BY S. J. KOW.
CLEARFIELD, PA., WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13. 186ft
VOL. 15.-NO. m
Annual Message of
GOV. JOHN W. GEARY,
Delivered January 6,1869.
To the Senate andJTouse of Representative
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Gentlemen : For the harmony and gen
eral relations of comity and friendship exut
S between Pennsylvania and all the other
States and Territories of the National Union;
for ihe present prosperous condition of the
Commonwealth; for the glad signs of com
ing political tranquility ; and for the success
which attends the progress of our free in
stitutions, we owe a heavy debt of gratitude
to Divine Providence. In new of tne fa
vorable circumstanc-'S under which you are
now assembled, it becomes my province aud
duty, as it is my pleasure, to offer you my
hearty congratulations, and to tender you a
ordial welcome to the Legislative Halls of
tbe State. This, indeed, affords me a high
er gratification because I participate with
rour constituents in the confidence manifest
ed by them in selecting you to represent their
individual interests as w.ll as those of the
Commonwealth. On your wisdom, integrity,
judgment and discretioD.all will undoubtedly
rely for tbe correct determination of every
Question affecting the largest interests and
gravest responsibilities, aud for a continu
ance, and evenaa increase, of that prosper
ity which has hitherto been so signally
"leis not without a consciousness of the
great responsibility resting upon me that I
undertake the performance of a constitution
al duty, requiring that the Governor "shall
from time to time give to the General Assem
bly information of the state of the Cotumon
wealth,and recommend to their consideration
uch measures as he shall judge expedient.'
In conformity with this requirement your
attention will be called only to such matters
of public interest as in ray judgment deserve
careful consideration and action on your part
during the present session.
FINANCES.
The following is a carefully prepared state
ment of the financial condition of the Slate
for the fiscal year ending Nor. 30, 1X68 :
Tbe report! of tbe Auditor General and State
Treasurer show thai the balance in tbe treasury,
Uov. 3tl, 1S67 w S4.BA1 834 46; Ordinary re
ceipt! during tbe fiscal year ending Not. 30. 1883,
JIIMM Depreciated fund in tbe Treasu
ry unavailable $1 1.032 00; Total in Treasury fr
DI year ending Not 30, 1983. 9.la18 01.
Payment!, tii : Ordinary expenses during the
Steal year ending Not 30. 1868. 2.4i4.40 08 ;
Leant, etc.. redeemed S4.4I7.4S3 64; Other pay
SMnrsSllStM 00; Interest on loans Sl .9T9.60l) VI;
depreciated funds unbailable $41,032 00; To
tal ,, menu SllK'i 492 64.
Balance in tbe Treasury, November 30, 1388,
81,013,414 37.
SINKING FCND.
By an act approved April 10, 1868, the
transaction of the Commissioners of the
ISioling Fund were ordered to be thereafter
reported annually to the 30th day of Novem
ber. Their last report, therefore, includes a
tifri.i.l nf nne vear and three months.
The followine is the "recapitulation" of
the operations of the sinking fund, from
Sct temLer 3. 1867, to November 30, 1S68:
lLlanee in fund. Sept 3. 1867. S1.737 912 41 ;
Receipts in fund from Sept. 3, 1857, to Not 30,
S3.4I8.W2 31 ; Total Si li 904 72.
Paid interest S1.804.0O5 84; f remiumspaid as
equivalent for coin S49 93; Loans redeemed
Sj.414.816 61 Total S4 222.871 98.
Balance in fund Not. 30, 1848, f 934 032 76.
By the sixth section of the act of May 16,
1861, a special tax of one-half mill ou the
dollar was especially set apart forthe pay
ment of the interest and redemption of the
loan created by an act of May IS, 1861, en
titled "An Act to create a loan and provide
for arming the State."
Balance on band Sept. 3, 1867, $319,933 17; Tbe
receipt) from said tax and tax on gro receipts
from .-ptcmber 3. 1867. to November 30, 1868, a
mouotto S4.U.SI79 20; Total S743 912 37.
1st paid in Jan and July. 1WS8. 169 24 5 00.
Balance in fund Not. 30, IS58, $674,667 37.
coniTio or balaxcks.
Balance in (.inking fund November 30th, 1863,
tU 13! 76; Balance in sinking; fund November
30, lsos. Si74 67 37 ; Total 51,508,700 13.
Dedoet balance in Treasury, November 30th,
1S5 SI 013.115 37.
Balance in favor of sinking fund $495,234 76.
REDUCTION OF THE STATE DEBT.
By the report of the Commissioners of the
Finking Fund for the year ending September
3. bGT, the "'loans redeemed" amounted to
tl,7y4.569 50, and by their report from
Sept. 3, 167, to November 30, 1868, the
loans redeemed' amounted to $2,4 14,816 64,
making a total reduction of the State debt,
in two years and three months, of four mil
lion two hundred and nine thousand three
hundred and eighty-six dollars and fourteen
cents.
Tbe assets remaining in the Sinking Fund
are as follow?, vix : Bonds of the Pennsylva
nia Railroad Company, six million, four
hundred thousand dollars, and bonds of the
rhiiadelphia and Erie Railroad Company,
three million, tive hundred thousand dollars.
The- are non interest bearing bonds and
;.l not mature tVr many years. I therefore
recommend to the consideration of the Leg
islature the propriety of the passage of a
. authorizing the Commissioners of the
linking Fund to sell these bonds a; public
&a.eto the lushest bidder, and direct the
proceeds to be applied to the liquidation of
tbe Nute debt.
Publie debt outstanding on December 1st, 1867.
Deduct amount redeemed at StateTreasnry dur--ig
lit nc year ending ,-ov. $0. 1868, via : S
?. Lom, $4 3i4 ii3 64; 4j percent. Loans
f'.'S.'h'UtW; belief notes cancelled $210 00; To-
reJaetiun. it .417,443 64.
iBOiicdtbtUee 1, 18rt8, S33,2S6,46 13.
, -;steruent showing the condition of the in-c-otedneviof
the Co aimon wealth on the first
CJ of December, SCS :
Jaaded debt, via: 6 per cent loans, S2S.3U,
t. . t Pernt Loans. S7.749 771 S; 4J per
Leaci. ill 000 00; Total $33,171 9il 56.
i-n utdel debt via: Reliaf notes in cireula-
'? ivli M; Jatareat certificate outstanding
J--" 2; Int. certificates unclaimed $4,448 38;
"uiettic creditors' certificates S44 67 ; Total n
'iedSK3.V94 57.
WhC'C' fat"ltJ nd "funded S33.2S6 946 13.
lured u ,4 amount of the State debt aa before
I'ing the last eighteen years there has
"rricd upon the accounts of the Au
'r Oeacul and State Treasurer, and in
(-r several public state me uu, "depreciated
'"Unavailable" to ihe amount of forty
od tt'1"and and thirty-two dollars. I rec-
mtDeod the appointment of a joint comniit-
fey the Legislature, whose duty it shall
J .? "aniiue the said depreciated and un
" able funds, and dispose of them to the
toK. aeeot tfae Treasury ; or, it found
fi K "fsS: W cancel and destroy them,
that the accounting officers may be relieved
rtta thj necessity and responsibility of
aomu.lj. accounting (or them.
. ne large cash balance remaining in the
'uryonthe 30th of November, 1867,
s beeti used for the payment of the twenty-
"e million loan and for the liquidation of
?tanaiog claims against the State. The
""estment of the funds,in one of the modes
jv;0lnmended in my last annual message.has.
Bri in a great measure been rendered
ooeeesaaxy for the present But in the
event of large accumulations of money,
hereafter, tbe recommeudations therein giv
en are respectfully referred to, and renewed.
Whenever there may be surplus funds in
the Treasury, they can, with safety and benefit
to the State, be employed in the purchase of
its outstanding bonds, and in saving the
interest on them which would accumulate
prior to their maturity.
I regret to state that the last Legislature,
although fully forewarned in regard to the
insecurity and want of proper and sufficient
guards for the sale keeping of the money of
the Commonwealth, tailed to determine upon
any mode by which the Treasury may be ef
fectually guarded against the possibility of
loss. The present Legislature has it in its
power to secure for itself no ordinary honor,
by the enactment of such a law, strong and
efficient for the purpose indicated, and tbe
enjoyment cot only of the approbation, but
the permanent gratitude of every citizen.
Notwithstanding the satisfactory reduction
of the public indebtedness, as shown in the
foregoing statemcnts,an immense State debt
is still upon us, retfuiring nearly two million
of dollars to be collected to pay the interest
accruing upon it annually. Its extinguish
ment at tbe earliest practicable period, not
inconsistent with other public interests, is of
the highest importance to every tax-payer.
I cannot, therefore, too strongly urge tbe
strictest economy in respect to every expen
diture and tbe utmost retrenchme.it in every
department.
Retrenchment is emphatically demanded
by the people, in legislative expenditures.as
well as in every .other branch of the Gov
ernment. Their eyes are opeu to investigate
every transaction; and by their ballots they
are ready to strike down those who will not
take effective action in favor of positive and
radical reform. The money paid into the
Treasury is the property oi the peoplcevery
one of whom has a just right to hold his
representatives to a stiict accountability for
every dollar that may be appropriated or
expended.
I here renew the remarks made last year
on the subject of "annual appropriations."
to which you are respectfully referred. For
four successive years the general appropria
tion bills have been signed on the llti day
of April, being about the time of adjourn
ment. The Governor has been forced either
to sign the bills without proper investigation,
notwithstanding any objections he may have;
suspend the means to defray the operations
of the government for the ensuing year, or
call an extra session of the Legislature. I
repeat that "it is earrestly desired that the
appropriation bill be taken up, discussed and
passed at a sufficiently early period during
the session to enable it to receive that thor
ough examination which its importance de
mands." EDUCATION COMMON SCHOOLS.
The annual report of the Superintendent
of Common Schools exhibits the condition
of that department in a highly satisfactory
manner, w it tun the state mere are i.uis
school districts; 13.766 schools ; 2,382 gra
ded schools; 11,69$ school directors; 73
county, city and borough superintendents ;
16,771 teachers; and 800,515 pupils. The
cost of tuition for the car was $3,273,269 43;
oi building, purchasing and renting school
houses, $1,991,152 55; of contingencies,
$S54,243 21. These three items, with ex
penditures for ail other purposes connected
therewith, amount to the aggregate sum of
$6,200,537 96.
These facts are exhibited with great satis
faction, as they show the average annual cost
for the tuition of each pupil to be about
seven dollars and seventy four and a half
cents. Ihe average amount paid to each
teacher is about $195 17i ptr annum. This,
iu my opiuiou.is too small a salary to secure
the services ot competent teachers; and I
ui fully justified in urging the necessity of
increased compensation. It is but just, and
it will have an elevating tendency not only
upon the teachers but the manner in which
their duties are perlormed.
Your attention is called to the fact that,
notwithstanding the ample provision now
made by law for the education of all persons
between the ages of six and twenty-one years,
large numbers ot children, principally in our
cities, do not attend any kind of school.
Over twenty thousand of this class are found
in Philadelphia.and the number in the State
is estimated to be not less than seventy five
thousand. These children grow up in ig
norance, f recently without employment,
and many of them contract habits of vice,
which eventually cause them to be commit
ted to houses of refuge, county prisons or
penitentiaries. Humauity and sound public
policy demand that something be done to
remedy this growing evil, and also that of
the neglected condition of considerable num
bers of children in the alms and poor houses
in many of the counties.
Four Normal schools are now recognized
as State Institutions. The number of stu
dents attending them during the past year
was 2.115, of whom eighty graduated. Two
additional Normal Schools will probably go
into operation during this year, one located
at Bloomsbnrg, Columbia county, and the
other at California, Washington county. The
value of these institutions to the common
school S3'stem cannot be estimated. Our
schools are comparatively worthless without
qualified teachers, and such teachers can
most eas ly be obtained from the Normal in
stitutes, where the art of teaching is made
a speciality.
A meeting of the presidents and other
authorities of a number of our principal col
leges was held in Harrisburg last winter.the
object of which was to bring about a closer
anion of all our educational institutions.and
connect by a bond of sympathy, if not of
organic structure, the common schools, high
schools, academies and colleges. The es
tablisbment of such an educational depart
ment seems to be desirable.
There is no subject more worthy the delib
erations of the Legislature than the promo
tion of the welfare of our common schools.
They immediately underlie the characteristic
features of our social system ; they are
fountains of that widespiead intelligence,
which, like a perennial vitality, pervades the
nation, and are nurseries of that inquiring
spirit to which we are indebted for the purity
and preservation of our free institutions. In
a republican government education is a sure
basis of power and public prosperity. By it
the people ore taught to discern and estimate
the value of their own rights ; to distinguish
between oppression and the exercise of law
ful authority; to discriminate between liberty
and licentiousness : to preserve an inviolable
respect for the laws, and exercise "eternal
vigilance" against any encroachments upon
them. It is admitted that a thoroughly ed
ucated people alone can be permanently
free. By educational culture patriotism is
expanded, and the principles, manners and
sentiments of the whole people are assimila
ted. Many of the sources of jea'ousy and
fmyudice are diminished, social harmony
argely increased, and the structure of our
free and happy system of.government ce
mented, strengthened and adorned.
SOL&I'ERS ORPHANS' SCHOOLS.
In his report the Sunerintendent of Sot
diers Orphans' Schools exhibits the total
expenditure for their suDD.irt from Decem
ber 1, 1867 to May 31, 186S, to be$236,-
Ui0 2o; total number ot pupils in the
schools 3,431 1 average cost per pupil $69,-06-j
for sir months; and the average week
ly expenses per pupil $2 65. The fiscal
year of these schools, like that of the com
mon schools, terminates by law on the last
day of May of each year. The present re
port of the Superintendent, therefore, em
braces only six months, and reports will be
made up to the Ist day ot May, annually,
hereafter. The special appropriation of Feb
ruary 25, 1868, made in accordance with an
estimate ot the Superintendent. presented in
my last annual message, exceeded the acta
al expenses $6,004 74.
Notwithstanding every possible effort bas
been, and will continue to be made, to econ
omize in the expenses of the present year,
and to keep them as far as possible within
the appropriation made by the last Leeisla
ture,it will readily be observed that there will
be a dehcit tor the year ending May 31,1869,
the amount of which will be carefullv ascer
tained and presented to the Legislature pri
or to the close of the present session.
The schools are all in good condition and
improving, and their usefulness is daily be
coming more manifest. They are among
tbe most philanthropic institutions ot the
age, and reflect high honor on the patrio
tism of the Legislature by which they have
been so liberally endowed and upon our peo
ple by whom they are sustained. The chil
dren w ho are tne recipients oi trieir Denents
are the offsprirg of brave men who volunta
rily endangered their lives in the cause of
their country in the most trying hour of its
existence, and who, glowing with patriotic
ardor, fought as bravely and as heroically as
the noblest men in the world s history.
Thousands of them who left their homes in
the bloom of health and with the brightest
hopes of manhood, now sleep in death, leav
ing their widows ind little ones to the care
of the country in whose service they iell.and
which promised them its protection. Their
children are the wards of this great Com-
monw alth; and too much praise cannot be
awarded its people tor the munincent and
ender manner in which they have thus far,
through their representatives, discharged
the sacred and delicate trust.
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
Before the General Government appro
priated public lands lo the several States
tor the purpose of agricultural and military
education and the mechanic arts, and prior
to the time when Pennsylvania endowed
the Agricultural College with her share of
these lands, it was dependent wholly upon
individual influence, without any other
means for its support than its own earnings.
HUtory proves that seminaries of learning
cannot be efficiently sustained by their own
internal resources. The education of youth
in the higher brancesof knowled seems to
require the aid of philanthropic contribu
tions. This institution had not these bene
fits to any adequate extent, and i hough the
board of trustees bestowed upon it the most
anxious care, their Zealand labor, combined
with those of its friends, were not eqnal to a
contest with the want of means. Hence the
school did not'eommand the confidence of
farmers who were able to educate their sons,
and who could not forget that the character
of the college attached to the characters of
its graduates; and that its failure would en
tor into the estimate which the world would
place upon the education it bestowed. This
feature has now been removed. The people,
through their Leeislature, have endowed
this institution with the interest upon a fund
of $318,500 0i). (invested in United States
and Pennsylvania State six per cent, bonds
payable to it semi-annually. Last year this
interest amounted to $25,642 78. The res
idue of the fund, $43,8S6 50, has been ap
propriated, under the law, by the trustees,
to the purchase of three model and experi
mental farms; one at the college, in Centre
county, for $8,000 00. one jn Chester coun
ty for $17,750 00, and one in Indiana coun
ty for $18,136 50. The board has also re
cent'y re organized the faculty and remod
eled the course cf studies, so as to adapt
them to the wants of the agricultural com
munity. This new order of things goes in
to operation at the commencement of the
next session, and it is earnestly hoped it will
be a success. There is no profession, trade
or calling in life, where the value of knowl
edge and the lights ot science, and the
practical application of both, are so potent
tor profitable results as in their adaptation
to agricultural pursuit 3. And in this truly
practical ace it is well worthv of the consid
eration parents, whether they should not
avail themselves of the benefits of this insti
tution, now so generously eodowed by the
State.
MILITARY.
From the report of the Adjutant General
you will learn the condition of the Military
Department. The inactivity in military af
fairs after the cessation ot hostilities and
upon tbe return of peace, has in a great
measure been dispelled, and an active mar
tial spirit now prevails througout the State;
more particularly in Philadelphia, where, by
a special legislative enactment, the mini
mum number of men required to form a
company has been reduced, and a brigade
fund is raised by a tax upon those who are
not members of a military organization, but
liable to the performance of military duty.
I recommend the passaze of a similar law
for the whole State. For the sake of pre
serving the great interests involved, which
include the lives, property and happiness of
our people, this is presented to you as an
important subject for your deliberation.
Avery possible encouragement of volun
teers has been afforded, and notwithstan
ding the difficulties indicated it has resulted
as follows: In 1866 there were eight volun
teer companies in the State; in 1867, thirty-eight;
and in 1868, seventy-seven, and
t number of others in preparation for organ
ization. By a reduction of the number for a com
pany from that now required to an aggre
gate of fifty officers and men, companies
would soon be numbered by the hundred, any
of which could easily ba recruited to the
maxium number if required for active ser
vice. The State that always maintains the
highest degree of preparation, accomplishes
most and suffers least in the conflict of
arms; and by being in readiness it often
prevents improper encroachments upon her
rights.
The Adjutant General presents a full and
detailed statement of the disbursments in
his department during the 'ear ending Nov.
30, 1868, with an estimate for the necessa
ry appropriations for the current year, and
also for such amounts a have been discov
ered to be due from the Transportation De
partment, contracted during the war.
STATE AGENCY.
The existence of the Military State Agen
cy at Washington terminated on the 31st,
day of July last, at which time the appro
priation for the payment of its expenses was
exhausted. Much beneDt resulted to many
of the soldiers of our State, and their reDre-
sentatives, from this office, in which their
just dues Irom the United Mates Govern
ment were collected and transmitted to them
free of charge. In Aueust, after the aeen
cy ceased to exist, there still remained a
considerable number ot unsettled claims,
and as no one knew more about their con
dition, or could possibly obtain an earlier
settlement ot them than the late agent, CoL
Cook, I permitted him, upon his own offer,
to close up the business of the office, and to
transact any other business for the soldiers
of Pennsylvania at one half the fees that
are cbartred by any other private acencv in
Washington City. This arrangement has
thus far been carried out. and I am pleased
to add, with very general satisfaction. All
the books and papers of the agency will be
transferred to the oniee ot the Adjutant Gen
eraL
REGISTRY LAW.
At the last session of the Legislature an
act was passed known as the "IieKistrvLaw."
the intention of which was to protect the
ballot-box against corruption and fraudulent
voting, to which it has tor many years been
disgracefully exposed. This law seems to
have been so delective in some of its crovis'
ions as to have received the condemnation
of a majority ot the Supreme Court, by
Which it was pronounced incongruous and
unconstitutional." At the election immedi
ately after this decision, it is alleged that
frauds were perpetrated, surpassing in mag
nitude, perhaps, any that have been consu
mated heretofore in the history of the Com
monwealth. These frauds have demonstra
ted the necessity ot the passage of some law
or laws,. that will accomplish the desired ob
ject, without being subject to the exception
able features pointed out by the learned sen
tlemen who pronounced the opinion of the
Supreme bench.
There is no object of such vital import
ance to tbe whole country as the sanctity of
tbe ballot-box, and the protection ot all cit
izens in their right to the elective franchise
1 his right is our proudest boasc. It eniiows
the American citizen with a freedom and a
power not possessed by the subject of any
other government. It makes him the peer
of his fellow man, whatever may be his rank
st-tion, or position in life. To be deprived
of it by any means whatever, his boasted
freedom becomes a sham his especial and
exalted prerogative a mockery and a farce.
What avails it to the citizen that he is en
titled to a vote, i: that vote is to be nullified
by fraud ? Such guards, then, should be
thrown around the polls is will effectually,
if possible, preserve them from the taint of
a single illegal vote. Not otily should false
voting be severely punished, but false swear
itg to obtain a vote, be visited wit h the
pains and penalties ot perjury and with per
pctual disfranchisement.
The people must be oerfectlv free to rer
ulate their public business iu their own way
and when the voice of the majority is fairly
and clearly expressed all should bow to it as
to the voicf of uod. lneyare the sover
eign rulers, and their will must be the law
of tho land. Corruption of suffrage in a re
publican government is the deadliest crime
that can bo perpetrated ;;it is assassination of
the sovreignty ot the people, and will be
followed by a despotism, the motive power
of which will be uioney and perjury. And
if this privilege be tampered with, sooner
or later the sure and indignant popular con
demnation will be rendered and condign pun
ishment administered. All good citizons.of
whatever political opinion, should lend their
aid tor the accomplishment ot any andv
ery measure that may teud to secure to each
voter, uot only his right to the elective fran
chise, but the assurance that his vote will
not be rendered valueless by illegality, cor
ruption or fraud.
Every proper facility for the naturaliza
tion of citizens of foreign birth should be af
forded ; but the Legislature, in its con bin
ed wisdom, can surely enact some mode to
prevent the possibility of a single vote be
ing cast upon spurious naturalization papers,
and thus fully secure the purity of the elec
tive franchise.
REVISION OP THE CIVIL COIE.
The commissioners appointed to codify the
statute laws of the State have diligently
prosecuted the work assigned them, and
with every prospect that it will be fully com
pleted within the time preseribed by the
legislative resolutions ot April 8, 1868 ; and
in further compliance with them, they will
cause to be laid before each branch of the
General Assembly, at its present session,
various titles of bills, with brief abstracts
of the several sections of each, which have
been matured.
INSURANCE DEPARTMENT.
Among the subjects of importance to the
citizens ot Pennsylvania is the establish
ment of an Insurance Department. Such
departments are in successful operation in
several neighboring States, by means of
which the interests of insurers are guarded
and promoted. So careful a supervision is
had over the transactions of insurance conu
panies that frauds are rendered almost im
possible, and spurious companies can have
no existence. The result of the protection
thus afforded, is, that whilst foreign com
panies, thus protected, do immense business
in this State, so little confidence is had in
those of Pennsylvania that their business is
almost entirely confined within the Slate
limits; and lately some of them have with
drawn their agencies from other States, be
cause no risks will be taken, in consequence
of the inadequacy of the laws to afford pro
tection to insurers. To this defect, more
over, may be attributed tbe operations of
the number of worthless companies which
have suddenly sprung up, without any solid
basU, and as suddenly expired, to the injury
of all whose confidence they obtained, and
to the dishonor of the Commonwealth.
Whilst Pennsylvania insurance companies
transact little business outside of the State,
it is alleged that foreign life insurance com
panies alone paid taxes last year on three
million eight hundred thousand dollars ot
premiums received in Pennsylvania, a great
portion of which would be confined to this
State if the same protection was given by
law to it citizens as is afforded by other
States. Thereport of the Insurance Depart
ment o: New York, published in 1867, shows
that the companies which were doin bu-i-nos
in 1866, in Pennsylvania, and alsoin(
NeV York, had risks in force for more than
five thousard million of dollars; and it is
believed that the risks in Pennsylvania com
panies, which, for want of a rroper Insur
ance Department, cannot be obtained, would
swell the amount to over six thousand mil
lion. In view of these facts, and of the costly
experience of the people who have. been im
posed upon and defrauded by unsubstantial
and ephemeral companies, I repeat the rec
conimendation made to the Legislature at
its last session, that an insurance Depart
ment be established, and a superintendent
appointed by law, who shall have supervis
ion and control over all insurance companies
allowed to transact busiuess within the State,
aud annually publish, under oath, full re
ports of their transactions. The communi
ty is deeply interred ted in this matter, and
demands the protection which can thus only
be afforded.
NEW HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE;
The commissioners appointed by an act ot
the last session "to establish an - additional
State Hospital for the Insane," have noti
fied me that they will present a report of
their proceedings sometime during tne pres
ent month, which will be communicated
when received.
DAMAGES BY RAIDSl
In accordance with an act of the last ses
sion, providing for an investigation and ad
judication of the claims of citizens of sev
eral counties "whose property was destroy
ed, damaged or appropriated for the public
service, and in the common defence in the
war to suppress the rebellion:," a commission
of three competent gentlemen was appoint
ed, who have performed the allotted duties,
and will soon make a full report of their
transactions.
TARIS EXPOSITION.
I have received through the Secre'ary of
State of the United States, a bronze medal
and diploma from the Imperial Commission
ers for the best specimens of Pennsylvania
anthracite coal exhibited at the Paris Expo
sition in 1867. These tributes to an impor
tant branch of the internal resources of
Pennsylvania have bean assigned a place
among other valuable relics in the Executive
Chamber.
STATE COAT OF ARMS.
Diligent but unsuccessful search has been
reeated!y made for the coat of arms of the
State, and for the authority under which
the present design was established. It seems
that for years past no trace of either the
original authority or design could anywhere
be found, and it is recommended that the
Logi-laturc take the necessary steps to sup
ply the omission, by such means as they in
their wisdom shall determine.
STATE BENEFICIARIES.
A number of benevolent, charitable and
other similar institutions annually receive
appropriations from the StatJ for their sup
port. These appropriations, in most, if not
in all cases, appear to have been adequate
for the purposes to which it was intended
they should be applied, and at e as liberal as
can reasonably be expected in the present
condition of the Treasury ot the State.
THE SUSQUEHANNA FISHERIES.
A preliminary report on the Susquehanna
fisheries has been submitted by Col. James
Worrall, Civil Engineer, Commissioner un
der the act of the Legislature in reference
thereto. There are some facts which should
be embodied in the report, but which'can
not be ascertained until early in January.
Permission has therefore been granted to
the Commissione', at his request, to' post
pone the submission of his regular report
until the earliest day practicable during the
present month.
CATTLE DISEASE.
The prevalence of contagious or epidemic
diseases among cattle and other animals has
for some years past been a prolific source of
anxiety and alarm am in.; the producers and
consumers of meats in many of the States.
it was therefore deemed important to a con
vention of competent persons to take into
consideration- the means best calculated to
remedy this great and growing evil. This
convention, composed of three commission
erseach from the fourteen Slates represent
ed, appointed in accordance mth an a 'Tee
ment by the several Governors.assemble 1 at
Springfield, Illinois, on the first day of De
cember last, and an account ot their transac
tions is herewith presented.
Without legislative authority, but believ
ing my action would be sanctioned by the
people s representatives, I appointed Dr.
Hiram Corson and Messrs. Humes
and A. Boyd Hamilton, commissioners to
represent Fonnsylvania in that convention.
These gentlemen freely gave their time and
experience, and also incurred a pecuniary ex
pense of about three hundred dollars, to de
fray which I reccommend that an appropri
ation be made.
STATISTICS.
In view of the vast amount and great va
riety of the products of the Sure, a desk
for the collection of statistics, relative to
exports and imports, agriculture, manufac
tures. coal, iron, oil, lumber, &c, might, with
propriety and profit be establishe-J. This
could be accomplished by the employment
of a competent clerk, under the supervision
of one of the present heads of the depart
ment, whose duty should be to collect and
publish such facts as might tend to stimu
late 8nd increase our productive energies,
instil -new life and vigor into our manufac
turing interests, and lead to more accurate
knowledge ot a!l our internal resources and
the proper methods for their development.
There is abundantspace in the capitol build
ings to be appropriated as a receptacle for
books, papers, mineralogical and geological
specimens, and other articles that might be
contributed appropriate to such a depart
ment and which in a few years would form
an invaluable collection. Under legislative
direction, the good results would be almost
incalculable, and are required by the pro
gressive spirit of the age in which we live.
RESOLUTIONS OF THE VERMONTLEGISLATCRE
Your attention is called to the accompany
ing joint resolations, passed at the last ses
sion of the Vermont Legislature, bearing a
just tribute to the late llon.Thad. Stevens.
Joint resolutions Irom the same body are
also sent you, which I regard as worthy of
your consideration, relative to the act of
Congress to establish and protect .National
Cemeteries," and recommending "to the
Legislasure of the State of Pennsylvania the
passage of an act empowering the board of
commissioners havingchargeof the Soldiers'
National Cemetery at Gettysburg, to trans
fer all the right, title, interest and care of
said Soldiers National Cemetery to the
General Government, upon the completion
ot the same."
IX MEMORIAH.
It has been the misfortune of the State
during the past year ro lose by death two of
her representatives in the Congress of the
nation, Hon. ThaddeusStevens,of :he Ninth,
and Hon. Darwin A. Finney, of the Twen
tieth District. Both were natives of Ver
mont.butin early life selected Pennsylvania
for their home, and identified themselves
with her interests, which they wore chosen
to guard in the Legislature; and the people
nf the Commonwealth will long remember
with gratitude their faithful and efficient
services. The first went down to his grave
after a long life of public usefulness and jn
well matured honors; the other in the prime
of manhood, which gave promise of a scarce
ly Jess brilliant career. .
PARDONS.
The list of pardons issued during the past
yeitr Wiii' bi found among the papers to
which your attention is called. The princi
pal reasous upon which they werebased,and
the names of some of the prominent peti
tioners, are given in every case. That a tew
of these pardons may have been unworthily
granted, through misrepresentations ot rel
atives, friends, sympathizing neighbors and
other interested parties, there is no doubt,
but in the majority of instances it is certain
that the facts not ony justified but demand
ed Executive e'emeucy.
The' Whole number ot applications for par
dons during the year has been sixteen hun
dred and twenty-three. The number of
Eardons granted in that time has been one
undred and six, which is a little over six
and a halt per cent. Of those pardoned
about five per eerit. have been again brought
before the courts in consequence of their
return to the commission of crime.
I am fully impressed with the weighty
responsibility of the pardoning power,which
ranks among tbe most difficult and embar
rassing duties of the Executive offiee. Daily
beset with powerful and1 pitiful importuni
ties, as well as conflicting representations,
from those in whom he should be enabled to
place the fullest confidence, in order t. avoid
errors in the decision td any case, the Gov
ernor is compelled to take into consideration
the action of the court before which the
convict has been tried; the majesty of the
law which may or may not have been Viola
ted ; the condition of the prisoner; his
temptation to err; the injury that may be
inflicted upon his helpless and dependent
relatives, and the arguments aud appeals of
citizens whose opinions and wishes he is
bound to res,- ect. And however just bis
decision and humane and generous his ac
tion, either ia favor of or against the peti
tioner for clemency, he must expect to have
his motives impugned, his name and char
acter maligned. and to suffer virulent attacks
for the exercise of this most important and
merciful prerogative.
The pardon report will exhibit that many
instances in which Executive clemency has
been invoked, youthful prisoners, charged
with their first offences, and those of a tri
vial character, have been the recipients. The
object ot punishment, in all cases, should
not be so much to inflict pain as to reform
the sufferer and prevent tho repetition of
evild-jeds. This fact is frequently lost sightol
in imposing punishment upon criminals, es
pecially when inexperienced youthsare shut
up in closecellswith men hardened in crime,
where its arts are daily taught and a ro
mance thrown around its commission. In
stead of being improved, they come forth
at the expiration of their terms of sentence
with the loss of self-respect, their moral
sentiments blunted, and prepared to prac
tice upou society tbe infamous lessons they
have learned. Such punishments tend to
increase rather than lessen the quantity of
crime. When houses of correction and
reformatories are constructed, or a proper
system of confinement and prison discipline
is adopted, there will be a material decrease
ot crime, and comparatively few cases to
demand the exercise of the pardoning power.
COMMUTATION OF SENTENCES.
There are confined in the Philadelphia
county prison the following named convicts,
under sentence of death, for whose execution
warrants ba ve not been issued : Edward Ford,
sentenced May 12, 1851 ; Jerry Dixon, May
30, 1863; Newton Champion, December 1,
1866, aud Alfred Alexander aud Hester
Yauphn, July 3, 1868. Successive Govern
ors, for satisfactory" reasons, have declined
to order the execution of these persons. The
law requires that they shall be executed in
accordance with theseutence,uncoiid;tiouaily
pardoned, or held in close confinement in tbe
county jail during life. The latter punish
ment, with the additional embittermunt con
stantly preying upon tbe mind that a death
warrant may at any moment be issued, is,
Eerhaps, the severest that could be inflicted,
t would be both just aud merciful to give
the Governor authority to commute the sen
tence of death in the above named cases to
imprisonment, at labor, in the penitentiary,
for such a term ot years as the ameliorating
circumstances may seem to justify and de
mand. One of the convicts named has been
imprisoned about eighteen years, and al
though it might not be advisable to set him
arlibeity, humanity and the ends of justice
require the commutation of hi sentence in
the manner suggested.
CONCLUSION.
The foregoing subjects have been deemed
ot sufficient importance to submit at the
present time for your information aud con
sideration. Others may cccur before tbe
close of the session which may be worthy of
special communications. It w.d be my con
slant care and determination to co-operate
with you in the prosecution of any measures
that may tend to preserve and increase tbe
prosperity of the State and the happiness
of its people, with the firm belief that yonr
united wisdom will aim constantly to pro
mote these desirable results.
Many of the events that have transpired
since my kst annual communication to the
Legislature have r een unusually interesting
and significant. They have been infinitely
more than political, and bear directly upon
tbe great interests and most sacred destinies
ot the nation. Apart from the vindication
of the principles of tbe party which sus
tained the government and the army during
the contest lor the preservation of the Union,
and the election to the Presidency of the
first soldier of the age, U the fact that the
people have by triumphant majorities forev
er settled our controversy upou certain fun
dameutal principles. Parties may and un
doubtedly will arise upon other issues, but
there can be no future struggle about slavery.
Involuntary servitude, as a monopoly of
labor, is forever destroyed. Ihe monster
obstacle to the national progress has been
removed, and henceforward all the faculties
ot our people can be developed "without let
or hindrance. The fair and exuberantly
fertile States of the South, heretofore com
paratively retrogressive and unproductive,
relieved from this terrible curse, with tre
influx of northern immigration and capital,
will soon become the rivals of their northern
sister States in all the arts of peace, and ad
ditional markets will be developed in which
to exchange the varied products ot the here
tofore hostile sections.
Hardlv less magical has been the effect
upon other nations. Gen. Grant's election
has confirmed the hopes ot our nation s
friends, and the fears ot its foes in the Old
World. It supplements and seals the ver
dict of arms and the progress of republican
principles. The downfall of the rebellion
in the United Slates was quickly followed by
the great civil revolution in England ; tbe
Ceaceful expulsion of the last of the Bour
ons from Spain ; the unrest of Cuba; the
concession of more liberal principles in Ger
many; and the necessary acquiescence of
the F.rnnerorof the French in the republi
can sentiments he fears even as he has be
trayed them. What are these but the ecn-
oes of the dire catastrophe that has otfr
whetAied sristoeracy in the United StaUa?
. Notwithstanding the importance of the
issues involved in the late canvass, and the
bitterness of feeling as well as the earnest
ness with which it was conducted, its termi
nation has happily met with the acquiescence
of nearly the whole people; and at no time
in the history of the nation has there been
opened before us a brighter prospect of con
tinued peace and increasing prosperity; and
we have uo greater cause for universal con
gratulation than that no differences of opin
ion now exist that can materially mar our
national happiness, retard our onward pro
gress, or threaten the peace or perpetuity of
our goteromcut,
In conclusion, permit me to remark thai
the voice ol Pennsylvania, as well that of
majority of the States, has at the ballot-box
proclaimed to the world that all our nation
al indebtedness, no matter bow heavy the
burden, will be paid according to "the let
ter and spirit" of the agreements made and
entered into at the time the debt was con
tracted ; and that in this as in all other re
spects our individual and national honor
'"must and hhall be preserved :" that we
are determined by ail honorable means in
our power to secure ample encouragement
and piotection to each and every branch of
Home Industry, and every manly enterprise
that contributes capital, labor, skill and in
dustry to our material wealth, social ad
vancement and political tranquility ; that
for all our citizens, the children of the Com
monwealth, being also citizens of the Uni
ted States, wedcruand the fullest protection,
and in their rights aud privileges wherever
they may go within tbe national jurisdiction
or in foreign lands ; and that whilst our fi
nancial policy shall be such as to maintain
untrammelled our national credit, it is to be
hoped that it may at thesame time, be such
as will permit and sanction the construction
ot the great railways now in progress and
stretching out their giant arms to grasp the
mighty commerce ot the Pacific, to develop
the untold resources of weatlh in the inter
vening territories, and to connect the most
distant portions of our country in a common
union, not only with iron bands, but by the
still stronger and more indissoluble ties of a
common interest and a common brotherhood.
To lessen tlu burdens of the people, and
to keep the expenses of the State as ntarly
as possible within tbe limits of its absolute
necessities, will always be among the chief
objects of wise aud just legislation. Let us,
then, with a due sense of our obligationa
and high resposibilities, endeavor so to dis
charge our duties as to secure the greatest
good of the community and merit the appro
bation of Him by whom our Commonwealth
has been so abundantly blessed.
Jan. 6, 1869. John W. GlARY.
QUEEN OF ENGLAND SOAP.
QUEEN OF ENGLAND SOAP.
QCKEX OP EKGLARB SOAF.
For doing a family washing in tb bait n
cheapest manner. Uoaranteed eqnal to any ia
the world ! Has all the strength of old rosin soap
with the mild and lathering qualities of genuine
castile Try this splendid t-oap. Sold by Ihe
ALDfcN CHEMICAL WORKS. 48 Kortb Front
street. Philadelphia. Sep. 9. l68-ly.
J P. K II A T 25 E R ,
Clearfield, Penn'a,
Dealer ia Pry Goods. Dress Goods. Millinery
Gools. Groceries. Hard-ware, Qneens-ware, Stone
ware, Clothing. Boots. Fboes, iiats. Caps. Flour,
Bacon. Fish. Salt, etc., is constantly receiring new
supplirs from tbe cities, which ba will dispose oi
at the lowest market prices, to customers. Before
purchasing elsewhere, examine his stock.
Clearfield, August 28, 1S6T.
pURNITURE ROOMS.
jOHJN GUELICH,
Desires to inform bis old friends and customers
that, having enlarged bis shop and increased bis
facilities for manufacturing, he is now prepared
to make to order such furniture as may ba desir
ed, in good style and at cheap rates for cash. Be
mostly has on hand at his -'Furniture Rooms,"
a varied assortment of furniture, among which is
BUREAUS AND SIDEBOARDS.
Wardrobes and Book-cases; Centre, Sofa, Parlor,
Breakfast and Dining extension Table.
Common, French-posts, Cottage, Jenny-land
and other Bedsteads.
SOFAS OF ALL KTWDSi, WORK-STANDS, HAT
HACKS, WASH-STAKDS, Ae.
Spring-seat. Cain-bottom, and Parlor Chain;
And common and other Chair.
LOOKING-GLASSES
Of every description on band, and new glaaaea for
oid frames, which will be put in on very
rDa"o!e terms, onrhort notice.
He also keeps on hat J. or furnish to order. Hair,
Corn-husk, Hair and Cotton top Mattresses.
COFFIMS, OF EVERY KIAD,
Made to order, and funerals attended with
Hearse, whenever desirable.
Also, House painting done to order.
The above, and many other articles are furnished
to customers cheap for cash or exchanged for ap-
L roved country produce. Cherry. Maple. Poplar
in-wood and other Lumber suitable for the easi
ness, taken in exchange for fnixitur.
Remember the shop is on Marcet street. Clear
field, and nearly opposite the "Old Jew Store "
December ISftl JOHN GUELICH
OTHER BIG "FLOP!"
r. joa-ssow. : : : : : : j. . bailct.
Some two months ago it was formally announced
that Pennville was "Kight side up."
Recent events bave proven the announcement
pietnatura. Another "Flop" recently occurred,
aad chief among the improved, "interesting, and
important1' phases presented, is the one portray
ing TUB SEW, LAHGZ, AUD CoMMOOIOCS 6lO)
HoDSB, Of
JOHNSON & BAILEY
who bave just returned from tbe East with a -targ-t
and artfully fleeted UrJt of uuntUi
cood of greater variety, and of better quality,
than have heretofore been offered in thi eetion
of tbe county. Call at tb New 5 tor KeudU,
and yoa will find :
Dry Goods and Groceries,
nats, Caps. Boots and Shoes,
Hard ware, Queens-ware, Hollow
ware, Wood and Stone-ware, Drugs, Oils,
Paints and Varni.-hes, Glass, Putty,
Head.- i ide Clothing, Clocks,
Confectionary, Cheese, Hour,
Fish, and Provisions generally. Onr stock f
Hardware mil bear xnrpertion, as it is fall and of
the kf't fuattf Our stock of Boots and She
is unequalled in quality and low price
To he ladies, we would say we intend ta make
k Vntinn and Dress department worthy their
patronage Articles not on band will b specially
n nit onr ruFtorocrs.
Tbestriking feature in tbe "Flop," and tb on
we would keep before the people Is, tw tt
low pbice at WBirn wbabb sLLra. Tbe pub
lie ar invited to gi n a eail. Bring on year
Produce, yoer Board. Shingle. Grain, Park,
Butter. Eggs. Dried Apples.Rags. 4e. Onr motto.
HCnArETBBT. JOHKSON BAILET.
Pennville. Augwst SR. 187.
G
ROCERfES th cheapest in tbe'enantv. at
May 29. MOPSOP'S.
COAL. Whale, and Linseed MI, Family Dyea,
Varnish aad Paints of all kTtru ground ia Oil,
for sale by HARTS WICK IHWIJT.
i
i
If