i
if.
CLEARFIELD, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 1856
NO. 22.
Clearfield, Pa. Welneslay, Jan.S, IS53.
TOTICE. Tho undersigned bavicg retired
JL 1 from the editorial chair of the Journal, re
spectfully informs Li J friends and the public, that
Lc inny be found in Lis old ouc, one door east of
the Journal ofiiee, up stairs, in ''Graham's I'ow,"
where he -will always be ready to attend to their
legal Lu3ioes; having determined to devote to his
profession hU entire aud exclusive attention
H. tLCllEK SVOUl.
. CiearSelu, Jan. 9, lt5;3.
v ' Explanatory.
Ilavisg been disappointed in procuring pa
per, and not having a sufficient quantity on
hand for a full issuo, we are very reluctantly
obliged" to put out but a half sheet this week.
A Parting Word.
The time has arrived, reader, when the con
nexion that has existed between us for the last
eighteen months is to be formally dissolved.
With this number of the Journal we make our
retiring bow. In the face of the.most bitter
end determined hostility, and of the predic
tions . of both friends and adversaries that it
could never be sustained, we commenced its
publication ; wc now leave it with the proud
satisfaction, that we have succeeded in placing
it upon a permanent and lasting foundation,
with a patronage that amply secures its future
bUCCCSS.
During; our brief editorial career we have
made some friends, and many bitter enemies,
tub'- inevitable result ot" pursuing a bold, fear
less course, and of battling for the right, re
gardless of consequences. I3ut if there are
any whom we have treated unjustly, or injured
without cause, we regret it, and most sincere
ly desire their forgiveness. To those, howev
er, who used every exertion to "break us
down," and on all occasions maligned, slan
dered and injured ns, we have only to say, you
did not get any raoro than you deserved, and
i:ot half as much as you would get if we con
tinued in the editorial chair. '
To our brethren of the press, to vI:om we
are '-indebted lor many end repeated favors,"
ve tender , oar most cordial and heartfelt
thanks. W.e'havc ever found the majority of
them, clever, whole-souled fellows, ever ready
t take as well as to give blows,, and we sever
.i;r relationship with feelings of sincere rc-
In cxmriitin the Journal to the charge of
enr successor, we can assure its patrons of his
ability to publish a belter paper than we could
pretend to make it. He is not only an expe
rienced editor and a ready writer, but a prin
ter by profession. We most earnestly com
mand both him and the Journal to your kind
regard, and hope that, as heretofore, you will
spare no effort to sustain it in its advocacy of
the glorious principles, for the success of
which we have, in common, pledged "our
lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honors."
We shall hereafter devote our exclusive at
tention to the duties of our profession, and
while we will still continue to be an humble
advocate of the great principles of the Amer
ican party, yet we will endeavor, if possible,
to have more to do with the law, than with pol
itics. We bid our readers, each and every
one, a kind "Good Bye." SWOOI
-;: To our Readers.
The readers of the Journal are already a
ware thit - a change has been effected in the
proprietorship of the establishment. Having
passed into my hands, the paper will in f uturo
bo published under my superintendance. Be
ing a practical printer myself, I may promise
that its general appearance will not bo im
paired, but may perhaps be improved.
Politically, the Journal willcontinus Amer
ican, believing, as I do, that foreign influen
ces in the management of our public affairs
should be restricted, and that the ascendancy
of American principles in the country, and
the several branches and departments of gov
ernment, would conduce to our general pros
perity and to the preservation of our Repub
lican institutions . . . .
Coming to this county an entire stranger, I
trust that a due allowance will be made for
the limited acquaintance , I as yet have witb
such matters as are of an entirely local char
acter. , y
All the news of the day will be regularly
furnished through the columns of the Journal,
and every effort will, be made on my part to
render the paper interesting to the general
reader, and an acceptable visitor to the family
circle." "'"'.'. . , - ''- '
To the numerous patrons of the Journal I
tender my respects, and solicit a continuance
of their favors to the establishment; and as I
hate chosen thii'as a permanent residence, I
trust I shall receive a generous support from
a community with whose common interests my
own have become identified. .
S. B. HOW.
Peojipt P.tmests. IIaving recently expe
rienced the inconvenience of indulging . in a
system of long credits, we would, at this ear
ly date, urge the patrons of the Journal to
make prompt payments, believing that it will
be as much to their own as to our advantage.
There are but few persons in the county who
cannot have an opportunity of settling up once
a year, and we hope all will act in accordance
with this suggestion.
Legislative.
The Pennsylvania Legislature met at Har
risburgh on the 1st iast. Mr. Piatt was elect
ed Speaker of the Senate, and Mr. Wright, of
Philadelphia, Speaker of the House. On the
2d, the Governor's message was received and
read, after which the Senate elected the fol
lowing olliccrs : J. A. Maguire, of Cambria,
clerk, Henry Pettibone, assistant ; X. Weiser,
J. 31. Bredin, A. Yorkes, transcribing clerks ;
Wm. Carey, scrgoant-at-arms ; Wm. Ralston,
doorkeeper, G.J. Bolton and S. Carson, assis
tants ; Henry Wenold, messenger, and D. P.
nazleton, assistant. In thejlouse, Wm. Jack,
of Blair, was chosen clerk ; Jacob Ziegler ap
pointed assistant, and W. S. Pickering. I. W.
Moore, Wm. B. Giles, G. W. R. Minor, trans
cribing clerks; James B. Sansoni elected ser-geant-at-arms,
Jacob Coleman doorkeeper, and
John Leisenring, messenger. Mr. Montgom
ery read in place, in tha House, a joint resolu
tion, which passed finally after debate, fixing
Monday, the 11th inst., for the election of a
C S. Senator. '
Latest from ErnopE. The steamship Arago
from Havre via Southampton, arrived at New York
on too Cth. with London dates to the 19th ult.
She has a cargo exceeding two millions in val
ue, and a large number of passengers. The most
important item of intelligence is a confirmation of
the capture of Kars. with sixteen thousand prison
ers, including Gen. Wilson, and all the Turkish of
ficers of high rack. The rumors of peace prevail,
but nothing of a definite character is known, except
that Austria has despatched prince Estcrhazy to
t. Petersburg to present certain propositions to
the Czar, and a threat is made that if they are de
clined the Austrian Ambassador will depart.
Tire TKinrwE Aimaxac, and "Polftical Re
gister," for 1856, is before us, full of interest
ing statistics and instructive reading. It con
tains, among other thing?, a History of Kan
sas, giving an account of the extent, character
and climate of the country, and of its settle
ment, organization, legislation, &c. We ad
vise onr friends to procure a copy, and keep it
by them during the year for reference. Xew
York Tribune office. Single copies 12 cts.,
SI per dozen, $7 per hundred.
Tus Schoolfeixow, is the title of a very
beautiful and valuable monthly, for children,
published by the proprietors of "Putnam,"
the January number of which is on our table.
We have examined its pages with a great deal
of interest, and are confident that no better
publication can be introduced into a family.
Price 1 per annum. Published by Dix &
Elwauds, Xo. 10 Park Place, X. Y.
TraoxE City Hotel. We call the favora
ble attention of the public to this hotel. It is
a well kept house, and the clever aud gentle
manly landlord, Col. May, has a way of making
his guests feel at home that is quite refresh
ing, and well calculated to secure to him a
large run ofcustoin.
The County Commissioners and Auditors
are in session this week adjusting the account
of the Treasurer and making the annual set
tlement. Dedication. The United Brethren church
in Tyrone City is to be dedicated on next Sab
bath, the 13th instant.
Tue Markets. Flour sold in Philadelphia on
Saturday last at from 3.50 to ?8,S7i, Wheat
Eyo 31,20, Corn 7S and Oats 42 cts.
On the same day, in New York, Flour sold at
03.50 to 59. -
In Pittsburgh, Flour brought from $7 to S3, as
per quality, Rye 80 pti,' Wheat 51,00 and Corn .
Destructive Fires A fire occurred at Syra
cuse, N. Y., on the Cth, by which property to the
amount of 150,000 in value was destroyed. On
the 6tlr, another occurred in Middletown, Conn.,
by which property of the value of $100,000 was
consumed. ; ,
Congress. We have news from Washington Ci
ty to the 5th, on which day several ballots wore
taken for Speaker without resulting in an elec
tion. The last, or 04th, ballot stood: Banks OS,
Richardson. 72, Fuller 29, soattering 10'.'-
Difficulties with the Indians havo roocntiy oc
curred in the State of Florida. Lieut. Q. L. Ilart
Suff, two officers, and seven privates are supposed
to have been killed by a party of 75 Indians, on the
20th ulL Much excitement prevails.
FiLLincsTERs. The U. States Marshall arrested
nine persona at Cincinnati, on the 4th, charged
with a violation of the neutrality laws.
Hung. Frederick Miller, convicted of the mur
der of Dr. Hadei and Frederick' Graff, was hung
at Cumberland, Maryland, on the 4th inst.
Tyrone Clearfield Railroad. -,
Philadelphia, Dec, SI, 1855.
EniTOll OF TUE '-ItAFTSMAN'S JoCKXAL :"
My DearSir-As I have been frequently ad
dressed of late upon tho all-important tubject
of our Railroad extension from Tyrone, and
have been as often spoken to in regard to our
present condition and progress, I avail myself
of your liindness to call general attention to
the following statement of our affairs, which,
I trust, may revive the drooping spirits of our
over-anxious co-workers, who, from continued
silenco and apparent inactivity, have beeu lsd
to believe that the Urea of enterprise are once
more extinguished, and that the Tyrone and
Clearfield Railroad has breathed its last, and is
now numbered amongst the things that were.
As accurately as I can at present sum it up,
the subscriptions to the capitrJk stock of our
company now amount to over $110,000 or
within a few thousand dollars cf being suHkient
to secure our charter thereby enabling the
company to organize and to commence active
operations upon the line of their proposed im
provement as soon as the weather will permit.
The following statement will, I think, give.
a fair exhibit of the subscription list to this
date, viz :
James T. Hale & Co., GOO shares, 5-30,000
Clear j-ld, "$80 41,000
Philipsburg, . 70 18,500
Tyrone City, 220 " 11,000
J. Pruner & Co., 200 " 10,000
Total, 2270 S113,500
To add to this, we have the following addition
al subscriptions made by a few of the friends
of the measure, at an informal gathering at
Bellefonte on Friday last with the under
standing that the amounts are to bo cancelled
only by a like number of shares collected in
other quarters and by the persons represent
ed, viz :
James T. Hale, ISO shares, $7,500
Jas. H. Montgomery
J. J. I.iugle,
150
7.500
7,500
T). J. Primer, -John
M.llale,
J-150
Total, , 450. ... $22,500
This sum added to former subscriptions brings
up the total amount now subscribed to 2720
shares, amounting to $120,000.
Xow, if to this sum be added the number of
shares required to complete the subscriptions
for which Clearfield and Thilipsburg stand
pledged the former for 1000 shares and the
latter for 100 shares we have as the total
amount now pledged or subscribed, the sum of
$113,500, or merely $G,500 less the amount
required by law to place our company in a po
sition to prosecute vigorously the great work
over which the managers will soon be called to
preside. .
Xow, Mr. Editor, with such fair and bright
ening prospects, and with the full knowledge
that we now stand on the very threshold of or
ganization, I must bo permitted to express the
earnest hope that the true friends of this im
portant measure will not relax their efforts in
its behalf, but on the other hand will prove, by
increased exertion, that they are fully equal to
the present emergency. -
When we reflect lhat this road is destined
sooner or later to become the great avenue
along which must pass in rapid transit the pro
ducts of an industrious and energetic people;
that it will unlock and develope the immense
treasures, with which Xaturc has so bountiful
ly gifted' your entire district; and when we
further reflect upon the paltry sum which now
alone impedes our progress, I sincerely trust,
Mr. Editor, that a true and praiseworthy spirit
of enterprise may arouse every on to his du
ty, and in a few years realize to them the full
benefits and advantages, and I believe I may
well add, the blessings of a Railroad connec
tion with the "rest of the world."
Hoping you will continue to give this great
project your cordial aid and support, I remain,
My dear sir, . .
Very truly, your ob't serv't,
JAMES E. MOXTGOMERY.
Walkek's Men is Xew Orleass. On the
24th instant a steamer started frcm Xew Or
leans with 400 Fillibusters, bound for Xicara
gua to join tho party that was to leave here in
tho Xorthern Lihi. The steamer wa3 stop
ped, after the had proceeded a few miles
down the rher, by the TJ. S. Marshal, and
some two hundred of them brought back to
the city. The steamer was stopped .after she
had proceeded a few miles down the river, by
thoU. S. Marshal, and some two hundred of
them brought back to the city. The steam
cr was, however, allowed to proceed on her
journey. It is said that one hundred of them
succeeded in eluding the Marshal. ' . "
IiironTA-JT Bask Decision Is Xew Jerst.
In the Burlington Court, in the case of the
Medoford Bank against Daniel T Miller, for
the recovery of tho amount of a check paid to
Mr. 31., and afterwards discovered to be a for
gery, the bank sfl'cred a non-suit: The prin
cipal point in the decision of Judge Potts was
that a bank must know tho signature of its cus
tomer. Trenton Gazette, Dec. 27. '-
It is said there is a villaga in Michigan in
which a church bell Is rung every day at 12,
for tho people to take quinine, as they bave
the chills and fever all around. . ; ,
The President's Message. -
The message which President Pierce sent to Con
gress on Monday, 31st Pec, but which only one
half of Congress thought fit to receive, was a sur
prise in every reppect. First, in tho mode of its
presentation, which violates precedent, but, to onr
niind, does not, under the circumstances, violate
common sense. Secondly, it was a surprise in the
circumstanci that it treats of foreign relations and
the proper subjects of on annual message, in a
concise direct manner somewhat approaching that
of a royal speech. Lastly, it was a surprise, in
that its writer, aftcr'having gone through with atl
the subjects that hi3 office requires him to bring
before Congress, goes out of his way to enlighten
tho people on the "Constitutional Theory of the
Government," and then to make a most despexate
bid for the votes cf the slave States in an essay on
the "Constitutional Relations of Slavery'" the
two captions being so worded and arranged by the
Presidential hand itself. Tho two last subjects
occupy much more than one-third of tho message.
Tho tone of the message, in the part referring
to our foreign relations, is such as wo aro glad to
be able to commend.' The difficulties with Orcat
Britain, arising out of the Clayton and Eulwcr
treaty, are frankly and fairly stated end a plain
case is mado against Great Britain. But there is
nothing offensive ia the manner of stating it, such
as wo wcro led to expect from the predictions of
those who professed to know the feelings of the
President. The recruiting business gives the op
portunity for a little bolder language ; but the
Presidential statement of that case shows that no
apprehension ia felt of an unfavorable ic-sue to that
question. The only serious diculty between the
two governments is plainly tho Central American
one, and on this subject the President, while he is
firm, is conciliatory. Tho Danish difficulty 13 sta
ted in a clear manner, and sufficient reasons are
given for urging the abandonment of the Sound
Dues and for declining to taho part in the conven
tion proposed to consider tho subject. One only
embarrassing question with Franco that relating
to the French Consul at San Francisco has been
settled, as the public aro already aware. An e
qually unimportant matter with the Kingdom of
Orcoce has also been disposed cf. Mexico is made
the snbject of a brief paragraph, and, in her pres
ent pitiablo condition, forbearance on our part is
recommended in urging claimi for privato repara
tion. Nicaragua is barely touched upon, the Pres
ident evidently feeling that he had a delicate sub
ject to treat of, and that the fewest words possible
would bo tho best.
On domestic affairs tho statements arc generally
sai -factory." The national debt, at the present
time, is sail to bo less than forty millions of dol
lars. Tho Army, tho Xavy. tho Post Office and
Interior Departments are represented to be ia a
satisfactory condition. On tho subject of the Kan
sas disputes the message states that the President
did rot adopt Gov. Shannon's views and regard
the federal interposition as at all necessary. This
closes tho msssage i roper, for we cannot regard
the concluding political disquisitions as at all
called for, appropriate, or deserring of serious
consideration. The literary stylj of tho mcssago
is not above tho average of former documents
from the iam.o source. Philal. Bulletin.
From the London Globe, Deo. 13.
Tho Next Campaign.
When England went to war in 1354, she had
from causes for which few can pronounce them
selves entirely irresponsible, practically abdi
cated her functions as a first class military
power, and her utmost effort was the despatch
of a respectablo fleet to the Baltic, and some
5,000 soldiers to the Black Sea. The fleet was
hastily equipped and somewhat grotesquely
manned and the 2-3,000 soldiers were merely
25,000 fighting men, deficient except as re
gards discipline and gallantry in those requi
sites which constitute an efficient and complete
army in the field. Tho nature and extent of
these shortcomings are too notorious to need
recapitulation nor is it necessary to repeat
the disasters- that ensued, further than to say
that it is only now that we havo ceased to feel
their effects. Xe'vertheless England Las man
aged to stand not unworthily beside her great
ally, and she may honestly claim her share in
the principal results that have peen achieved,
xlz, the total suppression of tho Russian naval
power in one sea, its complete destruction in
another, three decided defeats ef the. Rusrian
army in the 2eld, and tho siege and capture
of that fortress which was justly the pride of
Russian science, and the chief instrument of
Russian aggression.
In "1859 wo shall make war with an army
numerically proportioned to our position, and
a fleet sufliently large to accomplish anything
that a fleet can accomplish. Besides the many
new vessels like Marlborough, Conqueror,
Brunswick, victor Emmanuel Sutlej, Shannon
and Pearl, which Lave Coated within tho last
few weeks, and will be ready for service when
they are required in the spring. Each week
that passes witnesses the dtbul upoa the wat
ers cf some half dozen little gunboats Biters,
Snappers and Teazcrs whoso deeds we are
sure will not belie their names.. Altogether,
wo may calculate upon having availablo next
summer some forty line-of-battld ships and
heavy frigates of tho new heavy armed class,
about twenty corvettes and smaller vessels of
war, with not less than 170 or 180 gun anS
mortar boats of light draught, each mounting
from one to four guns of very heavy calibre. t
' There will thus be ct work in the Baltic
some 230 vessels of all classes tinder the Eng'
lish pennant propelled by steam, most of these
expressly built for the peculiar service which
they will have to accomplish, efficiently man
ned and carrying more than the usual force of
marine artilicry and marines,' which latter ad
mirabls end most useful corps is now at il
full strength, and in the highest state of dis
cipline. With the powerful co-operation of
the Emperor Xapolcon, wcmay expect that
the allied movements in the Baltic iext year
will be of a character to eclipse in interest
and importance the operations hitherto carri
ed on in the southern portion of the Russian
empire. What those principally concerned
expect iu that quarter may be inferred from
tho exertions which aro knownrto be at this
moment made to fortify the Xeva and the im
mediate defences cf St. Petersburg.
As regards tho forces under the command of
Sir William Codrington, we may rougbby cal
culate upon having it, exclusive of auxiliary
non-combatant corps, at a strength of 100,000
fighting men, of which over 70,000 will be Bri
tish soldiers, 20,000 Turkish Contingent, and
about 10,000 or 12,000 German, Swiss and
Italian Legion. The 70,000 British we have
at present between the Crimea, Malta, and the
depots at home, and few of them will encoun
ter an enemy with less than eight or nine
months' drill. We think wo may now say
that the. arrangements for supply and land
transport are on a scale fully proportioned to
ine wants oi xuis army, ui tue iorces oi our
Allies we cau only speak generally, but we
cannot cxaggcrata when we anticipate that
f reach, English and Sardinians will amount to
considerably more than 200,000 men.
To the accomplishment of what objects this
great force is destined it is not for us to say.
A French writer has remarked that the Allies
are not likely to waste their strength in gain
ing victories merely to possess themselves of
profitless positions in the Crimea ; and with a
force able to strike a blow on any point, it is
not our game to give the choice of the field of
battle to tho Russians. We have already bril
liant earnest of what Omer Pasha's army can
do in Asia, and with an unrivalled fleet of
transports, we can send large armies to what
ever point of the Black Sea littoral twe choose.
The scenes of attack, then, will be those
where we may hope to meet with the greatest
material and political successes ; and in the
full confidence that the forces of the Allies
will be used for the best, we look forward with
all hope to the attainment f the most solid
results by the campaign of 1S55. .
Nicaragua and California
Tho Transit Company's steamship Star of
the West, arrived at Xew York on Saturday
afternoon, from San Juan, bringing S510,CC0
iu treasure, of which $100,000 is consigned to
Drexel & Co. She brings also a shipment
from the newly discovered mines in Xicara-
ua.
Gen. Walker, finding his warrior country
men pouring in rather unnecessarily numer
ous, has drafted a battalion to the support of
bis ally, the Prcsideut of Honduras, who has
wrongs to redress with the Guatamalas.
By this arrival is brought the first shipment
of Nicaragua gold, the produce of mines own
ed and wrought by Americans and among the
passengers aro two gentlemen associated
therewith, well known to Californians, long
experienced in mining operations, and pos
sessed of ample capital, who come here ex
pressly for the purpose of forthwith providing
suitable machinery, for the full developement
of their resources. .
The general attention having latterly been
diverted from "grim visaged war," and direct
ed to the permanent colonization of the Re
public, has wisely thrown open to the world
tho public lands, guaranteeing to each farmer,
after an occupation : and residence of six
months 250 acres, and 100 additional to each
member of his family, free forever ; and by a
special clause it is enacted that such lands are
to be almost exempt .from every species of
taxation.
There is indubitable evidence of masterly
policy, suitedto the present exigencies of this
beautiful country, and by and by must tell im
mensely by timely emigration to its shores,
and isalike indicative of the genius of its au
thor, who promises to be not less the states
man than the warrior.
The Isthmus continues free from epidemic
and the Transit route issafe, expeditious
and pleasant.
There has not occurred a single case of sick
ness among the passengers since their depar
ture from California.
The star of the west encountered heavy
gales from the Xorthward, from Cape Florida
to within fifty miles S. W. of Capo Hatteras,
wnere the unluckily broke one of the air
pump piston rods being, however, provi
ded with a duplicate, the accident was
promptly repaired by the staff of engineers on
board who are all mechanics.
i On the 23d saw a wreck ashore mid-distance
between Capes Corrientes and Antonio, appa
rently of 300 tons masts and bulwarks gone,'
and the sea making a clear breach in her mid
ships could not maso out her name or na
tion.' - ' ' - '"- v- S;
On thc;25th, in lat. 25 40,' X., Ion. 79 30 W,
spoke a Bhip very heavy laden, steering XXE,
with, private signal V. Y, ou white ground.
The passengers report over 125 fPatriots'-'
left behind for General Walker in Xicaragui.
Subtract from 400 passengers , leaving San
Francisco the 250 arrived in Xew York, and
there remains (probably) : 160 'Fillibusters"
left in Xew Granada for General Walker. ;
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. ;
To ike HcnoraUe, the Senators and Mcmbtrt tf
the House cf Representatives of the General
Assembly: i .:. . . ;
Gextlemen : A kind Providence has great
ly blessed our Commonwealth during the past
year. Xo foreign wax, no internal strife have
interrupted or destroyed the peacefuPqnit of
our homes. All the great interests cf the peo
ple Lave been emiuently jrosporous. . The
earth, in rich abundance, ; lias yielded her in
crease to supply our wants, and reward with
her bounty the labor of the husbandman. La
bor, in every department of manufacturing an .i
mechanical industry, has been stimulated and
encouraged. The ravages of disease and the i
horrors of Hie pestilence have been averted
from us; and whilst the cry of human suffer
ing, from other StatcsT lias been heard invo
king ourj sympathy and aid, we. have been
blessed with health and permitted to enjov tho
comforts -and happintss of social life. To'Uiru
who hath bestowed these blessings upon Ma,
and upon whoso care we arc constantly de
pendent, should bo ever paid the willing ho
mage of our grateful hearts. .
The report of the State Treasurer will exhi
bit to you in detail, the operations of his de
partment. The results are more satisfactory
and encouraging than were anticipated.
The receipts of the Treasury lor the fiscal
year ending XoVcmber SO, 1S55, including too
uaiance in me .treasury on the 1st dav of Da
cember, 1S54, ($1,210,928 72) amounted to
$G,'JS1,402 fc3.. The total payments for tho
same period werti $5,385,705 62 ; leaving a
balance in the Treasury on the 30th Xovem-.
berjlb-55,of $1,245,097 31. Xo loansH'temporary
or otherwise, were negotiated during the past,
fiscal year, as they were not required by tho
wants of the Treasury.
: The receipts during tho past year from all
sources, (excluding the balance in the Treaau.
ry on the first day of December, 1854,) were
$5,390,474 11. The ordinary expenditures
for the same period, including the interest on
the public debt were $4,139,512 28, showing ,
an excess of receipts over ordinary expendi
tures of 1,250,961 S3. . ;
The extraordinary payments for the year
were. SI, 240,193 24, as follows, viz : To tho
completion of the new Prtage railroad over
the Alleglicny mountains, 446,762 12 ; to the
Xorth Branch canal, $87,562 67; to the Co-:
lumbia railroad, to relay south track, $133,
100 CO ; to the payment of domestic creditor,
$1,629 85; to redemption of loans, $316,550
00, and to relief notes cancelled, $260,588 00.
. The balance iathc Treasury will be requi
red for the interest on the State debf falling
due in February next, and for unpaid appro
priations. The interest on the funded debt of
the Commonwealth which became due in Feb
ruary aud August last, was promptly paid ;
and it is gratifying to state that the interest
due in February next will be paid with equal
promptness. The credit of the state may bo
regarded as firmly established, and with pro
per economy and a careful and honest man
agement of her finances, an annual reduction
of her debt, to a considerable extent may bo
confidently expected.
There is due by the Treasury to tho Sink
ing Fund, the sum of $335,011 39 to be appli
ed to the redemption of the relief notes now ia
circulation, and to the funded debt of the
Commonwealth. The greater part of the fun
ded debt bears interest at the rate of . five per
cent per annum ; the balance bears a still less
rate of interest. But as the temporary loans,
which by law are to be first paid out of the
available means of the Treasury, bear interest
at the rate of six per cent, it has been deemed
advisable, as a matter of economy, to apply .
the surplus revenue to the payment of those
loans. When these are liquidated, fhe am'fc
due and properly applicable to the sinking
fund will be paid, and its operation continued
as directed by law.
XotwitluBlanding the revenues for the last
four or five years have largely exceeded tho
ordinary expenditures of the government, yet
in consequence of the large aud insatiable do
mands upon the Treasury for the completion
of the Xorth Branch Canal, the Portage Rail
road, and other kindred improvements, tho ;
public debt, instead of being reduced, has
been increased. This increase with the amount
and condition of the debt at different periods,
will be seen in the following statement.
The message contains a tabular statement of .
the financial affairs of Commonwealth sioco
1851, at the cud of which year the total debt
of the Stite amounted to S40,114,20G 39. At
the close of the year 1S54, the debt reached
$41,698,595 74, being an inerease of $1,584,-
359 35. On the 1st day of Dec. 1855, the to
tal debt was $41,067,994 72, being a decreaso '
of $630.-601 02, during the fiscal year, in the
course of which "large appropriations and pay
ments were made for the completion of tho
new Portage Railroad, re-laying tho track of .
the Columbia Railroad, and for other purposes.
These demands upon the Treasury were, with- '.
out the aid of loans, promptly pa'id."
Refusing to undertake any new schemes of ;
internal improvement, limiting all appropria- -tions
to the actual demands of the occasion,
practising strict economy in all . departments
of the government, and holding tho receiving
and disbursing agents of the Commonwealth to
a rigid accountability, will greatly reduce the
expenditures, and, under ordinary circumstan
scs leave an annual surplus of the revenues to
be applied to the rederapjicn of the publia
debt.
The estimated receipts and expenditures for
the current fiscal year wiil be presented to you -in
the report of the State Treasurer. The re- ;
ceipts from the usual sources of revenue,
I above the ordinary expenditures, may exceed
j the sum of one million and a half of dollars.
! mi . i. i . . . .
luese t'biimaies may approximate tne true re
sults, but cannot be relied upon with certainty.
By tho thirty-eighth section of the act of
the 16th April, 1845, entitled "An Act to pro- .
vide for the ordinary expenses of government, -the
repair of tho. canals and railroads of the
State, and other claims upon the . Common
wealth," the Governor was authorized to causa
certificates of State stock to be issued to all .
persons or bodies corporate holding certifi- ,
catcs for the payment of interests on the fun
ded debt of the State, which fell duo on tho '
1st day of August, 1342, the 1st days of Feb
ruary and August, 1843, and the 1st day of.
February and August, 1844, in an. amount -.-equal
to fhe'amount of certificates so held up- -on
their delivering up said certificates to the
Auditor General. .In pursuance of the author?
itythas given,; certificates of State ..stock to '.
the amount ot four millions one hundred and L
five thousand 'one hundred and fifty dollar 4