~" @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 • ' „.• •
•'' ' ' . , , •
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