the sale of the main line of our public improve
ments, my opinion has not changed. Kvery
consideration of public policy, of present and
tuture interest, requires the separation of the
State from the management and control of
these works. The expenditures on tliut por
tion of the line, between the Junction and
Pittsburg, largely exceed the revenues, the ex
cess averaging annually not less than $150,000:
and causes are in constant operation that will
still more increase this deficiency. This con
tinual drain upon the treasury to sustain work
so unproductive, should at once be checked.—
A sale of the main line, for a fair considera
tion, and upon terms just and liberal to the
purchasers, is the proper remedy. Such sale,
on terms amply protective of the rights and in
terest" of the )>eople, can, by proper legislation,
be effected. In connection with the payment
of the public debt, this question becomes deep
ly important. The sale would constitute a
new era in the financial history of the State,
and assure a still more speedy rednctionof the
public debt, than that to which reference has
been made. 'I he subject is earnestly commend
ed to your favorable consideration.
The subject of banks and banking capital in
its relations to the currency—the general inte
rests of trade and commerce and the industrial
pursuits of the citizen, deserve your careful at
tion. My views, expressed in a former commu
nication, remain unchanged. The incorporation
of new, or the re-charter of old and solvent
banks, when actually necessary and demanded
by the wants of legitimate trade in the com
munity where located, should be favored ; un
der no other circumstances should either be
permitted. In the creation of banks, the in
terests of the State and people should be con
sulted, and a just discrimination as to number,
locality, and the demands of trade be exer
cised.
The rapid increase of population, the impor
tance and value of our home and foreign com
merce, the constant development of the mate
rial wealth of the State, the extent of our
manufacturing, mechanical and agricultural in
dustry, the fact that the State is flooded by a
depreciated currency introduced by private
bankers and brokers, might justify, under the
restriction and limitations indicated, a judicious
increase of banking capital within our Com
monwealth. This, whilst it would aid the op
erations of trade, and supply the real business
wants of the people, would, at the same time,
remedy, to soiuc extent, the evils of a depre
ciated foreign and illegal currency.
By the act approved the fith day of Novem
ber lust, 13th section of the act of 1850, regu
lating banks, will be, after the Ist day of July
next, extended to all incorporated saving fund,
trust and insurance companies. That section
declares " that it shall not be lawful for any
of the said banks to issue or pay out any bank
notes other than those issued by itself, * paja
blc oil demand in gold or silver ; notes of spe
cie paying banks of this State which are taken
on deposit or in payment of debts, at par, at
the counter of the bank where paid out ; or
notes of banks issued under the authority of
the act of the 4th of May, 1841, at the option
of the person receiving the same."
These enactments were intended to protect
the community against the evils of a deprecia
ted currency, and prevent its introduction from
other States. However well intended, they
will fail to secure these objects, unless made
to embrace private baukers aud others of that
class, whose profits are largely dejiendeut upon
the introduction into the State of such a cur
rency. In many instances the notes of our
own banks are collected by private bankers
and brokers, and with these, or with the spe
cie withdrawn from the banks, issuing tbem,
they purchase depreciated and foreign bank
paper which is paid out of the State, at less
than the usual rate of interest, aud their notes,
often of a less denomination than five dollars,
and always at a discount, brought into the
State and put into circulation in the manner
indicated, and this, too, under an agreement
with the bank making the loan, that the uotes
thus paid out shall be kept iu circulation.
The effect of this system of private banking
has been to limit the circulation of the par pa
per of our own b inks, and substitute in its
place a foreign, depreciated, and often a worth
less currency. Injustice to the bank, trust
and insurance companies, paying a heavy an
nual tax to the Commonwealth for their pri
vileges, and for the protection of the people
against these evils, either the provisions of the
30th section of the act of 1850 should be re
pealed, or further extended so as to embrace
private individuals and associations, who may
monopolize and control, to the detriment of
the public, this traffic in depreciated bank pa
per, without restraint aud without taxation.
The report of the Superintendent of Com
mou Schools will exhibit to you the number
and condition of the schools—the number of
teachers and scholars, and the general opera
tions of the system during the past year. To
the valuable statistical information of the re
{.ort, and the useful suggestions for the im
provement of the system, I invite your early
and intelligent consideration.
From a small and comparatively unimpor
tant incident of tlic State Department the care
and management of t lie public schools of the
Commonwealth, with their seventeen hundred
districts, teu thousand directors, twelve thou
sand teachers, and over live hundred thousand
scholars, have become the most important and
laborious branch of that department. The in
creased and increasing business of the system
has been met by a corresponding increase of
zeal, and efficiency in the officers to whom the
law has committed its general direction and su
per* ision. They should be sustained by wise
and generous legislation. The magnitude aud
importance of the system, in its political, so
cial and moral relations to the present and fu
ture f the people, require that this should be
done. The guardianship of the mind of the
State should occupy a distinct and prominent
place among the noble institutions of the Com
luonwealth. It should receive the efficient aid
and encouragement of the government, and be
sustained by a virtuous and intelligent people.
If the revenue and treasures of the State—her
public improvements—her lands and their ti
tles, require and deserve the marked and dis
tinctive care of the government, how much
mort> should her mental and intellectual trea
sures, richer than gold— tiie social and moral
improvement of her |eople, inore valuable than
canals and railways—the titles of her youth to
the boundless fields of knowledge, higher than
any of earth or aught growing out of its own
ership, claim an honorable position, and receive
a care and aid commensurate with their great
er value and usefulness.
The County Superiutendency, wherever it
has been committed to faithful am] efficient i
men. has fully vindicated the wisdom and poli
cy ot that measure. It is slowly but surely
removing the prejudices and gaining the couti-:
deuce of the people. Whatever defects time'
>.i' experience may dcvclopc, in tlii- or anv
other branch of the system, should be prompt
ly corrected But until the necessity for change
is established, the system, in its unity and in
tegrity should be maintained ; and if changed
changed only to render more certain the ac
complishment of its noble purposes and ob
jects.
A sufficient number of competent and well
trained teachers is the great want of the sys
tem. In its structure and organization it is as
perfect, if not more so, than any of the systems
of our sister States. But the teacher is want
ed to give it proper vitality and efficiency—to
dcvelope its true force and value—to secure
the great object of its creation, the thorough
education of the youth of the Commonwealth.
How can this want be supplied? llow are
teachers to be trained and provided tT> meet
this educational demand ? Must we be depen
dent upon the training schools of other Sta.esf*
Must our system be jeoparded, and its success
perilled, by waiting the slow and unaided ef
forts of voluntary associations to furnish the
much needed teacher ? Voluntary association
of common school teachers have accomplished
much in their disinterested and noble efforts to
remedy this defect. They are worthy the high
est commendation—they deserve every encour
agement. They can and will do more ; but
unaided they cannot accomplish the object de
sired. The Legislature must provide the re
medy—they can supply the deficiency. It
should be done promptly and effectually. No
subject of greater interest can occupy your at
tention as legislators—no one fippeuis more
earnestly to duty and patriotism.
In a former communication to the Legisla
ture the establishment of a State Normal
school, for the education of teachers, was urg
ed as indispensably necessary to the perfection
of the system. With full confidence in their
utility and necessity, I again recommend them.
These institutions, with their proper professors,
and appliances, supported by the State, would
meet the wants and elevate the character of
our common schools.
Teachers' Institutes, as auxiliary to Normal
I Schools, when in operation, and supplying their
place till established, should be aided by the
: State. One such institute in each county,"meet
ing annually, under the fostering care of the
government, would be productive of most bene
ficial results. Whilst it would improve teach
ers and prepare them for their important and
responsible duties, it would elevate and dignify
a profession too long neglected and undervalu
ed by those most deeply interested in their
■ honorable labors. These measures, as also an
addition to the annual State appropriation for
: common schools, in an amount only limited by
the necessities of the Treasury, would give en
| orgy to the system, increase its efficiency, and
! thus promote the true interests of the "people
and the Commonwealth.
i Our educational, charitable and reformatory
institutions have strong claims upon the boun
ty of the people, and I cordially commend them
i to your care and liberality.
The State Lunatic Asylum at Ilarrisburg,
and the Western Pennsylvania Hospital for
the Insane, and other kindred purposes at
Pittsburg, are noble charities, and deserve the
aid aud encouragement of the State. The an
nual reports of these institutions will be laid
before you, and will exhibit iu detail their ope
rations during the past year.
The House of Ilefuge iu Philadelphia, and
the Western House of Refuge near Pittsburg,
are institutions of great excellence, aud their
results clearly establish the wisdom of the poli
cy that founded and sustains them. They
ought not to be neglected ; nor should the
aid the Commonwealth be withheld from them.
! The " Blind" and the " Deaf and Dumb Asy
lums" at Philadelphia, and " The Pennsylva
nia Training School for Idiotic and Feeble
; Minded Children," are institutions that appeal,
l in silence and sorrow, to the best and put est
i feelings of the heart, aud ask your sympathy
and aid. They should receive a generous share
of the benefactions of the State.
Agriculture, in its varied departments,is the
■ great interest of the commonwealth. It is the
basis alike of financial and commercial success,
! and of State and national prosperity. An iu
-1 terest so important should be fostered by the
' State, and honored by all classes of society.
! To its promotion and success all should cheer
fully contribute. In a former communication
I recommended the establishment of an Agri
; cultural bureau, in connection with some one
of the State Departments, to give efficiency to
the collection and diffusion of useful knowledge
i on this subject, and to encourage scientific and
practical agriculture. Science, with wouderous
| energy, has aided the busbaudmau in his lion
| orable vocation, and proffers still more help.
: The State should nerve his arm and cheer him
onward in this, the first aud noblest pursuit of
man. This subject, in connection with an ap
propriation to the " Farmers' High School of
Pennsylvania"—an institution destined to be
: an honor to the Commonwealth—is recommeud
| cd to your favorable consideration.
The " Polytechnic College of Pennsylvania,"
established by the enterprise and liberality of
j some of the patriotic citizens of Philadelphia,
as a school of the applied sciences, deserves
honorable mention, ar.d should receive thecon
-1 lideuce and patronuge of the public. In the
teachings of this institution, literature, science,
and art, in happy union, meet to prepare our
young men for the practical business of life,for
mining, mechanical aud civil engineering, and
for promoting intelligently and efficiently the
great interests of manufacturing and agricultu
j ral industry.
The laws on the statute book regulating
manufacturing and improvement companies,re
quire revision. They are unnecessarily strin
gent in many of their provisions, and thus de
feat the object of their enactment. They drive
capital from the State, instead of inviting its
investment here ; and instead of encouraging
individual and associated enterprise and ener
gy in the development of our immense natural
resources, they bind and crush both by severe
restrictions, unwise limitations and personal
liabilities. The subject deserves careful atten
tiou and liberal legislation.
I have so often expressed my views in rela
tion to local, special and " omnibus" legislation,
that their reiteration uow becomes unnecessa
ry. Legislation, so far as practicable, should
be general and uniform. Local and special le
gislatiou, when the objects desired can be se
cured by general laws, or by the action of the
courts, should be avoided. " Omnibus legisla
tion" cannot, under anv circumstauces, be jus
tified or approved. Too much legislation is an
evil that prevails extensively in legislative halls.
Its avoidance would not be injurious to public
or private interests.
The practice of delaying the passage of the
general appropriation bill until the last days of
the session, and incorporating in it provisions
incompatible with its general character, and
obnoxious, when standing alone, to insurmoun
table objections, is highly ceusurablc, and
>IIOIIM be discontinued. The attempt thu- made
to force, by a species of legislative legcrdemaiu,
the passage of objectionable measures through
the Legislature, and compel their sanction by
the Executive, has been too often successful.
The practice cannot be too strongly condemn
ed ; it cannot receive my sanction.
The militia law of the State is imperfect, in
many of its provisions, and should be revised.
The powers and duties of the Commander-in-
Chief should l>e more clearly defined ; ns also
of the other offices connected with the military
organization of the Commonwealth-. This is
necessary to preveut a conflict of jurisdiction
with other departments of the government and
to give greater efficiency to our millitary sys
tem. Volunteer companies should be encour
aged ; our entire military system should be re
modelled and made t® occupy that honorable
]K>siti®u which, from its importance and neces
sity, it deserves.
Near the close of the last session of the Leg
islature, I transmitted to that body an ordi
nance passed by the select and common coun
cils of the city of Philadelphia, approved by
the Mayor on the 7th of April, 1856, and offi
cially communicated to me, proposing to con
vey to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvana a
lot of ground in that city, for the purpose of
erecting thereon a State arsenal. Want of
time alone prevented action on the proposition
then submitted. The ground thus offered to
the State is valuable, and its location most
eligible for the purpose intended. The condi
tions of the proposed grant are favorable to
the State, aud highly creditable to the munici
pal authorities of Philadelphia, evincing a li
berality aud public spirit worthy of all com
mendation. The necessity of a State arsenal
iu that city is so apparent that the subject
needs no elaboration in this communication.—
After the sale of the State arsenal in Phila
delphia, the public arms were deposited in an
old building, or out house, unsafe and unfit as
a depository for public property. The sum of
830,000 00, realized from that sale, is now in
the Treasury ; and by the fifty fifth section of
an act passed the 19th day of April, A. I)
1853, eutitled " An Act to provide for the or
dinary expenses of the government," Ac., the
Governor was authorized to apply the same to
the purchase of a lot of ground and to the
erection of an arsenal thereon. This sum was
found insufficient for these purposes, and con
sequently the object intended by the appro
priation has not been accomplished. By the
the cession of this lot, the State will be reliev
ed from the expenditure of any money for the
purchase of suitable grounds ; and the entire
sum of $30,000 00 may be applied to the erec
tion of the necessary buildings ; to woich sum
can be added, if deemed advisable, the amount
that may be realized from the sale of the ar
senals at Meadville and llarrisburg, as recom
mended in my last aunuul message. These sums
would be amply sufficient to accomplish this
object.
I would, therefore, again recommend the im
mediate passage of a bill accepting the con
veyance of the said lot of ground from the ci
ty of Philadelphia, for the purposes and upon
the terms and conditions contaiucd in the ordi
nance ; and that the sum of $30,000 00 be
appropriated for the erection of a State arse
nal thereon.
On the 6th day of October, 1855, I approv
ed and signed a bill, entitled " An Act to re
peal the charter of the Erie and Northeast
railroad company, and to provide for the dis
posal of the same." In pursuance of its pro
visions, Hon. Joseph Casey was appointed to
take possession and have the charge and cus
tody of the road. Before possession was ta
ken, application was made by the company, to
one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Pa.,
for an injunction to restrain the agent of the
State from taking possession ; and subsequent
ly a cautionary order was made by the Su
preme Court, in banc, to stay proceedings un
der the act. The questions then pending be
fore that court were determined in favor of
the Commonwealth—the constitutionality of
the act sustained, and ttie application for an
injunction refused. Possession of the road was
then taken by the agent of the State, as di
rected by law.
On the twenty-second day of April, 1850,
an act, entitled " An Act supplementary to
the act incorporating the Erie and North East
railroad company " was passed. By this act
the Eric and North East railroad, as original
ly located and constructed, was legalized and
confirmed ; and certain changes in the road
were directed to be made, and other acts to
be done by the company. It was also provid
ed " that the Governor shall retain possession
of the Erie and North East railroad, under the
act of the sixth of October, 1855, until the
provisions of this act shall have been accept
ed by a vote of the stockholders of the Erie
and North East railroad company, at a meet
ing called for that purpose." On the fifteenth
day of May, 1856, at a meeting of the stock
holders called for that purpose, the provisions
of tiie act were accepted by their vote. This
acceptance, duly certified, was received anil
filed in this Department on the fifteenth day
of July last. Possession of the road has been
restored, and it is now under the care and
management of the company. A final account
for money received from the road, whilst in
possession of the State, will be settled with the
company at the earliest practicable period.
It is but proi>er to state that since the ac
ceptance of the act of the 22d of April, 1856,
a writ of error, in the cases adjudicated by the
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, has been is
sued at the suit, of the company by the Supreme
Court of the United States, and is now pend
ing in that court.
The commissioner first ap|H)inted having re
signed, A. K. M'Clure, Esq., was appointed in
his place. The duties of both officers were
ably and faithfully performed. Copies of their
correspondence and reports, herewith submit
ted to the House of Representatives, for the
use of the Legislature, will furnish information
in detail on the subject now under considera
tion. It is sincerely desired that good faith
and honesty of purpose may characterize the
conduct of this company in the discharge of
the duties assumed by their acceptance of the
act of 22d of April last, and that this much
vexed question will not again disturb the har
mony or retard the prosperity of the citj of
Erie, or any other portion of this Common
wealth.
The resolution proposing amendments to the
Constitution of the Commonwealth, have been
published as directed by that instrument. It
will be your duty to take such action in refer
ence to these amendments as will, in your judg
ment, be most consistent with the wishes of
the people. An appropriation will be requir
ed to pay the excuses of their publication,
and to this your earliest attention is requested.
The important duty of districting the Stute
for the election of Senators and Representa
tives, will devolve upon you. This duty should
be informed faithfully, and with strict refer
ence to the interests and rights of the whole
people. Returns of taxables, required to be
made by the differeut counties, have not all
been forwarded to this Department, ns by law
directed. Circulars have been issued to the
officers charged with these duties, urging their
speedy performance, and the returns will, as
soon ns received, be transmitted to you.
The elective franchise is the highest and
most responsible privilege enjoyed by the Amer
ican citizen. Involving iu its exercise the so
vereignty of the people, and constituting as it
does the substratum of our free institutions, it
cannot be too highly appreciated or carefully
guarded. The ballot-box, through which the
people speak their will, should be preserved
from violation at every hazard and sacrifice.
Upon its purity and integrity depend the exis
tence of our republican government, and the
rights and privileges of the citizen Every le
gal voter, whatever may be his political affini
ties or party predilections, is deeply interested
in this question. Any attempt to sully its pu
rity, or impair its efficiency, whether by vio
lence or fraud, should be sternly resisted and
severely punished. Illegal voting, whether
founded on forgery or perjury, or both ; on
false assessments, or false and forged certifi
cates of naturalization, is an evil that deserves
the severest condemnation. It prevents an
honest expression of the popular will, corrupts
the sources of legitimate power and influence,
and strikes a fatal blow at the cherished rights
of freemen. These evils are alleged to exist
in our large cities—the rural districts of the
State are comparatively free from such cor
rupting abuses. A remedy, coextensive with
the evil, should be provided. Every defence
should be thrown around the ballot-box, and
whilst the rights of legal voters should be se
cured and protected, fraud in every form should
be prevented and punished. Whether a ju
dicious registry law, or some other measure of
reform, adequate to the necessities of the case,
should be adopted, is referred to the wisdom
of the Legislature.
As appropriate to this subject, the reform
of the naturalization laws—the prcveution, by
the National Government, of the importation
of foreign criminals and paupers, and a more
careful, rigid and personal examination, by our
courts, of all persons coming before them as
applicants for admission to the rights of citi
zenship, would,-to some extent, correct exist
ing abuses, and relieve the ballot-box from the
pressure of corrupting and dangerous influences.
To the policy and acts of the National Go
vernment, affecting, as they do, the rights and
interests of the Commonwealth, the people of
the State cannot be indifferent, Pennsylva
nia, occupying a bigh and conservative posi
tion in the sisterhood of States—devoted to
the Constitution and the Union, in their integ
rity and harmony, has been, and will ever be,
as ready to recognize the rights of her sister
States as to defend her own. These sentiments
she has never abandoned—these principles she
has never violated. Pledged to the rnaintai
nance of the rights of the north, as well as
those of the south—sincerely desirous to pro
mote the peace, harmony and welfare of our
whole country —and disclaiming all intention
or desire to interfere with the Constitutional
rights of the States, or their domestic institu
tions—the people of this Commonwealth view
ed with alarm ami apprehension the repeal of
the Missouri Compromise—a compromise ren
dered sacred in public esteem by its association
and connection with the great cause of nation
al harmony and union—regarding it as a pal
pable violation of the plighted faith and ho
nor of the nation, and as an unwarrantable at
tempt to extend the institution of domestic sla
very to territories then free. This reckless and
indefensible act of our National Congress, has
not only aroused sectional jealousies and renew
ed the agitation of vexed and distracting ques
tions, but, as a consequence, it has filled Kan
sas with fraud, violence anil strife—has stain
ed its soil with blood, and by a system of ter
ritorial legislation, justly styled " infamous,"
has made freedom of speech and of the press,
a felony, and periled the great principles of
liberty and equal rights. If the doctrine of
" popular sovereignty " is in good faith to be
applied to that Territory—if the people there
of are to be left " perfectly free to form and
regulate their domestic institutions in their own
way, subject only to tbe Constitution of the
United States," then the obstruction of the
great National highways to the northern emi
grant—the employment of the National forces,
and the subversion of law and justice alike by
the officials in Kansas and Washington, to force
slavery upon an unwilling people, cannot be
too severely condemned.
Freedom is the great centre-truth of Ameri
can Republicanism—the g eat law of Ameri
can Nationality ; slavery is the exception. It
is local and sectional ; and its extension be
yond the jurisdiction creating it, or to the free
territories of the Union, was never designed
or contemplated by the patriot touuders of the
Republic. 111 accordance with these sentiments,
Pennsylvania, true to the principles of the act
of 1780, which abolished slavery within her
territorial limits—true to the great doctrines
of the Ordinance of 1787, which dedicated to
freedom the north-western territory of the Un
ion—true to National faith and National ho
nor, asks and expects, as due to her own citi
zens who have, iu good faith, settled in the
territory of Kansas, and as due to the industry
and energy of a free people, that Kansas sho'd
be free.
In this connection, and as consequent upon
the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, refer
ence to a proposition made by some of the lead
ing southern journals, and more recently sanc
tioned by high official authority in a sister
State, to re open the African slave trade, will
not he deemed improper. That such a traffic,
declared to be piracy, and execrated by the
civilized world—so crowded with horrors in
every stage of its pursuit—so revolting to eve
ry sentiment of humanity—every impulse of
pure and noble feeling, should be advocated
or approved, in this nineteenth century, with
apparent sincerity, and urged as a measure of
political economy and of justice and equality
to the southern States of the Union, are facts
that find their only explanation and apology in
a wild enthusiasm, or a still wilder fanaticism
that overwhelms alike the reason and the con
science. The wisdom and humanity of a pro
position so startling and monstrous, must seek
their parallel and illustration in the dungeons
of the Inquisition, or in the hold of the slave
ship, amid the horrors of the " piddle passage."
Equally repulsive to the intelligent and virtu
ous sentiment of the south as well as the north
it should receive the indignant rebuke of eve
ry lover of his couutry—of every friend of jus
tice and humanity. The history of the world
and of crime does not reveal a traffic more in
human—an attrocitv more horrible. Against
n proposition so abhorrent, and against the
principles it involves, as the representatives of
a free )>eople, and in their name you should en
ter their unanimous and emphatic protest.
The union <>f the States, which constitutes
us one people, should be dear to you—to eve
ry American citizen. In the heat and excite
ment of political contests —in the whirl of sec
tional and conflicting interests—amid the surg
ing of human passions, harsh and discordant
voices may l>e heard, threatening its integrity
and denouncing its doom ; but in the calm,
" sober, second thought " of a patriotic und
virtuous people, will be found its security and
defence. Founded in wisdom, and eherishad
by the intense affection of pure and devoted
patriotism, it will stand, safe and undisturbed,
amid the insane rage of political deinagogism,
and the fitful howling of frantic fanaticism ;
and when it falls—if fall it must—it will be
when liberty ahd truth, patriotism and virtue,
have perished. Pennsylvania tolerates no sen
timent of disunion—she knows not the word.
Disunion ! " 'tis an after-thought—a monstrous
wish—unborn till virtue dies." The Union
and the Constitution—'the safe guard and bond
of American Nationality—will be revered and
defended by every American Freeman who
cherishes the principles and honors the memo
ry of the illustrious founders of the Republic.
Recognizing our responsibility to Him who
controls the destinies of nations and of men ;
and invoking his blessing on your deliberations
may order and harmony characterize your ses
sions, ami with single reference to the public
good, may your legislative action, in its char
acter and results, promote the happiness and
welfare of the people, and the houor and pros
perity of the Commonwealth.
JAMES POLLOCK.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, )
Harrisburg, January 7, 1857, j
iUporttr.
E. C. GOODRICH, EDITOR.
TOWANDA :
£l)iret>cin Rlornmn, Jaimarn 13. 1837.
TKHWS— One Dollar per annum, invariably in advance.—
Four weeks jirevious to the expiration of a subscription,
notice will be given by a printed wrapper, and if not re
newed, the pajter will in all cases be stopped.
CLUBBING— The Rrporler will be sent to Club* at the fol
lowing extremely low rates :
6 copies for 4.7 00 | 1.7 copies for sl2 00
10 copies for 8 00 | 20 copies for 15 00
ADVERTISEMENTS— For a square of ten lines or less. One
Dollar for three or less insertions, and twenty-five cents
for each subsequent insertion.
JOB-WORK— Executed with accuracy and despatch, and a
reasonable prices—with every facility for doing Books,
Blanks, Hand-bills. Ball tickets, 4"C
MONET may be sent by mail, at our risk—enclosed in an
envelope. and properly directed, we will be responsible
for its safe delivery.
We publish this week the annual raes
of Gov. POLLOCK, to the exclusion of a variety
of other matter. It contains a general review
of the condition of the State and all subjects
retiring the attention of the Legislature. The
financial affairs of the State present a very
gratifying account. The message may be pe
rused with interest by every one.
■PENNSYI.VA.MA LEGISLATURE. —No business
of importance has been transacted in the Le
gislature, and none will be until the absorbing
Senatorial question has been disposed of.
JOHN W. FORNEY received the caucus nomi
nation for U. S. Senator, and the election was
to have taken place on Tuesday last. But our
advices state thut it is probable that the elec
tion will be postponed. Fight democratic mem
bers, the friends of Gen. FOSTER, refused to
participate in the caucus, when it was ascer
tained that FORNEY would be the nominee.—
The bolt of these members will have a tenden
cy to delay the election of Senator, unless the
mutter is reconciled satisfactorily to those con
cerned. It is said, upou reliable authority,
that Mr. BUCHANAN wrote a letter to Col.
MOTT, urgiug the election of Col. FORNEY,
which was used with powerful effect.
CONGRESS. —Nothing of importance has tran
spired in Washington since our last issue. On
Monday last Mr. GROW presented n petition
signed by fifteen hundred citizens of Kansas
against the right of Mr. Whitfield to sit as a
Delegate from that Territory, which was re
ferred to the Committee on Elections.
DR. GLEASON SHOT.— ADr G I.F.ASON, who
lectured in this place about a year and a half
since, and sojourned for a time in Ehuira, was
shot by bis own wife somewhere in the interior
of Teunessce a few weeks ago. It appears
that the Doctor had abandoned bis wife, and
was living an illicit life with another woman.
His wife became enraged at bis eouduet, and
proceeded, with a revolver, to his residence,
where, finding the guilty couple in bed, she
shot the reereaut husband. He expired in
stantaneously.
tetf* A new Counterfeit s."> bill, on the York
County llank of this State, was shown at the
counter of the Ledger office on Monday. We
presume it is the same of which Van Court's
Director gives the following description :
" Letter A. and number 997. Vignette, two
men, two horses, and a plough, Ac. It is a
poor affair, very coarse, aud has the appear
ance of a poor wood engraving. It is said,
however, to look tolerably well at uight, and
may then be tukeu by those who are off their
guard. On the left lower corner is the figure
of a woman, in a circle, intended to have a
head with a bonnet on it ; but it requires a
pretty lively imagination to discover either the
head or the bonnet."
I©- The WOODWORTH PATENT for lumber
planing, which has been so long a subject of
litigation, and which was once extended by
Congress, expired on the 2(th ult., and we
have no information that it has received any
further attention from the National legislature.
It is, therefore, public property, and may be
regarded as a very pretty Christmas present
for house carpenters.
te*f Hon. Chari.es Sinner lias been re
turned to the U. S. Senate from Massachusetts
for six years from the ttii of March next.
ZACHARIAH CHANDLER has L>een chosen
by the Republicans of the Michigan Legisla
ture to replace Gen. CASS in the U. S. Senate
Mr. C. is a leading and popular merchant of
Detroit, and at the same time, an energetic
and zealous politician.
BEAUTIFULLY SAID.— Mr. Crittenden. i n his
speech in the Senate, delivered on the occasion
of the death of Mr. Clayton, indulged in the
following beautiful remarks :
" It must lie pleasing to as nil to learn fro m
the honorable Senator from Delaware (M r
Bayard), that Mr. Clayton died a Christian
So he should have died. Such a death "ives
to humanity its proper dignity. Full of" this
world's honor he died full of the more precious
hojK's that lie beyond the grave. Of hiiu who
so dies we may well exclaim, O death ! where
is thy sting ? O grave ! where is thy vic
tory ?"
Arrival and Departure of Mails.
! WAVERLY— Arrives daily, except Sunday at in r> x ,
Departs do , * *•
j TUNK'X'K— Arrives daily, except Sunday, at J )
Departs do * \p JJ
i TROY—Arrives daily, except Sunday, at 7 p. y.
Departs do 7 \ y
I SHESHEQttt.Y—Arrives Tuesday. Thursday and Sm,,
day, at BP. M. Departs, same days, at 6A. \J "
; CANTON-Arrives Monday. Wednesday and Fridsv
BP. M. Departs Tuesday, Thursday and Suturiav
at 6 A. M. •'
MOXTR*SE—Arrires Monday. Wednc-rlav arol Fri.Uv
a , l ~ V *\ Imparts Tuesday. Thursday and Sat.m
day, at < A. M.
I LA PORTE—Arrives Monday. Wednesday and Friday it
2P. M. Departs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
at 12 M.
! WELLBBITRG—Arrives Tuesday. Thursday and Saturday
at 4P. M. Departs Monday, Wednesday and Fri
day at 6 A. M.
, EATON—Arrives Wednesday and Saturday, at 0 p
Departs Tuesday and Friday, at .7 V M
1 The morning mails clone at 8 oVlock'./f theeTciiiiignrc.
vious : the afternoon mails close at 114 A. M.
July 21, LIE. H. U, PORTER, p. M.
Towanda Market - Wholesale Prices.
| [Corrected weekly by E.T. FOX, Dealer in Provisions and
Groceries, No. 1, Brick Row.]
' Flour, (retail price,) l>hbl $s no ft 50
: Pork, do '• 24 fW
Wheat yi bushel 1 37ifa 1 50
t Buckwheat " .... 44*44 __
! Oats, " 35 (ft,
Corn " .76 Q
! Rye " ... c: ft
] Potatoes, " 3) 1^
j Beans " 1 .70
Dried Apples " 1 00 @
I Butter f' R' . 17(74 JO
| Cheese, " .... ft in
Mains and Shoulders " x r,( pjl
I Dried Peaches, •• VI (ft 16
j Dried Berries, " 12 (ft 1<
| Eggs, Vdozen. .. 10 64
NOTICE.—By Divine permission, the Rev
T&JS? JAMKS M'WILLTAM. A. M.. of the Susquehanna
| Colleginte Institute will preach in the Weslrvan Metho
| dist Church. St..te street, next Sabbath evening, lsth in
stant ,at 4 past 0 o'clock- After the serin in. a coUertin
i will be taken up to purchase a Library of Bonk- for the
; Wesleyan Sabbath School. The citizens geneaallv are in
j vited to attend.
j' " NDTlCß.—Notice i> hereby given, that the
ftSr Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance will
' hold their quarterly session at Monroeton. on Wednevbv
and Thursday, the 2sth and 2oth of January. The Rep
| rescntatives are requested to he punctual 111 the atten
; dance. There will also be public meetings in the even
| ings of those days at the same place : and also at the fol
i lowing places: Burlington, the 30th : Granville. 31st:
j East Troy. Feb. Ist. The citizens generally are invited
It > attend. The meetings will be addressed by th brand
I <)dicers. By order of Division,
; Jan.B, 18,77. 1.. L. TERWILLIGEU. R. S
Byf DONATION PARTY .—A Donation party will
flUfef be held at the house of Sim n Stevens, in Staml
j ing Stone, on Thursday January I.7th, K77. afternoon and
I evening, tor the benefit of Rev. K. I'ARPENTKK. A gcni-R
--| al invitation to attend is given.
Ncm 'Ailucrtiscmans.
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
THE subscriber hereby gives notice to those
( indebted, that all notes, judgments and account- "t
| more than six months standing, mu-t Is- paid immediateiy.
j He earnestly hopes that all who know themselves in
j deL'ted will promptly attend to this call, a- it is a matter
1 of necessity that all debts due him should I* collected.
Towanda. Jan. 7, 1857. J. 1). HUMPHREY.
A DMINISTRATOR'S NOTlCE.—Notice
! 41. is hereby given, that al! persons indebted to the es
tate of GEORGE HAWKINS, dee d, late of Armenia
twp, are hereby requested to make payment without de
lay; and all persons having claims against said estate will
please prcs&nt them dulv authenticated for settlement.
RILEY H AWKINS.
Jan. 8 18.77. Administrator.
A DMINISTRATOR'S NOTlCE.—Notice
■A*, is hereby given, that all persons indebted to the es
tate of SIMON JOHNSON.dee'd. late of Coluinhu tp.
are hereby requested to make paymAt withoflt <!'■
lay; and ail persons having claims against -aid c-tatcwill
please present them dulv authenticated for settlement.
Jan. 8,18.77. SETH SHERMAN, Administrator.
A DMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE.—N it ice
TX. is hereby given, that all persons indebted to the es
tate of JAMES BRASTED. dee'd.. bte of Wells township.
| are requested to make payment without delay: and ail
! persons having claims against said estate, must present
j them dulv authenticated, to the subscriber.
Jan. 8, i 5.77. JOHN BRASTED. Administrator. _
| "VJ"OTICE. —Tin* following persons have pe
| it titioned to the Court for License under the present
existing laws in reference to tavern license*.Ac. •
Julius Bailey to keep a tavern or public house in bran
ville.
John Ward to keep a tavern in Troy township-
David Conable " Columbia •'
George 11. Estell for a tavern in Towanda borough-
Nathan Olinstoad for a license to keep tavern in U"'
Wm. Gibson " " "
Henry W. Noble " " Standing s.one-
John Howard " " Wyahi-mg-
N. M. Remolds " " AU. C'antontp.
Edw. Spalding •• sell liquor as a Merchant deni
er in Tmyborongh. ,
James Thompson and Jacob Ray for a Hrrnsr to <
a Saloon and Eating house in Towanda iswough.
A hearing upon these applications w ill be had at o •
Sessions next, and licenses granted unless sufficient >.
be shown to the contrary. ... r ,.
January 1,1857. ALLEN M KHAN- '
THE THIRD AXNTAL
MUSICAL CONVENTION
OF THE w
BRADFORD CO. MUSIC ASSOCIATION,
WILL be held at TOWANPA. comment
! V? in K TI KSIU V,JANUARY 27
] THREE DAYS, and to dose with a COM KKT..
| it is expected a new Oratorio will lie perturmeil.
Tlie whole to lie under the direction of
Mr. GEORGE F. ROOT of -V Y.
j The sessions of the Convention will tie dcy't<
j structions, with Lectures and l'nietical h.Ti*rn-(s
various branches of Vocal Music, by Mr. Koi'T
" The Shawm,'* and the " New York Phono' a ' .
Rook,"' with selections from other work*. wiM '
Singers having the hlmivc named book* will .i, f
Every effort will he made to render this 4 j.
Convention of great henefit and pleasure t
tend. Arrangements will fie made to |irviui
from a distance with comfortableacci>inMiidJti"ns.
| sonahle rates. „ 00.
*4" Admission to the whole course— t.entleai
Ladies, 00 cents.
COMMITTEE OK AKKAVC.KMKNt: , s
JOHN C.. TOWN Kit. wlll ,aM „ .rT '
C. E. OLADIUNO. | Dr. D- s - ! RV} •
C. H. CORI'RN, President. W. C. RObAKi.
Tewanda, January i. 1857.
IVTOTICE. —Notice is hereby given.
-i-x annual meeting of the stockholders oj 1 •' y a j
LAY RAIL ROAD A COAL CO.MPAM
the officeof the said Company,in the*it\
on Monday, January I*2, 1*37. at 12 o nl " v %u \tnl
time and place an KLKITIOX will he lieldt'Ta, i *
fULTIVATOR TEETH AXD CO.f
SMELLERS for sale by "• Mr '
tMtOCERIES— Call and see our'
iff Crushed, Coffee and Pulverized Sugars . ~r i l "'
Hyson A lllack Teas warranted a *"IJT r '' ,r i;l
Hi'iiiev refunded for >;d< rhe.ip by