dicate their avers'on to the particular measure of
reform proposed, it is not to be iulerred, for that
reason they are averse lo all attempts at reforma
tion. Such an inference, I am confident, would
not be a true reflection of their sentiments. So far
frotn this, they acknowledge the existence of the
evil, and the necessity of proper remedies. Our
present license laws, to this end, mighr, in
my opinion, be usefully revised—the object of such
revision being to lessen the vice of intemperance.
That those laws need such revision, is conceded.
So far as relates to the city of Rhiladelphia, they
are peculiarly prejudicial to public morals, and
Seem to have been constructed lo promote the con
venience of drinking, fir more than to restrain its
evil consequences. The subject is worthy of your
early and deliberate consideration.
The report of the Superintendent will exhibit to
you in detail, the operations of the Common School
system for the year just closed ; and I respectfully
recommend the suggestions of ihat officer to your
careful consideration.
The general law of 1849, with amendmen's and
modifications, was remodeled by the last Legisla
ture. The most material parts ol the old law,
which were omitted in the new, were thesub—dis
tricts. the endowment, and sectarian features. The
former was rejected because of the unnecessary
multiplication of offices which it authorized, and
the conflict which perpetually arose between the
committees and directors ; and the latter, because
in manifest hostility to the true intent of the com
mon school system. These provisions which seem
ed to contemplate a separate school establishment
under sectarian patronage, although controlled by
the common school directors, were originally en
grafted upon the acta of 1836 and 1838, and were
again re-enacted in 1849. They were very proper
ly stricken from the system by the law of last ses
sion. Bhould efforts be tnade in the future,at sim'
ilar innovations, come whence they may, it is hop
ed they may be promptly rejected. The system to
be effectual, must he simple and uniform in its op
perations. Special legislation, inconsistent with
the general law, applicable to particular localities
or districts, to answer temjiorary or partial ends,
always has, and always will embarrass the admin
istration of the general system, and should for this
reason, be carefully avoided. The integrity of its
forms, not less than the means to sustain its oper
ations, should be constantly maintained, andsacred
ly cherished by the government.
A new feature in the system, adopted in the law
of last session, creating the office of County Super,
intendent, bas not, as yet, been fully tesied ; and
there evidently exists some diversity of opinion as
to the wisdom of the provision. It is already very
obvious at least, that its beneficial workings must
depend mainly upon the characterof the agents se
lected to carry it into operation. C mpetent and
faithful Superintendents may produce the happiest
results; whilst the agency of the ignorant or inef
ficient will be attended bv the reverse consequen
ces. In order to give this new feature of the'law
a fair trial, it will be necessary, therefore for' the
directors, in thh respective counties, to select Super
intendents with sole reference to their adaption to
the duties of their station.
Of the many obstacles in the way of the complete
success of sur Common School system, (he one mi st
prominent, the most difficult to remove, is the want
ol competent teachers. In some counties, I regret
to say, the system has fallen inio comparative in
efficiency, because good teachers cannot be found ;
and in others, the most vexatious consequences
have arisen from the employment of the illiterate
<yid incompetent. Nothing could exercise a more
prejudicial influeice ; indeed, between a very bad
teacherand none at all, the latter alternative might,
in many instances be preferred. This deficiency is
already manifest, and hard to obviate. Some of the
best minds of the Stale have been occupied and per
plexed with it; and until recently no general and
practical plan for its removal had been devised.
The plan of granting petmanent professional
certificates, by officers skilled in the art of teaching
and eminent in literary and scientific acquirements
—fo teachers who satisfactorily pass a thorough
examination, in the several branches of study,
which the act of May. 1854, requires to be taught in
every district, and aiso in the art of teaching—is
already obviously effecting decided improvements
in this regard, and it is believed wiil 'do much to
ward placing the profession upon a high and firm
basis. Normal schools, it is urged, could in addi
tion, to some extent supply the deficiency, but the
expenses of such an institntion would be heavy.
The source of this difficulty*, it is clear, can be
traced, in a great measure, to the want of a proper
appreciation in the public mind, of the position and
business of a teacher. The profession for this rea>
•on, in addition to the absence of faircompensation
has not been actractive. Indeed, it has scarcely
been regarded as a profession at all, but as a preli
minary step to some other pursuit. Well directed
efforts have recently been made to change the gen
eral sentiment on this point, and I rejoice in the be
lief that these have not been in vain ; and that the
day is no' far distant, when the profession of teach
ing will be equal to the aspirations of the most am
bitious of our people; when its distinctions, digni
ties and pecuniary rewards, will command the time
and attention ot the most gifted. I can see no rea
son why this state of feeling should not prevail;
why the profession of teaching should not rank in
honor and profit with other learned professions ;
why the science of developing the human intellect
—of giving scope and force to mind —of elevating
the moral faculties of our race—of controlling the
passions and tempering the desires, should not be
esteemed as highly as those professions and call
ings, whose ornaments have received all their ca
pacity and polish at the hands ofthe comparatively
humble and illy rewarded teacher.
I earnestly recommend the common school sys
tem to our guardian care, as the most sacred of all
our institutions. The offspring of a constitutional
injunction on the Legislature— the extension and
perpetuity of its usefulness, is the plain duty ofall.
Resting at the very foundation of the government,
its practical workings should be a true reflection of
our republican system, and its blessed opportuni
ties maJe available to all, regardless of rank, or
condition, persuasion. It shoulJ aid lhe poor, ad
vance the iich, and make the ignorant wise.
I confidently anticipate lor it, a day or great
er perfection and wider influence. No better ob
ject can engage the attention ol government, than
the education of the people in the moslcomprehen
sive sense t ol the term ; embracing the use cf let
ters, the cultivation of the moral faculties, and lhe
diffusion ol the christian tru'h In this we have
the surest guarantee for the perpetuity of our re
publican government, and for the enjoyment of
civil liberty and religious freedom. Such an edu
cation may be salely claimed as the most potent
means of preventing crime—of increasing individ
ual happiness and national dignity—of promoting
chrislanity anJ civilization—of extirpating moral
and political evils—ol elevating, dignifying and ad
orning our social condition.
Oux various charitable and reiormatcry institu
tions—so creditable to lhe Stale, and which, in
their practical operations, have done so much ior
the relief of suffering humanity—will claim the
continued care and bounty ol lhe Commonwealth
The State Lunatic Hospital at Harrisburg, under
its present efficient control and management, meet*
the just anticipations of its wise and benevolent ad
voca;es. Its humane and benign ml agency in
ameliorating the condition ol the unfortunate class
for whose relief it was designed, can be judged by
no ordinary standard. The benefits of such an in
stitution rise above all mere pecuniary estimates
Its purposes address themselves to the best and
noblest feelings <>r our nature, and can only bo rat
ed at the price of human hope and human reason.
A somewhat dissimilar, though not less merito
rious institution has recently been established in
Philadelphia, for the mental training of the Idiotic
and the Imbecile. The-astonishing results it has
already achieved in developing and invigorating
the weak and clouded intellect, should secure lor
it public confidence and patronage. It commends
Melf to the bounty and care of the State
The ituuiutions for the education of the Doaf
and Dumb, and Blind, will also need, as they just
ly merit, the uul annuity from the State. They
are in a flourishing condition, and continue lo be
sow numberless b.essirtx* upon the unfortunate
beings committed to itie.r ct,arg e
ward CW '"? Ug <•'"' reclaiming way,
ward and offerid.og you fi it,* House of Refuge
• ands pre-eminent: and ev*(y where samino
this class of erring creatures is far more effectual
and humanizing than that of the ordinary modes of
punishment. It takes charge ef those whose offen
ces aie ofien the result of circumstances rather than
criminal intent; who fall by the influence of bad
example, of wicked associations, of idle habits or
animal necessities; or who sin becau.-e of uiter
want of moral and menial preception ; who do
wrong, rather than right because they have not the
power n> distinguish between them. For such un
fortunate beings, the House ol Refuge possesses the
advantages of restraint and correction—with moral
and intellectual training, as well as of iusti uction in
the usual pursuits of life, without the disgrace and
chilling influence of prison confinement The re
sults, therefore, olten are, thai ils mm tes go back
to socie y, cutej of all moral detection, and com
petent 10 fill the place of correct and useful mem
bers of the community.
During the past summer, the magnificent stiuc
tnre elected under the supervision of ceituiu bene
volent gentlemen ol Philadelphia, as a new House
of Ileluge, was completed and ihiown open to pub
lie inspection. The capacity, order, and arrange
men's, in every particular, of this admirable build
ing, are fully equal to the design of its founders.—
It is an honor to them and an ornament to the
beautihd city in which it is situated ; and its good
effects in future, under the same systematic ami
wise discipline which so eminently distinguished
its past management, will not be readily over
rated.
The western House of Refuge, situate on the
banks of the Ohio river, a short distance below
Pittsburg, I am gratified to say, is also complete
and ready for inmates Though less imposing, as
to size and capacity, than its stately compeer oi
the east, it posses all die order, economy ol space,
and perfect adaption to the purposes designed, that
characterize the more costly s picture at Philadel
phia ; and it is also belie veil to be quite adequate,
as 10 size, to the present wants, while it is built
with express reference to future additions, should
they become necessary.
Nei'her oi these buildings have, I presume, been
erected without involving ilieir projectors in pecu
niary liab.lilies, and perhaps loss. The entire S'ate
has a deep interest in such truly meritorious insti
tutions; and whatever relief can be given to them
by the Legislature, consistently with the condi ion
ol the. Treasury or our public engagements, should
be cheerfully extended.
Tin interests of Agriculture are ardently com
mended to your care. Extensive and energetic
eff irts have been recently made to disseminate
correct inlorination concerning this great pursuit,)
and in this way 10 confer upon the larmer the ad
vantages ola scientific as well as a greatly refineJ,
practical understanding of the noble pursuit in
which he is engaged
Trie utility of a College, devoted to Agriculture,
with a model larm attached—wheieiu the princi
ples of a scientific cultivation of the sail, and
manual labor in that pursuit, would be joined to
'he usual academical studies—has been strongly
pressed upon my attention I' i> believed that such
an ins'itu'ion can be successfully organized, under
the auspices of the Sta'e and County agricultural
societies.
The practice adopted and maintained by the last
General A-sembly. in relerence to omnibus bills
arid special legislation, is an improvement of such
value as to command itselfas a settled rule ; and I
confidently Irust this salutary precedent may not be
| disregarded.
i Obscurity, confusion and inaccuracy irr the con
struction of our laws, inroads upon private rights,
and unguarJed corporate privileges, litigation and
confusion in the interpretation and administration
j of our statutes have been the fruits of a loose and
unguarded system of legislation. The evil has
been one of tae greatest magnitude, and the remedy
should be eherished with unyielding tenacity
Special legislation has so little to recommend or
sustain it in principle, it is surprising it has been so
long endured. Although much was done by lhe
Iwo preceding legislatures by-law to obviate any
supposed necessity for special acts, there still is
much 10 be performed in avoiding a return to this
unsafe practice. It is believed that general laws
can be so framed as to avoid in most cases the
necessity for special acts, and the proposition is
most earnestly commended to your favorable con
sideration.
The omnibus system—a pernicious mode of leg
islation, by which the most opposite measures,
good and bad, are thrown together in one bill and
under one title—was, I rejoice to say, entirely
broken down and discarded by the last General
Assembly. The volume of laws for 1854 contains
no acts of this character. Each law embraces but
a single subject, anJ that indicated by its proper
title.
The 55th section of the act providing for the ex
penses of Government for 1853, authorized and re
quired the Government to sell the State arsenal at
Philadelphia, and apply the proceeds ol such sale
towards the purchase of another she and the erec
tion of a new building; and restricting the ex
penditure to the sum received for the old property.
The building and lot were readily sold for $30,000.
Tiie selection of a new loca'ion, and the erec ion
of another building, presented a far more difficult
task. I readily discovered that the sum thus ap
propria'ed was entirely inadequate to accomplish
the end in view. The price of a similar location
would leave but a meagre sum with which to erect
the building T'nder all circumstances, I have not
felt authorized to attempt to carry out the law, and
would respectfully suggest the propriety oi increas
ing the appropriation for this purpose.
Tiie report of the [ resent able and energetic Ad
jutant general will inform you of the condition of
the military affairs of the State. This department
of public affairs, I regret to say. has been in a con
fused and declining condition for several years.
The public Librarian has called my attention to
the lact, that the law reports of twenty-two other
States have been regnlarly received by this, and
that no provision has ever been made, on our part,
to reciprocate this courtesy and generosity. 1 res
pectfully suggest the propriety of authorizing some
officers of the Government to procure the neces
sary copies of the Pennsylvania reports to supply
those Slates who have so generously added to our
library.
The registraiion act, I respec'.lully suguest, lias
essentially failed to accomplish the end designed,
and should be repealed or amended. A record so
incomplete and imperfect can do no good; but
may really do harm It has already cost the S ate
about $25,00 ), to which there must be annually
additions. The object is a desirable one, but I
am confident it can nevei be attained by the mode
contemplated in this law. It is a subject of con
stant complaint by registers and physicians, and
only such registration is made as is compulsory,
in order to legalize letters of administration.
By the 67th section ol the appropriation law of
last session the Secretary of the Commonweahh
was authorized to continue the publication of the
Archives to the year 1790. Under this authority
the selection of documents from 1783 to 1790 has
been made, and the ten'h volume containing this
matter will be ready for distribution before the
close of the session. Two additional volumes will
complete the work as originally designed "
The councils of Philadelphia, by an ordinance
passed in October, 1852, dedicated the necessary
ground in Independence Square, to the erection of
a monument commemorative ol the Declaration of
Independence; and tendered the possession ol the
premises to the representatives of nine or more of
the original States.
Since that lime, the Stales of New York. New-
Jersey, Nevr Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecti
cut, Georgia and Pennsylvania have have signified
their willingness to accept the proposition on the
terms indicated by the councils, and to participate
in this patriotic work. Delaware, Maryland, Vir
ginia and the two Carolinas, have taken no action
on the subject.
I cannot refrain from again expressing my una
bated solicitude for the success of this movement
If American history .umishes a single event worthy
ofcommemoratien by a monument, the Declara
tion of Independence is that event. In moral
grandeur it is without a parallel, and stands above j
all o'her for the mighty influence which it has ex
erted upon the political, religious and social con
dition of mankind. It has been justly said, it j
ushered in a new member inlo the family al nations
and electrified all Europe. It opened new revela
tions of liberty, and changed 'he relations of people
and government, by teaching the one how to resist
and conquer oppression, and the other the absolute
necessity to its own continuance, of recognizing
and respecting the rights ol humanity. From that
time forth, a new, vital and quicking spirit has
pervaded the world Thrones have been shaken,
empires have been overturned, society has been
convulsed, blood and carnage have desolated the
earth ; but still the intelligence and souls ol the
people of all Christendom have teen so vivified,
elevated and expanded, to a comprehension of
their rights, as will never be obliterated or forgot
ten ; but will advance, enlaige and increase, until
that mortal and social preparation for the apprecia
tion and enjoyment of liberty shall be effected,
which, in the divine economy is so indispensable
to the permanence of free institutions.
As the third generation of that posteiity, for
whom the men of the revolution chiefly labored
and suffered, and died, it is peculiarly fitting that
we should erect such representations of their -treat
and controlling acts as shall speak to ourown hearts,
to our children's hear's, and shall testify to God and
ihe world, that we appreciate end reverence, and
would cultiva'e and disseminate the mighty truths
and principles which brought our nation into ex
istence, which constitute its very life, and of which
it* seems designated by providence to be—the
special defender and protector.
I believe we should have a monument to perpet
uate the remembrance ol the great event, from
which such manilold and inestimable blessings
have sprung ; some imperishable memorial of our
gra'itude to the authors of the Declaration of Inde
pendence ; to the heroes who participated in the
mighty struggle; an enduring wi rtess ol the great
things done amongst us and for us; an embodi
ment of the origin and principles of our govern
ment; some distinguishing mark of the placeol
die nation's birth; a consecrated temple of liberty,
about which unborn generations of America may
meet and renew their assurances of fideii'y 'o the
principles of the Declaration and to their natural
offspring—the Constitution and the Union. 1 am
fir this work most earnestly : and I trust that Penn
sylvania will not permit it to fail; but that it may
be pressed upon theattention of the original thir'een
States; until each and all shall evince a willingness
and determination te participate in the erection of
' this glorious structure To this end I respectfully
! suggest to the General Assembly, the propriety of
! again calling the attention of the original States to
j the subject, by resolution or otherwise.
| In closing my last communication to the General
I Assembly, and terminating my official relations
I with the people of my native Commonwealth, I
j may be indulged in a brief and general reference
| to her present proud position as a member ol the
j great fam ly of States, and to the patriotism, integ
; rity, and general prosperity ofher citizens. The ad
i vantagei us geographical position ol Pennsylvania
| with a fit e ha;bor open to the Atlantic, and anoth
j er connecting her centrally with the magnificent
j chain ol western lake navigation—her long branch
ing rivers, spreading their arms and arteries thro'
! every por ion of her territory—all adding to her
! fertile soil and exhaustless deposits of valuable
j minerals—presents a combination of the natural
| elements of greatness, scarcely equalled in our
jor any o her quarter of the globe. These have
made her an attractive field for the science, in
dustiy and enterprise of man; and alt her naural
advantages have been cherished and cultivated,until
she has reached a condition ol varied wealth and
positive prosperity. Her system of internal im
provements will safely compare with those of any
sister whether in regard to completeness in
cons ruction, or the extent of country which they
traverse. Nor have the higher hopes of humanity
been disregarded by our statesmen, ar.d the people
at large; as ttie liberal provisions lor common
schools, Academies and Colleges, and our numer
ous crowded Churches attest: while, at the same
time, the various Asylums for th® insane, and for
the unfortunate of all classes ar.d conditions, and
Houses of Refuge, for the relormation ol the way
, ward and erring silently, yet 6Utely, bear witness
j that ihe cause of benevolence has always found
, effective advocates within her borders
In physical improvement and population her
j progress has been steady and rapid, in the days
! ol Governor Snyder, the erection of a btiilge over
the Susquehanna river, and the construction ola
turnpike road was the6ubject of executive exulta
tion, and a matter of congratulation among the
people. Now her whole surface is checkered over
with railroads, canals and other high-ways. Then
| the whole revenues of the State amounted to but
, S-150 000 Now they exceed five millions. Of
j the four latge States, her per centage of increase in
, population, since 1840, is ihe grea est ; and she has
besides excelled the best of her sisters in the pro
i dilution ol wheat, iron and coal. Her population
numbers not less than two and a half millions;
nearly as large as all the States at the time of the
Revolution. .The present value of her real and
personal e.-iates exceed §850,000 000. Her annual
production ol coal is wot h tn the market over
twenty millions. Her great interests ol agriculture,
m anufactures and commerce are rapidly extend
inc.
She ha a , in addition, a history, ol which we may
well be proud. Within her limits is loipd the
birth-place of Independence—that sacred spot
where was firs: declared those great truths which
lie at the foundation of American nationality. In
the maintenance of those truths, she bore a glorious
part Her contribution of men to the field, and
money to the treasury—of talent and wisdom to
the Congress ot the Colonies, were not surpassed
by those of any other State. It was her sons who
crossed the Delaware in the dead of winter, under
the lead of Washington, and for a time turned the
tide of war. Again, in the struggled iBl2, for the
rights ol American citizenship, and in that of 1846,
lor American honor and progress, she contributed
with a profuse generosity. The contest among her
sons was to who should have the privilege ol
going into the field Bearing this honorable part
in matters of foreign war—she has had a no less
enviable participation in allay domestic strifes
Whenever the exigency seemed to require it, she
has s ood firmly by the Constitution and the Union,
and ever contended for the rights ol all sections of
the country, and all classes and denominations ol
the people. Such is our Slale. To live and die
within her limits, and to have born even a very
humble part in her civil service and her history, I
shall ever esteem as'a proud privilege—one that,
as it draws nearer its close, swells my heart with
gratituJe to her people, at the recollection of the
numerous proofs of confidence I have experienced
at their hands.
The fullness of my exultation in the character
and happy condition ofour beloved Commonwealth
and of the gratitude 1 have expressed, leaves no
room in my bosom for even a lingering regret at a
decision of my fellow-citizens, which is soon lo re
lieve me from the cares and labors of a public life
Its transient excitements have already been forgot
ten, and its alienations, if any, forgiven. I shall
resume my place in the ranks of the people, with
a calm consciousness of having always sought to
advance their best interests to the extent of my
ability ; and of never having yielded my eonvic
lions of right, either in subservience to any selfish
purpose, or any narrow and unworthy prejudice.
Having adverted to various subjects of congratu
lation, in regard to the public affairs of
State, I may be indulged in a brief reference, also,
to the happy aspect ot our common country, and
the elevation it has reached among the nations of
the earth, in the light ol liberty, arid through the
woikings of its benign institutions. Who amongst
us, and throughout this broad land, does not expe
rience at this moment, and at evary moment, in
his own condition and the condition ol those who
surround him, the influence and benefits ofour hap
py Union, and the well considered compact by
which it is sustained. A basis of calculation, ex
hibited by past experience, will give our country a
population of thirty millions in less than ten years
from die present time—of eighty millions in thirty
years to come—and at one hundred millions at the
close ol the present century ! But mere numbers
are of no moment, compared with moral elements
in a nation's greatness. The vital streng'h and sta
bility of the United States, as a people consists in
the substantial interest which each individual has
in the permanency of those glorious institutions,
which werejbaptized in blood in our revolutionary
struggle, and handed down to us as the sacred le
g icy of our fathers. Peril, or des'roy these, and
we peril or destroy the share of sovereignly and
equality which they were designed to secure, alike
to the richest and poorest, to the highest and hum
blest in the land. The experience of more than
three fourths ola century proves, I am persuaded
that the American people, in the main, truly appre
ciate the beneficent structure and beautiful opera
tion of our republican system. We have been as
sailed by an insidious and open hostility from
abroad, and have, at limes before the present, been
encountered by both the concealed and palpable
spirit of fac ion at home; yet the Constitution s ill
stands as widely arid firmly riveted in the affec
tions of ihe honest masses ol American freemen, as
at any former period of our history.
The more fruitlul sources of our national pros,
perity, undoubtedly consists in the fieedom, indus
try and intelligence ot our our people; and in the
rich natural resources of our country ; united to an
advantageous commercial intercourse with a war
ring world. But thete is one element which we
should cherish as more potent than all these; it is
the protection and encouragement afforded by the
union of the States, under an adequate and stable
government. To this and the virtue of our citizens
under the smiles of Heaven, we are moie indebted
as a people, than to any other circumstance or re
lation. No one who has studied our history, and
markeJ the spirit in which our un on was formed,
can avoid the conviction that our government so
far as concerns the stability ol this confederacy,
must be one of opinion rather than force Born in
compromise and conciliation, it must be cherished
in the same spirit ; it must present itself to every
member of this republic in the welcome guise of
friendship and protection—not in overbearing piide
or as wielding the strong arm of power.
We have before us ihe plain written compact ol
our fathers, to which they reflectingly consented
and subscribed, and 60 bound us who have suc
ceeded thern. Its blessings and its benefits have
been felt throughout long years ot unexampled
prosperity. II we would change any of its pro
visions, let us, with at least common honesty and
manliness, pursue the mode of amenJment which
is pointed out, with admirable precision, in the no
ble instrument itself. But until this is done, those
amongst us, who, from whatever motive, or under
whatever pretext, either openly repudiate any oi
its plain provisions, or, covertly retreating under
the cloak of secret organization, seek to violate its
spirit, or avoid compliance with its clear behests,
dishonor the laith of their fathers and deny their
own palpable and solemn obligations. Entertain
ing these views, how can any American Patriot re
gatd, with the least degree of complacency, the
eontinuedand embittered .excitement ol onese-t on
of the country against the domestic ins'itutions ol
another; or the more recent crganizaticn of secret
societies throughout the Union, based upon doc
trines of exclusion and proscription, utterly at
war with our National. and State constitutions,
and obnoxious to the liberal spirit ot American
republicanism ? What admirer of the venerat
ed fa her of his country, but must now feel, with
resistless lorce, his solemn warnings against se
cret societies for political ends, as placing a pow
eiful eng ne,in the hands of the selfishly designing,
and enabling them noi on'y to acquire power un
worthily, but also to sap and destroy the most sa
cred piii cq 1 sof our government.
In these reflections upon certain political organ
ization, if I rightly compiehend my own motives,
I am actuated by no mere partisan hostility or re
sentment. Were Ito say less at the present mo
ment, 1 should stifle tny clearest convictions of
right and shrink from a duty I owe to the people of
Pennsylvania, who have so generously sustained
me i.i various public relations in the past. Nay,
more; [ should by silence in this regard, fail pro
perly to reflect that constancy and unswerving faith
which our noble Commonwealth has ever evinced
towards the principles our national compact, in re
lerence to the die freedom ol conscience and uni
versal religious toleration ; and also to the wise
doctrine ol popular and State sovereignty, and the
inherent right of self government.
During the biiel period which remains of my
official term, I shall readily and cheeifully co-op
erate with the General Assembly in all proper mea
sures, to advance the public weal; and I earnest
ly invoke upon our labors, and the labors of those
who may follow us in our public vocations, the
kindly care and keeping of the Great and Benefi
cent Being who holds the destinies of nations as
well as individuals, as it were, in the hollow ol His
hand, and without whose continued smile there
can be neither national or individual prosperity.
WM. BIGLER.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, )
Hariisburg, Jan. 3, 1555. j
NEW ARRANGEMENT.
REDUCTION IN PRICE!
Ail experience of fifteen years in publishing
a newspaper, has satisfied us that the Credit
system is radically wrong, both to the Pub
lisher and to the Subscriber. Under its ope
ration a large amount is-coustantly due from
subscribers located in every part of the coun
ty, which at best can be realized only by
waiting years, and in two many cases is ut
terly worthless, the person receiving the paper
having deceased, or left the county, and the
printer has the vexation of finding that he is
not to receive anything for the labor and ex
pense of years. On the other hand, we are
obliged to charge promptly paying subscribers
a sum sufficient to make up these losses.
Having become thoroughly satisfied that
the system of advance payments is better
both for publisher and subscriber, we have
determined to adopt it. Hereafter the 'Re
porter ' will be furnished to subscribers at
ONE DOLLAR per annum, payable invaria
bly in advance, and will be sent no longer
than paid for. These terms will be inflexibly
adhered to.
Those of our present subscribers who are
indebted to us, and wish to avail themselves
of these terms, can do so upon settlement.—
We shall continue to send them the paper
until the close of the present volume, (which
will Ix? about the first of June next,) upon the
original terms, when we shall positively dis
continue sending the paper to every subscri
ber in arrears, and proceed to collect the am
ount due us.
Subscribers who have paid in advance,and
whose time expires before the close of the pre
sent volume, will have four weeks notice of
the expiration of their subscription.
We shall give this plan a thorough trial.—
We believe it will meet the approbation of
all those who desire to take, and pay for, a
County paper ; and we are certain it will re
lieve us from many of the vexations and dis
appointments for which the businoss is pro
verbial. W c shall at least have the satisfac
tion of knowing that we have pay for every
paper sent; and, we trust, of feeling that we
have given to every subscriber the full value
of his Dollar.
lo aqy person sending us five uevv
subscribers, with the cash, ($5) we will send
the Reporter gratis, one year.
OCT' The Railroad troubles have broken out
afresh at Erie. The Companies not having com
plied with the requisitions of the Supreme Court
on Monday last the Road Commissioners at Harbor
Creek lore up ihe track on'the Lake Shore road and
the Bridges in Erie were also torn down. Sheriff
Vincent attempted to make arrests, but he was
driven off the grounJ.
E. O. GOODRICH, EDITOR.
Towanda, Saturday, January 13, 1855.
ESPECIAL NOTICE.
The REPORTER will he furnished at ONE DOLLAR
per annum, invariably in advance, and will be sent
no longer than paid for.
Subscribers will have four weeks notice previous to the
expiration of their subscription ; when, if it is not
renewed, the paper will be stojijxd.
Those in arrears can avail themselves of these terms by
settling. We shall give tliem until the close of the
present Volume, when we shall stop sending the pa
per to every subscriber in arrears.
Any person sending us five new subscribers, with the
Cash, will receive a copy gratis for one year; or
Six Copies will be scat to one address a year for $5.
As the success of the Cash system depends upon its strict
observance, our Terms will be impartially and in
flexibly adhered to
Several matters of interest are crowded out
by the length of the Governors Message. Nex'
week we will endeavor to bring up the arreais
Tht Legislnt u r e.
The Senate finally organized on Friday, sth inst,
by the election of Wm. M lit ESTER, of Berks, as j
Speaker on the 27th ballot. Mr. [I received the
votes of all the democratic members and Mr. Dar
fie, Whig, Messrs Ptioe and Hiester did not
vote.
On Saturday a motion to go into the election ol
officers prevailed, and the following were elected '■
Clerk —G. W. Hamersly, ( Whig) of Lancaster. '
Asst. Clerk —H Petiebone, (Dem.) of Luzerne.
Transcribing Clerks —Nelson Weiser, (Jem)
Lehigh; John H Filler, of Bedford, John Ewing,
of Washington, and J. W. Kerr, of Dauphin,
(Whigs.)
Sergeant at-Arms Cyrus P. Miller (Whig) of
Lebanon.
Do"r Keeper —O. D. Jenkins, (Whig) of Schuyl
kill.
Assistants —E. B. Lytie, (Whig) of Erie, and
Geo. J. Bolton, (dem ) oi Wyoming.
In the House, A W. Benedict, of Huntingdon,
formerly Deputy Secretary of the Csmrnonweahh
was elected Clerk, who appoin ed as his Assistant
A Lucien Huenorholtz, ol Berks.
E. Coweri of Warren; J L Wrightmyer of
Berks; E Smith of Wjomirtg; S C Slay maker,
ol Lancaster, and Wm. W. Tajlor, of Lawienre,
were appointed transcribing Clerks.
Shesbazzzr Bently, of Washington county, was
elected Sergant at-arms, and appointed G W. Fiick,
of Westmoreland, his assistant.
John J. Horton, of Northampton county, was
elected Dootkeeper, and appointed George O'Don
nell, of Cumberland, James A Dean, of Alleghany.
D. Neghart, of Union, and Jacob A. Kenney, ol
York, bis assistants.
The Governor's Message was delivered on Fri
day, and on Saturday both houses adjourned until
Tuesday.
Jfical
Editor oj the Reporter —DEAß SIR—How hap
pens it that with the increased llail Iload facilities
from Harriburg, Danville, Money and William
sport, our mail malter'requires double and treble
their former lime to reach us from those points.—
We used to hear Irom Danville in three days, and
Muncy and Williamsport in two; but now a let
ter written at those places on Monday, docs not
reach here until a week from the following Wednesday!
and this has been the case ever since the opening
of the Ilailroad in October last. Taken in cor.nec
tion with' the recent action of the Administration in
the Towanda Post Office affair, it naturally suggests
the idea that this Quixotic Administration, so fa
mous lor its achievement a: Gteytown, " and parts
adjacent, ' is retaliating upon us lor our conduct at
the October election. II that is the case, let us all
comfort our selves with the advice of bt. Peter:—
•' If when ye do well and suffer lor it, ye lake it
patiently, this is thankworthy," and bear it as pa
tiently as as we can, as it is little use to petition for
redress in such a case.
Yours, &c ,
ROWLAND HIH.
BARTHOLOMEW LAPJRTE, Eq , Representative
from this Comity, returned from Harrisburg on Sat
urday last, being called home by a sudden end
mournful domestic calamity. He returned to his
post, on Friday last.
THE OWNER of the daguerreotype of a young la
dy, can have the same (the picture we mean) by
applying at (his office. It was picked up in our
streets, about three weeks since, and is enclosed in
a small sized ca?e.
TEACHERS ASSOCIATION.— A Convention of Teach
ers, School Directors, and others interested in the
cause of Education, was held at the Collegiate In
s i ute, on Friday and Saturday of last week. The
attenda ce was quite large, and great interest man-
Rested in the subject. A Teachers Association was
regular ly organtzed, which we trust, will prove
ol the utmost benefit. We are assured by aleaeh
er who has been instrumental in the formation ol
several Teachers Associations, that none of them
have started under as favorable auspices, as the
one just organized. There is no reason why the
undertaking theuld not be successlul, as Bradford
County has probably as many persons engaged in
Teaching, as any County in the State.
He are obliged to defer a full report of the pto
ceedings of the Convention until next week.
MUSICAL CONVENTION.— By an advertisement in
another column, it will be seen that a Musical Fes
hvai is to be held at this place under direction ol
Mr. BRADBURY, of New York, the celebrated mu<i
cal composer, commencing on the 6th of February
to continue for four days and evenings, ending on
'he evening of the 9th with a Concert. These
Festivals have been held in the neighboring Coun
ties with abundant success, and have proved very
interesting and instructive loall feeling an inleres
in music. Ample arrangements will be made lo r
the one to be held here, and we have no doubt it
will richly repay amateurs and others lor their time
and expense.
DEDICATION.—The edilice recently erected by
the Pirst Presbyterian Church of Towanda, wis
dedica-ed to the service of Almighty GOD, on
Thursday last, the dedication sermon being preach
ed by Ilev Mr. DJOLITTLE. This is one of the
moat convenient and comfortable churches in the
County, having been erected at an expense of over
510,000 of sufficient capacity for present or pro
spective congregations.
MU. RICHARD BROW En, late ol the " Ward House''
has leased the " Ah-waga House." atOwegoN.Y.
This is a large and convenient hotel, erected by a
company composed of citizens ofO.rego, arid is
furnished in excellent style, being in every respect
a firs! class house. Ir has always enjoyed the re
pu'ation of being well kept, and we can bear tes
timony that under its new landlord, ( it will not suffer
in reputation. During rhe three years Mr. BKOWER
has been in rhe I Yard House it is universally ad
mitted that it has been the best kept bouse in
Northern Pennsylvania. As a landlord he has no
superior, as the order, neatness and profusion which
abound under his reign, bear ample testimony
The travelling public will do wei. to put them
selves in his way.
Died,
In Durell, on Wednesday, 3d instant, sudJenly, of
croup, ELlZA, daughter of B. Laporte, Esq. aged 3
years.
I. O. OP O. F —The regular meetings of
BUAPFOHN ENCAMPMENT, NO. 41, I. O. of
O. P., are held in the Hall over J. Kingsbery's store,
on the first and third Thursday of each month.
MASONIC.—The regular monthly Com
munications of UNION LODGE, No. 108,
A.Y.M., are held Wednesday on or preceding the
lull moon, at 3 o'clock, P. M., at Masonic Hall, in
the borough of Towanda.
The meeting for January will occur on Wed
nesday, January 31st. Visiting brethren are invit
ed to attend. E. H. MASON,Secretary.
Xcw OVbrcrtisenrnUs.
MUSICAL FESTIVAL.
rpHERE will be a MUSICAL FESTIVAL held
A in Towanda, commencing on TUESDAY, the
oth of FEBRUARY, to continue four days and
evenings, under the direction of
Professor Wm. B. Bradbury, of U. "2*.
To conclude with a
- m.~ a : bc 9
Friday Evening, Feb. O.
The design of this Musical Festival is the ad'
vancement of Singers generally, whether as choirs
or individual singers, in musical knewledge, by the
study and practice of different styles of vocal mu
sic, and by familiar lectures, and such training and
| criticism as may tend to the accomplishment ot the
above named object. The different departments of
musical study, such as Church music, secular mu
sic, Concert music, and instructions as to the best
method of teaching singing classes, will receive at
tention. The principal text books used will be the
"Shawm" and the " Metropolitan Glee Book."
J Singers who are accustomed to sing together in
Clubs, Quartettes,&c., will please come wuh pieces
i rehearsed to sing at the Festival.
Clergymen throughout the country,and all others
| who may feel the least interest in the advancement
and improvement of vocal music, are earnestly so
| licited to take an interest in this object.
Further notice as to the place of holding the Fes
, tival will be given, also circulars will be generally
distributed throughout the county. Any informa
tion in relation to the matter may be had by com
municating with either of the Committee.
W. C. BOG ART,
D. S. PRATT, ' v
E. T. FOX
C. R. COBURN, j
Tcwanda, January 10, 1855.
iQHTJEAB smis 33? IB AS2*
GREAT WAR AGAINST CLOTHING,
HOSTILITIES COMMENCED!
i O RK'H would respectfully inform the citizens
ot Bradford eou-nty that he has opened a branch
: establishment in Towanda, for the sale of READV
MADE CLO THING, comprising the usual stock.
Over. Dress, Frock and Sack Coats ; Vests, Pants,
Shirts, Drawers, Wrappers, Overalls, Stocks,
Cravats.Collars, Pocket h'dkfs,&c.
Mr. Rich positively assures the public that refill
ing in New lork and buying always for cash, ena
bles hitai to take advantage of the market, so that
he can and wH+sell Cbjihing 25 per cent, cheaper
than any other establishment in the country !
CALL AND SEE ! examine and price the stock,
be satisfied yourselves that it is ni'ore extensive,of
better manufacture and style, and soft] much cheap
er than ever before offered in this market.
I have appointed as my agent in Towanda for the
sale ot Clothing, M. E SOLOMON, formerly of the
firm of Alexanders & Solomon, who is well and fa
vorably known.
Location, for the present, over Tracy & Moore's
store, Main street. Lpon the completion of Pat
ton s block, the stock will be removed to one eftht
new stoies, corner of Bridge street.
Towanda, January 8, 1855-.
M. E. SOLOMON respectfully calls the attention
of his old friends and the public generally to the
above announcement, and invites all who'may hi
in need of Clothing to give him a call, assuring them j
that he can furnish them with goods at the lowest j
prices, and that no pains will be spared to merit f J
their patronage. 2m3!
Register's Notice.
JVTOTICE rs hereby given that there have been
Xv hied and settled in the office of the Register or
VVills m and for the county of Bradford, accounts
ol administration upon the following estates, viz-
Final account of James 11. Ward, administrate*
with the will annexed , of the estate of Oliver Beer
late of Pro}', deceased.
final aecount of John Rogers, guardian of Fran,
cts Roberts and Harriet Roberts.
w ?! inal ac count of Thomas Mather, gnarditi ol
William Mather, minor child of John Mather, ltf
of Lister, deceaseJ.
Partial account of John W. Gfcy and Abisha W. j
Gray, administrators of the estate of Oliver S.Grav.
late of btanding Stone, deceased.
Final account of Emily Owen, late Euiilv O
borne, administratrix of Peter Osborne, late o'f%
shequtn, deceased,
Final account of Sophronia E. Jackson, late
phronia L. Hamilton, surviving admin istratrit el Jl
the estate of Jo*eph S. Hamilton, deceased, lxr 01
" tndham township.
Final account of Betsey Teed and Samuel D'"i
son, administrators of the estate of John Teed, W
of Litchfield, deceased.
final account of Cornelia Turk and Samuel Ik' . j
\ tdson, administrators of the estate of Thus Tub
ate of Litchfield, deceased.
final account o( Joseph H Marsh. aJininiatratc.
of the estate of Elliott Marsh, late of l'tke tp. dec- J
And tfie same will be presented to the Orphan
Court of Bradford county, on Monday the sth
ot february next, for confirmation and aUowaff
. JAMES H. WEBB, Register- :
Register's Office, Jan. 4. 1855.
CARD.
J- E. INGHAM, of the University ol P""'
sylvania, offers his professional services to
citizens of Wysux and vicinity. Jan. I
LEATHER— 200 Sides sole Leather— just reef
cd and for sale by
' BURTON KINOSBEJU I