hall, in
Main street) that he is prepared to do all kind ot work
in the line of his protession in the most scientific mnn
r.cr—ill Whole Sets, Partial Sets, or Single IVeth in
serted on Gold. Silver, or Vulcanite Base.in an elegant
and workmanlike manner, and on the most reasona
ble terms. He guarantees his work, or no P a >'-
Particular attention paid to the extracting and filling
of teeth in the most approved manner. nov,-bm
Teeth Extracted Without Pain!
By M. R. Thompson, D. D. S,
Bv a NEW PROCESS,
without the use of Chloro
form. Ether, or Nitrous Ox
ide, and is attended by no
Office west Mark,
near Eisenbi-c's
LEWISTOWN,
where he can be found for professional consultation
from the first Monday of each month until the fourth
Monday, when he will be absent on professions busi
ness one week- sepl<Mf_
SiSo" Sa (jsisc^W&lEJSsSSla
DENTIST.
OFFERS his professional services to the citizens of
Lewistown and vicinity. All in want of good, neat
work will do well to give inm a call.
He tnay be found at all times at his office, three
doors east of H. M. A R. Pratt's store. Valley street.
apl9-ly
DENTAL CARD
IR_ 3VE. KEEVER,
SURGEON DENTIST.
— TEETH Extracted WITHOUT PAIN
jESSgQ? by the use of NITROUS OXIDE or
(mPftjapSk Laughing Gas. Teeth inserted on all
the different styles of bases, leeth
filled in the most maimer. Special atten
tion given to diseased gums. Ali work warranted.
Terms reasonable. .
Office at Episcopal Parsonage, Corner of Main and
Water Streets. ff 18
NEW STOCK.
The subscriber has just received and will
Un keep on hand a select stock of Men's. Bovs'
f■! ari d Youth's Boots. Ladies'. Misses and Chil-
Boots and Shoes of various kinds and
styles, to which he would invite the attention of his
friends and the publicgencrally. As it is his intention
NOT TO BE UNDERSOLD
by any dealer in the county, those in need of winter
lioots or shoes are invited to call and e tamine the
above stock, whieh will be sold at very small profits,
but for cash only, at the sign of the Bie SHOE, next
door to F. J. Hoffman's store.
sep l9 JOHN CLARKE.
MRS. M. E. STEWART,
PANSY STOKE,
vK West Market t., lewistawn,
LADIES A GENTLEMEN'S fURNISHING GOODS.
Sacks. Cloaks, Hats, Bonnets, Ladies Fine DItESS
GOODS'and Trimmings.
Patterns of latest styles always on hand.
Millinery and Dress-Making
executed in the most approved style.
Lewistowu, April 18, lS66.tf
REMOVED.
J. A. & W. R. McKEE
HAVE removed their Leather Store to Odd Pel
lowa' Hall, where they will constantly keep
on hand. Sole Leather. Harness, Skirting and Lpper
Leather, Kips, American and French Calf skins. Mo
roccos. Linings and Bindings, and a general assort
ment of Shoe Findings, which they will sell cheap for
ctA. Highest market price paid m cash for tildes,
Calf Skins and Sheep Skins.
wanted, for which the highest market price will be
paid in Cash. 3 _
Tailoring Establishment
Tg">. *. cocaj \yvfr-a s <n e
(DSL&miLilSffi Wo (HHEIKb
MERCHANT TAILOR, has removed his shop to the
buiidihg formerly known as the "green house,"
at the intersection of Valley and Mill street.adjoining
H. M. A R- Pratt s store, w here he cordially invites all
who need anything in his line. Goods and Trim
mings furnished and gentlemen's clothing made. i n
the latest styles, on short notice, and at reasonable
prices. apll-tf
WILLIAM LIND,
baa now open
A NEW STOCK
OF
Cloths, Cassimeres
AND
VESTI N C S ,
which will be made up to order in the neat
est and most fashionable atylee. ap!9
BEAUTY.
Auburn, Golden, Flaxen and Silken "Curls,
PRODUCED by the use of Prof. DEBREUX' FRI
-1 SER LE CHEVEUX One application warranted
to curl the most straight and stubborn hair of either
sex into wavy ringlets, or heavy massive enris. Has
been used by the fashionables of Paris and Loudon,
with the most gratifying results. Does no injury to
the hair. Priee.by mail, sealed and postpaid sl. De
scriptive Circulars mailed free. Address BERGER,
SHU ITS & CO, Chemists, No. 28 River St., Troy. N. Y.
Solo Agents for the United States. febd-ly
WHISKERS
AND
MITSTACH ES I
F3RCED to grow upon the smoothest face in from
three to five weeks by using Dr.SEVIGNE'S RES
-lAI RATEU R CAP! LLAIRE. the most wonderful dis
covery in modern science, acting upon the Beard and
Hair in an almost miraculous manner. It has been
used by the elite of Paris and London with the most
flattering success. Names of all persons will be reg
istered. and if entire satisfaction is not given in every
instance.the money will be cheerfully refunded- Price
by mail, sealed and postpaid. sl. Descriptive circu
lars and testimonials mailed tree. Address BERGER,
SHUTTS A CO., Chemists. No. 285 River street. Trov,
N. Y., Sole agents for the United States. feW-iy
CLLISPELL COMA.
Oh ! she was beautiful and fair,
With starry eyes, and radiant hair.
Who-- curling tendrils soft, entwined,
Enchained the very heart and mind.
CRISPER COMA.
Par Curling the lla>r of either Sex into
Wavy and Glossy Ringlets or
He try Alassive Cutis.
BY using this article Ladiesand Gentlemen can beau
tify themselves a thousand fold. It is the only ar
ticle in the world that wilt curl straight hair.and at the
same time give it a beautiful, glossy appearance The
Crisper Coma not only curls the hair, but invigorates,
fieautifies and cleanses it; is highly and delightfully
perfumed, and is the most complete article of t h e
kind ever offered to the American public. The Cris
por Coma will be sent to any address, sealed and post
paid for sl. Address all orders to
W. L.CLARK k CO., Chemists,
febo-ly No. 3, West Fayette st., Syracuse, N. Y.
EXCELSIOR ! EXCELSIOR !!
CHASTELLAR'S
HAIR EXTERMINATOR
For Removing Superfluous Hair.
TO THE ladies especiallv. this invaluable depilatory
recommends itself as being an almost indispensi
ble article to famale beauty, is easily apphed.ffloes not
burn or injure the skin, but acts directly on the roots.
It is warranted to remove superfluous hair from low
foreheads, or from any part of the body, completely,
totally and radically extirpating the nine, leaving the
skin sofu smooth and natural. This is the only article
used by the French, and is the only real effectual de
pilatory in existence. Price 75 cents per package,
sent post-paid, to any address, on receipt of an order,
bv BERGER. SHUTTS & Co.. Chemists,
feb<J-ly 265 River street, Troy, N. Y.
REPARATOR CAPILLI.
Throw away your false frizzes, yorir switches, your wig—
And rejoice tn your ewn luxuriant hair.
Come aged,come youthful, come ugly and fair.
And rejoice in your own luxuriant hair.
TWR restoring hair upon bald beads (from whatever
cause it may have fallen out) and forcing a growth
of hair upon the face it has no equal. It will force the
beard to grow upon the smoothest lace in from five to
eight weeks, or hair upon bald heads in from two to
three months. A few ignoram practitioners have as
serted that there is nothing that will force or hasten
the growth of the hair or beard Their assertions are
false, as thousands of living witnessesffrom their own
experience) can lear witness. But many will sav. how
are we to distinguish the genuine from the spurious?
It certainly is difficult, as nine-tenths of the different
Preparatiobs adverti<vi for the hair and beard are en
tirely worthless, and you may have already thrown
away large amounts in their purchase. To such we
would say. try the Reparator C'apilli; it will cost you
nothing unless it fully comes up to our representations.
If your druggist does not keep it, send us one dollar
and we will forward it postpaid, together with a receipt
ior the money, which w ill re returned you on applica
tion providing entire *' isfaetion i- not given. Address
W.L.CLARK A CO, Chemists,
feb6-ly No. 3 West Fayette St., Syracuse, N. Y.
There eometh glad tidings of joy to all.
To young and to old. to great and to small;
The beauty which once was so precious and rare,
Is free for'all and all may be fair.
By the use of
CHASTELLAR'S
WHITE LIQUID
EIT/.ICEL,
For Improving and Beautifying the Complexion.
THE most valuable and perfect preparation in use,
for giving the skin a beautiful pearl-like tint that
is onlv found in vouth. Itqnickly removes Tan. Freck
les, pimples. Blotches, Moth Patches, Sallowness.
Eruptions, and all impurities of the skin, kindly heal
ing the same, leaving.the skin white and clear as ala
baster. Its use can not he detected by the closest
scrutiny, and being a vegetable preparation is per
fectly harmless. It is the only article of the ktndnsed
by the French, and is considered by the Parisian as
indispensable to a perfect toilet. Upward® of 30,000
bottles were sold during the past year, a sufficient
guarantee of its efficacy. Price only 75 cents. Sent by
mail, post-paid, on receipt ',{ an order, by
BEKGER, SHUTTB A CO.. Chemists,
fefl-ly 235 River St., Troy, X. A*.
ASllttttY.
The World Astonished
AT THE WONDERFUL REVELATIONS
MADE BY THE GREAT ASTROLOGYST
MADAME H A. PERRIGO.
SHE reveals secrets no mortal ever knew. She re"
stores to happiness those who. from doleful events,
catastrophes, crosses in love, loss of relations and
friends, loss ot monev, Ac., have become despondent.
She brings together those long separated, gives infor
mation concerning absent friends or lovers, restores
lost or stolen property, tells you the business you are
heist qualified to pursue and in what you will be most
successful, causes speedy marriages and tells yon the
very day you will marry, gives yon the name, likeness
and characteristic of the person. She reads your very
thoughts, and bv her almost supernatural powers un
veils the dark and hidden mysteries of the future.—
From the stars we see in the firtnanenl—the malefic
stars that overcome or predominate in the configura
tion—from the aspects and positions of the planets
and the fixed siars in the heavens at the time of birth,
she deduces the future destiny of man. Fail not to
consult the greatest A strologist on earth. It costs you
but a trifle, and you may never again have so favorable
an opportunity. Consultation fee., with likeness aid
all desired information, ?i Parties livingat.adistance
can consult the Madame by mall with equal safety and
satisfaction to themselves, as if in person. A full and
explicit chart, written out, with all inquiriesanswered
and likeness enclosed, sent by mail on receipt of price
above mentioned. The strictest secrecy will be main
tained. and all correspondence returned or destroyed.
References of the highest order furnished those de
sinuii them. rite plainly the day of the month and
year in which you were born, enclosing a small lock
of hair. Address MADAME 11. A. I ERRIM ,
jeM>ly P. 0. DRAWER 293, BUFFALO, I .
jgRUSHES at Hoffman's.
CEDAR-WARE at Hoffman's.
CORDAGE at Hoffman's.
SHOE FINDINGS • at Hoffman's.
SOLE LEATHER at Hoffman's.
POCKET CUTLERY at Hoffman's.
TABLE CUTLERY at Iloffman's.
I BUILDING HARDWARE at Hoffman's.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1867.
MOTI AM SBBSAAA,
fTIHE NEW YORK MICA ROOFING COKPANT, (established
* 1565) are manufacturing under Letters Patent the
B -st Article of Composition Roofing ever Offered to
the Public. It is adapted to everv style of Roof, steep
or flat, and can be readily applied by any one.
The IT.l T . S..Governmend after a thorough test of its
utility, have adapted its use in the Navy Yards, and
upon Public Buildings.
The Roofing is put up in rolls, and has only to be
nailed to the ltoof to make a
Durable Fire and Water-Proof Covering.
We particularly recommend its use upon
Bnildiiigs, Stores, Clinrclics, Factories, Machine
Shoj s, Steamboat Decks, &c.
MICA ROOFING PAINT,
For coating Tix, IRON, or SHINGLE ROOPS. It forms a
Body Equal to Three CoaU of Ordinary Paint.
No Roof can rust under it. and old leaky Roofs may be
made permanently waterproof and durable by iw* use.
The Paint requires NO MIXING, hut is ready to be ap
plied with the ordinary paint brush. Price. $1 pergalr
toiiy which will cover two hundred square feet*
Aiao manufacturers of
Black Lustre Varnish,
Tarred Felt arid Hoofing Pitch,
Discount to the Trade. Circulars and Price List fur
nished. Rights for counties sold at low rates. Address
THE ALICA ROOFING COMPANY,
104 Broadway, AT. 3'.
Frank Humphreys, 61 Royal st. NT Oq Schofield
V illiams & Co., Augusta. Ga.; Baldwin H. Woods
Montgomery, Ala.; Thos. 8. Coates. Raleigh, N. Cq K.
A 1 ueker. Richmond, Vaq Henry Wilson, Petersburg,
Va., Agents. jan23
TEAS!
Teas for the People. No more Enormous
Profits for Consumers to Pay.
P'J ty Cents to One Dollar per Pound Sav
ed by Buying your Teas direct
from the Importers.
T. Y. KKLLKY A CO., Importers of Teas, in connection
with their large wholesale business, have determined to
Introduce their Teas directly to consumers at Importers'
prices, thus effecting a saving to the consumer 01 40 to 00
percent, Kimiliescan now club together for any kind or
qualities of Teas, tn packages of oiwi pound and upwards,
an t we will send them a superior article of Tea at 5 per
cent, above the cost of importation. Let SOUK? energetic
lady or other person In each neighborhood call upon her
acquaintances and take their orders for any of the folio -
inu named Teas, and when a club of ten, twenty, or more
is obtained, send to us and we will send the Teas put up in
separate packages. With the name of each person marked
on it. all enclosed in one box. As a FPRTHER INOCCEMEYT
to the person getting up the club we wiil send for bis or
her servtres, an extra complimentary package on all or
ders ot S3O and upward. 11 Is perhaps not well understood
WHY we can sell teas so very low; but when it 1s taken
Into consideration that besides the original cost of Impor
tation, the Broker. Speculator, Jobber, Wholesale Dealer
and Ketatler, lias each to reap a large protit and the Innu
merable Cartages, Cooperages, Insurances. Storages. Ac ,
which teas have to pass through before they reach the
consumer, will readily explain this. We propose to do
away with seven-eights of these profits and expenses, arid
It now remaius with the PKOPLF. to say whether they shall
save SO cents to (1.00 per pound on every pound of Tea
they purchase, or be compelled to give their earnings to a
host of useless go-betweens.
I'EOLARS and SMALL DEALERS wishing Teas to sell again,
can te acccmniodated with small packages to suit their
trade, but no reduction can be made, as these are our
wholesale prices.
PRICE LIST.
Oolong, (Black) 70, S3. 90. (1 00, sl.lO, best (1 25, per pound.
Kngltsh Breakfast. (Black) HO. 90. SI.OO, best $1 25, per lb.
Young tiysou. (Green) 65, 95, SI,OO, extra $1.25, superior
$! 50, per pound.
Mixed. [Green and Black] 70.83.90. best SI.OO, per pound.
Imperial. [Green] $! 30, best per pound.
Japan, SI.OO, sl.lO, $1 25. best per pound.
Gunpowder, (Green) $1.30, best $1 60 per pound.
COFFEE DEPARTMENT.
We have lately added a Coffee Department to our estab
lishment, and although we cannot promise the consumer
as great a saving as we ran on Teas, (the margin for protit
on Coffees being very small.) yet we can sell Coffees fullv
25 per cent, cheaper than retailers charge. Our Coffees
come direct from the Custom House and we roast and
grind them perfectly pure, put up tn t or more pound
packages, at an advance of 2 cents per poufed.
Our Wholesale Price—Ground Coffees—Pure Rio, 25, 30
cents per pound. Best Old Government Java, 40 cts. Best
Ceylon, 40 eta.
SEN DING MONEY.—Parties sending orders for less than
S3O for Teas or Coffees should send witn their order a P. 0.
Brail or the mouey, to save the expense of collecting by
Express. But large orders we will forward by Express and
collect on delivery.
We shall be happy at all times to receives call at our
Warehouse from persons visiting the city, whether deal
ers or not.
T. Y. IVELLEY & CO.,
Late Kellev k Vonght,
Jan 23 3m 56 VESEY STREET, NEW YORK.
THE BEST IN THE WORLD!
fJMIE UNDERSIGNED IS AGENT FOR THE
IMPROVED SINGER SEWING MACHINE,
which will be placed upon trial with any other now
in use. He invites eompetion. It can be tested
CE> 01l CS> CE> ao. a D2L
with any other machine to enable purchers to choose
THE BEST. TERMS LIBERAL..
Give him a call. [sepl2-6m] WM. LIND. j
D retc's Patent
FOR
GUTTIUS BOOTS
RAIIDU'I SMANAB
OR
SIDE SEAMS.
THE greatest improvement of the age, in this line
ef trade. Ist. It does away with the wrinkles on
the instep, also, with the welted side seam which has
injured so many feet and aukles. 2d. It makes the
easiest sitting and best fitting boot ever worn. This
boot is now manafuetnred by P. F. Loop, who holds
the right of use for the county, and is prepared to
furnish all who wish to wear this boot. A liberal dis
count to dealers who wish to deal in these boots. Or
ders filled at short notice. Prices greatly reduced on
all goods at P. F. Loop's Shoe Store. feb6
20,000 MAJORITY!
TO THE VOTERS OF CENTRAL PENNA
ELECTION is over and it has been decided by about
20.D00 majority that the Tobacco and Cigars sold
at Frysinger's Tobacco and Segar Store cannot be
surpassed, either in Quality or Price.
Look at the Prices, get some of the goods, and com
pare with all others, and you will be satisfied that you
get the worth of your money at Frysinger's.
Frysinger's Spun Roll only SI.OO per pound.
Frysinger's Navy " " u "
Frysinger's Congress " " u u
Frvsinger's Flounder " " " "
WiUett Navy " " " "
Oronoko Twist " " " "
And other Plug Tobacco at 40 and 50*cts. per lb.
Cut and Dry, 40 >n<3 50 ets. Granulated Tobaccos at
50 e.ts., 60 ets , 80 ets.. SI.OO. $1.20. and $1,50 per lb.
Fine-Cut chewing, at $1.40 and $1.20.
Cigars at 1, 2. 3. 6 and 10 ets. each.
Pips in great variety; also Cigar Cases. Tobacco
Pouches and Boxes, Match Safes, and all articles
usually kept in a first-class Tobacco and Cigar Store.
To Merchants, I offer the above goods at prices that
will enable them to retail at the same prices that I
do and realize a fair profit.
OcLif. E. FRYSINGER.
WHY SHIVER WITH COLD,
When you can Buy
Knit Undershirts and Drawers
SO CHEAP
jasSO A$ BRISBIN'S.
MISCELLANY.
*eto of the Pennsylvania Rail
Road Rill.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, \
HARRISBURG, March 20, 1867. F
To the Senate and House of Representa
tives of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl
vania :
GETLEMEX— 'The act entitled "An act
to repeal an act entitled A further supple
ment to the act incorporating the Peun
sylvania railroad company, authorizing
an increase of capital stock and to borrow
money, approved the twenty-first day of
March, one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-six, to authorize the Pennsylvania
railroad company to increase its capital
stock, to issue bonds, and to secure the
same by mortgages." has received that
careful consideration from me which the
importance of the subject seemed to de
mand. and, notwithstanding the high re
spect I entertain for the twer branches of
the Legislature, and the extreme reluc
tance I have at any time to differ with
them, I am induced, by my convictions
of duty, to dissent from the propriety of
the provisions of the bill, and to return it,
with my objections, to the Senate, in
which it originated.
Lest my opinions should be misconceiv
ed and misrepresented, I deem it due to
myself to make a brief exposition of some
of the enactments of the Legislature for
the benefit of the Pennsylvania railroad
company since the original act for its in
corporation. approved April 13th, 1846, so
far as relates to its capital stock.
By the first section of the act of incor
poration, the capital stock was fixed at
seven millions five hundred thousand dol
lars.
1 he twentieth section is as follows:
" That if any increase of the capital stock
shall be deemed necessary, in order to
complete or improve the said railroad or
appurtenances, it shall be lawful for the
stockholders of said company, at any an
nual meeting, or at any special meeting
convened for that purpose, in manner as
aforesaid, to increase and dispose of any
additional number of shares, not exceed
ing fifty thousand, so that the whole
amount of said capital stock shall not ex
ceed ten millions of dollars, and receive
and demand the moneys for the addition
al share, in like manner, subject to the
same conditions heretofore provided for
the original subscriptions, or shall be
provided for in the bylaws of said compa
ny."
The manner prescribed for the increase
and disposition of the stock in the fore
going section is certainly most unexcep
tionable ; it being under the direction of
the stockholders, and not at the option of
the directors as is provided in the bill un
der consideration, and which is deemed
objectionable.
The twenty-second section imposed a
tonnage tax as one of the conditions upon
which the original charter was obtained,
wiiieh has since been repealed by statute,
and the accumulated tax released.
By act approved April 23d, 1852, the
capital stock was increased to thirteen
million dollars; May 6, 1852, to fourreen
million dollars: March 23, 1853, to eigh
teen million dollars; May 2d, 1855, to
twenty million dollars, and March 2d,
1866, to thirty million dollars.
With no other objects on my part than
to be serviceable to my countrymen, to
preserve and transmit uiisullied the great
principles and true policy of our Govern
ment, and honorably to perform the
trusts, duties, obligations anaresponsibil
itias committed to my charge, I proceed
in the performance of these objects as I
understand them. lam sincerely friend
ly to all the railroads and other companies
that have aided in the development of the
wealth and resources of the State, and
while I cheerfully accord the same senti
ment to your honorable bodies, I can but
regret that there should be any difference
of opinion between us on the proposed en
actment. And if in stating theobjections
I shall use expressions which may be re
garded as too strong, my apology*will, I
trust, be found in the importance of the
subject. I will state them frankly and
with as much brevity as possible.
Waiving objections to the first section
of the bill under consideration, and waiv
ing also an inquiry as to the legal rights
to thus authorize the change of the fun
damental law of a corporation, and bind
the stockholders, I proceed to the consid
eration of the second, which confers pow
ers of the most extraordinary character
upon the directors of the company: * *
" providing further facilities required by
the increase of the business upon the road
and its connections, and for such other
purposes connected with the business as
the board of directors of said company may
deem expedient, it shall be lawful tor the
said board of directors, from time to time,
to issue additional shares of capital stock
of said company, to such amount as they
may determine, and to apportion or dis
pose of the said shares in such manner,
and upon such terms, as they may think
best; and aiso, for either or all of the said
purposes, to issue, from time to time,
lionds of the said company, paj-able at
sueh time as they may appoint." * *
One of the objects of this bill is, for its
further increase of the capital stock, to
retire its present indebtedness, which, ac
cording to the president and directors' last
annual report to the company, is upwards
of twenty-six million dollars. Thus, in
this way alone, increasing the stock over
one hundred and thirty per centum, and
makes it amount to over forty-six million
dollars. But this is not all. It is further
intended to increase the business facilities
upon its roads and connections, "andfor
such other purposes connected with its
business as the directors may deem expe
dient."
Were this bill to become a law, to what
amount may not the directors extend the
capital stock, with such unlimited privi
leges? To what branches of business shall
it be confined, and to what may it not be
extended? And where is the power to
keep it within its legitimate functions, if
it should deem it proper to depart from
them? Its tremendous power, in irre
sponsible hands, would be unlimited and
uncontrollable by any other power short
mmrvsmmyss, ANQSWAUSJ FFASJSSO
of revolution. It has already obtained, in
the various chartered privileges, the pre
oceupaney of nearly every possible rail
road route in Pennsylvania, with the
privilege of branches and lateral roads in
a large majority of the counties. As shown
by official reports it has, besides nearly
eleven hundred miles of roads in Penn
sylvania, its extensions to Marietta, Co
lumbus and Cincinnati, Ohio. andtoChi
cago, Illinois, and holds large, and, in
some instances, controlling amounts of
stock in other railroad companies. When
such extraordinary powers are attempted
to lie granted for an unlimited period, I
consider it palpably contrary to the spirit
and intention of our institutions. The
K resent directors, it may he assumed, are
onorable gentlemen, for they assert they
have good intentions for the public inte
rests, as well as for those of the company;
hut time may effect a change, and a new
board that may not recognize their duty
to the stockholders and to the rights and
interests of the people, and forgetting their
patriotism, might be found arrayed against
the country when its services were re
quired. It is not an impossible hypothe
sis that its capital stock might be extend
ed to one thousand millions of dollars, or
even to an amount equal to the present
national indebtedness.
The whole control of the institution,
and of the issue of its bonds, necessarily
lie in the hands of a few directors, and
not in those of the stockholders whose
real interests should be represented. The
facilities by which any board of directors
could perpetuate (tower in its own hands
might be an inviting temptation to mo
nopolize or engross a sufficient number of
shares of stock by purchase, and proxies
from non-residents too confidingly given,
or perhaps by fraudulent issue, to control
the vote of the stockholders. The same
board might by fair means thus be per
petuated, or by a dexterous mixing or
misrepresenting of accounts, with not
much risk or responsibility on their part,
might fraudulently control forever tneaf
fairs of the company. In my opinion the
stockholders themselves, who, like the
people in our form of government, are the
true source of power, should closely ex
amine into the responsibilities just* pre
sented if they would preserve and perpet
uate their own rights within the corpora
tion. I am not aware of any instance
where a company has been destroyed by
the immediate action of its stockholders,
but where too much power has been placed
in the hands of directors and officers, of
reckless, speculative and adventurous
character, the instances of failures and dis
grace are almost innumerable. In all the
bearings which can IK? taken upon this
measure, in the event of the directory of
the road passing into the hands of ambi
tious and unscrupulous men, I can see
nothing but an eventual monopolization
of all the railroad privileges of this .State,
and perhaps of the United States, and
"such other purposes connected with its
business as the board of directors of said
company may deem expedient." They
being their own judges, what might not
be considered as connected with their bus
iness? May not any and almost every
branch of agri
cultural and commercial —be included?—
There is danger, too, that with such vast
power, such ramifications in the business
departments of the country and such un
limited capital, there might be reason to
tremble for the purity and sanctity of our
elections, or what is equally as bad, that
our governors, legislators and other State
authorities might be affected with the
blandishments of its power, its offices and
its wealth.
They could "make the rich richer and
the poor poorer." They could, in a word,
make their organization a monopoly—a
term which a distinguished jurist and
law-giver defines to be "that which grinds
the people between the upper and nether
millstone;" and its power would become
so great, that should any citizen, or even
an officer of the Government, attempt to
restrain it within its chartered limits and
proper franchises, he would be made to
feel its withering influences. There is
always danger in the creation of monopo
lies, for in proportion as they are increased
are the rights of the citizen abridged.—
Had such a proposition been made in the
early days of the Commonwealth, or even
a quarter of a century ago, or when this
company applied for its charter, it would
have been rebuked by the people, without
distinction of party, upon its first annun
ciation. -
I am not inimical to the Pennsylvania
railroad eompany; but I am positively its
friend. I honor the management for the
energy displayed in the share they have
taken with others in the development of
our State, and am determined that it and
all other corporations shall be protected
and defended in all ther rights, privileges
and franchises already derived, or that
may hereafter be derived from legislative
action; but when they ask for unlimited
privileges which can and may be used as
engines to threaten, endanger and control
the interests and perhaps the very action
of the government, by the absorption of
our internal improvements and every
branch of industry within the State, and
the holding of many thousands of our peo
ple in a dependent condition, they must
be refused.
It is said that other corporations have
had unlimited powers conferred upon
them, ami no evils have resulted. But as
far as such eases have been cited," I find,
upon examination, that they were almost
without exception, conferred upon the
stockholders on terms, and with limita
tions, and not upon the directors. And
if there were such, and they were known
to be wrong in principle, it is one of the
best and strongest reasons why the prac
tice should be discontinued. If it is right
that the Legislature should confer unlim
ited powers u|xn one institution, it has a
right to multiply sueh corporations at its
pleasure, and if they should be managed
by those whose predilections and interests
would be similar, the control of the Com
monwealth would be irretrievably com
mitted to their hands, and the sovereignty
would depart from the people. If it is
deemed necessary for the proper manage
ment of the company that its capital
should be increased, let it be done as here
tofore requested by them, gradually by the
Vol. LVII. No. 13.
Legislature, just as the necessity for such
increase can be clearly demonstrated, and
after due notice, that it is is intended to
make application for such increase of cap
ital, anu then only at the request of the
stockholders.
Prior to the late election, 1 found
among the people, throughout the State,
that the important question of railroads,
in all its shape anu guises, could not be
properly ignored. It was regarded as a
matter of such paramount importance
that pledges were asked of the guberna
torial candidates, and certain interrogato
ries addressed to them to which answers
were required. One of the interrogato
ries addressed to myself was in these
words, viz:
"Will you, if elected Chief Magistrate
of Pennsylvania, faithfully exert the
power of your administration to defeat
any and every attempt made, by legisla
tion or otherwise, for the monopoly and
control by any one corporation of the
railroad policy of the State?"
To which I, in good faith, replied :
"That while I believe it to be improper
to bring the influence of the Executive
Department to bear upon the Legislature
in anticipation of its action, except in the
way of recommendation, I am heartily
opposed to the creation of any monopoly
of the railroad system of the State, or
giving any artificial body, created by the
law, powers which would place it above
and beyond the reach of the Legislature."
And in my reply 1 further stated, that
"the spirit of monopoly in this and other
matters should be discouraged in a Repub
lican government, and I have no sympa
thy with any policy which may be designed
for its encouragemeut."
And in speaking of railroad companies
I further remarked, "while these corpo
rations continue to act their part as public
servants they should be carefully protect
ed. They should not be permitted to
overstep their legitimate functions. As
creatures of the law, they should obey
and be, in every respect, subservient to
the law."
In accordance with the doctrines thus
pronounced the public have rendered their
verdict and expect of me a strict compli
ance of the pledges then given. These
are not new doctrinesor principles. They
were fearlessly enunciated in the incipi
ent part of the campaign, and were dis
cussed freely by the people, by the press
and by public speakers generally through
out the State. I feel that lam solemnly
bound to obey these pledges, and I have
no desire or intention to evade or disobey
them. The people may rest satisfied and
assured that neither this, nor any other
pledge, given them when I was asking
their suffrages, shall be violated.
That the people have an indisputable
and inherent right to instruct their pub
lic servants and to mould and fashion their
institutions to suit themselves, no one,
believing in a republican form of govern
ment. will for a moment pretend to deny,
and I believe the correlative obligation,
that those holding office are bound to
obey, is equally true. These instructions
were conveyed to me in the best possible
mode, through the ballot-box. Viewing
this question without prejudice, no man.
can doubt that our citizens are earnestly
opposed to the granting to corporations
any unlimited powers which may be con
verted into monopolies and which cannot
be held subservient to the Legislature,
and to the true interests of the State.
A solicitous regard, therefore, for truth
and justice, has impelled me tothecourse
I have taken upon this subject, and with
| the full assurance that I have done my
I duty, I herewith return the bill without
| my signature.
Johs W. Geary.
A lady was asked to join one of the
divisions of the Daughters of Temper
ance. She replied : ' This is unneces
sary, as it is my intention to join one
of the Sons in the course of a few
weeks.'
Wo have all heard of asking for bread
and receiving a stone, but a young
gentleman may be considered as still
worse treated, when he asks for a
young lady's hand and gets her father's
foot.
The last case of jealousy is that of a
lady who discarded her lover, a sea
captain, because he hugged the shore.
'1 am astonished, my dear young
lady, at your sentiments; you make
me start.' 'Well, I have been want
ing you to start for the la6t hour.'
' I'm afraid you'll come to want,' said
an old lady to a young gentleman. ' I
have come to want already,'was the
reply ;'1 want your daughter.'
Weak doses of washboard are now
recommended to ladies who complain
of dyspepsia. Young men troubled in
the same way, may be cured by a strong
preparation of wood saw.
'My opinion is,' said a philosophical
old lady of much experience and obser
vation, ' that any man as dies upon
washing day, does it out of pure spite.'
How does a cow become landed es
tate? By turning her into a field.
Question for actors. Can a man be
said to work when he plays ?
Fast young men's motto— Meet and
drink.
A colporteur says he can always find
sinners because ho tracts'em.
The only shares that are sure to
turn up all right. Plow-shares.
What is the worst seat a man can
sit on? Self-conceit.
A young man out West was entrust
ed with the money to bring his father
home a good family sewing machine.
He carried off a neighbor's daughter
to Chicago, married her aud brought
her home, declaring she was the best
| family sewing machine he could pro
' cure.