~" @R ' •has 'Mut now . telnlrOlsi the trans-, portittion on•otir public works. . ‘t . 'intiy„posisibly be Skippered Oat the (-tel l vit4VOmmiSsliitters•posseeie•Screitnate power Ter thiay,tirpose, Nil th is is to i :t mis take thinge, - ROM '"tfiP ititture of that dew partintift: of the, 0/cerement, It is always' inSile:the target .61 Which the disciintented unit Anteiested: point their. shafts. No , :s. session tff. the Legislature passes without harrassing the commiSidoners with inves -tigations,;-the whole stake is ransacked for sectitersevery act is Atteetioned'and - represented, and aiterall, tluaresult is frith- Ulm' 'The first instance is yet. to he foitiol in vibieli any,thing tangible,lnnebeen pro ,d nie - 11,.0r any salutary.-refOrni (if the sys-• • leen 'effected. Were the, legislature to de- VOtei one.ieriii:nn to aii honest - and. drorough - 1 • examination and, correction of the abuses . ' nnikdefects: of t he - sYstem, without annoy ing . 4inil,pursuitig individuals for. sinliter ciitls;_nOtopenlyavoweil„much good, wOuld -be - produced; but, under anyetherrnode of treuting'illis 'subject, the issue 'must be. as Sale.auil t frivttlous as horattirore. do not wish to fileirile de Me Minn -search.' ng ves tightion.! 'r merely desire to direct your attentionin. a, channel that will be benefi • cial ththe ' One of the !evils of these' fre-I „., „ ettent snu.lirtettions riirvestigatiens, is' that.. they 'bring legitilative investigations them 'selves inthiliscredit. The' perSeeution of the ioricicent al ways . furnishes a shield to . the .nirw, throughout the country. a ,•tinitter-Of-idle...Sport to_talk of these' hives , - . -4intions. —rii..mode by which they are, throught•nhout is well understood. : A few itissatisfied contractors and others, impose on the cretin - My stimulate - the ambition of some member of the, legislature to offer a petition„complaining.,of public .grievan cee. :e A eornmitteethitivestigate is-appoint ' ~etl-stibpitenas aide Issucil„Spd - :struigliiway . stirarnis•a.hungry.eeinfeilerares throng qie: •• , seal of Government,' 'to printeCute, , ,Awk claiins before the Legislature--;to lounge at, . the public expense, and join in a whole-, -.ealtypilrage--ofllie-treasury.=-=-At-the-elose nf the session; -the etimmittee reports-Lthe :witnesses return to, their homes,.and lac h .. at the trick, as they.pocket die spoils: Ily reference to this :subject; ii win --- be.found that a large - portion of the legislative ex •• ilt incurred in this way: - The extra . Ordinary increase of these expenses, over those of all other departments of the Go , yerntinent, has been of -late years a matter. . • of complaint: . • • It becomes My ditty, in the next place, 'to invite your 'earnest attention to the pre sent c ontlition. of the, banks and currency of, this state. It is a. mnstlamentable fact, that, in relation to this subject; the greatest irre gularity and distil der is true, we - • haite little, if "(14, of ,thatwretlied illegal trait in circulation, wl.ich, during the err lier part of the last six years, infected all sections of the Common wealth,in the torn) of notes,- elieeks, certificates, &c. &c., of • eorpoiations and individuals, for small . sus, put forth without lawful authority, . and in spite of the prohibitions of law; but we have what is little better, a large, amount of. notes in eiretilUtion, 'ostensibly legal, and purporting to •of equal value, becauie founded on the faith of the state, by what ever bank issued,, tre yet, notwithstanding this, fact, discredited and r epudiated by:the • very institutions fur whose benefit and re lief they were authorized to be issued. . The act of the laSt session entitled " ati apt.to provide revenue to meet the demands on the treasurer„ and for other purposes," ..• ender the provisions of which` these small notes have been ihrown iiito v eirrulation, having become a law by the sanction of two-thirds of the Legislature, according to ,the forms of the constitution, notwithstand • ing the objectiens of the Executive, I hallo _exerted myself to the utmost to see its pro visions properly carried into 'effect. This was' my duty, as the Execu r tive, and 1 have faithfully performed it, agreeably to the best dictates . of 'my judgment. Idid hope that some of the evils whichluive resulted from it, might have been obviated, if it was einforeed by me, and acted upon in a spirit of enlarged wisdom,: by the backs them selves. This hope has 'bteri vain. Tim worst-auticipationsbave been-realized, and it is my duty to suggest such a remedy as appears to me, to be best calculated to cor rect the grievances under which the public labors. . I have recommended to three several le gislatures the propriety of selling the sack which the state owns in the Bank of Penn sylvania, the Philadelphia Bank, and the Farmers' and Mechenice Bank, and used every argument that I could bring to bear upon the subject, to , convince them of the propriety of separating the Commonwealth from the banks, and of disposing of the stock she holds in them. I recommended it in, a message communicated on the 7th of March, 1839, on which day the market price of the said stocks were, for the Bank of Pennsylvania, $498 for 9400 paid; Phi -1 ladelphia Bank, $lOBl for $lOO paid; and tije , Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank, $62 0950 paid. . The same recommendation was again made , on' the Bth of January, 1 1840, at which time the following was the price of said stocks—for Bank of Penn sylvania, 410 dollars; Philadelphia Bank, Banking capital subject to 991 dollars ; Farmers' end - Mechanics' ,the payment of a tax on divi- Bank, 541 dollars. A similar recommen donde, ' $18,409,374 dation was made Bth of January, 1841, on Of the banking capital subject to the pay- which dsy the following sales were made, ment of a tax-on dividends, banks holding viz: for Bank'of Pennsylvania 412 dollars, ta.tba--4tmoont'-of - 10;8367745 - iTolia - frr, ' tlatielphia - Brink - TOCr - dollaw - Ftirmera l cot accept. of the provisiims of the act of and Mechanics' Bank 521 dollars, making 4th Ilday to provide revenue, and hence the die said stocks, held by the Common eepital of the banks which , ,did accept of wealth, worth 2,157,970 dollars. By the the provisions of , the said act, amounted last sales made during the present month, only to the sum of :7,573,;229 dollars. the market value of thee° stocks are, for The, amount or the loan taken c- by the a the flank of Pennsylvania 80 dollars; `Phi" ).cepting•banks and paid into the Treasury ladeiphia Bank 48. dollars; Farmers' and is 1,758,050 88 dollars, leaving the smn of Mechanics' Bank 80 dollars; making the ' 1,'343,340 32 dollars, which has not been present total worth of those stocks 902,. received. 424 dollars; by which it is seen that by the Oii the 30th Auguid, 1841. I accepted an course pursued by the last legislature,. in 7 - offer of the Towanda bank, to,,'4ubseribe refusing to authorize a sale, the , loss sow for an additional sem' or hoe hundred thou- tained bythe state, on thoseetOcks, amounts sand dollars of the said loan, and •on the to, the formidable sum of 1,255,5486dcd 5ame day, accepted an offer.of "the Erie lars. Ilffirw the nine recommendation hank, to subscribe for en additional sum of 'to you for - the - reasons given, from time to -three hundred and fifty thousand. dollars. • time, in my several communications on Of these offers the State Treasurer that subjeit. agree( to wept eEric ,t e Before 13MISS the .. subject, touching t e riynt ; cof twoOty.fiwo tbousan4 dollars, and banks, i desire . to call your attention to the , from the:Towanda bank - the-sum of, thirty- policy of re-chartering banks, by ,the Le seven thousand five hundred This gislature, duriog the present session, at bank did hot, Alte , proposition to al b r When.a charter for a bank ,has beep accept p oftite 00 - offered, hate.; no granted to a number of individuals ' , for , a part eLttin finfLitOildrc4,.4 6o tpandAonarg fixed -Period okrtiarr thOrell nolapels liar reaciftil ot,fOltringotre , - T h hus ap or i mplied obligation to renew , n On the •, ; , By this act a loan of three millions one hundred thousand dollars was authorized, to pay specific appropriations made by. the said ~set; and ;several banks of the Com ,lootiaVealth, Indict to the payment-die tax on their dividends, were authorized to _subscribe for the same, in certain proper •.tions to the capital stock of each. The whole atnount of bank. ing capital an the COlTergell• wealth is, Banking-capital not' !subject to tax on dividends, =I MMWMIMMWM peles•av-tery large ' portion:id' the, banking eapitaLsbbjeet to,the,,itperation ; uf•thirkbill, li:ay taken no.part of the loan at alfomil'Cait, of - coarse, hews no.claim to indulgence tin; der his TheseJtankswhieh have complied, stand in,a different. poeition---7 their.leaus..niest be repaid ,before they can be forced to resume. It is an inquiry of -muck Moment, whether the banks -thathave not complied With the requisitions of the law, ought• not to 9re deprived of the ad vatit4rctillriving from the use, of the,otex. . issued by those ; After the .mesrpatient reflection on this: "subleci; I . amm - perauatled that the only ef fectual and-certain remedyit, :to repeal-the act so far. es. relates to the issue "of these notes, , and ,to provide „adequate means to discharge theloan onwhich they are batted.: To .pay this- loan, .a •six per 'cent, stock might be autitOrized to; be thrown into.mar ket, to . sell for whateverlt.will . Shoult: there be a: entail, loss..upon it,, I am sure it will bell/ieemed a, very WU- matter, compared with ~the. inctinve nience the people suffer 'from the _present state 'of things. To. remedy. tide, a sacri fice, to .some extent,.isineyitable. Connected' with the repeal of this lavv„, should ho the 'enforcentent of specie pay ments by the banks. An - early day shauki be fixel for this event, at leastas early as the first of The time, horieVer, is not so material, 'whether it be a few months sooner or later,zeo that a certain definite and reasonable time be fixed. • Your action, on this-point canna. be too prompt for the publie-interest. , The community has been long enough held in suspense-=let the final issue he at once presented, and it is to be hoped • the' people and the banks will be prepared forit - wlretrit arrives.., Those banks which areino-sound.con dition, will - eenfer,m to the requisitions of the -Legislature,. AV 41110 merle - etnbareass menti .and those ,which are, ; ,not;: Will thus Ile hre7ligltt to the%l9U(:bsiOne-•:ttf4l4r,, -- ine. Li - hi. The first willatiataitiAlietneelvesOlM 1- ILtter must take their fate. Ati,Soon- as the produce of-the'teuntry has fours is way to thOspringohe peo.pYe_will be at able as. at any other period, to . endure -whatever 'hardship results from this:Mea sure. I do, not myself believe that any in convenience-whit:lv-can arise fromiti -- will b. greater, - nor any thon g -like so,protracted, as - those 'which are felt:hy' all classes now. It seems to nee it would be far better to bring matters-to crisis at Once, than to suffer_tunlec_the slow but-death-like torpor that has_aiready seized 'upen.all.. A very few -may, possibly, -fall :Victims. a little , sooner;w but the Coannunity_,at large - will ultimately experience effectual relief. Let rashness, - violence and injustice be strenuously avoid ed, but no vain liepes; . Or empty theories ShOuld prevent a cool,, calm contemplation of our duty, and a ;firm and unshaken dis- - charge of it, without turning to the right hand or to the left. A suspension of spe cie payments is at variance with every principle ofeorrect banking. The forbearance hitherto extended toile banks has not been without its uses. It has enabled the batiks to test, their alleged ability, and .to extricate, themselves.from their diffieulties,aml has added much to the stock of our experience.' It has clearly demonstrated that if the banks could net re gain public confidence, under the indulgence they have received, the system on which they are founded is essentially unsound, and requires- thorough amendment or. ex *patio!). We have witnessed; too-, under its influence,the most extraordinarythanges take, place, without any sudden or general convulsion. A bank'of thirty = -five millions capital has exploded and gone down in the midst of us, comprehending . within its sphere of business, the,Most extensive re lations, both with individuals and with other banks, without making more than limited portions of the Commenwealth. feel the blow with. oppressive weight. Leok ing, therefore, at all these, considerations, the indulgence heretofore given to the banks furnishes the strongest reason in favor of the course I suggest, and fully justifies its adoption. ,023,559,374 5,150,000 Vie et , , vltioXe Wriregittl' tax'. „,......—.— erhitrary, the, ft , , er y limittition.shows that its, tion'e the act of-13th July, 1840, anal - per- and the best provisions' • a Patriot can; make brought ~the :explorations to: a do s e , ~ A s = existence is to be terodhated at - .the tittle hags in other 'act:EC:: It is staled that some of nisecurethe- perinanencelif republicanism soon ae; the.field work can be reduced to designated: Its' stOckholders' know this, the proVisione of these various laws are in. in its purity. , To • otit.systena of common shape, the State geologist Will, thii winter , and,cannot complain if held to their bar- congraous , that the jurisdiction conferred is, schools, alone, can we look,as the means of enter upon the preparation of, his genera l gain. The condition of ' banks,, never is not expre k ssly„delined,"-and it has been, de.., , imparting this education; - anit' , ion this Sys- report, intended to en:lN:id' the - results of known till they are wound upend closed. Med by t h e liliremecourt, that thir parties tend, at last, 'as the corner stone, 'must we i tl:e in i : l:: :r o o l; re S s li s r , Ve t y k . e, en W g h ra il v e i Y n the o fi f n t a k l e repo p r s t "Their mode of doing business enables them agneved have no redress by appeal from the, rest - our freeinstitutions, and our best hopes, to .defy peirlic nettidny; and :to acquire a inferior trihnnal lo the supreme court, - or by ' to see them descend unshaken, to those. who' and drawings; which will require time, -and credit and -standing to whicli lheY-IlittY -not writ of error from , the latter'to the former. .come aftereus. , -•. --, ~-, ~ . . the arrangements . of the- State cabinets;' as 'be justi„j entitled, Frauds and irregulari- Int he deemed advisable to retain the feat- I Th e d u ti es o f th e superintendent of pub- far as they are in readiness, 'might, be ad ties 'Of - years ' perpettatinn, are ciniceirled tires Of these” enactments ire our, julisPrud- lie schoolshave become .so 'onerous, as to vantageousl commenced. Asa portion of f ro m the eye o f the public till a final set- ence, it would ,seein retmisite, that the evils I occupy, almost the entire attention -of the the work c an be put to pre s s b e fore the I %lenient of the concerns hank ii'maile. complained, of, Shonld-be removed by legis:• l ineumbent, and to' leave him but little.iithe:.:neeting of :the next legislature, it - seems Little Inuits of persons confe late and ga-, lative-enactment, • . . • •Ito devote, to-the other duties of Secretary of a d v i sa ble that provision shoidd be now 1 , tier round these, institutions, reap 'the I would also recomment ,an examinat on • the Commonwealth. I respectfully recom- '• ' ' - ' 'ishing the de: benefit of - their 'oexisteneee-rnonopolize into , the , state and• condition of the extent and . mend this subject to your consideration,. • s - -. develo-, their advantages, and perpetuate their pow- bueiness of the• several judicial districts of . _,and whether a regard to the publicinterest , age er., We seldom find among-them the en- this Commonweath, so , that the amount of does not require a separation of the 'duties < . ~, -d ergy, intellect and enterprize of the .corn= labor of the several` President Judges, some • of-Superintendent," from that of 'Secretary ar munity, but those who derive their conse. of whom at present overburdened, may of the 'Commonwealth. ' . . , quence from their , combinations sanctioned be in some measure equalized. _ I cannot but repeat.what I said in my and invigorated by the law. I cannot think There=are complaints of amputation' first annual message, that we are in need of , . . • - . such a system as this of perpetuating these of business in the courts of the city and la proper system of schoOlhooks, to be used . . • . corporations congenial tbOttrfreelustitu= county of-Philadelphia, and especially of the in our ,_schools, and which should be corn- . 1 posed by competent persona for the instruc tions. -It establishes monopolies of the dif fi culty-of reaching, in a reasonable thne, most _odious kind, because not limited 'in the trial of causes at nisi pins . iir'the• su- tion of the youths of Pennsylvania; such " a . • duration. If the business of the commu.' preme court. This last is said to arise from . course as would tend properly to impress. . . city really requires the aid of a bank, in- the time that the court is necessarily obliged I our youth with a 'due regard for our Corn- . stead of renewing the charter of the one a. to - devote : to the business in' bank, where monwealth, arid endear. her to their hearts. bout to expire, establish a new One, Let they have to decide appeals, and writs of Her position, wealth and intelligence; the its subscription books be open to all, and error. Whether such Complaints he well admirable and free• system of her laws; her if it bo advantage Mis, let all share in its founded or not, I am not prepared tO say. l unwaveting patriotism and devotion to , re enjoyment, who may choose to-do so, and A careful examination into the whole sub- publican principles; her distinguished phi if not coven ingenue,let ,all participate in ject, and such enactments as shall be fOund lanthropy and benevolence;' entitle her, in a bearing the burthen. ' necessary to meet any evils that rnpy exial, pre-eminent degree, to the love -and Venom- Besides it is not a fit time to renew bank in the adnainistratien of justice, and give to tion of her children, who should be early charters, or to establish aiew ones. The every one an opportunity of speedily trying taught-fa - estimate her great characteristics. public mind is not settled on this subject, his cause, is respectfully recommended. The twenty-third section of the first arti norcanive fully appreciate the souindness,lt is oftenunadethesubject_olcomplaint,- debf-the constitution-of-this_commonWealth or unsoundness of the bankingsYStem, e ,-,,. that the decisions of the supreme , court are provides, that "every bill, 'which shall have id a resumption of specie payments tat s not published under the supervision of a Re- passed both. Houses shall presen dto place. Lerthe recommendations I have Porieli ,- VP:Anted by authority of law. I the Governer. If he approve he shal sign r.ow submitted toyou, be adopted, and let think it is - worthy your ingidryywhether the. itibht if-he-shall not approve, he sh, I re public interest would not be promoted, by us 'wait a year at least to,judge-of their 'e- turn it with his objections, to- the house in d for the of such a-re sults. This eiperience_ will essentially a id . Provi d ingappo i ntme nt which it originated, who shall enter the ob future leg i slat i on, an d perhaps rescue. us porter, who shall be responsible to , the pub- jections at large upon their journals rantl"..pro froni fatal erroii; ' Thel l istory, of the le- he,:fer the illapV! iit'whiell 41 e'discharge s ceed to. reconsider it.'! Tire, sec ti on then I gislation of this'CommOrtivealthilti regard !iie . dntY- -',:. - . ' - - 1 ' i ' Proceeds to :providepthaVanch bill, -alp re-, ! _l_.Conaplaintii m emitinue to be made i n many turned., i- ii to' banks is a suceession--oe-plausible-theo- sow,: not become a law'; unless , two ries; let us 'hereafter 'rest it on the solid. counties of the manner of selecting jurors. - thirds of each - house shall, on a call' of time basis of enlightened experience. Then Unless some additional guard - be.thrown yeas and nays, agree to pass thebill. This may we hope to escape the •rockori Which - around- this--i nes ti mable-riglu i ,paiblic_con ft- provision was inserted in no- , zonstitution - of all our banks are 'now temporarily. hip- dens in th em al by- jury will - be much di- seventeen hundred and ninety, and retained wrecked. Ihope and trust most, if not all mihedThis most , wise, -and venerable in that or 1838, 4 ' from a conviction of its of -them, -are-able to resume:specie-Par ; . _oLall human and social institutions must 4e ,-,use, a wren the possi b ility of encroa c h - ments; but it - is - impessible to kilo* th is, or d'ller & - ed for the protection of `the people against Ito confide in. their ability and disposition to ments, and this long boasted bulwark of li- hasty-, imprevident, arid improper legislation. de so, until we have , the proof, wh i ch , they berty, protected from prostitution to purpo- The constitution, while it gives to the two alone can furnishi - The public has 'ceased ses not intended by the constitution. ' I there- -houses the right to prepare, to amend, and to yield its credit to any corporate preten- fore recommend that the jurors be annually pass the several-bills, still rnakes the Exec sions, which are not supported by cones= selected by tha judges,of the court of cons- _ u:tive an active constituent part of the legis pontling acts. I have appended several nap pleas, or . some two of them, together lative power: — Tiiii - ancurrence, in aets - of tables connected with thie - subject,- as ,af-. yv_i_th_th_e_s_heriff_ 2 _an_d_that_theybe____dr,a_ s w_n___b_y_ legislation, -is_required to be expressed in an them in open court, or that some o th er pro- approbation of the act proposed. When he fording matters of - convenient reference. ' , vision - be made, that the trial b y -jury ma y --The general subject of creating and regu-Y conscientiously believes that the proposed dating corporations, is so intimately be respected and effectually secured. blended measure is _wrong, he would be reprehensi withThe taws relative ' to collateral inheritan-, that of the banking institutions of ti e ble, were he to give an approbation he cart= cos imperatively call for revision, in order commonwealth; as to claim a space in our not feel. Deriving his-power and authority to insure the collection of money from that consideration. I have remarked in Thrillerdirectly from the people of the whole bate, source. *I respectfully recommen d the ado messages, that the creation of corporations P - his interposition of the veto power, may be lion of the amendment suggested in a form for all purposes, has been carried to a fear-essentially necessary, to preserve the inte fuler communication, to enjoin it upon the re- extent in this State. Year after year- rests . of the Commonwealth,-from the oper gisters of wills to inquire of all the_execiitors they have been springing up around us on ations of local causes. Whatsoeverreasons, arid administrators on oath, at the time of all sides, and are rapidly becoming compe- however, induced the imposition of this duty granting letters,swhe th er the estate of their titors with individuals , in all sorts' of dust- upon the Executive originally, it is enough testator, or i n testate; will be, in their op i n- ness. When confined to their legitimate to say, that the duty is enjoined in our or purposes,lon, the subject of the laws relative to collat. midi' as the construction of , canals genic law, and I believe wisely. 'lt has been, oral inheritances; and that the Register give and rail-roads into our fertile interior, and my lot, as well as that of all my predeceet notice of all such to the Attorney General, rich mineral regions, I shall , not-utter a word sore, I believe, on several occasion-5;0.ex ,0f complaint; but to _ this - Unlit, strictly should or make deputy, whose duty it sha ll b eto ercise the power thus conferred.' I have . ma . e a record . thereof, andenforce the col - always done so with due deliberation, and they be restrain - et The increase of corpo • is time to time, of the moneys eetton, from , ~ onl y . when the exgeneies of the occasion rations a growing evil. I have,again and ' 1 I rising therefrom, and hand over his record again cautioned the Legislature against the a his .. .. „„ - furnished to me satisfactory and conclusive successor in orrice. • granting of corporate privileges ; I cannot to reasons for so doing. It however, a pow too strongly impress this caution upon your The eighth section of the sixth article of er which I have never hesitated to exercise, minds. On referring to the acts of the last the constitution provides, that all officers, when duty required it at my hands.. Du- Legislature; we find the- grant of corporate whose election or appointment is not there- ring the last session of the legislature, I was privileges to have-been free and almost in- in provided for; shall be elected or appointed obliged to exercise this power oftener than discriminate- So much so, that of 147 laws as shall be directed by law. There has been heretofore. I did so, at a time, when my enacted, more than one-third were either acts no legislative action aan this subject, so far conduct was about to undergo the ordeal of of incorporation,or acts supplementary there- as regards the offices of Surveyor General, public opinion, and there seemed to be a to. I adhere to the opinion, heretofore ex- Secretary of , the Land Office and Auditor disposition tomake the exercise of this pow pressed, that corporations ought never to be General, since the adoption of that instru- er, an important issue before the people.— created, where the object to be accomplished ment. As the commissions of the present 'That issue was had, and the.result has ex- 1 is within the-probable reach of individual incumbents will expire on the 10th day of pressed the voice of the public upon it, in exertion. They absolve men from personal May next ;it would seem to be a suitable a way not easily misunderstood. . liability, and may tend, by undue combine- time, for providing bylaw, for the tenure of Had the duty, thus enjoined by the con tions and concentrated action, to embarrass those offices. They, , ,witiethe Secretary of stitution upon the Executive, been freely the operation of government, and interfere the Commonwealth, constitute what is usu- and fearlessly performed, in the earlylegis- ' with the popular sovereignty. Let the pre- ally denominated the cabinet, and the E ation upon the subject of our internal im sent legislature set the example of resisting ecutive is.answerable to public opinion for, .provernents, we would not now be involved these monopolizing encroachments. If the the manner in which they-p,erform their du- in debt to the extent we are, end theremould propriety of this course 'was ever doubtful, ties ; yet under the existing laws he pos- not have been millions of dollars expended the experience of"a few years past has-dissi- sesses _no power of removing them, even upon works of doubtful utility, or of minor pated all dcjabtotird - clearly marked out the for the most palpable dereliction , of duty, publicimportance. Our main and leading path of duty. - during the .time for which they are commis- avenues of intercommunication alone,-would _ On this subject, there is another matter eioned-. I respectfully commend this sub- have been constructed, and the State saved which has been' repeatedly brought under feet to your attention, and that these officers from allalanger of being dishonored by fail my notice. Vallude to the extension of the he Placed, air to tenure; on the same footing ing to meet her engagements. -Far be it authority to create corporations for various as the constitution has placed that of the from me to reflect on my predecessors, but purposes, conferred , on the courts of corn_ Secretary of the' Commonwealth. it is our duty to gather wisdom from expe mon pleas, bythe lath, 14111,15 th and_Hith • So far as respects the office , of Attorney , rience,; and to avoid, as far as possible, the sections of the actof the lath of October, General, it seems proper that the tenure I repetitiCni of „error. 1840, entitled "An act relating to orphans' should remain as it is. Itis in truth acorn- In the months of June and August, next, courtsnnd for Other purposes. ' Charters mon law office; the incumbent is the legal I the commissions of the militia officers with of incorporations are procured , under this adviser of the Governor, and heads of de:, in this Commonwealth will expire by their law, on applipation to the ° respective courts Partnaent, and is ,the legal hand by •whichl own limitation.' It would; therefore, seem ofwithout b common pleas, eirig subjected the Executive functions are performed., , to be a fit time to take up that very impor to any other restraint or control, than their The duty will probably devolve on youtant, but much abused`subject. 'One of our own hasty , perusal. Notice, to be sure, is to make provisions for the election of repre. I most important duties is to cherish. and directed to be given, but that is of little avail. sentatives, to repreient this-State in the con- encourage • the true military . spirit among There is no commowstandard for the whole areas of the United States. As soon as don- our citizens soldiers. In war, and in all State, as -wail the ease when these charters press shall have decided on the apportion- trying emergencies, on them we, must rely, were to be approved •by the-Attorney Ge- merit, according to the last census, no, time chiefly, to protect our homes and firesides 'neral, and the judges of the supreme ,court, shall be lost tolay the same before you. from agression—our , national honor from and enrolled in the department of State, at - The reportiif the Superintendent of Com- insulte—our liberty frcini destruction: It is the seat of Government.a--Under. the , old mon Schools will put you in possession of , too much the habit of some, who should -system, thereWairtlidfonnity-in•-ffie-prov" .thiLatate and condition of our college's, acad. I 'know better, to decry arid underate our mi stone contained in these charters,-but now; envies, female seminaries and schooliT — • The - Tlitinand volunteers. — Those who remember under this new law, the discretion of differ- general evil, of which we have just cause to their services in the revolutioni and late war, ent:courts may essentially, differ, and ulti; complain, is the incompetency of many of, with Great Britian, entertain a very differ mate confusion and ,disorder cannot fail to those employed as teachers; The compen. , 'ent opinion. Let the organization,,ofPvol ensue. These domestic corporations they sation to them is generally ' low, and yet it , unteer companies ' be promoted,—let them maybe callekare of great , service ,30,-,the is generally more than many of them edit', devote all the time they can spare, to the public, but it may be, fairly questittned4t eanr as teachensiil th epossession of; of military disciplirte,-and they they it will not detract from theierulie. -. ,ledge and the capacity to impart it, be re- !will speedily . silence the voice of censure render their creation a matter too nintlnht ViEls4,) „ for these :entrusted with the moral : and of prejudice, and strengthen the arm of unchecked. tinvite your_ittentionlO7thiti, !It7.4hings-of • the rising . lgeneratiop. ,Iffion 'bur national defence. initiject„aririf you -should agree„ with ' ,;-;\- this,, *lt upon all other subjects connected I- A convention was Judd -- within” the lark in 'opinion, it will be easy' to remove all itill' r t:lie': important work of education, I season for the•purpose 'of devising and rec.- ground of complaint, by restoring the power met-refer you to the report and documents, , ommendingli more e ff ective military system, of granting 'these charters, to the' hands in which the superintendent will, furnish, and and- the result of, their labors- will short- Which it hind beep safely lodged, fortipwards shall only : remark, that:l will most cheerful- ,ly be laid before you; in relation to 'which' of half a century The delay and =olive- 1 3'. co-operate in abyandttll measures, which I take occasion to say,ahat the opinions Of hience of the , old T iaysteni,l,were fully Counter- shall-omi -the . theans •-iif -acquiring a sound' that cOnvention, , dornbinimg as it does, Much balanced by'the, eertainty, consistency and and practical -education within the reach of ' wl- . uniformity of the ' corporate ` powers and pre. all.; the. Ohildrer e 'of, • thtrCommonwealth edge of din, ) eon try, will ,be entitled to,- vieges enjoyed by theemporatione'cr eated. elevate the character, andimprovp the,qUal- 1 andOnbtless• Will.receive et yOur. hands, Thelegislathre, by the. actof,ifthJirne, "ificatons,ofonit teachers; and enlarge the the most respectful!consideration. Ameri •lB?o, conferred'sqinty,or'ohan'eery poi ers usefulness =hat increase the benefits to be can freemen shrinlrl never; lose sight of the on our - Supreme' couvt,'douitii of common , derived from': our &lieges, academies and ~ solemn injunction of 'the father of our coma-, pliiiami district cou rts, in certain specified eeminaries.7, ,- Aksound tukteation, undeupro- try, "in time. Of peace prepare , or aear.7-, ;egaeM . ;" irk* 81 '4 81 0, 4 i'iMaiii ether PPiet..' P er me'rqkand:ragiouefrainipp is the best .; . The - geeloginal - 'suivex.,44he, State:* isfits, on the seine subject, in the "119thieei legal' a:paieri - tr bequeath JO- his _child, nearly , boniPleted,—the past4season - having. c t-ok '•:k.a:;;v:4..-A .' . 1. , i;•-:";,.:Zar..:An':,,.4.:..;,'4..,,v_.i.,i,.;,1:;,.,,,,; ~.,, ie. Q.. 44.1 a,-- :'-'''' v - =•:: ',:, ...i -, - 1-%; • ',,, 1,•-.1 , • t y 7,• '.;: 4 ;••.y •!' -•• = 0.;.:.* , ,,, ; , ;: , , , - ? ;:,, 3 , , 4 , ,- , •4... e ::- .” ,ch..euAtt.214,7.-4,1 ..ti.,l,:t :....,.%,.,,z6.4;54;c+,,Y41. c,= , ‘,,, ,, .',44arth2.;:-.,.kk.':11:itt`ia.;4214..61P.L:t._: L ;J;.,':, ::,,,:i1iL,"..1164*,Y,7 11=11=M3MM MEM lESEI s Phulaaelpnna,r by the way of the New Yore, c. ~ Erie and the Ohio canal, .than by the . di rect „and natural route through our•ou provementh to Pittsburgh. I learn that the whole difficulty in this particular, lies in the uncertainty of the ,navigable state of the Ohio river. Thus is a large share (4busi ness daily divertml from our public im proiemeMs; and the probability, nay, the certainty is, - that as regular lines of trans portation are established on those collateral. improvements; this diversion of business will be greatly augmented.. We are • most 'imperatively called upon to look to this matter before it is too late. . . • Ifi . the commencement o f her stupendous system of public improvements, this state was induced to incur the vast liability she did, under a conviction that the trade and business of the west and south would af ford nn adequate_ return. It . was on"the general assurance: that this would be se cured to her, that-she opened' the highway to the sea-board for those rich and vast in •terior region 6 .- Pennsylvania now:relies on. the sense of justice which she knows will, on this, as on all subjects, actuate her sisterstates, in determining on a measure calculated to alleviateihe burtiten• that is weighing down he citizens. Those states which (luring the progress of our main line of improvements from Philadelphia to Pitts.burgh, looked. on with an interest less lively than . oer °Wu, will not surely with hold their aid from rendering the channel of the Ohio navigable at all practicable sea -tons,• and thus completing the' entire line of "inijirovements began by , Pennsylvania, now when experience:has demonstrated the necessity of this measure. I trust the Legislature will exert its utmost' efforts: to engage the national gevernment in this work, which is eo obviously one Warranted by its constitutional. power, and by sound policy. • • • It is - proper to mention two other mea leures,of national policy in connection with this subject, in both of which this state has such an interest, as to justify - the in terposition of the Legislature. I speak in reference to the establishment of a Nation al Foundry, and the construction of a Dry Dock at Philadelphia. The first of these I has recently engaged the attention of Con gress, and'seems likely to be received with general favor. Not disparaging the claims of ether sections of the country, we may, 'without fearing contradiction on_ very , re- Tonal-grounds u utfge-iribehalf:of-Petinsyl-- vania, the most conclusive xeasons. Among .them are our eentral•position, our contigu ity to the aea-board, our numerous and per fectly safe inland 'communications with al mostevery section of the , Union, and a bove all,-,the-deposites of coal and ken scattered.throughout our borders, to an ex tent Unknown to any, other quarter of the World: We have in, these every conceir!-_ ble advantage -to recommend ramie'point, perhaps in the valley , of the Suiquehanna, to the selection of COngress, as a site, for a National Foundry; .and the same reasons in' point of location, apply, with equal fore° in favor .of constructing a 'Dry Dock at Philadelphia. •In addition to these, its safety from the attacks' of an enemy, its fresh water supplies, its conveniences -of procuring thither and . WOrkreen`kall con spire to enforce .its chains upf)iir thitentice of, the-;General cloVernment in ,they most erate .witk . Y . el l ) l EMiy ntantli r ridetimed moat. advintible ip imPressing .010 , :lsratioll!1 , q,0,4 1 : 11 ment, ;':11„ .propeclk,repreiented, I- do not think they conlieiiverlooked.. . The recent convulsions in our cominerg _ chi' affairs, have tended to the deep and , lasting injury. , of,this .Alirnmonirealth. • I fear it will require years of industry. pm , dence, and integrity, to wipe oht the stain - from our escutcheon, and to replace us on that solid; manly. and ..proud footing we, once occupied in the estimation of • the world. The wild and headlong spirit of s 4 peculation and stock gambling.has brought disgrace to our doors, end stamped - every thing depending on our buhiness fidelityy ohth suspicion and discredit. This taint of Character.has extended too fir. It had reached the whole com munity, when in • truth it ought to have been confined to those only whose folly, imprudence or ditihotiesty' wave color to the charge. The great body of ur citizens are free from'debt,.have never engaged in ruinous fancy stock Spetulations, are abundantly'able and •willing To comply with all their obligations to - each Ptheri - and : • to'the citizens of every other state or try. It true, our 'situation and habits - of . businesS have rendered .us a debtoistate; and subjected us to' responsihilities which • might easily.hwite been avoided under a dif ferent. system - of policy. We purchase large . amounts _of, manufactured - goods of all, kinds from the eastern states, to con slime ourselves, and to sell to the citizens of,the iontli.and south rest. We are.lia- • ble, on the .failure of our , debtors, in : pay for the commodities we purchased and sold . to them, and we of course • must. pay for . those we use ourselves. • ..We can only dis charge these debts in cash, or 'by selling to • Our eastern manufacturers, our coal and iron in their - raw state. This-. very • iron, in a thousand shapes, we purchase afterwards at an enormous—advance . stowed on its .manufacture, and thus be- -• come .'debtors -tor labor that. we ought to .peribritiourselves:, For leather, •hoPts i - • 'sheen, &c., eleths and _other : dOtriestie; inilerring ire:tense . debts io the citizens of other States,,and are now, in ,the 'hour of our necessities, - MIMI feeling the heavy hand of the creditor laid an_aiLour_repOu_rees: . • This, ought . not 'to he. It isnnwortliY 'the great State of Pennsylvania to_depend "On -- Tthe manufactures of - Other' -- Statetflirof foreign. countries, .to supply her citizens with those .articles for the various purpe-: ses of. life which they can produce them- . selves as well; as cheaply, and - as abun& andy 'af'any -- other people - on the face - of: f . tlie globe. Our Valleys teeming with plen- ty, our hills with exhaustless coal arid iron • deposits—our streams,abounding- with wa ter power for all purpoies, unsurpassed - by that in any other ,country—and citi zens , • stimulated by enterprise and posseg.• sing means to render it effectual, should ) awaken in, us that spfrii of independence • which disdaint, to seek' at the hands of others that which .it can furnish with its OW . 1). It is with no ,feelings of envy, or of local jealousy of others, that I bring this subject to your notice; .but with an honest feeling of State pride. and a gener ons emulation, which should inspire us with a 'determination not to be indebted to others for those solid and useful means of promo tiny our prosperity which nature has. bounteously lavished on our own • , . • citizens. . . • . The duty of. encouraginumanufacturin estahlishmenis, to convert to•usefui purp , ses our coal and iron, and indeed to sup all our domestic wants, has become oil e ,;f peculiarly imperative obligation.. The s a - m . mercial . calamity under which we are auf , . • wring, has been so much heightened by the circumstances to which I have just advert ed, and the inability.of our citizens to per form oil their contracts, has'been so greatly ~, exaggerated by the interested and malicious in - other:Statesi that - self - respect as - well as pul.lic spirit calls upon us most emphati- cally . to turn a kind and cherishing eye.to their. advancement. Every measure that can conduce to this end,: will meet my most hearty concurience.'A think inquiries on this subject should' be instituted.. 'We want facts as the basis of legislative en couragement. - Let them be diligentlysoUght 'for, and when ascertained, let them be— . promptly applied to some useful purpose.' • kis high time the,Legislature . of Pennsyl vania should remeinber , that the interests of Pennsylvania are'conaded to their espe-. Mal cares It is a source of pride and gra- . • tification to.reflectolat but.a small. amount . , of the indebtedness to other states, which is now griping and annoying us, is gor com modities disposed of to our own citizens. Nearly every dollar of,,,,,this dornestio'debt has been faithfullrpaid. . The sum now due is for sales Made to purchasers in the West and - south _west, for. whom Pennsyl4 vanians ere in truth merely to be regarded as JO guarantors. This circumstance is entirely overlooked. 67 our detractors, , whe are attempting to hole the citizens of Penn sylvania to a rigid accountability,' as if she - were the very pack-horse of the Union .to bear more than her share of all its burthens . and responsibilities. Thiti •is unjust— , we owe it to ourselves to, assume our true, po- . sition. Permit me, fellow-citizens, in Conclusion ' to urge upon you a thorough and searching inquiry, into all abuses of government and all.' expenditures of.-the public money, , which are not:clearly warranted by enlightened prudence. The condition of the public treasury demands this at your hands,—and the people confidently trnst, that those to iwho*they have confided thnguirdianship of their interests, will faithfully . perform the.duty both, of inquiring into, and cor ricting all the evils they finifto exist. It afford_me great pleasure AO co ! operate_-_,-- with You in the campletion -of this salutary work. We May meet for a time with ob stacles,--we will doubtlesi encounter re istance on the part of those who are inter ested in perpetuating either abuseS or ex travagance ; but ultimately. we cannot fail to triumph ovez'all difficulties, and to carry into- effeettialinactical operation Ihe great 'principles `of economy' and reform--.the only true., and 'solid basis on which-thos e 'who administer'llie affairs of republican gdyer9minis;, can, rest their .clairns,to Op- Ofiti,-volifidinettan4 support; , • , • DAVID; Rs #ORTEO. • 156,/amary; 1842' 3 • ' „.• • •'' ' ' . , , • b;z:;;;;goi4.l4,i'lgidc IMMO
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