•=_.___ .
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE or liLeeeneeisl,wlthth nesitytiatcre• t1,229,27L86 , the aggregate expenditutee,
wtmiundtu,icave : s x iarg.rpoeion ,eing.ft(ekeluding $267,000,00 paid for
or the revenues to be applied ill payment of the relaying the south track of the Columbia mi
n the Honorable the Senators and Members of i rail
public
th. " road and $153,049 42 for motive power in 1855,
the House of Repreeentatioes of the General A careful examination of the financial con , ' and after December let 1856,) were $885,835-
Assembly: 1 dition of the Commonwealth—her !Mines of ' 65, bein.; au excess of revenue over ordinary
Fetitow-Crrizess t—ln obedience to the revenue and the probable future expenditures,' expenditures of $343,437 21.
Constitution and laws of this Commonwealth, has inspired the hope that the time is not far Although the receipts from the Delaware di
you have assembled to discharge the important ! distant when the public debt will be fully paid, vision are less than those of the previous year,
and responsible duties that devolve upon you.. and that without increasing the subjects or ra- ' yet the general result Of its operations is seas-
To protect the rights and privileges of the p.." tie of taxation. It has already been shown lectors. The net revenue at the Treasury was
ple, advance their interests, and promote the that the revenues of the past yea; exceeded the '
,e264,i)65 40. Its management has been char
welfare and prosperity of the State, should be .'
ordinary expenditures one million two hundred ' ueterized by a degree of economy too seldom
the aim and end of all your legislation. In the and sixty-five thousand nicety-five dollars and practiced on some of the lines of our improve
dischexge of my duties, it will be a pleasure to I fifty.six cents. Theestimated receipts and ex- meets.
eomperate with you in the accomplishment of i penditures for the current year, which will be ; However important this division may be to
these objects. presented to you in the report of the State Tree-' the trade and business of that portion of the
The past year has been one of unusual pros- surer, show that the excess of receipts, over State, its proposed enlargement should not be
parity. The bounties of a kind Providence ordinary expenditures, may reach the sum of undertaken, unless demanded by reasons of
have not been withheld from our amnion- one and a half million of dollars. These esti- ; over.ruling necessity. The experience of the
wealth. A plenteous harvest has rewarded the' mates, although approximations, will not be far past, as connected with the Allegheny Portage
labor of the husbandman. Honorable Miles- from the result. Allowing, then, four hundred railroad, and the North Branch extension,
try, In all its departments, has been encouraged. I thousand dollars for annual extraordinary ex. , should warn
us against undertaking, without
No financial embarresruents—no commercial penditures—and under a wise system of econo. great caution, any new measure of improve
distress—no political or social evils, have inter- my in . probable contingency can they exceed , went, which may drain the Treasury, without •
copied the progress, or checked the energies of that sum—we will have at least one million 'of ' aiding materially, if at all, the public interests.
the people. The great interests of education, dollars to be appropriated annually for the pay-' I
If kept in good order by efficiedt and timely
morality and religion, have been cherished and meet of the public debt. With the rapid de- repairs, its capacity will be fully equal to all
sustained. Health and peace, with their atten- vela w ent of time wealth and resources of the the demands of its trade and business.
dant blessings , have been ours. To Him "who Commonwealth—the increase of population— The Portage railroad is not fully completed.
rules the Nations by his power,and from whom of the value of real estate, and of the amount A small additional appopriation may yet be
cometh down every good and perfect gift," are and value of property of every description, the : required to complete, for the fourth time, this
we indebted for these merciee, and to Him revenues must and will continue to increase. read. It is anxiously hoped that this unpro•
should be given the homage of our devout gra- This natural and neceseary increase of revenue ductive improvement may soon cease its cer
titude and praise. will supply every deficiency and every demand ' morant demands upon the Treasury. Every
The financial condition °ram Commonwealth upon the Treasury that fall within the range of ' year's experience more clearly reveals the im
is highly satisfactory. Every demand upon the probability. If, then. the sum of one million . policy of the State in undertaking this work.
Treasury has been promptly met and paid with- dollars be appropriated annually . in liquidation I It gives me ordinary pleasure to inform you
out the aid of loans. The operations of this of this debt, and the accruing interest on the that the North Branch extension of the Penn
department will be exhibited in detail in the sums paid be applied in the manner of a sink-sylvania canal hes been so far completed, that
I
report of the State Treasurer. ing fund, the entire indebtedness of the Com. boats frighted with coal and other products,
For the fiscal year ending November 30, monwealth will be extinguished in less than ; were successfully passed through its entire
1856, the receipts at the Treasury (including twenty-three years. If these premises are cor-41ength from Pittston to the Junction canal.—
the balance in the Treasury on the let day of reef—and their correctness ran only be impair. This work was commenced in 1836—suspend.
December, 1855. of $1,243,697,33) have been ed by unwise legislation, or the imprudent man- cd in 1841—resumed in 1849, and finished in'
$6,621,937,64. The total expenditures fur the agernent of our finances—the teeth of the pro- 1856 ; although its completion was officially
same period, were $5,377,142,22. Balance in position is edceptible of the clearest demon- announced in 1853. It extends from Pittston
the Treasury, December 1, 1856, $1,244,795,42. stration. Assuming the public debt on the let to the New York State line, a distance of about
Excludir.g the balance in the Treasury on I day of December, 1856, to be, in round nun, ninety-four miles, following the valley of the
the first of December, 1855, the receipts, from . hers, forty millions five hundred thousand dol. I Susquehanna to Athena, and thence along the
all sources, were $5,5,378,240,33. The erd i ' I lore and that at the end of each fi scal year, one Chemung river to the State line, where it joins
nary expenditures for the same period, were t an,. doll ar s, w ith the accruing interest en the "Junction canal ! " and is thus connected
$4,113,144,77. showing an excess of receipts former payments, will be paid, unerring calen- with the New York improvements.
over ordinary expenditures of $1,265,095,56. I !mien will determine the result to be as before The importance and value of this improve.
The extraordinary payments for the same year i indicated. Thus, before the expiration of the went cannot easily be over-estimated. Pose
were $1,253,997,45, as follows, viz: To the year 1879, Pennsylvania may stand redeemed ing through one of the richest mineral and ag.
completion of the Po r ta g e ra il roa d, and for the Irons the oppression of her public debt, and ricultural portions of the State, it offers to the
payment of debts previously contracted on that her people be released from r taxation imposed immense and valuable products of that
work, $181,494,11 ;to the North Branch ext.- to meet its accruing interest, and to maintain region, a safe and cheap transit to the markets
sion, $1'22,723,52 ;to relay the s truth track of the faith and credit of the Commonwealth.— of Now York, Baltimore and Philadelphia.—
the Columbia railroad, $267,000,00; for motive I These views are nut utopian. By practicing In the completion of this canal the difficulties
power in 1855, $118,049,42; to enlarge the strict economy in all departments of the -gov• , to be overcome, and the labor to be performed
Delaware division of the Pennsylvania canal, I ernment—avoiding extravagant expenditure— ; were great. Both these, to a great extent,
$13,960,00; for general repairs in 1853-'54-'55, refusing to undertake any new schemes of in-' have been accomplished under the Buccal,
365,965,11 ; to domestic creditors, 151,63; to Lerma improvement, and holding to I rigid ac- i tendency of Wm. R. Mufiht, Esq., to whom
' old claims on the main line, examined by the countability the receiving and disburillig agents
led ; this work was assigned.
commissioners, and paid under the act of May of the State, their realization may be anticipa- I This canal although completed, and before
22, 1856, $130,512,09; to the redemption of with confidence. ' the close or navigation, used for the purpose
loans, $327,824,47; and relief notes cancelled, I must vain call the attention of the Legis. 'of tranportation is not perfect. Sinke in the
$38,217,00. lature to a subject referred to in my last annual I bottom, from the nature of the formation and
The interest on the funded debt which fell message, in the following term , ! I soils through which it passes, slides from the
-due in February and August last, wee then paid, "By the thirty-eighth section of the act of . hills, and breaches may occur, but these, after
and that which becomes due in February next, the 16th of April, 1845, entitled 'An Act to I a few years of well applied labor, will be di•
will be paid with equal promptness, out of avail- provide for the ordinary expenses of Govern.l minished, and by vigilence and care entirely
able means now in the Treasury. The punctit. I meat, the repair of the railroads and canals of prevented.
ality with which the interest ou the public debt the State, and other claims upon the Common- . This improvement, although subject to the
has been paid, tied the ability of the Treasury wealth,' the Governor was authorized to cause ' rivalry of competing railroads, if kept in good
to meet all legitimate demands upon it, have certificates of State stock to bo issued to all per. ' condition ' under proper management, will re
inspired public confidenceconfidencein our "'irides, and sons or bodies corpor..to holding certificates for calve its full share et' coal and other tonage.—
contributed largely to eeta.blisli and sustain the the payment of interest on the funded debt or It is anticipated that the revenues, for the cur
credit of the Commonwealth. the State, which fell due on the first day of . rent year, will equal, if not exceed the expen-
The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund re- August, 1842. the first days of February and ditures; and increasing with the facilities ar.
Treasury
the sum of $722,432,93, as due by ti! August , 1843, and the first days of Febrinfry , forded, and the rapid development of trade,
Treasury to that fund. This amount will be and August, 1844, in no amount equal to the will, instead of its heretofore unceasing de
applied to the redemption of relief notes now in auseasak 4 -certiOratta..au Keld,_upon their de. mends upon the Treater', take precedence
dem. hermit:ilea the available MUMS in the oral. In pursuance of the authority thus given, wealth.
Treasury have been applied, to some extent, i n certificates of State stock to the amount of four In relation to the propriety and policy of the
payment of outstanding temporary loans, wh i c h
.millions one hundred and five thousand one sale of the main line of our public improve
-bear an annual interest of six per centum ;it hundred and fifty dollars and twenty cute, bear- niente my opinion has not changed. Every
being deemed advisable ea a matter of economy in g interest at the rate of fi ve per cant. per an. consideration of public policy, of present and
to pay these loans, rather than the funded d ebt , nun, paid semi - annually,tied on the days of future interest, requires the seperation of the
which bears a much less rate of interest. It is , pa wn ., an d A ugu st in each year, and re. ' State from the management and control of
expected that the balance of the temporary . deemable on or after the first day of August, , these works. The expenditures on t h at per
loans will be paid before thecloseof the current 1835, were i s sued, The minimum period fixed lion of the line, between the Junction and
year, and the operation of the sinking fund re- by law for the redemption of thee° certificates, Pittsburg, largely exceed the revenue., the
llg 1„.
Aimed and continued as directed by lave.
The funded and unfunded debt of the State,
Including temporary loans, on the first day of
December, 1853, as per reports of the Auditor
General and State Tro surer, was as follows,
viz :
FUNDED DEBT.
6 per cent loan, $516,154,93
5 do. do, 38,903,445,04
41 do. do, 388,200,00
4 do. do. 100,000,00
Total funded debt, ----$39,907,799,97
UNFUNDED DEBT.
Reliefootes in cir•
$238,773,00
Interest certificates
outstanding, 29,157,23
Domestic creditors, 1,264,00
Balance of temppora•
ry loan, A pr.19,'53 525,000,00
Balance of tempora
ry loan, May 9,'54, 346,000,00
Total unfunded debt,
Total debt, Dec. 1, '55,
41,097,594,22
The funded and unfunded debt at the close
of the last fiscal year, December 1, 1836, vrna
ns follows, viz:
6 per cent luan, 511,781,00
5 do. do. 38,866,994,50
Af do. do. 388,200,00
4 do. do. 100,000,00
Total funded debt. -- 39,866,975,50
UNFUNDED DEBT, TIZ
Relief notes in circu•
220,556,00
lation,
Interest certificate•
outstanding, 24,691,37
Do. unclaimed, 4,448,38
Domestic creditors, 1,164,00
_ 2311 7 1"" o /k. f rfr : 3 400 000 00
.ran'Teno't te r nipo ' r:
loan, May 9; '54. 184,000,00
Total unfunded debt,
Total debt, Dec. I, '56,
Total debt, Dec. 1, '55,
do. do. 1, '56,
Decrease,
It thus appears that during the past fiscal
year the own of three hundred and sixty-six
thousand one hundred and fifty-eight dollars
and ninety-seven cents has been paid in liqui
dation of the public debt, This, taken iu con
nection with the fact, that during the year end
ing November 30, 1855, six hundred and thir•
ty thousand six hundred and one dollars and
two cents were paid on the same account, exhi•
bits the gratifying fact, that the process of re
.ducing the public debt has commenced; and,
miless checked by reckless mismanagement
and extravagant expenditure, must continue
until the people and theCoinnionwealth are re
lieved from the debt and taxation with which
they arc burdened. 10 addition to this cedar.
tion of the public debt, large appropriations
and payments were made for the completion of
the Portage railroad and for debts previously
.contracted un that work ; fur old and unsettled
elaims recently adjusted by the commissioners
Appointed under the act of last session ; for re•
laying the south track of the Columbia railroad;
•for enlarging the Delaware division of the en,
nal, ‘nd fur other purposes. These extraordi
nary demands upon the Treasury have reused
_ .opt
expired on the first day of August, 1855. No
provision has been mode fur their renewal or
redemption.
"Although by the terms of the act anthorizing
these certificates of Stock, as also by the eat,
ditions of the certificates issued in pursuance
thereof; the time of payment, after the expire.
tion of the minimum period, is optional with
the debtor, the Commonwealth, yet a due rc•
gard for the credit of the State requires that
provision should be tootle for their renewal or
redemption. To redeem these certificates, a
loan would become necessary, and as a loan
cannot be effected, in the present financial con
dition of the country, on terms more favorable
to the State than those on which these certifi.
cotes were issued, I would recommend that au
thority be given to issue the bonds of the Com
monwealth in renewal of said certificates, bear
ing interest at the rate of fivo per cent. per an
num, payable semi-annually, and redeemable
on or after the expiration of twenty years; and
that the bonds be issued with coupons or certifi
cates of interest attached, in sums equal in a-
1,160,194,25
mount to the semi-annual interest thereon, pay
able on the first days of February and August,
in each and every year, fit such place as may
be designated. this change in the form and
character of the certificates, it is believed, will
be so advantageous to the holders, without im
creasing the liabilities of the Commonwealth,
as to induce a willing and prompt exchange, at
a premium for the bonds proposed to be issued,"
The report of the Canal Commissioners will
be laid before you, and will exhibit in detail
the condition of the public works—their gene
ral operetion, and the receipts and expenditures
for the past fiscal year.
The total receipts at the Treasury, from the
public works, for the yeas ending November
30, 1856, were $2,006,015 66, being an increase
over the revenues of the previous year, of $63,-
638 95. Of this sum $1,013,589 16 were ca
nal and bridge tolls, and $992,426 50, tolls of
the Columbia and Portage railroads.
The aggregate expenditures for the same
year •were $1,943,896 82, being an increase
over those oPthe previous year, of $105;103
64, the revenues exceeding the expenditures
only $62,11S 84.
The increase of the revenues from these
works would hs encouraging, were it not for
the-fact that the expenditures have, increased
in n still greater proportion—the expenditures
ordinary and extraordinary, exhaust• . ng almost
the entire revenue from this source. The sys•
tem must be defective, or more care and o.
consmy should be exercised in its manage
ment.
834,869,75
40,701,835,22
41,067;994,22
40,701,835,25
366,158,97
The receipts at the Treasury from the save•
ral divisions, were as follows viz:
Main line. . . . : . . $1,229,272 8G
Susquehanna, North Brach and
West Branch . 426,820 51
Delaware 349,922 29
Total receipts.
The extraordinary payments during the year,
amounted to $808,892 16 ; ordinary expendi
tures, $1,135,004 00; net revenue, (excluding
payments and for motive power) $871,011 00.
On the main line the tolls received from the
Treasury from the Columbia road, were $991,.
676 50 ; expenditures $528,084 86 ; tolls on
the Eastern division of canal, from Columbia
to the Junction, $119,718 36; expenditures,
$53,048 50 ; receipts from the Junction to
Pittsburg., including the Portage railroad,
$117,778 00; ordinary expenditures $304,702.
32. The total receipts on the main line were
spa, -or jt
excess averaging annually not less than one be perilled, by waiting the slow anti unaided
hundred and fifty thousand dollars; and cati• efforts of voluntary associations to furnish the
sec aro in constant operation that will still much needed teacher? Voluntary associations
more inerese this deficiency. .his continual of Common School teachers have accomplished
drain upon the Treasury, to sustain a work, much in their disinterested and noble efforts
so unproductive, vhould at once be checked.— to remedy this defect. They are worthy of the
A sale of the main line, for a fair considers. highest commendation—they deserve every on.
tion, and upon terms just and liberal to the I eouragement. They can and will do more;
purchasers, is the proper remedy. Such sale, but unaided they cannot accomplish the object
on terms amply protective of the rights and desired. The Legislature must provide the re•
interests of the people, can, by proper legisht- niedy—they can supply the deficiency. It she'd
tion, be effected. n connection with the b e done promptly and effectually. No subject
payment of the public debt, this question be. oh g reater interest can occupy your attention
comes deeply important. The sale would con • as egislators—no one appeals more earnestly
stitute a new era in the financial history of the to duty and patriotism.
State, and assure a still more speedy reduction In a hornier communication to the Legisla
of the public debt, than that to which reference tore the establishment of State Normal schools
has been made. The subject is earnestly for the education of teachers, was urged as in
commended to your favorable consideration. dispensably necessary to the perfection of the
The subject of banks and banking capital system. With full confidence in their utility
in its relations to the currency—the general tit- „ ni t ne c e ss ity, I again recommend them. These
tereits of trade and commerce no d t h e hides. institutions, with their prop* professors, and
trial pursuits of the citizen, des e rve your care• appliances, supported by the State, would meet
Oil attention. My views expressed in a hornier the wants and elevate the character of our
communication remain unchanged. The in• coml.,' schools.
corporation of new, or the re Charter of old ' 'Teachers' Institutes, as auxiliary to Normal
sad solvent hunks whoa actually . necessary, ' Schools, when in operation, mid supplying their
"'"enuthded by wants of iefilu m ule ' r e" !place till established, shoubl be ailed by the
in the community were located, should be fa„,. I State. One such institute in each county,
cored; under no ether circumstances s h oul d
" meeting annunlly, under the fostering care of
either be permitted. In the creation of banks ' t h e G over nment, would be productive of the
the interests of the State and people should
fee consulted, and a just discrirainittion as to prove teachers and prepare them fur their ins.
'wisher, locality and the demands of trade be portant and responsible duties, it would elevate'
exercised. and dignify a profession ton long neglected and
The rapid increase of population, the its. under valued be those most deeply interested
portance and value of our home and foreign in their honoralile labors. These measures, as
commerce ,the constant development of the
material wealth of the State, the extent of our also an addition to the annual State appropria.
Lion fur common 8011001 S, in an amount limited.
tuanufacturtug, mechanical and agriceltur" l only by the necessities of the Treasury, would
induetrYi that the Slate is flooded by a de - gin energy to the system; increase its efficiency
preciated currency introduced by private bald,
—and thus promote the true interests of the
era and brokers, might justify, under the res• people and tile Commonwealth.
triotions and limitations indicated. a judicious Our educational, charitable arid reformatory
increase of banking capital within our Conn. institutions have strong claims upon the boon
monwealth. This, whi'st it would aid the op- ty of the . people, and I cordially commend them
troth)ns of trade, and supply the real business I toour mre and liberality.
wants of the people, would, at the same time,
remedy, to some extent, the evils of a depreci- the State Lunatic Asylum at Harrisburg,
and the Western Pennsylvania Hospital fur the
aced foreign and illegal currency. Insane, and other kindred purposes at Pitts-
By the act approved the Gth day of Nov- burg, are noble charities, .d deserve the aid
comber last, the thirtieth section of the act of mud encouragement of the State. The annual
1850, regulating bunks, will be, after the first reports of those institutions will be laid before
day of duty next, extended tc all incorporate(' you, and will exhibit, in detail, their operations
saving fund, trust and insurance companies.— during the past year.
That settion doclara "that it shall not bo law. Tho House of Refuge in Philadelphia, mid
ful fur any of the said banks to issue or pay the Western House of Refuge near Pittsburg,
out any bank notes other than those issued by I are institutions of great excellence, and their
itself; payable on demand iii gold or silver; results clearly establish the wisdom of the poll
notes of specie paying banks of this State cy that founded and eustainsthem. They ought
which are taken on deposit or in payment tit not to be neglected ; nor should the aid of the
debts, at par, at the counter of the bank where Commonwealth be withdrawn from them.
paid out ;or notes of banks issued under tine The "Blind" and the "Deaf and Dumb Any
of the act of the 44.11 of May, 1841, lulus" at Philadelphia ; and "the Pennsylvania
at the option of the person receiving the Training for idiotic and feeble minded
same." children, , '
are institutions that appeal, in silence
These enactments were intended to pro- i and sorrow, to the best and purest feelings of
tect the community manila the evils of a de- ! the heart, and ask your sympathy and aid.—
preciated currency, and prevent its introdue. I They should receive a generous share of the
tioa from other States. However well intend- i benefactions of the State.
ad they will fail to secure these objects, unless I Agriculture, in its varied departments, lathe
made to embrace private bankers and others . great interest of the Commonwealth. It is the
of that class, whose prolits are largely depen- I basis alike of financial and commercial success,
dent upon the introduction iuto the State of ! and State and national prosperity. An interest
such a currency. In many instauces the notes so important should be fostered by the State,
of our own banks aro collected by private and honored by all chooses of society. To its
bankers and brokers, and with these, or with promotion and success all should cheerfully
the specie withdrawn from the banks issuing contribute. In a former communication I Tee
thes'', they purchase depreciated and foreign ommended the establishment of an Agricultu
bank paper which is paid out at par at their ral bureau, in counection with some one of the
counters. fly others large 10.8 are negotia. State Departments, to give efficiency to the col.
2,006,015 66
ted with banks out of the State, at less then
the usual rate of interest, and their notes, often
of a less denomination than five dollars, and
always at a discount, brought into the State
and put into circulation in the manner indica
ted, and this, too, under en agreement with
the bank linking the loan, that the notes thus
paid out slui.ll-c kept in circulation. The et
feet of this system of private banking has
been to limit the circulation of the par paper
of oar own hanks, and substitute in its place
a foreign, depreciated, and often a worthless
currency. In justice to the hank, trust and
insurance companies, paying a heavy annual
tax to the Commonwealth for their privileges,
and for the protection of the people against
these evils, either the provisions of the thirti
eth section of the act of 1830, should be re
pealed, or further extended 80 as to embrace
private individuals and association., who may
monopolies and control, to the detriment of
the public, this traffic in depreciated bank pa
per, without restraint and without taxation.
The report of the Superintendent of Com
mon Schools, will exhibit to you the number
and condition of the schools—the cumber of
teachers and scholars, .d the general opera
tions of the system during the past year. To
the valuable statistical information of the re•
port, and the useful suggestions for the im
provement of the system, I invite your early
and intelligent consideration.
From a small and comparatively unimport
ant incident of the State Department, the care
and management of the public schools of the
Commonwealth, with their seventeen hundred
districts—ten thogsand directors—twelve thou•
sand teachers, and over live hundred thousand
scholars, have become the most important and
laborious branch of that Department. The in
creased and increasing business of the system,
has been met by a correspondent increase of
zeal, labor and efficiency is the )(Beers to whom
the law has committed its general direction and
supervision. They should be sustained by wise
and generous legislation. The magnitude and
importance of the system, in its political, social
and moral relatious to the present and future
of the people, require that this should be done.
The guardianship of the mind of the State,
should occupy a distinct and prominent place
among the noble institutions of the Common
wealth. It should receive thoefficient aid and
encouragement of the government, and be sus
tained by a virtuous and intelligent people. If
the recoil.ie and treasures of the State—her
public improvementa---her lands and their titles
—require .d deserve the marked and distinc
tive care of the government, how much more
should her mental and intellectual treasures,
richer than gold—the social .d moral im
provement of her people, more valuable than
canals and railways—the titles of her youth
to the boundless fields of knowledge, higher
than any of earth or aught growing out of its
ownership, claim an honorable position, and
receive a care and aid commensurate with their
greater value and usefulness.
The County Superintendency, wherever it
has been committed to faithful and efficient
men, has fully vindicated the wi,doin and poli
cy of that measure. It is slowly, but surely,
removing the prejudices and gaining the cond•
deuce of the people. Whatever defects time
and experience may develope, in this or any
other branch of tho system, should be prompt
ly corrected. But until the necessity fur change
is established, the system, ha its unity and in
tegrity, should be maintained ; and if changed,
changed only to render more certain the ac•
complishinent of its noble purposes and ob.
jects.
A sufficient number of competent and well•
trained teachers is the great want of the sys ,
tern. In its structure and organization it is as
terns of our sister States.' But the Cesi'ehei is
wanted to give it proper vitality and efficiency
—to develop its true force and value—to secure
the great object of its creation, the thorough
education of the youth of the Commonwealth
blow can this Oast he supplied? How' are
teachers to be trained and provided to meet
this educational demand ? Must we he depen
dent upon the training schools of other States?
Must our system be jeoparded, and its success
------ ---s---- ---
lection mid diffusion of useful knowledge ontan. of the act of the 22d of April, 1956, n I whelrns alike the reason and the conscience,
this subject, and to encourage scientific and I writ of error is the cases adjudicated by the The wiedom and humanity of a proposition so
practical agriculture. Science, with wondrous! Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, has been is. , startling and monstrous, must seek their pare].
energy, has aided the husbandman in his honce ! sued at the suit of the company by the Supreme ' H and illostmtion in the diingeons of the In.
rable vocation, and proffers still more help.— I Court of the United States, and is now pending : quisition ,or in the bold of the elave•shiptamid
The State should nerve his arm and cheer him !in that court. .-I , the hot core of the "middle passage." Equally
onward in this. the first and noblest pursuit of I The commissioner first appointed haying re- I repulsive to the intelligent and virtuous sente
ream This subject, in connection with an ap- I signed, A. K. :Velure, Esq., was appointed in I ment of the South as well as the North, it she'd
propriatiou to the "Farmers' High School of Ihia place. The duties of both of fi cers were ably' receive the indignant rebuke of eeery lover of
Pennsylvania"—ern institution destined to be , and faithfully performed. Copies of their cor• his country—of every friend of humanity and
an honor to the commonwealth—in recommen• ; respondence and reports, herewith submitted to justice. The history of the world and of crime
ded to your favorable consideration. I the House of Reproseritatives, for the use of does not reveal a traffic more inhuttetn , --an
The "Polytechnic College of Pennsylvania" i the Legislature, will furnish information in do• : atrocity more horrible. Against a peepcisition
established Ly the enterprise and liberality of I tail on the subject now under consideration.— I
so' nhhorent, and against, the principle it in•
some of the patAtie citizens of Philadelphia, ! It insincerely desired that good faith and lion• voices, no the representatives of a free people,
as a school ot the applied sciences, deserves • eaty of purpose may characterize the conduct ! and in their name you ehould enter their time
honorable mention, and should receive the con- lof thie company in the discharge of the duties Minn. and emphatic protest.
fidence and patronage of the public. In the ! assumed by their neceptance of the act of 22d ! The Union of this States, chicle constitutes e s
teachings of this institution, literature, science ! of April IRV, and that this much vexed question , one People, should le. dear to yen—to every
and art, iu happy union, meet to prepare our will not again disturb the harmony or retard the American citizen, In the hem end excitement
young men for the practical business of hie, ! prosperity of the city of Erie, or any otberpor• of political contests—in the whirl of sectional ;
fur mining, mechanical and civil engineering, tion of thin Commonwealth. and conflicting interests—amid the surging of
and for promoting intelligently and efficiently , The resolution proposing amendments to the human passions, harsh and discordant ewes
the great interests of manufacturing and agri. Constitution of the Commonwealth, has been I may be heard, threatening its integrity and de•
cultural industry. ! published ne directed by that instrument. It nouneing its doom ; but in the calm, "sober,
, ..,-
The laws on the statute book regulating... ! will be your duty to take such action in refer- ! second thougat ii re a patriotic and virtuous
ufacturingand improvement companies,require I ence to these amendments as will, in your' people, will be (mind its security and defence.
revision. They are unnecessarily stringent in . judgment, be most consistent with the wishes I Founded in wisdom, and cherished by the in.
many of their provisions, and thus defeat the' ache people. An appropriation will be requl• I tense affection of pore and devoted patriotism,
object of their enactmeut. They drive capital I red to pay the expenses of their publication, I it will stand, safe and undiaturbed, amid the
frets the State, insteud of inviting its invest. ; eel to this your earliest attention is requested. I insane rage of political demagogueism, and the
meat here ; and instead of encouraging indi- ! The important duty of districting the State ! fitful howling of frantic fanaticism band when it
ridu a l and associated enterprise and energy in fordhe election of Senators and Representatives; falls—if fnli it must—it will be when liberty
the development of our immense natural re- ; will devolve upon yon. This duty should bel and truth, patriotismand virtne, have perished.
sources, they bind and crush both by severe re- i performed faithful l y, and with strict reference Pennsylvania tolerates no sentiment of disu
strictions, unwise limitations and personal IM- I to the interests and rights of the ;whole people. nion—she knows not the word. Disunion I
bilities, The subject deserves careful attention ! Returns of taxablee, required to be made by 'tie an aftetthonglit —a monstrous wish—nn
and liberal legislation. I the different counties, have not all been forwar- born till virtue dies." The Union and the Coo
-1 have so frequently expressed my views in! ded to this Department, as by law directed.-- atitution—the safeguard and bond of Anseri.
relation to local, special and "omnibus" legit, I Circulars hare been issued to the officers char. ca" Nationality—will be revered mud defended
cation, that their reiteration now become.... ; ged with these duties, urging their speedy per- by every American Freeman echo cherishes the
cessney. Legislation, so far as practicable, fromance, and the returns will, as soun as re- principles and honors the memory of the inure
sheuld be general and uniform. Local and Ape- I ceived, be transmitted to you.
trims }peelers of the Republic.
cial legislation, when the object desired can tie The elective franchise is the highest and the Recogniaing erne responsibility to Him who
-1 aecured by general laws, or by the action of the 1 moot responsible privilege enjoyed by the Artl controls the destinies of nations and of men;
! courts, should be avoided. "Omnibus legislo- l erican citizen. Involving in its exercise the . and invoking his blessing on.your deliberatione r
floe cannot, under any circumstances, be jute sovereignty of the people, and constituting as moy order and harmony characterize your sea.
titled or approved. Too much legislation is al it does the substratum of our free institutions, riots, and with siege reference So the publio
evil that prevails extensively in legislative halls. it cannot be too highly appreciated or careful- . good. rimy your legislative action, in its cline-
Its avoidance would mot be injurious to pnblie ly guarded. The ballot•box, through which the , neter and results, promote the happiness and
or private interests. people speak their will, should be preserved outlive of the people, and the honor and pros•
. Common wealth.
The prettier: ot delaying flue passage of the ! from violation at every hazard acid sacrifice.— , perity o f the Commonalth.
POLLOCK.
general appropriatio n
sess bill until the last days of I Upon its purity and integrity depend the exis• I JAMES
the
session, and incorporating in it provisions miler! of our republican government, and the I EXECUTITB CHAMBER,
incompatible with its general character, and ob- j rights and privileges of the citizen. Every le- 1 Harrisburg, January 7,1857.1
noxious, wkea standing alone, to insure:l.lde- I god voter, whatever may he his political affini• ,,,..............---
ble obketierns, is highly censurable and should I ties or party predilectinna, is deeply interested
be discontinued. Ille attempt thaw made to ;is this question. Any attempt to sully its pe
i force, by a species of legislative legerdemain, . rity, or impair its e ff iciency, whether by vio
-1 the passage of objectionabie measures through . fence or fraud, should be sternly resisted and
the Legielature, and compel their sanction by I severely punished. Illegal voting, whether
the Executive, has been too often successful.— ; founded on forgery or perjury, or both, on false
The practice cannot be too strongly condemn- ; assessments, or false and forged certificates of
ed ; it cannot receive my sanction. ! naturalization, is nit evil that deserves the se•
The militia law of the State is imperfect in ; wrest condemnation. It prevents an honest
iniuly of its previsions, and should be revised. ! expression of the popular will, corrupts the
The powers and duties of the Commander-in- ; sources of legitimate pourer awl influence, and
Chiefahould be more clearly defined; as also of ; strikes a fatal blew at the cherished rights of
the other officers connected with the military i freemen. These evils are alleged to exist in
organizations of the Commonwealth. This is I our large cities—the rural districts of the State
necessary to prevent a conflict of jurisdiction are comparatively free from such corrupting n
with other departments of thegovernment and husee. A remedy, co-extensive with the evil,
,to give greater efficiency to our military system. should be provided. Every defence should be
Volunteer companies should be encouraged; thrown around the ballot-box, and whilst the
our entire military system should be remodel• rights of legal voters should be enured and
ed, .d made to occupy that honorable position protected, fraud in every form should be pee.
which from its importauce and necessity it de• rented mid minished. IVhether a judicious re
serves. gistry law, oh' some other measure of reform,
Near the close of the last session of the Leg- adequate to the necessities of the case, should
islature, I transmitted to that body an ordinance he adopted, is referred tothe wisdom of the Le
passed by the velvet and common councils of gielature.
the city of Philadhlphia, approved by . the'May• I As appropriate to this subject, the reform of
,or on the 7th of April, 1856, and o ff icially con- the naturalization taco—the prevention by the
I municated to me, proposing to convey to the I National Oovernment, of the importation of for-'
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania a lot of ground I eign criminals and paupers, and a more care
'- e` ig 'h'"" ".' i"'ry? —""""' - r ---
I ;
ention. .. our
a State AiSentl:lriirf .;r;tlp7ve..°our's, oaer.. c oming before them as
ted action on the proposition then submitted. applicants for admission to the rights of chi-
The ground thus offered to the Stare is value- zenship, would, to some extent correct existing!
ble, and its location most eligible for the purr abuses, and reliovethe ballot-box from the ',res.
pose intended. The conditions of thus proposed sure of corrupting and dangerous influences.
grant are favorable to the State and highly cre• To the acts of the National Government,
ditable to the municipal authorities of Philadel• I affecting, as they do, the rights and interests
phia, evincing a liberality and public spirit of the Commonwealth, the people of the State
worthy of all commendation. The necessity of cannot he indifferent. Poensylvania, occupy
a State arsenal in that city is so apparent that lug a high and conservative position in the
the subject needs no elaboration in this 'cum- sisterhood of States—devoted to the Consti•
...cation. After the sale of the State arse- twine and the Union, in their integrity reel
, .1 in Philadelphia, the public arms were do• harmony, has been, and will ever lie, as ready
posited in an old building, or out house, midge , to recognize the rights of her sister Slates as
and unfit as a depositork - forpublic property.— defend her own. These sentiments slue has
The sent 0f530,000 00, realized from that Aisle never abandoned—these principles she has
is stow in the Treasury, and by• the fifty-lifth never violated. Pledged to the maintenance
section of nn act passed the 19th day of April, of the rights of the north, as well as threw of
A, D. 1853, entitled "An Act to provide forthe the south—sincerely desirous to promote the
ordinary expenses of government," dc, the harmony and welfare of our whole country
Governor was authorized to apply the same to and disclaiming all intention or desire to inter
the purchase of a tut of ground and to the er- fere with Constitutional rights of the States, or
ection of an arsenal thereon. This sum was! their domestic institutions—the people of this
found insufficient for these purposes, and eon. Commonwealth viewed with alarm and appro.
sequently the object intended by the appropri- hension the repeal of the Missouri Compro•
ation hiss not been accomplished. By the ees- mise—a compromise rendered sacred in public
aion of this lot, the State will be relieved from esteem by its association and connection with
the expenditure of any money for the purchase the great cause of national brawny and un
, of suitable grounds ; and the entire sum of ion—regarding it as a palpable violation of
1 1130,000 00 may be applied to the erection of the plighted faith and honor of the nation,
' the suitable buildings; to which sum can be ad• and as . unwarrantable attempt to extend
; ded, if (Monied advisable, the amount that tea). the institution of domestic slavery to ter. itor
;he realized from the sale of the arsenals ist ies then free. This reckless and indefensible
Meadville and Harrisburg, es recommended in act of our National Congress, has not only ri
my Inst 111111.1 message. These sums would be roused sectionaljealousies and renewed the
, amply sufficient to accomplish this object. ugitation of vexed and distracting questions,
! I would, therefore, again recommend the hut, as a consequence, it has filled Kansas
, immediate passage of it hill accepting the con- with fraud, violence end strife—has stained its
veyance of the said let aground from the city soil with blood, and by a system of territorial
of Philadelphia, for the purposes and upon the legislation, justly styled "inlitinous," has made
terms and conditions contained in the ordin• freedom of speech and of the press, a felony,
once ; and the sum of $30,000 00 be appropri• and periled the great principles of liberty and
ated for the erection of a State arsenal thereon• equal rights If the I doctrine of "popular 80,
On the 6th day of October, 1855, I approv• ereignty" is in good faith to be applied to that
ed and signed a bill, entitled "An Act to repeal Territory—if the people thereof are to be left
the charter of the Erie and North East railroad "perfectly free to form and regulate their do-.
, as c ii3jtnah o ioe:me n ,d, i
d i ebos t eipr i 3 e utih,b i p :
yp y cre: ,
fa::
not ai ec i
3: d .
:oesc
oir t hwoon
k o o....or p rp,
gat, i .. . : : ::oi y pyta.so i .p d :itood e tiroa f .
to:
custodye, r insf t
L I
pieaart.to,dpaitviiiksiii:ci:opiiriicopouajeotonauthlegoi:Hsroefcit,:hatotd,
to
. t.wo n i.
chi l l
nly s :
iii, t s: i ott
oi c ,othf
:fel
theli
nta l
ot s h,hwil t e i . t
t i sNi t ir
vi t :oß i
dnocr Co n s ti t u tio n t
siti
justice
u:otiosin,
i i n ginio ctre t ,f h )o
thenetir e ii i of
ai r tiikg:ii.o: t t!
ir ! to e w haanotytnt n rt
emigrant—the
0 t he
t i ‘ oth i v tth t t a sol e icion :
o d eafte S oc;f
A :t tli,r n i a lbie b pi t l
r i vi Sta t en,"
e‘geo e . a .
riip i ri.
ity : .s. t ... '
restrain ad t e lie b l y tg t o h :
s o:
p tl r l e e ni State o f u r r o , :n
session ; and subsequently a cautio i ta n o a k b i lg o o o r P , d7 o ;
e°°" 7..' 7l ; e e l Freedom . unwi l lingis t o peop l e,great
stay proceedings under the act. The queations can Republicanism the great lawe of AinCre
then pending before that court were determined can Nationality , la — . Ye a rLis no the ex e i x e c o c o ptiori. It
in favor of the Commonwealth—the constitu-
theloca
i l
o a r n i
o d d ;
o e t e i t o i
i nt: e a:l eo , t i o
it,torhoml' b ey o n d '
tiouality of the act austaincd, and the applica•
the tine road fors w o
n a k refused.
th the l ' :ert. i oc) fn
the templated by the patriot
w as
foundersne never designed
tho R o or
p c
oobo
tories of the U ''
g orf r ee
tern.
Ste.,
the
d ,w ir e e t e i t v ed .o b o y ou lti o uy d . oy
of
April,
1836,
on lie. In accordance with these sentiments,
Pennsylvania trueto theprinciples of the act
act, i entitled "An Act supplementary to the act of 1780, which abolilld laver within her
. 11C011:10tRfillg the Erie and North East railroad territorial limits—true to the g reat doctrines of
company" was passed. By this act the Erie the Ordinance of 1787, which dedicatedto treo
and North East railroad, as originally located don the north-western territory of the Union—
to,o
to
Northr, b .
io e prt!
o rn y a b
el
a t ; made,
tI
~ I
ir a i,,:s i
i l wstl d at f ,Ri t id h oipn, e i
ost r usoisitiop a dstr e io t s ri:otinid t o i
:ode:
'thatet
th cl: i cf r 1
Union—
and constructed, w. legalized and confirmed; true to National faith and National honor, stake
and certain changes in the road were directed and expects, as due to her own citizens who
Et re
th,
i.
i b i y . i
nail
ix t h ritodh e a i.
l Ka n s a s , have,
f ,
tr i l eiaopic g ui
: T o ;
r i on d loe:cd f t s t,
iih i oo t an h t, , o
iit s ai e ie t nd t
8 1 eiaands:
should
°ti t
iru h .y e iedq :
unb
e e
e r d r u i ; t tro o t e rritory
energy
provisions of this the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, refer
act shall have been accepted by a vote of the ence to a proposition made by some of the lea
stockholders of the Erie mid North East rail- ding Southern journals, and more recently eau.
: Proad meeting
y. c ompan y ,
choiro
, f t
o h
t e the . a . Ilt
ftae
'Phis e
stockholdersl t m e e ting
acceptance, day
calledo l
called May, fo d r t uli h fyB : s : : pun - .
td t
o i
e ci e n z e d .
d.
o b p y iem, , h i
p i t g ,ho l e i p : A tii ,
f.
r c
i i authority
o a Tiiasti
osur
oc htrao ire
lt
ro e ., sister
inw cii, will
io Stara
eoet Isi
),o.
purpose, the pi °visions of r ho act were accept. V or t i o d le s ; ) iir e a ro cy ,, , ,d a o n d il wi e t it h era or t r e o dAt e h , c o c ry ivi: t ir!
oo fi
if e i d tt , hh w so arfisofatrodeocihea.
has
e db d oey sad
orfetis
July
yidii,
lest.tab m e d
itpl
ao Deportment
onooo woo
miLoni. of its pursuit—so revolting to every sentime nt g
of humanity—every
advocated r r a e pPo d ve% ) , b i le i
der the care and management of the company. this nineteenth century, with apparent sinceri-
A final account for money received Nem the ty, and urged as a measure of political ern.o•
road whilst in possession of the State, will be rely and of justice and equality to the southern
settled with the company at the earliest practi. States of the Union, are facto that fund their
cable period, only explanation and apology in a wild ember
It is but proper to state that since the iteccie I tiillslll. or a stiff wilder fenaticiain that ove r
fittntinghn Agana'.
WILLIAM BREWSTER, t EDITORS.
SAM. G. WHIT TAKER.
Wednesday Morning, January 14.1857.
Gen. Simon Cameron, Re-
L ' ' publican, has Deep elected
U. S. Senator. Buns
ACCIDENT.—A MAN SHOT.—Mr. David
Barkstresser, merchant, residing in Sto•.
nerstown, Bedford county, Pa., met with
a serious accident on Wednesday last, that
came near terminating his life. Mr.
was engaged in discharging a six shooting
revolver at n target in his garden. After
discharging all .the loads, as he thought,
ho handed the revolver to Mr. Waybill,
who hod just• come up to where he bad
been shooting, whilst he started to examine
the target, Scarce bad he done so, when
Mr. Waybill, believing the loads were all
discharged, pulled the trigger, and the
wed wan discharged, entering Mr,
B.'s back, close to his right shoulder blade.,
'fhe wound wos thoroughly probed, but
the bullet was not found. We are happy
to state that he is speedily recovering.
Oar We are happy to learn that E>=.
quire Horton, who was so seriously injuretk
by some Irishmen an Broad Top, last week,.
who was published as dead, is rapidly re
covering. The Esquire's excellent consti-.
lotion, and the skilful treatment of Dr. H.
A. Dorsey, his physician, contributes to
his recovery.
Dr" Peterson's Magazine, for Febru
ary, has been received. We are glad to
see that this noble magazine is rapidly ta
king the lead in this line, as it is undoubt
edly one of the best published. Only $
per year. Address T. B. Peterson. Phil.
£1 Our thanks are due Messrs. Cress
well and Wintrode, of Penna. Legislature,
for public documents. Also to Gov. Pol
lock far an early copy of his message.
pro.. The message oraov. Pollock crowds:
out other interesting matter this week.
Wo have received a copy of the N. T.
Tribune Almanac. Price 12} cents par copy.
or $i par don.
Of The Golden Dagon ; or, up and down the.
Irrawadth : being passages of Adventure in the.
Burman Empire. By an American. Illustra
ted Title page. Price $l,OO.
“lio writes in n style that might befit the
clashing "Own Correspotlent” of American
newspaper. There is life and color in the liar
ratiye."—London Examiner.
"The author has all the ipirii of adventure,
the rteklcss audacity of enterprise, the. taste for
the comic side' of things, and the talent for dash
ing. qiirband description, of your genuine full
bloodeWankce traveler".—.l.Y. Tribune.
Published by Dix. Edwards Co., New York.
Tho A merienn Almanac, and Repository
of Useful Knowledge for the year 1857. On e
volume, 12mo ; about 400 pages. Frio ein pa
per, SI ; bound 51,25.
Crosby, Nichols & Co., Boston, Publishers,
It surpasses in comprehensiveness and value
any similar compend in the world. Get it.
NOTICE.
All persons indebted to Henry C. Walker,
either by note or book account, will take no
tice that thcy are ;it lily hands and that it will
be a matter of economy on their part to settle
the same in a reasonably short time.
D. HOUTZ, Assignee
of H. C. ker.
©tllll2[ll 3 n
DENTIST'S
11 WIT ING.DQII 4 pa.
oFFICE removed to the rooms
adjoining the residence of Dr. ,
H. Allison Miller, near the Pre.. "•..•
byterian Church.
Jan. 14, 1857..-0.
111111,ZOATIZON.
The M. E. Church in' Huntingdon will be de
dicated to the service of * Almighty God, on Sa
turday, February the Ist, at 11 o'clock, I. M.
Services will bo conducted by Rev's Bishop
Waugh, J. A. Collins, Dr. 'l'. Bowman, J. Poi•
sal, and others. A cordial *Ration is exten
ded to preachers Rud people Mcont igno us char
ges. D. SW/An', Pastor.
Huntingdon, Jan. 14. DM.