it r liriiiiiTfrTr' If ' I M I vvvxv 1 1 'WE GO WHERE DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES POINT THE WAV J WHEN THEY CEASE TO LEAD, WE CEASE TO FOLLOW.' BY JOHN G. GIVEN. EBENSBURG, THURSDAY, JANUARY-10, 1851. VOL. 7. NO. 14. rni7iMinw in? go u UU I millUll U lMLtUUIiUU To 'the Honorable, the Senators, a -d Members of the House of Ilcpresenta- j lives of the Generul Assvm'-ly. Fellow Citizens : A renewal of ex pressions of gratitude to the Almighty ( Father, for his manifold mercies ami pro- ) tecting influences daring the past year, : and the utterance of a prayer "in spirit : and in truth," for the continuance of tht-se blessings well become a people who 1 habitually acknowledge the superintending care of a ju.n and merciful God The Abundant harvests of the late season, the ! general exemption of the community from disease, the rapidly improving condition, of the country, in all things which confer happiness and rational contentment, 'in creased facilities of education, and the enjoyment of religious privilege in its purest forms, admonish us anew, that ths . destiny of this people and government is ' directed by the power of a Supreme liuler, whose kindly providences are continually exerted for their welfare, and its well . being. The melancholy duty devolves on me ; of formally announcing to the General Assembly, "the fact of the decease of the Chief Magistrate of the Nation, the vener able Zacharv Taylor, who died at the ' Citv of Washington, on the 9i!i of July; last. The soldier whose brilliant achievements in arms added new lustre to the military 1 fame of the country, and tin Statesman . whose policy, as shadowed forth in his recommendations to Congress, was that of the wisest and most generous patriotism, died in the full possession ol his great menial faculties, surrounded by endeared relatives, cherished Iricnds, and patriotic ' hr of tro eminent, with the calm ... v .m. . a . , resignation becoming a Christian soldier, . and founded on ilu faith, which teaches dial tbadihas no terrors fo.- thos..- who lait f.i ly endeavor to do their tlulv . The Auieiicau t paid the highest tribute to his memory by j united and universal sorrow. j in the purity and dismterestcdnesss of his motives, the patriotism of every im pulse as affecting his public conduct, the perfect sincerity of his desire to act justly lo all men, his winning gentleness ol tem- j per as manifested in Ins personal deport- j ment, were to be found traits of character, which bound closely to him his confiden tial friends, and give to their sorrow for his demise a bitterness which no lapse of time or change of circumstances can ; alleviate. . , It is recommended that a suitable ex- ; pression of respect for the memory of the deceased, and of regret for our bereave- j ment, be made by the present Legislature. ; On the death' of General Taylor, by the provisions of the Constitution, the powers ; and duties of the Chief Magistracy were vested without the least interruption of the public business, in Vice President Millard Fillmore, whose virtue and patriotism as manifested in the discharge of former trusts, as well in the administration thus far of his new functions, justify the confi- ; dent expectation, that in the policy of the ; National Administration - will eminently : promote the best interests of the country. ; In its avowal of the great principle of protection to American Industry, it has an especial claim on the confidence of Penn- : sylvania. ) Resolutions expressive of the feelings of the last Legislature on th death of , John C. Calhoun, were communicated to his family. I herewith transmit the cor- respondence. j The amendment to the State Constim- ( linn, providing for the election by the citizens of the judicial officers of th Commonwealth, having received U'e sane- ' tion of a majority of the people is now j part of the organic law. Your at'e.ition is invited to such legislation as 'av be r necessary to carry into complete eo'ct, this expression of the popular will. By the terms of the Constitution, Ibe commis sions of the Judges will expire on the first Monday in December, in the year one 1 thousand eight hundred and fifty one. It' is suggested that this will afford a favora- j ble opporiimitv to remodel and grea:ly lessen the mini! er of Judicial districts. At present there are no less than twentv-four j judicial district, with District Courts in Philadelphia and Allegheny counties. A reference to the vast amount of business f transacted in these last named courts, af- j foids conclusive evidence tlial ine jnterrsts of the community demand their ooirinu ance. . Should a reduction be made in the Common Pleas districts, the salaries now paid to the Judges ought to bo increased ' to such extent as would he a fair remit- Deration for the labor performed, and the responsibility incurred in the execution of the duties of their high offices. It is no part of the character of our citizens to require the labors of others without ade quate compensation. Fair salaries will best secure the services of honest, intelli gent and competent men, in that depart ment of government, in the faithful admin istration of which every ; citixen is so deeply interested. An increase, of the salaries of the Judges of the Courts of Common Pleas and District Courts, wo'd demand the extension of the same liberal ity to such gentlemen as may be selected to discharge the higher and more respon sible duties of Judges "of the court of last resort. Two annual elections appear to impose unnecessary burthens upon the citizens. Expense to the general treasury, and loss of time to the voter, coul I be well saved by authorising, the elections now held in the spring, to be holdeii at the general election in October. To such counties desiring to try the experiment, the right might be granted. I have been furnished wsiii a statement of the expense incurred by holding Spring elections in Dauphin County, and if the amount is a fair average of the expense to the oilier counties, the change indicated will save to the people ol the Commonwealth annually upwards of thirty thousand dollars. The project of creating an Agricultural Department connected with the State Government demands the favorable con sideration of the Legislature. In such department might be collected much valu able information for the use of the practical farmer. 1 he recent improvements in the j Construction of implements of husbandary, i tiie analysis of the earth, improved modes j ol tillage, and adaptation of manures and seeds to various kinds of soil, are subjects ' of absorbing interest to the agricultural classes. Diffusion of knowledge respecting the best breeds of horses cattle, and other stock, with suggestions in an authorized and reliable form, and experimental expo sitions of the proper modes of rearing and training live stock of all kinds could not J fail to act beneficially, on this great inter- ; est of the Common wealth. Should the ' National government erect an agricultural ' bureau, in conformity with the suggestion ; of the President, the Slate institution j would be an efficient auxiliary in the col lection of local information, and for the distribution here at home of knowledged amassed in that depar.inent from other sources. In this establishment, the claims ol the' mining, mechanical, and manufac turing interests on the fostering care of the government might be equally regarded. A private society in our metropolitan city by its liberality, activity and learning has done much to dev elope and eitcourage the arts and sciences, useful in every day life, and lias largely aided our mechanics and mauulacturets to gain a reputation thro' out the world, By the measure proposed, 1 desire to accomplish for the ad vancemeut of the agricultural, mechanical, ami mining j industry of the whole Commonwealth,! what the Franklin Institute has done for j those interests which have enjoyed the benefits of its discriminating care. County and township institutions would speedily follow the creation ol a S;ate department, and by mutual action and counsels, results would follow, highly gratifying to the patriot, anu uenenciai to toe country. Should the returns of the seventh census of the United States be transmitted in time, the appoiti tument of the Slate into congressional districts mar become art ' of your duty. In such event, it is hoped the custom heretofore pursued of "poslpo ning action on important bills of this de scription to the last hours of the sesion will be changed. It is a practice utterly inconsistent with careful and correct legis lalion, and destructive of the rights of a ' co ordinate branch of the Government. The committee charged with the iutro duciion of gas lights into the public, cuild iugs, have complied so far as in their power with the directions of the Legisla ture. An appropriation to meet these expenses and to enclose and improve the puolic grounds, should be made at an early day. A complete set of balances, furnished to the Stale by the General Government, have been deposited in the buildjugs of the Land Office. The commissioners of the sever.il counties ought to be required to have the weights and measures under their c.mj agiiu adjusted and regulated. An arrangement of the geological speci mens belonging to the Stale, iii some con venient place lor general inspection, and the publication of the geological reports, j are demanded alike by the true interests ot the Slate and a just appreciation other character for enlightened enterprise. My attention h.is been called to the large hotly of original papers in the State de partment, connected with the colonial and revolutionary history of the State, and their extremely, exposed and perishing couditi.in. . These records are worth pres ervation, as contiining authentic informa tion of the action of our fathers in the struggle for national existence. In the capital of Pennsylvania, and with the sympathies of her patriotic people, was independence matured and declared. Her soldiers were most numerous around the standard of the nation, and there were more battle fields on her soil than in the same area elsewhere. Every memorial of those days of devotion and trial should be faithfully preserved. There exists a single copy in manuscript of the minutes of the Revolutionary Executive Council, a document by far too valuable to remain longer within the reach of accident or mutilation. It would be gratifying to a large body of our constituents if the As sembly would authorise the employment of a competent gentleman to select and arrange for publication these memorials of an interesting epoch in the history of the Commonwealth. In the early spring the buildings of the Insane Asylum will be ready for the re- ception of patients. This work of chari ty, worthy of the best care of the philan thropist, from its admirable construction and healthful location, cannot fail to an swer the ends of its benevolent founders, ft deserves the fostering care of the Leg islature. In the performance of your duties, at tention is most earnesly directed to the revision of the laws in relation to taverns restaurants, beer houses, and ten-pin al and 1850. be. tjr !el'l prior o 1st of Dec., 1848. 373.2G1 Total indebtedness, Actual indebtedness, in cluding. Inclined plane loan on 30th of "Nov., 1850, and ex cluding amount in hands of sinking fund Commissioner, 43 40,849,533 41 $10,310,391 81 6538,203 57 leys. It is alleged that m many instances j Gf tj,e public debt. Actual decrease of pub lic debt since 30th Nov., 1818, Within the same period, there has been paid from the Treasury appropriations, that may be called extraordinary, as fol lows: Towards completion of North Branch Canal To avoid Inclined Plane, If these sums, from the payment where of the Treasury will be relieved by the completion of the improvements above stated, be added to the actual reduction of public debt above exhibited, the conclusion is clear, that at a very early date, an ami al appropriation of nearly one million dollars may be made towards the reduction $148,500 00 309.44G 02 Inclined plarie. North Branch Canal, 270,000 150,000 thev are made the common resort of the young, the idle, and the worthless, to the great detriment of the moral well being of the rising generation. ri. : !.: . i lie suggestions aim I ccoiiiiueiiuaiiuiia ( of former messages in reference to the equalization of Tax laws, payment of portions of the public debt overdue the currency, and public improvements, are again pressed on your attention. The loan authorized at the last session to re deem the overdue public debt, has not been negotiated. The financial condition of the Common wealth is exhibited in the following state ments: Amount of the funded debt including amount in the hands of Commissioners of Sinking Fund, and also a special loan to avoid Inclined Plane at the Schuylkill, on ihe :30th of November, 1S50, was 839,862,914 78 Amount of unfunded debt, same date, 912,570 G4 Annexed is an estimate of the receipts . and expenditures of the present, with the j estimate of last year, and the actual re ceipts at the Treasury. KECE1PTS. HoliniMte Receipts Estimates for 1350 for 1850 fr.r 1S5I S20,(i(J0 $10,373 53 $16,000 Total sum of debt, SI0,775,4S5 42 In this gross sum is included the loan to avoid the Plane at the Schuylkill, as above stated the avoidance of the plane authorized the sale of that portion of the Columbia Railroad and Viaduet over the Schuylkill, rendered useless by the con struction of the new road. A part of the road and bridge was sold for S243.'200, which amount is to be applied as directed by the 18th section of the Act of the 10th of April, 1819. towards the permanent im provement of the Columbia railway. The actual cost of this great improvement, '. whereby the Plane has been avoided, the ' use of the public works much facilitated,! annual saving oi unriy-one inoit- j liars, secured to the Treasury, in ; ami an sand dot the disuse of the machinery and labor ne cessarily connected with the plane, is shown as follows : Amount of cost of new road, say Deduct price of old road sold, $400,000 00 213,000 00 The Sinking Fund operation is exhibit ed thus : . Amount of funds re. ccived during year. Amount of stocks pur chased during year, Amount in hands of Commissioners on 30th Nov., 1850, Whole amount received since commencement of system. Whole amount of stocks . purchased. Amount of money in hands on 30th Nov., 1850, FURTHER EXPOSITION OF Amount of debt on 30th Nov., 1850, Amo-.int of stocks and cash in hands of com missioners of Sinking Ku..l. $lti3.u30 53 Detluct amivliit ftiecal l"Hil i h- intermt t'tere"! NttvaJ in i fie dicufi. :- - titi'Mitce o f the Plane 6197,193 71 345,622 98 5.9G7 60 424,832 75 459,122 93 5,967 CO THE PUBLIC DEBT. 010,773,485 42 Land, A uction com m tK8 ion Aiic't duties. Tax on liaulc dividend Tax on cor- (ori inn Ht's Tax n real & per'i estate Licenses '1'a.v ems. " Retailers Pedlars " Brokers Tlit-atres " Bi 1 1 i a r d rnoms Histillery 'Eating houses " I'alei.t med cine Patiiphl't laws Aili ia Fines Tax i-n Writs tin offic-a On collateral Inheritances Canal &. Road TolU Sale of old materials Enrolment of ! laws j Premium on charters , Tx on loans ; Iiiciin'd plane ! lnuii Dividends on Turu.n ike t tucks Nic li o 1 a o n lands Accrued in terest lief u ndfld cash I'scbeti's Feosof Public i.t'icos Al i-celhirieous Interests on blocks pur chased Foreign I n sviriiiicn A-gencies 22.000 5'J.OUU 130,000 1G0.000 IS 673 75 44.893 22 153,677 U 136,510 U 20.000 45,000 160,000 160,000 1.330.003 1,317,821 55 1,330,000 80 000 ICO.OO'J 3.000 12.000 3.00J 5,080 1,500 107.J27 49 Kl.OtkS 26 2,525 05 10.22: 73 2.381 59 3 015 81 4 2U3 91 Sl.031,800 $4,553 193 75 ESTIMATE OF 1'AY.MENTS FOR 1851. Public Improrempnts, Expenses of Government Alilitia, Pensions, Charitable Institutions, Common Schools, Interest on loans, Guaranties, Domestic Creditors, Damages on public works, Special Commissioners; State Library, Public Buildings, Penitentiaries, House of Kefugc, Nicholson Lands, Escfseats, Abatement of State Tax, Counsel fees and Commissioner?, Miscellaneous, Sinking Fund Commissioners, Inclined Plane, North Branch Canal, Renewal of Relief Notes, Expenses of Revenue Commissioners, of construction to the navigable witers o the West, the thorough repair of the Cumberland Val'ey road, and the erection of various lines of Railway in the valley of the Susqnchain a, must throw an m't of trade on the Columbia Railroad which "vill demand for its transit the entire cana- $800,000 : city of that thoroughfare in a condition of Evcrv avenue hv which 250,000 perfect repair. 15,000 j the trade of the West, as we'l as of Cen 15.003 tral and Northern Pennsylvania reaches 60,000 j Philadelphia, ought to he opened and kept 200,000 ; in sach perfect condition as to afford all 2,005,000 ! possible facility to business, for in th.3 32.000 ; growth and welfare of Philadelphia, the 10,000 entire people should feel a lively interest, 25,000 2,000 2,000 as identical with the prosperity of the whole State. Whilst the internal trade in poured into our metropolis, and her local 10,000 ! authorities are doing their part to promote 15.000 j her commerce, it is our duty to demand 5,000 j from the General government some porliou 300 j of its resources lor the security snd ira 2,000 provement of the harbor of the Delaware. 40,000 : Improvement of the navigable livers and 5,000 ; protection of the harbors of the Ocean aad 5.000 Lakes ought to be no longer delayed. 250.000 i In this connexion I deem it my duty to 90,000 ; call your attention to the pending litiga 250,000 ; tion in relation io the bridge over the Ohio 10,000 (' river at Wheeling, erected under the au 1 thority of Virginia, which, it is confident- 2,500 , l" asserted, puts in jeopardy large com- ' mnvni i nt...it. I. I I. ii uas oeeti mv care io merciai interests. 15,000 6.53J 9; 3,000 500 2.000 4 .0 CM 20,000 230.000 2.633 08 345 33 12.953 73 45.1U9 47 14,047 21 inn.oio 175.000 3.000 1 1.0(H) 2.500 4.000 i 5.000 10.000 3 000 500 10.000 45.0H0 15.000 102.295 07 150,000 1.825.000 1,713,813 16 1,800,000 5.000 11,000 40.000 125.0J0 6 953 64 10.270 00 F0 2".2 21 U9.35ti 30 270,000 270.000 00 2,000 300 5,003 5.000 3.000 5.000 2,000 2,460 00 3,674 32 13.278 61 3 687 20 1,740 33 5.CC0 12,000 40 000 12u,0'J0 2.C00 S4,101,-500 j watch the progress of the controversy, and In the i'.em of expenditures for pahlic ; to direct the proper law officer of tho improvements is included $14.500 paid Commonwealth, associated with the other to North Branch canal and $286,416 02 distinguished gentlemen who professional to avoid Inclined Plane. j ly represent the State, to protect these tn- In the amounts received from canal and . tercsts before the judicial tribunal which railroad tolls and collateral inheritance has cognizance of the Case under the Coa taxes, the actual receipts of the last 3 ear stitution. fall short of the estimates. In making In the various railway projects now these estimates it was supposed the sug- .' severally terminating in Philadelphia, II ar gestion of a former message in relation to risburg and Pittsburg, the people of the the conveyance of passengers on the '. Commonwealth ojghl never to loose sight Columbia railway would have been favor- ol that other great enteiprise which, ably regarded. It is still befieved that a ; known as the Sunbury and Erie railroad, largely increased revenue would attend : was meant to connect tde Susquehanna, the adoption of the changes heretofore ; the Delaware and the Lakes. Besides recommended. That the collateral inhor- ' the command of the trade of the Northern ilance tax is inefficiently and carelesslv ! Seas secured by its construction, it would collected in some of the counties, and j bring into market for Sale and settlement even when collected frequently retained j Vajl bodies of untenanted and unimproved in the hands of the officers longer than j lands, and develope treasures of inexhaus necessary, is demonstrable by the fact of 'ihle mineral wealth now wholly inacces the great disproportion received at the j sible. treasury from counties of equal population, The large indebtedness of the Stale and business, ami wealth. A statement of the the necessity for its reduction, forbid the amounts received from the several coun-1 policy on her part of embarking in these ties during the last four years, will exhibit j various improvements, much valuable information on. the inter- The debt of the Commonwealth was estmg question of inequality of taxation in J incurrcti j the erection of works which the payment of the public debt. Ail items ; were iarsey conducive to the settlement of taxation applicable to the sinking fund an, sa!e o- the domain of the United should be required to reach the treasury ; States, and while she has secured no part quarterly under the severest peualties. Q( tn;3 common inheritance, other Slates A reference to the reports of the Adjn- j have bces, liberally aided in the construc tant General. Auditor General, Surveyor ; tion Gf their internal improvements by General and Superintendent of Common- donations of public lands- It is a right wealth schools, will afford detailed infor- ; oll ,er part to demand a portion of these mauon 01 me cosiness 01 meir several ( ia.jj3 lo m the completion ot the im departments, and furnish views and sug- j portant works partially completed and ix gestions of interest to the general weal. contemplation. 1 ne sellout s)stem, aunor.gn sin 1 im-j ia 5.000 5.0l:i 1.000 ' 4 000 5.0JJ 15,000 13.721 27 30,000 2,760 83 3,001 S4.5iiu..iOJ 4.43-1. 1 31 51 4,23ti,O00 PAYMENTS. Estimate Payments for 1850. for 1850. 400,Pf0 00 Amount of debt on 33tli Nov., 181-s. F.m.K'd. 833 393.350 21 Untund.". l,0dt,3tft 61) Cnl. Eai'rnad Motive Pow. er debts re. turned io "43 8f 5 090 85 S39,J10,3J4 84 Public Improve ments, Exp's of Gov ernment Militia . Pensions, Charitable Ins't, ! Com n Schools, Iu't on loans, (iua ran ties. Domestic cred'ts, Dam. on public works. Special Com missioners, State Library, Pub. buildings. Penitentiaries, House of Re fuge, Nicholson lands Escheats, Abate't of State ; Tax, Counsel fees fc Corn's, Miscellaneous Sinking fund Commissioners $610,000 $1,489,709 74 235,000 4.000 20,000 80.000 200.000 2,00.5,000 32,500 10,000 262.899 71 16,282 25 17,277 91 62 .2; 57 85 213.728 49 2,001,714 51 32,500 00 6,387 4 1 20,000 . 28,065 34 2,000 2,000 2,000 15,000 5,000 300 2,000 40,000 2,000 5,000 2.554 03 1.000 00 2.002 78 19,283 79 6,000 00 192 75 1,740 53 43,52G 04 5,934 15 8,180 44 293,000 . 318,864 03 pleted perfect, . rapidly improving , tts genera , stock um,er restrictions, is recom- cond.tion, and promises the bene .rial mf.nde(, lo lUn,um o( lhe Legislature. results u was designed to accomplish. j h js jh h that t, resenl banking ft- l he education of the people is great ciiliM o of the&bu. question of the age, and as such it cannot .... , . r j ., 1 111 : smess community. J he large amount 01 fail to command your earnest and en ight- ; . r , , - . ., r , - , .. 3 . . . 1 notes of banks of other States found in ened efforts lor us speedy ana ultimate , - 1 .1 ... .!,:; J j circulation imong our people, the maoiu- success. r? ly uf ha,,! with safety to their cred- In the competition. for trade and travel, j,t lo accommodate at all limes the active no etTort for the full repair of the canals, ' nma fijt; busiuess demands of the conntry and railroads of the State should be ne- , anj me iaroe operations in the nature of glected. The deteriorating condition cfi p,-ivaie banking daily transacted on severe many of these works, admonish ns that . lerms tu tie "iKjrniwer, demonstrate that the system of supervision is ineffectual to , increased facilities are demanded to secure secure the return of which their construe- a healthy development of our resources. tion gave confident assurance. In a system v considerable extension of the present of divided responsibility in their manage- j SyS"!e(n is hardly to be anticipated, nor is it desirable, if a more perm ijicnt basis for devised. Irec upon a deposite anil plrilge ot public stocks early recommended itself to favor. It is not liable to sudden expan sions and contractions, is more secure from failure. Ipss nhnnv irv: to rouitlerlViiini? your approbation, the proposition of sa- anj fralKf ami offers undoubted security lecting a Superintend 11U, to whom for his ' U) tie noJe i,jtjer Should the stock re whole time and attention, a compensating qunej i,e t5ie loans of tlu .Commonwealth salary should be paid, and under whose , it wouj appreciate their value, and also sole control ihe public workS might be j,ave a tendency to withdraw 1 hem from placed, is worthy of consideration. All forc j,, coun:ries, iri which are anual'y sent the evils arising from divided counsels anil : mi;;0;ts of the public money to pay inter, shifting responsibilities would be avoided, j est recall of these stocks, aid the dis and that energy and skill in their manage- i c,,irge of the interest to the resident citi jnenl secured which cannot he expected zen$, would lead to the expenditure of an tinder the present system. . It is alleged : eqIia amount at home, thereby affording this method of supervision of public works j ei!1poymeut to the peopL i:i the improve has succeeded well and beneficially in ? mtM1t3 ()f the' State, in the erection of in other States, j dustrial institutions, and in various works A commercial connection between.'! of beauty and taste. If this system is Philadelphia and Europe by steamships. j favorably regarded, a relinquishment of a in enterprise truly worthy the favoring j portion of the interest on the stocks p!edi regards of the whole Commonwealth and j ed would be directly advantageous to th3 the countenance and aid of the national Treasury. government by the extension of mail fa- The confidence felt in their security, and cilities the completion of the great Rail- the desire to use the relief notes, when way communication now in rapid progress kept in good coivU'.iun, justify the belief ment, the difficulty evidently exists. On a former occasion it was suggested to di- SLUh operations can be vide the State into Canal and Railway banking upon a deposit districts, and allot to each a Canal Com missioner, to whom its entire control should be given. This project is again recommended, but should it fail to meet