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rifrA.:Ve " .4 4
-'lts)4±-4..r*:', <-1 f;'.!:
4 "^" sli'LCtS
rtv 0 -44 240.4 1"-+
Mragoro moortgv
Towanda, Wednesday. Jan'y. 13, 184.6.
Democratic Co mat y No 1111 nal I o ns.
1 , .11 nnv RlOll.
FRANCIS R. SHUNK
t,% II C ur•er.al r Sias l'onrele-or.)
I=!
FR SNCIS cf Troy norm:r t .- 3 h.
(To fill t` , ..on. , tey orrn< ori, I OIC d , nlll 1.. W..,
I day 0; o', • on yot to ho
au) emit!, inaatcb at this
On Six ye 112 c old.
ilorrarle Mi.rcicr of a Wife!
On Monday evening la.t, mr .community were filled
with horror and alarm, at the information that JAHER
P. I.•scro an, residmg, in Rome, in this county, had that
evening, made an attempt to murder his wife, by shout
ing her through the body with a pistol. From subse
quent information we gather the following particular.' of
this unnatural and ag.grasated occurrence:—lt appears
that Lnngfonl had repeatedly threatened the life of his
wife, had purchased n pistol for that avowed purpose,
and on the night on which the dreadful deed was accom.
plished, deliberately loaded the pistol in her presenre.
and disregarding her prayers and supplications, holding
her with,one hand, shot her through the abdomen, the
ball passing entirely through her body and lodging in
her cloth -s. She sing- lingered in extreme pain,
but coon d possigy regsver. '
lan;:!'ord was immediately nrrested.sna is now in our
jail awaiting hi- trial, Welch wilt probably take place at
Fehruary Court.
No reason car assigned for the commission of this
dreadful crime. It is hut the rad finale of years of
brutality on his part ; and patient suffering and resigna
tion from her. Our whole caininunity , bear witness to
the esany'ary character of Mrs. Langford, and to her
worth and standing.
This dreadful deed is tut another dart. chapter in the
history of In:Clip:trance.
We have been thus brief in respect to this occurrence
—as the prisoner awaits his trial by the laws of his
country, and we wish net to add to the already over
whelming indignation inanifesb d against him.
Tin Go - rir von's MEss.tnr., crowd§ out our usual
Variet C..ilgressional, Harrisburg correspon
dence, Leg6lative, &r, &c.
Letter to the Editors tilted ILL ontSnuna, Jan. 6, '47
ME1 , 511.5. Enrrons.—The Speakers of both Houses
Were elected yesterday. The whig party having nomi
nated their candidates acted in harmonicius carmen, and
of course elected on the first ballot. Mr. Cooper in the
House and Mr. Gibbons in the Senate. They are both
gentleman of talent and considerable experience, and if
can keep aloof front political prejudice, will make excel.
lent , Speakers. The same party met in caucus last night
and Made nominations fur. the respective Clerkships, and
other officers of both branches. In the Senate they no
minated Mr. Hamendy, an old and experienced Clerk,
though a young man. He is said to be a Most efficient
clerk.
In the House, David Fleming, a young Lawyer of this
place received the nomination. He is a very good and
competent man, and withal a very affable, clever fellow.
Them is such an.unnumbered multitude of disappoint
ed expoctante, that much dissatisfaction prevails. A
great deal of loud talking and scoldin7, is heard in almost
every crowd, and Borne say the thunders that indicate a
certain storm, can be distinctly heard. It is not inapos.
sible that their caucus nominations will be broken down,
which will be rather amusing, although it will not in the
least beitefiti the democrats, The Whig party are too
wed disciplined and too hungry for "spoils" to permit
a crumb to escape.
The city and county of Philadelphia - have elected de
legates in favor of the re-nomination of Gov. *Munk,
which settles that question. His re-nomination is :Iry
certain, and unless black treason stalks abroad, nothing
can prevent his election.
I had always thought that Irvine was the strong man
or the Whig party, but it looks any thing else here.—
Mr. Cooper has strong and active friends who will pro
cure his nomination if it can be done.
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.
To the Senate mid 11,135 e of Ityresentativel :
GENTI.I7 , Ir:N :—The Lewislature has assembled at
a time which is distinguished for the general health
and pro:perity of the people.
While we deplore the wants and wretchedness
rs' numbers of our race, resulting, principally from
the inane:ice of utiust governments, we are en
abled, by comparing our condition with theirs, to
appreciate the inestimable value of our own free
institutions, and arc moved to unite our grateful
hearts in adoration and praise for the wonderful
goodness of our Il.avenly Father, who has multi
plied our civil and reli4iaus blessings, and has not
only preserved us from the horrors of want, but
has enabled tr, oat of our abundance, to feed the
linn7,ry, and has made us a great and happy pe
p:e..
Since the la-it a limn-rime:it of the General Assem
bly, the peace win. h had spicing subsisted between
this na'ion and she oiler ziahons of the world. has
beca dis:u-hed by the .war Between the United
S zees aid Mexico. The nrave causes which have
lee Itrt.l this rupture ace ally and satistunorily set
mall i i th_t lace ino-s ire ot . the President to
enng.e-q. They show a dienified forbearance on
the - pact of this goverment, under multiplied
wrongs and aggre.ssions. end 'a laudable desire td
preserve peace whale its blessings could be secured
eonsistomly with die honur. A free peo
ple, conscious that they- ask nothing but what is
right, cannel szni-nit to wrung, and however much
they deprecate the evil.. of war. their jos.. rights
must ha main:nine I. Cot area. on the 13th
of May. 184 n. amain 1., I. that by I r iot of Mexi
co a sta:_e of a - ar eeis beiwee a that geremnont
a id the Gaitlid States• i t I for the purpose of prose
citing it to a speedy and strce-sfui Leonia:Moo the
Pre-:idea: was authorized to employ the militia,
naval a id military fl-. e, of the I. need States. and
to call for and s se. t ice of y' thpusand
v
f to.ol of tit a0.`33-i'v de.ived from..this
thy, .1 Ow 18 , it of \I-:y. 1816. re
-01.• Sra - t.. to cause to be
!LI .. I I S. for noi te: bit° the
•.% o ejoi ei. ro:, , ,bneofsof voluo
-10 coo-,1 of te.t corn moles, to
in t it , . or to the cad ef the war,
!or: ,11,11 4;0.1
w:th el. - :b: re inn.:±. zene—.:l
• 1,01 1231 of 1I u. 1816, a:moo:wing
• 1 11 it e that the ol.r of six
fln ry woold be accepted, tit be held
.; :or enu,ler into the sen - iee of the !Joi
e:: purou.ucc of thi- xueouocernew, the
coova:be3 of xolunteter infantry,
rogoneaes were received and
transmitted on the 15th day of 114, 1836, to the
War Department; patriotisni - and zeal'sol;6
were so promptly ond cheerfully Manifested on this
occasion, by the volunteers of Pennsylvania, give
proof of their devotion - to - the senric - e of theecnintry,
highly creditable to themselves and honorable to
tae State. •
The six regirnents.thne calledfor : were not mas
tered into the service. '
On the 16th of November, 18,46,, lOtecuest ?was
made by the President fur one regiment of vohnt
leers from this State, to ccnisii4 of ten companies,
to be continued in service during the war with Mexi
co, unless. sooner discharged. - This request was
announced on the 18th of November, 1846, to the
volunteers who had previously tendered their ser
vices, and the regiment was promptly filled and
mustered into the bervice of the United States at
PicEburg. on the 15th ,tav of December. Six ofthe
eon, pal ies composivg the - regiment, were organized
in Philadelphia: one in' Pottsville ; one in Wilkes-
Barre, and two in Pittsburg,.
On the 1 4th December, 1846, a request was made
by the President, for another regiment of volunteer
intimtry from this State, to serve during the war
with Mexico, unless sooner discharged. This re
giment was tilled, even with more promptitude than
the former, and ordered to rendezvous at Pittsburg,
on the s:h instant. One of the companies compos
ing this regiinent, was organized in Philadelphia:
one in Reading: on in Manch Chunk: one in Har
risburg: one in Denville: two in Cambria county:
one iu Westmoreland county: one in Fayette coun
tY.-und one in Pittsburg.
The energy and the exalted patriotism which
have thus been evinced by the citizen soldiers of
Pennsylvania, are an admirable illustration of the
workingq'of our free system, and of the strength 01
our government_
The officers and soldiers who have entered into
the service of the country,'are independent free
men, in the•vigor of youth and manhood, intelligent
and eneretim animated with the love of liberty, and
proud of the dignity of being citizens of the United
States. Such are the volunteer soldiers of Penn
sylvania, who have filled two regiments, and are
ready to furnish any additional number that may be
requited.
lu referring to the manly zeal of the soldier, allu
sion to the benevolence of the citizens who'provid
ed for their comfort on the march. and who became
the ..,niardians of those they left behind, and were
dependent upon them, ctinnot be omitted. Those
generous feelings, so admirably expressed. in which
woman mingled the fulness of her patriotism ; and
the charms of her influence, cast a halo around the
volunteer, when with lingering looks at the loved
objects of home; he commenced his wintery• march
for the seat of war, and gave him the assurance that
the blessings of the .soldier's friends—of the whole
countrc, were upon him j and their protecting care
around his family.
That compensation, in addition to the small al
lowance made by the laws of the United States,
should be provided for these brave men who have
devoted themselves to the country, is most reasona
ble. I submit, respectfully, to the General Assem
bly, the propriety and justice of invoking Congress
to appropriate, for their use, such portion of the
public laud as may be sufficient to furnish a com
petent freehold to each of the officers and soldiers,
who have, in compliance with the request of the
President. volunteered to serve in the war with
Mexico. and are mu.tered into the service of the
United States. A better disposition, could not, in
my opinion, be made of a part of the public do
main.
It is to be regretted that, as the contingency which
had arisen was not forseen, there was no provision
made by the Legislature ; for defraying the expen
ses of tfie.marehing the volunteers to the place of
rendezYous. The allowance made by the general
government, for this purpose, was little more them
sufficient, with the most rigid economy, to pay the
cost of transportation. These men were hurried
front their homes, with little time for preparation,
and when they arrived, and were mustered into
the service, the small sum for defraying their travel
ing expenses ; which was their only compensation
up to that period, was nearly exhausted. I submit
to the General .Assembly, the propriety and justice
of refunding to them; the expenses of the march to
Pittsburg. The'see ifices they have made, and the
spirit they have evinced, merits, in my opinion, this
small acknowledgment from the representatives of
the people.
It is proper to add, that, although this subject has
been presented to the general government, no pro
vision has yet been made to defray . the expenses
incurred by the volunteers, in preparing themselves
for muster into the service, under the request of the
President, of the 19th of May, last. This subject,
too, is worthy of the immediate consideration ofthe
General Assembly.
. .
A detailed report of the proceedings in this State,
for organizing the troops, to serve in the Mexican
liar, will be made as early as practicable by the Ad
jutant General, and submitted, as soon as it is re
ceived, to the General Assembly.
hr connection with this subject, it is my du'y to
state, that, to the industry and ability of Adju'unt
General Bowman, and his Assistant, Colonel Petri
ken.l have been e, - sentially indebted, for the prompt,
methodical and satisfactory arrangements ; by means
of which the duty that devolved upon me, in the
organization of these troops ; has been performed ;
and as existing laws make no provision, I respect
fully submit, that suitable compensation for the ser
vices which have been rendered, should be prompt
ly made to these officers.
The debt, and finances of the Commonwealth,
present one of the most interesting subjects thatcan
engage the attention of the Legislature.
The following is an exhibit of the Sate debt, on the
Ist of December last, as appears from the Report of the
Auditor General :
Y our,, be.
Total funded debt, $38,85P,970 52
Relief notes in circulation, 1,081,664 00
Interest certificates, outstanding, 703,810 69
,Interest certificates, unclaimed, 4,433 11
Interest on certificates, to August
1, 1845, when funded, 44,423 21
Domestic creditor,'
95,972 47
Total public debt, on the let De
cember, 1846, $40,789,577 08
Being $196,816 22, leas than it was on the tat Decem
ber, 1845.
The payment of the interest on the funded debt
had been suspended for two years and a half pre
ceding the Ist of February, 1845, for which certifi
cates were issued, which constitute a part of the
existin2 . debt. In consequence of the non-payment
of the interest ; the balancetu the Treasury had ac
cumulated on the Ist of December, 1841, to the
sum of 6663,851 88 ; and on the Ist day of Februa
•ry, 18-13,, the payment of the interest on the funded
debt was resumed, and has been continued up to
the present period, and the credit and honor of the
State maintained. This is a source of high gratifi
cation to our citizens, and has tended greatly to
restore our good old Commonwealth, to the elevated
and proud position she formerly occupied, and
which, I trust, slit is destined to occupy for all time
to come.
‘Viiile, however, we mingle our congratulations
noon this comparatively prosperous state of Maks,
it is proper that the true condition of our resources
should be accurately and critically examined, and
always kept in view, and not only to gmani by
ample provisions against the possibility of another
failure. punctually to meet all the demands upon
the public Treasury; but to make provision for the
comtneneement of a system for reducing the pub
lic debt.
It has been my constant endeavor, especially in
the annual natrisa:ze of January, last, and the
-cial mr..:sage pdi . r.he :Ist of April, following, to im
press upo t the rcprfsen!atives of th,. peo.ile, the
ite. - ..essi.y and importance of this sutject. la Ira=
sen.ing it to the Legi.:slature, at the last so.snm, it
became my duty to show that the taxes aSSPNECCI on
real and person:A estate, together with all the other
revenue that ar cried within the fiscal year, endi::g
oa the 39th of November, 1845, were less fan the
expeadimres of the year, by the sum of $414,199
32, which deficit was supplied out of the balance
in the Treasury on the let of December, 1844; and
bycl . ..minutiou of the outstanding taxes. Thus,
On the Ist December,:, 1814, the balance in
the Tmasary we, 1668861 88
And on the Ist of December, 1845, it wee 884,986 09
"Eitioninti • rede4in of the balance in the
Tressury.of. 979,965 79
As the tst peeentine, 1844, the 41 '7. :• -
, -estiiosted sintneet;el
bleoutsmiding taxes was $1,009,77803
Andne the:ln Deiember,lB43, • S
,_.they were estimated at 874.51450
Shooing tr diminution of the
outstandimtat.ies of
And making an aggregate diminution Grille
balance in the Treasury,and'ontstanding
taxes, during the year ending 30th No
vember, 1845, of ' $414,199 32
This statement demonstrates that the taxes, and other
revenues assessed, end 'accruing within the year, were
leu, by the above sum, than the demands upon the Treau-
Ty. during the Same period.
The financial oporationa of the yearending on the 30th
of November, 1848, also exhibits a like deficiency, but
less in amount. Thus,
The balance in the Treasury on the tat Du;
cember, 1848, watt $384,886 00
And the estimated amount of available tax
es outstanding at the same period, was 874,544 50
Making an aggegata amount of balance in
the Treasury, and outstanding taxes, en
the let December, 1845, of 1,259,430 59
The balance in the Treasury
on the lit Dec., '46, ass $438,678 70
And the estimated amount of
available outstanding taxes,
at the same period urea 542 688 64
Making an aggregate of the
balancein the Treturury,and
'landing taxes, on the let
December, 1848, of -
Showing diminution of the balance in the
Treasury. and outstanding true., during
the fiscal year ending on the 30th No
!ember, 1846, of $332.063 25
It thus appears, that the taxes assessed, and he
other revenues accruing within the fiscal year just
ended, were insufficient to meet the demands upon
the Treasury, by the above sum.
It will be perceived that the balance in the Trea
sury on the Ist of December, 1846, wasgicaterthan
was estimated in the last annual message, and that
the amount of the outstanding taxes has been re
duced below the estimate then made.
As it was apparent that these recurring deficien
cies, would soon exhaust the balance in the Trea
sury, and all the arrearages of available outstanding
taxes, I was impelled to urge upon the General As
sembly, at their last session, with so much earnest
ness, the indispensable necessity of providing some
additional tevenue, to lace the finances a the
State upon a permanent us.".is. Near the close of
the session, an act was passed, entitiZzl "An act to
provide Sir the reduction of the public debt,' tw itteh
embraces some additional objects of taxation and
contains provisions for enforcing, more elfectwlly,
the intention of the act of 1844. It was, however,
passed at a period of the session when there was
no time for deliberation, and contains some provis
ions, which, in my estimation, ought to be ni clu
ed. It seems to me that, an attempt to tax book
accounts, and moneys due on contracts, will only
prove vexatious to the citizens and officers, with
out adding substantially to the revenue. As the act
of 1846 has not yet had time to produce any prac
tical results, no certain estimate can be made of the
amount of additional revenue it will produce; but;
it is believed, that this law, together with the in
crease of the value of property, since the last trien
nial assessment, will, if the present triennial assess
is fairly made, enlarge the revenue derivable from
real and personal ostate :o an amount equal to tit?
deficiency that occurred in the accruing revenue of
the last year. The loss of tolls, and the additional
expenditures upon the public works, occasioned by
the extraordinary flood of last spring, is a subject
which . may be properly noted here. By reference
to the report of the Canal Commissioners, it appears
that they have estimated the loss of tolls occasion
ed by the delay in opening the navigation, al the
sum of 3150,000, and that the cost of extraordinary
repairs, required in. consequence of injuries by the
flood, was $111,515; making the aggregate loss
to the State, by this unusual casualty, e61,5A5.
If this disaster had not occurred, the accruing
revenue, exclusive of the balance in the Treasury
on the first of December, 1845, and the taxes then
outstanding, would have been nearly equal to the
demands upon the Treasury, during the. last fiscal
year.
From the Canal Commissioner's Report it appears,
that the receipts from Canal and Railroad tolls, and
charges (or motive power, were—
For the year 1843, $1,017,841 12
For the year 1844, 1,167,003 42
For the year 1845, 1,195,979 42
For the year 1846, 1,295,494 76
Showing a gradual and steady increase, during the
above period. Even last year, notwithstanding the
delay in opening the navigation, they exceeded
those of 18 15, by the sum of t'.98,515 33. There
is good reason, therefore, to believe, that if the pub
lic works shall continue to be conducted with the
same degree of skill, industry, and integrity, with
which they have been managed for some years past,,
the receipts from them will continue to increase,
until the business upon them reaches their full ca
pacity.
Some apprehensions have been expressed, that
the construction of the great Central Railroad, be
tween Philadelphia and Pittsburg, may be the
means of diminishing the income from the Improve
ments of the State. In this Ido not coneuS„; on the'
contrary,4 entertain the opinion, that the increased
commerce, which it will invite between our great
Eastern and Western emporiums, and the regions
„which connect with them, will not only add to the
revenues of the Columbia railway, bet will greatly
increase the productiveness of all oar public works.
Such, I believe, has been the experience of New
York ; and such, I doubt not, will, in a very few
years, be that of our own Commonwealth.
I transmit, herewith, a statement showing the ac
tual receipts and expenditures, fbr the last fiscal
year; and, also, an estimate of the same, for the
present year, made with mnch.care, upon fell con
saltation with the other officers of the government.
From this estimate, it appears that the receipts of
the year will exceedihe expenditures, by the sum
of `194 , 441 11.
The balance in the Treasury, on the Ist instant,
was only :Ei-138,986 68. It is, therefore, altogether
probable, that it may become necessary to make
some arrangement to anticipate a small portion of
the revenue of the year, to meet the interest which
will fill due on the Ist of February next. I re
commend that some legal provision be promptly
made for this purpose. This will not affect the
financial calculations and estimated results of the
year. I feel entire confidence that, taking into view
the operations of the whole year, the results will
sustain substantially the estimates that have been
presented.
The snm of two hundred thousand dollars, which
is now annually appropriated to the cancellation of
the relief issues, and which is included in the es
timates, is discharging that amount, of thepublic
debt yearly and is, in fact, au existing sinking
fund.
If, therefore, the conclusion at which I h a ve ar
rived, shall prove correct, that the taxes assessed
under existing laws, on real and personal property,
with the ordinary revenues, and an amount from
the public improvements, equal to that received
during the past year, will prove sufficient to pay
the interest on the public debt, and other demands
upon the Treasury, the annual increase 0f . ..r011s up
on the public works, may be added to the present
sinking fund of two hundred thousand dollars a
year. From the experience of the three -last pre
ceding years, Vail increase may be thirty es incited,
for some years to come, at one hundred downed
dollars per annum • and, if it be added annually to
,1 •
the - existing fund f or the cancellation of the relief
issues, they will all be taken out tf circula iou ht
about three years, at which-thee the Stata will have
a sinking fund, of half a million - of dollars, to com
menee the' liquidation of her funded debt. The
pplication of this fund, annually, with its accruing
.teres‘ tb the - prirehase - of five per - cent—State
stock, at par, will, at the end of ten years, discharge
$6,288,929 of the public - debt, and, at the end cf
twenty years, $16,532,881, which will reduce the
debt, including the cancellation of relief issues, at
the end of twenty-three years' from this time, to the,
sum of $23,175,032. ; The nett income from the
public works wi ll then, it may fairly prestunedi
be more than'ample:to pay the interest on the State
debt, and the people may be entirely relieved-from
all taxation, for the payment of interest. In fact,
there is reason to believe, that, the increased wealth
of the State, and the accumulation of business on
the public works, will, at a much earlieeperiod ad
mit of important reductions in the taxes,. without
retarding the consummation of the foregoing plan
for reducing the debt. Notwithstanding some may
be disposed to view these suggestions as visionary,
I have the most entire confidence in their practica
bility, provided the public works shall continue to
be managed with integrity and skill, the tax laws
fairly executed, and the government, in all its de
partments, honestly arid faithfully administered.
In connection with this subject, I respectfully re
commend to the General Assembly,the propriety and
policy of proposing to the people an amendment to
the constitution of the State, under the form, of the"
tenth article of the instrument, by which the in
come from the publid improvements, after deduct
ing the necessary expenses for repairs and superin
tendenc.!--the revenue arising from the State tax,
on real and personal property, for a certain'period,
and such other items of income as may be deemed
expedient to include, shall be set apart and be sa
credly pledzed for the payment of the interest upon
the pubt.c debt, and the gradual liquidation of the
principal.
- Such an amendment, judiciously arranged,would,
I apprehend, meet with the decided approbation of
the people of the Commonwealth. It would con
centrate public sentiment upon a fixed object—re
move all doubt of the 'fulness of the public credit,
and lay the foundation for the final extinguishment
of the public debt. It would give an additional se
curity and assurance to the people, and to the pub
lic creditors, that, in no event could the pul lic reve
nue be diverted from its legitimate oh jest. and would
furnish conclusive reasons for the prompt and cheer
ful payment cf the taxes.
I would espectrully recommend a careful exami-
135,7.33 G 3
072,367 34
nation of the operations of the existing tax laws.—
Taxes. however correctly they may be arranged by
law, fall to a certain extent, unequally upon the peo
ple, in consequence of theuvanous circumstances
and liabilities; but if to this unavoidable result be
added careless and irreuularassessments, by which
large amounts of property escape taxation, great in
justice is done to those who. make an honest and
full return, of their taxable property.
The adjustment by Congress of the rates of duty
otr imposts, is a topic that continues to divide pub
lic sentiment. In my messa:re of the 7th ofJanua
ry, last, I took occasion to express the views which
I then entertained re ,, arding it and to these views
I continue to adhere. I can entertain no-doubt of
the constitutional power of the federal government,
to make sit.?li discriminations in the rates of duties
on imports, as may afford reasonable encourage
meat to domestic manufactures and productions
which may be injuriously affected by foreign com
petition. This is a power incident to every sover
eign State. auil as the separate States of this Union
are by the express terms of the constitution prohi
bited front its exercise, it follows, that, unless it re
sides in the federal government, the United States
are without this essential *butte of National
sovereignty.
The extent of these discriminations, bearing,
as
they do, upon conflicting interests, and in some de
gree arraying those of one portion of the Union
against another, can only be adjusted under the in
fluence of that spirit of con Session, and compromise,
which prevailed in the adoption of the Constitution
itself. The history of our legislation on thistubject,
demonstrates most conclusively, that a tariff, to be
permanent, which is so essential to the manufactu:-
ing, as well as all the other great interests of the
Country, must be reasonable and equitable, and
that all attempts to establish a rate of ultra protec
tive, or low horizontal duties ; have only tended to
keep the question in a state of constant agitation,
than which nothing can be more prejudicial to the
interests of the business community. I am, there
fore, in favor of such just discriminating duties as
may be sufficient to sustain all our great National in
terests against injurious competition from abroad ;
such as will give to the home manufacturer, and
producer, reasonable profits on, his capital, and ena
ble him to pay his workmen fait wages, without
unnecessarily taxing the consumer.
Pennsylvania, possessing as she does such cast
agricultural, manufacturing and mineral resources,
and commercial advantages, has a peculiar interest
in the adjustment of this question, upon a perma
nent basis. Should the changes made in the rate
of duties, by the tariff act of 1846, affect injuriously
any of the peat interests of the country, we must
unite ousAfforts to induce Congress, to whose care
and• - • ,-- VAtion the subject is committed by the Con
stitution, and on whose wisdom and justice'we may
safely rely, to make all just and reasonable amend
ments.
From all the reflection I have been able to give
this vexed and complicated subject, I am thoroughly
convinced, that reasonable discriminating duties,
such as can be permanently maintained, in connec
tion with the operations of the Constitutional Treasu
ry, and a sound currency, will do more to promote
the permanent and general prosperity of all the
great interests of the Country, tlnit any other sys
lem cf policy which can be adopted. High duties,
with the employment of banks as the depositories
of the public moneys, and a consequent inflation of
of paper currency, by which the advantage of the
duty to the home manufacturer and producer is
destroyed, are as certain to hasten and aggravate
those commercialrevulsions, to which all nations are
exposed, as profligacy and vice are to produce
want and misery•.
The repeal, or modification of the British Corn
Laws, by which our agricultural products are admit
ted into British ports, while it was a measure dicta:
ted alike by sound policy, and humanity, towards
the sulferingpopulation of the United Kingdom, has
had a most hippy influence upon our farming in
terests. This measure has already augmented the
demand for our bread-stuffs, at enhanced pricbs,
and there is reason to believe, it will continue to in
crease permanently our agricultural exports, which
cannot fail to add to the general wealth and pros.
perity of the State and Nation.
In the last annual message I expressed my views
at length. in regard to the policy of the banking sys
tem, to which I respectfully refer. To the opin
ions therein contained. I continue to adhere. At
present there is reason to believe that our banks are
in a comparatively sound condition. Without as
cribing this creditable and healthy state of things
entirely to the policy which has been adopted, of
limiting the amount ofthe banking capital, and mak
ing bankers individually liable ter the. payment of
their debts, I am persuaded that it has a salutary
influence in preserving the soundness of the -cur
rency, and that it should be adhered to inflexibly.
I refer you, with great pleasure, to the able report
of the Canal Commissioners, for a detailed state
ment of the operation's upon the public improve.
ments, during the past year.
The economy, skill and integrity, with which
they have been managed, fur a few years past, have
greatly tended to restore public confidence, and re
establish the credit of the State, and justly entitles
every member of the respective Boards of Canal
Commissioners, who has had an agency in produc
ing this great reformation, to the gratitude and con
fidence of the whole community-. I refer to the
fact, with no ordinary satisfaction, that during the
last three years there has not occured, among all
the officers and agents employed on the several
lines of improvements, a single case ofdefaleation.
The improvement of the.- Ohio river, from its
mouth to the city of Pittsburg, has heretofore been
deemed an olj ect of sufficient naticiaal importance, -
to claim the attention of the federal govemment.---
Numerous appropriations have been made for this
purpose, but not sufficient to carry out any efficient
and useful system. Many of the Westent and
South-Wes:eat &axes of the Union, are interested
in this iunprovement. The connection, however,
of the mail' liae of our canals and railroads at the.
city of Pittsburg, renders its improvements an ob
ject of the greatest interest to this State. If it were
made navigable duringmll seasons of the year (ex
cept when ice-bound) for steamboats of a large class,
it would add to the con:durum of Philadelphia and
Pittsburg, and to the carrying trade upon the public
works, au amount of business that cannot be relay
estimated. 1 therefore suggest to the members of
the General Assembly, the propriety of memorializ
ing Congress on this subject, and pressing it upon
thasitention of the general government, nnincum
bered with any minor projects, as one wurthy its
special consideration and favor.
I refer with much satisfaction, to the reports of
the Auditor General and State Treasurer. They
exhibit in detail the condition of the finances of the
State, and show the laudable industry and intelli
gent care which these officers have employed in
the discharge of their impatient and laborious du
ties.
Before the passage of the act of Assembly oflast
session, which transferred to the county in whichthe
crime may have been committed,
.payment of ex
, • uses for arresting fugitives from justice, the State
, become liable to various agents, duly authoriz
ed, to an inconsiderable amount. This liability
could not be met, because no appropriation was
made for that purpose. The individuals interested
in this matter are jus.ly entitled to remuneration, and
I respectfully recommend that an appropriation be
made to liquidate their claims. The amount will
be laid before you by . the Auditor General. -
Inconsequence of the engeengemtsiof the Adju
tant General in the organization of Inc volunteers
for the service of the United States in the war with
Mexico, his annual. report upon our military affair,
has not yet been received, as soon as it comes to
hand it will be transmitted to the General .assembly.
The Act of the 29th of March, 1836, provided for
the appointment and compensation of a State Geolo
gist and his assistants, and a competent practical,
analytical, and experimental chemist, for the pur
pose of making an accurate geolggical and minera
logical survey of the State, with a view to deter
mine the order, succession, arrangement, relative
position, and the dip or inclination, and the compa
tiVe magnitude of the several geological formations
within the State, and to .discover and examine all
deposites of ores, coals, clays, merles and such other
mineral substances as may be deemed useful or
valuable. The State Geologist was required .to
make annual reports of the progress (.1 the survey
—to cause to be presented on the map of the Com
monwealth, by colors and other appropriate means,'
the various areas occupied by the different geologi
cal formations in the State, and to mark thereon the
localities of the respective deposities of the various
mineral substances discovered. It is made the du
ty of the chemist, to make full and complete ex
aminations, assays and analyses of all such rocks,
ores, soils, mineral substances and mineral waters.
as may be submitted to him by the geologist, and
to furnish him with a detailed and complete ac
count of the results so obtained. It was also made
the duty, among other things, of the State Geologist
upon the completion of the survey, to compile a
memoir of the geology and mineralogy. of - the
State, comprising a complete account of the lead
ing subjects and discoveries embraced in the survey.
In pursuance of this act, a State Geologist and his
assistants, &c., were appointed, who proceeded
wi h the work, and the State expe.ndel upon it the
sum of 576,627 87. A number of annual reports
were made, as provided by law ; but the 'main ob
ject of the Legislature, the publication of a complete
memoir of the survey. exhibiting the results of the
examination, and embodying for the use of the pub
lie the vast sum of information, for which so large
an amount of public money was expended, lies mot
yet been accomplished. It appears-to me that this
subject is of sufficient importance to secure Legis
lative consideration. •
Frequent complaints have for years been made
by the people, of the time consumed in the Legis
lature by the passage of private and local bills,
which greatly increase the business, and create sub.
;gets for repeal and amendment. Many laws are
thus enacted which appear to be regarded as of little
consequence or value, for of the acts of the last ses
sion, forty-three remain in the office of the Secreta
ry of the Cominonwealth, which have neither been
enrolled nor printed, because of the small amount
of tax to which they are subject by the act of the
16th of April, 1845, has not been paid into the
State Treasury, Thus, atter the time in preparing
and passing these bills has been consumed, and the
cost of printing and transcribing them has been in
curred, they are suffered to remain in the office,
useless and neglected. This proves that much pri
rate legislation could"be profitably dispensed with,
and the time it occupies devoted to subjects of gen
eral legislation, by which the duration of the ses
sions would be shortened, and the expenseftcof go
vernment greatly diminished.
The progressive increase of the number of di
vorces granted by the ligislature, forces this subject
upon the consideration of the General Assembly.—
It appears to be the settled policy of this State, to
provide by law for the dissolution of the marriage
contract, for other causes than adultery. These
causes are enumerated in the Act of the 13th of
March, 1815. They embrace a wide range, and
seem to provide for all the grievances that may
arise in this interesting relation, which require legal
interposition.
Special acts of the Legislature for disturbing the
contract bet Ween husband and wife, are calculated
to arrest the attention of every good citizen, when it
is remembered that the dsireg,ard of marriage vows,
and - facilities for releasing parties from their obliga
tion, are justly regarded as strong indications of
degeneracy in public virtue and public morals; and
that a high regard of marital rights, and a sacred
observance of marriage contracts, are among the
strongest proofs of the progress of civilization, and
of the influence of true religion.
_ .
The preamble of the act of 1815, commends it
self to our approval by the wisdom and aptness for
which it is distim"mishod. The Legislature there
say, " Whereas }he divine precepts of the Chris
tam religion—the/promotion or the best interest
of human happiness, the design of marriage, and
the object of parties entering into the marriage state,
require that it should continue during their joint
lives."
These salutary truths, so well expressed , present,
in imposing terms, the duty of extreme caution in
interfering with the sanctity of the marriage con
tract.
It may be trite that cases occasionally arise of
such extreme hardship, as to warrant the passage
of special acts of divorce; but such as require le
gislative interposition can but seldom occur, unless
the wide range of the act of 1815 is extended be
yond reasonable limits.
The signing of bills for dissolving the bonds cf
matrimony has always been to rue -a perplexing
duty-. I have hitherto given my assent to them,
confiding in the judgment and discretion of the re
presentatives of the people, to whom, and not to
the Executive, the facts of each case am submitted.
But upon a review of the special divorces granted
since the enactment of the act of 1815, it appears
that there has been an alarming increase of them,
which should, in my opinion, be arrested. During
the first period of ten years after the passage of the
said act, laws were passed for divorcmg the parties
to sixteen marriage contracts ; during the next ten
years, forty-two, and during the last ten years, Marty
were passed.
I know of no change in the habits, manners, or
condition of the citi4ens of the State ; iii theirsocial
ralatiorv, or in the increase of their number, that'll':
counts fur, or warrants this increase of divorces.—
It 15 possible that the cause of it may in a degree
be found in the facility of obtaining legislaion on
the subject. Without further inquiry into the cause,
the effect is, is my judgment ; injurious to the pub
lic welfare, and should be strictly guarded against
in future.
Waterer eoubt may have been, or are now en
t rain2d, oft le . power of the Legislature to pass di
vorce laws, for any other cause than adultery, or to
pass them under the provisions of the Constitmicui
of the United States, that no State shall pass any
law impairing the obligation of contracts, it seems
to be conceded, against the opinions of many wise
and good men; that The power may be constitution
ally exercised ; but in view of these opinions ; the
extreme delicacy and responsibility of granting
these applica:ions, appear in a strong light.
Under the mnrtiage coi.trao, irripeitanfa'ad
uable rights are veiled in the parties, 4,d
responsibilities are assumed which should e s L i
disturbed, even when the power to inteif e y e
is
questionable, without legal notice to the p a i l :
is to be affected by the proceeding, and a fair
open trial, the right to which cannot be
d tad
:and can
the judicial tr only
ibunals: be mewed by referring th e Ni - 4 7 3 ,
"
lo every view I can take of this interestii;,.A
ject, I am persuaded that these spe c i a l k„, 6 z
divorces, have a dangerous tendency, and, taiii4
power to grant them is oxen iced at all, a pr ep ,,
gard for all the public welfare requires that i l , hotit i
b- limited to cases of extreme hardship and ta g*.
boilable propriety.
The progress of our age in civilization. h a , 6 2
distinguished in Pennsylvania, by the arnelioratc,
of the penal code, and her improved prison d,
pline. The organization of her pcnitentianmitez
domestic economy, and the care and attene ra , 41
the support, cleanhuess, industry, and morali egm
tion of their inmates. have secured-the general
probation and confidence of our own citizens, ta t
have excited the admiration of 'other linnet and a.
tions, and furnished models for their imit at i on...
The Philadelphia society for alleviating the m i .
ries of public prißons, has l • Xertit'ed as cre c i,„
agency in pror:u ing these valuable n stilts h
der that all the benefits of experience may b e 41
aod improved. th 1. submit the prquietv
p ovis on by law for obninin
intonnation relative to the c0...-Ict on , for cr a p s.
the charaee: of the criminal, the cendaiet
expenses of the penitentiaries and pmons of t o
Commonwealth, and the costs of suppor*
convicts. -
The motives of this society are so
and the reasons they assign for collet-tin!! the 13 ,
formation required, are. so cmclusive. and to ahi s
represented in a communication which I har e
ceived from them, that I take great plea qn ,
transmitting copies of it herewith, in o - der that
philarahropic views of the rceiety ' and the imp %
Lance of the subject may re_-eive that early ari, .
tion of General Assebly which they so richly
The government of Pennsylvania. and hn ltn
rary - , charitat4.- 6... benevolent inniitul ais.arearea.
the first and best. The peolde are indu-trieth.
telligent and enterpri7ing. In tint( of pe ace , ~,,it
and unobtrosive—.n war. lion mat der )(led. Bl er
ed in her physical re 'maces and I:er iiistr.o unit,
and animated by- the spirit of her linfslchzu.n,
onward course in improving her a Alai coudorri
rapid. Tire great element ul preseiviag.
and perpetuating her gre..tness, is he alin e vd ed ,
catioa of her yon h. lit this, too.: hr ha, tr, i
ber of years advanced with the vigor by %vE c h yn
her great efforts are distinguished. '1 he able upon
of the Superintendent, presents the steady and lITA.
for progress of the system OfVOIEHHOB ,C11001111•BW.
hon. That. it is yet imperfect, and to some ruu
inefficient, lily lie freely ailinitcd : hut, who on
doubt that the rr iedom and energy whir h aqua ,.
ced, will mature and perfect it.
In conclusion, r_sentlemen, arcept :1 , 5.117.m-es
my hearty co-operation with yurr in irli nu - nears
for advancing the welfare °four entice:. ai„d m ar ,
mining the honor and dignity at r ur 1 e.or
monwealth. FRS. R. SUNK.
EXECL:TiVE CHAMBER.
Ilarriiiburg, - January 6, 1846.
Married,
In East Smithfield, by D. H:11. Esq., on the 31.4 of Dt
cember, Myes CA - LISTA Mont,, d suiedrr of Cole.
Salisbury, to Groan a S. I S.C.:. all , 00 Es.tstaititft
Special Election.
wfi...ElS the Opeakes of the llouse of Repreents
tiver of thus Commonwealth, has issued hiewnt afeks
non, declaring
that a vacancy has occued sal
House, by the death of John 1.. Webb, Eo arabrr
elect from the county of Bradford, and auttnretin tel
enjoining me to issue Proclumation fur a rfmatEm !
ton to ti II said vacorry. Therefore I, John F. Sera,
High Sheriff of the county of Bradford, by stow i
said authority, do hereby make known and gin nose.
that a special Election will be held in and county, o
FRIDAY, the 29th day of January inst., in the won;
districts in said county, to wit .
In Albany, at the school house in the north bat
near the house of W. Wilcox.
In Asylum st Jacob t'rutehe3 's.
In Athenaboro. at E. S. Mathewson's.
In Athens tp, at J.& W. Kendall's.
In Armenia at Wrigbtman t'ierce's.
In Burlington at Addison Dl'Kearis.
In Canton at Bynjarnin Coolbaugh's.
In Columbia AI ames Morgan's. '
In I)urell at S. S. Bradley's.
In Franklin at Wrn,'Lleemer's.
In Uranaille at the school, hour,. no. I, at .Gnisat
corners, a
to Herrick a Wm. Durand's.
In Lit Mfield at R. Park's. •
In Le toy at the school house in Leroy.
In Monroe at J. P. Smith's.
In Lkwell at the homr formerly occuvied
Ross. -
In Pike at E. Dewolre.
In Ridgbury at Stephen Harman's.
In Rome at L. S. Maynard's.
In Shesheepiin at D. Brink's
In Smithfield at A.. - 6erouhrs.
In Springfield at T. Wilder's. -
In Standing Static at S. Stevens'.
In South Creek at the school house near Ass Unica
In Springhill at U. 1). Blocks.
In Towar,da borough at the Claremen6ll.ime.
In Towanda tp. at the school house near Andre , C.
Gregg's •
In Troy borough at the "cheer{ house. -
In Troy township, at the house of Win. A. GL"''''
near the residence of Peter Garubrsnt,
In Ulster, at S. 13. Holcombs.
In Warren, at E. E. Ayres.
In Windhhm, at E. Russell's (deceased,) -
In Wywox, at the Academy.
In lA yalusing, at the school house on the par mai
at of near John tides', at which tune and pl.= t'
electors aforesaid will elect by ballot—
,One person to represent the county or Braltrni
the House of Representative; of thisCounnonort
in place of John 1.. Wt bb, deceas e d.
And in and by said act, I am further &redid ra inn
notice" that every person excepting justice oldie rc ,
who shall hold any effice of profit mid trust maitre ,
government of the United States, or of this !WM.° c ' t
any city or incorporated district, whether a remises&
ed officer or agent, who is, or shall be. e mployed 0'
the legislative, °recut ve or judiciary A:spar:mental na
state,or of the Unted States or of afiy mon°
district, and also that every member ofCongril.
of the state Legislature, and of the select and annul
council of any city, or commissioners of oily mar.'
ed district is by law incapable of holding er,eso oo p
at the same time, the office or appointment of
inspector or clerk of any election of this eoramssti ll
and that nes . inspector, or . ..judge or other offial of
such election, shall be then eligible to ally olfsl lo°
voted for.
By the 41h section of an act passed the 1 6th Jr!
April, 1840, it is provided "that the 131 h, section 043
act passed July Rd, 1839, entitled. " A let relstmf
the electors of this Commonwealth." shall not IV 7 '
strued, as to prevent any militia officer from iter* , °; k :
judge, inspector ur clerk, at any general or specOl
tion of this commonwealth,
In the 61E section of the act first mentioned. 1, ,
ted that every general - and special election stiol,!r,
open between eight and ten in the forenoon, sod „
continue without interruption or ni.j.minmen t
o'clock in the evening, when the polls shall be cbr o.
By the 18th sect, of the act passed 3d Feb!.
" It shall be lawful for the insp c ors and jird;e °'
general or si eci..l election, which shall herof lil
held in the Arm. Iva ele.tion di str i ct , ,„ t h e cos 1 „.
Bradford, to close the polls of such elecuun a t 5 ~i Om
in the afternoon." 1,011
It is further directed i that the meeting or the
the Court House in Tim n od e , to mal.e out the Plia
return, shall be ot! the'illird day afier theclecrion.v.•
will be the 29th tbly of January.
ficc. Tectu j n i t ) %, 1 1 IN Jet i :: . I mt E :, l l : 9 ' ; '6 . Bb
Shrri Of ens
A DAI IN IS ritAlincsNoi lik;
ALL persons indebted to the estatent Pairirk Olt
Into of Ulster • township, decd.. are r l l"‘L i
make immediate, pa) went. and these boi"g je " -- 65.
against said estate,:are requested to ioeent theta 1 ?.
with fur adjustrrieni.. DANIEL v.lNuencoolk•
Towanda Jan. 9th, 1817. Adulia:itrztar'