4 icmb'Se Life of Simon Snyder, Governor of Pennsyl vania During the War of 1812 FIRM ADVOCATE OF FREE SCHOOLS Soorge W. WageVweller Beads Interest ing Paper Before Snyder County Historical Society Giving Events of Very Important Administration J*. GOVERNOR SIMON SNYDEB The above picture of Governor Simon Snyder was executed from an engrav ing taken from a painting in the pos session of the heirs of General Simon Cameron, which was painted by the celebrated artist, Jacdb Eicholtz. In a note to the publisher. General Cameron eaid in referring to the painting: "My clear recollection of the person of Gov ernor Snyder enables me to assure you that it is a very expedient portrait of him." The Midvlileburg "Post" of Feb ruary 4, 1915, contains an exhaustive Account by its editor, George W. Wag enseller, of the public documents, life and character of Governor Simon Sny der. and which -was read by him before the Snyder County Historical Society on January 19. 1913. It covers fifteeu columns in the "Post," and in part is as follows: Important Events of Administration While Simon Snyder was Governor many important events transpired to make more difficult the duties of his official position. First in importance. probai>ly. was the War of 1812. and through this he won the distinction of being the not-1 ed War Governor of his time. 2. The resignation of Hon. Samuel. iMaclav as United States Senator. Jan nary 4, 1809. There was a story that Senator Mac-lay had expressed himself in favor of James Ross for Governor j at William McAlister's, in > Juniata county, when he and the Hon. Daniel! Montgomery were on their return from . Congress. 3. The removal of the Capital from ' Lancaster to Harrisburg. The Act was passed February 21, ISIO. Ten acres from William Mao lay and four acres from John Harris were accepted by j Governor Snyder. January 11, 1811, fori the new capitol site. The business was transferred during the summer of 1812. 4. The erection of Union county,; in ISI3. out of Northumberland, chang-, ing the Governor's own home county,! And the bitter fight in connection with making New Berlin the county seat of j Tnion county. 5. The Act creating the "General I System of Banking" twice forced on him by the legislature. Governor Sny-1 der tirst vetoed the bill. March 19, i 1813. giving nine reasons why it should not become a law. A year later, 1 March 19. 1814, he vetoed the measure the second time. Two days later the • Legislature passed the bill over the: trovernor's veto. *>. 1812—23. John Snyder's heirs > brought a suit against Governor si- j man Snvuer claiming 93 acres of land lying west of Penns Creek where Se linsgrove now stands. The property was struck down at public sale. No- j rember 12. 1790, to Anthony Selin, Sr. Governor Snyder's heirs won the; esse after ,20 vears litijration. Advocates Free Public Schools The Governor of the Colonies and j ef the Province of Pennsylvania, the' latter being designated as the Presi dent and • the Supreme Executive Council, were succeeded under the "n'o 1 IU | Compromise Tou must conquer Stomach Ills at once if you would retain the controlling power in health mat ters. Such ailments as Poor Appetite, Indigestion, Bilious ness. Constipation, Colds and jflrippe soon undermine your health. Help Nature conquer them with the valuable aid of HOSTETTER'S Stomach Bitters mTRY IT In. 1§ ' V 4 '■"' " -"" V HARRISBURG STAR-INDEPENDENT. SATURDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 6, 1915. GHANiNITHER KNEW There Was Nothing So Good for Con gestion and Colds as \ „ Mustard But the old-fashioned mustard-plaster burned and blistered while it acted. You can now get the relief and help that mustard plasters gave, without the plaster and without the blister. MI'STEROLE does it. It is a clean, white ointment, made with oil of mus tard. Ik is scientifically prepared, so that it works wonders, and yet does not blister the tenderest skin.. Just massage MCSTEROLE in with the finger-tips gently. See how quickly it brings relief —how speedily the pain disappears. And thert is not-hing like MI'STER OLE for Sore Throat. Bronchitis, Ton siljtis. Croup, Stiff Neck, Asthma, Neu ralgia, Headache, Congestion, Pleurisy, Rheumatism, Lumbago, Pains and Aches of Back or Joints, Sprains, Sore Muscles, Bruises, Chilblaius, Frosted Feet, Colds of the Chest (it often pre vents Pneumonia). At your druggist's, in 25e and 50c jars, and a special large hospital sizo for $2.50. Be sure you get the genuine MUB - Refuse imitations —get what you ask for. The Musterole Company, Cleveland. Ohio. "Constitution of the Common wealth of Pennsylvania,'' adopted in 1790 — bv the Governor of that Common wealth. Simon Snyder was a prominent mem ber of the convention, and signed the document, which declares "We the peo ple of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl vania, ordain and establish this consti tution for its government." Article VII, Section I provides that "The Legislature shall, as soon as conveniently may be, provide by law for the establishment of schools throughout the State, in such manner that the poor may be taught gratis." Governor Snyder was the third gov ernor under this constitution, having been preceded by Governor Thomas Mifflin and Governor Thomas McKean. Governor Snyder w~as the first gov ernor to personally advocate in his mes sages the free public school system. Senator Simon P. Wolverton. made this statement in the Senate of Pennsylva nia, when advocating the bill, in a mag nificent speech he made for the appro priation which resulted in the State erecting to Governor Snyder a monu ment at Selinsgrove. It is clearly sustained by his mes sage to the LetJislature. This is an im portant matter, because the Pennsyl vania Public School Memorial Asso ciation. chartered by the Philadelphia courts, proposes to erect a monument in Capitol Park to the original advocates of the free school system and to Thad deus Stevens, and former governors anil others who aided in saving the public school system fronj in the Leg islature of 1555. Governor Thomas Mifflin, so far as we can find, made no mention of this subject in his messages. Governor Thomas McKean. Novem ber 21, ISOO, referred to the matter in the following words: "Considering the diffusion of useful knowledge among the people, to toe the best auxiliary to the administration of a free government, allow me, gentle men, to remind you of a constitutional injunction, ' that" the Legislature shall, as soon as conveniently may be provide by law for the establishment of schools throughout the State, in such manner, that the poor may be taught gratis,' " —That is all he said—merely called attention to the provision in the consti tution. He never said whether he was in favor of it, or against it. In a subsequent message he again repeats the provision contained in the constitution, and simply adds. "Let me then claim an early attention for the important subject." Governor Snyder referred to the mat ter frequently, and proved by his mes sages he was 'for free public schools. In his first message to the Legisla ture, December 7, 1809, he said: "Moral virtue consists in a know ledge of duty, and a conformity of will and action to that knowledge. Political virtue, in a republic, bottomed oil mor al rectitude, consists in a love of the republic and esteem for its institutions.' Hence the immense importance of a system of education. Can a man be morally or politically virtuous, who is ignorant of the value of the first, anl understands not the principles of, nor knows the duties which the latter en joins?" "To establish, therefore, a system of education, calculated to diffuse gen eral instruction, is at once of primary importance, in""both a moral and politic al point of view; affording the strong est bulwarks against the subversion of good morals, and sound political prin ciples. The importance of education is still more enhanced, by the considera tion that in a republican or represen tative government, every citizen may be called upon to assist in the enaction, or of the laws of this coun try; a ruFnee necessarily engage your attention. The above is the first and an un answerable argument for free schools under the constitutional provisions of 1790. In a subsequent message, December 6, 1810, he repeats the constitutional provision and says: "Twenty years have elapsed since this injunction became a part of your constitution* during which tifne various grant of colleges and academies have been made, several laws have been enact»d in the spirit of this provision; but it is yet much doubted, whether there has been such a legislative act, as guarantees to th» poor 'throughout the iState' the blessings of education, free of expense. To enforce the import ance of a general diffusion of knowledge in a republican representative govern ment, would surely be unnecessary- to an enlightened and patriotic Legisla ture: nor will the difficulty of ascertain ing the best and most certain means of effecting tbi* great good, discourage them from further attempting to attain an object so extremely desirable, as it regards the peace, harmony and happi ness of society, and secures" the stabilitv of our republican institutions." Still urging the matter he says, De cember 5, ISII. in another menage: "To the subject of education I would again invite your serious atten tion. .Of its beneficial effects upon mor- •la and political institutions I need not to enlarge. To ignorance our prisons, our penitentiaries, and our, poor houses, are principally indebted for their in habitants. The value of education is incalculably enhanced in government of the people, such as ours, where every citizen may be called in his turn, to leg islate, or "to execute. A general dif fusion of knowledge, can alone ensure and perpetuate our republican institu tions. Without a competent portion of information rational liberty cannot be realized. It ceases, indeed, to bo a jess ing. It degenerates into licentiousness. Your prftlecossors have maidu «ome progress in the business, but not to the extent of the constitutional injunc tion. '' The poet sings: 111 fares the land, to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates and men decay. Princes and" lords may flourish or niav fade, A breath cau make them, as a breath has made; But a bold peasantry, their country 'a pride, Whew ouce destroyed, can never be supplied. And Governor Snyder again, Decem ber 3, 1812, catts for free schools and savs: "Many have been the essays of your predecessors to carry into complete ef fect. that constitutional injunction, for providing •by law. for the establish ment of schools throughout the Staite, in such manner that the poor may be taught gratis." Let not- their failure discourage, but rather prompt to ex traordinary exertion to auravoOnt the difficulty. On the want of a general diffusion of knowledge, the ambitions found their hopes of success in over throwing our invaluable political insti tutions, and on their ruins to erect the throne of despotism: but, a general ly enlightened and well informed peo ple, ouce free, cannot be enslaved, 'n proportion^therefore, as we value lib erty, let ouY efforts be to diffuse knowl edge as the moot certain pledge of its security.'' In his message December 10, 1813, he says: "The preservation of morals and our free institutions, together with the true interest of humanity would be much promoted and their perpetuation secured by the genera) >diffusion of knowledge amongst all our citizens. A solemn injunction contemplating these important objects, by the establish men* of schools throughout the State, though contained in the instrument from which, the departments constitut ing the government derive thoir pow ers, remains yet to be fulfilled on the broad plain and liberal principles which actuated those who enjoined the duty." In a subsequent message, Decem ber 8, ISIS, in speaking generally on the subject of education he said: "While on this subject I feel it a duty to say. that from various consid erations and local causes, the 'injunc tion, that schools be established throughout the State in such manner that the poor nvav be taught gratis, has not been carried into effect, to thei extent nor in the liberal sro»pered. In violation of the neu tral rights of the United States, Great Britain in 1806, issued an order in council, declaring the whole coast of the continent from the Elbe to Breast in a state of blockade. Napoleon retali ated by issuing his decree at Berlin de claring the entire coa»t of the British N I Islands also in blockade. As a conse quence, American vessels were seized by both French and English cruisers, and her commerce, thoujgih preserving a strict neutrality, was suddenly swept from the ocean. The baneful effect of the "orders" and "decrees" was ag gravated by the haughty assumption ot' the right, 'by Great"" Britain, to search unceremoniously American vessels for suspected deserters from the British navy, under cover of which the grossest outrages were committed, American seamen being, dragged from the decks of their vessels and impressed into the royal service. In retaliation, President Jefferson, in July, 1807, issued a proc lamation ordering all British vessels to leave the waters of the United States, and forbidding any to enter until sat isfaction for the past, and security for the future, should be assured; and up on the meeting of Congress in Decem ber, an embargo was laid, detaining'all vessels, American and then in the ports of tha United States, v and or dering all American vessels home that were abroad, that the seamen might be trained for hostilities. Negotiations were conducted with varying success, but without any pacifying results. In the meantime the causes of irritation increasing, until finally the state of feeling became so embittered, that in 1811 President Madison, by authority of Congress, declared war against Great Britain. The war, which lasted for a period of nearly four years, is known as the war of 1812, and resulted in the establishment of a really nation al character to the United States. Dr. Franklin once heard a person in con versation speak of the revolution as the W;jr of Independence and reproved him, saying: "Sir you mean the Revo lution; the war of Independence is yet to come. It was a war for independence, but not of independence." Son Raises a Company His son, John Snyder, a mere boy at the time, without "the knowledge of his father, raised a company, he being chosen captain, took them'to Harris bur*.j, and woke the Governor up in the early morning hours, presenting his company of soldiers, all of whom saw service. This pleased the Governor who subsequently presented the captain with a handsome sword, made of Damascus steel, with elaborate handle, and which is now the property of his grandson, Thomas Kittera VanDyke, Harrisburg, Pa., who also has an original war order dated in JSI4 and signed by Governor Snyder. Mr. Van Dyke also owns a picture of Governor Snyder, which was issued while he was governor, by John Binns, and which was gotten up'in an artistic way, with the coat of arms of the State, and says; 11 Simon Snyder, Governor of the State of Pennsylvania. To the Peo ple of Pennsylvania, this portrait of the Man of their Choice, is respectfully dedicated bv their Fellow Citizen, John Binns.'' His Last Message to the Legislature His last message to the Legislature, / " Directory of Leading Hotels of Harrisburg HOTEL VICTOR No. 25 South Fourth Street Directly opposite luioa Matlon. equipped With all Modern Injprove- Vfatai running water la rtrrj room (ae bathi perfectly eaaltaryi aleel* luralaked throughout. Rates moderate. Europe aa Plaa. JOSEPH OIPBTL Proprietor. THEPLAZA 123-425 Market St., Harrisburg, Pa. At the Entrance to the P. B. K. Statio* EUROPEAN PLAN P. B. ALDINGEE, Proprietor The Metropolitan Strictly European For something good to ut. ETSTJT thing In WMOB. Service UM best Price* lowest. / • December 5, 1817, opened with the following words, viz.: '•Fellow Citizens— "At this auspicious moment, when our country has reached the goal of her wishes and obtained the objects for which she has twice contended and so ably struggles." And closed as follows, viz.: "'Having discharged as well the con stitutional injunction as those duties assigned by law, and recommended what in my judgment would promote public weal, it remains for me to add that it has given me the purest pleas ure to eo-operate with the General As sembly in such measures as were cal culated to perpetuate the happiness of our constituents, and in the discharge of executive functions I was ever so licitous to collect my duty from a just appreciation of eery circumstance by which it might be affected. I heard with attention and endeavored to de cide with integrity. I had a wish, it is true, to regard the public voice, and I confess myself to have been ambi tious to conciliate and enjoy the public confidence. But I could never abandon the superior claims of self-approba tion and conscious rectitude. Satisfied on these points (and ever aware that in the performance of executive duties by a merely practical man it is difti ent, if not impossible, to avoid error) I have ever acted without in the least regarding what the world might say about it, and those who know me best can bear witness that I have borne with patience the consequences which to me have casually resulted from them. For the errors I may have com mitted I am consoled with the reflec tion that perhaps no important good was altogether free from alloy and that my fellow citizens will, I trust, charitably find a palliation in the mo tive which at any time may have mis led me. "The confidence and support which I have experienced from my fellow 7 citizens, for the greaut of work, Borough Council, headed by Chief Burgess H .T. Keiser, yesterday started' a free employment bureau. A clerk will be maintained at Town Hall and the names of all who need work, what they can do arid where tihey can be found, will be listed. Residents of the borough have already applied, and laet night more than 50 name* were listed. / "DRy" ARKANSAS ASSURED Both Houses Pass Prohibition Bills and Governor Favorable liittle Rock, Ark., (Feb. 6.—The State-widte prohibition bill, which would declare Arkansas a dry State aft er January 1, 1916, was passed by the State Senate.by a vote of 33 to 2 yes terday. * The bill was passed by the House February 1, to take effect June 1, and, as amended by the Senate, will be sent 1 back to the House immediately. The Governor already has expressed him self in favor of the measure. Cut This Out Now If you don't want it to-day, you may next week. Send this advertisement and 5 cents to Foley & Co., Chicago, 111., writing your name and address clearly. You receive in return three trial pack ages—Foley'B Honey and Tar Com pound for enughs, colds, croup and grip pe; Foley Kidney Pills, for weak or disordered kidneys or bladder; Foley Cathartic Tablets, a pleasant, whole some and cleansing purgative, just the thinp for winter's sluggish bowels and torpid liver. These well known standard remedies for sale by George A. Gorgas 16 North Third street, P. B. R sta tion.—Adv. 357,000 IDLE IN NEWYORK Metropolitan Insurance Company Com pletes Canvass of City New York, Feb. 6.—The Metropoli tan Insurance Oompany rejportai ves terday to the Mayor's Committee on Unemployment the results of the can vase of its industrial policyholders that it has l>een making for the last two weeks. It showed the percentage of un employment to be 17.7. The committee has estimated the number who would be at work under normal conditions at 2,017,000, so that if the ratio holds good throughout the number now out of work in this city is about 357,000. PEN FOR CHICKEN THIEF Franklin County Judge Hands Out Two Stiff Sentences Chambersburg, Feb. 6. Frank, Keckler, of Waynesboro, wato sentenced to pay fine and costs and to serve a term of not less than two and one half years and not more than three years in the Kastern penitentiary on the charge of stealing chickens from James R. JoTmsou, Ridge avenue. Abram Helser, also of Waynesboro, was also found guilty of the larceny of chickens from Mr. Johnson and was ordered to pay $1 fine and the costs and undergo an imprisonment of uine months in the county jail. Dies Suddenly While On a Visit Lebanon, Feb. 6.—While visiting Frank Heffelfinger, Maple street, this city, yesterday John Helms, 35- years old, of Mverstown, died suddenly of heart trouble. He was sitting on a chair conversing with his host'when he gave a gasp and expired before medical aid could be secured.