GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.
To an Senate and Ho.. of Hoprosentatires of
tA4 Commonwealth of Pannsylvanta.
FELLOW CITIZENS
The Legislative branch of the government,
meets under circumstances calculatled to pro
duce deep emotions of gratitude. The events
of the past year cannot fail to . afford assurance
of the continued mercy of the Almighty Father
of the universe, and or theblessinge He has dis
pensed to the people of this cornmonwealth.-- , -
While in ether parts of our country, and in dis
tant lands, pestilence has made fearful ravages ;
les - ving in its track the wretchanese of destitu
tion and the teats of crushed affections; a health
fill climate, in the disposal of a righteous prov
idence, has preserved the citizens of the state
comparatively free from the miseries of the de
stroyer:— During a period of War, famine and
civil commotion in the old world, bringing in
their train, desolation and want ; blighting the
hopes, paralizing the industry, and ruining the
prosperity of the people ; otir beloved common
wealth, in union with others under the nation
al constitution, has enjoyed the delights of peace,
and her citizens, in the exercise of industrial
pursuits, have found contentment and compe
tence. To to the Author and Guardian of our
being, whose beneficence caused all things to
work together for our good, our reverence and
gratitude are especially due.
The recent efforts for the establishment of
liberal political institutions in Etirope, hale
excited in the people of this c'o'untry, the
warmest sympathies. The cpnflict bet Ween
the oppresscr sod the oppressed, whatever May
be the incidents or results, haVing for itd object
a government capable of protecting and extend
ing political and social liberty, must be regard
ed by the people of the United States with the
steepest solicitude. In the enjoyment of insti
tutions which recognize the inherent rights
of man, and are founded on the acknowledged
principle Hint all political power is a trust to be
exercised for the benefit of the citizen,they can
not witness the struggle between despotism and
freedom, without ardent hopes and sincere pray
ers for te triumph of liberal and enlarged pts
tice. It is impossible to behold a people Tong
the subjects of tyranny and oppt'essiol+;—en
lightened by our example, and solicitous for
equal enjoyments;--rising Op betreath the bur
dens which cerattied have heaped upon them ;
casting aside the reierence foO power, and the
pride of regal spietnltit lootridg forward to the
establishment of human rights ; to the eleva
tion of the moral and sdciai creidition of society;
and placing their lives and fiertnnes on the haz
ard of a struggle for these objects ;
.without, on
our part, an earnest, an anxious desire that they
may succeed.
That etruggle has been unsuccessful. The
arbitrary governments, in whose midst the no
:ire band of patriots erected their standard, have
succeeded with their immence force in main
taining tyrannical authority, and the brave men
who fought for freedom, have either perished
under the barbarous exactions of despotic will,
or they wander in foreign lands, exiles from
homes that no longer afford security, It is not
the policy of our national government to Min
gle in the controversies of foreign nations, nor
is it desirable that it should, by acts Of hostility
arts ienslship, break up the commercial retatiobs
which exist for mutual advantage; but it is,
nevertheless, no violation of international law
to enter our solemn protest and warning,
against acts of cruelty and barbarism upon he
roic men and defenceless women. It is no
wrong for our government to unite with others,
in the expession of indignation against the vio
lation of national faith and national law, involv
ed in the demand, for sanguinary purposes, of
the brave defenders of human rights.
The consideration of the legislature is reapert
fully invited to the financial condition of the
commonwealth.
The present funded debt it at follows :
per cent. loans, $2',01 I ,Ckei
:1 per cent. do. 37,33G,11 90'
. .
.20d,0e0 do
4i per cent. do.
$39,577,739.11
Unfunded debt, to wit :
Relief notes in
circutatibu
(without int.)
Interest certifi
cates outstand
_ ing,
653;16'1 00
ri9,4‘4 91
Do. do. uncleimed 4 f 4ti& 38 .
Do. on certificates
to be addad
when the same
shall be funded
or paid,
Domestic creditots
(on settlement,) 81,101 89
11.291 34
$933,431 51
Amount of canal, railroad, and
motive power debts, contrac
ted prior to Dec. I, 1818, and
unpaid by the apptotriations
of the last session,
Total indebtedness of eohntrion
wealth, Dec. 1849, $10,574,41 45'
The funded debt on
the lot Decem
ber, ISIS, woo, $39,393,350 VI
;nfunded debt, 1,051,396 thr
'.mount of canal,
railroad,und mo
tive power debt,
contracted pri
or to December
1, 1810,
367,612 38
Amount of public debt paid du
ring the year 1849, exclusive
of the surn paid commisioners
of the sinking fund,
Amount paid during the year
1849 to the commissioners of
the sinking fund
Atuount appropriated during the
year 1819 toward the payment
of public debt,
In exhibiting the operations of the Treasury
for the last fiscal year, the stun of £130,000,
Borrowed on special loan for the avoidance of
the Schuylkill Inclined Plane, and included in
the aggregate of the public debt in December,
1849, should be added to the above stated sum
$195,479 39.
fhe amount of receipts at the
Treasury during the rear cad
ing December 1, tBl9', Pa *-1,1:11,688 65
The amount of expenditdres cfu,
the same period is .1,081,771 Efei
Balance in the Treasury on IV
comber 1, 1818, :47,290 39
Id 4( " 1819', 926,207 21
Amount ptkil to commissioner,
of the ;iti,king fund to January
1, 1850, $227,313 33, with
which *tie purchased of the
funded firebi, and transferred to
the rignunonwealth,
Oifrct "'Lee between the indebted
ness of the State on the lot of
Dec., 1818, and Dec. 1, 1819,
7 0taianwnnt of public debt paid
during the year,
Estimates of receipts at the Treasury during
the year MO
From lands
Auction commissions 22,000 00
6 , Duties 50,000 00
Tax on Batik dividends 130,000 00
~ Corporation stocks 160,000 00
" Real and personal estate 1,330,000 00
6, Tavern licimses 80,000 00
~ Retailer's licences 160,000 00
6, Pedl,Fr's licenses 3,000 00
6, Broker's licences 12,000 00
( 6 Theatre,, circtls add mena
gerie's licences 3,000 00
" BilliardrOora, beWling sa
loons, and ten pin alley
licences 5,00 00
~ Distillery and brewery li
cences 1,500 00
" Eating houses, beer housos,
and resteuurant licences 15,000 00
~ Patent medicines licences 3,000 00
" Pamphlet laws 500 00
Militia fines . 2,000 00
Tax on writs, wills, deeds, &c. 40,000 00
~ Certain offices ' - ' , O 000 00
.. .... .. . . . .. .
Collateral inheritinhet '200',000
Canal and railroad tolls 1,82 . 3,0 . 00 . 60
Canal fines and sale of did Oleic-
rials 5,000 00
Enrollment of laws 11,000 00
Premiums on charters 40,000 00
Tax on loans 125,000 00
Inclined Plane Loan 270,000 00
Dividends on turnpike and bridge
stock 2,000
Nicholson lands, 300
Acceded interest 5,000
Refunded ash 5,000
Escheats
Fees of public Utica /Jib() —.
Miscellttne6i. -
Inieeest do stock purchased 15,000 __
$.1,566000 Ott
Estimated payments during the year
1850
To public improvements 610,000 00
Expenses of government 235,000 00
Militia expenses 4,000
Pensions and grathities 20,000
Charitable institutions 80,000
Common schools 200,000
Interest on loans, 2,00.5,000 00
Guarantees of interest, 32,500 00
Domestic creditors 10,000 00
Damages on public works, 20,000 00
Special commissioners, 2,000 00
State library, 2,000 OA'
Pub. build and grounds, 2,03 W 00
Penitentiaries, l'5:,000 00
House of Refuge, 5,000 00
Nicholson lands 300 00
Escheats, 2',300 00
Abatement of State tax, 40,0110 00
Counsel fees & commissions 2,000 Oft
Miscetritneous, 5,000 00
Inchn'd plane, Schuylkill,27o,ooo 00'
North flfeinch Canal, 150,000 00
Cominis'rs sinking fund, 203,000 00'
—"--$4,011,800 00
The foregoing estimated balance in the Trea
sury, at the end of the fiscal year 1950, would
'npear to justify the appropriation of $40,000
tOwar,l the completion of the Western Reser
voir at Johnst6Wo, as hereinafter recommend
,ed: It would also a,.:?borize the appropriation
ef a sum not less than $3u0,9 00 in addition to
[We amount already appropriated, to he expend
.ed in the completion' of the North Breach Ca
nal.
The Legislattrre at its lase eet'sior, authorised
the re-Issue of the relief notes fheii in circula
tion, and susOntled their cancellation' foY three
The amount of the whole issue now
outstanding is $653,164 00
The amount paid into the Treasury
and supplied by a new iseue is 443,537 00
Balance, $209,627 00
The above balance has been destroyed, or
has foiled to reach the Treasury during the
year. thise notes, the fedvmption or Which
being amply secured, and affoHing a safe and
convenient and local currency, hale the confi
dence and favor of the citizens. It is theyefOe
recommended that authority be giien to . .the
proper calkers, to keep them in goOd cohditioh,
by a new issue, in lieu of such as may becoMe
mutilated and defaced.
In addition to the suggestions made to the
last Legislattire on the subject of the moneid af
fairs or the State, it is deemed proper to call
your attedioh to the fact, that a portion of the
funded debt is awe due ;--"a part bearing an in
terest of six Ver ceqt,--- , and a part falling due
the year Ina, as folinws
The amount of five per cent. funded
debt over due, except bankcharter
loans, is 851,519 10
The amount of six per cent funded
debt overdue is 1,752,335 06
The amount of five per cent. funded
debt falling due on or before De
1, 1850, is 999,211 15
'rho anent of unfutded debt, now
63,239 53
due, 65,104 88
Amount demaihdalile at the Treasury
during the year, t3;191',170 19
Provision should be made at an early day for
arrangements with the ceditors holding these
dorm.. To permit them to remain in their
present condition, would not ohty evince an in
disposition to pay our just debts, but Would al
so operate injuriously to the holders of the stock
by compelling sales at a price below their par
value. The annual demands upon the Treasury
With the present means of the State, wilt not
permit the payments of these loans ; and the
only practicable mode which suggests itself
seems to be the negotiation of new loans, stipu
lating' en extension of the time of payment.
It is Velieved that such loans could be ne
gotiated at a rate of interest not exceeding
Gee per cerit. , dhould authority be given in the
arrangements suggested to stipulate that the
said s ock should be exempt from taxation, the
inducements to investments therein would cre
ate such competition as would be highly advan
tageous to the Treasury. Justice and honesty
require that these debts should be promptly
paid, or arranged to the satisfaction of the par
ties interested, anil any prebisionWhich The Le
gislature may deem proper on the subject, will
meet the cordial approhatidn of the Exert:Mae.
The establishment of a sinkirtg fired, by the
appreciation of State stocks, and the reirseqtren't
increase of confidence in the ability of the state
to meet her engagement.; with the replacenlent
by a new issue of the old and defaced relief
notes, has had the salutary effect of enabling the
Treasury Department with alight expense in
the exchange or transmission of means, to meet
the' ',figment of, interest on the public debt in
par money as also tn'pay other creditors of the
State in gobtl funds. The payment of the pub
lic liabilities in the manlier aforesaid, and the
adoption of a system to extinguish eventually
the public debt, must bring to their par value,
the stocks of the Commohweaffh. it is estima
ted that V3,049,06'0 of the public stocks are
held ire this country, nn the addition in their,
value, by these symple operations demanded'
Llike by sound policy and honesty, will increase
their matketable worth in the hands of the citi
zens 81,930,000'. To the efficiency of the'State
Treasure', the Auditor General, and other Of
ficers charged with the collection and disburse
ment of the public 'baileys during the past year,
is justly attributable in a high degree these fa
vorable results.
;40,847,3';9 31
$267,965 66
227,513 53.
$195079 39
253,500' Oe
107,90 80
621,465 86
2'0,000 00
'Th. beneficial results of the sinking fund can
not be doubted. The payments from various
sources to the Commilsioners, during the past
year has been as follows :
From collateral inheritance tax, $180,212 41
~ Premiums on charters, 35,969 40
~ Ealing and oyster houses and
•
. . restaurants, 5,867 20
~ Billiard and bowling saloons
and ten pin alleys,
Theatre, circus and menage
rie licenses, 2,/i0 00
~ Distillery and Brewery Wen-
Amount received fen the year end
ing December 1, 1849, $227,629 01
The estiniafed payments for the same purpose
for the year ending Dec. 1, 1850, are as fol
lows :
From collateral inheritance tax, $700,000 00
6 , interestson stocks piitchased, 15,000 00
Prei t niUms on charters, 40,000 00
(5 Theatre. circus and rtrenage
. rie licenses, 3,000 00
6 , DietillerY and brewery licen
ses.; 1,500 00
" Billiards and bowling saloons
and ten pin alleys, 5,000 06
" Eating and oyster houses and
restaurants, 13,000 00
5 , Balance in Treasury after de
ducting appropriefieins
hereinbefore mentioned, 01,500 00
The opinion is confidently expressed that the
ettimated receipts above stated will be found
to approximate the truth; should an adherence
to the policy pursued by the last Legislature,
in relation to premiums on charters, and other
finaocia; measures be authorized and continued.
Should such be the case, the above sum, at the
present rates, wont extinguish upwards of four
hundred thousand dollars of the funded debt, du
ring the fiscal Year. The sources from which
the sinking fund is supplied must necessarily in.
crease: The tax on collateral inheritance, and'
on theatte, circus and menagerie licenses, prier
to the act creating a sinking fund, yielded to' the
treasury about the sum of $45,000 annually.
By the provisions of that act, these have been
increased to the sums above stated, and the oth
er sources of revenue have been• created by re
commendations heretofore made to the Leptidla-
Ore.
With these means for the sdpply of the sink.
ing fund, together with such editions as the prob
able resourses of the Trertiofiy, from One fo'
time may justify, it is susceptible of easy[cal
culation to determine, how nearly apprdhches
the period when the State taxes nay be repeal
ed, and the burthens of the people remoried. So
manifestly important are these results dpon the
industrial pursuits of the citizens, and the inter
ests and honor of the State, it is suggested for
consideration whether good policy would not
require the transfer of all balances in the Tree•
sury at the end of each year to the commission
ers of the said fond.
;5'11,500 00
E-.‘ery cdrisidefation that can' impose itself tin .
a government demands the payment of the pub
lic debt. The local adfantages of oUr Com
monwealth, the salubrity of onr climate,. the
vastness of our mineral deposits, the fertility of
our soil, and the prosperity and happiness of the
people, alike require the repeal of a system of
laws, which compel emigration, prevent the set
tlement of uncultivated lands, drive capital from
our borders, and paralyse the industry of every
c l ass of o iz citizens !—Should these balances
remain in the l'reOury unappropriated to the
said fund, the history of en.? past will remind us
that prodigal expenditures will be made to ob
jects of dintinished importance.
The subject of the revision and equalization
of the !OMB for raising iebenue, is again earnest-
Iv pressed upon the attentioh Of the Legislature.
treat injustice arises Mider existiri'g enactments
from the Want Of adeqilate mead's to prevent bt
to' punish individuals makinlg false returns of
property stibjecttO faxadon. The conscientiens
citizen, scrupulously exact in the performance
of his obligations to society, may well' complain
of lawa which suffer the diShonest to eliide With
impobity the payment e'en' eqiiitide shire' of the
public buithens: The fax oil bbruis", mortgaged
and moneys at interest, is assessed so unequally,
that great reason for complaint exists through
out the State.
To remedy to some extent this evil, it would
be well to require the Prothonotaries of the sev
eral counties, to collect from the plaintiffs in
judgments the tax thereon assessed, and if ne
cessary to compel payment by legal process, al
!Owing to tile officet entrusted with this duty a
reasounble tortipensation, to be paid, Where the
payment of the tax is made voluntarily, out of
the fund, and by the plaintiff when the payment
has been compelled by legal process. A sim
ilar provision with regard to mortgages, giving
therecorders the authority before stated in re
lation to judgments, would embrace these two
items of taxation, and would doubtless compel
the payment of a large' !Mount of reVenbe, now
fraudolentf7 withheld.
The laws subjecting fo'a tax the cantnissions
issued to' officers of this Commonwealth. should
be exfended - to embrace commissions to non-res
idents. The justice of taxing the citizens of the
State, and offkrmitting non-residents who hold
commissions under the goOernment, to enjoy the'
emoluments free froth tatation, cannel tend
ity be perceived.
No effectual mode has been devised to compel
the agents of Foreign Insurance companies to
maize a; semi-annual exhibit of the amount of
ftmcfketoploycd by their respective companies
within this Cohrtito . nwealth. A law havtrtg an
effect of this chatatter, is highly necessaryiand
would be productive of decided advantage. In
the enactment of such a law, it would be Well
to' make the certificate issued to' agents of such
cdrritaellieg, subject to taxation.
Incorporated companies Of various kinds, de
riving their charters elsevrhe'te, hams agencies
in the State, and transact bukinesi theYeiti, and
yet no accurate account is taken of the rtittney
employed, or of the value or profits of tlleit in
vestments. Were the proper departments te
quired to make a list of these incorporations,
and authority given to ascertain the amount of
the investments, the rate of dividends declared,
the profits made,and a tax levied on such div
i,lend,, or profits, as well as on the capital stock
ernpit , yed, a large revenue to the commonwealth
would tie the 'refit.
'While money heir Wed by citizens, boroughs
and incorporated districts, is subject, by exist-
Mg laws W taxation, if is not perceived why
Mon/ narrowed by incorporated companies,
shoilad be exempt from siunildr assessment. To
make an equitaltele distribution of the public btr
therm, should be the' special abject of the te
gislature', and care should be taken that no e*-
emption should be allowed to any elms of citi
zens over another where the property employ
ed is the same. Attention to the foregoing ob
jects of taxation, will not only increase the rev ,
cone, but is demanded alike by justice and
sound policy:
Next in importance to the public debt, and the'
equalization of the taxes, is the management of
the public improvements. The vast expendi
tures annually made for the repair and supervi
sion of these works, and the amount of revenue
derived therefrom; so materially affecting the
condition of the Treaury ; render them objects
of peculiar interest. It is believed that an in
, creased amount of net revenue should be derived
from these works. The enormous appropria-
Rion..., of the last years, for their maintenance iu
repairs, and towards the payment of debts there
tofore contracted, should have placed them in a
sound condition, and would authorize the con
clusion that a small expenditure during the pres
ent siadon would be aufficient. In the absence
of the annual report of Canal Comthissioners,
no specific amount for these objects can be giv
en by the Executive.
The system for the Management 6f these im
provements, invites unnecessary expenditures,
and removes responsibility from the proper de
partMents. Were the Humber of Canal commis
: sionera 'deceased to five—the state diVided into
districts for the election and supervision of each
commisilitmer; , --the direct and immediate charge
and control of the district imposed up6n one of
these officers, requiring of him the per
formance of the duties now executed by super
intendants and supervisors, and stipulating for
the annual alternation of the said cornrtfissioners;
much practical information of interest to the
state would be acquired; a direct responsibility
for the Well ordered condition of the pablic
works dod the ecorn my of expensed would be
Secured; and the large discretionary powers
nth 9 vested in superintendents and' inpervisors,
in the adoption of plans and par - dent of money
for repairs, would be placed in officers directly
accountable to the people. In. relation to this
subject, legislation should be clear and specific,
as discretionary power over the money of the
citizens must be deprecated by right thinking
men.
38.4 00
The method adopted in the management of
the public works is evidently defective. Re
pairs on canals and railroads are made in a way
to prevent all competition. Were the several
services performed by contract, and awarded to
the lowest bidder, giving the required security
can there exist a doubt of favorable results to
the public interests.
$371,000 00
The State does not derive an adequate shdre
of the profits arising from the use of the Colum
bia railroad. The Construction of the road;
its maintenanee.and supervision, and (he sup
ply of the motive power, involving great ex
pense and risk, demand from the profits of the
read a larger return than finds its sap to the
Treasury. An evil so detrimental to the 1,14 - 1-
lie interests calls for a speedy remedy.
It is suggested that the Canal CommisslOners
should be required to invite proposals for fur
' nishing the motive power on the said road, stip
' ulating in detail the services to be performed ;
and the nature of the security to be given. The
object being to secure competition in the sup
ply of motive power, encouragement should be
given to individuals, willing to undertake the
duty of running one or more locomotives on the
road, whether belonging to the State or the in
dividual bidder. ShOuld the locomotives be
longing to the State. be furnished fo the bidders,
the contract should stipulate the terms on which
they should be used.
l'he transportation Of Passengers should be
done by contract with the lowest bidder. In
the agreement, it would be necessary that the
Canal Commissioners should for the kind of cars
and such other details as would secure the ac
commodation Of the passengers, and faithfully
regard the public interest.
In the transmission of burden ears, an arrange
ment might well be made with their owners, by
which the State would receive instead of the
present tolls, a portion of the freight charges.
cousequentes world be advantegeous to
both pSrties.
'fhese changes in the present sysiern, *tad
it is believed, largely dimtnish the expended of
the Motive power; would authorize a reduciion
in the rate of tolls; produce an increase of bu
siness upon the road; furnish with profitable
labor many citizens n ow refused employment
by reason of the monopoly , , held by the State
over the Motive Power on the toad; prevent
the expenditure necessary for the purchase of
new locomotives; save to the State the im
mense sacrifices in the old engines: accommodate
'the travelling public by a lower rate of fare ,
and would advance the public interests by less
ening the annual outlays, and increasing the in
come from the road more than $200,000.
Discriminations in the tolls on the public
Iwotks, against portions, of our citizens, by
means of a system of drawbacks and maximum
rates or tells - , are unjust and improper. Their
labor and moperty, in common with
WeiVeiledinbered t i lie'rohstrtictidii of the im
provements ; their industry and wealth havelor
years assisted, and continue to assist to sustain
them; and it is difficult to perceive upon what
principle of public policy, a tariff of tolls is
maintained, discriminating against their inter.
ests. The demands of trade cannot excuse a
palpable wrong of this character, while a re
duction of tolls on the whole line of improve
mentswould produce an increase of business,
and ware thedesirell frneign trade.
The ptactice of contracting debts for repairs,
and for the purchase of materials beyond appro.
priatiOnd for these purposes, shmild bt prohibi
ted by severe penatlies. Nothing can be more
destructive of all accountability, or offer strong
er inducements to extravagance than such a pow
er over the piihlic money. An officer guilty of
an act of this kind, violates the trust committed
to him, and should be forthwith dismissed' from
the public service: Debts already contracted
in this way should be paid, for the labor in be
half of the State ha's' been performed, and it
would indict an injury on those Who goad not
have a knowledge Of the wrong, to withhold
from them the value of their services; but im
mediate measures should be adopted to prevent
occurrences of a like nature in future.
A practice of this kind, authorized in settle
Measure by subsequent appropriations; of the
legislature, for the payment of the debts thus
contracted, cannot fail tO' ntispead the people,
and ernbarOass the public officers in their esti
mates and recommendations. The large ap
propriations for the payment of old debts, made
at the last session of the Legislature, show the
extent to which the practice has been carried,
and should admonish us to guard against a re
currence of the evil. In providing by legal en
actment against the Mischief here stated, au
thority might he given to the Canal Commis
sioners,should it he deemed necessary, to meet
dsficiencies in the funds provided for any line of
improvements ; to draw from a specific appro
priation for that purpose, requiring frcm them
a detailed and special report on the subject, to
the auditing department as well as to the sac
' ceeding legislatiftei
The avoidance of the Schuylkillinclinedplane, and the improvements connecting with
the Columbia and Philadelphia Railroad, which
are in rapid progress of construction must ma
terially increase the business onthat public
thoroughfare, and will render the relaying of a
portion of the said road, a work of absolute ne
cessity. In the performance of this work,
should the legislature authorize it, good policy
would seem to require so far as the means of
the Treasury will permit, that one track at
least, should be laid with a heavy rail ; and it
is worthy of consideration whether the public
interests would not be greatly subserved by a,
location of the new track, so as to avoid the
many short cgrvaturea on the eastern end of
said road.
They inrtease the danger to passengers and
freight ; forbid a despatch safely performed tin'
a straight line ; and require greater force than
would be necessary on a direct track with high
er grades. In the event of the Legislature au
thorizing the relaying of the eastern section of
the said road, and the change of location before
mentioned, a due regard to the public interests
and the limited resources of the treasury would
seem to demand, that %e improvement should
commence at an early day, and progress from
year to year as the revenues would warrant, un
til it should be completed.
The Portage railroad, from the completion of
our line of improvements to the present time,
has been a serious obstacle to the business of
the community, and the occasion of trade seek
ing other channels to the Atlantic markets.—
Any mode therefore, bf lessening this evil, must
meet the hearty concurrence of the citizens.—
The sum of five httinlred thousand dollars judi
cially eiPended, will avoid all the Short, levels,
and foul' of the fi ve inclined planes fin fhe wes
tern slope of the Allegheny. The annual ex
pense of maintaining these planes is ribt less
than ten tholisand deters for each plane,-and if
to that amount be added the cost Of the short
levels, end the perishable nature Of the inateri
als connected with these works, with the decays
and risks incident thereto, the annual
. amonnt
for their maintenance, cann6i be less than one
hundred thbusand dollars. Were these planes
avoided, and those on the eastern slope of the
mountain repaired, the commerce on the public
works would be facilitated and increased, and
the PennsylVania Central Railroad Company,
would find if their interest for many years to
use it in connection with their great ithrtoie
ment.
During the last season, the scarcity of Water
on the upper portion of the Western Division
Of the Pennsylvania canal, materially in
jured the charaeter of the Public Works, and
diminished the revenue from that source not less
than $50,000. To guard againt a recurrence of
this evil, it is recommended that the Western
Reservoir,, in the construction of which, the
sum of sixty thousand dollars has been expended
be completed. The estimated amount required
for its completion is $lO,OOO, and would in the
opinion of the Executive, he a judicious appro
priation.
It has been suggested that an alteration in the
canal locks, by making them conform to the shape
of the bottom of theboats,would not only strength
en them, but \mild be a saving of water. This
might be effected, if /rebind of sufficient impor
tance, by the insertion Of Wooden bettOrnai in
snch manner a 9 t 6 prOduCe the results ind leafed.
By the reports of the Auditor neneral and State
Treasurer, made under the directions of the act
of the 10th of April, rtl-11, it appeared that
after the payment of , the interest 07/ the
public debt; and the liquidation and pay
ment of ether donna for which stn sropriations
had been made by the legislatUre, and retaining
a reasonable balance in the treasury, the sum of
$150,000 might, with safety, be applied to the
completion of the North Branch Canal. I ac
cordingly gave immediate notice of the fact to
the canal commissioners, and portions of the
work, it is understood, have been placed under
contract. Considered as a part of the public
improvements, and recommenced as a revenue
measure, that work should be finished at the
earliest day the condition of the treasury will
permit. It should not be forgotten, that the
present unfinished condition Of the *mg . , by
interrupting the free navigation of the riVer bi
the destruttian of rends, and injury to pill/ate
property, vvit'hotit affording any convenience to
the community, inflict•a Wiring which dernands
immediate reparation: On addition to the mini
already appropriated, it is confidently belieVed
that $300,000 can, with propriety, be giVen to
that improveibent in the present season,; and in
the following year, prollision Might be made
for its completion: . . , • .
While it has been deemed adVisali,le to bring
these sedjects to the notice of the Legislature,
considerations of sound policy, the interests of
the citizens already heavily burthened with tax
ation, and the general welfare of tho Common
wealth, forbid an increase 61 . the public debt.
The equalization and revision Of the revenue
laws ; the proposed change in the Management
of the public works, and their early improve
ment and completion; with a rigid maintenance
of the sinking fund, and the consequent reduc
tion of the public debt, would, with the present
resources of the treasury, produce in a few
years a condition of financial prosperity, justify
ing the conviction of the speedy relief of our
citizens from the payment ol'all taxes for the sup
port of government, schools, and charities.
The eastern and western penitentiaries have
been conducted with skill and prudence, and in
the reformation and security of offenders, soci
ety has derived important advantages. It is,
'however, worthy of serious consideration,
whether in the adoption ofa system of solitary
confinement, the severity of the punishment au
thorized by law does not injuriously allect the
mental and physical vigor of the prisoner.
The frequent recommendations to the execu
tive for the pardon of convict, afflicted with
ill health, and mental imbecility, would appear
to require a modification of the present laws.
It is earnestly recommended that a small in
crease of the annual appropriations be made to
the Bonnie of Retiree,, and the AsYlatils of the
Deaf %nib' and Mind: Ifieseinstitutionsi long
'the deserved objects cd . State bounty, have been
increasing in usefulness, and incurring addition
al yearly expenses, while the annual sums be ,
stowed have remained the same. In the growth
of population the demands on these Asylums
must We augmented, and their eXpenditOres ne
cessarily enlarged, and the same degree of liber
ality awarded on former occasions, Would claim
the appropriation of larger amounts.
In the prosecution of the Work for the State
Lunatic Asylum, the appropriation of it forme!'
year has been exhausted, and x stun of like
amount is required for its completions. Under
the supervision of excellent and attentive trus
tees, the bailding nes rapidly advanced and is now
under roof. The strut:tate id Bla r in g substantial
and beautiful ; efligibly situated in regard to
the comforts of the patients, and susceptible of
a finish, honorable to the State, and useful to the
community.' The probnbility of ifs abandon
ment by the Legislature, or of a refusalto grant
the additional smfi reqUired for ifs completion,,
cannot be entertained by the Exectlfiee. Too
long already has bublic charity been Withheld
from the insane poor of the State ;-too long
have they been suffered to wander destitute
and deserted ; the jest of the thoughtless, and
the victims of the profligate ; while humanity
and Christian btnerotence claim' for them public
protec t
It los not, however, protection alone
that is contemplated in this asylum.—
'rile reports from different similar insti
tutions afford the gratifying intelligence
that eighty, and in some instances, nine
ty per cent, of the number afflicted, are
radically cured. In this view of the
subject, combining shelter and protec
tion, with restoration to health and tea
son, the inducements to energetic action
on our part ; cannot be oterlooked, it is
estimated that an additional sum of $5O,
000 will finish the building s and fit it
for the reception of patients ; (tad the
( same is respectfully and earnestly re
commended.
Notwithstanding the revision, by the
last Legislature of the laws in relation
to common schools, the system will re
qu;re modification. It does not receive
from the citizens the favor that a sound
and enlightened scheme of education
deserves, and the evil must exist in the
laws which control its practical opera
tions. A serious defect, is the want of
properly qualified teachers. It is wor
,
thy your consideration whether the es;
tablishment of Normal schools in OA'
different counties would not remove this
evil. Education may well be termed the
the great measure of the age. In a
Republican government it is the safe;
guard of liberty, and enlightened states:
man regarding it in this aspect, will
cordially co-operate to establish; to de:
fend, tb Cherish and to maintain it. The'
superintefident having bestowed much'
thought On the subject, will,-at au carty
day, submit a report, to which your at
tention it
The militia laW of the last session is
imperfect itt tnaft' of iter details, and re
quires revision. In the uhttllti6tl of the
mockery of parades incident td the old
system, and the establishment of at ef:
fectual uniformed Militia, ivell disci!):
lined and drilled, it has teen productive(
of general utility, Slight modifications
of its profisiobs Will tnake aff ti
edit
be desired. The report of the Adjutant
General is well Worthy your confident:
tion, and is accordingly snlimitted.
Reports from the Surveyor Genera/
and Auditor General, exhibiting the con ,
dition 6f their respective departments{
are hereiVith trairsoirrtted td fh6Legisla ,
ture, and the fetter Will furnish in' detail'
much valuable information, in
.relftion
to the financial condition of the Cot
mon wealth.
The duty of districting the state for
the eleetio6 of representatives Will de ,
volve upon you. Returns of taxables;
required to be made by the different
counties, have not been transtrritted ; Os
by Mw they were directed; but the of
ficers charged with the duties Wider tho
law, are engaged in their preparation,
and they will be laid; at an early day,
before the legislature:
• By resoluticrrts passed at the last ses
sion the Exeentite Was required to
transmit to certain officersi citizens or
natives of the state, resolutions expres
sive of the approbation 6f the legislature
for their distinguished services in the
late war With Mexico. In performing
this duty, these resolutions were trans
mitted to such of these officers as, by'
the report of the Adjutant General of
the United States, had been breveted far
I good Conduct.
The resolutions for the amendment of
the Constitution having been duly pub
-1 !kited according to the tdirms of that in- -
1 1 strument, it will be the duty of the leg
islature to take such action ori. the' sub
ject as may f.Je most eonsixteat with the'
wishes of the people: ft is proper to
state; that the appropthitina trade to .
defray the expenses of the pUbli'catiint of
these resolutions,. was Wholly insuffi- -
clent for the purpose, and an additional.
Sum Will be required.
In the Message deliVered aY de-open
ing of the late session, reference *as
made to the citizens soldier, who had re
turned to his home after having earned
for himself and the State ; in the war
with Mexico, a reputation for undaunted
bravery, patient suffering and heroic vir
tue; and the opinion was expressed,- that
it was due to these Oetriblit
that the Coininon*ealth should make a
sultatle acknowledgment for their illus
trious services. No action having been
taken upon the suggestion, I would
again call the subject to the attention of
the Legislature. It is also proper to re ,
fer to the recommendation therein made
in relation to the death of certain officers
of the government, and the othiSsion in
the constitution to supply the vacancy.
The subject is deemed of sufficient im
portance' to' justily an earnest hope that
legislatifa action may net 6.e fritrffield
thereon:
The practice Of postponing the pas
sage of appropriation bills to the last
day of the session ; forbids deliberation,
as well to the Legislature as to the Ex
ecutive, and should hereafter be avoided.
`these bills, requiring care and attention
to the specific items ; and disposing of
targe Amounts of public money, should
be deliberately eXtittifned before they
obtain the sfinetion of laws. Nothing
can excuse hasty and unadvised legisla
tiOn oh a subject so important to the
public interests. It is confidently noti
cipated that this Legislature will adopt
a rule of practice more consistent with
prudence economy and sound policy.
The intimate connection existing he- ,
tween the industry of the citizen, and
the currency of his country ; demands
for that question the serious attention
of the statesman and rtitVg?eer. In au- ,
thorising Banking and other Institutions,
to create a currency other than gold and
silver, it would be sinfaithful to our
trusts to permit them, for want of prop
er cheeks and gnerds, to allow it to be. ,
come fess Valuabre titan the coin it iv
intended to represent. The views ex
pressed in the last message in favor of
the restriction of the number of these
institutions, to the real business wants
of the people, and refusing a renewal of
Bank charters until a thorough exami
nation of their affairs had demonstrated
their entire sedvency, remain unchan
ged,
The tax on banking capital, exacted
by the last legislature in the granting
of charters, and applied to the payment
of the public debt, has resulted in secu'
ring to that object a sum exceeding one
hundred thousands dollars. While this
tax should not be increased to an extent
which would cripple the resources of
these institutions, the present amount
cannot be considered an unfair equiva
lent for the privilege conferred, and
' should therefore continue to be imposed
as a legitimate source of revenue.