ed, nd ya will be astonished to learn tbit it this to their pecuniary interests, or to resist the Wishes
time there arc not a dozen companies in exigence; of their immediate representatives,
under it. Duiing tlie sessions of 1S52 and 1853,' in a communication addressed to the General
much time was consumed in the consideration of Assemtly, in March, 1852, on ibis subject, I re
gpecial acts to ine"rpuiaie mining companies. Near' tnaiked, 14 that the power to subscribe should nev
the close of tbe last session, a general law on the' er be exercised by municipal corporations, unless
subject, applicable to all the counties in the State the interests of the people represented by such ait'
except six, was passed, and although this law is as tbority are directly and certainly idem irled with
favorable in us terms as ltie special acts solicited, the project on which the monny is to be expended,
but a single application lias been made under it The operatiou of the principle may be equitable,
for mining purposes ; and even in this instance when applied to the people of a ciiy or town, whose
operations base nut been commenced. These are interests are identical, bvt when applied to tbe
significant factsrand in my opinion will fully justi- people of a County it may not be so. On the con
fy the rejection of all special acts on tbe subject in trary, it may prove most unjust and oppressive
the future. I can see no reason why ibi. general subjecting the people to burdens in the shape of
law should not be expended to tbe balance of the'taxes for the construction of public improvements,
State, if the people desire to have it ; but no special from which tbey may never realize benefit, direct
act to organixe companies wtib:n tbe counties not'or remote The people in one section of a coun
included in the general law, ean receive my ap-lty may derive valuable advantages from thecon
proval, and such as are now in my possession obstruction of a public work, whilst those of another
this cbsracter, will be returned wituoui we exec- section, equally taxed for the payment or the in
influence. For instance, var-nuins in the ehannela school year on the first of Jane. The cflVel of j for the purpose; that many of the books are
utlve sanction.
At the dale of my last annual message, proceed
ings were pending in tbe Supreme Court of Penn
ey Ivania, to test the right of the franklin canal
terest and principal of the debt so contracted, may
possibly realise no benefit at all.7 It is to these
effects may be attributed the violent contests tbat
have grown up in certain Counties, to which the
compel T to construct a railroad from the ciiy of i principle has been extended.
Erie to the Ohio State line. The decision of the In the S ale of Ohio, where this dangerons prae
Court was against the company on ibe main ottitV) tice also prevailed, a constitutional prohibition bas
and the opinion of Chief Justice Black shows; been deemed necessary by ihe fieople, and muni
most clearly tbat the construction of their toad cipal subscriptions cannot now be made, even with
Was without authority of law, but the preliminary i the assent of ih. se atlecied by the measure. The
injunction prayed for by the complainant was re.
fused, on the ground that tbe Commonwealth
could noi, under the law, give security for costs.
The effect of this decision was to place tbe pnvi
exiierience of that Slate, as I have learned, was
alike against tbe practice. of making improvements
in tbis wav, and that in the end it became inef
ficient, through tbe disposition of capitalists, and
leges claimed by tbe company within tbe control jolliers, to rely alone on muuicil corporations for
of the Legislature. In anticipation of this resul
I hsd suggested to the General Assembly tbe pro
priety of taking charge of these valuable lights,
and so far as might be practicable, without the ex
ercise of an illiberal principle, render tbis impor
tant linknf enminunica'ion, between the sea-board
and the great west, subservient to the interests of
the people of Pennsylvania. Ihe subject was con
sidered, but not finally disposed of.
in May last I received a communication from
the president of the company, covering the pro
ceedings of a meeting of tbe board of directors, in
which after allusion to the action of the Supreme
Court and tbe Legislature, a number ol proposi
tions were submitted, indicating the willingness of
the company to pay certain rales or taxation for
the uuieatrained use of the road, until after the
coming session of tbe Legislature, or until that
branch of government should act on the subject.
Believing tbat I bad no right to make condition'
with the company, or even to receive tbe money
which tbey were Willing to pay, I declu-ed to en
the means of constructing public improvements,
I am decidedly of the opinion that a aimilar deci
sion would and should be made by the people of
this S ate, when the proper opportunity is present
ed. In the meantime this insidtious and danger
ous mode of contracting debts shoulp be guarded
against with the utmost Vengeance. I shall in
dulge the hope thst all future applibations lor le
gislation of ibis character may be rejected by the
General Assembly
Ii is my duiy to inform you that $528,3.11 of the
relief issues of May, 1811, are still in existence,
and cot.tinue lo pollute the channels of circulntion.
Under the provisions of the act c.f April last $121,-
812 of these notes, of a less denomination than
five dollars, have been cancelled, and the whole
amount can, under this law, be ultimately extin
guished. But the process has not been so rapid as
was anticipated, nor is it sufficiently so to meet
the demands of the public weal. 1 respectfully
suggest, therefore, that tbe law be so amended as
to make it the duty of the Slate Treasurer to re-
of paier circulation in one State are too liable to tbis arrargement is to beget confusion in ibe bosi-
be supplied by the issues ol others, interoicieu, ness or toe several Departments or g r.r-rninei.r.
though the circulation of the latter mar be, by Indeed, so completely ia Ibis the case, that it is
positive law. These considerations have suggest- quite impossible for a person not familiar with Ihe
the importance of a simultaneous action of the subject to comprehend their operation. I aogg-st
Staieson the subject, and it has occurred to my the propriety of commencing the fiscal year for
mipd. that a convention of delegatea from each, all purposes on the first of December. Tins woo d
appointed by the respective legislatures, might be bring ibe Canal, Treasury, School and Auditing
a good mode of directing public attention to Ibe Departments into harmonious action, and render
subject, and securing efficient action. j their operations concurrent and simple.
lit the mean time, our State can lake Ihe lead in I I have never fell willing to see our fundamental
this work, aa she can also carefully restrict the law changed for light or doubifol iriwni, but I
evil tendencies of the present system, by reqmr sincerely believe that when tbe pi ope r time arri
ing Ihe institutions now in existence to make more ves, it wiil be wise so to amend the Constitution
frequent settlements, and renoer mure eiucirni as to require mat each law shall be passed in a
-.y in ojxes, ana also that tbe lews
providing for their security and imposing respon
sibilities on tbe Librarian, are quite insufficient.
Tins highly interesting an I useful institution will
doubtless receive your special care.
It ia proper tbat I should make known to ynrj
tbe progress that has been made nn the subject of
tbe erection of a monument at Independence Hall,
in Philadelphia. Commemorative of tl.a rwia.ai.n..
of independence.
In Oi.-t.lx-r, 1X52, the councils of Philadelphia,
by unanimous con-nt, passed an orrlmar.ee dedi
cating tbe necessary ground in Independence
Square, lo this patriot, c and sacred national pur
p.se, and proposing to give possession of ihe
banking capital, as a basis ol paper issues, to the of votes of each House, on a call of tbe y.as and
lowest point consistent wnb tne nemanus oi legii-jnaye ; to provide tbat all laws or a public nature
tmate business. I believe the amount we now -hall be general in their character, and apply to
have conies up to this standard, and that the best the entire State; that municipal corporations,
interests of the people require thai itshould not be, vested with all the power the Legislature could
increased. confer, should not have the right to become sub-
EnWs, extensive, energetic anJ highly com- 'seribers to, or holders of tbe stock of niher corpo
meudable are being made in all parts of the coun-jrations ; to interdict the creation of debt for any
try to advance the interests ol agriculture, oy purpose except war ; to unite some other function-
the dissemination of correct infortratinn concern'
ing tbis great pursuit, and in this way bestow
unnn the farmer, the blessings of a scientific, as
well as a greatly refined practical understanding
of the noble work in which be ia engaged.
Pennsylvania, so eminently an agrieultnra
ary with the Governor in tbe exercise of the par
doning power.
In compliance Kith tbe provisions of the 55th
section of tbe last general appropriation law, di
recting Ibe Governor to "sell and convey the Slate
Arsenal proiieny in Juniper afreet, in ibe city of
State, and therefore so deeply interested, cannot rhiledelphia," conditioned that tne sum or thirty
be indifferent to the merits or this enterprise. thousand dollars should be obtained for the same.
te lain tbe proposition. Ine relations oi tne. lain rrom time to nine, as near as practicable, tbe
company towards tbe State, theref re, have un-j amount in relief nnies, neces-ary to meet then en
dergone no change since tbe adjournment of the, tire demands of the sinking fund. I al-o recom
last Legislature, except that the Attorney General mend the repeal of the act of April 10, 18VJ, au-
has recently taken measures to obtain a final de
cree in the plea for an injunction and by writ of
quo warranto to revoke the franchise claimed by
tbe company
tboriznig ibe re-issue of tbis cutrency.
Tbe occurrences of the past year greatly
strengthen ibe views I expressed in my last an
nual message, on the subject of the currency.
Recent occurrences at the city of Erie evince an I Tbe dangers of an inflated paper system have been
intensity of feeling amongst the people, seldom most strikingly manifested i-i the experience of a
equaled on a question of this kind, indicating not number of tbe surrounding States, and nothing, in
only the propriety, but necessity, for prompt and ; my opinion, saved our own metropolis, and pnssi
decisive legislative action, as to Ihe rights of tbisj biy other parts of the State, from the consequences
company. of a severe contraction of the cutrency, but our
It must be clear to the impartial observer, thatj vast agricultural and mineral productions, and the
tbe -.. ia. llria nearer intended, by BllV previous: unusually h.eh niieea which th, rnmnuml.tl in
tween
the b
pressed
found
Jinny , aiiu, im- v " , " i- .. .(---., - .-
after be made on such conn -uoos oniy, as wiu( i nat it is the best that the wu ol man could oe
protect and advance tbe interests of tbe people of j vise, is not believed, nor is it probable that the
Pennsylvania so far as tbey maybe involved in authors of this paper system, enjoying the expe
the subject. It so happens that Pennsylvania rience of ibe present age and possessing the vast
holds the key to this important link of connexion! amount of coin now in existence, would have en
between tbe East and the West, and I most un-j tailed this evil upon us. But we base it, and ibe
hesitatingly ssy, that where no principle of amity , best we can do is to mitigate its consequences
or commerce is to be violated, it is the right and. whilst it endures, and throw it off by degrees. 1
the duty of the State to luin her natural advanta- believe tbat the Pennsylvania system of paper
ges to ihe promotion of tbe views and welfare of money, resting on a specie basis, small as it is, and , named " The Polytechnic College of Pennylva-
. - truction oi a railroad oe .foreign maikeis.
Ibecity or fcne and ttic w. y . , . ..,, 1,-1,1 ,1.- .l-,,,:-,. ,1,., .,, ,
ighest judical tribunal in the Siate o- ,
tbe opinion, tb.l 1 no suchauino.i.y can beiey; ihu .... . fl, , b'e ,,,,.,,
in ibe charier 01 ine nan tun cui iiu excessive increase 01 uao... ...
... . : :.,. .rant should bare-1 umalii . .nil,.l ,1.. VISi'l 1
Her best energies may wisely be exe-cised to se
cure its success. Alreatly much nas been accnm
plished in the way of temoving prejudices here
tofore extensively cherished against any system
of agricultural education, and by the extinguish
meni of doubts as to the utili'y, or even the t.rao
ticability of applying the principles of science lo
the business of farming,
The belief that these principles can be so ap
plied, I am gratified to perceive is rapidly gaining
popular favor. Indeed, the experiments which
have been made in this country and in .urope,
clearly establish the utility of scientific farming,
and in both, the necessity for sucb a system is
manifest.
A proper nnderstanding of the constituent ele
ments of the soil ibe influence of these in the
production of vegetable matter the means of
maintaining these elementa in their original
strength the nature of stimulants for tbe soil,
and their proper use the quality of seeds, and
the breed of animals, make up the main features
of this system. These subjects will constitute
an agreeab'e, and I have no doubt, a highly ad
vantageous study for the farming community.
In my last annual message I suggested tbe pro
priety of appointing an Agricultmal Chemist, to
lie paid a moderate salary, and whose labors siiould
be given to the State and county societies. I still
entertain the opinion that such an officer, surroun
ded by proper opportunities, could reuder great
service to the cause of agriculture.
The utility of establishing an agricultural col
I caused notice to be given, through Ibe press.
tbat sealed proposals would be received for the
same, ani naming the minimum prize and terms
of sale. The highest and only bid received was
that of the Pennsylvania railroad company, na
ming the sum of thirty thoussud dollars. There
being no other b tider,tbe property was according
ly conveyed to that company.
The purchase of another suitable lot and the
erection of a new budding, presented a service of
greater difficulty, the law restraining the entire
cost to the price obtained for the old property. I
leemed it proper tbat military gentlemen or Pbd
adelpbta should be cnr.solied, as to tbe location of
the new building. The general wish appeared to
be tbe selection of a central site, and at tbe same
time the erection of a building of greater dimen
sions and cost than the act seemed to content plate.
Ree-mly, however, negocialions have been starred
for the purchase of a lot of gruund, which it is be
lieved will answer the purpose, and give general
satisfaction as to location.
The A'torney General, ss required by an act
apnroved the lllih of April last, bas made diligent
efforts to close the claims of the ( ommonwe nltb
against defaulring agents and public officers. Tbe
result of his labors wdl be communicated lo yon
at an early day.
In accordance with the 35lh section or the ap
propriation lawof last session, I appointed George
Blattenberger, q , to superinp-nd tbe removal
of certain obstructions out of the raft channel
n the Susquehanna river, at Brnbnker's island."
her own peop e. the individual liability of the stockholders!, is as
It may be said that a restriction mat would re jsare as any other. 1 prefer it vastly to the loose
quire a break of railiosd guage at tbe harbour of plan existing in some of ibe neighboring Slates, or
Erie, would be the ose of an illiberal principle.; , the scheme of free banking adopted in other
The answer is, thst the necessity for a break of sections of the Union.
gusge between the Ohio line and ihe sealnard ex- That any system of banking that authorizes the
ists as a consequence of a difference in thewidih emission of small paper as a medium of circula
of Ihe New York and Ohio roads. The only ques- .tinn, must entail evil consequences upon tbecoun
tion to settle, therefore, relates to tbe point at try, bas been ton clearly demonstrated by our own
which it should occur. I have been able to dis-exierienee to need elucidation by argument. It is
cover no reasons, founded in public policy, why believed, therefore, that it is tbe true po icy of
tbe break should be fixed at Buffalo, that do noi.ihis ani of all the States, to restrict the paper cir
aprly with equal force in favor of Erie. Tonnage eolation to notes of a large denomination. Those
and passengers can be as well transhipped at the Lf a small denomination aamisid tn gradually wiin.
latter, as at the former city. 'drawn from circulation, in order to make room for
So far as concerns tbe benefits to either city, in- the vsst occessions of tbe precious metals from
cident lo a transhipment, the idea is unworthy of California and Australia. In vain shall we seek
notice. But the effects ol a break of guage, and to distribute coins through mt tbe country, and
consequent transhipment east of Erie, upon the induce slieir rirculaiiou at points remote from ihe
business of that harbour, must be paralizing, if Atlantic cities so long as small paper ia permitted
not fatal. It would virtually require shipments to exist. If notesof the denomination of five dol
to be made either at Cleveland or Buffalo. Scarce- lars were withdrawn from tke channels of circula
ly less embarrassing would this arrangement be tion, tbe vacum thus created would be rapidly sup
upon the interests of tbe Sunbiiry and Erie road, plied with gold and silver, and so also with those
or any nther avenue tbat may hereafter conned of a greater nominal value. But so long as this
tbe lakes with the ciiy ol Philadelphia. ipaper medium is permitted to citculaie, it will be
It may be tbat neighboring States, posscssing'impraciicable to induce the general diffusion nf
aimilar natural advantages, would give them away coin. The people inquire why it is, that with the
for our benefit, but I have not been able to disco-; vast increase of gold so little is seen. 1 lie answer
er any fact in their former pobcy to justify such ' is. thst bank notes always intervene. The trader,
a conclusion. I shall await your action with an- merchant and others retain the coin and pay out
xie,y. the paper; and the only remedy is to be found in
The subscriptions of the cities of Philadelphia the removal of the latter. There is, perhaps, no
and Pittsburg lo the stock of the Pennsylvania principle applicable to this question better settled,
railrosd, and the prompt payment of the interest than tbat which proves that two kinds of currency,
on the same, together with the flattering prospects differing in value, will not circulate together
of tbat improvement, bad the effect of extending The least valuable will constantly be obtruded,
the belief that municipal subscriptions could be whilst the more precious will be displaced. The
safely made to any similar enterprise that such gradual withdrawal of the smaller denomination
subscriptions were in truth, what bad been alleged of paper, presents to my mine, the greatest practi
by some, a mere loan of the credit of tbe respec-,cal reform that can be applied to our system of
tive municipal corporations, and that neither prin- currency. The exchange of one paper system for
cipal nor interest would ever be demanded. another, and tbe incorporation of restrictions on
The consequences of this plausible and sedue-!,h; '.'' P,int nf ,be wo have, although
tive doctrine were promptly manifested in tbe r";n nJ necessary, can never e.adtcate tbe
form of numerous applications for legislative an-i8"!''
tbority to municipal bodies to suoscr.be to rail-l. I won Id not, however, be understood a. r.vor-l-oad
stocks to various part, of the State. These '"8 Y ''"' alteration in our system of cur
applications were invariably pressed on the plea of jency, regarding, as I do, all violent changes in
promoting public convenience and the general policy or government as nnjus, and oppres
prosperity, and a number of laws of this character " ' '"n"e arrangements of the eoun
wert! adopted. So far as these apply to citie.and;"r based ..pen ioor present plan, and it , a so
boroughs, there operation has been rather success- '"'" ".''h ,hf f ce' ff',"' tl "
ful; bin when applied to counties il has certainly rr,d'' V withdrawal. But tbe beginning
been much less so, failing entirely in some instance ''"?"1'' ":. d WVh?U , P"P" ,0
and in other, leading to violent controversies tt ,ch will in the future, to a greater
amongst the people, destructive to tbe value of ,. perhaps, than in the past, render our enun-
the municipal bonds thus created. Viewed ini"7 """"ary 10 tier rivia.s, aou mate our peopr
everv aanect. as a mere Question of expediency.
.1.. :.nt- l w mmAm urnnld seam tn'natlOnS
weixh heavily against the policy of such subscrip
tions : indeed, I have no hesitation in aaying tbat
the aversion I have always entertained towards
this principle and especial ly.its extension to conn
ties, bas been greatly strengthened by this expe
rience; and we should now, it seems to me, as a
prudent people, profit by tbis lesson and avoid the
practice in future. Always doubting the policy
of such subscriptions, and declaring my views
freely against them, I have not felt required to in
terpose the Executive prerogative against the
judgement of Ihe people directly interested in the
question ; or in other words to judge for citizens of
particular locality on a subject relating merely
"hewers of wood and drawers of water lo other
No other reform in the political policy
of this nation, I sincerely believe, would have
sucb a direct tendency lo promote all the great
interests of the American people. A practical
safe, and efficient mode of carrying out this work,
is to be found in the gradual extingishment of
bank notes of a small denomination.
This reform, however, to be complete, and to
give tbe people the full benefit nf its salutary ef
fects upon our commercial operations with other
nations, must be common to the whole country.
The efforts of a single member of the Confedera
cy, however thmongb and well directed, can
achieve but partial success. Even in a local point
of view tbey can scarcely exercise a controlling
- , r .... - - B ' " inr.jiuil ui
her present system, by confining the amount of separate bill, and receive not less than a majority , premises to the representatives ol rung or more of
me original a'ates.
By an act of tbe L-g'llature of February last,
confirming tint ordinance of ihe councils, r he Gov
ernor was authorized to appjint a triisree act in
conjunction with tbe trustees or the other States,
in the erection of :te monumenr. I accordingly ap
pointed Allien G. Waterman, E-q of Philadel
phia, the trustee nn behalf of Pennsylvania.
Tbe States t,r New York, New Jersey, Near
Hampshire and Connecticut have adopted laws
similar to that of this State, and trustees have been
apnnied in each. Under the terms of these law!
no sci ion can lie taken by the trustees, until at
least nine of the thirteen original Stales shall have
signified their willingness t.. participate in ihe en
erpnse. There are still f. ur Stairs wanting, and
wub them the issue must rest for the present.
I am unwilling m behove that an object so en
tirely proper in itself so congenial to ihe feelings
of the American nation so significant in iis his
toric and moral bearing and so toucbingty inter
est.rg to every American bear!, can even Le
delayed, much less defeated. It was the majio
power of the Declaration of Independence wbieb
bound together thirteen rpareely populared. tax
ridden and oppressed colonies, and erecied them
iiitn an independent nation. By it was first pro
claimed to the world ihe equality of all men, and
ineir capacity tor, and right or seir-governroent.
I. niter these au-pices or this greet instrum.-nt our
liberties were achieved, and the thirteen feeble
colonies, acting on its benign principles, and guid
ed at every step by an over rnline Providence.
have grown into thirty-one sovereign Slates all
teeming wnh ti e elements of national wealth
all prosperous and progressive members of on
vast confederncy, whose boundaries are marked
by Hie Atlantic and Pacific, and enjoying a com
merce eo exten-ive wnb the civil z-d world.
Honored, feared, and patronized bv all nation;
already sustaining a population of iweu'y five
millions of iubabnanrs, rejoicing in tbe blessings
ol civil and religious l benv, end in a b gh degree
of moral snJ social happiness. And shall we not
have a monument to perpetuate tbe events from
wh.rh these manifold blessings have sprung ?
So ns imperishable memurial of rur gratitude an
everlasnog witness of the great things a" 'no
amongst and for us some visible sign lo perpetu
ate tbe memory if the Declaration of Independ
encethe Revolution the heroes who participa
ted in ibe mighty struggle, and the Constitution
tbat crowned and defined rbe privileges so nobly
achieved. If these deserve not a monument, then
all others have Ireen erected in vain.
A structure commensurate with the moral gran
deur of ibe event, its world-wide consequence., is
not cnntemplaied ; but what can be, and should
be ai-coinplishert, is tbe erect. on of a structure after
the plao indicated by the committee a beautiful
and ever-en donng embodiment of the Nation's
gratitude to the authors of the Declaration ; aa
iinper.-lnl,le personification of our fidelity to its
principles am! rh-ir natural offspring, the Consti
tution and ihe Union.
The location of this political Mecca will be most
fortunate. Central to ihe original States elegible
to the tuinfrl mrmrvn of His n.i.f.lru.. .1
'has"1"1 nn "le ' theold Keystone, who never
in her fi.lZ'., ""ss.ng. 9l.Uv Will Taller
forms and conditions as in times past, so will
she in the future, should the orcasi. n unhapily ar
rise, frown upn the first dawn of discontent
against tbe integrity of the Union, come whence
it may, or by whomsoever instigated. The weight
or he, vast moral and political power, I firmly be
lieve, will be wielded to resist the tide of dissen
sion and dissolution, and to keep tbe political at
mosphere around the monument, when erecleds
purely national.
The present is also an auspicious time for this
woik of national fellowship. Tbe compromise
measures, recently adopted, and ssnctitieu by the
approval of Clay, ol King, and of Webster, have
quieted the elements of national discord ; and to
prolong this peace and quiet, il is but necessary
to maintain these measures and the requirements
of the Constitution; to discountenance in future
tbe agita.ion of questions settled by tbe federal
'compact, and disdain tbe actions of those who
lege, wuh a mdel farm attached, wherein the He has caused the work to be comolete.1 in a sat
principles of a scientific cultivation of ibe soil and' isfactnry manner, at a cost of $217 50, leaving
manual labor in that pursuit would be joined to$l02 50, of tne appropriation unexpended, in ibe
tbe usual acudemical studies, has been atrongtv ' treasury.
urged upon my attention. Such an institution and I I deem it proper to temark in tliis connection,
system of edncation, it is believed, would at thelthat there are obstacles in Ihe wav of Ihe de-
same time improve the physical and moral condi- scending navigation at various points in that
tion of the professional and inercbantile classes, stream, tbe removal of which, by tbe State, would
and promote the social and intellectual aita u-lhe but an act of justice to those interested in tbe
ments of the agriculturist, mechanic and laborer,
addition to tbe vast benefits ii would confer
upon tbe pursuit of the farmer. These considers
tions, and others which wilf tinnbtless be presen-'-t1
lie the advocates of Ihe proposed institution,
navigation, in view of what they have suffeted in
personal comfoit and pecuniary profir, ss a eon.
seqnence of the eonstruerion of ihe pubbc works.
Tbe numerous accidents ibat have occurred nn
the railroads of Ihe country during the past sea- !
7,1 V. i V 7 " voor favorable on- sou tbe consequent destruction of human l.'e and i
It IL "' I.. , " """'-''O" Property; .be difficulties , ha. have surrounded all
. .." a.. Via 7 .--- " u.rices efforts to trace these casual lea 10 their true cause.
we tuv ussaitE pun l"Utl t J IC 1 1 . I
A highly Useful if.aii.,mi,in has recently. I.,...
organized at Philadelphia, under the auspices of
liberal and patriotic citizens of that city and vi
cinity, in pursuance of an act of the last session,
ma," in which the rduca'ion of youth in a practi
cal knowledge of mining, manufacturing and the
nd impose upon Ihe delinquents just ifmf,
specific laws on ihe subject; and 1 reipecrfuPy
recommend ihe measure to your favorable nottee.
It is believed that much could be accomplished
for tbe security of railroad travel, by additional
precautionary measures in tbe direction of pas
senger trams. Uur Stare, il is true, has not been
mechanic arts is united with tbe ordinary literary the scene of so many of these disasters as some
studies. Surely, as much can be done to impart ntbrrs : but this rosy not he the case when speed
practical understanding of the pursuit of thejshall be greatly increased, as is contemplated by
farmer.
Within a few years past the general govern
ment bas expended a large sum of money in the
construction of a dry dock at the Philadelphia
navy yard, with a railway attached, to facilitate
the operation of raising and repairing vessels. A
some nf our railroad companies.
Whatever relates to tbe cause nf education to
the moral and social condition of the people, or
to the amelioration nf human suffering, should
command deliberate consideration. All our edu
cational, benevolent, charitable and reformatory
survey of the Delaware river bas also been made,! institutions, are, therefore, commended to your
which juslihes tbe opinion that there is a sufneient lafwairal mmr
ileptu oi water in its channel to a Mnit vessels of i The State Lunatic Asylum, sitnate within a
a large class Willi entire safety. The location of i mile fiom tbe Capitol, is now in successful opera-
this yard, on tbe hank or the Delaware, in lbe!iion, end in a mnel flourishing eondtrton, realizing
southern part of the county of Philadelphia, ac
cessible from all points, surrounded by a vigorous
to the fullest extent the sanguine expectation of
its amiable and benevobnt founder; and it is but
and flourishing population, and blessed wnb a just to its accomplished superintendent to say, would hazard the peace of ihe country to gratify
prejudice, or to accomplish the ends or personal
Doen so favored 1 shall, not at this, lime attempt rert self-reliance,
to learn, but that the fact has been the cause of) By ihe act of April 7, 181
regret and oomplatnt among the people of Phila-'fhe " Pennsylvania itaining
healthy climate, gives to it advantages not surpass-ithst itfiss Dix regards lis present orgatitzaii
ed by those surrounding the navy yards of any,and management aa eminently proper and skilful.
other section of the Uuion. 1 here is, then no Upon this institution tne State has already be
reason wby it should not receive a full share of towed the sum of $2116,499, and a sma 1 sum may
pationage fiom the government. Why it has notlstill be required to place it in a condition of per-
1853, was incorporated
school for idiot c and
delphia and other pans of the State, is a circum-1 feeble-minded children." To this humane and
stance winch cannot he disguised. No considers-i benevolent purpose the Legislature, nh the Mier-
uons of public interest, which I have been able to alitv which has ever distineui.hed the S ale, since
discover, would seem lo detiund this policy. jtbe time of her illustrious and pure minded f.ion
Nothing, in my opinion, is gained by ii in econo- der, has extended a helping hand. The object of
my, efficiency nr skill in the construction of ves-jtbi. institution is to discover humanity in its low
seis. The materials for this woik can be ennveui- est condition of mental and physical weakness and
ently and cheaply procured at Philadelphia as at deformity, end elevate it lo the dignity of intelli-
any other point in the country, and ner mechanics genre, order and usefulness. It disinterested and
stand as high as any others in pointof skill and effi- benevolent founders have merited the thanks of
ciency in all the branches of ibis business, and ibe christian and patrint.
lao-cniiiiciu rn uirc uciiuinn sinm mscinne- j ne House oi itetuge, in rnnaaeipnia, may
ry. 1 feel jnstified, therefore, in entertaining the'possibly require further legislat.on. The board
hope tbat a more equal distribution of patronage of managers or that truly charitable institution
shall hereafter distinguish the action of the depart-! a re now erecting a spacious and costly building,
uncnt at Washington. into which they expect to transfer ihe inmates of
The consolidation of the city and county of the old House at an early day. Of all schemes
Philadelphia into one municipal government, is a for the amelioration of human distress and suffer-
subject that will be pressed upon your considera- jing, or for the reclamation of erring humanity,
tion during ihe present session. Without desiring there is no one which more forcibly commends it
tn express an opinion on the policy of the measure, s-lf to christian symtmthv and support lhan the
I may say, that I regard it as involving vast con-! House nf Refuge. Having for its sole aim the re
sideratious connected wnn the welfare of our me-, formation rather than punishment of the young,
tropolis, and consequently to tne S(ate at 'arge,' whose offence are urtan therrsnltof misr..rr.,n
and as such it shouid, as I have no doubt it will ' rather than criminal intent ; who sin through the
command prompt and anxious consideration. weakness of moral perceptions, or from impure
I have long believed that tbe loans ol tbe State, associations which so fatally attract the yonngand
should be consolidated into thtee or four classes, thoughtless. I cheerfnlll , and earnestly commend
and be under the direct control of the treaaury de- this admirable institution to vour fostering care,
partmrni at Harrisburg The books are now kept I The report of tbe superintendent will exhibit
at the Bank of Pennsylvania, where the loans are to you the condition nf the common schools of the
transferred, re-issued, and cut up into any shape ! Commonwealth. No depart meat of the govern
to suit tbe wishes nf the bolder ; for which service men! has greater claims upon the General Assem
that institution is claiming a heavy yearly com-bly than Ibis, and it affords me tbe greatest satis
pent at ion. There would be no difficulty what- faction to be able to assure ynn of the flourishing
ever, I am confident, in exchanging new coupon condition of Ibe common school system, and of the
bonds for the certificates of loan now outstand-innnsual interest manifested in every part of ihe
g, without any average extension or the main- Commonwealth in the cause of education. We
amLn
ExECfTivx CrtaaBEZ, I
Hjrrit&urg, Jan. 4, 1854. J
WM. BIGLER.
A fire occurred at Ogdensborg, N.T.,on Thurs
day night, destroying a row of wooden buildings
on Ford street, occupied by the following parties:
Thompson, bonnet rooms ; Cbanev, boot and shoe
dealer ; J. S. Wooley, grocer ; Green and Co.,
hatters; Mrs. Tho-nlon, Milinery; Byington,
Imokstore : Morris, druggist; Judd, auction rooms,
Child ex Fawceit, shoe and leather dealers ;
Aaron, clothing srore. The fire originated some
where on the premises nf Green It C., or Mrs.
Thornton, who saved on'y a small portion of their
stocks. M. St of the others lose heavily on their
stock, but are insured. Child at Fawceit's ex
tensive stork of boots andshres was mostly saved
in a damaged condition pmfiably covered by in
surance. The total loss will not exceed $15,000.
Geo. W. Howell, chief operator in the Washing
ton and New rleans telegraph office in that city,
ind a young miin named Sorrell, were riding down
Muin street, yesterday afternoon, when the horse
took fright, nn off, and threw him violently to the
ground. Howell wits d:ingcrouly wounded. Sor
rell not injured. Some six or seven physicians
were itninediiitely summoned to Howell, who pro-
nnnneed his case hopeless. He did not speak from
the moment of the accident until bis death, which
took place at 5 o'clock tbis morning.
Tbe Michigan State Railroad Convention met at
Jackson on the 20th inst., W. L. Greenly presiding.
A series of Resolutions were passed touching the
importance of railroads to the growth of Michigan,
one of which lecomraends the calling of an extra,
session of the Legislature, and another of tbe in
crease of the capital of the Port Huron and Michi
gan Railroad to $8,000,000.
The French government hus obtained from Mes-
im Knlhsehtl.l a loan .r oruS rsoA OilO 1.11 r
nty of the loans, a: a cost of a few thousand dol-sboold look forward with lively interest to the day iequl to 8.00t.000 sterling or 40 000 000 dollars!
lars. Indeed, on this point I am entirely certain when nor great Commonwesiih. freed, to some at 71. which it will issue at the first favorable tip-
that the exchange can be made a source or pro-extent, from the shackles of d-bt, ran, aa she
nt to tne state, above an expenses. I. nsaccom-i doubtless will, contribute an adequate su.u to this
plished, and the interest can be paid at ibe Treas
ury, and the whole business of that department
rendered the more aimple and safe.
The finanoial year commences and closes on the
last day of November, and the appropriation and
cause.
My attention has been called to the condition of
the State Library by Ibe officer having charge of
it at this time. It is alleged, with evident reason
and truth, that the rooms now in use are too small
Innrunitv afora1 k li. .1.1. -e . U - T -
1 . - v " " "- .... v v, sue ms.rm iuei-
tion. The Rothschilds are now interested in sup
porting the French funds, which have risen, while
the English funds have receded.
We hear of nothing but cold weather and anoT
fiom Portland Me. to Milwaukia, Wis.
mvmssb allais no ausstsr ISWW aaUff.VtClUGUfcBt
,.J. L. b Cf.s. 1
late (Tonrt liarai lamrlral k- ,
t - e rvrnmsr
annio