Pittsburgh morning post. (Pittsburgh, Pa.) 1843-1846, January 06, 1844, Image 2

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    DAILY POST.
:Tone Sesateetser iftnesr of Repre . teastraftres of the
Connairmibeatatf Penisay/oorsia:
isu.csw-Ctrtz itst.s:—The first and most imp:Mom:it
• dhetv dint tletolves upon the LtAiiaature, witir be so ea..
• stainer into the Artancial embru-rve..mezas orithe Smite,
.snd so rrrake sof - table provision , Ear the discherge of her
”Ibilisies. The entire amotrist 44 the funded debt of
'''sliorikette ie $39,084000 40. Ili& ilebt is-teimbur
' 'ma& asiAl4rws.-
ie yttie - 1841,
" 1844.
" 1346,
" , 1847,
. 1870,
"
1.8 i 3
• 11154,
• D 356.-
" 18.58,
I. 1859,
" 1860,
r i b 1361,
" 1 6. 13113,
.• 1363.
- 1864,
" 1865,
'• 1868,
" 1370,
lose parablo oct the' expire
timid containi - both churl
'l-tors
$36,469,393 87
'lnterest due 145 August, 18e,
for whiclr certificates of
stock were issued, In
deemable in 1843,
-Interest due Ist Febtmry.
1843, redeenrabie in 1816,
Interest due Ist August, 1843,
redeemable in 1846,
$39,034,000 40
Upon this debt the annual interest to be paid a,-
'mounts to $1 941,3c17 23, to wilt
Varunnent loan at 6 per cr.nt.,
" loans at 5 per cent.,
" loan 'at 41 percent.,
-Retief notes' at 1 per cent.,
do. at 6 percent.,
- l Arteara of imerest due to our
loan holders in August,
1 1842, and February and Au
tos', 1843, at 6 per cent.,
$39,084,000 40
There is also due 'to Domestic Creditors, on certi
"mime issued by the Auditor General, the sum of $206,-
- , 4411 00.
. • For the interest of annually accruing, and for the
temporary debts and liabilities of the State, provision
should be immediately made. The resources of the
-Stoue are abundant, and all that is required is the right
`disposition, and a judicious and proper selection of the
'-'rude in which thee: resourcesare to be rendered avail
able.
• The amount cf taxes levied and paid into the State
Treasury, under - tee existing tax laws, was as follows:
In the year . 1841 e -the amount levied, was $416,794
;: 4 15-e-there was pain` into the Treasury during tire year;
133,292 77 Li 1312, the tax levied was $659.515
47.—the amaunt paid in the same year. was $436,632,
t/. In 14313. the 'amount levied cannot be ascertained
er . th accuracy, in conseeuence of failures on the pert
efthe Com nissioners in several counties to make re
-turns t .the proper office; but making an e-timate from
the beat data that can be obtained, it will not fall short
of $915,000 06, The tax paid into the Treasury
the past yea a war $353911 33. The assess
intent fur ensuing year, my be fairly estimated at
what it amounted to the past year, provided the Legis
lature repeal the proviso to the 16th section of the Act
of27th July, 1342. entitled, "An Act to provide for
- the neliretre expenses of the G ivernment—piyment of
she karts a upon the State debt," &c., which limits
the assessmonr of the increased tax to one year.—
Unless prmi dim beimmediat •ly macle for continni ne. the
assessrue t and collection of that tux, cur finatici .1
'aifficithie3 must be increased, and the consequences be
'most disastrous t r our State credit.
it will be se n f urn the foregoing statement, that
'nearly a million of dollars, arising from taxation, re..
tneina unpaid ; and there is no authority vested in the
Executive, by law, to enforce its collection. I have
repeatedly recommended to the Legislature, the ad
eptien of some legal method of compelling County
Commissioners, Collectors and Treasurer.• to perform
their duties—but, thus far, no legisletion has been had
epon the subject. In the present defective state of the
113 m, every temptation is held out to delinquents to
persevere in setting at naught its injunctions. Permit
tap gitin to call te attention of the Legislature to
t is glibject, and to express the hope the evil will be
reirtedied,
The whole receipt; from our public improvements,
beyond the payment for repairs, and the expenses of
teeir charge and miumeement, durin g the past fiscal
year, amount to $432,657 34.
The curreat expenses of government, including the
permanent appropriation to Common Schools and oth•
er purposes, may he estimated at about $750,000 00.
The resources of the state. independent of crowfeet,
and the receipts from the public improvements. at
about $4OO 00 / 00. From an examination ofall tiles)
receipts and liabilities of the state, supposing the tax
levied, under existing haws, to be pittictuaby collected
and pad over, there would bean annual clefi nit of about
.350,000 09. independent of the balance due to Do.
istic Creditors ; for the punctual payment of all
which, the state is hound by every obligation of faith and
hon ar. Aftera most careful consideration of the whole
subject. I have been unable to devise any other mode
of meeting this responsibility than that of aagmented
'taxation.
t auk occasion in my annual message transmitted
'to the'Legislature on the Bth of January,lB4o. to speak
upon this subject in the following pointed and unequiv
ocal vorda. I beg leave to quote them, because I have
reiterated in every annual massage to the Legislature
since, substantially the same sentiments: and I desire
the people of Pennsylvania, and tae whole world, to
know, if there be ground to chaeze remissness of duty,
to whom the fault is to be justly attributed:
"In expressing, my own opinion in favor of a resert
to taxation, I do it with ne iticonsiderable clagre a. of re
luctance; but jillE not be obvious to every citizen t f the
Conemonwealtllgrthet his house, his fartn, arelhis pro
pose., y. are all pledged. beyond possibility of release, to
gib ult:rnale payment of the Stutz debt, and the latir
, est thereon accruing . agteeabie to the stipulation with
the loan lebtos. Nur is this the worst view of our
situation. Tha state has been menially compounding
for rare past, from a million to a million and n half ul
interact annually; and the qne-tion is now submitted.
wastber we ave thus to continuo adding, half yearly.
this enorm .us amount of interest to the principal of
our State debt. and continue in this pusilanimous
coarse of pelicy, from year to year, of senffiing off the
evil day, and entailing this frightful legacy on poster
ity. It is a reproach on the people of Pennsylvania to
evareese it they can be longer kept. in the dark, in
card ti the situation in which we find them. All they
at to know, to ensure a ready complianCe with this
ispensaale call upon their patriotism. is to knew
3 necessity of the measure. The experience of more
.111e.half a century, fortifies us in the belief, that the
nail sense of the people of this great Commonwealth
appealed to in vain. In assuming the respon
leibilisy of recommending this measure, I am fully sen
sillsof what is to be encountered, and aware of th e
"ilreersteelsenstea that are to follow; and it, in this expres
sion ofthe honest coavictioas of my own mite!, and the
feariess'discitarge of the duties incumbent on me, I
eshalc i nethe borne out by my fellow citizens, - I shall at
least have the consolation to know, that I have done
.what fieoascitmtiuusly believe to be right, and which
7 this* will bear the reflection of after years. The
tinettior evasion is gone: the public mind has been too
long fed with-miserable expedients. The time for Se
lion Is at hand. Oar country expects every man to du
his deny, and he that has not nerve enough for the crisis
should give plenary) those better fitted for the enser
gamy. Neither 'She present Legislature, nor myself,
bad anythinte do with contracting this debt—it is fix
ed earn/ by-those who have gone before es: and the
nce. -rale of' prudent) and sound policy, that would
govern the cmdact of a private individual, holds equal
lygood in the ease of the Commonwealth, under this
Mater of chines. The private individual would tax his
=Tand his substance—so, also, it seems to me,
he rep's:sanative, a* wise tad judicious pea.
triTtur.l - ewriz,in I'VVEZII
$ 55,922 GO
62:500 00.
2486,342 08
72,335 06
1,100,0na 00
2,000,009 00
„000,000 00
**) 783 161 86
7.0t0,661 44
1,25013b0 eo
2,648,686 00
126.000 00
12,265.400 00
1.00,000 00
3,385,076 66
1,829,600 00
2,524,900 00
1,946,215
560,5G3 50
866,625 53
11Z3,933 00
873,988 GO
$ 1.94 , 5,944 33
32.663.189 88
210,000 00
1,457,8'28 68
171,636 00
2,614,601 53
- Taindost wasplapW7 the intawit would weal.
nally coastinseiresinking fixate. pay aerthe principal
ether state ark: and shoal be ecatintani iii the is
inifineretaects wetild reader rasa
feel esrlis'tlettnancis the eaerctsa of
themes( rat iiitchi ag'segryky—tbe cal/nest jeckasent
tuelltlierinatt fearletwiitilotiste. I ;assured*, Leg
Titters will' meet tit ie a'right spirit, foilsmen it of its
'petits. Coaling, as yins 'do, frees all quarters af the
stave, ancipowersein' g ttrnare intimate loweledge eft' t her
cirrarthstancei arid erects of the people than I can, I
most cheerfally ftlfiefidertbl3 insportans subject tayatr,
satisfied that prudefice ancijcstice will diiect year ac- I
it."
. .
I used stittng terms in speaking to the Legislature
' on this 'scbject at that time, because it was =bor of
clarlcritrss,'uneertninty and alarm. The explosion of
the Books, the paralysis of the business energies ..f
then . ..A:wry, and the murmurings of those whose Dania.
tier, seeks no higher aim than that of Ending fault.'
*ere all cakolated to deter even honest men from
w ere
performing their duty. So (liras I wiw con
cerned, I was rempixed that both my opinion and my
course, should he openly avowed and clensly under
stood Ffx:it-years have now elapsed; time ho s. been
given to the excited to become calm, to the timid- to
become seic.posies..ed, and fur factious partizans to
see the error of their way I look beds with pleasure
en my course, because, as i had no doubt from
the beginning, I have been triumphantly sustained by
the honest venmenry of Pennsylvania. They trive
borne without m-pinisrg, every bortlsen that was neces
sary to maintain the honor of the State, and they are
ready m calre yet greater sacrifices,,it they be ne
cessary, for the same L-aust.„
It Nis of late been fashionobiri, in certain gisirters to
denounce Perirrsylvretio, and cite her, as an example
in point, to :sanction the reproach which lies been c-arA
upon the American pecip4e, of seeking to carry into
practical orwration the scheme of t.epuichating herpith
lic debts. Those who have cintulated and belie% ed
this calumny, betrayed a degree of it,morance, both of
the character of our people, and of the course of her
legislation, which is truly surprising. On every occur
sloe the liability of the State hos been frankly avowed,
both by her Executive and Legislative Departments;
and although the renimmendations of the Eaecotive,
to make provision for the payment of herinterest, have
not been adopted to the fullest extent, yet the Legisla
ture has passed laws imposing a tax, amounting the
last year to a little less tl pan a million of &Alms, an.l
this has been acceded to by thepeople, without a mur
mur from any source eotitledto a moment's roasiclera
tion. The failure to pay the interest has not resulted
from a want of disposition wide, DO, CC die part of the
citizens of Pennsylvania, bet from the general disasters
which have overwhelmed and crippled her, in coat.
men with alm ist every other goveriment in the cum
marcial world We um regaining our energies, and
recovering from the embarrassments by which we bare
unfortunately been surrounded. A very few yenre will
unable us to retrieve all we have lost, and to wipe
from our escutchion every blot with which unexpected
misfortune has tarnished it. Whatever the inters-t v I
or evil disposed may have asserted to the co itrary,
there is not an lrsiest citiaea of Pennsylvania who does
not feel the proud cooscieut iousnesss that her and
integrity can he held up to the .world unsullied.
The valuation of the real aad personal propriety
owned by thecitizens of the State, ascertained by ryi
eretax- to the ~ .altiatirm ns taxel for en tatty purposes.
amounts to about four hundred and sixty millions of
dollars. The average of the rate of this valuation is,
no doubt, considerably below the actual value of the
property of the State.
Among the receipts of the Treasury during the Tust
year, there were from tolls ex.clusive of Motive Pow.
e►, $755.15! 39
Auction duties,
Tax on Loth:item] inheritances,
Dividendi on Bridge, Turnpike aid
Natie,ntion Stocks,
Escheats,
$357,325 51
TS which add the State Tax received, 553.911 38
This income, derivrd from the abirre snwrces, was
specially appropriated to the payment of the inters , :
on our public debt; and on the filth of the State's +vibe
rent.e to its so:emn engagements, those from whom
the money was thtaiueci, were doubtless induced to
make the loan. But, by the resolution pnF,,r,l 7th
April, 1842, and Cue ueta passed 127:h July. 134'2, and
Bth April, 1843, thosefuada were applied to other dif
ferent ritinioAes, from what wa. , rl.-emed by the Legis
lature, an imperative neceasity induced by the momen
tary embarrassments to which I have already adver
ted.
It is thus showa that about three and a half per cent
of the interest could have been paid the past year, but
forthis subsequent legislation; and that the above sum
of $857,323 SI, together with a tax of less than three
millson the assessed value of the real nad personal en
tau ache, eiticers of the Commonwealth, would pay
the interest on the public debt. beyond all doubt, and
place Pennsylvania on that proud eminence which the
true chat actor oilier people, and the resources s.he pos
sesses, designed her to occupy. But to satisfy the
people of this int-tease of the tax, assurance shatt'd be
Eivi.n that it would be applied to the payment of the be.
terest on the State debt, to the exclusion of every ether
object.
There has boen one ohjection made against IRVI.
tion under the pi eient state of things, which appears
to be founded in justices and that is, the manifest un
fairness and inequality of the rates of assessment in
the dillbrent counties. I annex to this message a ta
ble showing the assessments in the various counties of
the Commonwealth, an examination of which, will
at once disclose the evil that ought to be remedied.
Most of our laws on the subject of taxJ4 and reve
nue, require revision and amendment. Those
relat
ing tocullateral inheritances, retailers and dealers in'
merchandise, auctions and auctioneers, end brokers,
re. Uses revision and modification to prevent evasion. '
Incised there is good reasons to believe the revenue
ft tm these source+ might be doubled. The county
mists and levies are not aagmented by them: nor dues
the State tax derived th frefrom, bear any fair propor
tion to that exacted film the land hold-r. The ine
quality and injustice of ti+ m fuer become manifest
when the proceeds derived from each are considered.
The tax necessary for the payment of the interest
on our state debt, it has long been apparent to me,
should be a;morrioned among the several counties of
the State, and a liberal discount or drawback allowed
for praruptoollection and payment into the Treasury.
The members of the Le4islatitra, cnming, as they do,
from the several counties, and each watchful of the
rights and interest+ of his immxliate coestitifents,
would certainly compose a board every way compe
tent to make that apportionment. A more unequal o ne
than that which now exists, cannot be readily de , iced.
tun aware that each and every object and t of
taxation is to ire er less'objectionuble--bin that should'
not absolve us from our duty. I have submitted tie the I
-Legislature. my view again and again, on this subject;
and that it has at titres differed with me, is no cause
of complaint—that cliff.: mice of opinion having pro
ceeded from a conscientious discharge of duty. But,
if the suggestions here made, do not seem right and
proper, permit me to express the earnest hope that
the Legislature will devisesom : other mode, less ob
jectionable, and that it will not sep -rate until full and
ample provision be made for the ponetual payment of
the interest on our public debt, semi-annually, as it be
comes dire. anti thus smooth the way for those who
m iy come after us is the administration of the Guy.
eminent
Et2fore quitting the subject of taxation, it may be
well to take a relative view of the tuxes received at
the Treasury, for the last three years, as i the un3aiint
annually pail out to the several comities, for .sCs
purposes of education. The taxei received in
1841, amount to $33,292 77
1342, 4e.6.8.15 85
1843, 533.911 33
The money paid out fortho purposes of educailua,
during the sums years. amounted, in
1841, to
1343,
$1,839,832 83
So thnt itappears more money has actually hem pa nt
out by the Com.no.tweelth. fur eti4c.tting her people
than the amount of State tax paid into the Treasury.
It will be entirely practicableto make praviaion for
the payment of the semiannual interest, on and at.
treraro first of Aorta seta. And, to provide for et-- burgh," for my views in relation to the linaolicy of ael
orypossibla contingence. the State Treasurer might be , ling or tromsferying the plablie improoremenss a I private
autharkedtobarruw,ir necessary, sufficient seas nit!' eonspanies. I deans it hirowetrer proper to add, that,
make up nay deficiency, and the tames and other re- although my own judgment on this subject la perfectly
wipeout - dor &at a r applicabie w the dieckarge of in- clear, yet, if asecond Legislature deemitadvisuhle a.
ergot, be pledged specifically Sur the re-periment of concur with the former in providing for this sate or
such laim, sad applied snow art rereived- severe n
r, Ido kauw dont I will consider the duty
The arrears of istsrestaliP in lOC., and February, .incumbent on n of ranging further rcailitance to this
and Augwat, 1343, balm bents footled, ies conformity psuaect;prossisted sufacienrsafiwourds be estataisherl to
withothe abets of Assembly opus that toub,:ect. This protect tars agaisest frauds and collasiona in the
was the most fiat coral be done for oar creditors, an- sale, and to s ware a proper regard fur the publie kat.-
dju the cirrcuptato sees, and if, hereafter, provision be nats,on the-part of !bate intowhole hands they ace sob
erer& for the punctual discharge of tie interest, it will, secarently robe transferred-
I believe. he as much a s cookiretwonably be expected afempart 11 is been made by the Commissioners na
by the brasiers of our loans. j red in the act entitled "An Act to authorize the Gov-
There is now doe from the State to certain banks ernorm incorporatte the Dillow-tire Canal Company,"
the sera of $1,467,03 63, on account of the issue of pressed 13th Apsil last: nor ant lin posaessioe of an;
notes antler the act of 4th May. 1341, which be official infortnatioe in relation to the same.
an interest of true p er cent. By vi rtue of the act of Co the subject of the Banks. I have little to marina-
Asaembly passed the eth day of April last, entitled ! me n d, lly views in relation to tile system have here
"An net to provide for the p a y ment o f Domestic ! gofer; been very fully expn.ssed, amide. mot uuw need
Creditors," & - e., these notes are re be cm-welled at reiteration. Most if not all the solvent institutions
the rate of ono bemired domannel dollars a :stoma.; h are no w resumed specie payments; and, tangle by
Tke fended debt of the State hears aro interest of live j rust experience. it is hoped they will so regulate their
and six per c-ent.. payable semi-annually- If this cart- ! busi ne s s an a l cirrainscribe their liabilities within the
cellation be contin ue d at t h e sa me rate, it is very err- j bounds of prudence, that we shall not see a j recocrenee
rain this interest cannot be paid, as a y ea y large portion ofthe pecuniary embarrassments which Wave for some
°Fltrx" and to" willhe Paid in fowl , et . this de'seriP - ! years pass di.treased the community_ TLe gradual
titan. It is, therefore, for the legislature Codetermine restoration of public and private confidence will ena
which of We Ipetsstueg it ie the puji.e7 of the State i ble the solvent inatirutions of the state to furnish a cur
, to purane.
rency as fast as required by the wants of the country,
The reyentres derived frorethe pablis works during which will be redeemable in specie on demand.
the past fiscal year. although tint realizing the esti- As no bank ehartera will expire during the remain
, mates which wore formed at the comas. osement of der of thepresent executive term, there will be no ne- ,
the year, have yielded a very handsome profit to the eessity for enacting lowa for their renewal at present.
Correnonwealt Is over the mete/ la i urea reqtri red fax The practice of renee ing acts of incorpomt ion long be
their maintenance. The report of the Canal Commis- fore the expiration ofthe existing charters, is manifest
sionera, which will be laid before yon, and to which ly wrong, even where it may eventually be considered
your- porticular attention is invited, exhibit.% in detail proper to cominne them. Under present cirearnautn
the reweipta and espenaiturea upon the several fines I ces, I think it would not be right to embarrass the nd
..reatml and railroad. By that &cisme ea, it appear.:, ministration ofmy successor, by prematurely legislating
that, from the early closing of the mud be ice in the upon subjects that will belong to that period attn. *
ad
latter Part of 1342 and its late tmenins: from the ORM . ministration of tote government. The situation of the
cause in the Galowing sprint, the maigabie aerostat of country and its business certainly dues Pot require the
1343 was rendered about eight weeks shorter than granting of any bank charters. Believing that the e
that of the previous year. A ciaxibination, ills of banking are corrected by the good sense of the
took place among the boatmen OD the Delaware Di- 1 community, I congrutsiate the Legislature upon the
vision, which existed for several weeks, putting a stop prospect of being relieved from the immediate consid
to reansportation, and causing a loss , of revenue to the oration of the subject fir the present session at least.
Commonwealth of not leas than $30.000. Notwith- The report ofthe Superintendent of CommtutSchools
standing these aropeditnenta, ridded to thot experienc- will eshibit their conditiou in detail. Every thing cal
rd from the' igh floods on the Juniata its September enlated tu advance the interest of this Intuit important
last, the toils amount to $1.01.7.811 12. being an in- lof all our public institutions, cannot he too strongj-v
crease over the receipts of 1842 of $77,627 93. An commended to your attention. The vital interests of
abstract of the receipts and expenditures on the rev- religion. morality, and civil liberty itoelaure henendent
oral lines exhibits the fa/lowing result: upon the cherishing ski and enlightened support irri.
ExpendPuess. Receipts. parted to oar Common Schools and higher Seminaries
$425.0 . 16 82 $857.112 94 of learning. Here tnu.st be implanted the seeds of vie.
22,5.53 92 92,265 41 tae, of intelligence, and of all that confers distinction
upon our citizens.
The report of the Adjutant General will be laid be
fore you. I took occasion, its nay annual message of
1810, to say that "our militia system is a tax, to a
c msiderahle amount. neon the &ate Treasury. which
might be considerably lessened if the Adjutant Gen
eral were chargrd with the duty of personally orperire
tending the system in its details, and properly com
pensated therefor." In every annual message since,
I have urged the importance of some attention to this
sittleet. The office of Adjutant Genet tl has been
filled for several veara by a gentlemen of great practi
cal knowledge andexperieuce, who has devoted much
time and attention to the discharge of its duties; andi
it has been st matter of regret that his suggestions have ,
not bad the weight with the Leeislature, to whit+ they !
were so justly entitled. 13s- the legialtion of the last
few years. one description of persons after another has
been exempted from the payment of fines, until the
amount rec e ived at the Treasury, during the past rear.
falls short of the expenses the sum of $42,448 59.
This state of things is so palpably wrong, that nothing
snore is re e itired than to bring the facts to your notice,
to ensure no early cerrection of the evil.
Pennsylvania has a force of upwards of thirty-five
thousand vuluti teen:, that will compote with any troops
in 'lli+ or arty other country. I cannot too enrnesta
rccomtnend them to the fostering care of the Legisla
ture.
Main Line,
Delaware Divi4on,
SuArprehonno. North and
West Bran:lies,
Beaver, Shenanga and
French Creek,
Deduct expeuditures,
F,xeess ntrecelpts over expenditures, $495.612 76
Deduct drawback on Hour and pork. 22.436 89
$473,173 96
Add inc.-reuse of ➢tack on Columbia Rail
lroad,
Clear profit of all the works fir 1813. $432,657 34
The increase and decrease of tolls on thr different
lines, as compared with 1342. were as follow,:
59,661 78
22,337 05
Main Line, •
Delaware Divicinn, $2,193 67
Sa.quehanna North and
West Branche., 13,906 03
Bearer, Shenango and
French Creek, 53G 28 16.636 03
19,161, 29
1.010 00
Increase in 1813, $77,627 43
And, on the sumo lines. the excess of renedists over
PlCproditures and all liabilities, is as follows:
Main Line, $419.220 70
Delaware Biel:inn, 69.711 49
Susquehanna, North and West Branches, 2,979 26
$1.411,236 89
$491,911 45
Beaver, Shenanrn and French Creek,
e1CC13:44 of expentlit urea over receipti
. Total excess of receipts over expendi
teres„ $132,657 31
From these fitatnmvnta it nprears that, with the ex
ceptiun of the small excess on the Smgnc•hnnna and
North and West Branch Divi.ions, the profits upon the
year's bovine=s, have been derived from the Main Line
and the Delaware Division 'The last named Divi
sion has yi iilded a profit of per cent. u•ron tho rust of
its construction, which, hut for the II) 44 or revenues sin:-
initial from the combiaation ninon?, the boat:nen be- fore referred to, and interruption from breaches, would
have bee tincrcased [ll ave r e •ven per error.
The Columbia and
a very zratic\ irtz result. The clear proliti of thti road
over exo , iniliter-s u ul lin'Ulities I lio p a s t year , ahionnt
to
,520.2.9133 65,, i , m 1 to about AY,' per cent. on the
t cost of railway and the motive power &part
meta.
In purotance of the provisions of the n e t i f 7 t h
Nlnrch 1843. it ch trier se IA 1 , .11(.(1, 03 the 16th f l a y of
Jane last, to" The Erie Canal Company " The com
pany is vigorolNlv proseeuthg the work. and gives fair
promise of its early cornpleti in. That portion of the.
division from the Ohio River to the town of New Ca--
41e. according to the terms of the charier, rernams in
the po.syssion of the Commonwealth, until the com
pletion of the whole line. A large portion of the ex
penditnres on it (Litho,. the vettr, was caused by repairs
to the works since transferred. •
It i- evident from the foregoing abstracts, and from
o review of the details, contained in the Canal Com
m!:sinnerst report, that the Maiu Line nod Delaware
Division can at all times. be made sources of protiin•
ble reveaue to the Commonwealth, by the exercise of a
proper vigilance over the disbursements. Mitch has
been don t roward4 introrl ig a system of strict econ
omy, and dispensing
with officers. regents and laborers,
whose services tend only to swell the amount of expert.
ditures. Iran. asses tt thus hezert be carried wit arid
perfected, all doubt init3t vanish as ; o the value of these
two portions of the public works when coasidered as
means of revenue.
To the inure general int rodection of 60C tilt] boats, in
consequence of the State having pur,hased crooks for
their conveyance over the two rai:roark may he traced
the principal cause of the increase of tolls and tonnage
on the Nlain Line. The enperiment has been fully test
ed to the sotiifaction of the most sanguine friends of
the system of be - livid:lrd competition in the carrying
tr ide, These boats, during the past year. have pre.
sewed combinations. reduced the price of freights, in
ereased the a rooitut of tolls anti tonnage, and given to
our Mnia Line a character f cola -Armes: in I ransporta-
Lion. which intiq mike it the principal aVOII UP tot mar
ket between the waters of the West and the E Istern
Atlantic cities. A system of transportation which, in
its incipient state, has been productive of such great
benefits, and which is so closely identified with the pros
perity ef the improvements of the Commonwealth, is
entitled to the fostering care of the lsgislaturr. In
1343, the amount of tolls paid by section boats was
$114,227 47; of which 316,611 63 was forthe use of I
the State trucks. Tu giveefficiency to the system; to
meet the demands con tequent upon the continued in
crease in the number of section boats; and to prevent
vexatious delays at the railroad slips, an increa,;e in the
number of trains of trucks has become absolutely ne
cessary. As these additional trains will he required
at the op ning ef the spring business, the expectation
is ereert lined that an early appropriation will be made
to that object. Such an appropriation %ill give an im
petus to the spring trade, by giving assurance of
promptness in the d , ,ivery of produce, goods acid mer•
clinnclize; hold ont inducements to further increase of
section bunts; place the system upon a permaneet ba
sin, and insure to the Commonwealth all the advanta
ges which mustnecessarily result item this improved
trade of transportation over our disj tinted hitless of ca
nal and railroad. I would further recommend tbatthe
appropriation be made direct, and not made payable
out of the tolls fur the use of trucks, so as to enable
the Canal Commissioners to make the purchase on
more economical terms than can °there ebr d me.and
to free the rates of tell, and the trothod orkeoping the
atvattois,frem thei p -sent comelexity.
I will ref r you to my me-sage, returning, with the
Executive sanction, a bid entitled "An Act to authorize
the Governor to incorporate the P•nnsylvania Canal
tad Railroad Company from Philadelphia to Pitts-
$1,073.840 00
$363.766 01
314,372 43
403.694 36
59,223 80 M,206 06
15,410 82 6.156 71
$522,223 35 $1,017.811 12
5:2'1,228 36
9,481 38
Decrease
/acreage.
$94,263 46
9 254 11
No inconvenience has arisen thus far, nor detriment
to the public interest, from my refusal to approve the
bonds offered by the individuals claiming to have b-en
elected. The portion of the law. therefore, pointing
out the mode of electing State Printers, not having
b.aNt complied with, the matter rests with you to m. , k..
such provision on this subject as yon believe the public
welfare requires. The frauds pr tcticed upon the pith
lin by some of those persons enterested with the public
printing, the last few years, are too palpable and mita
ei•ots to passunanticed, and whatever measure the Le.
gislature may think proper to adopt, will, I trust, pro
vide security against their recurnmce.
It is no disparagement to her sister States to assume
that Pennsylvania, in her geographical position, and in
her mineral and agricultural resources. is surpassed by
none in the Union. Her population, Cm hardy and ef
(active industry, presents a model worthy of all praise,
and this hides ry, devoted to a conotant development '
other vast mineral wealth,cannot fail, in good time, to
produce the most astonishing results.
• Under the act of the 24th March last, entitled "An
Act to create permanenly the office of State Printer."
I. aac G. McKinley and nutter:lM Bigler have claim
ed to be State Printer.; the former to do the English,
and the latter to cloth!. G intim priating, of the Com
moo wraith. The language of the Act of Assembly
seemed to me to render the validity of this election
(haitcful, I'lolcm/sec! the goestion to be POI mitred to
the Attorney General, whose opinion on the subject is
her- vith transmitted to the Legislature. 1 concurred
with him, and accordingly *lined to approve the
bonds tendered. informing the parties that the whole
matter wonld be submitted to the early attention of
the Legislnture. Had the parties interested reason to
complain of the course pursued by the Executive, they
might have applied lathe Supreme Court. during its
session in Ilarrisburch,f tr a writ of mandamos, (Erect
ing the Governo r to appnwo their bonds, which wa.
mere ministerial dutv, unless he could show some le
cal reason for his refusal. I W 3.1 at all tint , . ready to
have this issue before that tribuard, and have at no
tuna entertained a 2iiuLt of the result, ur propriety. of
my course.
In addition to th.' !evil areument presented by the
Attorney General, which I regard as unanswerable,
th are some tither circumstances connected ee ill
that. election, which make it peculiarly neersetty that
they should be broiteht to your Insist Sal i 0125 COC/slat'ins
LaSa. The election was postponed from time to time,
from the 27th day rf March, the third day after the
paseree of the Into, and on which, according to its pro
visions, it should have taken place, to th" 15th day of
April, on whieb, according to the certificate presented
to rue, it was made. During this interval of time, and
before the day on which the election was rinsert - era.'
ted. 1 have been infiirrned, and have good mason to
believe, that nee niations were entered into and core-I
pleted between the said Isaac G Hurter &
Bigler and other persons, supposed to have influence
wirli members of the Legislature, by which large sums
of money were paid nrcontracted to he paid, by the in.l
dividieds elected, to those third persons, fot their '
bind influence in procuring their election.—Tn some
instances. ns !have been nssured, the sten paid, or :on
tracted to be-paid, depended upon the number of votes
procured by the contrnotiog parties for the successful
candidates; and thus was exhibited a scene of scan
dalous bargrainine and selling, alike disgraceful to the
parties concerned, and dangerous to the purity of elec.
dots. It is not to be presumed that this *cheme of
office purchnsieg wan known to any member of the Le
gislature; for, if it had been, the parties concerned
would, I have no d ou bt, been exposed and consequent
ly defeated. As this transaction more immediately
concerns the purity and honor of the Legislature it
self. I need only call your attention to these circum
stances, and have no doubt you will feel it to be your
duty to institute a thorough investigation into they
&ands, thus practiced linen the L-gislature, to procure'
nn ehetion. Should the facts, up en examination, be
found to be, as I have the strongest reason to think
they are, can it he, that a inele member of the Leeis
'mum will recognize the tnlidity ef an election thus
'procured? Let it he known that candidates can re
sort to etch means to accomplish their purposes, and
there is an end to all confidence and respect for the
Legislatures. It is one of the elementary principles
()revery enlightened system ofjurinerudence, that fraud
vitiates every contract into which it enters; nod, in
every stage olcomeletion, these c intracts are arrested
as boon as the fraud is discovered. There can he no
fraudulent practice more odious than one like this,
striking at. the perity of legislation. and I nm confident
the representatives of the people will apply n thorritieh
corrective the igotant they are made acq tainted with
the facts
There is hardly a mnuuntai n or valley. within her bwala
dem, that dues not aboundDia deposites of call us ice.
Ourcanals twat railroads Penetrate alMost every owe
t - tf the mineral regions and furnish them with a
cheap anfiready highway pa market.
If thoseentrume4altb guandiansfiip of the pab•
lic weLEzweare bat trikt - to their trtlat, fir day 11 MA far
distant when Pennsylvania must become the great
workshop of the Arcterican Union, fur the pram:rim of
coal and stun, and the fabrics cattetructed from these
materials. If these great interests are star-rendered to
some imaginary, theoretic. Arcadian scheme of foie
trade, we may still continue to.serve as hewers of wood
an,/ (Ira w era of water to-f 'reign capitalists and artisans,
and our incalculable mineral deposits, may lie useless
forages. I trust, however, the people of:this Common
wealth. will !lever be seduced into a sacrifice of their
dearest rights.
The policy of standing by her own interests, has
been, forthr. last half century, too deeply fotedin Penn
sylvania. to be abandoned without a struggle; and thosu
ocher public servants , wins would advise the surrender.
of any of her staple productione, without the fostering I
succor oftha Government, will socal find on how nits
taken on estimate of propularfeeling they have relieth—
It is idle ta talk of reciprocity if trade, when England
will nut receive our flour ander a prohibitory duty of
less than three dollars yer barrel —for us to receive her
coal and iron free, or nearly so, of duty.
Free trade and reciprocity of duty, like the golden
rule. ore la on ally' and benign in theory, and, it: univer
sally carried out in practice, would reader mankind
bettor and more acceptable to their Maker; but, un
happily, this obligation is voluntary, aid is assumed
only by the less crafty and grasping of men and nations
who itre usea for their own ends by the rest This
fundamental truth is taught by all history, and was fa
miliarto our fathers. Coma what may, we cannot de
sert the standard of Pennsylvania; and, I, for one,
have battled undar it too long to see it struck without
a manly efTort to uphold it. If we are true to our
selves. and those who came after us but do their duty
without shrinking. Penusylvrnia will soon be placed
in lair true position.
Our agriculturists, manufacturere, mechanics., and
even - class of citizens, are alike interested in a stead-
Cast adherence to the policy of protecting and encour
aging one owns peculiar Suite poaductia; for Oft this
policy rests our hopes of future greatness and inde
pendence. A permanent home consumption, is, after
all, the only market on which our far nets and other
producers con always depend for a steady demand '
for their commoditi-s, without the fluctuations of price
that will ever attend foreign markets. It will aTard
me greet pleasure to - co-operate with you, in giving
the most effective support to it, both in our domestic
and national ktgislation, so far as may be compatible
with oar duty.
I am not aware of any other subject tint requires
to be specially hroeght to your notice, although there
are a numlier of minor importance, refereed w io my
former memezes on which no lecislative action has
been taken. 1 have di+charged my duty by submit
ting them to the consideration of the representatives
of the people, and shall ha toady, at alt times, to
units. with them in the adoption of suith measures in
relation to them and other matters, as are deemed
conducive to the public good.
DAVID R. PORTER
ExrcrrtvE CHAMBrit.
HarriAburg Janwary 3, 1843.
FOR GOVERNOR,
FRS. R. SHUNK:
Subject to the decision of
TAX DEMOCRATIC STATE CoNTENTIO:t
c~herinitn Morning -Post.
711031,),i PHILLIPS, EDITOI
TrrsßußGH, SATURDAY, .1 ANL:ARV 6.13
GJVER-SOR's Ma.ssAGE.-- - -We present to our read
ers Ibis morning . the Message of Governor PORI zn,
delivered to the Legisl!ture last {Wednesday. It i 3 like
most af the regular rrtev,agea of our Execu ivc, a well
arranged document, filled with matter of much interci.t
to every citizen who desires conret inf irmat ion of the
condition of our public affairs. There are many mat
ters in it which demand more than a general notice,
and to which we will refer when we have :sore time
and space fur mmtrb:s.
MORE SIII;NR NEWo.—Tlif.dernoernts of York couri
ty met on la. , t Tuesday evening , for the purpose of ap
pointing Dvlegotes to the 4th of Mulch Convention:—
Too fo:kming getotlemen were appointed, and unani
mous/2/ in4trueteti to support FRANCIS R. SalINK,—
Henry Welsk, Senator d; Hon. George Dare, Ifez,-
ry Lat:iwer, Geo-ge Hammond, Rept er,entu:ke
Thi‘ resnh is ns astoni,lning: tts it is gratifying, for
ore tonlertand that the friet,ds of Mr 11lublenberg in
the Ea4t, counted an York with great coofidence
AdArni county ltas also appoinied ber delegntes, ord
they too are in favor of SEIVSK. The Convention did
not instrnct, hot the delegates are open and avo,ved
Wre,: 7'7 en. and will npp, , rt him in the State eor
vention. Jumes Marsh-all and Janet's Pattersc» nr.•
tho De!eg-th s.
CAMBRIA COUNTT. - -The democrats or Coodir.a
County, met at Ellensburg, on Can Isl. inst. and uppoit.t.
e.i Robert P. Linton, R. pro,e:itaitiv2 Delegiit.., and
coacarred in the appointment of H. V Lee, of Arm
string, as the Senatorial Delegate.
The meeting ndopted a strong srt of Resolutinns,in
eructing their Delegates to sant= F. R. Siva fur
Governor.
M ron.s .—Remember the. Mayor's meeting at
the Washington Hotel to-night. Go in crowds and let
it be a rouser
HARRISBURGH. Jan. 2. 1841.
GEN - Est—The democratic members of the Hotme, in
cnaens this evening, nominated Mr J. B. ANDREWS
for Clerk. The vote 51..)0(1, on the first ha llta, fur An
drews 32, fur Jack 24. For Sur4eant-ro-Arm.., Sted
man had, on the 3d ballot. 34, Geo. A. Kurts n 2. Fur
Duos Keeper, Andrew Krau'e was elected ou the first
bullut. Yours, &c.
THE MAYORALTY
Pursuant to public notice. a large meeting of the
Democratic citizens assembled at th • IVnsilington Ho
re9 miThursilny evening, the 9th inst. On motion Mr.
RICHARD HUGHES was called to the Chair— Ro-
Dr PATTICR.ioN and W.t. M. ED.3A rt. Vice Presidents
—John Taylor and nog. Secretaries.
_ .
On the call or the meeting Laing read, it was on mo
tion, una-;im•:udy 1?-esolevci, That a Committee of nine
be appointed to report resolutions fir the eonsiderraion
or the major, whereupon the Chair appointed the
folowing persons said Committee, viz:
Charles Barnett, Hiram Knipe, John Cormaric,
Wm. Bryant, John McFarland, Wm. J. Reed. Jahn
W. BI lir. Dr. G ss. %Vatt. oil John W. Bonet, who
ha•it.g r tired for a short time. (daring which the mee
ting was addressed by '.‘lessrs. Kiegston, Huffman and
Queen.)
Thr Counnirehavinz returned. re portert the follow
ing resulutionA, wl.ieh wore 'inn mi ruously adopted:
RESOLUTIONS.
_ -
Whereas. The period is now cIo a nt hand when
the Mayor is to bechosen, and helim ing. that the secu
rity, peace nod r 'spectability of our city requires that ;a
tiros and energetic officer should fill that station; and
as in the selection of a candidate. reeercrace should be
nid to such qoalifications as will secure a rigid adher
ence to theordinances male forthe government of our
municipal affairs; Therefore
- -
Resolved. That we will most cordially sn priori Copt
JOHN BIRMINGHAM fur the office of Moyer of the city
of l'ittstotrgh; knowing him to 'possess in an eminent
degree, those qualities which wi!l ensure a prompt &Ind
unflinching discharge of the duties of the office.
Resolved, That the prwient posture ofour city con
cerns, requires a thorough change and reformation. and
that Birmingham is the man through whose election
we can best obtain such reform.
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves, unanimously,
to support the nominee of the democratic city conven
tion,•not less as a sound democrat. than as a candi-
date who WI . ff elected, fekdefidbythabeips
Resolved. That we earnestly call as sae*
the public generally. of ail political parties, 'wl
for an adminietriakm of oar clay stairs repel
principles as Will secure embargo& obefferese to
and retrenchment in the financial departments
thy government, to. rally to the somat of Mr
INCILIAII, by whoa! 'election all these objects I
effectually secured
henwatirl was then elocpmantly addreastll,ll
Sand. W. Black and 3. W. Ewell, its favor
nomination of Capt. Ihrreriog4rear.
On motion the following CoMinialkliteriN
Was appointed Gar the several Flaws,
COMMIT
First Want
Thothas Owstour
.Thomas Kerr
D Fickeaea
Jahn An/retro,*
Henry Stafford
Bernard Groat - '
Smolder Hart 11 '
3anaes ,'fay
John McFarland
John Burrell
James A . ndenno
Jams lrvirs
Francis Nichol-son
James Gray, 4 at.
James Crawford
Arukhny Beel in
James E labours*
Snead Wave. •
3ohn Conacck
H S Megraw
John Haning
3otra saaag.
•
T Roads
C Davvit •
A P Ansirats
A othony Boaaafas.
Wert Alexander
John Trwin
L Neyrtrrnse
R H Pattet4on
Patrick McK snna
Wrn Br7-ant
JOA Oliver
C H Kuhn
Jas C Barclay
Tkirst Ward.
I Joseph Dapples. R N Haslet%
Dr IX Kerr John Hague
i Wrn M Ecirar Martin Lytle
Thje O'Neill Genera Thompsse
Kerd Ketns Wm Gilmore
James Fitzpatrick A Hunker
i Matthew Patrick 3 Watt
John It Day John M'Clarea
John Dunn Ciro Watt
Wm Paul A Getty
' Thooi.s.. Hamilton A Fuh.on
B Dougherty Robert Rata
Fourth We'd:
Joseph O'Brien Robert Dairy
, Chamber., McKibben John Am:sweat
Wm McKever Samuel Black
' Thorne. Scott .7 W Blair
Robt Galway R H Xerr
Isaac Cruse David Sands
...___..
G, ci ,. g B White John Ferntl
Geo W Jackson Bernard MeKetins
. „,,,,e
3 ,40 1 .1) Watt John Hanna
Jo rnr , P St,iart.
The nueetia: , ad:int:77 etl, to m • e• et the Public San
Room. in th.3lifth Word, on Friday evening. and
the Washington Hotel, no Sfitartlnyevea4,ae7o'cl
(Signed by the uffaiers.)
EIGHT OF JANUARY CELEBRATION.
I n pursuance or a resolinum nannimonsly adopted I
the Demncritic meeting held on the 7th alt..-10 eel
brate the Eighth of January next, at the bocce t
James Armstrong," the undersigned. a Committee t
Arrangements, respectfully invite the republican eit
tens of Allegheny county. to a Public Supper, telt
held at the Washington Hotel, gn Monday the &b i
in ,nary, at 7 o'clock P. M., to commemorate the as
iii,e} sary of the glorious battle oiliest Orleans.
E D Garranti James Cunrringhatn
Tn.§ Hamilton James McKelvey
31 Smith Jos Birmine, rant
.3 fl Hague C Johnson
A .1 Gribben Ea.(' Thompson
And Mc Ilwaino Robt Donaldson
' John Dunn Josiah Toting
John Turbett JnmesJohnsnn j r
Th.- Patterson W G Hnwkins
, Uzziall Stevrort John Stevenson
S Snowden John Sturgeon
Thus Muller Jos B McCatiss
Wm Fermi Hoch McClaren
John Welsh John McCutister
James Garvin Andw Pinkerton
R 0 diva,: John ('Neil'
H McCullough C Pnalson
Al Kane jr Andw Cress
Samuel Keller James Crawford
P McKenna John Watt
J Cormick Richard Hughes
James Anderson Thomas, Farley
Hugh Timer Wm Sheehy
Tlunnas Kerr John McClaran
F. Tntrillo B McKenna
H I, , era a B McDevitt
George Stewart Geo A Kurtz
Andrew Erwin Writ-McEllrev
B :alit] Connolly Stewart ThoMpson
Thos McDuriongh 1% . m 13 Con:egos
P Ale Steen S W Black
las Digitcrin Wm Paul
C Ail.utlinot lE4v:we
John Magee J W Blair . JIIIIii
M McCloskey F Mart-ton
Tlios ClEssun J Ivo r y
B G+ 'l II Cassidy
_.
Jog. Mc let R H Kerr
I..hn . r*Brien John Brier
Felix Lafferty Wm Gilmer
S Gillespie M O'Hatilon
J. ha Taylor P J Shaffer
.1. hu McFarland Jai Fleming
I.,1141! Cruse - S Kingston
G R White Samuel Sue,
S Jones J R Day
lam', Tomer F Timone
Fredk Yost Jas Hamil '
John Rut J Corry
.13,4 Gay
R NI or rt, cr
G W Jackson P Cunningham .
Jaroli Bostuti MNleCesken -
S R Hid nes -lamer: Hughes
Semi I .M'Kelvy John McCloskey
John Thompson II C Thompson
r bonne I homes Wynn*
Gen Smith J Latl.l ty
1V J Devitt Andrew Burke
Henry Katie Robert Porter
C Al'Egi'err G R Riddle
.1, En I' erni .o, R A Crm , bell
' Al :\LI
t'orta2d . John Farral
R H :12,1ellund 31 P: trick
John Greenough .1 C Cummins
B Aker R A bat.-m. n _
S Seh,yer Absalom M, eas. _
.1 JlMachell John Johnrion
i 3 arrow George Parson&
J Euebt,y Phil M'Kenna
Jas Flanagan J T Campbell
Andw petty Samuel Cooper
J Nich ,Icon Patrick Trainer
.i Smith W m Porter Jr
J W Burrell Charles Coleman '
rhos Brown B llogan
Ruin Hare John Birmingham
John McKnight sr James Carson .-r
- -sills.
lam,' Neely John Corne'ius
David Beeler Peter Reagan
Roht Craig J T Connolly
John Anderson . .1 F Gore
.111? McAfee F Wilson •
B 11/Bvrne C Mcfhillamy
John Bishop S MeForlund
Wm Gillespie Arch Leegett
James May, 3d at Wm Kerr sr
P. Kavanneh J McDonald . •.
Fra.lcis McElroy E Kerr
-
Jo.eph Allinder A Carnahan
Gerirze Kirkpatrick M Donlavy
...
Jas Callan Alex Mau.rland
John McClanahan J Baldwin •
Thos Flood • S Hart
A Ferensen ' J 'Mt:Ferran
I Moses Brawdy I Fizpntrick
Jaws Barnsides George Armor
Joseph O'Brien D tVeurtz
Jus .McKenna at J 31 Snowden Jr
.114 Hughes P Brennan
. 1 McElroy Wm Coleman
J M.-Elroy jr J M Davis
M Bra l:ey 0 Jones
T Rile: Roht ih'ilson
arm Dalzell J Coyle Jr
7k
J Paul . That Milligan
O Hoffman R Mc Kinney
D Fiakeison Richard M .gan
J 13ackofen Wm P Mackey
V Scribe. S Lindsay
M Leslie Wm M'Clure
J Reynold J Kearney