3r
if
-i
Fuccuu aces suncueu, uut a single nppnca
tion has been made under it for mining
purposes; and even in this instance opora-
IrV rfn?r..,t Vnio ,T- - ,-n
are siffnihcaut facts, and m uivouinion will
r.,i ;7.;v. t ' : r fi :i
on the suttee t i n ihoZ lean sc no
on the subject m the future. 1 can see no
bctenS n' hf " r of t hoSto e
ronenn lfli.r 41. : 1 1 1.sm.1s1
if ih nni .wr i, if. w. n
rffll nnVfTnn I; ZZSnniZ within An
counties not included in the general law.
canxreccivo my approval, and such as are
now in my possession of this character
-will be returned without the Executive
auction
At the dale of niv last annual mcssnrp
.proceedings were pending in the Supreme
st the riifht oi
JllOSt cleflriV tll.-lt. thr nnMclrnnfin.i rP flmT..
road was without authority of law lmtthp
preliminary injunction urarcd for bv the
rv injunction uraved for bv tlio
cbmulainant was rpfnsnd. nn thn. rrmnnrl
that the Commonwealth could not under
t he law. irivc security for costs. TlippfIifM
of this decision was to place the privileges
claimed by the company within the con-
trol of the legislature. In nnlinmntimi
this result, I had ss:a-estcd to the Gene-
rul Assembly the rronrierv of tnk-ino
charge of these valuable rights and so fai"
as might be practicable without the excr-
cise ot an lllebral principle render this
important link of communication between
the sea-board and the great west, snbser-
vient to the interests of Pennsylvania.
Lhe subject was considered, butnotfinallv
disposed of.
In ZIav last I received a communication
from the president of the company, cov-
cring the proceedings of the meeting of
the board of directors, in which, after al-
lasion to the action of the Supreme Court
and the legislature, a number of proposi-
tious were submitted, indicating the wil-
lingness of the company to pay certain
rates ot taxation loi the unrestrained use
of the road, until that branch of govern-
ment should act on the subject. Believing
that I had no right to make conditions
with the company, or even to rcce'.ve the
money which they .were willing to pay, J
declined to entertain the proposition. The
rclations ot the company towards the btatc
therefore, have undergone no change since
the adjournment of the last Legislature,
except that the Attorney Ueucral has re-
centiy taKeu measures to outam a nnaiue-
creein the plea for an injunction and bv
writ of qno warranto to revoke the fran-
chises claimed by the company.
llccent occurrences at the city of Erie
evince an intensity of feeling amongst the
people, seldom equaled on a question of this
Kind, indicating not only tne propriety, out
necessity, lor prompt ana ueeibive legisia-
:nnrf nf l,nnnsvivnnir n tm
-the rankalin Canal Company to construct uuu"u"o lue. pocy oi sucn subscrip- crs, retain the coin and pay out the paper; Uounty societies.
a railroadfromthecitvofEiictotho Ohin tl0.113, a.nd declaring my views freely a- and the only remedy is to be found in the A highly useful institution has
tate line. The decision of the Court was Sainst them, 1 have not felt required to in- removal of the latter. There is, perhaps ly been organized at Philadelphia un
against the company on the main noint and , 'i. ; 1 uuximjcuuvc prerogative against no principle applicable to this question tue auspices of liberal and patriotic
J MPjODinion ot f ni't .itKttPn Kiooi- Je""-"11 w uuupiu uireciiv inter- uuuur sutuca. tnan mat wnicn nroves zens or mat citv and vicimtr. m nur
" 1 . . . . . w.JV.V tltiUtTU I
tive action, as to the rights of this compa- porations for the means of constructing stance, vacums in the channels of paper branches of this business, aud pre-emi-n"-
. public improvements. I am decidedly circulation in one State are too liable to nent in the construction of steam ma
lt must be clear to the impartial observ- 0f the opinion, that a similar decision be supplied by the issues of others, inter- chincry. I feel justified, therefore, in on
er, that the Legislature never intended, wou and should be made by the people dieted, though the circulation of the latter tertaining the hope that a more equal dis
hy any previous act, to authorize the con- 0f taig state, when the proper opportuni- maybe, by positive law. These consid- tribution of patronage shall hereafter dis-
fiirucuon oi a raurou ueiuueu t
j!jrie ana me juio iinu. j-uueuu, me
highest judicial tribunal in the State has
expressed the opinion, that no sucn au-
thonty can be lound in the charter or me
JbranKliu canal company; ano, in my opin-
ion, the grant should hereafter be made
on such conditions only, as will protect
and advance me interests oi me people
ot Pennsylvania, so iar as mcy may ce
mvolved in the subject, it so happens
mat Pennsylvania noius 111c Key to mis
ml
important link or conuexion between the
East and the West, and I most unhesita
tingly say, that where no principle of am
ity or commerce is to be violated, it is the
-right and duty of the State to turn her
natural advantages to the promotion of
the views and welfare of her own people.
It may be said that a restriction that
would require a break of railroad guage
at Eric, would be the use of an illiberal
prinple. The answer is, that the necessi
ty for a break of guage between the Ohio
line and the seaboard exists, as a conse
quence of a difference in the width of the
New York and Ohio roads. The only
question to settle, therefore, relates to the
point at which it should occur. I have
been able to discover no reasons, founded
in public policy, why the break should be
fixed at Buffalo, that do not apply with
equal force in favor of Erie. Tonnage
and passengers can be as well transhipped
at the latter, as at the former city.
So far as concerns the benefits to cither
city, incident to a transhipment, the idea
is unworthy of notice. But the effects of
a break of guage, and consequent tran
shipment east of Erb. upon the business
of that harbor, must be paralyzing, if not
fatal. It would virtually requireship
ments to be made either at Cleveland or
Buffalo. Scarcely less embarrassing would
this arrangement be upon the interests of
the Sunbury and Erie road, or any other
avenue that may hereafter connect the
lakes with the city of Philadelphia.
Jt may be that neighboring States, pos
sessing similar natural advantages, would
give them away for our benefit, but I have
not been able to discover any fact in their
former policy, to justify such a conclusion.
I shall await your action with anxiety.
The subscriptions of the cities of Phil
adelphia and Pittsburg to the stock of the
Pennsylvania railroad, and the prompt
payment of the interest on the same, to
gether with the flattering prospects of
that improvement, bad the effect of ex
tending the belief that municipal subscrip
tions could "be safely made to any similar
enterprise that such subscriptions were
in truth, what had been alleged by some,
a mere loan of the credit of the respect
ive municipal corporations, and that nei
ther principal nor interest would ever be
demanded.
Tbe consequences of this plausible and
scducuve doctrine were promptly mani
fested in v!ie form of numerous applica
tions for legislative authority to municipal
bodies to subscribe to railroad stocks in
various parts of the State. These appli
cations were invariably pressed on the
plea of promoting public convenience and.
the general prosperity, and a number of
laws, of this character were adopted, too
far ns these apply ;to cities and -boroughs,
ler successful;
e3 it lias cer-
but when applied to counties
tamly been much less so; failing entirely
" V r"3' u."u In leading
to violent controvorsins nmfu
i ....x- , . . ."6 i'eiv)l
3, tin? ? VT- f , mUnicipal
bonds thus created. Viewed n evnrv ns-
I i . -j
K?:! -?UeS IOn 0
r.-V . ay made would seem
"""viiy agamst the policy of such
F "t, ff I ;!!lreod 1 Van Citation
entertainV
en .a 'nc(l "wards this principle, and
?sPec,al,J ls extension to counties, has
s-uj aucngmenca oy this expert-
' , "u "ow, u seems to me
j pruaent people, profit by this lesson
z :i " l ai,M 111 hr xrur?
cstcd in the questson; or in other words,
'3U(ISe for citizens of a particular local-
U? n a subject relating merely to their
relating merely to their
pecuniary interests, or to resist the wish-
es 01 ttlcir immediate representatives.
J-n a communication addressed to the
er" Assembly in March, 1852 on
s sujJectj I remarked, "that the pow-
er
10 suoscnuc snouid never be exercised
mumc,Pal corporations, uqlcss the in-
tcrests of the people represented by such
I authority are directly and certainly iden-
"ncd Wltn the project on which the mon-
c J I!s 10 ue crenued. ine operation oi
110 principle may be equitable, when ap-
I),lc" to the people of a city or town,
whose interests are identical, but when
aPPued to the peeplc of a county, it may
not be so. On the contrary, it may prove
IR0Sfc unjust and oppressive subjecting
UG people to burthens in the .shape of
taxes for the construction of public im-
provements, trom which they may never
realize benefit, direct or remote. The
people in one section of a county may de-
rive valuable advantages from the con-
struction of a public work, whilst those
- their operation uas neen-ra
oi anomer section, equally taxed tor the anu mane our people "newcrs ot wood
payment of the interest and principal ofUnd drawers of water to other nations."
the debt, so contracted, may possibly re-
ahze no benefit at all." Ife is to these
effects that may be attributed the violent
contests that havo grown up in certain
counties, to which the principle has been
extended.
In the btate of Ohio: 'where this dan-
gcrous practice also prevailed, a constitu-
tional prohibition has been deemed ne-
ccssary by the people, and municipal sub-
scriptions cannot now be made, even with
the assent of those affected by the meas-
ure. The experience of that State, as I
have learned, was alike against the prac-
tice of making improvements in this way,
and that in the end, it became inefficient,
through the disposition of capitalists and
oti,ers to rcjy aionc upon munieipai cor-
:lv alone UDon munieinal cor-
ty 3S presented. in the meantime, this
insidious and danfTP.rnn? mndo nfpn ntrripf.
hn debts should be guarded against with
tne utmost vigilence. I shall indulge the
hope, that all future applications for lew-
islationof this character mav be reiccted
u General Assembly.
It is my duty to inform you that Si52S,-
35! 0f the relief issues of May, 1841, are
st:n ;n exigence, and continue to unlink
the channels of circulation. Under the
pr0visiohs of the act of April last. $121.-
812 of these notes, of a less denomination stitutions now in existence to make more such it should, as I have no doubt it will,
than five dollars, have been cancelled, frequent settlements, and reader more ef- command prompt and anxious considcra
and the whole amount can, under this law, ficient her present system, by con- tion.
be ultimately extinguised. Eut the nro-
cess has not been so rapid as was antici-
pated, nor it i3 sufficiently so to meet the
demands of the public weal. I respect-
fully suggest, therefore, that the law be
so amended as to make it the duty of the
State treasurer to retain from time to
time, as near as practicable, the amount,
in relief notes, nccessaryto meet the en-
tire demands of the sinking fund. I also ly commedable are being made in all claiming a heavy yearly compensation
recommended the repeal of the act of A- parts cf the country to advance the inter- There would be no difficulty whatever,
- M . f . . I . f 1 1 it 1 C .1 1 I . .
prillO, 1849, authorizing the re-issue of
this currency.
The occurrences of t'he past year great
ly strengthen the views I expressed in my
last annual message, on the subject of
the currency. The dangers of an inflated
paper system have been most strikingly
manifested in the experience of a number
of the surrounding States, and nothing, in
my opinion, saved our own mvtropolis,
and possibly other parts of the State, from
the consequences of a severe contraction
of the currency, but our vast agricultural
and mineral productions, and the unusu
ally high prices with these commanded
in foreign markets.
I have always held the doctrine, that
our country, like all others, must have a
system of curreney; and whilst, therefore,
I have resisted the excessive increase of
banking capital, I have not sought to up
root, entirely, the system we haye. G?hat
it is the best that the wit of man could
devise, is not believed, nor is itprpVable
that the authors of this paper system, en
joying tUe experience of the present age,
and possessing the vast amount of com
now in existence, would have entailed this
evil upon us. But we have it. and the
best we can do is to mitigate its conse
quences whilst it endures, and throw it
off by degress. I believe that the Penn
sylvania system of paper money, resting
on a specie basis, small as it is, and the
individual liability of the stockholders, is
as safe as any other. I prefer it vastly
to the loose plan existing in some of the
neighboring States, pt to the scheme of
free banking adopted in other sections of
the Union.
That any system of banking that au
thorizes the emission of small paper as a.
medium of circulation, must entail evil
consequences upon the country, has been
too clearly demonstrated by our own ex
perience to need elucidation by argument.
It is believed, therefore, that it is the true
policy of this, and of all the States, to re
strict the paper circulation to notes of a
large denomination. Those of a small
denomination should be gradually with
drawn from circulation, in order to make
room for the rast accessions of the pre
cious. metals irora California and Austra-
ha. In vain shall wcseekto disseminate
coins throughout the country, and induce
their circulation at points remote from
a. a n
tuo tiuuuu uuies, so long as smaii paper
is Permitted to e9t- tbc de'
nnminntln nf fi tiHim
I .v.. v. ulu uu.u k.v ...w.
from channels of circulation, the va-
cunm thus created would be rapidly sup-
plied with gold and silver, and so also
with those of a greater nominal value.-
ut ho long 0S this paper medium is per-
mitted to circulate, it will be irapractica-
ble.to induce the general diffusion of coin,
xne people inquire why it is, that with
tue vast increase or goldrso little is seen,
The answer is, that bank notes always in-
tervene. The trailer, merchant, uud oth-
that two kinds of currency, differing in
value, will not
circulate to:cther. The
least valuable will constantly be obtruded
least valuable
whilst the more precious will be dis
placed. The gradual withdrawel of the
smaller denomination of paper, presents
to my mind, the greatest practical reform
that can be applied to our system of cur-
rency. ine exchange ot one paper sys-
tern for another, and the incorporation oi
restrictions on this or that point of the
one we have, although often right and
necessary, can never eradicate the evil.
x wouia not, nowever, ne unuerstooa
as lavonng a very sudden alteration in
our system of currency, regarding as I
do, all violent changes in the policy of
government as unjust and oppressive.
All the business arrangement of the coun-
try are based upon our present plan, and
it is so interwoven with the general af-
airs of life as to forbid its rapid with-
drawel. JLJut the begining should be made,
and we should prepare to throw off a
system which will in the future, to a great-
er extent, perhaps, than in the past, rcu-
der our country tributary to her rivals,
No other reform in the political policy of
this nation,! sincerely believe, would
have such a direct tendency to promote
all the great interests of the American
people. A practical, safe and efficient
mode ot carrying out this work, is to be
tound in the gradual extinguishment of
bank notes of a small denomination.
This reform, however, to be complete,
and to give the people the full benefit of
its salutary effects upon our commercial
operations with other nations, must be
common to the whole country. The ef-
forts of a single memher of the coufeder-
acy, however thorough and well directed,
can achieve but partial success. Even
m a local point of view they can scarcely
exercise a controlling influence. For in-
exercise a controlling influence. For in-
erations have suggested the importance of
a simultaneous action of f.lio Stnfns nn thp
subject, and it has occurred to my mind.
that a convention of delegates from each,
appointed by the respective Legislatures,
unghtbe a good mode of directing nublic
attention to the subject, and securing cf-
ficicnt action.
In the meantime, our State can take
the lead in this work, as she can also
carefully restrict the evil tendencies of
the present system, by requiring the in-
fining the amount of banking canital.
as a basis of paper issues, to the lowest
point consistent with the demands of le-
gitimate business. I believe the a-
mount we now have comes up to this stan-
dard, and that the best interests of the
people require that it should not be in-
creased.
Efforts, extensive, energetic, and high-
ests of agriculture, by the dissemination
of correct information concerning this
great pursuit, and in this way bestow u-
pon the farmer the blessings of a scientific
as well as a greatly reuned, practical un-
demanding ot the noble work in which
he is engaged.
u " 1
Pennsylvania, so eminently an agricul
tural State, and therefore so deeply in
terested, cannot be indificrent to the mer
its of this enterprise. Her best energies
may wisely be exercised to secure its suc
cess. Already much has been accom
plished in the way of removing prejudices
heretofore extensively cherished against
any system of agricultural education, and
by the extinguishment of doubts as to the
utility, or even the practicability, of ap
plying the principles of science to the bu
siness of farming.
The belief that these principles can
be applied, I am gratified to perceive is
rapidly gaining popular favor. Indeed,
the experiments which have been made in
this country and in Europe, clearly es
tablish the utility of scientific farming, and
in both, the necessity for such a system
is manifest.
A proper understanding of the constit
uent elements of the soil the influence
of these in the production of vegetable
matter the means of maintaining these
elements in their original strength the
nature of stimulents for the soil, and their
proper use the quality of seeds, and the
breed of animals, make up the main fea
tures of this system. These subjects will
constitute an agreeable, and I have no
doubt, a highly advantageous study for
the farming community.
In my last annual message I suggested
the propriety of appointing an Agricultur
al Chemist, to be paid a moderate salary,
and whose labors should be given to the
State and county societies. I still enter
tain the opinion that such an officer, sur
rounded by proper opportunities, could
render great service to the cause of agri
culture. The utility of establishing nn agricul
tural college, with a model farm attached,
wherin the principles of a scientific cuiti
wntion of the soil and manual labor in
that pursuit would be joifJhd to the usua
academical studies, has been stronplv ur
ged upon my attention
buch an insti
tution and system of education, it is b
h .i J, . .. ' .
uuivcu. would at the same time improv
he ral and physical condition of the
mfi,?i
promote the social and intellectual attain
i v.vuuuuui uu luuiwauiiiu uiuiua, iiuu
mcuts of the agriculturist, mechanic and
laborer, in addition to the vast bencfitsit
would confer upon the pursuit of the far
men These considerations, and others
which will doultles be presented by the
advocates of the proposed institution, will
commend the subject to your favorable
consideration, it is believed that such
an institution can be successfully organ
ized under the auspices of the State and
recent
der
citi
of an act of the last Fedsion, named " The
suanco
polytechnic Collese ot Pcnnsvlvania," in
winch the education of youth in a prac
tical knowledjie of mininir, manufacturin
and the mechanic arts is united" with the
ordinary literary studies. Surely, as
much can be done to impart a practical
understanding of the pursuit of the farm-
or.
ithin a few years past the
general
government has expended a large sum of
money in the construction of a dry dock
at the Philadelphia navy yard, with
rauwoy attacned, to lacmtate mc opera-
tion ot raising and repairing vessels. A
survey of the Delaware river has also
been made, which justifies the opinion that
there is a sufficient depth of water in its
channel to admit vessels of a large clas
with entire safety. The location of this
yard, on the bank of the Delaware, in the
southern part of the county of Philad'a.,
accessible from all points, surroundec by
a vigorous and flourishing population, and
blessed with a healthy climate, gives to it
advantages not surpassed by those sur-
rounding tbe'navy-yards of any other sec
tion or me union, ihere is, then, no
reason why it should not receive a full
share of patronage from the government
hy it has not been so favored I shall
not, at this time, attempt to learn, but
that the lact has been the cause of regret
and complaint among the people of Phil-
adelphia and other parts of the State, is
a circumstance which cannot be disguised
No considerations of public interests,
which I have have been able to discover,
would seem to demand this policy
Nothing, in my opinion, is gained by it
in economy, efficiency or skill in the con-
struction of vessels. The materials for
this work can be as conveniently and
cheaply procured at Philadelphia as at
any other point in the country, and her
mechanics stand as high as any others
in noint of skill and efficiency in all the
in p
tinguish the action ot the department at
ashinfrton.
The consolidation of the city and coun
ty of Philadelphia into one municipal
government, is a subject that will bepress-
cd upon your consideration during the
present session. Without desiring to ex
press an opinion in the policy of the
measure, I may say, that I regard it as
with the welfare of our metropolis, and
consequently to the State at large, and as
I have long believed that the loans of
the State should be consolidated into three
or four classes, and be under the direct
control or the treasury department at Mar-
rispurg. The books are now kept at the
Bank of Pennsylvania, where the loans
arc transferred, reissued and cut up into
any shape to suit the wishes of the hol-
der ; for which service that institution is
am confident, in exchanging new coupon
bonds for the certificates of loan now out
standing, without any average extension
of the maturity of the loans, at a cost of
a lew mousand dollars, indeed, on mis
noint 1 am entirely certain that the ex-
"
change can be made a source of profit to
the State above all expenses. i his ac
compliahed, and the interest can be paid
at the Treasury, and the whole business
of that department rendered the more
simple and safe.
The financial year commences and clo
ses on the last day of November, and the
appropriation and school year on the first
of June. The effect of this arragement
is to beget confusion in the business of the
several departments of Government. In
deed, so completely is this the case, that
it is quite impossible for a person not fa
miliar with the subject to comprehend
their operation. I suggest the propriety
of commencing the fiscal year for all pur
poses 011 the first of December. This
would bring the Canal, Treasury, School
and Auditing Departments into harmoni
ous action, and render their operations
concurrent and simple.
I have never felt willing to see our fun
damental law changed for light or doubt
ful reasons, but I sincerely believe that
when the proper time arrives, .it will be
wise so to amend the Constitution as to re
quire that each law shall be passed in a
separate bill, and receive not less tlun a
majority of votes of each House on a call
of the yeas and nays; to provide that all
laws of a public nature shall be general
in their character and apply to the entire
State ; that municipal corporations, vest
ed with all the power the Legislature
could confer, should not have the right to
become subscribers to or holders of the
stock of other corporations ; to interdict
the creation of debt for any purpose ex
cept war; to unite some other functionary
with the Governor in the exercise of the
pardoning power.
In compliance with the provisions of the
55th section of the last general appropri
ation law, directing the Governor to "sell
and convey the State. arsenal property in
Juniper st.; in the city of Philadelphia,"
conditioned that the sum of thirty thous
and dollars should be obtained for the
same, I caused notice to be given, through
the press, that sealed proposals would be
received for the same, and
naming
th
minimum price and terras of sale. The
highest and only bid received was lhat'o
the Pennsylvania railroad com pain, na
mmg the sum of thirty thousand dollars
There b eingno other bidder, the proper
ty was accordingly conveyed to that com
pany.
The purchase of an other suitable lot
and the erection of a new building, pre
sented a service of greater difficulty, the
aw restraining the. entire cost or the price
obtained for the old property. 1 deemed
it proper that-military gentlemen of Phil
adelphia should be consulted, as to the lo
cation of the new building. The genera
wish appeared to be the selection of a cen
tral site, and at the same time the erec
tion of a building of greater dimensions
and cost than the act seemed to contem
plate, llccently, however, negociations
have been started for the purchase of a
Jot of ground, which it is believed will an
swer the purpose, and give general satis-
laetion as to location.
The Attorney General, as required by
un act approved the 19th of April last, has
made diligent efforts to close the claims
the Commonwealth against the defaulting
agents and public officers. The result of
us labors will be communicated to you
at an early day.
In accordance with the 35th section of
the appropriation law of last session, I
appoiuted George Blattenberger, Esq., to
superintend the removal of certain ob
structions out of the "raft channel in the
Susquehanna river, atBrubaker's ilsand."
He has caused the work to be completed
in a satisfactory manner, at a cost of $24?
50, leaving S1U2 50, of the appropriation
unexpended, in the treasury.
I deem it proper to remark in this con
nection, that there are obstacles in the
way of the descending navigation at vari-
ous points in that stream, the removal of j
which, by the State, would be but an act
of justice to those interested in the naviga
tion, in view of what they have suffered
in personal comfort and pecuniary profit,
as a consequence of the .construction of
he public works.
Ihe numerous accidents that have oc
curred on the railroads of the country
during the past season the consequent
destruction of human life and property,
the difficulties that have surrounded all
efforts to trace these casualties to their
rue cause, and to impose upon the dclin-
uents just responsibilities, have suggest
ed the necessity for more specific laws on
the subject; and I respectfully recommend
he measure to your favorable notice. It
is believed that much could be accom
plished for the security of railroad travel,
by additional precautionary measures in
the direction of passenger trains. Our
State, it is true, has not been the scene of
many of these disasters as some others :
but this may not be the case when speed
hall be greatly increased, as 13 contem
plated by some of our railroad compan
ies. Whatever relates to the cause of edu
cation to the moral and social condition
f the people, or to the amelioration of
uman suffering, should command delib
erate consideration. All our educational,
benevolent, charitable and reformatory
institutions are, therefore, commended to
our especial care.
Ihe State Lunatic Asylum, situate
within a mile of the capitol, is now in suc
cessful operation and in a most flourish
ing"condition, realizing to the fullest ex
tent the sanguine expectations of it3 amia
ble and benevolent founder; and it is but
ust to its accomplished superintendent to
ay, that MissDix regards its present or-
anization and management as eminently
proper and skillful. Upon this institution
10 State has already bestowed the sum
8200,499, and a small sum may still be
required to place it in a condition to per
fect self-reliance.
By the act of April 7, 1953, was incor
porated the "Pennsylvania training school
or idiotic aud feeble-minded children.
To this humane and benevolent purpose
the Legislature, with the liberality which
has ever distinguished the State, since the
time of her illustrious and pure minded
founder, has extended a helping hand.
The object of this institution is to discov
er humanity in its lowest condition of men
tal and physical weakness and deformity,
and elevate it to the dignity of intelli
gence, order and usefulness. Iti disin
terested aud benevolent founders have
merited the thanks of the christian and
patriot.
The Ilouscpf Refuge in Philadelphia,
may possibly require further legislation.
The board of managers of that truly
charitable institution are now erecting a
spacious and costly building, into which
they expect to transfer the inmates of the
house at an early day. Of all schemes
for the amelioration of human distress and
suffering, or for the reclamation of erring
humanity, there is no one which more
forcibly commends itself to christian sym
pathy and support, than tho House of lle
fugc. Having for its sole aim the refor
mation rather than punisnment of the
young, whose offences are often the result
f misfortune rather than criminal intent;
who sin through the weakness of moral
perceptions, or from impure association!',
which so fatally attract and mislead the
young and thoughtless. I cheerfully aud
car ucatly commend this admirable institu
tion to your fostering care.
The report of the superintendent will
exhibit to you the condition of tho Com
monwealth. No department of the gov
ernment has greater claims upon the Gen
eral Assembly than this, and it affords
me the greatest satisfaction to be able to
assure you of the flourishing condition of
hlio irmimnn snlinol sv.sfnnj. and of the
unusual interest manifested in every part
of the Commonwealth in the cause of ed
ucation. We should look forward with
lively interest to the day when our great
Commonwealth, freed, to some extent,
from tho shackles of debt, can, as she
doubtless contributes an adequate sum
to this causo. .
Mv attention has b"en called to tho
condition of the Sptc Library by the of
ficer having charge of it at. this time. It
is alleged, with evident reason and truth,
that the rooms now in use are too small
for the purpose: that many of the books
are stowed, away iu boxes, and also that
the laws providing for their security and
imposing responsibilities on the Librarian,
are quite insufficient. This highly inter
esting and useful institution will doubtless
receive your special care.
It is proper that I should make known
to you the progress that has been made
on tho subject of the erection of a rilonu-
mcnt at Independence Hall, in Philadel
phia, commemorative of the Declaration
of Independence.
In October 1352. the councils of Phil
adelphia, by unanimous consent, passed
an ordinance indicating the necessary
ground in Independence Sonarc. to this
patriotic aud sacred and national purpose.
and proposing to give possession of tho
premises to the representative of nine or
more of the original States.
By an act of the Legislature of Febru-
iry last, confirming this ordinance of tho
councils, the Governor was authorized to
appoint a trustee to. act in conjunction
with the trustees of the other States, in
tho erection of the monument, I accord-
ngly appointed Albert O. "Waterman, Esq.
of Philadelphia, the trustee on behalf of
Pennsylvania.
Ihe btutcs of Xew Fork, New Jersey,
New Hampshire and Connecticut havo
adopted laws similar to that of this State,
and trustees hayc been appointed in each.
under the terms of these laws, no action
can be taken by the trustees, until at least
nine of the thirteen original States shall
nave signiued tiuir willingness to partic- .
pate in the cnterprize. There are still
bur States wanting, and with them tho
ssuc must rest for the present.
I am unwilling to believe that an ob-
cct so entirely proper to itself so con
genial to the feelings of the American na-
ion so significant in its historic and
moral bearing and so touchingly interest
ing to every American heart, can even bo
long delayed, much less defeated. It was
the magic power of the Declaration of In
dependence rhich bound together thir
teen sparcely populated, tax-ridden and
oppressed colonies, and erected them into
au independent nation. By it was first
proclaimed to the worldthe equality of
men, and their capacity for,- and right of
self government. Under the auspices of
this great instrument our liberties wero
achieved, and the thirteen feeble colonies,
acting on its benign principles, and gui
ded by an over-ruling Providence, has
grown into thirty-one sovereign States
all teeming with the elements of national
wealth all prosperous and progressive
members of one vast confedercy, whose
boundaries are marked by the Atlantic
and Pacific, and enjoying a commerce co
extensive with the civifced world.
Honored, feared, and patronized by all
nationr; already sustaining a population
of twenty-five millions of inhabitants, re
joicing in the blessings of civil and relig
ious liberty, and in a high degree of mor
al and social hapiness. And shall we not
have a monument to perpetuate the events
from which these manifold blessings havo
sprung Some imperishable memorial
of oir gratitude au everlasting witness
of the great things done amongst and for
us some visible sign to perpetuate tho
memory of the Declaration of Independ
ence the Revolution the heroes who
participated in the mighty struggle, and
the constitution that crowned and defiued
tho privileges so nobly achieved. If
these deserve not a monument, then all
others have been erected in vain.
A structure commensurate with the
moral granducr of the event, its world
wide consequences, is not contemplated ;
but what can be and should be accomplish
ed is the erection of structure after tho
plan indicated by tho commiltee a beau
tiful and ever-enduring embodiment of
the nation's gratitude to the authors of
the declaration; an imperishable personi
fication of our fidelity to its principles
and their natural offspring, the constitu
tion and the Union.
The location of this political Mecca
will be most fortunate. Central to tho
original States eligible to the younger
members of the confederacy, and planted
on the soil of the old Keystone, who nev
er has, and by the blessing of God, never
will falter in her fidelity to the national
compact, to all its forms and conditions
as in times past, so will she in the fu
ture, should the occasion unhapily arise,
frown upon the first dawn of discontent
against the integrity of the Union, coujo
whence it may, or by whomsoever insti
gated. The weight of her vast moral and
political power, I firmly believe, will bo
weilded to resist tho tide of dissension
and di.-solution, and to keep the political
atmosphere around the monument, when
erected, purely national.
The present is also an -auspicious for
this work of .national fellowship. Tho
compromise measures, recently adopted,
and sanctioned by the approval of Clayjfe
of King, and of Webster, havo quietod
tho elements of national discord; and to
prolong this peace and quiet, h but ne
cessary to maintaiu these measures and
the requircmens hf the constitution; to dis
countenance in futture the agitations of
questions settled by tho federal compact,
and disdain the actions of those who would
hazard the peace of the country to grati-
fy prejudice, or to accomplish thecnd3 of
persoual ambition.
1 WILLIAM BIGLEE.
Expcutivc Chamber, )
Ilarrisburg, Jan. 4, 1854. J
Just burnt ami for sale by the subscriber.
These brick are of a largo size and of a su
perior quality, niul will be sold ns low or
lower according to quality than any other
Hriefc iu the county. A pottion of thum are
piesscil or front brick. Saui" brick are ma'H
of the best material and will stand the fun
with impunity, thus answering for the pur
pose of building Wake ovens, &c AH of
which will bo sold as low as any in the
noiphborhoud.
. All kinUs of Prudur&Jtakcui in axrligntfi
forHihk. ''$!U0uN- GUP Mult.
Stiomlsbor", .Vigost 1 nSSU -1)"