virtually opens our ports to invite such rivalry
gainst al! these pursuits, and no rate of tariff
that the wisdom oi congress can uevise, wuaiu
nv reasonable limit, can counteract its influen
ces. It greatly enhances the nominal prices of
goods and commodities in this, above what tney
will bear in other countries, whilst at the same
time, it retards rather than facilitates their pro-lu.-tion.
It thus pives the foreizn producer the
onnr.rtunitvof manufactures at the low rates of
Lis own country, and selling at the inflated pri
ces of ours ; for he receives his pay, not in our
depreciated paper but in gold and silver. It is
this State of the currency more than any other
feature in the policy of this country, that ena
bles the foreign manufacturer to compete with,
if not to undersell the American producer m our
own markets."
8 (Special legislation to create corporations
bas usually occupied much of the time of
the General Assembly. This business will
doubtles bo pressed upon your consider
ation during the coming session. It is right
and proper, therefore, that I should declare to
you fully and frankly, my views touching this
whole subject.
These artificial bodies are created by extend
ing to an association of individuals powers and
privileges not enjoyed by the mass of the people
under the general laws of the State. One im
portant class of these seems to result from pub
lic necessity and to have no object but the pro
motion of public convenience. Another, how
ever, seems to look solely to the private gain
cf the parties interested. Among the former
may be classed corporations to facilitate the
construction of roads, bridges, canals, railways,
&c the direct tendency of which is to promote
the comfort aid prosperity of the people gener
ally. To accomplish these ends, the associa
tion of capital under corporate powers, impo
eing only a limited liability on the corporators,
r,..,v i. w5s.lv encouraccd. In refer nee to.
euch, the policy of the State seems to be well
isettlcd. In the latter class may be placed all
kinds of corporations to promote the ends of in
dividual gain, as connected with the ordinary
business enterprises of the country. "With re
gard to such, the legislation of the Coninion
wealtb has been extremely uncertain.
I entertain the opinion that, as a general rule,
corporations of this character are not essential
to the public weal that whatever 'legislation
may seem necessary to facilitate the business of
miuing and manufacturing and the various other
pursuits for which corporate powers are usual
ly sought, should, as far as possible, be gener
al in its character and be available alike to all.
There is, it seems to me, no evidence to be
found in the history of our Commonwealth, or
in that of any other State, that these great in
terests are more successfully managed by spe
cial corporations than by individuals or associ
ations under general laws. "Whilst in the expe
rience cf all, it is made very apparent that in
dividual efforts and experiments are much less
liable to entail injury upon society at large.
That energy, independence, integrity and pu
rity which usually characterize individual oper
Htions, are not, as a general rule, so well main
tained iu the efforts of artificial bodies. Am
bition, pride and responsibility, the great incen
tives to action, seem, to some extent, to lose
their proper influence over individuals thus as
sociated together. Careless, inefficiency and
prodigality are too often the fruits of a light in
terest and limited responsibility on the part of
those entrusted with the management of incor
porated companies.
Dut why should these special privileges be de
sired ? Are they intended to shield the parties
interested from the full force of the loss where
an enterprise may prove unsuccessful ? If so,
how shall we grant such great advantages to
one citizen, and deny them to another ? Equal
ity of rights to all is an elementary principle of
our government. If, therefore, for mining,
manufacturing ami other pursuits, corporate
powers are to bo grautedhow shall the Legis
lature refuse similar privileges to the farmer,
the miller, the hatter, and the shoemaker ? If
one class of citizens arc to have the opportunity
of experimenting in their chosen business, or
only a limited liability for the losses, all can
justly Claim a like" advantage. We should thus
be led step by step in the creation of these arti
ficial bodies, until the field of personal enter
prise would be occupied by privileged classes
individual enterprise be completely prostrated
beneath the power of concentrated wealth and
special privileges, and the relative position of
the people rendered less equal than before this
system was commenced. We must notfee, in
addition, the palpable injustice cf its practical
operations as compared with those of the indi
vidual citizen. A corporation is organized on
the principle of a limited liability of the stock
holders its business is unwisely chosen, or un
skilfully managed, and it wsults in failure and
loss. The stockholders, in such case, lose the
n mount they may have paid in, and the remain
der of the loss falls upon innocent parties, who,
misled by its great nominal capital, have be
come the creditors of the institution. An indi
vidual engaged in a similar enterprise meets a
like fate, and the last item of his personal es
tate is sacrificed to pay the debts he has thus
incurred.
Dut it is said that capitalists will not invest
their means in hazardous enterprises, if requi
red to bear more than a limited liability. 1 am
confident that you will agree with me, that this
reasoning in favor of special privileges has no
foundation in correct principle, and is not, there
fore, entitled to favorable consideration. In a
mere business point of view th? position ianot a
Bound one. If a given enterprise b? hazardous,
it is the less liable to competition and ihe more
lucrative, if successful, But if it be a dun jcr-
ous business, and, therefore, likely to result uu
proStably, upon whom should the loss fall ?
Certainly it will not be contended that it should
be thrown upon innocent parties who have had
no agency in the business. It is surely more
just aul reasonable that those who are to re
ceive the profit should bear the losses that
those who enjoy the privileges should incur the
responsibilities. The Constitution never intend
ed to sustain any other policy. It never con
templated acts of legislatiou to advance one
man's interest at the expense of another's.
Nor am I at all convinced that capitalists would
not invest their means under the individual lia
bility priucible. It i3 but a short period since
it was extensively believed that banking capital
could not be concentrated, if the stockholders
were made liable in their individual estates for
the debts of the bank. A short experience has
dispelled this doubt and served to demonstrate
the wisdom and justice of this policy. So it
would be, I am confident, if this principle were
cxteuded to all corporation J designed to facili
tate the ends of private gain. Capitalists who
might be apprehensive that their private estates
would becomo involved for the current debts of
the corporation, can employ the simple and easy
remedy of making no such debts. Let the con
traction of a debt bo forbidden by the laws of
the institution. Let their business be transac
ted on the cash system. By this policy they
will give the greater fiiciency to their opera
tions and escapo the dreaded liability. Besides
it does not seeiu reasonable that special legisla
tion for the oot ennibio purpose T cuuoentruting
capital, should at the same time look to the cre
ation of lare u'vbuJ. If theiuoorporation of
t'.il3 priuouTu bhould do no more than lead to
tiitt adoptiuu of ta cash, eysjteui, it would be
the rneais of n-uiit to tho corporators and great
good to iue public
within the reach of general laws, and it Bhould
be deemed proper. to extend to such the conve
nience of a corporate' seal, such corporation,
should always be limited to a moderate existence
and be accompanied by the principles of indivi
dual liability for all debts of the association.
The convenience of special legal organization is
all the advantage that any association or indivi
duals should isk, and it is certainly all that any
proper enterprise can need. The salutary effect
sive country of ours, so suited to agriculture,
and in this age of scientific discoveries and per
fection in all the arts, that no institutions to
impart instruction in the 6cience of agriculture
have been established. It is true, that societies
have been formed in a number of the States and
exhibitions have been held calculated to awaken
the. people to the importance of this subject.
Our State society, orgauized about two years
since, has held two exhibitions, which have done
ot this policy would doubtless be, that whilst it! much good in the way of sending to nil parts of
couiu not restrain iue association or capital ior iue state .tne oesi oreeu or domestic animals,
If thLid be euieiviios legitimate nm useiui
u jiiipikHttd iu I'uc'u- opcraUoaa as not to com e
wise and legitimate ends, it would save the le
cislature the labor of considering unwise and
visionary schemes, and the public from their iu
jurious consequences.
In a message to the General Assembly during
its last session. I took occasion to refer to the
growing inclination for special legislation, and
recommended the adoption of some measures
to remedy the evil. A resolution, was passed by
that body authorizing the Govenor to appoint
three commissioners to prepare general laws for
the consideration of the Legislature, touching
various subjects therein named. Accordingly,
in June last, I appointed Hon. James M. Porter,
Ldward A. Penniman, and J. Ellis Bonham, Es
quircs, commissioners under said resolution.
These gentlemen have, for some time been devo
ting themselves to the performance of the du
ties thus devolved upon them. The result of
their labors shall be communicated to you at an
early period in your session.
The evils of special legislation seems to have
been a subject of complaint in the early history
of the State. In the preamble to tffelaw 1794,
intended to obviate the necessity for special or
private legislation, this complaint is freely ex
pressed. The volume of laws for that year num
bered fifty-nine pages of a small book ; in 1881,
they count eleven hundred of a large one. This
evil was then in its infancy it is now full grown
and should be corrected. This, in my opinion.
can only be done by the adoption of a few more
general laws, and the rigid administration of
those already in existence ; 1 deem it right to
say that I shall regard the maintenace of this
policy as a high obligation to the people.
The law of 1791, and its several supplements,
make provision for the creation and amendment
of corporations for liberty, charitable, and reli
gious purposes, to create beneficiary societies,
and fire engine and hose companies, through the
instrumentality of the Attorney General and the
Supreme Court. The act of the 13th of Octo
ber, 1829, extended this power to the several
counties. The acts of 1833 make provision for
the association of individuals, through the in
strumentality of the Attorney General and the
Governor, for the purpose of manufacturing
iron from mineral coal. Iu addition to these
acts the general manufacturing law of 1849,
and its supplements, provide for the creation of
wo lien, cotton, flax, and silk goods, or tor ma
king iron, glass, salt, paper, lumber, oil from
rosin, mineral paints, artificial slate, and for
printing and publishing.
lhe commissioners aiready named have re
commended the extension of this law to the bu
siness of miuinjr coal, and to the minin; and
smelting of iron, lead, copper, and other ores,
and so to alter its provisions as to render the li
ability of the stockholders more extensive.
They also recommend the passage of a law giv
ing the courts more general powers on the sub
ject of sell'ms real estate by parties acting in a
representative capacity, and another referring all
claims against the Commonwealth to the courts
These things done, and a more general adminis
tration of the law giving the courts the power
to change names, to erect boroughs, to incorpo
rate bridge and road companies secured, and we
shall have a new era iu the legislation of Penn
sylvania shall save a large amount of money
annually, and prevent many impositions in the
shape of hasty legislation based on ex parte
statements.
These commissioners have also prepared with
great care, a general tax law, simplifying the
laws as they now stand extending their provi
sions to certain new subjects of taxation, and
altering its features so as the more completely
to reach moneys at interest and other personal
property. This is a most intricate and impor
tant subject, and should be handled with the ut
most care. I have not had the opportunity suf-
ucientiy to examine this proposed law, to give
an opinion as to its merits ; but I am clearly of
opinion that there is much room to improve the
tax system now iu operation.
The subject of agriculture has not, it seems
to me, received that attention in this State which
its exceediug importance would seem to justify.
It was the truthful remark of George Wasbing
ton, that there is "no pursuit in which more re
al or important good can be rendered to a coun
try, than by tho improvement of its agricul
ture." The art of tilling the soil in such man
ner as to secure the laigest yield of vegetable
matter of which it is capable, and the applica
tion of the principles of science to that art, so
far as indispensable to the attainment of" this
end, is a topic worthy of the attention of the best
minds of the State. Agriculture is the primitive
as it is the most necessary occupation of man.
It was at the beginning of his existence, and it
is at the foundation of all his pursuits. Iu this
Commonwealth, it 13 peculiarly adapted to the
soil, to the climate, and habits of the
people, and constitutes their greatest source of
wealth and happiness. It is the agriculturist
who pays the largest share of the country's tax
es in time of peace, ami furnishes the greatest
number of her soldiers in time of war. It is
the most steady, peaceful, and dignified, as it is
the least exacting of all our great interests.
But it is s lid by many good citizens that there
i3 no utility in the application of the teachings
of science to the practice of agriculture. This,
iu tay opinion, is an erroneous idea. In a late
repori fvom tho Patent office, at Washington, it
is estimate J that "one thousand millions of dol
lars would not u?ore than restore to their origi
nal richness and btrtT'Sth tho one hundred mil
lions of acres of land iu te United States, which
have already been exhausted of their original 1
fertility." A proper application of science
would arrest this waste of the elements of the
soil. In Europe, this process of ex
haustion has long since excited alarm.
What it is doing in our country, is sho'wu by the
startling facts alreading presented. To coun
teract its effects in the former country, atout
three hundred and fifty agricultural schools
have been established ; in the latter, there are
not a dozen. The result of the European schools
has demonstrated the practical utility of scien
tific farming. These institutions are calculated
to teach the art of tilling the soil, and to dis'
seminate a scientific knowledge of thi3 great
pursuit. To place within the reach of the ag
riculturist a knowledge of the constituent ele
ments of the soil, and the influence of these up
ou vegetation, enabling him to discover a defi
ciency in any one of these original parts, and
showing him how to restore it without exhaust
ing another to learn him to comprehend the
different stimulants for the soil, of mineral, ve
getable, animal or liquid origin, and the propor
tion of each which the lands may from time to
time require. They also teach methods of practical
farming the use of implements the nature of
seeds, and the origin and character of insects
destructive to vegetation. What farmer in Penn
sylvania can say that he has never made a mis
take in the use of manures, that his crops have
never bten injured by destructive insects-?
And where i3 there one who would not bo willing
to contribute something to bo protected against
such damage in future ?'
But it it ttot bdtvHUshing, that in this progress
the best grains and seeds, and the most approv
ed agricultural machinery. But it seems to me,
that the government might justly lend her aid
ami countenance' to this good work. Ia Mary
land, an agricultural chemist has been emplov-
eu oy ine Dtate, ana l am informed that the re
sult of his investigations has been highly satis
factory and useful to the people. Cannot the
great State of Pennsj lvania do as much for her
larmersi She has expended a large sum in the
developement of her mineral resources, and has
cherished her manufacturers by every proper
meaus, unu it is rigut mat sue should now do
something for her agriculturists. I, therefore,
respectfully recommend the appointment of an
agricultural chemist, with a moderate salary,
leaving the details of his duties to be suggested
by the State and county societies.
The subject of growing wool, in our State, is
worthy of special attention. I had the pleasure,
at the late State fair, a short time since, oT ex-
amingan extensive card of specimens of this arti
cle exhibited by Peter A. Browne, Esq., of.Phi-
ladelphia. It is said to be the most extensive.
interesting and instructive collection in the Uni
ted States, or perhaps in the world.
No man can examine it and not feel himself
eddied by the great practical truths which it is
calculated to impart. It demonstrates most con
clusively that our Commonwealth is peculiarly
adapted to the production of this article, and
that in the United States we can raise as fine
fleeces as can be produced in the world ; and
finer than in any other country except Saxony.
It appears by the census of 1850 that Penn
sylvania has only I,822,",o0 6heep that Ohio
with a much less territory has 3,0G7,000 that
New York has 3,454, 351, and that whilst our
consumption of wool in manufactures for 1850
was 7,500,379 lbs., our production was only 4,
481,570. France raises thirtj'-six millions of
sheep, and England with less than half the ad
vantages of this country raises forty-six mil
lions ! !
This subject is one deserving the attention of
the people and the government.
I cannot refrain from congratulating you on
the evidences of the great prosperity of Pennsyl
vania to be found in the census report of 1850.
Her relative position to her sister States is tru
ly a proud one. Of the four large States her
per centage of increase in population, since
1840, is the greatest, and she has, besides ex
celled the best of her sisters in the production
of wheat, rye, iron, and coal.
seaboard. Such a medium of communication
would be of inestimable value to Erie, to the in
termediate country and to our State metropolis.
Our citizens, by neglecting or deferring the con
struction of this work, may subject themselves
to the charge of slighting the beneficence of na
ture in not co-operating with her great
signs. , .
The trade of the West, and the lakes, may by
t I 1 X T 1 " 1 11 1
i uuaucipnia. io
tates, and to be suggested by those ! FSIGHTFUX ACCIDENT ON THE B0ST0ATr
itv which should exist between the MAINE KAI1S0AD. 3
rules of cotni
States by the public peace and by individual
convenience.. .
It has usually been tho custom to debty the
passage of the appropriation bill until near the
do-'close of the session.. My predecessor recom
mended a change in this policy, in which recom
mendation! most heartily concur. The ordina
ry purposes of iroveriimeut should be provided
business connections which may not be readily
severed in the future. Nor are wc to look at
these internal advantages alone. Nothing can
do more to auguinent the foreign trade of Phila
delphia, than a direct avenue to the lakes. Her
growing commerce would invite the construction
of steamers to convey directly to her own port
the merchandize which she would then be called
upon to supply to the boundless West. Great as
are her natural advantages, no observing man
can fail to see, that deprived of the sustaining
arm of a foreign commerce, she cannot attain to
that distinguished position, as a mart, which
nature intended she should occupy.
The right to construct a railroad from Erie
to the Ohio state line, parallel with the lake,
has- been a subject of controversy in the Legis
lature for some years. The franklin canal
company claimed to have obtained from the
State the privilege to construct a railroad on this
route, and have proceeded to construct it accor-
dingly. The authority of this company to do so
has been doubted, and the Attorney General has
filed a bill praying for an injunction to restrain
the construction and use of said road. So long
as this question is pending before the highest
judicial tribunal of tho State, it would be unbe
coming in an officer of any other branch of the
Government to express an opinion touching the
questions at issue. I may, however, it seems j
to me, with propriety suggest, that should the
decision of the court not confirm the entire rights
claimed by the Franklin canal company, the Le
gislature should take such action as will bring
this valuable privilege completely within the
control of the State, and so far as may be, with
out the excercise of an illiberal or contracted
principle, render this important link between
the seaboard and the great West, subservient to
the interests of the people of Pennsylvania.
Amongst the multitudinous obligations rest
ing on the Government, there i3 none more bin
ding or sacred than that which looks to the edu
cation and moral welfare of the people. These
great considerations will doubtless receive your
anxious care. You will find in the very able
and mprehensive report of the Superintendent
of Common Schools, many interesting and use
ful suggestions in referrence to the present con
dition of our common school system, an J the
cause of education cenera!ly; to all of which I
most respectfully ask your early attention. I
am deeply-sensible of tho correctness and pro
priety of the remarks of that officer on the sub-
Her population numbers 2,311,780, being an Meet of teachers for the common schools. It is
increase Ot almost ot) Per cent. Since 1840. the rrnatpst r,f nil the. difficulties Kiirr.nnd:nr
you
r wis
this means be secured to
time, nowever, snouid pe lost in the construction lor early in the session. If there be other ne
of this great highway. Belay may lessen the cessary appropriations, they can be embraced
chances of success, whilst it wil'i certainty afford j in aimther bill, an I allowed to stand on their
opportunity to our rivals to form and cement . own merit?.
Narrow Rtcape of (ien. Pleree and
WlfeIIU Sou Kllle. h,
The fol'owiBg account
of the terrH.U
heart-rending accident, which occurred near
Andovcr, Mass., will be read with paiuful inter
est by our readers Gen. Pierce and famil
were returning from the burial of AninT.7
rence, Esq., of Boston, at the time the car uol
pt.
Coxcobd, Jan. C C P. m
So far as I can learn neither General uor Mrs'
Pierce was materially injured. I have seeo tw
gentlemen who were iu the car. Mr It u-
severely
1 him
. - . ' . ... . I the La-iie Ilrtfl- nher r writs tl,;,,l-.1 . . i .
sure you, that I shall most eheenuiiy cooperate; ? . . ." , " w'. ne ia
' . lint KPrimialv i rt i -n va. I Tho 4.iTn
Ilaxing thus
as possible, mv
genth
vtew;
iien. civtn vhi. as briefly I
. v - . . i
touchinir some ot the suU-f
i.,..;. ! 1 Ci4S"e. OI uiimanwwu, had his head
r.bt hlli flirt fciirrrnAii c rlAl...A ) l .
present session, permit me, in conclosion, to as- .Y'V . ' " ;fevr "rc "uucti diD at
with the General Assembly in the adoption
all measures calculated to promote the welfare
of our beloved Commonwealth.
WM. BIGLER
Executive Chambeh,
Harrisburg, Jan, o, 1853
MOMTAH SEBTIIEL.
Andrew J. Xlhey, Editor.
EBENSBURG, PA.
Thursda)-, January 13, 1853.
i ; wun.
exact cause of the accident is not definitely as
certained ; one of the axlctrees is supposed to
have broken some say it was the journal on
which the wheel plays. The car went down tl9
bank with a gyration which caused it to change
the direction of the ends. It is a cotcplue
The little boy's brains were dashed out
When Gen. Pierce took him up, he did not think
the poor little fellow was dead until he took oil
his cap. Mrs. Pierce and the deceased sou 1ml
been absent about four weeks, on a visit to rel
atives in Boston and Andover. The accident
happened near the latter place. General 1'iercc
went to Boston on Tue sJmt niornin- ami uin.
j them attended the funeral vf Mrs. Pierce's uu-
cle, lion. Amos J-iwrcnce, on the same after-
Outrageous Conduct.
We are informed by a L3ghl3 honorable gen
tleman of an outrageous proceeding: on the part
& 1 1 . . 1 1 1 1 1 T 1 , . I 1
oi iue employees oi iue i eima. liau itoan at . . i . i i I - . .
Johnstown. It appears that Wm. B. Clark, Es.. i :luu'J1' """.BC oi .mis. nerce,
a respectable citizen of Johnstown, a short timVi i" 1 .e VcS ? " te evening.-.
noon. Yesterday they remained at Mr. Aiken's
since, commenced to build a House near
Railroad station and had it nearly completed.
While absent, on the 1st inst, a posse of men in
the employ of the Central Company, as police
men, armed to the teeth with revolvers and
knives, took possession of the house, and have !
remained ever since, night and da',
1 It a riviiti i n u'hiMi rhpv wcpa irk i.t i -
.- - - ....... ... ......... ... ....... .. it.ll UUB-
llv . 4 :i.. i ,.
i iuii hi uoo:i, una iue uciucni uappeiiCvl just af
ter it Iclt the Andover depot, at about one o'
clock. They had not been iu the car five niin.
utes.
The little bov
was a creat favorite wiih our
town neorlc. He was agreeable, kind nn,
m possess-f r , t. i... .., r "
liin I ir(fit'iiinr in shnnt J r I l-ivlr rvrnnv nnni ' . '
, B . . . ..... - . ..... ""-I U ,nn n.- ..fl.- ,1.,
lubAt-soui juuioai ou per cent, since io4j. the greatest ot an the Uinicuities surrou
According to this rate of growth her people iu the system, and I most earnestly entreat
1870 will number near 4,000,000. Our debt of if it be practicable, in the exercise of you
forty millions is, at this time, a charge cn each
inhabitant of a little over eighteen dollars; in
1870, according to this datum, it will but little
exceed ten. The present assessed value of real
and personal estate is $197,030,019, showing
an increase of eighteen per cent, since 1S10 and
according to this rate of growth tip to 1870, it
will amount to the sum of $075,973,922. The
debt of forty millions was a lien of 8 per cent,
onthe assessable property of 1810 ; on that of
1870 it will be only five per cent and eight mills.
Bnt in the census report of 1850 the true value
of the property of the State is estimated at $722,
486,120; on this sum our present debt is lut a
fraction over ol per cent. Who can doubt the
solvency of such a debtor ?
Her productions of wheat in 1810 was 13,
213,077 bushels. In 1850, 15,482,191, bing
an increase of 17 percent, at which rate her
yield tor!8iO will exceed twenty millions of
bushels. The same rate of increase is apparent
in rye, corn, oats, barley, buckwheat and live
stock. The census of 1840 shows a production
for that year of 98,395 tons of pig metal that
of 1850, is 285,702, or an iucreasc of 190 per
cent. At this rate the yield of 1870 would be
1,371,370 tons. Wrought iron in 1S10 amount
ed to 87,-244 tons in 1850 it is 182,500 tons.
On this datum the production of 1870 would be
580,309 tons. Our woolen manufactures for
1810 wcre valued at 2,319,101 dollars, and for
1850 at $5,321, 800, showing a gain in ten years
of 129 per cent., and the enormous yield by 1870
of $13,738,404. In cotton goods the increase
has been about 0 per cent, which ratio of growth
up to 1870 would show a production of about
6ix millions of dollars.
The whole amount of anthracite coal mined
and taken to market in 1810 was 807,000 tons.
In 1852 the product will reach near five millions
of tons, being an increase in twelve years of
000 per cent. This rate of augmentation up
to 1870 would give the startling production of
over forty -five millions of tons, and yielding at
the present Philadelphia prices, the sum of one
hundred and eighty millions of dollars, being
more than treble the present revenues of the
whole United States !
This is a most gratifying picture, 'and goes
far to prove what 1 have for some time believ
ed, that before the close of the present century
Pennsylvania, in point of wealth and real great
ness will stand in auvar.ee of all her Sister
States.
There are yet a few public enterprises to be
consumated to render her triumph complete.
lhe INorth Branch canal must be finished. The
Allegheny mountaius must be passed without
the use of inclined planes, ami our metropolis
must be connected with the lakes, by means of
a railroad.
The trade of the State ia only second in im
portance to her agricultural and mineral wealth.
Nature has assigned to Pennsylvania a most ad
vantageous position for external trade. Con
nected with the Atlantic, the lakes and the wes
tern waters, au l extending on both sides of tho
Alleghcnies, sho forms the great link between
the East and the West. The only obstacle to
an artificial Union of the great natural highways
by which she is environed, is thi3 interposing
chain of mountains, which cutting transversely
across our territory, divides the tributary wa
ters of the Ohio and the lakes from those of the
AtI"Uitic. But this mountainous range, we
shoulJ rejoice to know, upon close examination,
is found to present no insuperable impediment.
It is to be crossed, within a short period by two
railroads ot" reasonable gradients. The west
will then commrinicate with the East without in
terruption from these mountain barriers.
But the railroad to Pittsburg should not finish
our internal connections. In addition to the
railroad3 up the valleys of the Susquehanna and
the Schuylkill, now in progress of rapid cons
truction, the best interests of Pennsylvania re
quire a railway to Erie. We need the shortest
and best line of communication between the
lakes and the Atlantic at Philadelphia. The
considerations in favor of such an improvement
are too numerous to be given in this document.
The advantage which it would possess in dis
tance in light grades ia uniformity of guagc,
when tested by the laws of trade, renders its
superiority over any other avenue which now
exists or that can hereafter be constructed be
tween the Atlantic and the lakes, a fixed fact.
The harbor at Erie is regarded by competent en
gineers as the best on the lakes, and from no
other point can so short a line be made to th
dom. to adopt some mode of Kiipplviiif this do-
, 4 - i i ' o -
' r ' rri . .1 1 . a1 . I. l.
iicicncj. iui're are many oiuer ueiecis wuicu
will claim your consideration, but this is of pre
eminent importance. The general law should
be made plain and simple, so that the most or
dinary mind could adniinisrcr its provisions; as
it :s, the questions and decisions touching the
meaning of the law, have become more volumi
nous than the law itself.
For information in reference to the military
affairs of the State, I respectfully refer you to
the able and highly interesting report of the Ad
jutant General. I regret to learn, a3 I have
done by this document, that this brnnch of the
public service is not in a very flourishing condi
tion. The report contains many highly impor
tant suggestions and recomn endations, some of
which are so obviously correct that they cannot
fail to receive your favorable consideration.
In conformity with a resolution of the Gene
ral Assembly, passed on the 24th day of Febru
ary last, Albert G. Waterman, Esq., of Philad
elphia, and myself, attended a convention of de
lagates from the thirteen original States, at In
dependence Hall, in Philadelphia, convened on
the 4 th day of July last, for the purpose of ta
king into consideration the subject of erecting
a monument in Independence Square, to com
memorate tlu event of the Declaration of Inde
pendence. Delegates were in attendance from
the States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode
Island, New Hampshire, New York, New Jer
sey, Delaware, 3eorgia, and Pennsylvania. The
subject was favorably regarded by the conven
tion, and an able address to the people oi the
thirteen original States was prepared and sign
ed by the delegates, presenting a comprehen
sive view of the considerations in favor of this
most noble design, and suggesting a practical
mode of carrying it into execution. A copy of
this address, together with all the other pro
ceedings of the Convention, I shall cause to be
commuuicated to both branches of the Legisla
ture. It would be difficult to conceive a more inter
esting idea, or one to congenial to the feelings
of the people, or more consistent with a just
spirit of national pride, than the commemora
tion by some visible and imperishable sign, of
the great event that distinguished the dawn of
American freedom. The propriety of this de
sign will not I am sure, be doubted by the Le
gislature or the people, and I shall not there
fore trouble you with any further suggestions
iu its favor.
It is proposed to rtrise the means to construct
the monument from the States in their sovereign
capacities, and to make no expenditures until
the whole amount of money shall have been se
cured. According to the estimates of the com
mittee appointed by the convention on that sub
ject, Pennsylvania's share of this expenditure
would amount to between fifteen aud twenty
thousand dollars.
1 respectfully recommend the adoption of such
measures as will indicate the willingness of this
State to do her" part, whenever her sisier States
shall have given ft fcimilar intimation, and to
take such other preliminary steps as may seem
proper and right.
I desire to call your attention to the condi
tionof the public grounds surrounding the State
Arsenal. It has occurred to me that this eligi
ble spot should be enclosed with a good fence,
be planted with shade trees, and otherwise im
proved. As at present exposed it makes rather
a barren and cheerless space between the town
and the capitol. If properly enclosed and beau
tified, it will add much to the appearance of
both. A due respect for the memory of the gen
erous donor of this valuable piece of ground,
not less than a just regard for the appearance
of the seat of government, would seem to re
quire its proper improvement. I respectfully
commend this subject to your favorable consid
eration. Recent difficulties in a neighboring State have
uicro-estcd the existence of a deficiency in our
State laws, in reference to the conveyance of
nersons held to involuntary servitude, from one
State to another. Tho Pennsylvania statute of
1780 gave all persons passing through or so
journing in the State for a brief period the right
to hold their domestic slaves. .The act of 1847
repealed this provision, and the repealing sec
tions of last session did not reinstate it. I,
therefore respectfully recommend that provision
be made for the transit of these domestics thro'
lb limits of this Common wealth. Such a law
else who may attempt to disturb them! Mr. C.
unable, and unwilling to law with this enormou
corporation, will have to lose his property, an
be swindled out of it.
Have we no laws to protect the weak against
the encroachments and outrages of the strong?
Have men no rights when such rights are said to
conflict with the interests of the Central Railroad
compaiiy ? Do we live in a community where
acts of violence like the above, can be commit
ted, even by this corporation, and not receive
the unqualified condemnation of all good citizens?
We hope not. The action of the railroad ofiicials
is unpardonable, grossly wrong, ind admits of no
excuse. It is high time that a crusade, by the
press, be commenced against the high preten
sions of this giant monopoly. Unless everything
exactly suits their interest?, the people must
suffer. Out upon such selfishne.-s, such grasp
ing ambition. The President and Directors
blioul 1 look to the conduct of their agents; we
hope they do not counteuance .such lawless vio
lence 3 this transaction indicates. A day of
retribution will come to all offenders, and soon
er, perhaps, than expected.
i. li' ..11 Ti .. 1
, ii iit-ii abiifi iue oiuer uuy, n cu. icimv, uovr
" ; do you expect to like living in the White House?"
'li lie replied, "I don't know about going thereto
live at all. I would rather go out to live on a
farm." He was four or five years in advance of
i most boys of his age in his intellectual acquire
ments. There is a 6ad gloom here to-night oc
casioned ly Jus loss.
The body of the boy has been taken to Mr.
Aikens' house, I learn. Andover is about fifty
miles from Concord, and twenty from Boston.
The morning was very cold the thermometer
pointing at zero and the accident was doubtless
owing to the frost iu the iron works of the ill-fa.
ted car.
another despatch.
Coxcokd, Jan. C, 9 P. M.
Considerable apprehension is felt here lest
this melancholy casualty may prove serious in
its consequences to Mrs. Pierce. She h;is heea
for several years in delicate health caused part
ly by the loss of her first child. The boy killed
to-day was almost idolized by his mother anl
father.
The announcement of the accid t.r, 'nt 4 o'
clock, caused great excitement in the House.
A member came in and stated that General
Pierce himself was dead. The floor and galler
ies were crowded, the charge of bribery against
Judge Butler being under consideration. TL
Governor, Council, and most of the Senators
were present. Instantly every member was oa
his feet, and exclamations of regret were heurl
from every quarter.
The veteran Ichnbod Bartlett, of Portsnicuib,
the oldest member, a political opponent, 1iit
strong personal fi iei'd of General Pierce, wn
ol3rt-ii to wuop like, a child. Others wer
much aflected. The House adjourned ii:.-tant.
ly, and the members rushed to the hotel and tel-
ariiicty t
since.
-past 1-iglit o clock, 1. .M. lhe everurg
train has just arrived. The corpse of ycuuij
Pierce was taken to the Andover Almshouse,
ne ir which the accident happened.
General and Mrs. Pierce went back to Mr.
Aikin's. It is thought that neither he nor lis
lady are seriously injured, though both wer
somewhat bruised.
V little irirl of Mr. Newall. of
The Message
Of Governor Bigler present? in a clear, statesman-like
style a history of the affairs of the
State. It occupies much of our paper, and we
commend it to general perusal. We are und?r
favor to Governor IJ., for a copy of the message
sent in advance of its reading in the Legis'a
ture, to every editor in the State; a custjui
whicit we hope will be continued.
Cambria County.
The report of the Auditor General on the fi
nances of the State, for the fiscal year ending
November 30, 1852, shows that Cambria has con-j eVraph oiheo, and the most intense
tributed the following amount. A copy of the obtain particulars has prevailed ever
report has been sent us by Tuos. Collins, Esi., H;l!f.r.ist Eight o'clock, P. M. T
from which we extract .
Tax on Real and Personal estate,
Tavern Licenses,
Retailers' Licenses,
Distillery and Brewery Licenses
Pedlcrs' Licenses,
Ten-Pin Alley Licenses,
Eating House and Restaurant Licenses
Patent Medicine Licenses,
Tax cn Writs, Wills, Deeds, &c.
$3,238
482
085
4
80
38
103
01
58
ou
75
75
00
55
5 9'n'"l 'lor fot crushed, and it must be amputated.
18 j Mrs. Newall was badly injured. One mau be-
Total, $5,088 08
The receipts by Cambria county, from the
State Treasury, for the same period, were as
follows :
Pensions and Gratuitie?, $100 00
Common Schools, 1302 01
Total, , $1102 Oi
The Valuation of Real and Personal estate in
Cambria county, as determined by the Revenue
Commissioners, is $1,003,185 ; Tax assessed,
$3,450 ; Taxables 3,075 ; Population in 1850,
17,773.
EQf Hereafter, every train of cars leaving
Pittsburg aud Philadelphia, will stop at Jeffer
son, as that town has beeu made a fetation. A
loimins to Andover or Lawrence will die. Mr.
Horace Childs, bridge builder, of Hcnnikcr, wus
badly, but not seriously bruised. Anothe
man's leg was badly fractured. Another had
j both legs broken. Several women were severe
ly bruised. The car was nearly filled with pas
sengers. General Tierce, lady and son, were seated four
or five seats from the forward end of the car.
The boy was struck on the forehead by a frag
ment of the framework.
The car is said to have been broken rear tho
middle. The baggage car in front was riot
thrown off. A brakemen stood on the end of it,
and witnessed the accident unharmed.
An extra train will go up over the Central
Rail road to Manchester, Hmiiker, and II ills -borouch.
to convey Mr. Childs' and Mr. New-
passenger hack leaves that point every morning 'all's families. The latter are not related to Gen.
tor Lueusburg, by the Plank Ucad.
We regret to learn that John McCoy, Esq.
of Summerhiil township, was thrown from his
horse against a tree, on Suuday, near the Sum
mit, and had his thigh-bone fractured.
Pierce, although residents of Hillsborough, his
native town.
Bo.-tox, Jan. 7. A messenger who arrived at
the Journal office this morning from Andover,
reports that the lady of Gen. Pierce is much
more resigned to the sad calamity, and the fears
tfS" An accouut of the terrible accident near I which existed that she might not be able to bear
Andver, Mass., by which the sou of Gen. Piirce, up under it are now removed,
a bright boy of ten years of age, has been sud-j The fatal blow by which her son was killed
denly removed to that mysterious hereafter, will ! struck him on the foiehead, and was so violent
be found in another column. He was an only as to remove the upper portion of his head, lea
and an idolized" boy, and the suddenness of this ; ving a portion of the brain exyosed, His face,
catastrophe at a timehen the boy was full of . with the exception of a spot near the right eye,
hope and enthusiasm the recent elevation of , is uninjured.
the father to the Presidency the strong domes
tic affections of the parents make the melan
choly occurrence exceedingly painful. There is
universal sympathy for the afflicted parents.
K,, On Tuesday, R. M. Riddle, Esq., Whig,
was elected Mayor of Pittsburg; the vote being
for Riddle, 18S3; Jno. B Guthrie, Dem., 1505.
Gen. Pierce appeared quite comfortable when
the informant left.
BLAIUCOVXTY AFFAIRS,
From the Hollidaysburg Standard f thi
(week, we cut the following paragraphs
Shocking Death. Yesterday morning, about
8 o'clock, an elderly Irishman named Flanigen
Until Tuesday evening, the weather was I nn employee on the Portage Road, while enga
warm and pleasant, Indian Summer-like, but, j pej in tnrtiinsr a switch, near the 'Mountain
since then, a chance has come over the spirit t House, slipped and fell upon the track, and an
of its dreams," and the show i3 falling thick and j entire train of cars passed over him the wheels
blasts' whistle f which eomrdetelv cut him in two ! He was
fast, while the "rude northern
round the house corners. Tho snow is about
eight inches deep, and tli3 merry jingle of the
sleigh-bella is once more heard.
55 Let there be a larpje attendance at the
Plank Road meeting in Ebensburg on Thursday
next. The sou
tions of the county
will be mutually
lrletelv
nn honest, industrious man, and we believe
leaves a wife and family who were dependent
upon his exertions for support.
M.Aticiors Misciiif-r. On Sunday nicht soma
evil disposed person, turned the switch on the
them, eastern and northern por-1 railroad, at the foot of Tlane 5, by which tha
uity, are equally interested, and Express train was thrown off the track.
y benefitted iu its construction. I satisfied with this piece of villiany, the same
Reslgnatlou of Col. Klug
Hon. William R. King, Vice President elect
and United States Senator from Alabama, has
resigned the latter office in consequeuce. of con
tinued ill health and his inability to attend to
iU duties. It is stated that he cannot possibly
recover. The latest news of his condition is,
that his physician has souuded his lungs with
the stethoscope and declared that oue of his
lungs is entirely gone, and the other partly so.
We hope this may prove incorrect, and his
health be again so far restored as to enable
him to enter upon the duties which the people
have delegated to him after the fourth of March,
sceui6 to be contemplated by the constitution pf;next.
nennn (t is snnnosrdl threw a stone througa
a window of one of the - car?, which grazed tba
head of Capt. Wynne and came within an ace of
hitting a lady. We hardly know what punish
ment should be meted out to a scoundrel who
would be guilty of such a diabolical deed.
Ovr.RrLow. A body of water, dammed up in
... - . i. - ii v r
one ot Mr. Lemon s coai Dans, i mu
burft through the dam on Thursday last, anu
. ... . 1- J - IM ilan
came roaring liKe a tornauo uuu ov.-r.
The torrent carried away one man's spring house,
toother with all his winter's meat. ThpJST.
ww os strnnirlv imnretrnated with suit
it killed large quantities of fish the
ing literally fillet "rita flwmuc
for mile?-
f-'V
-