always give line pleasure to refer to the
one as examples, and to the other as &uitl a;
in the performance of duty. Adulating.
to its fullest extent, the importance of pre
serving unsullied the inestimable and una
lienable right of the people to govern
themselves, I shall ever give my best rf
forts to prevent encroachments upon that
right. So long as man continues the be
ing he is, error must be expected, both in
his individual and collective conduct. He
may be expected to err upon sudden im
pulses, but an intelligent community will
rarely fall deliberately into error. hence
the deliberate expression of the people's
will, should always tarnish the rule of cod
duct to those WrIO represent them in pub
llc rtations.
A new era has arrived in our Common
wealth, Our first constitution, filmiest
*midst the storms and troubles of the revo
lutionary conflict, was found in practice
tint to answer the expectations under
which it was framed. In fourteen years
thereafter, it was entirely new muddled by
the constitution of 1790; an instrument
framed by men of great talents Ind emi
nent worth; but the plan of government
was always considered, by no small por
tion of the people, as not snfficiently de
mocratic in its details. After repeated
a t.einpts to procure revision, a majority of
our citizens who voted on the question,
in 1835, sledded that n convention should
tie called to revise, alter and amend the
constitution of the commonwealth. In
pursuance of this determivation of the peo
Vie, a convention assembled, and after a
WTI and arduous session, closed their la
bors on the 22d of February last, and the
amendments agreed upon by that Lodi , ,
have been ratified and adopted by the p;ci
pie; and it is under this amended consti
tution that it has been my lot to be called
upon to administer the duties of the Execu
tive. This instrument gives to popular
suffrage, the decision of many appoint
ments heretofore vested in the Executive,
and chaages the duration of the judicial
tenure from that to good behaviour to a
term of years. It shortens the period ot
eligibility to the Executive chair, and re
duces theisenatorial termtenlarges the right
of suffrage, and changes other provisions
all of which are important in the conduct
of the government of the State. Approv
ing as It did, of the amendments in the
aggregate, and having sanctioned them by
my vote at the late election, it will alforu
me great pleasure to assist in
,csirrying
them out in practice, by a strict adherence
to their principles.
It is a beautiful exemplification of the
capacity of the people for self-government
to see them from time to time, as exigen—
cies may require, coming together through
their representatives, and quietly, yet in
telligently and dispassionately examining
the fundamental law of the land, ascer
taining where It has not answered its in
tended purposes, and correcting evils
not foreseen at the time of its adoption.
The adoption of constitutions was a wise
regulation to prevent the abuse of power
to - limit and restrain its exercise by public
servants, to protect. the weak against the
strong, and to preserve the liberties of the
cituntry from encroachments. They are
in themselves admissions of the fallibility
of human nature: if the tendency of pow
er to corrupt, and of the necessity of pro
tecting the people from the misconduct of
their functionariet, arising either from
weakness or wickedness. An innate dis
inclination to needless change, it is hoped
will ever prevent frequent alterations of
this fundamental law; had the provision
adopted for future amendments will only
be resorted to when experience has clear
ly demonstrated that such ehange is es
sential to the public good. Constant or
continuing changes tend to create distrust
in the stability of our government and its
institutions; an evil greatly to be depre
cated as tending to loosen the bonds of
mutual confidence which bind a republic
together. It will give me great pleasure
to co=operate wit!, the representatives of
the people in enacting all such laws as
the amended constitution has rendered
,necessary, and to give that full, fair and
candid trial of the instrument in practice,
which patriotism now requires from all,
when theople have decided on its ac
ceptapce. Whatever difference of opinion
existed before its adoption should Inow
cease. It is the supreme law of the land,
and ft is the duty of every branch of the
government and every good citizen, so to
regard and respect it.
A strict accountability of all public a
gents tends to prevent wrong to the pub
lic from negligence or misconduct. Lavish
and prodigal expenditures necessarily in
duce extravagance and luxury; these un.
dermine and destroy the habits of indus
try and frugality of our citizens, and there
by take away one of the principal sup
ports of popular government. The lux
ury, extravagance, and appendages of roy.
al ty are unsuited to the habits, as they
are to the well being of a tree people. E
conomy in the various departments of the
4overnment is not only required at all
Times in a republic, but is peculiarly cal
led for at this time, when such is the mag
nitude of our state debt, that more than
The whole nett revenue is required to dis
charge it interest.
This debt, true, teas been Incurred in
the prosecution of schemes of internal im
provement, unparalled in other days and
States, which have tended to increase oar
trade and develope our resources, and it
may perliapse be hurl, assumed, that they
have increased the value of the real estate
within the Commonwealth to the motion
Olii;:r cost. Much of the funds of the
Inatit ha e, hol►srer. been expended on
works of secondary importance, and in evincing a proper regard for, and subor- wealth, and not less so in the exhaust
some instah . ces of doubtful public utility, dination to, that Government in all things less energies of her citizens, whose repo
which recoyedappropriations from a properly pertaining to it. The govern tation for integrity of conduct, has given
course of legislation, in which aid was giv- ment'of the States should ever exercise to h r the enviable character she bears at
en to them
to secure favor for greater and 8 eareful vigilance for the preservation of home and obroad. Ey fostering and en-,
more public improvements--a course of their own rights, that the objects of the ceuraging the virtuous enterprize of her
legislation universally addmitted to be Confederation may be fairly e ff ected, and citizens; by discountenancing and punish
wrong in principle, and which ought nev- the harmony of a system of Government ing vice, immorality and crime; by in
er to be adopted. I respectfully solicit without paralel in ancient or modern structing the ignorant. reformine ' the vi
the co - operation of all who have the wel- times, be preserved in all its beauty and cious, and securing the rights of all; by
fare of their country at heart, in putting symmetry. preserving inviolate, under all circuits
an end to this course of legislation. It is not sufficient that there should be stances, and sacredly maitaining the pub-
I have been the friend and advocate a c old compliance in terms with the letter tic faith founded on law, as a binding ob
of a judicious and liberal system nf public of our constitution — there should he a ligation and duty of the government, we
improvements, essentially necessary,. as I proper nati•tnal feeling of brotherhood shall elevate her character, advance her
always believed it, to the great ligriculs kept up. We should exhibit in all our moral and political greatness, and realize'
tural, manufacturing, and commercial in- conduct, that we are members of a great the hopes of the patriot and philanthropist.
(crests of the Commonwealth—interests and powerful union of free States, who In this work the public functionaries of
intimately connected with, and mutually have made certain terms and conditions the State must bear an important part for
dependent upon each other: Hut this by way o f mutual concession and coin- good or evil. Their example will always
system may be pushed beyond the n.eans promise, in order to promote the general to a certain extent, be reflected or
and resources of the Cunmonwealth. good . of the whole. The old articles of the conduct of the citizens. We
Such a course should be avoided. We centederatlon, as well as the present con- should be circumspect and careful,
have now in th e course of construction, s titut ion of the United States, were the setting a proper example to those whom
ortions of the main lines of our canals, results of these feelings and these con- we serve, and thus become, under Divine
which are yet incomplete. and which are t cessions and compromises. A due re- Provid ne; the instruments of good.—
necessary to finish the chains of intercom gard to that good faith which should ever
Firmiv relying upon that Provdenee fur
munit a ion within our Commonwealth .—. characterize the conduct of republican its aid, without which the efforts of man
Their situation exhibits one portion of States, would scent to require that a con. would be vain; and desiring a hearty and
some of the lines completed, and now in a tract or compact of union, thus formed, harmonious co.opperation from the oth.
state of delapidation and decay. while oft should be kept, not only inviolate i n er departments of the government, in all
er portions of the same line are yet tin. terms, but inspirit also . measures calculated to promote the pub
finished. 1h: alternative then presented .NV hen the infant states of the union u- lie weal, I proceed to the discharge of the
is, shall these uncompleted main lines be lilted together in the revolution, for the duties imposed upor. me, in the new and
abandoned. or shall every pssible energy common defence, under the feeble bonds untr i ed station to which the part' l ty of
of the Commonwealth be in requisition of the old confe d eration; w h enmy fellow citizens have elevated me.
for their completion? Unwilling as I am, say drove ustrom something more definite DAVID R. PORTER.
needlessly to to increase the State debt, an' binding . , which brought about the con Harrisburg, January 15, 1839.
the soundest dictates of public policy and staution o f 1738. involuntary servitude _
justice require the adoption of the latter
course, as the only mode of making avail
able the large amounts already expended
upon them. The resources and capabil
ities of the regions through wh.i:o they
pass, will be there) y developed, avenues
of trade to a id from the seaboard will be
'opened; and new markets for our agricul
tural and mineral products will be fur
nished, and the ievenue of the work al
ready completed and in operation greatly
increased. When these - lines shall have
been completed, produce would seem to
require that we should pause, and at least
for a season, husband our means, and en-
Ideavoe to deer( ase the public liabilites.
I shall, as soon as conveniently may be
cause to be laid belore you a full and
( candid statement of the debts due by the
Commonwealth. These debts, let it be'
steadily borne in mind, have been 'neer
red under the authority of law; and as the
public faith must, and as far as in me lies,
shall be sacredly maintained, at all haz
zards, it will be our duty while we shall
prevent their utineccessary inc'ease, to
provide the means of meeting the lawful
engagements of the commonwealth. In
effecting these desirable results, I look
with ,great confidence to the co-operation
of the Representatives of the people in
both branches of the legislature. The
truth cannot be concealed, that the funds
of the commonwealth arc in an tinbat
rassed state, and that a strong, vigorous
and well directed Alia is required to ex
tricate them therefrom.
By the provisions of the amended con
stitution, notice is requ red to be given of
all intended applications for the grant or
renewal of eha rters to banking institutions
This provision will prevent legislative ac
tion in relation to them at the present ses
sion, and renders any exposition of my
views on delicate and agitating sub
ject unnecessary at this time, 1 shall
take occasion in a future communication•
to express them very diderently, and need
only now say that the banking capital of
the cemmonwealth has been increased oil
late years beyond what 1 believe to have
been necessary. Having formed this
'opinion deliberately, I shill not be dispo=
sed to change it fur light reason.
There is, in my judgment, a manifest
impropriety in entangling connections he.
tween the government and the bunking .4•
trading institutions of the country; and
shall, at all tunes, be ready to co• °per:he
in any measure which shall so seperatt.
the government from banking institutions
as to leave each to the pursuit and exer
cise of their legitimate ends, without in.
terfering with Muse the other.
The creation of corporations, were ne
cessary to accomplish purposes beyond
the reach of individual enterptize, has no
doubt, done much to advance the prosper
ity ofour country, where the means of the
citizens, generally, are moderate', as they
are like to be in a young and growing
country; and where the concentt ation of
the capital of many is necessary to do
what, in older countries, might be accum
plished by individuals of great weath. As
our country becomes older and onr wealth
increases, the reasons for multiplying
these corporations are, to some extent re
movsd. Although they may be resorted to
with propriety where absolutely necessa
ry, their undue creation and increase
should be discouraged. Corporations
ought never to be created, where the ob
jectlo be accomplished is within the pro
bable reach of individual exertion. %they
absolve men from individual liability, and
may tend, by undue codbinittions and con
centrated action, to embarrass the opera
tions of the government and interfere
'with the popular sovereignty.
The position which our Commonwealth
occupies, as a member of the Union,
should never he lost sight of. For whits:
as to all the purposes no• delegated to
the General Government, she is en inde
pendent sovereignitv, yet at as to all
granted to the coneederation or union,
she must exercise her :Mho: hies in sub
ordination to the General Government
was the subject of much disclission, and
arrangement and ,toncession. It was fi
nally disposed of in the manner pointed
out in the lattt r instrument. To agitate
the question anew when it was thus satis
factorily settled, is not only unwise and
and impolitic, but it is a virtual breach of
good faith to our brethern of the South.
an unwarrantable interlerence with their
domestic relations and institutions, and is
calculated to do positive injury to the Al
rican race tiler held in servitude, forwhom
in her policy, and within her own borders
Pennsylvania has always shown a becom
ing sympathy. I can never, in the official
station which I occupy, consent to counte
nance a course ,which may jeopard the
peace and harmony of the Union, without
answering any good purpose in the end.
It shall meet with no encouragement at
my hands.
I Let Pensylvania keep clear of all en
tangling alliances and she has no political
consequences to dread nor collissions to
encounter; and our experiment of ,the
union of the States will be fouml to work
us harmoniously in practice as it is beau
tilt,' in theory. [ler people are charac- •
torized by strong practical common sense.
and useful intelligence. If not disposed
I generaly, to theorize and speculate, they
are not thereby the less competent to
judge correctly in matters of public
ty. _ . . . .
As a member of the Union she has
stood forth manfully, under all circum
ees, in support of republican principles.
A strict construction of the Constitu
tion of the United States; a reluctance to
yield to the general government any pow
ers, except those expressly granted, or
which follow by direct and necessary im
plication from those so panted; a rigid
system of economy in public expenditu
res; the definition and limitation by law
as far as practicable, of the duties of pub
licfutbctionarics; and a strict system of
accountability, in all public servants, are
doctrines, in support of which she has
ever raised her voice. Believing these to
be correctviews, it will affitril me plea
sure, so far as the subject shill Nil with
in the province of the Executive. to give
them effect; and that pleasure will be en
hanced in funding that 1 am therein
• co
operating with, and sustaining the admin
istration of the Gen:ral Government in
the able and efficient hands in which it is
now placed.
In a republican government, general
intelligence shuld he dill used among the
citizens. They are thus enabled to per
term their duties as constituent parts II
the Government intelligently and correct.
ly. Every means, therefore, for educe•
ting the whole people in useful knowledge,
should be restored to. In carrying out
this sy t in, our State is now progressing
with the great experiment of her Com
mon f•ichools, Academies and Colleges.
Whether PWnurse adopted, in all its dc•
tails, 'a tlt that could be de vised; or
whether. like every thing else which is the
offspring of human action, it is imperfect
and will require the curre:lions which ex
perience teaches us are necessary imall
our projects, time will develope. I feel
disposed to give every necessary aid . o
accelerate the march of intellect, and en
lighten the human mind; the better to en•
able us to preserve and hand down to
posterity, unimpaired, the civil and reli
, Ootte privileges receive , ' by us as a sacred
inheritance from our fathers. While gi
ving every aid to the cause of education,
let us be careful that we do not, by over
much exertion, produce a revulsion in
public opinion, and thus retard, if not
prostrate a system which, by judicious
management, will ultimately conquer
prejudice, and recommend itself to genet ,
al favor. Our literary institutions are
certainly earning for themselves rich rep
,ptations for use! airless, which it should be
our duty, by extending to them a foster
ing bawl, to enable them to retain and
improve.
Our Commonwealth is a great and pow•
erlul one; rich ia her resources, in her
mineral, agricultural and commercial
THE JOURN AL.
One country, one constitution, one destiny
Huntingdon Jan. 23, .1539
Democratic .Intimasonic
CANDIDATES.
FOR PRESIDENT,
GEN.WM. H. HARRISON
IUK V ICE PRESIDENT
DANIEL WEBSTER.
.FLAG OF 'TIE PEOPLE!
(*" A single term for the Presidency, and
the office cdministered for the whole PEO-'
PL E. and not for a PA It IN.
7 A sound, uniform and conyenieni
tional C uttaENcy, adapted to the wants of
the whole COUNTRY, Instead of the SHIN
PLASTERS brought about by our present
RULERS.
- X7ECONOMY, RETRENCHMENT, arid RE
FORM in the administration of public affairs,
17 - Tired of Experiments and Experi•
menters, Republican gratitude will reward
unobstrusive merit, by elevating the sub-;
ahem Of WASHINGTON and the dosciple of
JEFFER sow. and thus resuming the safe and
eat e n track of our Vathers,—L. Gazette.
Xew .Ippolodanents —Abed
Pr•ocetltwe.
During our last week's court, a very
novel, if not dangerous procedure was
had, in the case of the 'new appointments.
It was generally known that since the
new Constitution became the law of the
land, Gov. Bit ner has commissioned new
officers of our court; who it was supposed
by many of our ablest men would hold
their commission, until elections couldbe
held by the people. On Friday it was
learned that new commissions had been
issued by the new Governor, the result of
which was, that there were two sets o f
officers claiming the right to act for the
court. An impression had got out that it
was the intention- of Judge Burnside to
claim the right, to say, who was the propel
officer, and when the subject was broach
ed, Jno. Blanchard Esq. signified his in
tention of "argufying the topic" with the
Judge, as to his right to do so.
In the afternoon of Friday, tin: court
heard the argument of Mr. Blanchard. It
was concise, and overwhelming, and at
one time we thought he had convinced
:the Judge of his error. He as Aimed the
ground, that the officer appointed by Gov.
Either, (Janice Steel Esq.) being in pa,-
session, and that toeclearly by a strictl y
legal appointment, could not be dispos
sessed, except by some form of law, and
that form of law, he declared was, for the
new claimant (Jno. Creswell Esq.) to take
out a writ of quo tourranto requiting Mr.
Steel to show by what right he held Ow
office. Mr. Blanchard clearly proved
this to be the law—produced what we
considered the positive statute to that,
'effect. He showed by every principle
01 common law and common senv., that
the possessor could not be made tht
plaintiff, in a suit of the kind. Never
have we listened to a more lucid and
powerful argument, thau that made by
Mr. Blanchau d.
The court contended, that if the pre
sent occupant considered himself agriev
ed, he could resort to a writ of quo war
rant° to make the officer installed by the,
court, show cause why he exercised the
powers of Prothonotary.
Mr. Blanchard desired the Judge to
specify the process to eject Mr. Steel,
should he deny the right of the court to
dispossess him. It was a perfect poser.
The Judge was stalled, he could not re.
ply. (We were much disposed to inquire
if it would not be by a writ issued, on
authority of the statute of club law, by
Judge Lynch.) '1 he argument was closed
and for more Than ao hour, the judge gave
evident signs of bOng to an unpleasant
lquandary. We thought on one or two cm...
caSiOtIS that lie was "convinced against
his will." The court however, adjourn
ed. Morning proved that he was of .the
• same opinion still." He directed that the
person in peaceable and legit possessic.n
should be ousted, and be made the plain.
air in the suit.
Never in our life have we witnessed
any scene on the judicial benA we so
much regretted. Taught to believe from
our childhood the judicial ermine should
be above suspicion, that its spotless purity
should never be doubted—we looked with
'sorrow---we might almost say—mingled
with shame, upon such a palpable viola--
tion of common reason. Our, high opin -
ion of the legal knowledge of Judge Burn_
side, would not permit us to say he did
not know better. Whatever may have
been our views of the lion. Judge's polit
ical acts—on no occasion—under no cir
cumstances, have we ever doubted his in.
tegrity, and impartiality, while seated on
the Bench. We have often declared
that we always thought, that if he erred at
all. it was when he leaned if anything, too
strongly against the side it was presuppo
sed lie might favor. Even now we would
feign believe that for the time he was mis
led by sonic delusion of prejudice, that his
calmer reflection, and calmer moments
would remove. Certain it is, we have
heard men, who'have venerated his Roman
firmness and Spartan integrity, avow
themselves, fur the first time, shaken in
their faith.
The Judg e , however, said that he con
•sidered it so plain a case, that should the i
Supreme Court reverse the judgment—
"this court is disgracce'
This much we have written, upon the
preliminary step taken by the court, a
step that we think, could only be paral
leled, 'ay some man going to ono of our
wealthiest farmers, and demanding his
• farm, and bringing the farmer into the
court—the court order the farmer to give
up his farm, and then take his remedy by
bringing an ejectment.
As to the right of hlr.Porter. to appoint
the officers, our most learned men differ.
So far as our individual opinion is concer.
ned, we believe he has, we have never bu t
fur a moment doubted it. But as to the
course of Judge Burnside, we doubt its
correctness. We thought the Judge doub.
ted it himself. Wo shall not censureo
him, until we become convinceJ that h
was wrung, in his whole view of the mat.
ter. In the mean time we shall content our
selves with regretting, that any course or
the lion. Judge, should hale been such ,
as at least to have shaken the coilfidviice
of some, he was pleased to rank among his
warmest admirers, and Nvhu believed his
Judicial robe, wmi olvirgin whiteness.
The Inategeral siddress.
We this week give our readers the
address delivered to the Legislature by
the new Governor at the time of his in
augeration. There is nothing plrticular
ly important in the document. The great
er portion of it is to us no way objection&
ble. It advances no new notions of poli
cy, nor new plans of operation. But is
characterized by many promises, many
of which will undoubtedly be broken.—
One of which will we doubt not will be
kept; we predicted such an event before
his election, in the event of his being suc
cessful—The increase of the State debt.
Let our honest tax-paying farmers stick
a pin there.
Gov. Porter avows himself the friend
of the Education and Internal Improve-'
ment systems. We earnestly trust he
may prove so. The latter is the artcries.
and the former the life's blood of our coun
try.
Previous to the election we declared
Mr. Porter to be the devoted adherent of
Van Buren's Leg Treasury system. Gov.
Porter clearly proves that we were in thr
right. lie has also thrown out a little
!soft sawder" for the Southerners, al
though ha admits that that Penn
sylvaninints always shown a “betomina
sympathy" for tee suffering of the degra l
ded Africans an acknowledgement, we
should hardly expect in these times, when
the most "becoming sympathy" evinced
by the party which elevated him to the ,
'executive chair, is degredation, oppres
sion and wrong.
Without further remark we
the addres with our readers. If we were,
however to express an opinion as to the
authorship, we should say so far a s we
have had au opportunity of judging, that
it is neither the production et the Gover
nor nor hia Secretary.
Nandi to Ike Got'. of Pennsyl.
vania.
Never vi Willi our recollection has a
more disgraceful act occurred, than the
refusal on the part of the partisans of the
new Governor, to as ign a place in the
Inaugural procession, for the then Gover
nor. We care not what party perpetrate
such contemptible acts of meanness and
disgrace, they shall have our severest
censure. Joseph Ritner was Governor of
Pennsylvania, and vt-as the choice of 1523-
MC freemen, and an/indignity offered to
him was intended to cast insult at every
one of his supporters. •
As the Governor of Pennsylvania; he
inented respect—as the Elm:wive cf a
great State, he should have received at
least honorable treatment, .even were his
moral character, as questionable, as some
others. But itis beyond reproach. r , And
that party which for the first timOefused
the Gov. of Pennsylvania a place in the
inaugural procession of his successor, mer
its, and will meet the scorn of every hon
lest,.. Amer ican Freeman.
Penn's. Legislature.
On Saturday there was no quorum in
either house, and the consequence was
there was nothing done.
On Monday, the senate fur the first
time, was called upon by the Governor te
advise a consent to the appointment of
two associate Judges. Mr. Rogers re
portul the order to be observed in the
procession of inaugeration, and strange
as it may appear, there was no place as
signed for the then Governor of Pennsyl
vania. The report was recommitted.
The llouse met and a number appear
ed for the first time and were sworn in,
a message was read from Gov. liitner
retarain; th 3 re solution relative
to the apir'n'n (Id (1 State
l're wirer. A Mes .aqe was receir.
ed from the Governor communicating the
correspondence with the gsrernment at'
Washington daring the late disturbances.
The House refused to print more than one
copy for each member. It excited con
siderable discussion, but they refaced to
•
print.
Tuesday, no business done in the Sen
ate. In the House a communication was
received from Daniel Sturgeon relative to
'the State of the finances. The vote was
/ taken on the resolution vetoed by the
Governor, and the resolution passed by a
vote of 61 to 23. The inaugeration then
took place. The oaths of office were Ad
ministered by C. B. Penrose.
On Wednesday, several petitions f or
new counties dm were presented to tl,e
Senate. A considerable argument was
hail upon a petition of Dr. Espy (the gen
tleman who lectured in this place last fill)
aiktng Vie Senate to ap t o . nt at a onvoittee
to witness his experiment to cause rain
over a territory of ten miles, end that if
he was successful that they pay the ex
pense of the experiment. The commit
tee to see the experiment were appointed.
In the House the resignation of Mr.
Shuck as clerk was read, and Jacob Sett.
er was elected to till his place. An t►r
gument again arose on a motion to print
Gov. Ritner's last message, the House
refused to do so.
On Thursday, Mr: Stevenson of Phila
delphia county, was sworn in, Mr. Wag
ner having resignel. A considerable ar
vment wns held, on the manner of elec
ting the State Treasurer. Brown of
Philadelphia, moved a motion to amend
the resolution under thsetiksion, by stri
king out "according to the Constitution,"
and inserting "as heretofore." lYe
sap
pose that is Loco Foco doctrine.
In the House a resolution was discus
sed, appropriating money to the No► tb
Branch and Erie extension of the Penn
sylvania Canal, the resolution was refered
to the Improvement committee.
On Friday in the Senate, a resolution
was offered, calling upon the Secretary of
ihe Commonwealth to specify the manner-.
, n the different counties, by which to va
rious officers are conunissioned, and also