Lancaster Examiner and Herald

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TSfi OOTEBNOB'S MESSAGE.
We hazard nothing in sayinR that the anpasi Message of Governor Johnslon, which wo present lo our readers to-day, is the ablest paper that ever isioed from lhe Executive Department of Penn¬ sylvania. It is a document that will challenge the highest admiration of the people, not only of Penn¬ sylvania, but also of our sister Slates.
The eloquent acknowledgement of the continued mercy of Divine Providence, as exemplified inthe events of tho paat year, will touch a responsive cord in the bosoms of all devout and reverential citizens. The language of this portion of the Message is expressive of the sentiments of amind profoundly touched wilh a sense of the mighty obligalions we are under to the "Aulhor and Guardian of our being," " whose beneficence," in the earnest language of the Mesasage, has "caused all ihings to work together for our good ;" and it cannot fail to awaken the deepest emotions of gratitude for the signal immunities and blessings we have enjoyed. The fearful ravages of ihe pes¬ tilence in distant lands, and in other pans of our own country, and the wars, famine, and civil com¬ motions which have blighted thehopes, and ruined lhe industry and prosperity of the people of Eu¬ iope, are put in strong and powerful contrast wilh the health and happiness of our own Slate, and « the peace and prosperity which have been so emi¬ nently enjoyedby tbe whole American people
The struggles for liberty in the old vorld have not failed to elicit the warmest sympathies of the Execative; nnd he has evidently participated, to the fullest extent, in the feelings whichhe so eio quently and iruilifully describes. He has undonbl¬ edly mingU'd his own earnest aspirations upon this subject with the sincerest heart-throbs of the American people. " It is impossible," says the Message, " to behold a people tho subjects of ty¬ ranny and oppression ;—enlightened by our exam¬ ple, and solicitous for equal enjoyments;—rising up beneath the burthens which centuries have heaped upon them ; casting aside the reverence for power,and the pride of regal splendor;—look¬ ing forward tothe establiahmentof human rigbts;-- to the elevation of the moral and social condition of society ;—and placing their lives aod fortunes on tbe hazard of a struggle for these objects ;— without, on our part, an earnest, an anxious desire ibal Ihey may succeed."
A detailed discussion of financial afiairs is the first subject of local concern which faas engaged the attention of lhe Executive. In this he has Jiresenied a comprehensive aod lucid statement of the financial condiiion ofthe State, exhibiting the wisdom and sound poh'cy of those measures of relief and improvement which were recommended by him to tbe last Legislature.
Tbe balance in lhe Treasury at the end of the fiscal year 1850, it is estimated will be $531,500.00. This, it is thought, will authorize the appro¬ priation of a sum of not less than $300,000, in addition lo the amount already appropriated, to be expended in the completion of the North Branch canal.
Tbe establishment of a sinking fund has been highly beneficial in raising the price of tbe State stoclis, and in increasing the confidence in the ability of the State to meet her engagements. The! excellence of this institution has been fully and: satisfactorily demonstrated by its praclical work¬ ings the paat year; and ils beneficial results can-' not be doubled. The payments from variousi sources, to the credit of this fund, during the paatj year, have amounted in the aggregate to the sumi of $371,000. With these means, for the supplyj of the sinking fond, logether with such addiiiDns| as the probable resources of tbe Treasury, from time to lime, may justify, it is susceptible of easy calculation to determine how nearly approaches the period when the State laxes may be altogeth¬ er repealed, and Ihe burthens of the people re¬ moved.
Several imporlant renommendations are made in regard to the management of the public im¬ provements. The present system,, it is alleged, invites unnecessary expenditures, and removes lesponsibiliiy from the proper department. It i; tbe opinion of the Executive that were the num¬ ber of Canat Commissioners increased to five, to be elected by districts, and these directed lo assume, in addition to the generai supervisory du¬ ties now performed by ihe Commissioners, ihe particular duties of supervisors and superinten- dents, and lhe present corps of supervisors and su- periniendents wholly dispensed with, much prac¬ tical information of inlerest to the State .would be acquired, and a more direci responsibility for the well-ordered condition of the Public Works, and the economy of expenses secured.
TJie nianifest wisdom of this proposition, will commend it to tbe favorable consideration of every unprejudiced mind. At present there is no guar¬ antee whatever for lhe economical use and safety of the public money. It is put into the hands of aupsriniendents and supervisors, who are responsi¬ ble for their conduct only to the Canal Commis¬ sioners, who, on their part, nre responsible to no one. The laws bearing upon this subject, ought to be so amended as to place some check upon the personal discretion of subordinate officers. Unlil very recently, no account of their expenditures has been required of supervisors and superinien- denia employed upon the public works. They havo been permitted to draw from the Treasury at will, and lo apply the monies thus drawn as they 8BW fit, withoul being called upon to render any accounl. That gross and insufi'erable abuses ihould become inseparable from such a system cannot be wondered at. The whole management of thepublie works hasbeen little else than a gi¬ gantic scheme of fraud and peculation ; and Gov¬ ernor Johnslon will have lhe unfeigned thanks of every honeat citizen for thus laying the are at the Toot of tbis great evil. Under a continuance of whig rule, theae stupendous corruptions would have been speedily annihilated. As it ia, however, with a large majoriiy of the Legislature opposed, in principle, to the Executive, the ntmost he could do, was to manifest a warm desire for the intrO' duction ofall needful and proper reforms.
Notwithstanding the revision by the last Legis lature of tbe laws in relaiion to common schools, the system wil! reqiiire/tfuodification. It does not Teceive from the ciiijTens, says lbe message, the favor that a sound ^d enlightened system of edu cation deserves, aAl the evil, it is thought, must exist in the lawr which control ils practica tions.
Imporlant modifications of tbe laws in regard to Banking and tbe Currency, are proposed hy the Executive. Tbo number of Banking inatitulions shoul^'be restricted to the real business wanls of th^fc^pl^i ^"d i^ i^ recommended tbat no Bank cj^rter shall b'e renewed until a thorough exami¬ nation of the institution shall have demonstrated ¦ its entire solvency. The laws intended to pre¬ vent tba circulation of notes of a leaa denomina' tion than five dollara, are practically disregarded by the citizeni. It is therefore recommended that the Banks of tbe Commonwealth be author¬ ised to establish agencies or branches, in one or more places, witb permission to issue notes under the denomination of five dollars, to be based upon a depoaite of State Stocks in the hands of the Treasurer, which are to be at all times liable for tbo redemptionof the notes thus issued. This is a vboleaomeand practicable modification of tho plan ve have heretofore presented to our readers through tbo colarane of the Telegraph, and wjll assuredly meet the highest approbation of tbe people.
Though almosi wholly devoteit'as it should be, to subjects of local interest, isbre is a spirit of catholicity ia the Message, aoTroad as the Union it«eir, Tho patriotic ken (J^^overnor Johnston, in surveying the broad tjtf&nw of United Slates lerritory, can no where^ognise the limit of one single, united, homogeneous American senliment. Standing upon tbe soil of a Statt tbat ia bounded
by Mason's and Dlzoa'fl line, and holding a posi¬ tion between the two great extremes of the Union which may be said to command thero both with eqnai facility, he yet recognizes no political dis tinotion between tbe one and the otber. The sol¬ emn injanciion of the Father of his country "indignantly to frown upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate one portionof our couo' try from the rest,'* baa impressed itself with deep and lasting force upon his enlarged American heart; and the whisperings of nati.VB patriotism have prnmpied him to the forcible and eloquent utterance of similar sentiments.   The patriotism
"   " Broker's Licenses,
"   " Theatre, Circus ahd Menage-
12,000 00 3,000 00
ries' Licenses, "   " Billiard Rooms, Bowling Sa¬ loons   and  Ten-pin   Alley
Licenses, 5,000 00 " " Distillery and Brewery Licences 1,500 00 "   " Eating Houses, Beer Houses
and Restaurant Licenses, 15,000 00
"   " Patent Medicine Licenses, 3,000 00
"   « Pamphlet Laws, 500 00
.Militia Fines, 2.000 00
Tax on Writs, Wills, Deeds, &c., 40,000 00
"   " Certain Ofiices, 20,000 00
"   « Collateral Inheritance, 200,000 00 Canal and Railroad Tolls,                    1,825,000 00
of Governor   Johnston^ aa it ia here exhibited, is Canal Fines and Sale of old Materials,
that of no seclional school. Its pure and gushing waters were imbibed from springs which, welling up in the centre, have had their sources in the widest limits of the Republic. The following quolation, upon this subject, does equal honor to his head and heart, and will gain for him a repu¬ tation for enlarged and liberal patriotism, which might well bo coveted by any statesman inthe land. " When," says this admirable document, **seciional interests and jealousies coniend for BUpremacy, and sectional rights are to he deter¬ mined; when questions between States ate con' troveried, nnd disregard of national laws is mani¬ fested ; in peace and war, in prosperity and adver¬ sity; in foreign or domestic difficulties; the cilizens of Pennsylvania turn with abiding confidence to tho National Constitution. Neither the ihtrst for power; nor the phrenzy of party ; nor the pros iration of their peculiar interests; can shake their allegiance to the National Government, or raise with Ihem the traitor cry of disunion."
\_Penn.iylvania   Telegraph,
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE.
Enrollment of £taws.
Premiums on Charters,
Tax on Loans,
Inclined Plane Loan,
Dividends  on Turnpiko  and Bridge
Stock, Nicholson Lands, Accrued Inlerest, Refunded Cash, Escheats,
Fees of Publ-c Offices, Miscellaneous, Intereat on Stock purchased,
5,000 00
11,000 00
40,000 00
125,000 00
270,000 00
2,000 00 300 00 5,000 00 5,000 00 2,000 00 2,000 00 2,000 00 15,000 00
resources of the Treaaury, from time to time may ments to extravagance, than such a power ove r
justify, it is suscepiihle bf easy calculation to de termine, how nearly approaches the period when the Slate taxes may be repeated, and the burthens of the people removed. So manifestly important are theae results upon the industrial pursuits of the citizens, and tbe interests and honor of the State, it is suggested for conaideration whether good pol icy would not require the transfer of all balances in the Treasury at the end of each year to the Commissioners of the said Fund, «
Every consideraiion that can impose itself on a government demands the payment of the public debt. The local advaotagea'of our Common wealth; the salubrity of our climate,—the vast¬ ness of our mineral deposites,—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 ihe settlement of uncultivated lands,—drive capital from our borders, and paralyze lbe industry of every class of our cilizens!! Should these bal¬ ances remain in the Treasury unappropriated to
tho public money. An ofiicer guilty of ao act of this kind, violates the trust committed to him, and sbould be forthwith dismissed from the public ser¬ vice. Debts already contracted in this way should be paid, for the labor iu behalf of the State bas been performed, and it would inflict an injury on ihosa who could not hnvc a knowledge of the wrong, to withhold from them the value of their services; but immediate measures should be adopt¬ ed to prevent occurrences of a like nature in fu¬ ture. A praciice of this kind, authorized in some measure by subsequent appropriations, of the Leg-: islaiure, for tbe paymeni oi the debts tlius con-' tracted, cannot fail to mialeud the people, and embarrass the public ollicers in iheir estimates and recommendations. Thc large appropriations for ihe payment of old debts, raade at tho last session of the Legislature, show the extent lo -vvWch the prac¬ tice has been carried, and should admonish us to- guard against a recurrence of the evil. In pro¬ viding by legal enactment aguinst the luipchicf here slaled, authority might U: given tothe Canal
co-operato   to establish,   to  defend,   to   oherish
$4,566,300 00
To the Senate aud House of Representatives of the Commo/fwealth of Peunsylvaiiia FzLLow Citizens:
Tbe Legislative branch of the Go vernment,meets under circumstances calculated to prodnce deep emotions of gralilude. The events of lhe past year cannot fail to afi'ord assurance of lbe conlinued mercy of the Almighty Faiber of the Universe, and of the bleasinga Helms dispensed 10 the people of this Commonwealth. While in other parts of our country, and in distant lands, pestilence has made fearful ravages; leaving inils track the wretchedness of dealiiuiion and the tears of crushed atfections ; a healthful climate, in tbe disposal of a righteous Providence, has preserved tbe citizens of the State comparatively free from the miseries of lbe destroyer. During a period of war, famine and civil commotion in tbe old world, bringing in tbeir train, desolation and want; blight¬ ing the hopes, paralizing the induairy, and ruining lhe prosperity of the people; our beloved Com¬ monwealth, in union with others under the Na¬ tional Constitulion, has enjoyed the delights of peace, and her citizens, in the exerciae of indus¬ trial pursuits, have found contentment and com peience. To the Aulhor 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 efi'orts for t.he establishment of liberal political  institutions io Europe, have excited io the people of .this country, the  warmest sympa¬ thies.     Tho confiict  between tbe oppressor and the oppressed, whalever may be the incidents or results, baving for ils object a goverement capable of protecting and extending  political and social liberty, must  be regarded   by the people of the United States wiih the deepest solicitude.    In the enjoyment of institutiona which recognize the in berent rights of man, and are founded on the ac¬ knowledged principle that all political power is a trust to be exercised for the benefit of the citizen, they cannot witness tbe struggle beiween despot¬ ism and  freedom, without nrdent hopes and .""in cere prayers for the triumph of liberal and en¬ larged justice.    It is impossible to behold apeople long tbe subjects of tyranny and  oppression ;— enlightened  by our  example, and solicitous for equal enjoyments;—rising up benealh the burthens which centuries have heaped upon ibem ;—casting aside  tbe reverence for power, and  the pride of regal  splendor; looking forward to the establish¬ ment of human rights; to  the elevation of the moral and social condition of socieiy; and placing their lives and forlunes on the  hazard of a strug¬ gle for these objecta;   witbout, on our part, an earnest, an anxious desiro that they may succeed. That struggle has been unsuccessful.    The arbit¬ rary Governmenls, in whose midst the noble band of patriots erected their standard, have succeeded with their immense forco in maintaining tyranni¬ cal authority, and the brave men who fought for freedom, have either perished under the barbarous exactions of despotic will, or tb?y wander in for¬ eign lands, exilea from  homes  that no longer af¬ ford security.    It is not ihe'policy of our National Governmenl to mingle in the coniroveraies of for¬ eign  nations, nor  is it desirable that it should, by acts of hosiility or friendship, break upihecom-l mercial  relations which  exist for mutual advan-j tage ; but it is, nevertheless, no violalion of inier- tiational   law  to  enler our  solemn  protest and warning, againat acts of cruelly and   barbarism upon hemic men and defenceless women.    It is no wrong for our Government lo unite with oihers, in lhe expression of indignation against the viola¬ tion of national  faith and national law, involved in   the demand, for   sanguinary purposes, of the brave defenders of human rights.
The consideraiion of the Legislature is respect¬ fully invited to the financial condition of the Commonwealth.
The present funded debt is as fullows,— 6 percent- loans,     $3,041,022 51 5 percent,    do.,      37,336,710 90 4^ per cent, do., 200,000,00
 $39,577,739 41
Unfunded debt, to wit: Relief notes in circu-
lation(without int.) $633,164 00 Inlerest Cei'cates out¬ standing, 179,422 91 "    "    unclaimed, 4,448 38 "   on ceriifieates to be added when the same shall be funded or paid,                         11,294 34 Domestic creditors (on
seitlement,) 85,104 88
Estimated payments during the year
1850: ToPubIicImprovem»ntfi $6-10,000 00 ExpensesofGov'rnment  235,000 00 Miliiia Expenses, 4,000 00
Pensions and Gratuities, 20,000 00 Charitable Institutions, 80,000 00 Common Schools, 200,000 00
Interest on Loans, 2,005,000 00
Guaraniees of Inlerest, 32,500 00 Domestic Creditors, 10,000 00
Damages on Public Works 20,000 00 Special Commissioners, 2,000 00 Stale Library, 2,000 00
Pub. Build, and Grounds 2,000 00 Penitentiaries, 35,000 00
House of Refuge, 5,000 00
Nicholson Lands, 300 00
Escheats, 2,000 00
Abatement of State Tax, 40,000 00 Counsel Fees and Com¬ missions, 2,000 00 Miscellaneous, 5,000 00 Inclined Plane (Sch*yk'I) 270,000 00 North Branch Canal, 150,000 00 Commia'n's Sink'g Fund 293,000 00
-$4,034,S00 00
$531,500 00
The foregoing eatimated balance in the Treas¬ ury, at the end of the fiscal year 1850, would appear lo justify the appropriation of $40,000 to¬ ward the completion of the Weaiern Reservoir at Johnaiown, as hereinafter recommended. It would also authorize the appropriation of a sum not less than $300,000, in addition to the amount already appropriated, 10 be expended in lhe com pletion of the Norlh Branch canal.
The Legislature at its last session authorized the re-issue of tbe relief notes then in circulation; and suspended their cancellation for three years. The amonnt of the whole issue now
ouistanding is $653,164 00
The amount paid into the Treasury
and supplied by a new issue is 443,537 00
the said Fund; tho history of tho past will remind Commissioners, should it bo deeined neccs-sary, us tbat prodigal expenditures will be made to ob-|meet deficiencies in the  fund.s  provided for any jects of diminished importance, |linc of improvements ; to  draw from  a  specific
The subject of the revision and equalization of, appropriation fur that purpose, requiring from them the laws for raising revenue, is again earnestly, a detailed and spcciul report on the subject, to the pressed upon the attention of Iho LegisUture.—.auditing department as well as lo the succeeding Great injustice arises under existing enactments,• Legislature.
from the want of adequate means to prevent or to| The avoidniici; of tbe Schuylkill Inclined Plane, punibh individuals making false relurns of prop-, aud the improvements connecting with the Colum- erty subject to taxation. The conscientious ciii-lbia and Pliiladelphia Railroad, which are in rapid zen, scrupulously exact in the performance of his'progress of construction, must materially increase obligations to society, may well complain of laws'ihe business on thai public thoroughfare, and will which sufi'er the dishonest to elude with impunity,render the relaying of a portion of the said road the payment of an equitable share of tbe public a work of ab«oluie necessity. In the performance bunhens. The tax on bonds, mortgages, and jof this work, should the Legislature authorize moneys at interest, is assessed so unequally, that|it, good policy would seem to require so far as the great reason for complaint exists throughout the means of ihc Treasury will permit, that one track Staio, To remedy ID some extent this evil, it'at least, should bc laid witli aheavy rail' andit would he well to require the Prothonoioriesof ihe,i3 worlJiy of consideration whether thc public in- several counties, to collect from tho Plaintiff's in terests would not be greatly subserved, by a loca- Judgments the tax thereon assessed, and if neces- tion of thc new track, so as to avoid the many sary 10 compel payment by lega! process: allowing short curvatures on the eastern end of said road, to lhe officer entrusted withthisduiy a reasonable I They increase the danger to passengers and freight; compensation, to bo paid, where the payment of; forbid a dispaich safely performed on a straight the lax is made voluntarily, out of the fund, and line; and require greater force than Would be ne- by the Plaintiff when the payment has been en-'cessary on a direct tracS*with higher grades. In forced by legal process, A similar provision with.the event ofthe Legislaturo autliorizing there- regard to mortgages, eiving the Renorders tho au- j laying of the eastern seciion of thc said road, and ihority before slated in relation to Judgments,'the change of localion before mentioned, a due would embrace these two items of taxation, and regard to the public inlerests and the limited re- would doublless compel the payment of a large'sources of the Treasury would seem to demand, amount of revenue, now fraudnJenily withheld. I that the improvement should commence at nn early The laws subjeciing to a tax the commissions day, nnd progres.s from year to year aa the rove- issued to ofiicers of this Cnmmonwealth, should inues would warrant, unlil it should be completed, he extended to embrace cQimnissions to non-resi- Thc Portage Railroad, from the completion of dents. The justice of taxing the citizens of the'our line of improvements to the present time, has State, and of permitting non-residents who hnldjbeen a serious obstacle to the business of the com- commiflsions under the governmenl, to enjoy the,munity, nnd the occasion of trade seeking olher emoluments free from taxation, cannot readily be'channels lo the Atlantic markets. Any mode perceived. j iherefore, of lessening this evil,  must meet the
No effectual mode hasbeen devised to compel beany concurrence of the citizens. The sum of the agents of Foreign Insurance companies tojfivo hundred thousand dollarsjudiciouslyexpended, raakeasemi-annua! exhibitof iheamonnt of fundsiwili avoid all the short levels, and four of the employed by their respective companies within five Inclined Planes on the western slope of the this Commonwealtb. A law having an effect of Allegheny. The annual expense of maintaining this character, is highly necessary, and would belthcse Planes is not Ies.s than ten thousand dollars productive of decided advantage. In the enact-j for each Plane, and if to that amount be added the ment of such a law, it would be well to make the cost of the short levels, and the perishable nature certificate issued to agents of said companies, aub- of thc materials connecied with these works, with ject to taxation. ^   ^ |tlic delays and risks incident thereto, the annual
Incorporated companies^of various kinds, deri-amount for their maintenance, cannot be less than ving their charters elsewhere, have agencies in ihcjone hundred ihousand dollars. Were these Planes State and transact business therein, and yet no'nvoidcd, and  ihose  on the  eastern slope of the
and to maintain it. The Superintendent having bestowed much thought on the subject, will, at an early day, submit a reiJort, to \vhich your attention is inviied.
The militia law of the last session is imperfect in many of ils details, and requires revision. In the abolition of the mockery of parades incident lo the old system, and t)ie estabUshment of an elfec¬ tual^ uniformed militia, weU disciplined nnd drilled, it has been productive of general utility. Slijiht modifications of its provisions will make it all that can be desired- Thc repori of tbo Adjutant Gene¬ ral is well wortliy your consideration, and is ac¬ cordingly ttubmltied.
Reports from the Surveyor General aud Auditor General, exliibiting the condition of their respcc tive departments, are herewith transmitted to the Legislature, and the latier will furnish in detail much valuablo information, in relation to the finan cial condition of tlie Commonwealth.
Thc daly of districting the Slate for the election of Representatives, will devolve upon you. Re¬ turns of taxables, required to bc made by thc dif¬ ferent counties, have not been irnnsmilted, ns by Jaw tbey were directed f but the ofiicers diargcd with the dulies underthe law, are engaged in their preparaiion, and tlicy will bc laid, at an early day, before the Legislature. ¦*
By resolutions passed at the last session, the Kx- ¦ecutive  was required to transmit to certain ofii-
warn   the  Legialature  that speedy and energetic
action is required, and ibat measures dictated by justice and policy, shonld be resorted to witb a view to tho removal of the evil.
The expression ofour opinions on queslions more directly belonging to the National Government, 'is a right arising from ihe nature of our institutions, and where iheyare intimately connected with tbo interests of the people, becomes a duty not to bo disregarded* The representatives in Congress of the State and the citizens, aware of the lendency of meaaures on the prosperity of their constituents, and knowing the responsibility of their exalted position, must regard wilh becoming favor, a de¬ liberate declaration of public sentiment front the Slate they represent. Entertaining these views, and persuaded that questions of vital imporiance to the well-being of our beloved Commonwealth will claim the attention of Congress, I have deemed il righl, on this occasion, briefly to refer to a few of those which may be considerud of greatest con¬ sequence to the welfare of ihe people.
Tbe adjustment of the revenue laws for the protection of tho peculiar interests of Pennsylva¬ nia, mu?t he regarded as a measure deeply affect¬ ing all classes of society. In relation lo the policy of the Naiional Government on this subject, the manufacturer, the artizan, the agriculturalist, and the laborer, feel alikeyihat their business and pur¬ suits, are elevated or depreaaed, as protection is afl'orded or withheld.    In ihe history of the past.
cers, citizens or natives of tho State, resohitions they are furniahed wiih lessons for the future, expressive of the approbation of thc Legislature,! Tho events of the paai season have afl'orded con- fdr their distinguished services in the Inte war wiihj elusive evidence, in the closed doors and deserted Mexico. In perfornring tins duty, these resolu- buildings of tho manufactories; in the distresses tions were transmitted to sudi of these onieers,as,!nf the laborer, and the general depression of profl- "bythcreportof the Adjutant General of the Uniied! table industry, of the imperative necessity for a States, had been breveted for good conduct. I system of laws which will susiain against foreign
The resolutions for the amendment of the Con-i cnmpetition, the employments of °our citizens. Slituiion, having been duly published occording to; When profitable invesimenis, and useful capital the terms of that instrument, it will be the duty of: are stricken down ;—when surplus produce finds the Legislature to take such action on the sub- diminished prices j and when labor is depressed, ject, as.may !« most consistent with the wislres of ^nd industrious operativRs are thrown out of em- the people.   It is proper lo stater that tbe appro-lpioy;-. neither pony dogmas, nop  lotyil interesis
nor sectional jealonsies, should prevent a united and energetic effort i«. our National Representa¬ tives, lo restore the genernl prosperily.
On the application for ihe admission of new States into llie Union, the subject of the extension of slavery, will claim the atiention of Congress.
Balance,
$209,627 00
The above halance has been destroyed, or has failed lo reach the Treasury during the year. These notes, the redemption of which being amply secured, and afl'ording a safe and convenient local currency, have the confidence and favor of the cilizens. It is therefore recommended that au¬ lhority be given to the proper oflicers, to keep them in good condition, hy a new issue, in lieu of such as may become mutilated and defaced.
In addiiion to the suggestions made to the last Legislature on the subject of the monied affairs of the State, it is deemed proper to call your at¬ tention to the fact, that a portion of the funded debl is over due ;—a part bearing an interest of six per cent,—and a part falling due lhe year 1850, as follows: The amount of five per cent, funded
debt over due, except bank charter
loans, is S354,S19 10
The amount of six per cent, funded
debt over due i? 1,752,335 06
The amount of five per cent, funded
debt falling due on or before Dec.
1, 1850, is 999,211 15
The amount of unfunded debt, now- due, 85,104 sa
Amount demandable at the Treasury
during the year, $3,191,170
Amount of nanal, railroad, and motive power debls, contracted prior to Dec. 1.1848, and unpaid by the appropriations of the last session.
$933,434 51
63.239 53
Tolal indebtedness of Common'lh
Dec, 1849, $40,574,413 45
The funded debt on the first Decem¬ ber, 1848, was    $39,393,350 24
Unfunded debt, 1,081,356 69
Amouni of canal, railroad and mo¬ tive power debt, contracted prior to Dec. 1., 1848,        367,642 38
$40,842,379 31
Amountof public debt paid during
the  year 1849, exclusive of the
sum paid Commissioners of the
sinking fund, $267,965 86
Amount paid during the year 1849
to  the   Commissioners of   the
sinking fund, 227,513 53
Amount appropriated during the year 1849 toward payment of public debt, $495,479 39
Provision should be made at an early day for arrangements with the creditors holding these claims. To permit them to remain in their pres¬ ent condiiion, would not only evince an indispo- Isiiion to pay our just debts; but would also ope¬ rate injuriously to the holders of the stock, by compelling sales at a prico below their par value. The annual demands upon the Treasury, with the present means of ibe State, will not parmit the payment of these loans; and the only practicable mode which suggests itself seems to he the nego¬ tiation of new loans, stipulating an exiension of the time of payment. Il is believed that such loans could be negotiated al a rate of intereat not exceeding five per cent. Should authority be given in lbe arrangements suggested, to stipulate ihat the said stock should be exempt from taxation, lhe inducemenls to investments therein would create such competition as would be highly ad vantageous to the Treasury. Juslice and honesiy require that these debls should be promptly paid, or arranged to the salisfaclion of the parties in¬ terested, and any provision which the Legislature may deem proper on the subject, will meet the cordial approbation of the Executive.
The eslahlishment of the sinking fund, by the appreciation of Stale stocks, and the consequent increase of confidence in lhe ability of the State to meel her engagements,- with the replacement by a new issue of the old and defaced relief notea, has had the salutary efi'ect of enabling the Treas¬ ury Department wilh slight expenae in the ex¬ change or transmission of means, to meet the payment of inlereat on the public debt in par money, as also to pay other creditors of the State in good funds. The payment of the public lia¬ bilities in the manner aforesaid, and the adoption of a system lo extinguish eventually the public debl, must bring to their par value, the stocks of the Commonwealth. It is estimated that $13,- 049,000 of the puhlic slocks are held in this coun¬ try, and the addition in their valne, by these aimple operaiions demanded atibo by sound policy and honesty, will increase their marketable worih in the hands of the cilizens $1,950,000, To the efficiency of the State Treasurer, tho Auditor General, and other ofiicers charged with the col¬ lection and disbursement of ihe publio moneys during ihe past year, is justly attributable in a high degree these favorable results.
The beneficial results of the sinking fund cannot be doubted.    Tbe paymenls from various sources to the Commissioners, during the past year have been as follows: From collateral inheritance tax, $180,212 41
Premiums on charters, 35,969 40
Eaiing and oyster houses  and restaurants, 5,867 20
Billiard and bowling saloons and
len-pin alleys, 2,085 50
Theatre, circus and menagerie
licenses, 2,210 00
Distillery and brewery licenses, 384 00
accurate account is takon of the money employed; or of the value or profits of their investments. Were the proper departments required to make a list of these Incorporations, and authority given to ascertain the amount of the investments, the rate of dividends declared, or the profits made, and a tax was levied on such dividend?, or profits, as well as on the capital stock employed, a large rev¬ enue to the Commonwealth would be pn-duced. While money borrowed by citizens, Boroughs and Incorporated disiricts, is subject by existing laws, to taxation, it is not perceived why money borrowed by incorporated companies should be exempt from similar assessment. To make an equitable distribution of the public burthens, should be the special object of the Legislature, and care should be laken that no exemption should be al¬ lowed to one claas of citizens over another where the properly employed is the same. Attention to the foregoing objects of taxation, will not only iu¬ crease the revenue, but is demanded alike by Jus¬ tice and aound policy.
Next in importance to the public debt, and the equalization of the taxes, is the management of / lhe public improvements. The vast expenditures annually made for the repair and supervision of these works, and thc amount of revenue deriveil therefrom; so malerially aifecting tlie condition of the Treasury; render them objects of peculiar in terest. It is believed that on increased amount of nelt revenue should bo derived from these works. The enormous appropriations of the last year, for iheir maintenance in repairs, and towards thi pnyment of debts thCTdtofore contracted, sliould have placed thera in a sound condiiion, and would authorize the conclusion ihat a suiall expenditure during llic present season would be sufficient. In the absence of the annual report of Canal Com missioners, no specific amount for these objects can be given by the Executive.
The system for the management of these im¬ provements, invites unnecessary expenditures, and removes responsibility from the proper department. Were the number of Canal Commissioners increas¬ ed to five;—the State divided into districts for the election and supervision of each Commissioner,—¦ the direct and immediate charge nnd control of the district imposed upon one of these officers, re quiring of him the performance of the duties now executed by superintendents and supervisors, and stipulating for the annual alternation of the said Commissioners; much practical informaiion of in¬ terest to the State  would  bo acquired; a  direct
priation made to defray the expenses of the pub¬ lication of these resolutions, was wholly insufficient for the purpose, trad an additional: sum will be re¬ quired.
In the message delivered at the opening of the late session, reference wa-s ma<ie   to the   citizen
soldier, who had returned to his home after having'Our Souihern brethren, united by long association earned for himself and the State, in the war with and habit with this insiiiution, and depending Mexico, a reputation for undaunted bra^ry, pa-j npon it in a large ilegree for their domestic com- tient suffering and heroic virtue? and tbe oijinion; f.^rt and commercial advantages, will not willingly wos expressed, that itwas due to these patriotic ;fttiow of its exchjsion from territories belonging to citizens, that the Commonwealth should make a^ii,e Genera! Governmenl- No disturbance is con- suitable ncknowledgement for their illiisirious ser-i tempiaied of their relations therewith, in Statea vices. No action having been taken upon the 5ug-i where it now exists. Holding their slaves by geslion, I would again call the subject to the atten-j compromise and concession, it would involve on tion of thc Legislature. It is also proper to refer our part, a breaciv of faith, and an interference to lhe recommendation therein irmde, in relation with the gnvereignty of siMer Republics to inter- to the dealh of cerlain ofiicers of the governraent, meddle with their social policy, oy to cnnlroverl ¦and the omission in the constilution to supply the-the legality of their domestic relarions- Whatever vacancy. The subject is deemed of suflicient im-i injury may be inflicted on Northern interests from portance to justify an earnest hope ihat leg^sla-ithe jealousies incident to the existence of ihe in- tive aciion may not be witliheld llicreon, j stitution, and  the e^rl to prostrate free labor, a
^The praciice of postponing llie p.->ss-agc of ap-; sacred regard for our pledged faith admonishes us -propriation bills to the lust day of the gcssinn,. for-j to snffer,rather than attempt reformation whfire bidsdellbcrnlion, as well to-the Legislature as lO'our authority will not bo acknowledged. Tho the E.xecutive, and shouid hereafter bc nrvoidcd J extension of tho evil beyond iis present limits, These bills, requiring care and attention to theldiscloses a very different feature. The consent specific items, and disposing of largo amounts ofjof the free Stales of the Union to its further pro- thc public money, should be deliberately examined ...
before thcy obtain tlio sanction of laws.    Noihing
mountain repaired, the commerce on the Public Works would be facililated and increased, and the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Company, would find it their inlerest for many years to use it in connection wiih their great improvement.
During the lust season, the scarcity of water on the upper portion of thc Weslern Division of the Pennsylvania Canal, materially injured the char¬ acterof the public Works, and diminished the rev enue from that source nol less llian $50,000. To guard against a recurrence of this evil, it is re¬ commended that the Weslern Resnrvoir, in tlic con.struction of which, the sum of sixty thousand dollars has been expended, be completed. The estimated amount required for its completion is $10,000, and would in thc opinion of the Executive- be a judicious appropriation.
It has been suggested that an alteration in tbe canal locks, by inaking ihein conform lo the shape of the botiom of the boats, would not only sircngib- en ihcm, but would be a saving of water. TJiis lit be effected, if deemed of sufiicient import¬ ance, by the insertion of wooden bottoms, in sucli manner as to produce the results indicated.
By the reports of ihe Auditor General and State Treasurer, made under the directions of the act of the lOlh of April, 1849, it nppenred that after the payment of the interest on the public debl, and the liquidation and payment of other claims for whicli. appropriations had been made by tlie Legislature^, and retaining a reasonable balanee in the Treasu ry, the sumof $150,000 might, with safety, be ap¬ plied to the completion of tbe North Branch Canal. I accordingly 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 re-commenced as a revenue measure, that work should be finished at the earliest day the con¬ dition of the Treasury will permit. It shonld not be forgotten, that the present unfinished condiiion of thc work, by interrupting tlic free navigation of the river; by the destruction of roads, and injury to privaie property, wilhout affording any conve¬ nience to the communiiy, inflicts a wrong which demands immediate reparation. In addiiion totbe sum already appropriated, it is confidenlly believ¬ ed that $300,000 can, with propriely, be given to that Improvement in tho present season; and in lhe following year, provision might be made for its completion.
While it has been deemed advisable   to bring these subjects to llie notice of the Legislature, con-
can excuse hasty and unadvised legislation, oii a snbject so important to the public interesis. It is confidendy anticipated that this Legislaiure- will adopt a rule of practice more consistent wiih pru¬ dence, economy, and sound policy.
The intimate connection existing between the industry of thc citizen, and tho currency of his country, demands for ilint question iIytt scrioiig at¬ tention of the statesman and lawgiver. In autho¬ rizing Banking or other Institutions, to create a
gress, would evince an ignorance of their true in¬ terests, of the rights of justice and humaniiy, and an indifference tothe characler and dignity of iheir common country. Wliere these are implicated, it is an abandonment of duty to compromise. So fully were the views of the Executive expressed on the subject of the Tariff and the exiension of slavery, in a former message, that a reference to ihem here,.as- embracing his present sentiments Ihereon,. would appear to be suflicient.
The dissemination amon^tlMJ people of informa¬ tion affecting their peace and- prosperity, should
¦currency other tlmn gold and silver, it wonld bcjbe regarded as a measure of sound wisdom, and unfaithful to our trusts to permit them, for want ofi should be shackled by no unnecessary enactions, proper checks and guards to allow it tii become less: To givc to the citizens of one section of a comnwn valuable than the coin ic is intended" to represenl.Jcountry, a correct knowledge of the wants, ihe TllC views expressed in the last message in favor opinions, and gineral condition of the people of
responsibility for the well ordered condition of the Uideraiions of sound policy, the interesis of the Public Works, and the economy of expenses would citizens already heavily hardened wilh taxation — be secured; nnd the large discretionary powers and the general welfare of the Commonwealth, for- now vested in superintendents and supervisors, in bid an increase of the public debt, the adoption of plans and payment of money for The equalization and revision of the revenue repairs, would be placed in officers directly ac- haws;—the pioposed change in the management countable to the people. In relation to this 3ubjeci,| of the PubUc Worki, and their early improvement legislation should be clear and specific, as discre-] and completion;—witb a rigid maintenance of the tionary power over the money of the citizen must Sinking Fund, and the consequent reduction of lhe be deprecated by right thinking men. public debt, would, with tho present resources of
Tho method adopied in tlie management of theUi,e Treasury, produce in a few years a condition Public Works 13 evidently defeciive. Repairs on of financial prosperity, justifving the conviction of the canals and railroads are made m a way to pre- the speedy relief of our cilizens from the payment vent all competition. Were the several services 'f aU taxes for the support of Government, schools performed by contract, and awarded to the lowest'
bidder, giving thc required security, can there exist a doubi of favorable results to the public in¬ terests.
and charities.
The Easlern and Western Penitentiaries have been conducted with skill and prudence, and in the _.     _ - ,    . reformation, and security of offenders, society has
Tne State docs not derive an adequate share of, derived important advantages. It is however tJie profiis arising from the use of the ColumbiaUvorthy of serious consideration, whether in the Radroad. The construction of the road ;—its'adoption of a system of solitary confinement, the maintenance and supervision, and the supply of, severity of the punishment authorized bv law, does the Motive Power, involving great expense and; not injuriously affect the mental and physical vigor risk, demand from tlic profits of ihe road a Jargerjof the prisoner.
of the restriction of the number of tlic?c insiitiitioiis, to the reat business wanls of the pco[ile, :ind re¬ fusing arenewnlof Bank cliarler.s until a ihorougli ¦examinalion of their affairs had demonstrated their entire solvency, remain undiaiiged, TIiu tax on banking capital, exacted by the last Legislature ii: the granting of charters, and applied to the pay¬ ment of tbe public debt, hns resulted in securing to that object a sum exceeding one iiundred tiiousand -doiiars. Wliile iliis tax should not bc increased lo an exlent which wou-td cripple tlie resonrces of these institutions, the present amount cannot h considered an unfair equivalent for the privileges conferred, and should therefore continue to be im¬ posed as n legitimate source of revenue-
The laws intended to prevent tho circulation of notes of a less denomination than five dollars, are practically disregarded by the ciiizens. In a gov¬ ernment founded on popular opinion, experience would leach the impolicy of continuing in force statutory provisions which ara generally inopera tive. The violalion, wilh impunity, of Jaws how¬ ever unimportant, will lead to a disregard of others, indispensible to ihe security of society. It is, indeed, to be regretted that this circulaiion has not been prevented, as much evil bas been expe¬ rienced by the community from tho recepiion of this irresponsible paper. The amount incircivla- tion wiihin the State, supplied by insiiiutions- of adjoining States, is estimated at nol less than five millionsof dollars, and is valueless, except in lo calities near the Banks by which it is issued. To the extent of ibis circulation, the constitutional currency, and the notes of sound specie paying banks of the Commonwealth are displaced. The solvency of the institutions issuing this paper, can¬ not be known to the cilizens, and it passes from hand to hand the represeniaiive of a value it may ¦not possess, over which our laws cao have no •control.
In endeavoring to eradicate an acknowledged evil, the practical Statesmaa will frequently find a necessity for yielding to popuJar inclinaiion, and ¦will consult the welfare of hi& conslituents by striving to mitigate what cannot be removed^ If,, as is .alleged, the business operations of the com¬ munity require a circulating mcdiuin, oiher dian gold and silver, of a less denomination llian five dollars, a supply under the regulations and re¬ strictions of onr laws, would not hc open to the objections of the existing meihod. Were the Banks oftlie Commonwealth aulhorized lo establish agen¬ cies or branches in ono or more places, and per¬ mission given such branches to issue said notesj upon a staiement in detail by the parent insiiiu¬ tion being made tothe Auditor General, salisfac¬ tory lo the said officer, of llie entire solvency of thc said Bank ; exhibiiing its whole assets and Ua>-
oiher portions thereof, should be (he aim of all wise legislation on the subject. Nothing would Ild more strongly to dissipate scciional jealousies and dislikes, and to unite in sentiments of neigli- "oorly kindness, every part of this great confederacy. Intercourse, wheiher produced by the agency of Railroads,or of Telegraph ; by personal, or written communicaiions; isan agent to heal dissentious, and to foster social charities, more polent than national laws. To tax beyond tlie necesiiies oi governinent,.ihe intercourse of our citizens, creates a barrier to the dissemination of knowledge; and assists in estranging the affections of the different ponions of the Republic. In this view of the sub¬ jeci the Rates of Postage cbars:cd hy the National Governmenl, becomerj a question of deep impor- iance,and sound wisdom would dictate a reduction of present cliarges.
It cannoi fail to be perceived that the observa¬ tions m relation to poslage, as connected with national intercourse,, applies wiih equal force to improvements tn the mode nf travel belween re¬ mote sections ofthe country. Whatever facilitates free communication among the cilizens, strength¬ ens the unity of government. Whether from tlia character of the couniry and the naiure of its surface, it is practicabid to construct a great na¬ tional thoroughfare fronr the Mississippi to the Phciftc Ocean, has not been fully ascertained ; but it musl be evident,, that such an improvement would be of ineatimabie vaiue toevejy portion of the Union. In addition to the op[X)riunities it would afford ofan interchange of hospitalities be¬ tween the people of remote sections, it would not fail lo be loaded with a trade, as profilable to the country,a9 it would be important to different local¬ ities. To Pennaylvania, its benefits can scarcely be imagined. The improvements already made and those in progress in this Slate, conneciing wiih the Public Worka of olher Statea, will aoon form one unbroken chain of communicaiion from thu Atlantic lo the Mississippi. Were this gigantic work compleieil, no man can C3:imate the solid and social advantages wliich must ensue to every section of country uuiled therewith ; and in n > place would its salutary results be more effectual, than within our own borders- The subject is em¬ inently worthy the serious attention of the Legis¬ lature.
In a faithful adherence to the National Consti¬ tution, as thesame bas been expounded bythe Sages and Patriots of other day?, the people of Pfennsylv&nia rely for the perpetuation of their political, social and religious liberty. Although in its provisions may be found the acknowledge¬ ment of principles they do not approve, it is esteemed by them as the fundamental law of the country, and they reverence il as the consumma-
return than finds its way to the Treasury. An evil 50 detrimental to the public interests calls for a speedy remedy.
It is suggested that the Canal Commissioners should be required to invite proposals for furnish-
The frequent recommendations tothe Executive for the pardon of convicts afflicted wilh ill-health, and mental imbecility, would appear to require a modification of the penal laws
It is earnestly recommended that a small increase
In exhibiting the operaiions of the Treasury for tbe last fiscal year, tho sum of $130,000, bor¬ rowed on special loan for the avoidance of the Schuylkill Inclined Plane, and included in the ag¬ gregate ai the public debt in December, 1849, should be added to the above slated sum of $495,- 479 39.
The amount of receipts at the Trea¬ sury during the year ending Dec. 1, 1849, is The amountof expenditures during
the same period, is Balance in the Treasury on Dec. 1, 1848,
" <c « 1849,
Amount paid to Commissioners of the sinking fund to Jan. 1, 1850, $227,513.53, with which was pur¬ chased of the funded debt, and transferred to the Commonwealth, Difference between the indebied- neas of the State on the lsl Dec., 1848, and Dec. 1, 1849,
Total amount of publio debt paid during tbe year.
$4,433,688 65
4,084,771 80
577,290 39 926,207 24
r
I
253,500 00
267,965 86
I
$521,465 86
Amount received for tho year ending
December 1, 1849, $227,629 01
The estimated payments for tho same purpose, for the year ending Dec. I, 1850, are as follows: From collateral inheriiance,lax, $200,000 00
"    Interest on stocks purchaaed, 15,000 00
"    Premiums on charters, 40,000 00
"   Theatre, circus and menagerie
licenses, 3,000 00
"    Distillery and brewery licenaos,       1,500 00 Billiard and bowling saloons and
ten-pin alleys, 5,000 00
Ealing and oyster bouses and
restaurants, 15,000 00
Balance inTreas'ry after deduct¬ ing appropriations hereinbefore recommended, 91,500 00
$371,000 00
Tha opinion is confidently expressed that the estimated receipts above stated will he found to approximate the trutb, should an adherence lo the policy pursued by the laat Legislature, in relation to premiums on charters, and other financial mea¬ sures be authorized and continued. Should such bo the case, the above sum, at ihe present rales, would extinguish upwards of four hundred thous¬ and dollars of the funded debt, during the preaent fiscal year. The sources from which the sinking Estimates of receipts at the Treasury during thejfund is supplied muat neceaaarily increaae.    The
mg the Motive Power on the said road, stipulating of the annual appropriations he made to the House m detail the services to be performed; and ihc of Refuge, and the Asylums of the Deaf, Dumb, naiure nf the security to be given. The object; and Blind. These insiitations, long the deserved being to procure competition m the supply of thciobjects of State bounty, have been increasin-' in Motive Power, encouragement shouldbe given to usefulness, and incurring additional yearly expcn- individuals, willing to undertake the duty of run-Ues, while the annual sums bestowed have remain- ningone or morelocomotives onthe road, whether!ed the same. In the growth of population the belonging lo the Slate, or the individual bidder.! demands on these Asylums must be augmented. Should the locomotives belongmg tothe State, be'and their expenditures necessarily enlarged, and furnished to the bidders, the contract should stipu-| the same degree of liberality awarded on former late the terms on which they should be used. occasions, would claim the appropriation of larger
The transporiation of passengers should be done| amounts, by contract with the lowest bidder. In the agree-j !„ the prosecution of lhe work for the State Lu- meni, it would be necessary that the Canal Com- natic Asylum, the appropriation of a former year missioners should fix the kind of cars, and such i,as been exhausted, and a sum of like amount is other details as would secure the accommodation^ required for its completion. Under thc supervision of the passengers, and faithfully guard the public jof excellent and attentive trustees, the building has interest. rapidly advanced, and  is now under roof.    The
In the transmission of burden cars, an arrange-|structure is plain, substantial and beautiful; eligi- raent might well be made with their owners, by bly situated in regard to the comforts of the pa- which the Slate would receive instead of the pre-!tients, and susceptible of a finish, honorable to the sent tolls, a portion of the freight charges. The: Siuio, and useful to the community. The proba- conscquences would be advantageous to both par-,biifiy of its nbandonmeni hy the Legislature, or of ^'*^^' a refusal to gram the additional sum required for
_ These changes in the present system, -would, ijtg completion, cannot bc enteriained by tho Exec- it is believed, largely duninish tbe expenses of thejutive. Too long already has public charity heen Motive Power; would authorize a reduction in the j withheld from the Insane Poor of the State;—too rate of lolls; produce an increase of business upon|ion„ bave ihev been suffered to wander destimic the road    '¦¦•¦-• "  .   :      r.
year 1850:
From Lands,
Auction Commissions, "     Duties,
Tax on Bank Dividends, "   " Corporation Stocks, "   " Real and Personal Estate, "   ** Tavern Licenses, "   " Retailers' Licenses, «   " Podlar'» Licenses,
[tax on collateral inheniance,andon iheatre, circus
$20,000 00 ond menagerie licenses, prior to the act creating a
22,000 00 sinking fund, yielded to the  Treasury about the
50,000 00 sum of $45,000 annually.   By the provisions of
130,000 00 that act, these have been increased to the sums
160,000 00 above stated, and the oiher sources of revenue
1,330,000 00 have been created by recommendations heretofore
80,000 00 made to the Legislature.
160,000 00     With thesa means for tbe supply of the sinking 3,000 00 fond, tosetbfi with tach additioai at tba probsble
furnish with profitable labor many cit- izens now refused employment, by reason of the monopoly held by the Stale over the Motive Pow¬ er on the road; prevent the expenditure necessa¬ ry for the purchase of new locomotives; save to the State the immense sacrifices in the old engines; accommodate the travelling public by a lower rate of fare ; and would advance the public interesis by lessening the annual outlays, and increasing the income from the road more than $200,000.
Discriminations in the tolls on the Public Works, against portions of onr citizens, by means of a sysiem of drawbacks and maximum rates of tolls, are unjust and improper. Their labor nnd proper¬ ty, in common with others, were incumbered in the conslruction of the improvements ; their industry and wealth have for years assisted, and continue to assist to susiain them; and it is diSicult to per¬ ceive upon what principle of public policy, a Tariff of tolls is maintained, discriminating against their inlerests. The demands of trade cannot excuse a palpable wrong of this character, while a reduc tton of tolls on the whole line of improvements would produce an increase of business and secure the desired foreign trade.
The practice of contracting debts for repairs, and for tbe purchase of materials beyond appro¬ priations for theae purposes, should be prohibited by severe penalties. Nothing can be more destruc¬ tive of all accountability, or offer stronger induce
bilities,—designating the proportion of its capital; tion of wisdom and palriolism, devoted to the stock to be eraployed at the said agency or branch,! general welfare. When seclional interests and which in no case should exceed a graduated perjjealousies coniend for supremacy, and sectional centage of the said capital stock; and should de-|rights are to bc delermined; when questions be- posiie wilh the Auditor Geueral an amount ofltween Stales are controverted, and disregard of State Slocks equal to the amount of notes to be national laws is raanifested; in peace and war, issued; the Auditor General thereupon required in prosperity and adversity; in foreign or domestic to grant alicense losaid Bank to establish saidJifHenlties j lhe citizens of Pennsylvania tnrn with agency or branch, and to issue said notes, marked abiding eoufidenee tothe National Constitution, by the said officer as the issue of the said brandi Neither the thirst for power ;^ nor tho phrenzy of and redeemable at the counter of thc parent in-'party; nor the prostration of their peculiar inle- stituiion; a sound convertible currency would'rests; can shake their allegiance to the National soon displace ihc  present  irresponsible paper of Government, or raise wilh them the  trailer cry
foreign institutions,and would afford security lo thc citizen, wiihout a withdrawal of tlte neces:-ary circulation. Notes issued under the foregoing re¬ strictions, having their redemption secured in the manner herein pointed out, would necessarily re¬ ceive the confiderKJC of live people, from the fact that the storks pledged, would, under every con¬ dition of things, ensure their ovontnal piiyment. In times of commercial convulsions the specie might be drawn from the vaults of the Bank,— the ineans of stockholders might fail,—speculative value might be affixed to property;—and shrewd men, watching thc signs of thc times, could re¬ lease themselves from individual Itabifity;—but the slocks of lhe  Commonwealth woutd remain vahi-
of disunion. The aentiraents expressed, and the language uaed on tbe subject, by the Father of his Country, nre so appropriate lo the period in which we live, that I have deemed it proper to call your attention to the following brief extract from his farewell address :
" The unity of government which constitutes " you ono poopio, ia also dear to you. It Is juaily **60; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your " real independence ; the support of tranquility at "bome; your peace abroad; of your safety; of "your pro^sperity ; of that very liberty which you "so highly prize. But as itis easylo foresee, that, from different causea and from different quarlers, much pains will be taken, many arti-
ablc and available for  their certain redemption.:" fices employed, to  weaken in your minds thf Had the notes now in circulation from the banks of « conviction of this truth ; as this is the point oi
tbo Stale, a basis of this character, even to small proportion of thc capilal stock of these in¬ stitutions, the losses resulling from ii failure to pay their  liabilities  would   bc largely  diminished.—
'your political forlreas, against which the balie- " ries of internal and external enemies will be "mosl conslanlly and actively (though often cov- "ertly and inaiduously) directed ;—it is of infinite
and deserted; the jest of ibo ihoughllcss, and the viciims of the prolligatc; while humanity and chrisiian benevolence claimed for them public pro¬ tection. It is nol, however, proiection alone that is contemplated in ibis Asylum. The reports from different similar institutions afford the gratifying intelligence that eighty, and in some instances, ninety per cent, of the number afHicted, arc radi¬ cally cured. In this view of the subject, combin- shclier and protection, with restoration to health and reason, the inducements to energetic action on our part, cannot be overlooked. It is es¬ timated that an additional sum of $50,000 will fin¬ ish the building, and fit it for the reception of pa¬ tients, and the same is reapectfully and earnestly recommended.
Notwithstanding the revision, by the last Legis¬ lature, of the laws, in relation to common schools, the sysiem will require 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 operations. A serious defect, is the want of properly qualified teachers. It is worthy your consideration whether the establishment of Normal schools in the differeni counties would not remove tbis evil. Education may well be termed the great measure of the nge. In a Republican govemment it is the safeguard of liberty, and enlightened Btatenuen legardiiig it in tbis aspect, will cordially
These views are presenled to the Legislature for « moment that you should properly eslimate the im- the purposeof urging upon it the necessity of de-[«rnense value ofyour national unioii to your col- vising means to protect our citizens from the losses;" lective and individual happiness ; that you should incurred in the failure of Banking institutions, "cherish acordial,babiiual,and immovableattach- In any well digested system itwill afford rae plea- " ment to il, accuaioraing yourselves to think and sure to co-operaie, particularly in reference to the " speak of it as the palladium of yonr political
security of that portion of lhe currency enterin so largely iuto tke business of the producing and laboring classes of the community.
The general Manufacturing law of the lasl ses¬ sion cannot fail to be productive of decided ben¬ efit to the Stale and the people. Allhough the time which has elapsed since ils passage, has hacn insulficient to tost its advantages, lhe erec tion of large establishments in many places, which must soou afford employment to a considerable number of the citizens, warrants the belief that its salutary effects will be felt at no digtant day.
Hepresentations have been made to this depart¬ ment alleging that by the erection of a bridge over the Ohio river, at or near Wheeling, Va., great obstructon to the navigation of that highway bas been produced. In times of high water in the river, the largest class of steamhoats are unable to pass under the bridge, and serious injury to the commerce of the weatern part of the State, muat reault from tbis nuiaance. Connecied as is tbe Ohio, wllh tho line of Internal Improvementa through Pennsylvania,and furniahing toourcanals and railroads, a large amount of merchandize for the Atlantic market, an obstruction of this nature will have a direct tendency to diminisb the trade on our Publio Works ; lo affect tha Easlern mar¬ ket ; and materially to decreaBa the revenue of lhe 'State.   Reiulti of a ofaaraoter lo important ihoald
safety and progperiiy ; watching for its preser- " vaiion with jealous anxiety, discounlenancinj " whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it ** can, in any event, bo abandoned; and indig- " nantly frowning upon the first dawning of every "attempt to alienate any portion of our country "from the rest, or to enfeeble ibe sacred ties " which now Hnk togelher the various parts."
Genllemen, in tbe performance of a constitu¬ tional obligation, the measures deemed necessary for your consideration ,have been stated aa concisely as their importance and nature would permit.
To the representatives of tho people attaches the duty of enacting sucb laws as the welfare of our constituents may require, and to their care and deliberate action are cheerfully confided the safely, honor, and prosperily of the Common¬ weaUh. WM. F. JOHNSTON.
ExECL'TIVE   CUAMBEK, \
850.    \
Harrisburg, January 1, 1850.
WASHINGTON HOUSE,
Vy'HAl
TMs oil
OBNEB of Market Street and Market Square,
HAKKISBORGiPA.
Isold eaiabiished Hntel has undergoDQ a thorough re¬ painting, papering, &c., during the last season, and is now the most ilesirable stopping place at the Capital. Members ofthe Legislature, and oihers visiiios Harrisburg ara Invitad tocall. Lar^a slabliag aiiached to the Hcuse. Z3- Chanea modarau. W. T. SINOEBS, Atanl,