The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1841-01-16


Grafton.
Performing, as Pennsylvania has always
done in au exemplary manner; hei duties
as member OF the great federal union, Of
which she has not inap,ly been denomnated
the tKeystone," we must never forget, the
duties which we, as her immediate func-
tionaries, owe to her own interests, and the
necessity of advancing and sustaining them
| as far as can be dope. without interfering
with her duties TO the General Government.
On the part Of the Legislature; nothing Is
| wanted but careful supervision ef her va
rious nieresis,lo place this Commonwealth
| on firm basis of pecuriary independence.
Whatever course other states may think
proper to pursue, let it be the patriotic duty
of Pennsylvania 10 sustain and cherish eye-
ry effort 10 develepe her resources, and TO
advance her glory and her renown. Vindi-
cate her character for integrity all
her engagements NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. her
| resources with econmy but not with false
and mistaken spirit Of parsimonious liberal
| ity--and the fair fame Of Pennsylvania will
stand before the world without spot or blem-
ish 10 tarnish it. To maintain this fame
unsulied, should be the first and most un-
yielding duty of every citizen honored with
any station, in which he becomes its official
guardian. should deem myself unworthy
of the Office, with which the people l.sve
| clothed me, proved rscrsant TO this high
trust.
By judicious sys.em of laws, cores
ponding with the habits and wants of our
people, fostering and encouraging enter
prizs and industry, and enabling our cti-
zens 10 reap the full reward of their labor
and perseverance, I'VE shall fulfill the expec-
| tatons of our constituents, ,and be the means
under Divine Provi lence, Of perpetuating
the blessings which have been SO signally
shewered upon us by the Author of al
Good.
The experience Of many years fortifes
mo in tAe belief, TIA, our greatest error in
legislation, is thadof legslating too much.
Our Legislatures have been holding one
extra session after another, and that too in
times Of profound peace, ,and when the calls
of patriotism are imperiously made in eve
ry public functionary to diminish, as far as
| in him lies, the pec,niary burthen under
| which the state has been laboring. The
consequence has been, an unparalleled in
| crease in the legislative expenses over al
| other departments of the government.
can recommend no more certain and effec-
tual retrenchment in this matter, than short
sessions; still let the conduct OF every de-
partment of the government be thoroughly
scrutinized, and let no important interest of
the people be neglected.
The baneful practice Of converting the
halls Of legislation into an arena for the
display of political gladiators, which has toe
long characterized the halls Of cur national
legislature, is a lamsntable departure from
the course pursued by the band Of patriots
who composed "he first congress-" and
whose example, l hope, for the honor ol
our common coun.ry, has not yet been
wholly forgotten by their successors. The
pernieious tendency Of this practice Of The
national legislature, will not, trust, be ex.
tended to tho legislatures of their respective
stetes; and am sure, need scarcely add, j
have no apprehensions of its reaching the
legislature of this commonwealth. Nc
public funclionary who weuld yield te its
inAueuce need expect TO retain the conf
dence and respec! of the people of Pennsyl
yania.
In conclusion, shall beg leave 10 refel
you to the views on several subjects con
tanned in nv last annual message. Tha
message being the first which, had tn.
honor to communicate at the commence
ment ofa session Of the Legislature, wen
mere into detail on the various topics dis
cussed in it, then suppose would be agail
necessary, with view to an expression O
opinion on them, as well for that occasion
I as for future reference. therefore refer yo
I TO it for my recommendations on the sub
, jects OF reform of,he Banking system sc
a the importance of connecting and com
t plelng at the earliest day practicable. tn
t disconnected part of our disjonied and un
: finished system of internal improvements
S the making Of prompt and ample provis
g ion for keeping the public improvements i
o repair,-the necessity OF preserving unn
/ paired the credit Of the Commonwealth an
o promptly meeting all her pecuniary cngag,
s ments,-the necessary care and caution t
# be exercised in creating renewing, and ST
o pervislng corporations, the subject of &c
1t ucaion, and as connected with it, that
/ procuring competent teachers and scho,
" books, the subject Of the increase of wr
of error and appeals in the Supreme Cour
= and reporting the decisions of that COURT
r. the militia system, the encouragement
1 4 IL. 4