Balance of Loan per act el 14th April, 1888, 1815 000 00 In the year 1841 56.023 60 1844 62,500 00 1846 4,194,242 08 1847 71,385 06 1850 1,000,000 00 • 'KS 2,000,000 GO 1854 8,000,000 00 " 1856 2,783,161 88 " 1858 7,070,001 46 1859 1,250,000 00 1 . 1860 2,648,680 00 .1 1861 120,000 00 1862 2,265,400 00 1063 200,000 00 1864 2,515.000 00 1865 2 . 756,810 00 " 1868 2,524.000 00 " 1870 1,957,862 15 At the espiration of certain Bank char. ties, Interest due Ist Aug. Wit, for which cer• tificates have been Issued, redeemable in August, 1843, 673,757 60 871,075 55 $37_937,788 24 This debt has been contracted fur the following purposes, viz For Canal* and Rail ways To pay Interest on public debt 4,410,135 OS For the use of the Treasury 141'1,689 00 Turnpikes, state $30,533,629 15 930,000 00 6100,000 00 roads &c, Union Canal Eastern ['clan 120,000 00 tiary Franklin Rail [toad P, nin.ylvania di 01)10 Canal la:wn• Anylum 100,000 00 50,000 00 22,335 06 AI ;7 936,788 24 The value of public Improvements, es timated at cost. is 1180,533,829 15 The state owns Bank Stock, which costs at par, The state owns Turn pike and Bridge Stock, 2,836,262 45 The state owns Ca• nal and Naviga tion Stock, The state owns Rail road Stock, Money due on unpa. tented lands, es timated at ......sterewte"l7l7BlT§Trs, entered on the books of the Auditor General, per resolution of 7th Apra 1842. These internal improvements, fur the construction of which the principal amount, of the State debt has been incurred, con sists of 793* miles of canals and railways completed, and 1401 miles of canals if: progress of construction and nearly com pleted. The finished works are the following: The Delaware canal, Irons Easton to tide at Bristol, The main line of canal and railway from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, Canal from Beaver on the Ohio river to the mouth of the French creek feeder, in the direction of Erie. Canal from Franklin on the Allegheny river to Con neaut lake, Canal, Susquehanna and North Branch fro►n Dun. CllO6 Island to Lacks• wanna, Canal, West Branch from Northumberland to Far randaville, Several aide cuts and navi• gable feeders. Total Canals and railways completed, 793 i Canals in progress and nearly comple ted : miles. North Branch extension, from Lackawanna to New York line, 90 Erie extension from the mouth of the French Creek Feeder to Erie harbor 313 i Wicunisco canal frost Duncan's Island to Wiconisco creek, 121 Total canals in progress, 140 j This state has always met the payment of the interest upon the public debt with punctuality, until the semi-annual pay• meta due on the let of August last; whet., for want of adequate provision fur that purpose, certificates of the amount due to each holder of the stuck were issued, bearing an interest of six per cent. paya ble in one year, agreeably to the Act pas sed the 27th day of July last. It now becomes the imperative duty of the Le gislature to make provision, as well for its payment, as for the payment of the in terest falling due on the first of February and August next. Until some mode of raising the amount necessary fur the payment of this interest, less burthensome to the people, is devised, tie texea impn•ed by existing laws seem to • „AC be indispensable. It may be worthy the consideration of the Legislature, however, whether the present defective tsystem 01 making assessments, and reaching the ob. ects of taxation, does lot require revis ion. It is believed,• if such revision be udiciously made, that no increase of the taxes now autlorizeil would be necessary, to produce an aequate amount train that source, to cover the pressing demands made upon the Treasury. You will observe by a report accompa• nying this message, that in pursuance of the Act of Assembly, passed for that pur pose on the 27(11 day of July last, propo sals were invited fur the sale (tithe public improvements of the Commonwealth.— No bid for the sante, that can possibly be accepted, was received. This measure was suggested in my last annual message,' believing that, in our present embarrass ed condition, it was an experiment, which' might be productive of relief, worth try ing. It has been tried, and has utterly failed. The truth is, the amount of mo ney necessary for the purchase of any considerable portion of our improvements, is far greater than any citizens of our country are able to raise for that purpose. Were they to be sold at all, they would I necessactly, either directly or indirectly, I fall into the hands of foreign capitalists. The people must. in a great measure, lose the control over their management, and they would necessarily become private monoplies. This would seem to be a measure, as dangerous to the public in terest, as it would be humiliating to the public pride. The revenues upon our public works have not diminished in provirtion to the embarrassments have been thrown in the way of trad isiliky be seen by referring to the - Report of the Canal Commissioners, which will shortly be laid before you, that notwithstanding the scarcity and depreciation of money, the impaired c indition of credit, and the enormous rates of exchanges, the receipts from tolls for the fiscal year, ending the 30:h November, 1842, amount to The expenditures, for all put poses, for the nine months cum mencing on the Ist March and ending 80th November, na, amount to 2,108,700 00 Leaving an excess of receipts fur the year, over the expen ses of nine months of 550,452 72 notwithstandir , the decrease In tolls has been 8159,396%1. The receipts sad expenditures on the main liner have been as follows: Tolls recels...3--. 4 4,t „ „4:4„,. - ; "moo atiroad. $357,461 50 5T37,199 45 Eastern and Ju niata Divis ions, Allegheny Por tage Rail-road 124,258 40 96,528 63 Western Divis ion 842,778 66 a 65,276 90 1,000,000 00 •762,949 48 $300,180 20 Leaving an excess of tolls over expen ditures of $462,769 28, on the above usually denominated the main line from Philadelphia to Pittsburg. On the Delaware Division and other branches of the Canals, the excess of tolls over expenditures, during the same period, has been $67,683 44. It is worthy too of remark that the expenses fur repairs alone fur the nine months has been only $164,526 30. miles 3951 This exhibit cannot fail to inspire us with increased confidence in the ultimate value and usefulness of our public woks, strengthened as it is by the fact, that lihere has been a falling-off in the canal tolls of New York, for the fiscal year en ding 30th November, of $284,1391 89. It is proper here also ►n explanation to 'state one fact worthy of consideration.— At the commencement of my administra tion there was a debt due for ordinary re pairs previously done, independent ul the debts due on tl►e Beaver division, of $310,574 _ 1114 For the repairs of the Huntingdon breach 330,000, For repairs indispensa. ble to opening and the successful pro secution of the nav igation, dcc., as per report of engineers especially detailed for that service 1,070,992 Amounting to the sum of 82,367,566 Which has been hanging, like an incubus, on the whole system, and has contributed much to embarrass its operations, and to paralyze the most hada ble exertions of those entrusted with the conducting of them. In the progress of time, too, the ,greater portion of the perishable materials, in the construction of our public works, became so far decayed and dilapidated, as to require, in most instances a partial, and in many instances an entire renewal, du• ring the first three years of niy adminis tration. Large amounts were necessarily expended in making these repairs, so large indeed, that public cynfidence was very considerably shaken in the useful• ness and value of the system itself.— Those who did not reflect on the circum stance to which I have just adverted, sup posed this extraordinary outlay for repairs must be annually repeated. But the work being done, the expenses fur that purpose for a number of years to come will be greatly diminished. While speaking upon this subject, I cases suffering classof domestic creditors, , maya call your attention to a considerable will receive t he immediate attention of the item of expenditure, which may be, with legislature. justice, 'tercel ter wholly cut ofF. A very It has happened in relation to the ban considerable sum is annually paid for re- king system of this Commonwealth, as pairing and rebuildiog the various bridges has on many occasions heretofore been tar public and private convenience, across the case with the institutions founded on the canals and railways. This burden unsound principles, that with all its pow has been heretofore sustained by the state, er, and with all its hold on public confi but considering the great increase in value Bence and support, it has fallen by the of the private property, through which weight of its own imperfections. If any the improvements pass, and that a con- legistative action can restore public con siderable portion of the people of the coin- fidence in the banks, or render them of monwealth derive no Immediate benefit more service to the community, it will be from the outlay for that purpose, it would come your duty to furnish it. The mode seem to be just and proper, that the re- and detail of the aid to be rendered, I • building and repairing of the private leave in the hands of the representatives oridges should hereafter be done by the'of the people. But the public certainly owners of the propettx, and the public expect, that you will not adjourn until ones by the townships or counties, ih,you have made ample provision for with which they are situated. 'drawing from circulation the notes issued , Since my last annual message, in which by the banks in pursuance of the act of 1 took occasion to refer to the combine- 4th M iy, 1841; and it would afford me lion of private companies anti individuals, great pleasure to co-operate with you in to monopolize and reap nearly all the ad- any measure that may be deemed most ad vantages from the transportation on our visible for the accomplishment of this' internal improvements, there has been a object. At the same tune, I will take • trial and conviction of several persons, on occasion to suggest one source, from the clearest proof, of a most flagrant con- which the means m ty be readily obtained .piracy to render this mont.polizing.com- to ex tingui-li a lege portion of these issues. biaation still more triumphant over the I refer to the sale of the Bank, Bridge, laws. This conviction will have the sal- and other stocks, in which the State is utary tendency to arr iereafter any interested. 1 think an amount might be such illegal attempts. a now to be realized, in this way, suf fi cient to answer hoped, that by the remo of these obsta , the purpose, if provision be made by law des in the way of fair individual compete- that the proceeds of the sale be exclusive tion, our public improvements will be ly applied to that object. open, as they were intended to be, to the The present condition of the Bank of free and equal enjoyment of all. Pennsylvania requires the most careful Several recommendations, or what consideration of the legislature. The —........ . __ were deemed essential reforms, in the State has a deep interest in the proper management of our internal improve- management of that institution, and equal ments. made either by the executive or ly so in winding it up, if that be deemed canal commissioners, have been hitherto a politic measure. Several acts were baffled and deleated,by combinations of in• passed during the last session in relation terest, which it is not easy to.comprehend. to it; but owing to some defect they did Ido not deem it necessary to specify par- not answer the purpose designed. Some ticularly all these suggestions, but will remedy should at once be provided: One refer you to my last annual message, and suggestion I will make on the subject, and! the last and present report of the Canal that is, that in no contingency should the Commissioners, in which they are con-'control of the bank be placed exclusively tained. I trust that whatever may have!in the hands of the private stockholders. been the doubt heretofore on the subject, Let the State and the stockholders be put if any there was, the justice and propriety on the same footing—each having, respec of making them are now beyond question. Itively, the share of control to the amount During the last year, as well as former 1 01 stock held. No just complaint can years, the canal commissioners have been then be made, and the interest of all par. assiduously laboring to correct the most ties will be properly guarded. This much, glaring of the errors and abases Which at least, the public has a right to expect. had crept into the management of our The passage of a law providing for the public improvements. They have done election of members of Congress will be much, but much remains to be done, and one of the subjects demanding your early unless seconded b y the Legislature, there attention. The apportionment of ITICITI• will much remain to be lamented, without hers of the two Houses of the General As the power to remove it. sembly is also a matter in which the pen- Nothing has been done under the acts pie are deeply interested, and which will, !of Assembly passed at the last session, for of course claim your most careful con !the incorporation of companies to com• sideration. The basis of an apportion. -4,,t,..i. . ~,,• ; . .. . ~ ._A..., •• 4. Liii . - L ...... ._ Uwe, LW. vitiast APUildiV.Rilktal $920,499 42 390,046 70 the accomplishment of this object — an be devised, it will aftbrd me great pleasure I to co-operate with you in carrying it into lexecution. 195,780 16 45,072 12 The resolution of the General Assem bly of the 7th of April last, si relative to the payment of interest to domestic cre ,litors," provides that such of the credi tors of the Commonwealth as do not choose to receive certificates of stock, shall be entitled to a credit for the amount of their claim on the books of the Auditor General, and shall receive interest at six per cent. on balances due for work done prior to the 4th of May, 1841, interest to be allowed from that date, and on balan ces due for work done since the 4th of May, 1841, interest to he allowed from the passage of the act. And the first sec tion of the act of the 27th July last, after sulking certain specific appropriations, difecta whatever balance may be in the Treasury on the first clays of August, No vember mid February then next, after paying current demands on the Treasury, to be divided pro rata among the domestic creditors having claini:s for work ilone prior to the 4th May, 1841, or for repairs arc. on finished lines of canal and rail-1 road, previous to the first day of April, 1842. In pursuance of the foregoing acts, claims amounting in the aggregate to $l,- 191,710 23 were entered on the books of the Auditor General at the close of the financial year, of which sum $597,461 78 was for work 'done prior, and $594.248- 45 for work done subsequent to the 4th of May, 1841. On the first day of August the Treasury would not admit of a divi dend—therefore the first and only instal ment, twenty per cent. was paid on the first of November, together with all inter est then due, which amounted, dividend and interest; to $209.589 43. Notwithstanding the very satisfactory results which have grown nut of the broad and liberal construction given by the Au • ditor General, to the resolution of the 7th April, there yet remains a very deserving class of creditors, who have received none of its benefits, nor was it at all practicable to bring them within its provisions. The poor laborers scattered along the improve• mews, who with their own hands do the work necessary to keep them in navigable condition, should be the objects of the first care of the government. In this instance they were entirely overlooked, the appro priation for repairs being inadequate.— From the character of their claims—their comparatively trifling amount, and their number, it was loud inexpedient to enter them on the books of the Auditor General. If they had been entered, it would in many cases have cost the whole sum due to procure the dividend from the Treasu• ry—and, indeed, it would be a mockery for the government, instead of payment, to 'offer poor laborers a pro rata dividend on a claim of a few dollars. It is ardent• ly hoped that this worthy and is most 85,449 42 26,080 00 V ( c ) ✓ the State. In no other manner can the various interests be carefully represented. rile fundamental principles of a republi can government, and our own Constitu- . lion, guarantee these rights to every I county in the State. The apportionment • bill passed the 16th June, 1836, will not, • I conceive, be regarded as a precedent, or I an example, but as a beacon, to be shunn , ed by every legislator who understands and is honestly desirous of carrying into • execution the injunctions of the Uonstitu : lion. No extraneous considerations can justify a departure from it, and on all occasions when a departure has been • attempted, it has recoiled with ten fold r force on the the heads of those by whom it was made. • I have repeatedly called the attention • of the legislature to the subject of select , ing jurors in the several counties of the state. I cannot forbear to urge it again upon you, and to add that there is one • grievance very much complained of in those counties, where it exists, under the law,—that is, that where separate wheelsl are kept for drawing jurors for different courts, there is much complaint as to the manner of selecting the names put into these different wheels. It has been sug gested that if one wheel only was provi • ded, «ut of which all the panels of Jurors for all the courts were drawn, this objec tion would be in a great measure obviated. will merely further remark, that the system of drawing jurors would be very ' greatly perfected, if the selecting and drawing of the same were to be done by the commissioners and , sheriff in open court, under the supervision of one or more of the judges. Recent experience calls aloud for the protection of the jury box from even the possibility of suspiLion. My views have been so fully expressed in former messages, in favor of the sup port of a libel al and enlightened system of education by common schools, that I need scarcely repeat them. '1 will content my self by reiterating, that a sound education, based upon proper moral and religious training, is ,the best legacy a parent can bequeath to his child,and the best provis sion a patriot can make to secure the perm anence and purity of our republican insti• tutions. I refer yOu to the very full and elaborate report of the Superintendent, fur the condition and details of our com mon schools, academies, female semina ries and colleges. The report of the Adjutant General will be submitted to you. I should be exceedingly happy to unite with you, in ary measure that would render the present militia system more efficient, and less burthensome to the community. Perhaps the encouragement of volunteers would be the best means that could be adopted for the advancement of these ends.— Pennsylvania has just reason to be proud of her volunteers, in number, discipline . and martial spirit, they can vie with those ~ r ~,.! X....0°" of any other state in the Union. Should pardibg our own. Among other Import any emergency ever arise to require it ant expenditures, those incident to the le- „. she could, on the shortest notice, muster 4islature seem to have been, for the last upwards of thirty-five thousand of these twenty years, greatly on le increase.-- intrepid defenders other soil. • 'W'hile expenseg:of the of er departments The complexity and Oseurity of ma yelsave been almost stationa *, those of the of the material provisions of the act ei ii. Legislature have been con "tlyrably more tied, " Act to abolish imprisonment filt•,'llialytoubleel,.N,o sitisfactoey.:reason s tan debt, and to punish fraduleut debtors," tselflown forlhisj and it calls`atiloud for Ilhave rendered the operation almost nuga• inquiry antl'reqe/ss. The public printing Rory. I t seems to have produced little is one of the largest items in this expendi ,benefit to the debtor, and much inconve• ture, and has increased in a ratio that de- ~j 1 nience to 'the creditor. i ts provisions ties reasonable explanation. It demands certainly require a thorough revision, and a remedy. 1 cap see no better than to if any law or the kind be deemed neces• provide for appointing a public printer to sary, it should be one, very different in execute ell the public printing at fixed and many of its leading features froin the reasonable prices. The work can then be present. The penal sections, contained done with greater facility and economy.— r in the small bill, however well designed, Sound policy strongly, recommends this were drawn with so little precision as to measure, and the example of other states have led to the most intolerable abuses. fully sanctions it. 1 respectfully corn- Frequent complaints have been made-ins mend it to your at 1 Philadelphia on the subject of the power of This is•thi fire; Aldermen and Justices of the l'eace in have had the 11!)q . es. a ttjtiritY . " • --. criminal cases. Some mode should be of both houses° 4 i • 'al assembly, provided for defining and regulating their belonging to thesamt political relation jurisdiction, on this important subject, so ship with myself; and I cannot forbear-to as to guard against extortion and °pores- express the gratifieption I feel a'. the pros. sion on the one hand, and laxity and iin- • pest of a harmonious and confidential un• punity to crime, on the other. derstandin. between the several legisla. The tendency of public opinion, for a five depart ments of the•government. I number of years past, has gradually been bust we shall recollect. that the great dit to weaken and relax the execution of the tinctive characteristics of the party to criminal laws. This morbid feeling has which we are attached, have ever been even reached jurors, and other functiona- magnanimity and justice to our opponents. ries engaged in the administration of Let us not forget that minorities have 'criminal justice, so that it is not an unu- rights as well as majorities; and that what soul spectacle to see courts and juries ever may have been the examples set us convict and sentence on the clearest tes- by others, it is the part of those who are simony a crimnal on one day, and recoil). genuine believers in the principles of (le mend his pardon to the executive the next. niocracy, "to do unto others, as then These appeals thus sustained, address would that others should do unto them. 4 themselves with great force to the rragis. You will allow me, in conclusion, to trate entrusted with the power of pardon. submit to you,iii a spirit of perfect frank. ^s ing offenders, and it is not to be diguised, ness and respect, the propriety of a prompt that unless some check be put upon it, it and energetic despatch of the public busi. will, in the end, lead to great injustice ness, and an adjournment at the earliest and abuse. These remarks are made, not day piacticable. But few leading meas• so much with a view to invite immediate tires of public importance will come be legislation on the subject, as to influence fore you, and those are not of a nature to and temper the action of the legislature on b essentially benefitted by a protracted the subjects connected with the criminal (May, The people will certainly be will• jurisprudence of the state. ing to forego at the present session most, it has been stated that certain loan if not all of those private matters, which companies, insurance companies, and ussually occupy so large a share of the other similar corporations which have time and attention of the Legislature.-- sprung into existence within the last ten We have had a surfeit of jumbled private years, effected their oganization, and ob. legislation. Let Blase measures, in which tabled their charters, without conforming the public at large really has an interest, strictly to the requisitions of the law, or be adopted ; and the work I . or which von after having obtained their charm% per- have assembled is done. Let the rest be • petrated acts, whereby they would lie tor. postponed until the condition of the Treas. felted; and have, through sundry devices, ury justifies the continuance of the legis• procured the passage of laws, designed, lature fur private uses; the present is not without having the object expressed, to that time. screen them from the penalty which they To whatever department of the govern. had incurred, and to sanctify the illegality meat we belong ; we should remember that and corruption in which they originated. our effu et r ii t e s p: t o inf r ee e ,r l , .t t ir hri l e n abuses, and to re -4 the klC legi sl ature, l .. C 4 'l s' k iii t 4 o ji e li n ' qu this i:•e i i is nt l tl 2 e ß recommendtl su e b s j g ec 'at t : , only mode, in whichwe .--. ill g a;: d a a il n.c t e m o t f li o tt t l h e e , rs if t ,,iv r , e eh n isi c .i h yis the u pu m ..........o. l e active eursetves the principles safety, and I respectfully . can and if any laws have been smuggled thro', prove our oe n sincerit y, ' and satisfy the in which the real object was not manifee- people that we are truly " in earliest. Let tett, to repeal the same at once, and to us act uponl! • . us will policy, and I trust the leave these corporations in precise! . . y the present session will furnish an example same situation, in which their own acts wort hythe imitation placed them, at the timetheywere .. of future legislatures. per- It will afford petrated. -me great pleasure to oin with you in all effints toit jots petrated. render d escry- Additional chancery powers have been ing of that• pioud and honorable distinc vested in sonic of the courts of this Coat- lion. A firm and manly monwealth, without suitable provision part, to do much, and to e do xellion, on our it well, in a having been made for the execution of short time, will bot h promote the public those powers. The benefits to be derived welfare, and securetie public approbation. • from this modification of our jurispru- No stronger afforded ince n ti ves to duty can pus 'hence will in a great measure be lust, tin- sibl be y to honest and intelli less these defects are supplied. Atuo, gent servants of the people. other provisions authority should be • ' given DAVID R. PORTER. for the appointment of masters in ChaliCe. EXECUTIVE CH AMBER, ry, and auditors, and their functions des H arris ' burg J a nuary fined. 4, 1843, I The legislature having omitted to ap point an agent to receive from the general government the dividend of this State from the proceeds of the sales of the public lands, I appointed Job Mann, Esq., State Treasury, by virtue of the authority given me by an act of Congress, who has re ceived it, amounting to $60,51.5 27. The explorations connected with the Geological survey having been brought to a successful termination, it is necessary that measures be now adopted by the le gislature for embodying and publishing the results without delay. As the state has expended a considerable sum in this ex amination of her mineral resources, as it is known that the final report and maps of the state Geologist will contain much val. uahle information of a nature to invite and direct the investments of capital necessa ry fur the development of our unsurpassed mineral wealth ; and as the expenses of arranging and publishing the details pro cured, will bear but a small proportion to that already incurred in collecting them,: considerations of sound economy and the public good require, that the proper steps be taken for affording our citizens the be- nefits of this survey as soon as practicable. By applying the balance of the appropria tions for the incidental expenses of the survey, the Geologist has been enabled to make considerable progress towards com pleting the maps, and drawings, and va rious other portions of the work ; but much delay has arisen from the legisla ture having omitted at its last session, to make provision for the furnishing and en graving of the maps, for the reception of the State Cabinet, and for the printing of the final report, in conformity to the sug gestions in the last annual report of the Geologist, to which you are respectfully referred. Oppressed, as the state is, by pecuniary embarrassments, at the present time, ii behoves us to retrench all expenditures of the public money, and to guard the inter est of our constituents with the same fi• delity and care that we would exert in 1` ~ The Right spirit ! The Perry Democrat, a good loco loco paper, "gives a piece of its mind" about the late appointment of the Governor's Son, in the following manly article. It is creditable to the Editor's independent "It was with no ordinary surprisewe no ticed the appointment of IV'!Liam A. Por ter, the son of tiov. Porter, to the office of Sheriff 01 tita city and crunty of Philadel phia. Thus, a mere boy, who scarce has a vote, has been induced into the most lu crative office in the State, over. men who are more deserving, equally competent, who have lived in Philadelphia county all their lives, and battled in the cause of De. mocracy until their heads are covered with the frosts ot age. When offices are to be filled by which they could be rewarded for their long and fathful devotion to the cause of the people, they must make way for a young stripling of a boy, because, forsooth, he is the son of the Governor!— ! This is without a parallel in the history ot Democracy; and borders so close on fami ly aristocracy that it would be difficult to draw the line of demarcation. In no State of this Union has there et • er been exhibited such a barefaced per. version of Executive patronage to family purposses, as has existed in this State since the elevation of David R. Porter.— Scarcely a month passes without some of the Governor's relatives being appointed to office—and this, too frequently, in di rect opposition to the wishes of those who made David R. Porter governor. The Executive appears to consider relationship the only necessary qualification for of fice." A PROFESSIONAL PUN.. -A poor corset maker out of work and starving, thus vented her miserable complaint ; "Shame that I should be without bread, I that have stayed the stomachs of thousands." She might have added :--"Alas! that the Cause of so much 'bustlio in the world, should sink into such neglect."
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers