(£t)c Lancaster fntdluiit'na'r: OL. L. GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE, To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Fallow Citizen's : Tho Legislative brauch of the Government meets under circumstances cal culated to prodace deep emotions of gratitude. The events of the past year cannot fail to afford assurances of the continued mercy of the Al mighty Father of the Universe, and of the bless ings He has dispensed to the people of this Com monwealth. While in other parts of our country, and in distant lands, pestilence has made fearful ravages; leaving iu its track the wretchedness of destitution and the tears of crushed affections; a healthful climate, in the disposal of a Providence, has preserved 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 ' hopes, paralyzing the industry, and ruining the - prosperity ot the people: our beloved Common wealth, in union with others under the National Constitution, has enjoyed the delights of peace, and her citizens, in the exercise of industrial 1 pursuits, have found contentme'nt and compe tence. 1 o the Author and Guardian of our being, whose beuificeuce caused all things to work to gether for (jur good, our reverence and gratitude are especially due. Tho recent efforts for the establishment of-'lib eral political institutions iu Europe, have excited in the people of this country, the warmest sym pathies.. The conflict between the oppressor and the oppressed, whatever may be the incidents or results, having for its object a government ca pable of protecting and extending political and social liberty, must be regarded by the people of the. United States with the deepest solicitude. Iu the enjoyment of institutions which recognize tho inherent rights of man, aiid arc founded ou the acknowledged principle that all political power is a trust to be exercised for the benefit of the citizen, they cannot witness the struggle between despotism aud freedom, without ardent hopes ;md sincere prayers for the triumph oflibernlaud en larged justice. It is impossible to behold a peo ple long of tyranny and oppression ; —eulightened by our example and solicitous for equal enjoyments;—rising up beneath the bur thens which centuries have heaped upon them ; casting aside the reverence 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 aud fortunes on the i a struggle for these objects; without, on our I part, an earnest, an anxious desire that they may I 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 tyrannical authority, aud the brave men who fought for freedom have either perish ed under the barbarous exactions of despotic will, or they wander in s foreign lauds, exiles I'rom homes that no louger afford security. It is not the policy of our Nutioual Government to mingle in the controversies of foreign nations, nor is it desirable that it should, by acts of hostility or friendship, break up the commercial relations which exist lor mutual advantage but it is, nev ertheless, no violation of international law to eu ler our solemn protest aud warning, against acts of cruelty aud barbarism upon heroic'"men and defenceless women. It is no wrong for our gov ernment to uuite with others, in the expression of indignation'against the violation of national faith aud national law, involved iu the demand, for sanguinary purposes, of the brave defenders of human rights. The consideration of the Legislature is respect fully invited to the financiaf condition of the Commonwealth. The present funded debt is as follows,— 6 percentloans, $2,041,0-22 51 5 per cent do. - 37,356,716 90 41 per-ct. do *200,000 OU 539,377,739 11 Unfunded debt, to wit: Relief notes in circula tion, (without interest) $053,1G1 00 Interest Certificates out standing, " unclaimed, " on certificates to be added when- the same shall be funded or paid, :... Domestic creditors, (on settlement,) 179,422 91 4,448 38 Amount of canal, railroad, and motive power debts, contracted prior to Dec. 1,1848, and unpaid by the appropri ations of last session, Total indebtedness of Commonwealth December, 1849 $40,574,413 45 The fancied debt on the first of Dec. 1848, was 839,31)3,350 24 Unfunded debt, 1,031,380 09 Amount of canal, rail road and motive pow er debt,contracted j)ri or to Dec. 1, 1848, 367,642 38 Amount oF public debt paid during the year 1849, exclusive of the sum paid Commissioners of the sinking fund, (Amount paid during the year 1849 to the Commissioners oi the sinking fhnd , 227,513 53 Amount appropriated during the year 1849 toward paymtnt of public debt;-.5495,479 39 In exhibiting the operations of the Treasury ior the last fiscal yea*, the sum of $130,000, bor rowed on special loan for the avoidauce of tin bcbuylkiU Inclined Plane, and included in the aggregate of the public debt in December, 184$, should be added to the above stated sum of Biq-> - 479 39. ‘ - ’ The amount of receipts at? the Treasu ry during the year ending Dec. Ist, u * 849,1s $4,433,638 65 The amount of expenditures during the same period is Balance in the Treasury on Dec. 1, 1848 * " " 1849 Ambunt paid to the Commissioners of the sinking fund to Jan. 1,1850, $227,- 513 53, with which was purchased of the funded debt and transferred to the Commonwealth, Difference between the indebtedness ot the State on the Ist of December 1848, and Dec. 1, 1849 Total amoant of public debt paid daring the year $521,465 86 Receipts at the Treasury during the year 1*50; From Lands,... $20,000 00 Auction Commissions, 22,000 00 .Auction Daties,. 50,000 00 lax on Bank Dividends. 130,000 00 tt “ Corporation Stocks 160,000 00 a \m a . £ ’ er6on &l Estate,.... 1,330.000 00 «« “i Ti ave rP Bicensts, 80,000 00 ti ' S’ 6 *! ? rs censes ' ...160,000 00 '* * e “* ar ’ 8 licenses, 3,000 00 " “ Broker’s Licenses, 12,000 0(1 ?ks a tre, rcas aQ d Menageries,.. 3, ooo 00 ‘ Billiard Rooms. Bowling Sa „ ' . oDfl Ton-Pin Alleys, 5,000 00 " Distillery and Brewery Licenses,.. L5OO 00 “ “ Eating Houses, Beer Houses and Restaurant Licenses, 15,000 00 “ " Patent Medicine Licenses, 3,000 00 *!. Pamphlet Laws, 500 00 Militia ‘Pines, 2,000 00 Tajson Writs.jWills, Deeds, &c 40,000 00 “ Certain Offices, 20,000 00 _ « " Collateral Inheritances OO Canal and Railroad Tolls, ..1,825,000 00 Canal Fines and sale of old materials, 5,000 00 Enrollment of Laws, 000 00 Premiums on Charters,,. .40 000'00 Tax on Loans-....... iasiooo 00 inclined Plane Loan,.. 000 00 Dividends on Turnpike and Bridge Stock,’.7.2POo 00 PiicnolSon Land 5.................... on Accrued Interest, .'.TVooo oo Refunded Cash,.. .Y.t'SZ Escheats, . 2,000 00 Fees ofPublic Offices, 2,000 00 Miscellaneous,.'; 2,000 00 Interest on Stock purchased, 15*000 00 Estimated Payments diiring 1850: To Public Improvements|s64o,ooo 00 Expenses of Government, 235.000 00 . Militia Expenses, 4,000 00 Pensions and Gratuities, - 20,000 00 Charitable Institutions, 80,000 00 Common Schools, ' 200,00000 a Interest on Loans, 2,005,000 00 Guarantees of Interest, 32,500 00 ,sone«tic .Creditors, 10,000 00 Damages on Public Works, 20,000 00 Special Commissioners, 2,000 00 State Library, ' 2,000 00 Public buildings & grounds, 2,000 00 Penitentiaries, 15,000 00 Honse of Refuge, 5,000 00 ■Nicholson Lands, 300 00 Escheats, 2,000 00 Abatement of State Tax, 40,000 00 Counsel fees andcommis’ns. 2,000 00 Miscellaneous, 5,000 UO Schuylkill Inclined Plane, 270,000 00 North Branch Canal, 150,000 00 Commis’rs. Sinking Fund, 293,000 00 ly pressed upon the attention of the Great iujustice arises under equating enactments, from the want of adequate means to prevent or to punish individuals making false! returns of: property subject to taxation. The conscientious citizen, scrupulously exact in the performance of his obligations' to society, may well 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 ex tent' this evil, it would be well to require the Prothonotaries of the several counties, to col lect from the Plaintiffs iu Judgments the tax thereon assessed, and if necessary to compel payment by legal process; allowing to the offi cer entrusted with this duty a reasonable com pensation, to be paid, where the payment of the tax is made voluntarily, out of the fuud, and by the Plaintiff when the payment has been com pelled by legal process. A similar provision j with regard to mortgages, giving the Recorders the - authority before stated in relation to Judg ments, would embrace these two items of taxa tion, 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 the Commonwealth, should be extended to embrace commissions to non-res idents. The justice of taxiug the citizens of the Mate, and of permitting non-residents who hold commissions under the government, to enjoy the emoluments free from taxation, cannot readily 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 withiu this Commonwealth. A law having an effect of this character, is highly necessary, and would be productive of decided advantage. Iu the enactment of such a law, it would be well to make the certificate issued to agents of said companies, subject to taxation. Incorporated companies of various kinds, deri ving their charters elsewhere, have ageucies in the State and transact business therein, aud yet no accurate account is taken of the money employ- The amount of five per cent, funded ° r “J* tke value or profits of their investments, debt over due, except bank char- r ? V le , P ro Per departments required to make ter loans is SVU-lQin 11 11Bt °* theBe Incorporations, and authority given The amount of six per cent, funded ' to ascertain the amount of the investments, the debt over due, is 1 750 -tux nr ?°‘ dlvldend s declared, or the profits made, The amount of five per cent, funded a tai ,T as leVl t d ° n divideud9 ’ P*«- debt falling due on or before Dec , ’ “ WeU as on ? he £ a P ltal Btock employed,Va 1 1800 is qqo n 1i- iar S e revenue to the Commonwealth would be ' - 10 the result. The foregoing estimated' balance in the Treas ury, at the end of the fiscal year 1850, would ap pear to justify the appropriation of $40,000 to ward the completion of the Western Reservoir at Johustown,, as hereinafter recommended. It would also authorize the appropriation of a sum not less than $300,000, in addition to the amount already appropriated, to be expended iu the com pletion of the North Branch Canal. Ihe Legislature at its last session authorized the re-issue of the relief notes then in circulation, aud suspended tljeir cancellation for three years. The amount of the whole issue now outstanding ia The umouut paid into the Treasury and supplied by a new issue is 443,537 00 The above balance has been destrosfcd, or has failed tj reach the Treasury during the year.— Theso notes, the redemption of which being am ply secured, and affording a safe and convenient local currency, have the confidence and favor of the citizens. It is therefore recommended that authority bo given to. the proper officers, to keep them in good condition, by a new issue, m lieu of 6uch as may become mutilated and defaced. In addition to the suggestions made to the last Legislature on the subject of the monied affairs ol the State, it is deemed proper to call your at tention to the fact, that a portion of the funded debt is over due a part bearing an interest of per cent.—and a part falling due the year 1850, as follows: The amount of unfunded debt, now dae, Amount dependable at the Treasury 'during tlie year, ' $3,191,170 19 Provision should be made at an early day for arrangements'with the creditor's holding these claims. To permit them to remaiu in their pres ent condition; would not only evince an indispo sition to pay our just debts ; but would also ope rate injuriously to the holders of the stock, by compelling sales at a price below their par value. The anuual demands upon the 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 ne gotiation of new loans, stipulating an extension of the time of payment. It is believed that such loans could be negotiated at a rate of interest not exceeding five per cent. Should authority be given in the arrangements suggested, to stipulate that the said stock should be exempt from taxa tion, the inducements to investments therein would create such competition as would be high : ly advantageous to the Treasury. Justice nud honesty require that these debts should be ■ promptly paid, or arranged to the satisfagtiomof the parties interested, and anyprovisiou which j the Legislature may deem projlSfon the subject, , will meet the cordial approbation of the Executive/ The establishment of the sinking fund by the appreciation of State Stocks and the consequent increase of confidence in the ability of the State to meet her engagements; with the replacement by a new issue of the old and defaced notes, has had the salutary effect of enabling the Treas ury Department with slight expense in the ex change or transmission of means, to meet the payment of interest on the public debt in par money, as also to pay other creditors of the State in good funds. The payment of the public liabil ities iu 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 ol the public stocks are held in this country, and the addition iu their value, by these simple ope rations, demandedjalike by sound policy and hon esty, will increase their marketable worth in the hands of the citizens $1,950,000. To the efficien cy of the Slate Treasurer, the Auditor General, and other officers charged with the collection and disbursement of the public moneys during the past year, is justly attributable iu a high degree these favorable results. 11,294 34 85,104 88 $933,434 51 63,239 53 The beneficial results of the sinking fund can not be doubted. The paymeut from various sour ces to the Conomissiouers, during the past year have been as follows : -540,842.379 31 From Collateral Inheritance tax, $ 180,212 41 “ Premiums on Charters, 35,969 40 " Eating d: oyster houses dc restaur’ts. 5,867 20 " . Billiard and bowling saloons and ten-pin alleys, 2,985 50 Theatres, Circuses and Menageries, 2,210 00 " Distillery and Brewery licenses, 384 00 Amount received for the year ending December 1,1849, $227,629 01 The estimated payments, for the same purpose, for the year ending Dec. 1, 1860, are as follows: From lnheritance Tax, $ 200,000 Oo “ Interest oh Stocks purchased, 15,000 30 “ Premiums on Charters, 40,000 00 '* Theatres, Circuses and Menageries, 3,000 00 Distillery and brewery licenses, 1,500 00 Billiard and bowling, saloons and ten pin alleys, “ Eating and oyster houses and res taurants, " Balance in Treasury after deduct ing appropriations hereinbe fore recommended, 4,084,771 80 577,200 39 920,207 24 253,500 00 The opinion is confidently expressed that 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 lation to premiums on charters, and other finan cial measures be authorized and continued. Should such be the case, the above sura, at the present rates, WQuld 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 neces sarily increase. The tax on collateral inheri tance, aud on theatre, circus and menagerie lice ? ses prior to the act creating a siuking fund,yield ed to the Treasury about the sum of $45,000 an nually. By tho provisions of that act, these have been increased to the sums above stated, and the other sources of revenue have been ere ated by recommendations heretofore made to the Legislature. 267,965 86 With these means for the supply of the sink ing' fund, together with such additions as the probable resources of the Treasury, from time to time may justify, it is susceptible of easy calcu ation to. determine, how nearly approaches the period when the State Taxes may be repealed, and the burthens of the people removed. So manifestly important are these results upon the industrial pursuits of the citizens, and the inter estB and honor of the State, it is suggested for consideration whether good policy woSld not re quire the transfer of ail balances in the Trea sury at the end oi each year to the Commission ers of the said Fund. Every consideration that can impose itself on' a government, demands the payment of the pub lic debt. The local advantages of our Common wealth ; the salubrity of our climate, the vast ness of our mineral deposites,— the fertility of our soil; and- the prosperity and -happiness of the people, alike require the repeal of a system ol Jaw§, which compel emigration,— prevent the 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 re mind us that prodigal expenditures will be made to objects of diminished importance. The subject of the revision and equalization Of the laws for raising revenue, is again earnest- $4,560,300 00 CITY OF LANCASTER, TUESDAY MORNING, JANUARY 8, 1850. $ 4,034,800 00 $ 531,500 00 $653,164 00 $209,627 00 While money borrowed ly citizens, Boroughs, and Incorporated districts, is subject by existing laws, to taxation, it is not perceived why money borrowed by incorporated companies' should he exempt from similar assessment. To make an e quitable distribution of the public burthens, should be the special object of the Legislature, and care should be taken that no exemption should be allowed to any class of citizens over another where the property employed is tho 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 equalization of the taxes, is the management of the public improvements. The vast expendi tures annually made for the repair aud supervi sion of these works, aud the amount of revenue derived therefrom ; so materially affecting the condition of the Treasury; render them objects of peculiar interest. It is believed that an in creased amount of nett revenue should be deriv ed from these works. The enormous appropria tions of the last year, for their maintenance in repairs, and towurds the payment of debts there tofore contracted, should have placed them in a souud condition, and would authorize the con clusion that a small expenditure during the pre sent season would be sufficient. In the absence, of the annual report of Canal Commissioners, no specific amount for these objects can be riven by the Executive. ° The system for the management of these im provements, invites unnecessary expenditures, 1 and removes responsibility from the proper de partment. Were the number of Canal Commis sioners increased to five;—the State divided in to districts for the election and supervision of each Commissioner, —the direct and immediate charge aud control of the district imposed upon one of these officers, requiring of him tho per formance of the duties new executed by super intendents aud supervisors, and stipulating for xhe 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 ; and the large discretionary powers now vested in superintendents and supervisors, in the adoption of plans and payment of money fur repairs, would be placed in officers directly ac countable to the people. In relation to this sub ject, legislation should be clear and specific, as discretionary power over the money of the citi zen must be deprecated, by right thinking men. Thy method adopted in the-management of the Public Works is evidently defective. Repairs on the canals and railroads are made in away topreveutall competition. Were the'severi services performed by contract, and awarded to the lowest bidder, giving the required security, cau there exist a doubt of favourable results to the public interests. 85,104 88 The State does not derive an adequate share of the profits arising from the use of the Columbia 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 lar ger return than finds its way to the Treasury.— An evil so detrimental to the public interests calls for a speedy remedy. It is suggested that the Canal Commissioners should be required to invite proposals for fur nishing the Motive Power on the said road, stip ulating in detail the sendees to be performed; and the nature of the security to be given. The object being to procure competition in the sup ply of the Motive Power, encouragement should je given to individuals, willing to undertake the duty oi running one or more locomotives ou the road, whether belonging to the State, or the in dividual bidder. Should the locomotives be- 5,000 000 15,000 00 91,500 00 3371.000 00 longing to the State, be furnished to the bidders, the contract should stipulate the terms on which they should be used. The transportation of passengers should be doue by contract with 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 passengers, and faithfully guard the public interest. In the transmission of burden cars, an arrange ment might well be made with their owners, by which the State would receive instead of the present tolls, a portion of the freight charges. The consequences would be advantageous to both parties. These changes in the present system, would, >t is believed, largely diminish the expenses of the Motive Power; would authorize a reduction m the rate of tolls; produce an increase of busi ness upon the road; furnish with profitable la bor many citizens now refused employment, by reason of the monopoly held by the State over the Motive Power on the road; prevent the ex penditure necessary for the purchase of new lo comotives; save to the State the immense sacri fices iu tlm old engines; accommodate the trav elling public by u lower rate of fare; and would advance the public interests by lessening the an nual outlays, and increasing the iucome from the road more thau $200,000. Discriminations in the tolls on the Public Works, against portions of our citizens, by means of a system of .drawbacks and maximum rates of tolls, are unjust and improper. Their labor and property, in common with others, were iuettm )ered in the construction of the -improvements; their industry and wealth have for years assisted and continue to assist to sustain them; anditis difficult to perepive upon what principle of pub lic policy, a Tariff of tolls is maintained, discrim- inating against their interests. The demands of ‘rade cannot excuse a palpable wrong of this character, while a reduction of tolls on the whole °*. * m provements would produce an increase ° TK* meBS a . u^' secure the desired foreign trade. ■the practice of contracting debts for repairs, an tor the purchase of materials beyond appro ina ons for these purposes, should be prohibited. Nothing can be more de • a 0 accountability, or offer stronger inducements to extravagant than .ueh a power “ THAT COUNTRY IS THE MOST PROSPEROUS, WHERE LABOR COMMANDS THE GREATEST REWARD.” Buchattak, By the reports of tne Auditor General and ,1. . Tl ' ea , surer ' ™de the directions of the act of the 10th of April, 1849, it appeared that after the payment of the interest on the public debt, and the liquidation and payment of other claims for which appropriations had been made by the Legislature, and retaining a reasonable balance in the treasury, the sum of $l5O 000 , be J i PP} ied t 0 the completion of the North Branch Caual. I accordingly gave immediate notice of the fact to the Canal Com missioners, aud portions of the work it ia under stood have been placed under contract. Con sidered as a part of the public improvements, aud re-commenced as a revenue measure, that work shouJd be finished at the earliest day the coudi tmn of the treasury will permit. It should not be forgotten, that the present unfinished condi tion ol the work, by interrupting the free navi gation of the river; by the destruction of roads aud injury to pnvato property, without affording any convenience to the community, inflicts a wrong which demands immediate reparation. . Edition to the sum already appropriated, it is confidently believed that $300,000 can, with pro priety, be given to that improvement in the pres ent season; and, in the following year, provision might be made for its completion. While it has been deemed advisable to brinv these subjects to the notice of the Legislature 0 considerations ol sound policy, the interests of the citizens already heavily burdened with taxation —and the general welfare of thu Commonwealth t° r bid an increase of the public debt. The equalization and revision of the revenue fTh P w P °, 3ed cl f ”Se in the management of the Public Works, and their early impro?emeu and completion ;-with a rigid mainteuauce of the hulking Fund, and the consequent reduction of the public debt, would, with the present re sources of the Treasury, produce in a lew years a condition of financial prosperity, justifying the conviction of the speedy relief of our citizens from the payment of all taxes for the support of Gov eminent, schools and charities. The Eastern and Western Penitentiaries have been conducted with skill and prudence, and in the reformation, and security of offenders, society has derived important advantages. It is however worthy of serious consideration, whether iu the adoption of a system of solitary confinement, the seventy of the punishment authorized by law does not injuriously affect the mental and physi cal vigor of the pnsouer. r J The frequent recommendations to the Execu tive tor the pardon of convicts afflicted with ill health, and mental imbecility, would appear to require a modification of the present laws. 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, havfi been in creasing in usefulness, and incurring additional yearly expenses, while the annual sums,bestow ed have remained the same. In the growth of population the demands on these Asyllms must be augmented, and their expenditures necessari ly enlarged, and the same degree of. liberalitv awarded on former occasions, would claim the appropriation of larger amounts. T 1,1 .- hB . P™ secu ‘ ion 'Of the work for the State Lunatic Asylum, the appropriation of a former year has been exhausted, aud a sum of like a mount is required for its completion. ■ Under the supervision of excellent and attentive trustees, the building has rapidly advanced," and is now under roof. The structure is plain, substantial and beautiful; eligibly sitnated-in regard to the comforts of the patients, and susceptible of n fin ish, honorable to the State, and useful to the commumty. The probability of its abandonment bythe Legislature, or of a refusal to grant the additional sum required for its completion, can not be entertained by the Executive. Too long already has public charity been witheld from thS insane Poor of the State ;-too long have they been suffered to wander destitute and deserted; the jest of the thoughtless, and the victims of the profligate; while humanity and christian-benev oience claimed lor them public protection It ts not however, protection alone that iscontem plated in this Asylum. The reports from differ ent similar institutions aflord the gratifying in i telhgeuce that eighty, and in some rostaLev 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 inflict an injury on those who could not have a knowledge' of the wrong, to withhold from them the value of their services; but immediate measures should be adopted to prevent occurrences of a like na ture in future. A practice of this kind, authoriz ed in some measure by subsequent appropria tions 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 recommendations. The large ap propriations for the payment of old debts, made at the last session of.the Legislature, show the extent to which the practice has been carried, and should admonish us to guard against a recur rence of the evil. In providing by legal enact ment against the mischief here stated, authority might be given to the Canal Commissioners, should it be deemed necessary, to meet deficien cies in the funds provided for any line of im provements; to draw from a'specific appropria tion for that purpose, requiring from them a de tailed and special report on the subject, to the auditing department as well as to the succeeding Legislature. c The avoidance ot the Schuylkill inclined plane, and the improvements connecting with the Phil adelphia and Columbia Railroad, which are in rupid progress of construction, must materially mcrease the business on that public thorou"h fare, and will render the relaying of a the said road a work of absolute necessity. In the performance of this work, should the Legis lature authorize it, good policy would seem to 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 considera tion whether the public interests would not be greatly subserved by a location of the new- track, so os to avoid the many short curvatures on the eastern end of said road. They increase the dan ger to passengers and freight; forbid u dispatch safely performed on a straight line ; and require greater force than would be necessary on a direct track with higher grades. In the event of the Legislature authorizing the relaying of the east ern section of the said road, and the change of location before mentioned, a due regard to the public interests and the limited resources of the would seem to demand that the im provement should commence at an early day, and pi ogress from year to year as the revenues would warrant, until it should be completed. Poitage Railroad, from the completion of our line of improvements to the present time has been a serious obstacle to the business of the community, and the occasiou of trade seek-in" other channels to the Atlantic markets. Any inode, therefore, of lessening thisevil, must meet the hearty concurrence of the citizens. The sum of five hundred thousand dollars judiciously expended wilt avoid all the short levels, and four of the five inclined planes on the western slope ot the Allegheny. The annual expense of main taining these planes is not less than ten thousand dollars for each plane, and if to that amount be added the. cost of the short levels, and the perish able nature of the materials connected with these works, with the delays and risks incident there to, the annual amount for their maintenance, can not be less than one hundred thousand dollars Were these planes avoided, the commerce on the public works would be facilitated and increased and the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Company would find it their interest for many years to use it 111 connection with their great improvement. During the lust season, the scarcity of water on the upper portion of the western division of the Pennsylvania Canal, materially injured the character of the public works, and diminished the revenue lrotn that source not less than $OO - OUO. To guard against a recurrence of this evil it is recommended that the western reservoir in the construction of which the sum of sixty thou sand dollars has been expended, be completed The estimated amount required for its coumlc tion is *40,000, and would, in the opinion of the Executive be a judicious appropriation It has been suggested that an alteration in the canal locks, by making them conform to the shape ot the bottom of the boats, would not on ly strengthen them, but would be a savin" of water. This might be effected, if deerneS of sufficient importance, by the insertion of wooden bottoms in such nianneras to produce the results indicated. ninety per cent, of the number afflicted, are rad cally cured. In this view of the subject, com bining shelter and protection, with restoration to health and reason, the inducements to ener getic action on oar part, cannot be overlooked. It is estimated that an additional sum of $50,000 h will finish the building, and fit it for the recept ion of patients, and the same is respeetfully and earnestly recotnmended. Notwithstanding the revision, by the last Le gislature, 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 desorves, aud the evil must exist in the laws which control its practical operations. A serious defect, is the want of properly qualified teachers. It is worthy your consideration wheth er the establishment of Normal schools in the different counties would not removo this evil. Education may well be termed the great mea sure of the age. In a Republican government it is the safeguard of liberty, and enlightened states men regarding it in this aspect, will cordially co-operate to establish, to defend, to cherish and to maintain it. The Superintendent having be stowed much thought bn the subject, will, at an early day, submit a report, to which your atten tion is invited. The militia law of the last session is imperfect in many of its details, and requires revision. In the abolition of the mockery of parades iucident to the old system, and the establishment of an uniformed militia, well disciplined and drilled, it has been productive of general utility. Slight modifications of-its provisions will make it all that can be desired. The report of the Ad jutant General is well worthy your consideration* and is accordingly submitted. Reports from the Suryeyor General and Audi tor Geueral, exhibiting tho condition of their re spective departments, are herewith transmitted to the Legislature, aud the latter will furnish in detail much valuable information, m relation to the financial condition of the Commonwealth. The duty of districting the State for the elec tion of Representatives, will devolve upon you. Returns ol taxables, required to be made by the differeut counties, have not been transmitted, as by law they were directed; but the officers charged with the duties under the law, are en gaged in their preparation, aud they will be laid at an early day before the Legislature.. By resol utioqs passed at the last sessson, the Executive was required to transmit to certain officers, citizens or natives of the State, resolu tions expressive of the approbation of the Legis lature, for their distinguished services in the late war .with Mexico. In performing this duty, these resolutions were transmitted to such of these officer- - , as, by the report of the Adjutant General of the United States, had been breveted for good conduct. The resolutions for the amendment of the Con stitution, having been duly published according to the terms of that instrument, it will be the du ty of the Legislature to take such action on the subject, as may be most - consistent with the wishes of the people. It is proper to state, that the appropriation made to defray the expenses of the publication of these resolutions, was whol ly insufficient for the purpose, and an additional 1 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 his home afterliaving earned for himself aud the State, in the war with Mexico, a reputation for undaunted bravery, pa tieut suffering, and heroic virtue : and the opiu ion was expressed, that it was due to these patri otic citizens,that the Common wealth should make a suitable acknowledgement for their illustrious services. No actiou having been taken upon the s u gb e ®ti° n » I would again call the subject to the attention of the Legislature., It is also proper to refer to the recommendation therein made, in re lation to the death of certain officers of the gov ernment, aud the omission iu tho constitution to supply the vacancy. The subject is deemed of sufficient importance to justify an earnest hip • that legislative action may not be withheld thereon riie prac.Lise ol postponing the passage of ap propriation bills to the last day of the session, for bids deliberation, as well to the Legislature as to the Executive, and should hereafter be avoided. These bills, requiring care and attention to the specific items, and disposing ot large amounts of the public money, should be deliberately exam ined before they obtain the sanction of laws.— Nothing cau excuse hasty aud unadvised legisla tion, on a subject so important to the public in terests. It is confidently anticipated that this Legislature will adopt a rule of practise more con sistent with prudence, economy, and souud policy. The intimate connection existing between the industry of the citizen, and the currency of his country, demands for that question the serious at tention of the statesman aud lawgiver.' In au thorizing Banking or other Institutions, to create a currency other than gold aud silver, it would be uufaithful to our trusts to permit them, for want of proper checks and guards to allow it to become less valuable than the .coin it is intended to represent. The views expressed in the last message in favor ol the restriction of the number of these institutions, to the real business wants of the people, and refusiug a renewal of Bank char ters until a thorough examination of their affairs had demonstrated their entire solvency, remain unchanged. The tax on banking capital, exact ed by the last Legislature m granting of charters, and applied to the payment of the public debt, has resulted in securiug to that object a sum ex ceeding one hundred thousand dollars. While this tax should not be increased to an extent which would cripple the reecources of these in stitutions, the present amount cannot be consid ered an unfair equivalent for the privileges con ferred, and should therefore continue to bo im posed as alegimate source of revenue. The laws intended to prevent the circulation ol notes of a less denomination than five, dollars, art practically disregarded by the citizens. In a government founded on popular opinion, experi ence would teach the impolicy of coutiuuing in lorce, Statutory provisions which are generally inoperative. The violation, with impunity, of laws however unimportant, will lead to a disre gard of others, indispensible to the security of society. It is, indeed, to be regretted that this circulation has not been prevented, as much evil has been experienced by the community from the reception of this irresponsible paper. The amount in circulation within the State, supplied by institutions of adjoining States, is estimated at not less than five millions of dollar?, and is valueless, except in' localities near the Banks by which it is issued. To the extent of this circu latiou, the constitutional currency, aud the notes of specie paying banks of the Commonwealth arc displaced. The solvency of the institutions issuing this paper, cannot be known to the citi zens, and it passes from hand to hand the repre sentative of a value it may n’ot 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 inclination, aud will consult the welfare of his constituents by striving to mitigate what cannot be removed;— If, as is alleged, the business operations of the community require a circulating medium, other than gold aud silver, of a less denomination tiian five dollars, a supply under the regulations and restrictions of our laws, would not be open to the objections of .the existing method. Were the Banks of the Commonwealth authorized to es- tablish agencies or branches in one or more pla ces, aud permission given such branches to issue said notes, upon a statement in detail by the pa rent institution being made to the Auditor Gene ral, satisfactory to the said officer, of the entire solvency of the said Bank; exhibiting its whole assets and liabilities,—designating the propor tion of its capital stock to be employed at the said agency or branch, which in no case should exceed a graduated per centago of the said cap ital stock; and should with the Auditor General an amount of State Stocks equal to the amount of notes to be issued ; the Auditor- Gene ral thereupon required to grant a licence to said Bank to establish said agency or branch, and to issue said notes, marked by the said officer as the issue of .the said branch and redeemable at the counter of the parent institution; a sound con vertible currency wou:d soon displace the pres ent irresponsible paper of foreign institutions, end would afford security to the citizen, without a withdrawal of the necessary circulation.— Notes issued under the foregoing restrictions, having their redemption secured m the manner herein pointed out, would necessarily receive the confidence of the people, from the fact that the stocks pledged, would, under every condi tion of things, 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; —specula- tive value might be affixed to property; —and shrewd meu, watching the signs, of the times, could release themselves from individual liabili !ty ? but the stocks of the 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 char acter, even to a small proportion of the capital stock of these institutions, the losses resulting from a failure to pay their liabilities would be laigely diminished. These views are presented to the Legislature for the purpose of ur*riu« on it the necessity of devising means to protect our citizens from the losses incurred iu the fail ure of Banking institutions. In any well digest ed system it will afford me pleasure to co-operate, particularly in reference to the security of that portion of-the currency entering so largely iuto the business of the producing and laboring clas ses of the community. The general Maaufacturing law of the last ses sion cannot fail to be productive of decided ben efit to the State and the people. Although the time which has elapsed since its passage, has been insufficient to test its advantages, the erection of large establishments in many places,* which must soon afford employment to a considerable number of the citizens, warrants the belief that its salutary efiects will be felt at no distant day. Representatations have beeu made to this de partment alleging that by the erection of abridge over the Ohio river, at or near Wheeling, Va., great obstruction to the navigation of that high way has been produced. In times of high wa ter in the river, the largest class of steamboats are unable to pass under the bridge, aud serious injury to the commerce of the Western part of the State, must result from this nuisance. Con nected as is the Ohio, with the line of Internal Improvements through Pennsylvania, and fur nishing to our canals. and railrouds, a large a rnount of merchandize for the Atlantic market, au obstruction of this nature will have a direct tendency to diminish the trade on our Public Works; to effect ill ) Eastern market; and ma terially to decrease the revenue of the State.— Results of a character so important should warn the Legislature that speedy and energetic action is required, and that measures dictated by jus tice and policy, should be resorted to with a view to the removal of the evil. The expression of our opinions on questions more directly belonging to the National Govern ment, is a right arising from the nature of out in stitutions, and where they are intimately con nected with the interests ol' the people, becomes a duty not to be disregarded. The representa tives iu Congress of the State and the citizens, aware of the tendency of measures on the pros perity of their constituents, and knowing the re sponsibility of their exalted position, must regard with becoming favor, a deliberate declaration of public sentiment from the States they represent. Entertaining these views, and persuaded that questions of vital importance to the well-bein" of oar beloved Commonwealth will claim the a? tCntion ot Congress, I have deemed it right, on this occasioh, briefly to refer to a few of those which may be considered of greatest couse quence to the welfare of the people. The adjustment of the revenue laws for the protection of the peculiar interests of Pennsylva nia, must be regarded as a measuredeeply afiect mgall classes of society. In relation to the pol icy of the National Government on this subject, the manufacturer, the artizau, the agriculturalist, ! aud the laborer, feel alike, that their business aud ! pursuits, are elevated or depressed, as protection* is afforded or withheld. In the history of the past, they are furnished with lessons for the fu ture. The eveuts of the past season, have afford ed conclusive evidence, in the closed doors and deserted buildings of the manufactories; in the distresses of the laborer, and the general depres sion ot profitable industry, ol the imperative ne cessity for a system of laws which will sustain, against foreign competition, the employments of our citizeus. When profitable investments, and useful capital are stricken down;-—when surplus produce finds diminished prices; and when labor is depressed, and industrious operatives are thrown out of employ;—neither party dogmas, nor local interests, nor sectional jealousies, should prevent a united and energetic effort in our Na tional Representatives, to restore the general prosperity On the application lor the admission of new States into the Union, the subject of the extension of slavery, will claim the attention of Congress. Our Southern brethren, united by long association and habit with this institution, and dependiug upon it in a large degree for their domestic com fort, and commercialudvantages, will not willing ly allow of its exclusion from territories belong ing to the Geueral Government. No disturbance is contemplated ot their relations therewith, in the States where it now exists. Holding their slaves by compromise and concession, it would involve on our part, a breach of faith, and an in terference with the sovereignty of sister Repub lics to intermeddle with their social policy; or to controvert thelegality of their domestic relations. Whatever injury may be inflicted on Northern interests from the jealousies iucident to the exis tence of the institution, and the effort to prostrate free labor, a sacred regard for our pledged faith admonishes us to suffer, rather than attempt ref ormation where our authority will not be ac knowledged. The extension of the evil beyond its present limits, discloses a very different fea ture. The coneeut of the free States of the Uniou to its further progress, would evince an ignorance of their true interests, of the rights of justice and humanity, and an iudifference to the character aud dignity of their common country. Where these aie implicated, it isau abandonment of du- ty to compromise. So fully were the views of the Executive expressed on the subject of the Tariff and the extension of. slavery iu a former message, that a reference to them here, us embra cing his present sentiments thereon, would ap pear to be sufficient. The dissemination among the people of infor mation affecting their peace and prosperity, should be regarded as a measure of sound wis dom, and should be shackled by no unnecessary exactions. To give to the citizens of one sec tiou of a common country, a correct knowledge of the wants, the opinions, and general condition of the people of other portions thereof, should be the aim of all wise legislation on the subject. Nothiug would tend more strongly to dissipate sectional jealousies aud dislikes, and to unite in seutimeuts of neighborly kindness, every part of this, great confederacy. Intercourse, wheth r produced by the agency of Railroads, or of Tele graph j by personal, or written communications; is an agent to heal dissensions, and. to foster so cial charities, more potent than national laws. "To tax beyond the necessities of government, the intercourse of our citizens, creates a barrier to the dissemination of knowledge; and assists in es tranging the affections of the different portions of the Republic. In this view of the subject, the Rates of Postage churged by the National Gov ernment, becomes a question of deep importance and sound wisdom would dictate a reduction of present charges. It cannot fail to be perceived that tlio observa tion ill relation to postage, as connected with national intercourse, applies with equal force to improvements in the mode, of travel between re mote sections of the country. Whatever facili tates free communication among the citizens, strengthens the unity of government.- Whether from the character of the country and the nature of its surface, it is practicable to construct a great national thoroughfare from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean, has not been fully ascertain ed; but it must be evident,, that such an improve ment would be of inestimable value to every por tion of the Union. In addition to the opportuni ties it would afford of an interchange of hospi talities between the people of remote sections it would not fail to be loaded with a trade as profitable to the country, as it would be impor tant to different localities. To Pennsylvania, its benefits can scarcely be imagined. The im provements already made and those in progress m this State, connecting with the Public Works °f States, will soon form one unbroken chain of communication from the Atlantic to the Mississippi. Were thiß gigantic work comple ted, no man can estimate the solid and social ad yantagea.which must ensue to every section of countryjunited therewith ; and in no place would its salutary results be more effectual, than with in our own borders. The subject is eminently worthy the serious attention of the Legislature. •Iu a faithful adherence to the National Consti tution, as the same has been expounded by the Sages and Patriots of other, days, the people of Pennsylvania rely for the perpetuation of their ' I P Qi i t l i ‘; a i l 6?C - ialandreli S ioua libert 7' Although be found the acknowledge teemed k, 1 , 1 ! 88 tbe J do not approve, it is et conntrv and^ttf 1118 110 lu nilumentnl law of the rion bf Wk ln hey r s vere “be it as the consumma- I ,? m ant * Patriotism, devoted to the f,- e pare - When sectional interests and \ COD J ea , d for B “premacy, and rights are o be determined; when questions bi nf n “ S n t 0 - e contr overted, aqd disre gard of nattonallaws is manifested ; in peace and » foreigner d ? * d ',? CU , H BB : the cit ' ZQ ns of Ponnsylva-. S“ ta , , ‘ “h'ding confidence to the National Constitution. Neither the thirstjfor power; nor the phreuzy of party; nor the prostration of their peculmr interests ; can shake their allegiance to e Nationat Government, or raise with them the laitor cry ol disunion. The sentiments expres s' : aud ‘he language used on the subject, by the h .“ V o,mtr y> are so appropriate to the U f w htch we live, that £ have deemed it hn'if ,° Ca y° ur attention to the following brief extract irom his farewell address. unity of government which constitutes you one people is also dear to you. It is justly so; for it ince fh“ P ‘ ar m tbe edlHce of your real ahrnal b r PP I‘nmquility at home; your peace , f yO S- i afety ; °'y our prosperity; of that v ery liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and ftom different quarters much pains will be taken, many artihees employed, to weaken in your minds the con vio mn of this truth ;as this is the-point of your poUt- . ical fortress against which the batteries of infernal and external enemies will be most constantly and ac tively (though often covertly and insideonsly) direc „.i Jut' ls -° J nh ? lte moment that you should prop y estimate the immense value of your national uvioste your collective and individual chens ! l 8 cordia b habitual, and iinmo vable attachment to it, accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as the palladium of your poiiti rf, v “ n d prosperity; watching for its preserva tion with jealous anxiety, discountenancing what ever may suggest even a suspicion that it can, in any the hr., ' aadune r d; and mdignantiy frowning upon S™ tdl ‘waing of every attempt to alienate Any the iscr f |°, ?l ' CC 'T-- tI ? from the |rest - or t 0 enfeeble parts ” d 1183 " ,hlohnow hnk together the various Gentlemen : —ln the performance of a constitu tional obligation, the measures deemed necessary tor your consideration, have been stated ns con mit aS t lelr lm P ortauce autl nature would per- fo tiio representatives of the people attaches toe duty of enacting such laws as tbe welfare of our constituents may require, and to their care and deliberate action are cheerfully confided the safety, honor, and prosperity of the Common-. WM. F. JOHNSTON, EXECUTIVE OhaMDER, J Harrisburg, January 1, 1850. I . REMEMBER THAT AT WENTZ’S STORE YOU wi« find positively the largest assortment ot New Goods in this city, and any person wisnmg to save from 15 to 30 per cent, shohld by a « means examine this Jarge stock of BEAUTIFUL DRY GOODS. A,s the co/il weather gathers around us, so ahouW every lady gather around ner one of those Beauti ul Shawls at the Bee Hive. It cannot be denied that the handsomest, largest- assortment, aid the very cheapest Shawls can be found at WENTZ’S BEE HIVE STORE, a • n , North Queen st. a" 8 cV a " d , En B liBh L °”U Shawls. Beautiful Broche Shawls. Heavy 10-4 Woolen Opera Shawls. ,oKd C ° loUr8 ' Sacks. Do e no't d ro°rget S the VelV6t ’ * n °v6 .. • Ornamental Marble Works. EAST King street, next door to John N Lane's store Charles M. Howell, Marble Mason respectfully informs the citizens of Lancaster and BLE BUSIN PS? 6 ™ ’ he Carries on * e MAR- D-Li. BUSINESS, m all its various branches, and rin« e Mi all l. to Ca 1 l n him ’ as h ° is Batis fied that he oity or st C ate! lPer ” ° ther establiah in the He invites the public to 'call and eiamine his Crave St fin,shei J Mantels, Monuments, Tombs, Grave Stones, and also his.collection of designs for Monuments, Tombs, fcc., before purchasing Or. S. P. Townsend’s Original and Genuine Sarsaparilla. and 0Bl^”“- CHAS. A. HEINITSH, Wholesale and Retail Agent, East King street. Nov. 20-43-2m] WILLIAM S. AMWEG, Attorney at taw, OFFERS his professional services lo the public. He also attends to the collection of Pensions, ana the prosecution of all manner of claims against r,?r en ?- aI £ overnment - His residence in the city of Washington , for-several years, the experience derived from the duties of the office, which he had filled during that time, and the mode in which claims ot th,s sort are most speedily adjusted, give the most amp e assurance that business placed in his not l r S |' V , l b iv a , Uended to tn such manner as can not fail to afford satisfaction. the°La C ncas, S er Ban^ 66 " E ‘ rCet ’ Eecond houße bdow Nov. 20, 1849 L •NDIS & BLACK, AT TORNIES AT LAW: Office— Three doors below the Lancaster Bank, Son h Queen street, Lancaster, Penn’a. . n j AII kinds of ncnvenmg, such as writing Wills, Deeds, Mortgagers, Accounts, &c., will be attended to with correctness and despatch. January 16, 1849 ' fil Geo. W. Hunter, ATTORNEY AT LAW. OFFICE— North Queen Street, first door to tho right of John F. Long’s Drug Store. ~All kinds of Conveyancing, writing Wills, Deeds, Mortgages, Accounts, & c ., will be attended to with correctness and despatch April 3, M 9 W. Whiteside, H ATTORNEY AT LAW, AS removed to the office formerly occupied by E. C. Reigart, Esq., in West King street* ad house below Mr. Reed’s Tavern. April 10 OFFICE FOX THE Purchase and Sale of Real Estate, WISSu- EIE3O EffiffiJUS®, HuMBM! PENNSYLVANIA, bov 13-42-3m] D. \y. PATTERSON. Dr. M. M. Moore, Dentist. ST I Cl. continues'to perform a. operations on the TEETH upon terms to suit the times. Office North Queen street, opposite Kauffman’s Hotel] aprU 19 J JOHN A. HIESTAND, ATTORNEY AT LAW, Office in West King Street, fourth door West of Peter Reed’s Hotel, Lancaster. Lancaster, May 16, 1849. Alexander l. hayes, attorney at lawi Office— : West King Street, next door below C. Hager & Son’s Store. January 9, ’49 EORGE W. M’ELROY, LjT .. ATTORNEY AT LAW , Offers his professional services to the public.' Office in Centre Square, in the room formerly occupied by M. Carpenter, Mayor; [May 1,>49-14 Sign Painting* JOHN L. KEEFER has commenced the above business, in A. N. Brenneman>s Building, Cen tre Square, Lancaster, and will do the best he can, by strictattentionta business and moderate charges, to satisfy all who may be pleased tq favor him with ■ their custom. " [May 1848r—15* NOl 50.