'VBnsons xt.aq.
Tit tht Settee" and IlovM nf ReprncntetiMi.
Gc.fTi.tMCR: The Legislature ha em
bird it s.sime which is I'i-sMnpuiBlirsJ ir the gx
ftenil health smI prosperity or lb people.
While we deplore thtj went and wretched
rvM or number or our race, resulting, principal
ty from the influence ol unjmt government,
e are enabled, bycwmparing our condition
tsvith their, to-pptcite the Kiestinnbio value
of pur emit' free institution, end nr moveJ to
smi'e our grateful henrra in adoration and prase
.irthe wonderful goodncs of our Hesvenly Es
ther, who hi multiplied our civil atxl religion
blessing, and h( not only preerveJ u from
the horro-jof want, but heeensbled-innont of
our abundance, to feed the hungry, and vas
madtvjg preat and a happy people.
'Since the !aet adjournment ol the Cesrefal A.'
eetnbly, the peore which had eo lo(f subsisted
Ic-twetn this nation and the other nation 6f ihe
w 01 1.1, has b?niHittirbrtl fcythre "war between
the United States snd Mexico. The grave
cause which fiave produced thi ropVrre sre s
'My ami sstistiiclorily get forth in tlu late nntiu
al inegetirthpTVosMpnrtdC''tiotO;e. 'I hey
shrew signified forbearance nn the pnrt tf this
guverrnienJ, trader multiplied wrong snd-a.
tr reesipn, and e laudable desre to preserve
p-ce "While its blessings could be secured con-
sternly with the national honor. A free peo-"P,-conscious
thf.t they ask nothing but whnt i
tght, cunmt fu limit to winnj-, and howevrr
rnerh thry may deprecate the evils of war, their
j'iPt right :nut be maintainr d. fierce Con
greseven the 13t!i of May, 1810, announced,
that by the act "("Mexico a Mate of war existed
botween that government and theXTnilf d State,
and for the purpose of prosecut ing it toaspenly
end succe'itful tertninaion, the President wa
autlmr'Xpd to employ the militia, novul and n.i
I 'ary forces of the United Siates, nnd to call
tor and ncci'pt the service of fifty thousand vo-
'tun'ter.
In pursuance nf the authority derived from
thia act, the Presd"nt, on the 19ih of May.
I54G. requested the Executive ol this Stote, to
ettie to ho enrolled and held in readiness, for
antister irrtnthe service of the UniterfStnip, six
rt.giment of volunteer infantry, each loconeM
often companies, to serve for twelve months,
it to the end ( f the war, unices sooner disrlisr-
In accordance with th'a request, gcnpral or.
'era ware issued nn the U.'Jd of May, ld-16, an
nouncing to the citizen soldiers thitl the oiler ot
x regiment of volunteer irt'untry wou'd be ac
cepted, to b held ui readiness tor inns'c-r into
if e ret Vice of ine L -tilted Si: .tpe. In pnrniance
tiflliis ai nounceinent, the c.tTer nf t'liieiy cnn.
-i.i.iix of vo'nnteer intaniry, mflieient to fill
tune regiments, werP rrepived and transmitted
. a ttie l;":li Hiy ol July, 1S10, to the W'dt De.
trtnin,t. TIih palridtit-in nnd Zral wlrrh
re to pron:ptly nnj cheerfully mHtiifesled on
ihia nrcaiinii, by the volunteers of Pennsylva
ina, aive proof of their devniion to llie service i(
the cc ii'itry, h:hlv crrdituuld to theniHidvca and
honoraMe to the State.
The six regiment thus culled fir, were net
mustered into lh- service.
On the lGili of November, 1840, a rquet
was made by I ho Prenilent tor one regiment 't
tuliiiiieer I ruin this State, to cunsict o.'ien com
puuier, to bp continued in service during the
war with Mexico, uiliesa sooner dipchtrped.
Thin request was nnnnttnend nn the I81I1 of No
Trinber, 1610, to the volunteers -who had pre
vinutly tendtred their services, and (he regi
ment was promptly, filled and mustered into the
service of lSe'United Sta'esat Pittebiup, on (h
15' h dry of'Dccember. fi x of the 'companies
composing the regiment, were organized in;
Philadelphia ; M,e in Pntwville; i.ne in Wills
aliarrc, and two in Pi1!btrT.
On the 14th December. 1540. a request was
miidtf by the President, h.r another regiment ol
Vuiunteer infantiy from thie State, to serve du
ring ll;e war with Mexico, uutiira sooner dis
rlmrged. This reifinieut wna fi'.led, even with
mire promptitude than the former, ud ordered
? remlezviius at Pittbutr. on the 5th instant.
One of the coinpariie rnrnp.-u.in!; this refiiment,
ori a 11 1 zed in -Philadelphia , one. in Ra
rtm ; one in Mauch Chunk.; oiip 111 -I lirri-lMir(r ;
one in Dunvdle ; two 111 Cambrin eounly ; one
in Wertmore'and county ; one in Fsyetle coon
ty.nnd one in ie.ti r .
The energy and the exalted patriotism which
have thus been evinced hy thp ci'.nen rnldier rf
Pennf-ylvaum, are an admirflbli' -illustration of
the wnrkins'ol our Iree ryttem, nnd-of 'fhe
itrenglh ofrur ervernnipnt.
The i.flieer and soldier who hive entered
jnto the service of the country, are indeprnnent
freemen, in the vir ot youth and manhood,
intelligent and errrj-elic. sn'inatrd with the
love ol liberty, and prnuil ol the ifioniryoPheinj;
eitizns of the Un'led States. Suc h ere the
Volunteer soldier ot Peiin) Ivsnin, m hn 'have
filled Iwn rpiioeiit-', and are ready to fnrrih-h
any additinnal number thnt may ho required.
to referrmff to the innnly seal of I he toldiers,
allusmn 1n the b.'neviili'iiee ot'tho citizens who
pr.-viiled fiir -llie'r comlort on the mareh, and
who tiecump Iho 4; tt:i nl tuna of those ihi'V lell
behmd, ai:d were ih pendent upon them, can
not be nnilttrH. Those 2-rierous feelings, mi
ailmirali'y expressed, in which woman miof led
the fulness of her p;itrot;mn, and lie -churmstif
her inflm-nee, east a l ain around ihe vohinteer,
whtti with ImerMi look at the loved ohjec'a
efh une, tie r oirtner.cnl his wintry inircli Tor
l!o seat ot'uai, nnd jave him I he assurance
that the hles-ir pi" of ihe soldier friend of the
whnlp coontrv. were upon him, and I heir prn
toct'nj; carenrnnnri his family.
That compensation, in arMitinn to the small
allowance made by tfx' -In w of ihe U. Slates,
should be p'i villi d fur thete brae fnen, who
hnve tl vottd themselves lhe-eiiiniiry, is most
reasnnnhV. I mtunit, resieei fully, in the Gen
eral Assembly, the propriety and jniKe nf in
voking Conyier to spnropr ate, lor rtierr-trse,
such portion ot thn public land as -may b
sulTicieiil to furnish a competent freefwitd to
each nf the officer and soldiers, who have,
in compliance with the reqnpt of the Presj.
dertt, volunteered li'erve hi ihn wiir wiih Mrx
10, snd are mustered into the prvwe of ihe
United Suites. A bel'er di-pos'tinn. rnuM r,rt.
in mv opinion, t inaJe of a pail of tin; public
douia in.
It is to be rejrrtv.l ihnl, r.a the enntinjenr y
"hii:ll hi ar'Sen wa sir I f. rrseen, there
no provihion mi!eVv thn Lepifclsiure, lurdefiay.
iff the expense ol Ihe nsrrhinp 'he velunteers
t- tho place of rendnnnii. Th allowance
mdo by the cersral ppvrrpment, for tin pur.
pose, little more than sufficient, wilh Ihe
most ri;id ec-sr.orny, to py thernst o transport
tatinn. Thse mm were Inirried fiom their
home, with liiile time for prepiraiinn, and
when they arrived, and were moatered into the
service, the small sum for defrayinp their tr
veiling expense, which wsa Ihair only com pen.
at ion up to tl at period, waa uearly exhiuated.
I submit to the General Asaembljr, lha propria
ty aodulM) of refitndiof UtlMn, Ibf tipMef
of the nrch to Pittburg. The sacrifices they
hasp) tun de, and the spirit they have evinced,
merits in o.) opinion, this email aeknow'edjr.
mmt f'..m the repreaentative or Ihe people.
It i proi r la fdd, that, although this sobject
ha I) en prreried to the general government,
no ptov'iaioii bs vol b. en made 1o defray tht
expvute Incurred by the Volunteers, in prepa
ring them!lvca for mustrr into the service, un
der the rnjne't of the Prrtidt ni, of the 19ihof
My, last. Thi subject, tii, i won hy of the
immediate consider won ol the General Assem
bly. A dctailssl report of the proceedinga in thi
8it", for organising the tmop, to setve in Ihe
Mexican war. will Le-iwatre- early prcfi-1
cable by the Adjutant Oei er I, ai.d eihmitted,
s toon a it i received, to tliGccerai Asem
blc.
In conneetiofl with this eehjert, It i my du
tytrtfUte, ihat, trjiheMndustry nd ability of
At'jutait Oenvral Biw-mtin.-etid'hi 'Airtant,
Colonel I'otrikcn, I have been essriistly 'in
debted,' for the prompt, -tnethriticiil and satisfac
tory arrangemeni,' by mr.afi of hifh the duly
Ihst devolved trpen tne, in the trgan'tiition of
ilu se troops, lie teen performed ; end X
isting low make t.o provision, 1 respectfully
submit, that iiiitabfo' compensation tiir the tor
vres which hsve been renrtertd, should be
promptly marie to thee ftBcers.
The debt, nd finances ot the Commnrrwe1:li
present one of the most iot resting subjects
that cm engage llio attention opt!ie 1-egia'a-
lure.
The following is an rxh hit of theState di b',
on Ihe 1st of December laM, as anpeare frr m
the Repot t-ef Ihe .-Auditor Oeneral :
Total fiirrird tlobr, sa8..1.9T0 M
Relit-1 notes hi circulation, '1.C81 604 CO
Inteteat crrtificaifs, culfs.nd-
intr, 70S 310 G9
InlercM cert ficates, tiPiloim'd, 4,433 11
Interest on certificates. o Au-
post 1,1 when funded, 44.42H 21
Domestic creditor, 0fl,!i7fi 4?
Total public debt, cntbe 1-t De
cember. 1?40. S40,T$0.f?7 00
Beinp $19r. Sift 22, Iff than it wna cn the 1st
December, IMS.
The payment of 1I.9 interett on the funded
debt had been suspended for two ears cr-J a
half preceding the lot cf February, 1545, for
which-cettiSsnles wurj isfued, which Cont.tute
a partiof tfe-er.iti.-rr debt. -In consequence ol
ihe non-paytnent ol Ihe ioteref-1. ihu bnliu.ir
in llieTtea-iirv bad accumulated on ihe 1-t o
D. cemb. r. 1941, to the mm ot $0fi.1 Fol S8 ;
and nn the 1st day of 'Fi hriniry, IS-i"), Ihe pay
ment of Ihe HiterPft on tho'lunded debt win re
riiind, end has been rnntiniied u;i In Ihe pre
ent period, and tho crrd't and hnnnr of the
SihIh matiitiiltied. Thi I a source -of 'loth
l rat ifir aimn to our -citizens, uinl haj'ierd'd
creally to restore our j-imkI old ConiiLonweallli
to Ihe eleva'ed anil proud position she lormi'ily
( rropieit, ni.il uh eh, I trio-t, she is-disdnrd lo
ocenrv for all lune to come.
When, howevrr, wemmifle ottr eenprstula
lion upon her comparotively pn-sperottii slate of
alfnirs, it is prope r that the true coed, lien ol our
reioiircrs should be arruri.t y snd ethically
examiiietl, and always kept in view, not ori'y
In guard hy ample provisions apainst llicp.-aM-
hility of at othi r failure piiucliiilly tiemei t all
the demand upon tho public Treasury, but in
make provision for ihe rommenci'metii of a sys
tem h.r reducing ihe public debt.
.It ha bren my eoiistant nuleavor, especially
in tie annual message of Jatusry IsM, and (he
special message of the CI st of April, (olluwing,
to impress upon the tepcem ntativp of the peo
ple, tlif" necessity and impr'apep of this sub
ject. In trreflltiii" it to Ihe I.lel:ltllte, at the
laal session, it became my duly In slww li st
Ihetaxp assessed on real ni ri ierMM'a! ei-(te,
Ingi'lher with all the (,t.( r revenue that acrru
ed wilh'n tho fo-pnl year, eT-diiijr mi 11 e ?fjlb
of Nov niher, 145, were leu than the exnen
diturp of the year, by the siim of $114 199
2, which ri ficit nil u pp'td rut ef Ihe UI
aece in the Treasury on the l-l of Dereml i r,
1844, and by a ('imiuution of the outstunding
lexea. 1 bus.
On the 1st .December. 1844. the bal
ance in the Trtatuiy was IC63 651 88
And on the 1st of December, 1843, it
wa 3S4.6S6C9
Showing reduction of'tbe balanr
in tle 1'reatuiy cf 318,063 79
On the 1st Dec em'ber,
T844,rn es-tanatea
ainoiint-nf available
-entitariding tcxe
wa ll,W0,T78 03
And on the 1st "Dr.
ce mber, 1843. they
were estimated at 874 34 1 30
Showing a diminution cf fhe outatan-
e'iiig taies-of
And mskins an f eree ateiminutinn
133.931 53
of fhe"ba'larre in thr Trsasnry, ai d
outftandiri; taxes (turn p the year
ending 30th November, 1843, of tt 14.199 .?3
This statement flemnnstratet that Ihe taxes,
and other revenues asterned, and trfrn'tvg whrti
the year, were leia by the above sum, thn rh
demand upon Ihe Treasury , during Ihe sa-me pes
rioll.
Thfinwntial npsralions tif 'll.s year, enfl'rrg en
Ihe 3Uth November, 1646, alto exhibits Irk
defrirnry, but let in amount. Thus,
The balance in th Treasury on The
IO DecemVr. 1R45, was' fiSLCTStD
Afd the rstimatrd rr.otitit-of avaHa
ble taxes outstanding at the same
period, waa 874.344 SO
Making an agerepate mmint of pal- 1 m
nra in th Treasury, and outstan
ding taxes on lb Ut December,
1843. of 1 239 (3D S3
The balance in th Trea
sury on the 1st De
ren her, IS IB, was t38 l,378 70
And the estimated am't
of available nuUtand
erg laxe. at tLs xe
fieriod waa 343.1S8 C4
Msliine an aggregate of the balanr
in the Tieaturv. and niitstanrtii g
laxes, on th 1st December, ISIS,
of C27.367 31
Showirg a diminution of the 1'pt 1
in the Treasurv. and cuistandirg
taxes, durirg the firral ear srd
ire en tie 30tb Novrmbrr, 1646.
, 8139.(1(13 S3
It thus appears, that the tsxes aserreeri, and
the other revel ties acrrnini? within the nVcal
year jiikt eiu'rd, were inn ffcii nl to meet the
de mam'a u,on the Tresmiy, by the ahovo nm.
It will be perceived that the balance in the
Treasury on the Ut nr December, J64C, wa
greater than waa estimated in the last aiu nal
meM, and that the amoant of the onistn
dins Use bsi beta reduced below the estimate
then made.
At it pparenl that theea reeorring dB
OetBCi, wold aoo fihaoet U Wlaim in the
Treasury, ami all the arrearage nf available
nuttan)iig taxes, 1 waaimpeneg to urge upon
the General Assembly, at their list session,
with so much earnetncse, the rndispensablere
necehsity t.fprovidinj; ome additional revenue,
to place ihe finance of the Stale upon a perma
nent basin. Near the clueetif the eejsion, an
act wa passed, entitled "An act to provide for
the reduclion of the public debt," which embra
ce some additional ohjict of taxation, euri con
tain pn.vlidnna for entlrcinp. more effectually,
the intention of the act of 1844. It wa, how
ever, paased at a period of the session when
there wa no time for deliberation, and contain
m me provision?, which, in my estimation, aught
to lie mndifW. It seems to me that, an attempt
to tax bonk areoirnt, and motiey'Juem con
irecis. will only prove vexatious lo the citizens
and bfSccr. without adding snbetantially to the
revenue. As tie et ofl84fJ kasfrot yet had
lime lo produce any practical results, no' certain
estimate can be made nf'the amount of addition
al reverwielt will produce 5 but, ir if beheved,
that this law, together w ith t'ie increase nf the
valui- ot property, rlr.ee the last triennial a8ea
m nt, will if the present triennial assea-ment is
riry made, enlarge tho rev rne dehvu bio' from
real and personal crts'.e to an amount equal to
the drf ficiciicy that occurred in the accruing' re
vefiueof'he lastyejr. The loss 'of tolls, and
the additional expetiilitilre' upon "the ptiblic
works, occasioned by tlip extraordinary fluoM'nf
last pprirMT. t a suhiect uhieh may be properly
noted here. Rv retprenre in the rcimit of the
(Turin ftlemmisrnnrrs, 'it appears iht lhy'hv
e'lmtteirthe loss of lolls ociinned hy (ho de
lav in opening the navigation, t the vutn of
tSlW.fJUO. and that the CoKfofextranrdiiinry re
piirs, rrquired in Conseqnofice of injuries by the
nood, was 8111515; tnnkin; the sgaregate
lo 'tit th" Sta'e, by this tiniifua! caui-y.
201,0I.ri. "If thi distr hud rml ocmrred.
the acrroinu revenue, ixc'ttsive rif the' balnnne
in the Trpiiry o'i Ihe first nf December, 19-1'j.
snJ ihe tixra then ontstaiding, would have
heen ncaily rqtml to 'the 'demand upon the
Treatury. during the last' fiscal yar.
Fioni the Ct.nal CoinrTitss'iiner's Rpporl it
npp' ar. that the receipts from Canal and Rail
ronil toll--, and charpeg for motive pnwpr. were
F- rthe year 1 01711 '12
F. r the year lP, 1.107 OfW 42
For the vrar 1P-15, l.lffi !)79 4H
Tor 'he-year lC, 1,295.494 70
Showing s gradual and steady iucrea-p, during
iIip ilbove period. Kven last ye.tr, notwilhstr.n-
ding the ilelay in oneniny'the nsvig-ttion. i'ipv
exceededlhnssof '1S1. by the ruin of f9S.5l5
33 TiiPrp is good reas in. therefori", In b--lirvp,
thnt if the public works s'.rell ce nt ir.m to
bp'fondne'ed 'itli the same decree r.f skill, in
dustry, artJ in'ejrity. with whicfi they Tin v -been
managed for some year.pat, the teceipts
trnm them will continue In increafo, until ti e
bu'iness tipon'il'.Piii re.ti1!!' a their (ull cupic'iy
Suiip apprehension h.-lvo been 'xpressed.
(hat the cotietrurtion of the prent Cenlril Rail
road, Ittw et n I'liHndelphia and Pnibor nisy
he Ihe im-Htwof il 1 itt 1 11 ix-lt 1 1'tT Ihe income from
ihe itnprovt tsieil; of tin; Slnli. In tl.w 1 dn
not concur ; n:i 'th 'Coi.trary. 'I etiiortain fhe
opinion, that the increased commerce, v.'tr.ch 11
will inite betwien our great rJuMrrn ud
Western -eiiipririoins, and the reginti which
c r.iiect wi'h'thein, will not onlv add to the re
venue of Ihe ColiitiibiH'rnilway, but will great
ly incit ase the prnduciivi per ot all our 'public
weiks, -"Such, I beluve, -has been Ihe eft(eri
ence of New 'York.; and ruch, I doubt nor. ill
in a Vety fewjer, be that of Our own'Cum
nioi wtalfli.
I tranrmit, 'h-rewiih, a statement shnwvng
the attiial receipt snd expeiidltores, ler Ihe
last'fi-csl )enr ; kid, al.o,an rrlnnete of the
same, lor Ihe present ytir. rr.ane with icji h
enre, open full constitution with the ilfher of
ficers td the government. 'From this estimate.
it appears that ih receipts nl ihe year w ill ex
cerd 1! c t spend Inns, by the sum of $194.
441 II.
'J he balance in the Tressnry, en Ihe '1st
ir.stan', wa uuly $4.tM3 G. It is, there
'ere. alligell.tr ori Uble, thai it muy b come
mcesfary lo 11 ake liii f arranr ment lo anti
cipate a rn. all purl, on of the ri nue of the
1 1 r. lo inei 1 Ihe interest whirh wi'l Call due
on tfin dsl of Fi brnary next I recommend thai
tne lej.al -provision ba pmitij'tly made fi r tins
t nrpofP. Tin w ill not fl ct tr.t financial cl
culalion and estimated remits of the vrar. 1
teel entire c nfiih ore Thai, taking into view
the enerations of ihe w I nta year, (he results
will Mistam substai.tially the estimate that
have been presented.
The sum ol twn hundred thousand dollars,
which is nnw annual y appropriated lu ihe'can
ceilalion nf Ihe leiiel issues, and whirh is in
e'eded in rhe ei-1 iinales, is e ischargieg thai a
ineurit nf'the pohlic tleht yearly, and is, in fact,
an eKhlhr striking fui.d.
1s therefore, Ihn -conclusion at which I have
arnveit, shall pr, ve corn ct, that Ihe laxa as
n rseu undei Rifling laws, on real and erfon
al property, wrfh the oTilrnary Tevenocs, and an
an nul "t tumi ftie pube improemtfits, eTjiml to
tbst rce.ved tir trig H p p-s! year, will prove
sii-Tiittent in pay "lie interest iri ine pnCiitcebl,
and niher ileiiisi dsTprn the Tr atiry, tTie sn
too. I increase ot loll tpiti Thv pulil c works,
ni.- y be aidd to Ihe preseel nrriling fund ol
lo htiedred tlmi.fsi.il t'cll.. r a "year. Front
Ihe expr riepee of tire I'rve la-t preceding years
Ihi liicri ase may be 'arr' ssiimatetf, fur some
yiar Kecoir.e, at one htinrirru t1irfiieTtd 'dnl'srs
p- r annum ; t'nd, il ft he added annually to the
Xistiej: fund Tit ihetHlfceVali.-m of iTie Yeleil
l-eties, il ey W i1 nil :e taken oul of rrYeiiinltnn
in aleiut three yeans at which Irrms tho StSile
wl -have a su.U vj lord, ol I a t a million of
dollar. ttivninTlier.ee ihe lirpi'dHlon Of bet fun
ded !bt. 1 tie applrratfon titiTii ruml, snnit
ally . w iih its srerning mrererl, to the pnrlrhafe
of f.ve Tier vent. Stare s'.orfc. at nar. will, at
ihsi end of len years, discharge f-G iSO-JII ot
Ihe tiiihtre dt nl. soil, al the end ol teuly w a-s
f lfi.W2.Fl, winch will neiife the drhl, inclu
ding it.e cancellation r.f releif iss-ih h, t Die end
of twrnty ihree year fnrn '.m tirr.e, 10 ihe
slip of $28,175,(12 The net iiirome fVutn Ihe
public wrrk will then, it Tnsy ie fairly fro
surned. he more than mp!v to pay the interest
on the Slate rirtl, and Ihe people may lie en
tirely relieved from all taxation, for the pay.
n eni of inlrresi. In fact, them ia rea-ou to
believe, lht, li e inrreas' d weaMioflhe S'ate,
end the arrumiilation of busiuesa on ihe public
works, will, at a nmrli earlier period silinit of
impnrlaiit reducHoti in the taxes, wilhnut re.
larding ihn roiisnniatmn of Ihe foregoing plan
for rrducitig the debt. Notwithstanding some
may be disposed In view these u.'pMinn
visionary, I have the most entire confidence in
their practicability, provided Ihe ptibhelwork
shull continue to bo managed wi'h integrity and
skill, the tax liwi fairly executed, and the gov
ernment, in all it department honestly nd
fithlully adminiaiercd.
In eonneclion with thi inhlecf, I reapeetfiiltf
recommend lo the General Asieo.bly, th pre
prietf and police ot proposing to 0 paop e a
amendment fjthe const iiutinn nf the Slate, un
der the form, of the '.enili article of that instru
ment, l y which the income from IhopubliC mi
provnnient afmr deduclin'ihe necessary ex
pense for repair and supcriiitnndcncr--the re
venue arising from the Slate tax, on real and
personal prnperty, for t certain period, and auch
other item ot income a it maybe deemod ex
pedient tit include, efiaH' be att apiri snJ bo aa
credly pledged for the payment ol the ' iiilere1
upon llio public debt, and the gradual liquida
tion of the principil.
Such an amendment, jjdiciou!y arranged,
would, I apprehend, rceet with the decided ap
probation of Ihe ieopleofthc Commonwealth.
It would concentrate public sentiment upon a
Hxed object remov all doubt of th' fulness of
the pti'j tc credit, and hf ihe foundation lor the
rfinal extinguishment of the public di b It
would give nn additional scettrity and assurance
to the people, end loihe public creditors, that,
in no event cniilJ thepiihlie revenue be diver
ted from' its' legitimste ofiji'Ct, ond Would fi. rn ish
conclusive reason for Ihe ptoinpt ai.d' chesrful
payment nf the laxe.
I would tcspt etful'y 'recommend a care't.l
exarninariun ot the operations of the cxitlmj
tax laws. Taxes, htrwever correctly they may
bo arrangetf by law, fall to ' cctt-iin extent, un-rq-uty
upon the people, in coinrqueftce if their
vsrion cncum-Uncos and liabilities ; hot if t.i
thi ' onavoidAbte' result be if(d carelesa and
irregular asses-nients, by which large amn'it
of prwperty e'eape tsxa'.mH, great injustice is
done to'thoss vt-h-i nrake an rrcnestand full ro
turn of their Idxable property.
'In'rsgatcTto the'UrVfT, the (Jnvefncr i of opin-i-jn
tliat the power to irrpoie discriminating dn
tie which-affbr'd reainnable encocragerrent to
merrcfacfurt. is conititutionit, and addi :
"Im, therefor, in favor of ach jjt diie.-i-
minati.ig dutip s may be aufflcient tosvitain al!
our great National interests against injitricJ
emnpetlticn from a 'urea! ; such as will give to
the home Tr.anufct'.irer,xn;! prniticer, reetonahl;
profits on his capital, and enable him to pay his
workmen fair wage, without unnecessarily tax
ing the consumer."
He next refers to the modification of the British-Corn
Laws, at a salutary and bcneiic'rul mea
sure to th's country.
He then refers, with great satisfaction, to the
management of the pnbi:e works, and sug-jesti
the propriety of memorialiilng' Congren to i:n
'prove the Ohio river, from itt mouth to Pills
burg. He then refers with utisfacticn to the rcpurn
of the Auditor Gpp.pral and S'ate Treasurer.
I he Adjutant General's nepctt hd not yet
been received.
In regard to the Geological Survey, this Go
vernor says, that the State Ueolngitt was to com
pile a memoir ef tl. survey, which bai never
been done. The Slate has expended $10,057 87
on the survey.
The Coxcrnor aio refers to the fact, thnt ft?r
I y-threc pi Ivate arts of last session remain in the
Secretary's olfice, nnt enrolled or printed, on ac
count of the small tax irrpcted upnn them.
The meisage next refers to th increasing
nilmber Of dl .'orces. Durinjlhe first ten years
titter fhe art of ISl-Vthere were tfl di vnrce ; 'lit
'next ten years. 42; and fhe last ten, 90.
'He neltt recommends the passage of law, to
procure accurate information in relaticn'to tra
'tiattcanf irime.
The Governor, in cnncluiion, ipejks in fom
plimeirary terms of the industry, intelligence.
enlerpr'fe nd virtue cf the people of rmr.y!
vania, anil also of the Commnn Sihcol syitem.
Urath of AlrlH'iiltee Brn'rnw, V. S. Ssnatnr
fruiit 'l.nulalatiia,
T'0 of 'lbe most eminent physic itnt, Drs
Bt'isi.sR and JIacss'Oi, fv the closest atten
tion to the cae, and every recourse which the
beat prdfeMion! skill and eipcriencs could tug- j
geit was ailnpted for his relief. In one Cf the
rontu'itationi. Trt Ciia'pxum anil McCttu.Ai,
of Philadelphia, who were at Darnum's also look
part. Mr. TJaSXOw- rohttnue'd to grow worse,
and in the course of Monday it Was evident (hat
ha could nnt survive, Hn bodily pain Wis in-
tense and without abatement, and at five o'clock
yesterday morning he breathed his lint, belr;
perfectly aw are ef his appraarhie.g end.
A post mortem examination of the body wes
subsequently hid, which disclosed at one to
the medical gentlemen above named the peculiar
cause of bis desth. In the diaphragm waa found
a g nilat mal-formation an opening or bol.
through which portion of th intestines bad
risen, nnJ occupied a position behind tbe heart
and lungs. Tl opinion of all present was un
animous and decided that no medical aid coulJ
in any 'way tiar reach-d the rase, and that if
even the actual condition oY the patient could
have been known, no art, medical or surgical.
tvould Tiave stalled to avert death
Throughout liis brief an-1 piinful illness, Mr
Bas6w received evtry attentinn which friend
ship and kind consideration could suggest ; and
On the evening preeeedif.g Tiia death, the train
frOfn Vait-.ipgton brought hither several of bis
immediate friends of the Senat tnd IT.tftse of
representatives, Who Ware bed at hi bed sid ?
during th night. The only relative present
this melancholy event was a Son tif tender years
who wa pursuing his studies at St. Mary's Col
lege. To his wife, family and friends in Louisi
ana, this affliction will com as a sinni.ing blow
reaching them a it will do witbont previous
warning.
Wm. J. Liirsk The Wtlkesbarre ppeT
are handling thi gentleman pretty severely, en
account of bis demand of $550 from th Wyom
ing volunteers, for provision, lit., on their way
to Pittsburg. Tbey (ay be did not expend $50
for them, a commissary. Tar and leathers ar
talked of.
The citizen ef Philadelphia talk eboot pre.
tenting a sword to Lieut. Paiker, for hie gallant
conduct In burning th Mexican brig Creole un
der tbe guns of th castle of St. Juan D tjlloa.
Fsitilitt er tub Cot Rcsiom A Utter
from th Summit Mines, Schuylkill eonly. in
forme ns of the fact that a woman at N'squehon
ipg. piesentsd her husband with Christmas
gift of four airueMm si en birth, ibi
infor.
Diitins fnisM fiAns tbe beat sonree. and lha Tl
r . 1 m
fully establishes tbe claim nf Behoylkill coooty
beieg es tt tbe a itiW in tbe ftt.
THE AMERICAN, "
ftxurtfay, 'Jamrari 9, 18i7.
I. it. I'ALJHEU, JJfo, ot Al Html tH.
InU tind CMtl OtKee, corner of 3d ami Chftnut
Strtt i'Mtadttftila, 1$ tntikorlttj to act ns
Aftnt, ard rtttlpl for alt mnniti ? th($
ofitt, for rutscrtpftoti oe "advtrtiitnf,
.110. at hit OfTlet ICU .Vaseau turrit,
.Mte IVx,
Jntt fi. B. CVirnee ef ttaltlmort anil Catvert
f s , Bulttmor.
P!tino In A Trssh iupply of superior
printing ink just received, tmlforsal at Pinla-
detphi price.
ZjT Vi'e refer our readers to th proceedinji
cf the Sunbury and Eri Rail road meeting, in
anot-her column.
Cy GovaaNoa'a Mso. V"e lay before
orr readers the'Govetror' Mesag, with the
exesption of some of the concluding paiagraphs,
the substance ol w'aicti we have given to a con
dense'd form, until next week. Besides btinj a
we!! writffn document, ithutt'ae merit of brevi
ty. It alludes to all t';i importcnt topics of
state and national interest, and congratulates the
country upon the Pattering con-Uion 6' owr ft
rcncri and future prospectj.
dy The Strtqiiehannalai been vrry high du
ring the past week. Ths fee has all disappeared
C7" The Uea ling Gatette has ben contni-n-lly
enlargsd, and greatly improved in appf-a-ance
by a new dress. ;It is an excellent family piper,
tnd we presume is, as it deserves ta be, well pa
tronised. im
K7- Tint VY.Tf. Cerr Jot rn.il. Thrs ex
cellent Journal cumtnences the new yeai in an
improved and greatly enlarged form i! is a
most valuable publication, containing a vait
di-al of meful alvice an I instruction relatlsig to
health. Tullished every rrrintb. at 31 per annum
Cry There seerna to be a most serious opposi
tion to the appointment of Col. Benton a a Lieu
tenant General. We quote the following appro
priate remarks from the correspondent of Ihe
Philielphia'Leder :
Washimitom, Jan. 4, IS 17 0 o'clock. P. Sf.
Ski.T A message vsns received fiprn the
President, asking for an increase cl'lhe rpgular
army nd Ihe appointment of a Lieutenant Gen
eral, an, I referred lo the Military Committee
A similar reference was mat ofa message from
the President in relation to the mails to snd
from the army. Gi motion of Mr Johnson, the
Vice president was desired to communicate Ihe
decease of 'h. Tate Ser.ettr feerrow, to the Go
vernor of Louisiana
Hn-sit Mr. freston King aslcej leave to in
troluce .1 b'.il substantially the ame as that in
trodnred laHt session, appropriating 'ihirty thru
isnil dollars for the openin; of re-goliutions, an.l
two millions to enable the President to conclude
a treaty of peace w';h Mexico The House re
fused to suspet d the rule by a vote of SS to SC.
The mesa-? from the Pi'esid.'iit was lh-n read
It recommend rhe adept ion of fhe "Secretary of
ar's sii;'j"lions for thi- increased efT.cieiiry and
better organisation of the army, the irtrease of
officers of the regular army, and particularly pf
hig'ier gra l's ; nnd fhat th i tvppoirtmetit fcf a
general officer tot.ik- comnand of all the forces
ralleil in;o the. field dnring th t war was desira
ble, in order that etTictent masres should be in.
ken to termintito tli war before thi warm sea
son commences
On motion of Mr. flsrraUon, t"Se messige was
referred to thu military committee. Th rpu
cial order of th day was Uken ep in committee
of the w hole, being th bill authorizing the Tai
aing nf ten re'irnenta, to be added to the re gul.r
attny. Various a.Tieiiilmerts were fflered by
Messrs. Tibbats and Ilarrnlson. Mr. Ges.uehy
addressed the committee in opwsition to the
war. Robert Dal Owen and Mr. IMmlin fo'
lowed in support of th bill, after which the
committee rose and Ihe House adjourned.
Col. Denton is to b a Lieutenant GenerO
lie is, r.o doubt, an able and experience I Stales
man, a ready debater, and a man of vat statisti
cal information ; but have twenty six years' pub
lic service in th Senate of the United Stale fit
ted him, in th sixty-sixth year of hit age, (or
thereabouts ) for tbe command of all the United
States land forces? Audit it nnt I h'. mo t dan
geroiu prtctJe'il th&l c i b tiiab'ikhtd in a free
rrp-ubl c. tpprnmait iht mattffui leaJtr i.f a par
ty, or a fi uclian ij u party, to the tonimund fftKt
aryj When a successful General, who has
rendered important sci vices to th country is
made Tiesident, he become a civilian, tbongh
nominally clothed with lh cooimandership of
the army snd navy ; but to promote a civilian,
to tb actual command of the army ia quit ano
ther thing. Col. Eentrtn, it is true, ha been in
tb regular army under General Jackson, bnt be
was employed in the recruiting service, anil his
political fame far outstrips bis military. Colo
nel have, sometimes, been promoted over the
heads of Generals; bai never except for extta
ordinary feat of trrr.s, snd not for services ren
dered in tb Legislature. Mark, thia is hot
question whether tb civil Or military man ia
most 61 lo govern or commandbut which of
tb two is most fit lo command Mirr$ 1 Col.
Benton is most valuable man in the Senat of
lh United Sltes; bet Crls Seott, Tsytor,
Worth and ButUr hev don most rateable servi
ce in th fteld. s Cave or, ta ns
re Christian onotslion, "Ilonor to wbsvos b
I ass 1 r " lUnssno xiv, vtrw t.
Sonbory nnd Rrlt Rail Road letting.
At a meeting favorable to th contraction f
thi rosd, on Wadoesday evening Istt, E. O.
MARKLK was elected President, Wat McCsnrf
and PaTta Porskl. Vice Presidents, . . Purdy
Secretary.
C. W. HegtM having stated the objects of the
meeting in a few appropriate remarks, tbe fol
lowing committee was appointed t draft resolu
tions, fee , vit !
C. W. Hegins. II B. Masser. J. II. Purdy, W.
IcCarty and 3 D. Jordan. When
On motion of H. B. Maaser, the followittj
Resolutions were adopted :
Woersas, The cities of Roston and New York
sr using all their energies to secure the treat
trade of the lakea an r th wsst, and whereas the
ntu'1 s'dvantsie of Pennsylvania alTord a shor
ter. ch-apr and bsttet- route for a railroid thro'
her own territory than any other known, by
w Inch the great trade of the lakes Can t secorsd
to Philadelphia
TitsRS.ro, Resotved. That f'erinsylvania has
a deep interest in the construction cf a tail road
from Philadelphia to Erie, and the route by way
cf Sunbury and th West Iiranch of the Susque
hanna ia almost in s direct line from one point to
the other, and that its eaiy grades snd natural
advantages in location would give its decided
preference over sll other routes.
flesolve l, That a brunch from the Erie route
wi'h P'ltjbure, would connect Philadelphia with
thst city, bv a cheaper and more expeditious
route than the present miscalled central route ;
an l tin' if th-prirpip'e of equation of grades is
corm-t. hy which it is ascertained that an engine
or, a gradient or elvation ol 51 feet to Ihe mile
would have but half the power that the same
enghie would have on a level, then the Eri
rout ia rot only better, cheaper and more expe
ditious, but in fact also a shorter route.
Resolved, That in the location of the Erie
route, some of ihe best portions nf the state will
be brou. tit into market rich in mineral and
agricultural resources, which would enhance the
v1u of resl es'ite n l taxable property many
millions of dollars.
Reso've-I. Tint we dem it impolitic, un
wise, and unjust, to contri'ct a rna 1 parallel
with o.ir pub ic works, when a better route csn
be had without coming into competition with our
state improvetnnfs.
Ti solved, That the following deleatm bp ap
pointed to attend the Sunburv am! Erie R-nlroad
conventionto be held tt Phils ieldiia on the 1 J'h
inst :
A Jordan Chiriei W ll-gins
Jos R Priestley Il-nry 1J Ma.ier
Paniel Biaiit igaifc William L Iewirt
John! assart John B Parker
John M Vincent Samuel D Jordjn
Charles Gale E Iwaid Y Hright
Hon Jarrrt Pulluck T A Pillin'on
Seth I Couily Jacob I! Masser
Joreph Rhoa.le ViIliani J Martin
John Murray William Foisyihe
5amue Ilunt'r 'G-o A Trick
Greenoiirh K G Marklev
William Va'ty Amos E Ksp
John H Purdy John C Boyd
Win M Gray Gideon Ma.kle
Jesre C Hor'on Sanuel R Wool
Charles 3 rruiie"; T.euhen Fs.ely
C Power John Bud I
fTr o C Welker E I ward Gohin
V.'m C Lawsoh T S Mackey
J F Wii'iinger
tlesalred, that lhse f rocee-iiiij's be publilhe'i
jfl
all fhe papers of the county.
Pot'n houses of the T.ecislaf nre were or-
ssnised on Tuesday, by the election of Charles
Gihhors, Eq . whip, of Philadelphia, Sp-aker of
the"Senate, and Jamei Cooper, Esq , w hig, of A
dams county, Speaker of the House of Represen
tatives. Geo V. Hammerstey, Etij , of Lancas
ter, and Mr. Sullivan, of Butler, whijfs, were e
leeted Clerk and Assistant Cleric of th Senate.
In the House, Taviil Fleming, Fsq., of tlarrs
h'irg. and Mr Rutsel, of Pedtnrd. whius. were
elected Clerk and Assistant Clerk to that body.
Cy The Commissioners of Coliimhia county
contributed $100 cf the 'comity fund to defray
the expenses of lh company of volunteers from
fiknville to Titlshurg. The citizen's fcf Danville
Snd neig.horhi.iol swelled the kmnunt to about
nflr). The velunteers were addressed Ihe Pun
lay frevious to SUrlin. in kn eloquent and pa
trot lo manner, hy the Rv. Mr Li.htner and lh
Rev. fr. Ytin.ars Our "Danvi'.'e neiahbnrs
have acquitteJ liienselves handsomely in (his
matter.
!. trout SisSlco.
OTA Revotntion has broken oof a'Campeachy
and Tohaseo, which have declared themselves
asperated from the Mexican Government.
Private letters from Tsmpico state that the
men were snffering greatly from intermittent
fevers Th impression prevailed that llerreri
would be elected President of Mexico on the
cpening of Congress, and thst overtures for
peace would be immediately made. A furthtr
correspondence between General Taylor and
Snla Ann ia published. Gen. Taylor's letter
eenclodes w-ith a hope that the Meiiein Congres
will accept the offi-r of th United States, snd en
ter on negotiationa for the terminal ion of hostili
ties snd Ihe establishment of peimsnent peaee.
Santa Anna replies from San Lois in s coorteoos
manner, and in conclusion saya that h hope the
National Congress will set as shall be most eon
doriv to tb interests of the Republic, hot thai
he believes neither Congress er any Mexican
will ever be able t listen to any overture, onless .
tbe national territory hll first be cvacoated by
th for of th United States and tbe boetllo
attitude of tbe vessels of war In front of their
port b withdrawn. Until thi takes pise the
nation is otermite) to ofiJ, it very awasust,
Itt tstrHovy, ineb by lob