The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1839-06-22

On Monday, the 10th inst, the secretary
ofihe commonwealth presented 10 the le-
gislature, the following from the Governor,
upon the subject of appropriations to the
main lines of the public Improvements, and
the repairs Of those lines now in use, which
was read as folows:-
GOVERNORS MESSAGE,
To the Senate and House of Representa-
tiUes ofthe Commonwealth Of PennSyi-
Udnid.
GENTLEMEN:-The deep stake which the
commonwealth has in the speedy compile
;ion, and constant usefulness of our internal
improvements, renders it my duty to in
woke the Legislature now about approaching
the close of its session, to make some ade-
quate provision by law TO secure these OBJ
jects.
In the message that communicated 10
you on the 26th of January, explained at
some length the general views | entertained
in respect to the importance Of finishing the
main lines of Improvements, and those trib-
utaries leaning directly into them. Those
views remain, not only unchanged, but have
been strengthened by reflection and expert
ence. am satisfied that enlightened poll
cy and sound economy call alike for early
and efficient appropriations to complete
these works.
But the chief object of this communica-
tion, is to urge upon your attention the
pressing necessity of Immediately provid-
ing a sufficient fund for repairs. The mo-
ney in the treasury applicable to the pay
ment Of repairs is not only entirely exhaust
ed, but demands exceeding the amount of
two thousand dollars, have been made at
the treasury which there are no funds appro-
priaied by law 10 meet. 1t must therefore
be manifest, that without speedy appro.
pration, the continuance of operations on
our public Improvements, is extremely pre-
carious. The tolls derived from our canals
and rail roads, are all pledged 10 pay the
interest on the public debt incurred in their
construction. Not one dollar of the income
arising from them can be applied to repairs;
and unless funds be provided by the legis-
lature, the use of the public improvements,
throughout the remainder Of this year, must
depend upon chance or a violation of the
law. Should bridges, acqueducts or dams
get out of order, or be carried away, the
treasury is without means 10 repair them.
The constitution prudently and wisely for
bids that " money shall be drawn from the
treasury, but in consequence Of appropra- |
tions made by law"-and l know of no
mode of obtaining the requisite means, I'M
less it be by re-assembling the legislature, or
by trampling this stern injunction of the |
constitution under foot. To both of these |
expedients there are strong objections, and |
trust the legislature would feel as repug- |
nant to the adoption of either, as | do N.Y.
self
l will not undertake to fix upon the a.
mount needed for repairs prior to the meet
ing of the next legislature on the first Tues
day of January, 1910. The current dila-
pidations Of time, accident and use are to
be provided for as well as preparations to
be made for numerous repairs during the |
coming spring. Much is lost both in time
and expense by postponing the day of pre-
paratiOn until it is too late. From the re-
ports of the canal commissioners, their en-
gineers,your committees, and other sources, |
you can readily determine this question, |
"i'N oSSVih'loHatC y OuI dPpluPildtlOil 10 the |
public wants, and the public expectation.
| have already observed that the tolls on |
our public Improvements are all pledged TO
the payment Of the interest on our public
debt 1t should not be forgotten that by
failing TO keep these improvements in
state OF efficient repair, this interest fund is
jeoparded-the credit of the state NAV be
seriously a1ected--and the future value of
our Improvements themselves be deeply
impaired. For If, through the inadequacy
81 means 10 repair qS,lr SlrE public works, they
should cease to be capable Of doing tie ou.
siness of the public, it must inevitably
happen that much Of the business upon
them would pass off into other channels.
never to be regained. This would be result
which no true Pennsylvania could contem-
plate without feelings of the deepest morti.
fcation and regret. am certain it is a re-
suit which no patriot will contribute to pro-
duce.
If any thing could add to the regret it
would occasion, it would be the striking
fact that we are in the midst of peace. pros.
Perity and advancing glory, without even
shadow to obscure the bright path before