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and twenty cents, bearing interest at ths r.le
of five percent. per annum, payable sarui-.an-naally,
on tbe 1st d.iys of . February ij1 Au
gust ia each year, au i redeemable on or after
the 1st Jay of August 18-35, were issued. The
minimum period fixed by law for the redemp
tion of these certificates, expired on the 1st
day of An gust last. Noprovis:on has been
made for their renewal or redemption.
Although by the terms of the act authori
zing these certificates of State stock, as also
by the conditions of the certificates issued in
pursuance thereof, the time of payment, after
tho expiration of the minimum period, is op
tional with the debtor the Commonwealth
yet a due regard to the credit of the State re
quires that provisions should be made for their
renewal xr redemption. To redeem these cer
tificates a loan would become necessary, and
as a loan cannot bo effected, in the present fi
nancial condition of the country, on terms
more favorable to the State, than those on
which these certificates were issued, I would
recommend that authority b3 given to issue
the bonds of the Commonwealth in renewal of
said ccrtiticates bearing interest at the rate of
five per cent, per annum, payable semi-annually,
and redeemable on or after the expira
tion of twenty year.-; and that the bonds be is
sued with coupons or certificates of interest
attached, in sums equal in amount to the semi
annual interests thereon, payable on the first
days of February and August in each and ev
ry year, at such place as may be designated.
This change in the form and character of the
certificates, it is believed, will be so advanta
geous to the holders, without increasing the
liabilities of the Commonwealth, as to induce
a willing aud prompt exchange, at a premium,
for the bonds proposed to be issued.
The condition of the public works, their
general operation, and the receipts and expen
ditures for the past fiscal year, will be presen
ted to you in tha reporf of the Canal Com
missioners. --
The aggregate receipts at the Treasury, from
public works, for the year ending November
30, 183-3, were SI, 932,370 71. The aggregate
expenditures, including ordinary and extraor
dinary payments, for the same period, amoun
ted to $1,839,791 18. showing an excess of le-
ceipts, over all expenditures, ot S103,o3-. ou.
The extraordinary payments for the same
year excluding 133,1K) 00 paid for re-laying
the south track of the Columbia railroad, and
$28,00003 for re-building the Freeport aque
duct, were $690,427 78. The ordinary ex
penditures were S1,148,3G3 40. Aggregate
receipts as above stated, $1,912,376 71. Or
dinary expenditures 51,148,363 40. Net rev
enues for the fiscal year, 791,013 31.
This balance exhibits a small increase in the
net revenues, as compared with the net reve
nues of 1854; and notwithstanding the with
drawal of the transportation lines from the
main line of the canal, the aggregate revenues
for the last year have exceeded the revenues
of 18-51 by more than twenty-three thousand
dollars. From the abundant crops of th3 past
year, the improved condition of the monetary
affairs of the country, and the general revival
ofbusioess, a large increase in the revenues
for tho current year may be confidently ' ex
pected. The sum of $ 61, 12-5 25, h.is been paid into
the Treasury by the Fensj lvania railroad com
pany and other railroad companies, as tha tax
on tonag-3 passing over their roads. This a
raount largely exceeds tho snm paid by the
tamo companies in 18-54.
The Delaware divison exhibits a satisfactory
rtsnlt. The total receipts were S392.G73 42;
expenditures, $60, 097 86; sbowiug a net rev
enue, of $332,575 55. If all our Hues of im
provement exhibit a similar balance sheet, the
people would have less cause of complaint and
more confideca in the general operation of the
system.
There has been a large increase in the busi
ness and tonage of the Colnnidia railroad, and
a corresponding increase in the receipts there
from. ' Tho operations of the road, for the
pist year hare b?en highly satisfactory. The
er-or.Uiowa. c-f that pari of the muin lino from
the Junction to Pittsburg including the 1'or
ta railroad, do not present so favorable a
re :!r. The receipts have groaMy diminished
and were not sniheient to meet the ordinary
expenditures. The revenues from tho main
line do not equal the receipts of the previous
years. The causes of this reduction are appa
rent, and some of them have been refered to
and enumerated. It is bat just to add, that
the expenditures on this line have been much
diminished by the avoidance of some of the in
clined planes on the Portage railroad.
I regret to inform yoa that the railroad to
avoid the inclined planes on the Allegheny
mountain, has not been completed as was con
fidently anticipated. The delay in tho com
pletion of this work has occasioned, much in
coneniance to the business of the main line
and a.-loss to the revenues of the common
wealth. The expenditures have largely ex
ceeded the original estimates for its construc
tion; and although tha sum of 277,730 00 was
appropriated at the last session a sura covering
the estimate of the engineer yet after the ex
penditure of the whole amouut thus impropriated
the road is unfinished : and to "complete it and
pay the debta constracted, the further sum of
$l7,o3 66 as now estimated by the engineer,
will be required. Either the estimateshavc been
very carelessly made, or large sums of money
uselessly and extravagantly expended in the
prosecution of this improvement. As aiding
the business of the main line, reducing still
farther its expenditures and relieving the
Treasury from these constant demands, the
announcement of its early completion will bo
bailed with pleasure by evry citizen.
Although the completion of the North
Branch TaBal, before the close of navigation,
was certainly expected, yet this expectation
has not been realized. The efforts ot the pre
sent Superintendent, Mr. Maflit, during the
past year, to complete and put in successful
operation this canal, deserves the highest com
mendation. Every thing that skill, energy,
and industry could accomplish, has been done.
The labor to bo performed was great, and ren
dered mere difficult and perplexing by the im
2erfect and fraudulent construction of the old
work and some" oortion of the new. The large
quantity of rocks, trees, stumps, and roots pla
ced in the bottom o h canal, md the defec
tive material uicd'in ti'.e embankments, suffer
ed the water to escape alu?ost as rapidly as ad
mitted, and rendered a re-construction of the
work in many places, indispensably necessary.
Its successful completion, it is hoped, will
soon be announced.
It will appear by the report of the c?m,t
tee of Ways and Means made to the lions-? OI"
Representatives in 1849, that the entire an?'
necessary to complete and put in operation tht
nnfiniahed portions of this canal was estima
ted at the lum of $1,106,037 00. The am't
actually expended on the work since that pe
riod, as appears from the reports of the Su
perintendent, Engineer and Canal Commis
sioner, Is $1,8-57.277 52, being an excess or
expenditures over the original estimates of
$751,340 52; and the canal not yet in opera
tion. With such facts before us such evi
dence of mismanagement and reckless expen
diture as the history of this canal shows, it is
not matter of surprise that the Commonwealth
and people are burdened with debt and taxa
tion. -
In pursuance of the act of the 8th of May
last, providing for the sale of the main line of
the public works, after giving the notice re
quired by law, I caused the same to be expo
rd to publte sale, nt the Merchantt'Exchange j
the city of I'hibtieiphi.i. No oflers were
made and c.pnssqiiiMUly.the works remain un
sold. Sealed proposals lor the sale or lease of
tne mam line," were subsequently invitea, as
directed by the 17th section of the said act,
and the proposals received are herewith sub
mitted to the legislature for their action and
final disposition.
Having on a former occasion presented my
views of the propriety and policy of a sale of
this branch'-of our public improvements, a re
petition of the sentiments then expressed be
comes unnecessary. In relation to this sub
ject my opinion has not changed. Tho ex
perience of the past and a careful examination
of the question in its e momical and political
relations, have strengthened and confirmed it.
That the State should, long since, have been
separated from the management and control
of these works, the history of their construc
tion and management clearly demonstrates.
Public policy and public sentiment demand
this separation ; and every consideration of
present and future interest requires their sale.
The lateJiaancial embarrassments of the coun
try the imperfect character of some 'of the
provisions of the bill authorising the sale, to
gether with the adverse influence of rival in
terests, defeated the recent attempt to sell.
These difiiculties have been, or can be, remo
ved : and a sale vet effected on terms
am pit
of the
liberal
protective of the rights and interests
people, and at the same time just aud
to tho purhasers.
To reduce the State debt and relieve the
people from taxation, are objects worthy the
earnest aud anxious consideration of the Le
gislature. To accomplish these objects spee
dily and certainly, a sale of the whole or part
of our public improvements becomes impor
tant and necessary. The revenues of the
State under the present system of management
of the public works, are but little more than
sufficient to pay the interest of her debt, and
the ordinary expenses of the government. A
sale of these works, for a fair consideration,
and upou terms just and liberal, would consti
tute a beginning in the process of liquidation,
that would free our Commonwealth from debt
and her people from consequent taxation. In
every measure calculated to produce these de
sirable results, I will cheerfully co-operate
with the Legislature.
The currency of the State, in its relation to
banking institutions, and their increase, is a
subject that demands careful and intelligent
consideration. From the notice given of nu
merous intended applications to tne legisla
ture for new banks, and an increase of bank
ing capital, this subject will doubtless be pie
sented to, and strongly urged upon your at
teution. Shall the number of banks and the
amount of banking capital be increased I and
if so to what extent, and in what -localities 1
are questions of absorbing public interest
Without desiring to assume a general and
uncompromising hostility to all banks, or to
an increase of banking capital, 1 cannot dis
cover the necessity that requires, or the cir
cumstances that would justify the incorpora
tion of all that may be demanded from Lcgis
lature. The incorporation of new, or the re
charter of oM and solvent banks, when indis
pensably necessry and clearly demanded by
the actual business wants of the community
in which they may be located, should not be
refused ; under no ether circumstances should
their incorporation be permitted.
The necessity of increasing the number of
bnnks should be determined more by the actu
al wants of legitimate trad?, than the number
of applications and the wild fancies ot stock
jobbers and speculators. The sudden and un
recessary expansion of the currency should
be avoided, and whatever tends to produce
such a result ought to be discountenanced and
prevented. In the creation of banks the true
interests of the State and people should be
consulted: and a just and honest discrimma
tiou, as to number, locality and the demands
of trade, be exercised by thc-ir representatives
Public sentiment does not demand, nor do
public or private interests require, the crea
tion of numerous banks.
In the present condition of the finances, and
in aid cf the revenues of the State, (in addition
to the taxes now imposed by law,) a reasona
ble premium should bo reqniied to be paid by
all ban is or saving institutions that may her
after be chartered or re-chartercd by the
Legislature.
As appropriate to this snbject, and intimate
ly connected w ith it, I cannot forbear to express
my disapprobation of a practice, that has here
tofore obtained to some extent, cf using the
names of members of the Legislature as corpo
rators in bills pendmgbefore them for tha incor
poration of banks and other companies. Such
a practice is pernicious, and cannot be too
strongiy condemned. It perils the independ
ence of the Legislator exposes him to tinju3t
suspicions, and stamps with selfishness, at
l?ast, his legislative action in tho premises
Legislation should be free, even from the ap
pearance of improper motive ; and every un
due and corrupting influence, inside or out
side of the Legislative Halls, should beresist-
sd and condemned.
It is a cause of more than ordinary congrat
nlation, that argiculturcr the first as it is the
nooiesi pursuit ot man, nas in its progre33
of development, vindicated its own importance
and assumed, in public esteem, the honorable
position to which it is so justly entitled. Con
stituting, us it does the substratum of our
great mechanical, manufacturing and commer
cial interests, it should ever bo regarded as the
chief source of State and National prosperity.
First in necessity, it is the highest in useful
ness of all the departments ol labor, sustain
ing and promoting, m their varied and multi
plied relations, all the other industrial inter
ests of the country. Our financial and com
mercial prosperity is largely dependeut upon
the success of agricultural mdustry
An interest so important should receive the
encouragement of all classes of society. No
longer a mere art an exertion of physical
strength it has reached the dignity of a sci
ence ; and to its progress and improvement
tho people and their representatives should
cheerfally contribute. State and county
agricultural societies nave done mucn to pro
mote tnis cause, ana tnrougn their agency
much valuable information has been collect
ed and diffused. Much yet remains to be
done. More information is demanded. More
efficiency in the collection and diffusion of
useful knowledge is required. To secure this
result, the establishment of an agricultural
bureau, in connection with some of the de
partments of State, would largely contribute.
The importance of such a bureau, properly
organized, as an aid to the advancement of
agricultural knowledge and the success of
agricultural indastry, cannot easily be over
estimated. The subject is earnestly commend
en to your attention.
jy an act of the last sesFion, an institution
desi"nafd as the "Farmers' Iligh School of
Pennsylvania," was incorporated. The char
ter was accented by the trustees, and the in
stitution duly organized. An eligible site for
the college has lxen secured in Centre county,
and two huadred acres of valuable and highly
cultivated land donated to the trustees, for
the use of the institution, by Gen. James Ir
vin, of that county. The ciMzcns of the coun
ty, with a liberality highly commendable,
have pledged and secured to the trustees, for
the use of the college, ten thousand dollars in
addition to the land donated. This liberality
shows that the farmers of Pennsylvania fully
appreciate the importance of such an institu
tion, and will purport and sustain it. The
. . J 1 ... . 1
practical. Scientific and practical agricul- j
turo, with the usual branches of academic cd- j
ucation, will be tauzlit, ana the etiort wm be ,
to make good farmers, good scholars, and
good citizens.
Whilst individual iioeraiuy ana energy uavo
done much and will do more for this iustitu-
tion, an appropriation by tho State, in such
sum' as the -Legislature may deem proper,
would not only aid and encourage this lauda
ble enterprise, but would be an honorable ana
jast recognition of the important interests in
volved.
The laws now in operation, regulating man
ufacturing and other improvement companies,
are in some of their' provisions too severely
restrictive, and should be modified. . Legisla
tion on these sumects has heretofore tended to
restrain the investment of capital check, in
dustry, and curb the energy of the people in
tne prosecution of those enterprises that aid
the development of our immense resources,
and contribute so largely to the wealth and
prosperity of the State. - Liberal and judici
ous legislation encouraging individual cuter
prise inviting the investment of capital, and
stimulating the various departments of manu
facturing and mechanical industry, would
greatly promote the interests of the peopl-j
increase our revenues, and give to the Com
monwealth that prominence and position, in
the sisterhood of States, to which the charac
ter of her citizens and her illimitable natural
resources justly entitle her. To this subject
your attention is invited.
The Report of tho Superintendent of Com
mon Schools will exhibit to you their condi
tion and the general operations of the system
throughout the Commonwealth, during the
past year. To the valuable and useful sugges
tions of tho report, I would earnestly ask the
attention ot the Legislature.
The operation and results of the system as
detailed ar highly interesting. Our educa
tional system is slowly, but surely, conquer
ing prejudices and gaining tho confidence of
the people. Under tho fostering care of liber
al and enlightened legislation ils ultimate tri
umph is certain. When the system was first
introduced, it was supposed that it could be
perfected and forced into general and vigorous
operation by the mere will cf the Legislature.
Experience has proven that in this, as in every
other great, social and moral reform, time and
that consent which arises from a radical change
in the popular mind, were required. This slow
process of the acclimation of tho new system
to our social and moral atmosphere, has been
in operation for nearly twenty years ; and it is
now evident that the period for another efi'ect
ive interposition of legislative aid and author
ity in favor of our noble system and common
schools, has arrived. In wnatever form this
obviously proper and necessary interposition
may present itself, if calculated to promote
the great purposa in view, it shallr ecuivo my
cheerful support.
After a careful examination of the sul ject,
it is my clcir conviction that the system is
now prepared for and requires increased effi
ciency in its general supervision increased
qualideation in its teachers, and increased
means of support.
The experiment of the County Superinfen
dency, wherevei faithfully carried out, has not
disappointed the expectation of the advocates
tf th-t measure. Hie improved condition of
tho schools, and the greater efhciency of the
system, clearly establish the propriety and
utility of such supervision. The ollicial visits
of an ollicer of the school department to some
counties of tho State, in connection with tho
Superintendency, have demonstrated that the
voice of public authority to sustain, and the
presence of an official ajent to encourage,
have largely contributed to excite and main
tain the deep interest now felt by the public in
our educational progress and improvement.
The most marked improvement recently ef
fected in the system, has been in its corps of
teacher3. V ita almost unparalolled disinter
estedness and devotion to the noble causa in
which they are engaged, the common school
teachers of the State have, iu almost every
county, been using all the mean3 and applian
ces within their power for self-improvement.
These efforts, so creditable to them, have been
highly beneficial in their results, and cleailv
prove the necessity, and point with unerring
certainty to the establishment of State Normal
schools. Teachers' meetings for a day have
given place to institutes for a week; and these
again to numerous Normal meetings, continu
ing from one to three months. At every step
in this progression, it has become more appa
rent that permanent institutions, with thei:
proper professors and appliances, which noth
ing but the power of tho State can provide,
are demanded by and would the meet wants of
the system and the occasion.
In conceding this boon to our children, thro'
their teachers, we are encouraged by the ex-
ple of other countries, and the experience of
tae past, ii is a remarkable fact, that no State
of our Union, nor nation of the Old World.has
perfected its system of public instruction,
without schools for the professional training
of teachers, established and supported by the
public authority and means ; and it is no less
remarkable, and still more encouraging, that
no sucn institution has ever yet been abandon
ed. From Prussia, whose experience in this
regard, is that of a century and a quarter, to
that of our young sister Michigan, whose exis
tence is as ot yesterday, the 2, orrnal shcool
has been tried throughout Christendom with
unvarying success.
Thia result is in full harmony with the laws
rruind and of human society. Teachine is a
uigu ana nonoraoio proression; and no profes
sion has more arduous and complex duties to
penorm no one greater responsibilities to
meet and no one operates on, or with such
valuable and interesting material. The most
thorough preparation is requisite ; and as the
auties to be pnrformed are not only respon
sible, but delicate, and may eflect social, polit
ical, moral, or religious feelings and rights of
the citizens, no source is so safe, no authority
for their discharge so fre from suspicion or
Statw, and representing the vitality of its re-
puDiicanism, win oe the firm support and sure
guarantee of its republican equality.
It is time also that tho teaching mind should
resume its true place in the schools. In the
communication of knowledge, to be effective
mind, in sympathetic contact, must act upon
iuiiiu,auu. mim living, speaKing enercv, leave
its impress there. The Great Master himself
thus trained the school which was to reform a
world, liut now tho book has to much intru
ded itself between the teacher and the taught.
The teacher has too .'ranch become the mere
exponent or the printed page, and the mind of
tne learner the impressed copy of the text in
thus saying, the value and importance of books
as a means of knowledge, are not intended to
be over looked or decried; but the use of our
best agencies have their limits?; and when we
find the book usurping the place of the teach
er, to the injury of the mind of our youth, we
should restore each to its proper position re
quire from each the performance of its appro
priate functions,-and thus confer upon both the
inn measure oi tnwir useiuiness.
As an expedient to supply the place of reg
ular Normal schools till established and as a
valuable auxiliary to them when in operation,
the Teachers Institute would bo of unquestion
able value. It would bring together the teach
ers of a county under the bsttinfiuence,for con
sultation and improvement, and exhibit them
bfore their fellow -citizens in their proper pro
course of instruction win oo inorougu ana
fessional character. A portion of tho means
of the State, or of the respective counties, ap
plicable 7 to educational improvement, could
not be more profitably applied, than to the en
couragement of the meeting of at least one
such institute annnally, ia each county. An
experiment of this Kind recently made in the
county of Chester, is said to have been emi
nently successful! and strongly indicative cf
the wisdom of the measure. .
If, in addition to these, or similar measures,
the Legislature should feel warrantedand tire
measure has all the sanction thisexentive doc
ument can give it to make a large addition to
tho annual State appropriation to common
schools, I believe that all will be done which
the patriotism of the people's representatives
can now eflect; and I do not hesitate toexpress
the opinion that the time has come for this
prompt, lull and decisive action. Let the in
tegrity of the system, in . its great purposes
aud oljects, be maintained; and if changed,
changed only to render it more efficient, and
to increase its power for greater usefulness.
Whatever else may. distinguish, your present
session, it is hazzarding little to predict, that
more honor and benefit will result from the
perfection of the common school system of
education, than from any other exercise of
your legislative powers.
The public schools of Philadelphia are de
serving of special notice and approval. In
their various gradations, from the primary up
to the high school, they are models worthy of
imitation; aud fheir management and efficien
cy reflect great credit upon those to whom
have been committed their supervision and
control. It is to bo regretted that those
schools-so creditable to our great commercial
and literary emporium, and so honorable to
our Commonwealth, should find no place in
the annual report of the Superintcndant of
common schools. As at present organized,
these sclioolsre independent of" the State Sn
perintendent, and do not report to the school
department of tho Commonwealth. As every
thing thit relates to the operation of the com
mon school system, and the condition of the
public schools in the State, is important and
interesting, the statistics of those schools
should be furnished to the State Superintend
ent, that the same might be cmbodie 1 in the
annual report of the department. A modifi
cation of existing laws on this subject, so fir
as to require the controllers of the public
schools of Philadelphia, to report to the
school department, the number, grade and
condition of their schools the number of pu
pils, and generally such information in rela
tion to their government as may bo deemed
useful to the cause of education, is respect
fully recommended.
To improve the social, intellectual, and
moral condition of -the people recalaim the
erring, and ameliorate the human suffering,
are objects that commend themselves to the
consideration of the philanthropist and the
statesman. Our educational, charitable, and
rel'ormitary institutions are justly the pride of
the State, honorable alike to the wisdom that
devised, and liberality that founded and sus
tains them. They have strong claims upon
the bounty of the people, and I cordially re
commend them to your care and the liberali
ty of the Commonwealth.
The State Lunatic Hospital, at Ilarrisburg,
in its objects and results. mo;i;s our highest
approbation. The just expectat ions of its pro
jectors and founders have not been disappoint
ed. Kindness and love, with their softening
and subduing influence, constitute the rule of
its government. Many of its former unfortn
nato inmates have bcn restored to reason, to
friends and home, and the enjoyments of so
cial life. Those that remain require our sym
pathy and aid. They should not b i withheld.
The report of the directors will exhibit, in de
tail, the operations of the institution.
The necessity and importance of providing
additional accommodation for the insane of
Western Pennsylvania, have been strongly
pressed ui?on my attention. The present ac
commodations are clearly insufficient, and
these have been provided principally hi" the
contributions of benevolent citizens, it is
urged that the rapid advance of our population
the gloomy increase of the insane and the
inadequacy of the present asylums for their
care and management, render it imperatively
necessary that effective aid should be given to
that portion of the State, for a new and entire
ly distinct Western Insane Hospital, as a home
to those of cur fellow-citizens whoso only alle
viation is to be found in their own ignorance
of the frightful malaJav with which they are
burdened. The subject is worthy of calm and
dispassionate inquiry. I will cheerf ully co
operate with the Legislature, in all proper
efforts, to accomplish this object.
Should you decline to act upon this subject,
I would then recommend that an adequate ap
propriation bo made to tho Western Pennsyl
vania Hospital for the pnrposj of extendin
ils accommodations for the care of the insane,
as distinct as may be practicable from the oth
er clas3 of patients and inmates. The charter
of this institution is liberal in its provisions,
and comprehensive in tho objects liable to bu
brought under its care; embracing the insane,
as well as the sick, helpless and iniirm.
In this connection I would commend to your
attention the Pennsylvania Training School
for Idiotic.and Feeble Minded Children. The
aid of the Commonwealth has heretofore been
extended to this institution. It is a noble
charity, and appeals to the best feelings of
the heart. It deserves to share the bounty, of
the State. ;
Tho House of Refuge in Philadelphia, and
tho Western House of liefuge near Pittsburg,
are institutions of great excellence, having for
their object the reclaiming of wayward and
erring youth the employ ment of tho idle
the instruction of the ignorant the reforma
tion of the vicions and depraved, and the re
lief of the wretched. They are schools, not
prisons homes, not places of punishment;
they arc a refuge to the neglected and outcast
children and vouth of our Commonwealth.
The success of the past is a sure guarantee of
their future usefulness. Ihcy should receive
your aid and encouragement.
Tho "Blind," and the "Deaf and Dumb Asy
lums," in Pluiadclphia, invite our sympathy,
and ask to share the benefactions of the Com
monwealth. The blind, in their darkness the
dumb, in their silence will cherish the gilt,
and bless the generous donor.
Legislation, in relation to ail questions of
moral and social reform, should be carefully
and wisely considered and matured. On no
subject, within the constitutional authority of
the Legislature, are the people so sensitive ;
and no one more deeply interests everj. class
aud condition of society. Sumptuary laws, as
a general rule, are of doubtful expediency; and
as abridgments ol the liberty and privileges of
the citizen, can only bo justified on the ground
of necessity. Whilst this is admitted, it can
not be denied that the evils resulting from in
temperance, create a necessity for resulatin
and restraining by legislative acts, the traffic
and sale of intoxicating liquors. To what ex
tent this traffic should be restrained by posi
tive law, must depend on the will of' tho neo-
ple, determined by considerations of their own
moral, physical and social welfare. Whatever
may be my own opinion, or that of the Legia
ture or the people, in reference to the law of
tho law last session "to restrain the sale of in
toxicating liquors," it must be admitted that a
full rctutn to the license system, in operation
prior to tho passage of the present law, is not
demanded by enlightened pqblic sentiment,
and would not promote the good order or hap- j
pincss of the conr.rair.it'. f That she laws then
in existence were imperfect and failed to check ,
or control the evils of intemperance, is a prop
sitlon too plain to be doubted that they need
ed revision must also be conceded. In our large
cities and towns, the evils of the system were
more severely felt. Tho facility and cher.pness
with which licences were cbtaincd operated as
a premium to vice and immorality, and multi
plied tippling houses and places where intem
perance, under the authority of laws, was not
only permitted, but encouraged. My immedi
ate predecssor, in his last annual message to
the Legislature, in reference to the then license
law, cays:- "So Tar as relates to the city of
Philadelphia, they arc peculiarly prejudicial
to public morals, and seem to have been con
structed to promote the convenience of drink
ing far more than to restrain its evil conse
quences." In this opinion I fully concur.
That a remedy was demanded ,all will concede.
Whether tho law of the last session was the
proper remedy, it is not ray province now to
determine. Enacted by the repr-sentatives of
the people, I gave that act my official approval.
ReeogniEing the people as the source of all
political power, and their representatives as
the immediate exponants of their will, upon
you will devolve the responsibility of further
legislation, if any, on this subject. In all its
relations, economical, political, social and
moral, the question is important, and its prop
er determination involves fearful responsibili
ties. It deserves, and should receive, your
serious consideration. If action is had, we
may not hope that it will be such as will pro
mote the virtue, morality, and true interests
of our people and Commonwealth.
Legislation, so far as practisrble, should be
general and uniform. Local and special leg
islation should not be encoi:raged,when the
desired object can be obtained by general laws.
Such legislation is not only local and special
in its character, but frequently temporary the
act of one session being repealed l3 the act
of the next, and perhaps replaced by one still
more objectionable, which, in turn, soon shares
the fate of its predecessor. It crowds the statue
book with useless and unnecessary laws vio
lates private rights creates confusion and un
certainty destroys uniformity of practice and
decision prolongs the session of the Legis
lature, and increases the public expanses. Our
general laws regulating roads highways and
bridges and providing for the support and em
ployment of the poor, constitute a well digested
system, for the accomplishment of those ob
jects; and yet, under the system of local leg
islation heretofore practised, we frequently
find in dff'ercnt townships of the same county,
local laws regulating these sudjects, not only
differing material from the general law, but
from one another. Reform in this regard is
rjquircif, and to this I respectfully ask your
attention.
'Omnibus legislation" having been con
demned and abandoned, should not be permit
ted again to sully the records of legislative ac
tion It cannot receive my approval.
Numerous applications will doubtless be
made for the incorporation of insurance, gas,
water and boom companies. To facilitate ac
lion on these questions economise time re
duce the expenses of legislation secure uni
formity and confine the companies thereafter
incorporated to the legitimate purposes of
their creation. I. would recommend the propri
ety of enacting general laws regulating such
corporations. Already laws of this character
for coal, iron, canal, railroad, turnpike, plank,
and bridge companies have been p.isscd,and in
practice have been found highly useful p.nd e
concmical. Such laws, well regulated and
carefully guarded, would be productive of simi
lar results on their application to insurance
and other companies named.
The propriety of limiting and restraining cor
porate Lioitcs to the objects and purposes of their
creation, will not be denied or controverted. In
relation to the powers and privileges of insurance
companies, this plain prineiplo has been overlook
ed and disregarded. l)y successive acts of legis
lation lnany of these institutions have acquired
discounting privileges, and nearly all tho powers
of banks, without their guards, restrictions and
liabilities. This has been cfl'ected by the magic of
some goneral provision in the act incorporating
the company, or by reference to some forgotten
supplement concenleJ in the folds of oa '-omnibus
bill," or lost in the mazes of the pamphlet laws,
(ieneral laws, whilst they would confer on such
companies all the powers necessary to accomplish
the objoctd of their incorporation, would at the
game time prevent an extension of privileges for
eign to such associations. This subject is commen
ded to your consideration.
The juris liction of the courts in rotation to real
estate, trusSs, the incorporation of literary, chari
table anl religious societies, manufacturing and
other associations, has been greatly extended ly
recent legislation. This enlarged jurisdiction was
confe-rrod for the purposa of relieving the Legis
lature from tho pressure of numerous applications
for special legislation in the premiea. 1 he courts
ere, therefore, tho proper tribunals to determine
such question?; and in all easts whera the subject
matter is within their jurisdiction, tho Legislature
should refuse to entertain the application
f.'ivorcos, unless in cases cf extreme necessity
and clcirly beyond the jurisdiction of the courts,
suoulcl not tc granted by tno liOgi.-sJa'-ure.
Ty tho act of the lGt'a of April, ISi.i, entitled
"An Act to increase the revenues and diminish the
li-gislativc expenses of the Commonwealth," it was
provided that thcrcaucr no private mil, tncreiii
described and taxed, should be enrolled in the of
fice of the Secretary of tho Commonwealth, or
published, or have tho force and effect of law,
until tho party asking or requiring the same
should pay into the treasury of the Commonwealth
.the respective sums named in said net. A large
number of acts passed by former Legislatures, and
subject to this tax. remain in tho ofiicc of tho Ses-
retary of the Commonwealth, the tax on them not
having been paid, ihe number nas been annual
It increasing, and will continua to increase, unless
a summary remedy be afforded for tho collection
of the enrolment tax. or in default of its payment
alter a certain period, the acts themselves bore
pealed. Tho amount of enrolment tax now duo
the Commonwealth i3 large, and should have been
pai-t long since. I would thercforo recommend
the passage of a law repealing all acts heretofore
passed, subject to such tax, unless the tax be paid
within ono year thereafter, and further, to provide
that all such acts hereafter passed shall not have
tho force acd effect of law, unless the taxes re
spectively duo thereon be paid within six months
attor their approval, bucli a law would secure
the payment of these taxes, increase the revenues,
and at the same time check the demand for pri
vato acts designed to be used or abandoned, as tho
calculation of chauces. or tbe loss or gain of the
parties in iuterest might determine.
Ey a resolution of tho Legislature, passed the
27th day of March, 1S55, requiring tho "New
York and Erierailroad company to communicate
to the Legislature of this commonwealth, a state
ment, certified under oath by their president, set
ting forth what quantity of land said company
now holds in Pensj I vania its location how -m nch
they have heretofore disposed of its valne -the
value of what they now hold, and when tho titles
to said lands wcro acquired," it was made the du
ty of tho Governor to transmit a copy of said res
olution to the president of said comdany. A copy
ot tho resolution was transmitted, as uucmou, auu
the anxu-pr nf xriil(nt of the company, com
municating tho information requirol, is herewith
submitted to tho Legislature.
Et a resolution of the2uth day of April. 1S55, I
was requested to procure from thoAtorney Gener
al, his opinion of tho right of thestato of Xew York
to divert water from the natural bed and channel
of tho Chemung river, to the prejudice of tho pub
lic improvements of Pennsylvania, the said river
belonging to both States, and communicate the
saiao to the Legislature. As reqnested. tho opin
ion of the Attorney General has been obtained, and
is herewith communicated to the Lsgislature.
On tho sixth day or October last, I approvad and
isned tho hill, cnXitlo.l "An Act to repeal tha-
chartorof the Erio any North East ltailrotd Com
pany, and to provide for the dinposin; of tho
same." In pursuance of its provisions. 1 appoin
ted the Hon. Jcph V'ajy to take posso3;on and
f have charge and ccsto ly of the road Before po-
scfi-.on wr.s taken, application was made by the
coicpeny to one of tho judges of the Supreme
Court of fhis Commonwealth for an injunction to
restrain tho agent cf the State from taking posses
sion of the road ; and subsequently a cautionarr
order was made by the Supreme Court, in bane, (a
stay his proceedings under the act. The questions
involved in the application for an injunction are
now pending before that court, and will, it is ex
pected, he determined early in the present month.
The result will be made the subject of a special
communication to the Legislature.
The recent fraudulent, if not felonious abstrac
tion of a large quantity of arms from tho arsenal
at Harrisbnrgh, has shown the necessity of addi
tional legislation for the protection of the arms
and other public property of the Commonwealth
depo?iied in the arsenals of tbe State, i The taking
and sale of the public arms and property without
authority of law. by tbe keapers of tho arsenals,
or by others having them in charge; should be do
clar.vl a felony, and punished with severity; and
nil persons purchasir.gor receiving the same, with
out proper authority, and knowing thorn to be the
property of the Commonwealth; should be regard
ed as principals, and punished accordingly
The bonds now required to be givcu by tho Ad
jutant General and the keepers of tbe arsenals, for
the faithful discharge of their duties, are insuffi
cient in amount to secure the Commonwealth a
g.inst loss from the fraudulent sale or tkiugof
the property committed to their care. The sum
in which these bonds are taken should be increas
ed to an amount proportionate to the value of the
property which is or inaj be deposited in tho ar
senals. .
Since the sale of tho Arsenal ia Thila-lclphia,
tho i ubho arms in that city have been placed in a
room or out-house procured for that purpose. As
a depository, it is unsafe and insecure. Better
provision should bo made for their safe-keeping.
The sum of thirty thousand dollars, arising
from the sale of the Philanclphia Arsenal, is new
in the Treasury, to be expended under the direc
tion of the Governor, in the. purchase of a suitable
lot and the erection cf a new arsenal. This mini
is wholly inadequate for that purpose, and with
out additional appropriations, which are not re
commended, this object cannot be accomplished.
As anus and munitions of war can. when required,
be transmitted with facility and rapidity, to dis
tant parts of the State, the necessity for more than
one arsenal no longer exists. If the arsenal at
Moadvillecan be di-fpensed with without detri
ment to the public service, I would suggest for
your consideration the propriety of authorizing itj
sale, and sale of the one at Ilarrisburg, and w ith
the funds arising therefrom, and the money in the
Treasury applicable to that purpose, the erection
or a large and commodious arsenal at IJarrist urg,
or elsewhere, as may be doemcd mot economical,
safe and convenient. "
Tho Legislature, at their last session, having
failed to elect a Senator to represent this State in
the Senate of the United States, for six years from
the 4th of Mnreh last.it becomes your duty to pre
vide f'r an election to supply such vacancy. By
reference to existing laws regulating tho election
of Senators to represent tlii State in tne Senato of
the Ui itcJ States, it will be perceived that their
provbior.s do nut embrace a case like the present.
Having at tha time of my induction into office,
declared to my follow citizens and their represen
tatives, my sentiments in relation to questions con
nected with our national politics, their reiteration
now will not bo expected. To the opinions then
expressed, and now re-afBrmed. you are respectful
ly referred. To maintain in their integrity, the
Constitution of our Ucpublic. and the UnTon of the
States protect the civil and religious privileges
of the people guard with jealous care tbe gener
al, great, and essential principles of liberty and
free government of freedom and human rights
and vindicate by a true aDd single devotion to
homo and country, the great doctrine of American
nationality, arc objects that awaken the patriot--ism
and claim the energies and the heart of every
American citizen.
In obedience to the requirements of the Consti
tution and Laws of tho Kate, as tbe representa
tives of the people, you have assembled to perform
tho high snd responsible duties thrtt devolve upon
you. As a co-ordinate branch of the government,
iMvill be alike my duty and pleasure, to UDite
with yon in tho enactment of sach laws as will
protcct'tho rights of the people, and advance the
honor and prosperity of the Commonwealth.
With a sole desire for the publie good actnated
by aspirit of enlarged and enlightened patriotism
and guarded by tl.atwisdom which hath its begin,
ing in tbe fear of God, may our efforts, in harmo
nious' action be directed to the accomplishment
of theso objects, and to the promotion of that righ
teousness which exalteth a nation, and conslitutes
the true glory of a free and independent people.
JAMES POLLOCK.
Exciutivo Chamber, Ilarrisbnrg, Jan. 1, 1S55.
TERMS.
Tho .Toir"al is published every Wednesday,
at Ovb Iolfar axd Fiftv Cents per annum inr
advance, or Two Dollars within the year.
Advor:is?nicnts inserted at fifty cents per square,
for the first, and twenfy-Sve cents for each addi
tional insertion. A liberal deduction made to
these who advertise by the quarter, or year.
The -Terms' will be strictly adhered to.
No paper discontinued without payment of ar
rearages, unless at the option ot the publisher.
QTKAY IIOiivSE. Came to tha rosideneo of
the unecrsigned, living in Decatur township, a
Bay Horse. Jbe owner is hereby notified to come
forward, prove property, pay charges and take
hiiu away, otherwise he will be disposed of accor
ding to law. ABRAHAM J. G0SS.
January 9. 18.V St. .
DISSOLUTION. Tbe partnership hereto
fore existing between John S. Williams ami
William II. Smith was this day dissolved by mu
tual consent, said Smith having disposed of bis in
terest to John S. Williams.
.TOIIX S. WILLIAMS,
WILLIAM H. SMITH.
New Millport, Dec. 22, 1355.
Tbe books and accounts of the firm are in the
hards of John S Williams for Ectilemect, where
tbosc indebted will please call immediately.
- John S. Williams.
janO St ' William II. Smith.
APPLICATION FOIt LICENSE. To the
Honorable tho Judges of tbe Court of Quar
ter Sessions of the County of Clearfield : The pe
tition of the subscribers respectfully represents,
that they are desirous of obtaining License to sell
vinous, spirituous, malt and brewed liquors at
their place of business,, in '-Lumber City,"' in tho
township of Pcnn, in tho county of Clearfield ;
that they, or either of them, are not keepers of
any hotel, inn, tavern, restaurant, eating house,
oyster house or oyster cellar, theater, or other
place of entertainment, amusement or refreshment ;
that they are citiicnsof the United States; that
they are prepared and ready to give bond, and in
every way to conform to the Act of Assembly, re
lating to "liquors, passed the 14th day of April A.
D. 1805. They therefore pray the Court to grant
them a license for the above purpose ; and they
will pray, Ac.
- BENJAMIN HARTSHORN i
THOMAS McCRACKEN.
January 1, 1S56. acting as partners.
irALUABLE PROPERTY AT
V PRIVATE SALE.
THE undersigned offers at Private Sale. 209 acrea
of Land, more or less, in Penn township. Clearfield .
county. seven or eight acres cleared, the balance
covered with valuable TIMBER, and- having
thereon the following improvements '
A GOOD'SAVV-fHILb;
with LATH-SAW. Rose wheel, tc., on a good
stream f water, which will enable tbe mill to,
runabout eight months in the year. . , ,
a Large two-story house,
well furnished. plastered and painted throughout,,
with a never-failing Spring of water in the cellar.
ALSO, A FRA3IE BANK BARK,
well furnished with threshing floor, stabling, 1c,
ail new, having but recently been erected.-
Also, convenient, aud tuostanuaiiy erccica,
OFT-BriLDIXGS,
consisting of a Wood-Shed, Spring House, Smoke
House, dc.,.te : -There
is no more desirable property in the-
Conntv Any person wishing further informa
tion, can apply o ' tAWwr.L Wibkxirk. living on
thw Premises. Tost COco dddresa, Grrtiupiait
Hills, Clearfield County, Pa.
1 '.TTX- irmrMTPP
1 JVI1. Hil'f'."""'-
, SAMUEL WlDEilLP'JS.
Tena Tewtsbip, Dec. 26. 15C-5;-Cmo