sr rw~ isumMmeM rwrnerrl
To Ihuil In hg added [he unan- ‘
men! 0! 1846. which nt‘rording In, .. .a ‘
tho but ulimmu, ml! yu-ld n I .1
mg“ revenue. our: dram-ling ul- ' . ‘ i
low-nee: for u-wonm-u uf cullcm R ,5 . 5
lion and uonernlium 0! 61.180300 00
Mlking an nygrrgnlo of 2054541 50
If Imm mi- nggn-gnlc uc nlmlnrl Ibo
‘ nlimaléd rolleminm from Ilwno
sédtcrg'during mo your 1846. ' l 300 000 no
‘ "'l'h'c‘ dlfl'ounco. ‘ $754544 50
will be gholclfimmgd nmounl of lnxcn, wfifiich. on
'lh-‘lrioocomborJ46, WI” romuih uni-landing
' ‘lboih “20.000 00 lest lhnn wnn Outstanding
on the {II div at December. 1845. " \
When to the uductiuna.-thuo to take plnco, ilLlho
~otultutding 1110 l within llto cuf- ~
,nnt nu. $120,009 00
we add I!» difference between the ‘
billnco in the Tronnttry, on tho ' I
'III (11, ofDocombor. 1845. and tho
alimilsd balance in the ’l‘rcnuu
I, on the In 0' Der. 1846.
we am" at. an aggregate reduction
oflhu. lwo ilcml. with") the lil
cal year, ending 30th Nov. 1845 nl 8416296 09
From lhil View oftho Itthjcrt It in uppnrcnt that
the unumont for the your 1846, on real and per
lonll‘ollltu. and tho roVenucl of Ilm ycnr proper.
durinblo lfom all other sources. lakun taken tugc~
"I". Will be insufficient to meal the «lomnntls up-
On the Treasmy. during the sumo pvriml. lny tho
mm of $416,296 09; and that in supplying llto
doficiéncy tho bnlunco in the Treasury. on Ihe In!
orDeMmber. 1846, will have hoon reduced to $BB.-
590 00. and lho urroun ofoutamndmg taxes to the
sum 0! 8754.544 50. It in plain. therefore. that
our prawn! finnncinl system is inndcquulo to sup
ply lhq moam of meeting nll the demands on the
’l‘nasury, except whon nidod from tho hnlnfirc
which had nccumulnlcd before ”no payment of in
total! was, renamed, and by collecliunl from the
nrrearngol allure: of format years—both of which
mll soon be oxhuu-ted.
lam constrained to add. that all these the French Creek Font“. “we all gut)-
calculations and estimates. pro-suppose stantially finisher] “hi-ti Governor Wolt
that. the demands on the Treasury will left the Exerutivc Chair; and the sum ol
not be permitted to transcend their ordin- $344,619 09. was all that remained to he
ary limits. and that no appmpriatioris will paid [or completing them.
be made by the legislature to new objects. The State had reached a point in her
'1 home.” not anticipated, because t" ”I? improvement system. at which she could
present state oi the finances. every new have su-pended operations without loss
appropriation may well be regsrtlctl. not The scheme of direct taxation. to pay the
as a grant of money unincumbeml in the interest, on the State loans, which had
TI'NSWYo but will" 39 3" abstraction 0t been introduced under Governor \anf‘s
tunds. specifically appropriated already. administration, was arlmunishing the pen
and rightfully belonging to the public chtl- tile oi the incnnveuiencn ot a public (lebl.
itorl. Every thing indicated that the further pro-
The deficit in our means, under exist- areas of our State improvements was to be
ir-g laws, presents tor the deliberation 0t deterred. till time had tested the produc~
the General Assembly, a topic of parti- tiveness of the finished works, and the to
mount importance. ltmay boremenibered creasing developemcnt of our resources
that. in the month ot January last. l Ox- had invited and justified their further ex
pressed the opinion, iii an Executive mes- tension.
“3" "MP!" finances had not ”‘9“ rench- It was, at this time. that the act of 18th
ed a condition to enable us. permanently. February. 1836, was passed. entitled. u“,
find u once. '0 ”5“?” payment 0‘ "l" lull act to repeal the State tax on real and per
interest on 0'" ”bl"? debt. lregret ill“ sonsl property. and to continue and ex
subsequent examinations and 'refiection, tend the improvements of the Sum. by
have “Otv‘PCT'mllCd "'9 l° believe that l Railroads and Canals. and to charter al
111 the“ in etror. ,BM ”“3 l‘°fl"‘°“ve State Bank. to be called the United States r
action on the question 'has chaogtd the Bank." The f”. tectian "f this ac. m.
cull” ”P 9“ 0‘ our duties, and rendered scintled the system of taxes, which had j
it “'9'”! to revert '0 former "‘3'” ”I no" been devised for the protection of the pub- ‘
icy. Th. payment of interest 0" the “’9' lie credit—while. by other sections. more ‘
dttl debt 0 the Commonwealth “m" m then two million» til dollars to be received
“Ct "Wméd 0“ the latotFebruary,lB4s. from the Bank. were appropriated at once
By that act. the Slim 89'9““ her PW" to the prosecution at Company Worke. Itttl
CM ability to “‘3“ her engagements 3 and the commencement of new ones. under the
it must be 0‘" care ”will" Plath?”- "H” direct charge of the State. To enable the
renewed. be “Ol “33'“ vtolated. “l? ”e" Commonwealth to consummate this wild
slit. fidelity and honor 0‘ P”""'3l"‘."'°- “H extension of improvements. six millions of
demand, that, ltCMClO'Wlnlr the "“9"“ dollars were promised as a permanent loan ;
00 it" public debt shall be punctually and to the Stale,at an interest at four per cent. ‘
full! Pal‘L , and other loans at the same rate were to
HefllOtON- we “"3“ have pleaded the be made, when required, to the amount ofl
unexpected failure 0' the Depository Bank one million of dollars annually. Under
oi the State. ‘ [3" d 3!” before the interest the impulse of this act. (and the influences
was psdyabte, and when the moneys appro- which effected m "Mango. . new 59“”
t‘tl'llte t 9 1“ discharge were accumulated oi improvements were begun at once. all
ll! h“ vaults,—tlle sudden destruction m at which. after the expenditure oi many
value 0! nearly the entire currency ingen- millions. no“, forming part of the public
"ll use—the Pm"""““ _°[ '"dwldunl debt, and the cause ot increased taxation, ‘
credits and the deep and u"“’"“' Pew" have been abandoned by the State. and l
l"! embarrassment .0' the Pcnl’l" “'9‘ have passed. most of then, into the hands ‘
now, 3" are prospering—the currency " of companies. which have paid no consid
restored to a good degree of soundness— "m“ for them.
in" ruenuesjstcm, though "11-l imperfect. It even seems that the State has not on-
Mag-really increased 1.“ effectiveness and ly limited its gratuities to the works thus
certainty—enterprize is renewed, and the commenced. The Beaver division, anti
people. hfpp] ”1 :helrlmz‘l'lul'gm' and the Wyoming line. on the North Branch.
confident m themse 'fl' °~O tot eappto embracing forty-three miles of Canal in
~Propl’tlte action of the legislature to make actual use and the French Creek Feed".
provision to satisfy'the'public wants. . costing tn‘gether 31,222 927 Bt. and a“
. The present period 'B' m truth, the crt- of themflm’alted in 1835. have been given
sis of our aflaira. Prompt and efl'sctive . d l h S
to make a moderate addi away to companies,‘an 8"" i ° late
Hunt" WW, 'II ‘ ‘ P with a less extended system of improve
."o" "3.“! revenue, wr res are 0 enn- merits now. than it had when the Bank ol
'1'?!"“' for ‘H- future time, that proud the. United States was chartered.
men'lmm “huh she has temporarily The progress of these works was mark
' 5"” snade m stoop,-by a course 0‘ policy ed by the declining credit 0! the State
‘5“ “9'" met the approval 0‘ her people. until after the mast des erste resorts tilt:
Bot the addition must be made at once.— | 't p _' .
. as c 0 another suspension to the banks in
Unless the estimates that have been pre- .
y i. - 1840, and a loan in 1841. by the State to
sentedyshsll prove essentially erroneous. . . . . '
V . . herself.by the device of issuing relrel notts
the balsncem the 'lreasury, on the first it ..
. - ie proclaimed bankruptcy of the Coni
°l December. 18‘6' m“ not exceed one monweaith forcibl arrested them
hundred thousand dollars. it is. there- But ‘he cvit drty ‘ t l 'Wh
t bvious that it the receipts at the ' l"0s 0p '"e' 9"
ore,o '. ' the works were abandoned. the State was
Tressury,duriog the months of December, a . o
~ larnciy indeb ed to the contractors. whose
18‘6' "‘d January. ”47' do "0‘ greatly claims Were re'ardeti as of ' '
; . n V primary obit
exceed the receipts 0‘ the corresponding gation. To satist them a law was ass
months of any preceding year. when the ed re . . .7 i P
. . quiriug the sale of the Bank stock.
amount of outstanding taxes was great“ and other stocks which were owned bv the
then it will be then, it deficit must. occur .. . ~
in the means of the 'l'reoaiirv to pay the State. those stocks. which had cost the
interest. which will becomé'due on the Irc?s""r"c.:.rl7 54'200'000' "3;." d“ a
“let February. 1847. The necessity oi m?” I'.” rpl “"139 "‘0'2‘2235 mile; we I"
.4he-sdoption otqimtnediuta and efiicrenl a"m In" no“? "m 8 ' '0 ' _ ,
measures.,.t9‘guard “gm,“ a resultwhicli However painful these recollections of
. would be so fatal lathe renewed faith and PCC““'?'.7 '9“ may be. "to"! “We atten
honor of the State. cannot be “,0 strongly d‘ant Circumstances oi graver and more
.enfurcetl upon the attention of the Legis momentous concern to tho'palrtot. A new
latore.' element of power found its way into our
..: ._ Intimately connected with the subjeat elections. The elective franchise was vi
olvour finances. is that of the Banking 5,3. olated anti abused—tho declarations of the
‘tem of the State. The evils that have re- ttubiic will wore disregarded and defied,
suited from the manner in which it has and the very existence of our free institu
‘tie'eri administered.and some otth‘ose more. tions was menaced with revolution and
essentially connected with its organization dutructitttt- l allude to the memorable
and tendencies. have been felt by nth—s Friais ot‘lB3B, when a direct attempt was
:Yet. it may well be doubled. whether me made. by the leaders of a minority, to us-
A «an. of the mischicls- which it ltutmti- “It! the government.aod to substitute their
sted,‘liave been traced bacit to their fruit- dlcltttton for "the voice of the majority of
fut add pernicious cause. ‘ Not only has the people.
:36 Qsiitn'ulsted- indwidusts .to rain. .but . these scenes had, their origin. beyond
- States'liave been led by it's seductive and doubt, it) a lpltitzof-Lfbcklcgg_coyfidenco in
'4 I "f,
corrupting influences. into a course nlleld
extravagance, and ,consoqugnt bank—HP"
:cy'-":;Pub|it: debts‘ llmre becnjcontrac'ted.‘
.evenfthc» interest ot; “hiétifirnttld "VF”!
{be mctv‘rbv the rims}. OWN“ taXatrnn;
uhiltr, inoiln-r caries; the liiitlt of the KOV'
e.nrnent, which ought alnuya to be he”
sacred, has been vrulated In time at pro
found peace. - _ _
'l‘lie ttltttOl‘y 0! Pennsylvania, since the
beginning ol' the . year 1836. la a painlul
lilna'rl'iOfl of thin truth.‘ In December,
[835, when Governor Wolf retired from
olfice. two mnnthl before the incorpora
tion’ of the Brink of the United Slater. the
State debt ol Pennsylvania was 824,589,
743 32. his now, exclusive ot the a
mount received as a depnsite from the
general governrneu-1,54_0.986,393 22. mn
king an increase ol the State debt, in hit
years, of $16,890.640 00, notwithstand
ing the receipt, in the meantime, 0! 2,2.-
867,5 M 78 of surplus revenue lroni the
United States, and ol $3,446,780 21 in
premiums for lhnlt Charterrl.
In contemplating this startling tact, we.
naturally look round tor the meritorious
objects ol Stale pttllt‘y, fur nliich this m-t
aggregate of twenty-tin) and three quzu lt't‘
millions ul dollars, has been upended.
. “:e find none of an] magnitude. The
main line ol Canal and Railway, liettver-n
Philadelphia nnd l’ittaburg. had been corn
nleted. and tuna |l| successful operntinn.
The Delaware Division, the Suaquehnn'nn
and North Brandi diviai "Hi, to the mouth
oi the Lackamanna. the Want "ranch .ti.
vilioti in Qascm' Run, the Beaver diiis-l
ion to New Castle, the Franklin line, and
$296396 09
x W}. I
the power n‘nd.cutriifilingjqfluence of mo
oka- w control the Sim-42302.2:
”Apart tron'fit» so.p’b'liticnl‘congitlt't’dtinné
'lhe Influellt‘cftlr a .E'filiateil p‘anét‘syutem
upon the genefnl and-ordinary inn-feats of
“1,8. is haneftii uml pernicmus. Hitherto.
thele hua‘virtunllv been nothing in the or.-
{ganizatiun ul baniu to lunit the exu'nt nnd
define the character of thclr ngtlo'n, but
the discretion 0! the directors. A lew in
dividuals, constituting the efficient pnrtiun
0f the Bumnls ofmann'gemcnt. are, in fact,
the depositoricu of thiu dilcretmn; and as
in general rule, iubjrt‘t no (luubt to many
honorable cxceptionn, it is exercised with
prihwly. il not exclusive. reierencc tn the
nuppmul interests at the bank.
While business of the country prospers.
and the spirit at speculative" cnlt’t‘pt'i'u: is
stimulated by success. they extend their
accommodations liberally. 81 fill Ihe chan
nels ol circulation with a redundant and
depruVed currency. An unnatural rise
ol prices is the consequence. Importation.
Increase in defiance ol.nny discriminating
tarifl—(‘Xlravugance im'udes till the de.
partments of society—--indefinite credit in
rites to n lhriltle-ts extension of indebted
ness. till. at last. the laws ol trutle, un
changing as those ol nnture. produce rene
tion. and the whole nrtificiul machinery is
CrUrltetl. The people of the country are
indebted to the Clllrh; the cities are in
debted abroad, “here the promises of the
books are not accepted as money; and the
banks are called upon to redeem tltelrnotur
in coin. This they can only do by dram.
ing in their means. tclusing new accorn
modatiunn and presstng their debtors for
payment. The circulation of the country
is suddenly contracted, property is sacri
ficed. in many instances, without reliev‘
ing the debtor; illltl his energies are par.
nltzetl by hopeless insolvency. ‘
Such. within the recent memory ol all
ol us. has been the action of a vitinted
banking system on the faith of the State,
the stability ol her institutions. and the
free energies ol her people. It has taught
us a grievous lesson of suffering; but it
will not have been altogether unproductive
of good. it it has impressed on us the sol
emn and imperialch duty of guarding Ki
zninst a recurrence ol similar evils.
'l'he abuses ol the banking system are
found in many forms; but they are esun
tially the sune in their origin and result;
excessive issues 01 paper. and its conse
quentdeprectstion. To give the pIIWer
ol manufacturing money. yet effectually
l to limit its exerctse, by legislation. is prnc
tically impossible: It Is obvious, that'no
lennctmcnt can absolutely prevent the un
‘lawlul issue of paper by a bank, nhich has
the lawful right to issue any. Returns at
bank officers. however exactly prescribed.
or honestly tnude, gtve no security tor the
periods that elapse between them ; and in
spections of the sflnits'of banks by com
missioners, which have been resorted to in
other States, are apt to induce I danger
ous reliance on the vigilance of such offi
CCfB.
‘ It may be, that the principle of individ—
ual liability for corporate engagements.
which haw recently been inserted in some
of our cha-rtera. may. when properly ex
tended and made more directly operative,
secure not only the creditor from loss. but
the currency from dangerous fluctuations.
The experiment should be fairly made in
the case of every bank that may nit a re
newal of its charter. That its ogreaa
may be the etter tented, I respectfully
recommend tl at the banks be required to
make monthl r urns of their condition.
to the Autlitot neral ; and that thele be
30 arranged. ato present a more complete
and exact vie of their transactions, than
is furnished under the existing law. This
will facilitate the future inquiries of the
Legislature; and the periodical publica
llon of the returns, will secure to such of
the banks, as are legitimately administer
ed, :he reward of their laithfulness. in the
increased confidence nfthe pnb'ic. I need
scarcely add that the claims of the banks
to general confidence should be thorough
ly investigated, and fully ascertained, be
fore their charters are extended.
These recommendations have special
reference to applications from existing
banks. In my judgment the capital nnw
inveltetl in these institutions is amply ail
equate to the business wants of the come
tnuntty. The times do not indicate the
present necessity ofany additional ntimn
toe to the spirit of enterprize. and I can
not allow myself to hazard. by any act of
mine, a possible renewal of the excesses.
which we have witnesaed so recently.
Pennsylvania combines in an eminent
degree the three great elements of individ
ual and national wealth. agriculture, Cum
merce, and manufacturer; and the pursuits
and Industry 0' her people. are profitably
divided unsung them. Her hills 8L moun'
tnim are almost every where filled with
'inexaustible suppliesof iron ore. and min
eral coal; and her vallies abound with wa
ter power {or propelling machinery, in the
midst of the finest agricultural regions.—
Shc has constructed} ut great cost. a line
ol improvements by cannlannd ”I|leer
connecting the waters 0! the Atlantic with
those at the great West; which not only
affords our own=citizen| u cheap and con
venicnt mode'of transporting their pro
duce to market, but also benefits the in
4r}
ternal trade and commerce ol the other
States of the. Union.‘
The North and West Branch Canals,
and the Delaware Division, in connection
\Vllll various improvements owned by com
pahies,“besides opening markets to the
productions'of the, lurmer, by which not
only our own citizens are supplied, but
“SQUID“ of the neighboring and Eastern
States. to the great advantage at both»;
Many parts of the State are rilso lound
roost-{averably adapted to the growing of
W 00" “When! greet staple of national in.
dependence; and the successful applica
.tion of, ,minernl .conl. "Hill‘E-fgfimflallnafll;
i'ron. hon glvcnfj‘héw impq‘tuifatjigittg‘usfi
tnlthis motif unportant ul 'a'll (he branches
rnl;,ttianufabtutca. ‘ ‘" 1: '
It is rial sutpriisitfg. therefore,‘that our
pgople feel a deep anxiety in regard to the
adoption or the change of any policy, on
the part of the federal government, which
may be supposed to aflcct such great in
ten-sn. The regulation oqu; larifl on It"-
ports. at) as to favor the developemcnts of
our tdomeatic renown-5,1101! give Intisluc-1
tion to the valioul parts of lhc Union. has
long boon d vexed and exciting ques
tion. In influences for gout or evil, have
no doubt been greatly exaggerated in dif
ferent sectionsof the country. The true
policy of thu’nntion would seem to lie be
tween the oxtrrmcs of those, who claim
high duties lot the mere purpose of pro
tecting particular interests. and those who
would not discriminate at all, in laying
revenue duties. for the puu pose of favoring
the productiom and industry of our own
country.
Any cnurse nl pnlicy which Would have
the rflcct to check the intelligent and Im
neet cnterprize of our citizens, and to te
iartl the (levelupeinent 0| our national re
sources. can never receive the sanction or
acquiescence of the people of this ennfed
evacy. It is rendil) conceded, that no
more moneys ought to be cullected lrom
import-a, than are necessary to meet the
cnnslitutional requirements of the govern
ment, ecunumically ad ‘uiniotcred. But, on
the other hand. it is maintained uith en
tire confidence, that in laying duties lor
this purpose, ~uch discriiniimtinns tor pm
tccliun, as well as revenue. might to he
mat'e, as uill lavnr our own prmluctiom
and imlnktri‘. particularly In reference to
:utitli-s nhiih ate nl piiinaiy national im
portant-e, and indispensable in time 0|
war.
This policy was expressly avowed in the ‘
first revenue law [or levying duties upon
irnpmtfi. puns-ed after the adoption of the
ledernl c-mntitution.,nnd hm been recog
nized and adhered to by the federal gov
ernmenl. and sanctioned by the people of
the States. trnm that day to the present,
unleu. indeed. the compromise tut at
1833, be considered an exception ; and it'
will be adhered to, so long as we have a
due regard to our Individual and national
prosperity and independence. .
A tarifl' ol disrriminating duties. based
on the principle: indicated. and so adjus
ted us to Secure pernunence in it: provm
lons.—-suutained in its protective eflecte
by the operations at n constitutional treas
ury. in regulating the isauea of our banks.
and checking excesaive importation: ol
merchandtze. will, it is believed. give
more stability to the general interests lhd
business ol the country. than any other
system of_pnli¢_y'within the control of the
tcderal government.
I refer to the reports of the Canal Com
missioners, {or a tlctuil ol the proceedings
«luring thelut year on the public improvm
mentu ol the State. This document con
"inn, among other things. I statement. ex
hibiting the amount 0! tonnage that pass
ed over then: won ks during the yenr,which,
when compared with that of put years,
will shew their increasing value. It don
not, however, exhibit ncu the “hole I
mount ol our internal trade. as n rery
large proportion of the prodnlctn ol agricul
ture and manutactures find their way to
market throngh other channels ol commur
nirltien, and by far the greatest amount
of our coal is lrnnlported upon company
improvements.
By the Itatemcnt retvrred tn, it appears
that 86,231 tuna of iron, in its vanom
humapnssed over the canals and railways
of the State during the season. Hnw much
fnund its way to market upon our river;
and company works. I have no means of
urcrtaining with accuracy, but. most
probably, an amount equal to that uhich
w" carried on the State improvements.
From the best tnfottnntion l have been
enabled to obtain, not less than two tnil
lions of tons of Anthetcite coul were taken
out of the mines and carrieil to market du
ring the Inst year. the grcstur portion ul
which was sent to the Eastern and netgh
boring States, being an increase ut twenty
live per cent, over the operations oltlte
preceding year, nntl, it is believed. the
trade in thts article will increase in even
11 greater ratio the present year. Of the
Bituminous cmil, u very large amount was
also mined and sent to market. It is es.-
timatetl. that not less than thirteen mill
ions bushels. were consumed at. Ptttsburg
and its vicinity. and ahmt bl! .‘lnillions ”t
bushels were transported lrum’ that point
down the Ohio river.
l advert, with great sntidactinn, to the
growing confidence of the people in the
nuccesa-und management of our State im
pmvementu. which has been accured by
the vigilance and economy of the Canal
Commiuiouers. , '
The importance of tl/ese wouks‘. as a
contribution to Ihe natiorial 'lelence. nnil
their value to the citizens 0! other State-4.
as Well as our own. cannot be too highly
appreciated. They are now yielding a
Considerable portion ot ’the revenue to
meet the claims upon the Treasury. The
u-curity of the public creditor-t. and the
faith not! honor nor the S'nte, ure Hunt in
timately connected with their snrcen and
productivenene. They, therefore. demand
the special care and vigilance ot the Le
gis‘ature. by? which the inwme they are
now yielding): may be secured and advaw
ced with the-Increasing buuness of the
country. ,
'- in this connection. there are few obj ms
of national concern in which Pennsylvania
has a deeper interest, than in the nppnr
printion‘fur removing thcnbstructiom to
the navigation 0! the Ohio river. to the n
ty 01-Pt‘ttsburg, which is a port 0! com-
.‘fv‘z'rt‘iflj“’.:.7‘“€ ' W i“*-“-‘
merifiliflfi:¥i§rhe cla'mu upon, Chart,”
to efifmlité t L 9: cmnplel‘wn of mi- work;-
_‘lnnd’,“{"incb cnmyu‘urml. as one 01 mm: nut
i‘nlefést, ll?!i§é“__g“'t|' {men 'rum llu- cum.
municnliqnflxymguul f-(il’nnle helm-m, Illa
Wcstcm uh}! Snulhwvslern Slmc-, «m llyg
'nnc hand. and tho-(- of the Allamlir 1m Ihg
nlht’l’, by "mung uf ourdnublic anluve.
monlu. " ’ .
The lemulatire ' entt'ctinentt ot the last
tew years. have intr‘nduerd numerous im
provements, in the oyster!) ol levying and
collecting the revenues of the Stole. and
have guarilmt their expenditure with more
caie than formerly: l, have every wagon
to believe. that these 100-s are stiiottynnd
honesty administered by the accountant
and Treasury Departments. iind that the
influende and authority of their example,
has had it salutary effect upon all the pub
lic agents. Much, however. remains to
he done to perlect our lystein 01, taxation.
Complaints are made that several of the
taxes now levied me rendered unproduc
tive, as well no opprcsuvr. bv imperler
lions in their ns-essinentu. Personal el
talt‘F. that should bear o .hare ol the pub
lic burthens. rscupt- ul'ogvlhcr. by the in
terposition of a trthl. tit-lure” the ostens
ible and the beneficial'owners. The pro
perty of many corporations is exempted
lrom tnxation by special laws, while that
at others t)[}fié name classes. and equally
meritorious. remains bound. Secuiitiea
for the payment of money, an: by the
WOldi of the Inw,maite taxable, “inch are,
in lact,ithe mere evidence at passing trahs‘
nction , and (an. in no degree. he regar
ded at even temporary investments of the
property of thone in whose hands they are
tuund. The simple exhibit, by the citi
‘l.en of his peritonal estate. made without
‘any o'her sanction. ia substituted. gener‘
nlly int a less equivocal mode of ascertain
ting i-ts amount and character. It should
loot be togotten. that the tax which one ctt
izen eludes, or is legally relieved from. is
distributed among the rest. and lorma an
addition to their'burthens. Justice to the
uni pay‘ers requires that this should not be
sufirteil. The whole ruubjcct, however.ia
one peculurly Within your provmce,andl
commend it to your prompt and serious
consideration. '
'l'he repo~t of the Adjutant General,
exhibits the condition ul the militta and
volunteers, and ut the arsenals and milih
ary properly of the Commonwealth. It
contains, also, judicious suggestions in re
gard to the care ol the public property,
and the improvement of the militia system.
A: the nations of the world have not
united in provrding, by paramount law,
[or the peaceful adjustment olllisputes be
tween separate smcreignties. a military
organization is essential to repel aggres
sion and maintain the rights of the repub
lic. Ina nation of lreemen, capable of
sell government, a well organized militia
is adequate for these purposes, in all or
dinary contingencies.“ Every man feels
the conscious dignity bl being a part of
the national sovereignty, and the proud
duty of tlelending his own rights, and the
rights of all. K
Various opinions are entertained as to
the best organization of 'the militia. and I
cannot hope that a discusston of them here
will lead to any prnfi'able result. Our
volunteers, whose time and talents have
been largely given to the acquisition of
military knowledge, present u lurmidable
force, which may compare. advantageous-
I], With that at any other State. Their
conduct and discipline. have secured the
public confidence, and they merit such
well desised legislation. as will secure
their continued efficiency and increasing
numbers.
The tnealculablc benefits ofour system of
Common School instruction. are extending
themselves throughout the whole Common
voe-rlth. strengthening, improvmg. and ele
vstinz mind, and preparing the generation
which is to succeed its, for usefulness and
just apprehensions of duty. In country
districts, where the population is scattered.
and a large portion of the children find ac
tive employment for near half the year, the
system cannot reach all the ends that are
accomplished in cities and towns. But the
signal and extensive advantages resulting
from it, throughout the State. as shown in
the comprehensive report of the Superin
tendant of Common Schools. give assur
ance. that Pennsylvania has laid the broad
and deep foundation (or the perpetuity of
her institutions. by securing s sound. in
tellectusl and moral education. for all her
children.
l have lately. with the Superintendent of
the Public Schools, visited the city of Phil
adelphia. There in much for the good man
to admire, in the variety. comprehensive
ness, and beautiful arrangement of her be
nevolent and charitable institutions, and to
warm his gratitude ‘towards the men who
founded, and who-now direct them..- But.
there to a moral grandeur presented to the
patriot. in her public schools, that surpass
es them all. By the former. which cannot
be commended too strongly to the continu
ued favor nnd fostering care of the Legis
lature. comfort and instruction are provided
for a few, who are excepted from the mass
by special misfortune. But the latter are
a blessing to a'l; they provtde for imprOV
ing and elevating the whole body of the
people, and for qualifying every child in
It! onward way to maturity, by sound men
tal and moral instruction.‘ for filling up 11l
measure of usefulness, and accomplishing.
intelligently. the end. of its being. Th 3“
community is happy, in which the ””5"”
of general education is so widely diflueetl
and so well administered. as l have seen
in the city and county of Philadelphia-
Allow me. gentlemen. before cloatng 'l'"
communication, to tender to you assurances
of my hearty co operation in your effom
to maintain the faith of the Commonwealth.
and advance the welfare of our eonltttuente.
D