Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1841-01-15


or the other, or all of the banks in which she is
interested. The State owns the following
amount of stock in each of the banks named,
viz: the Bank of Pennsylvania $3.50 shares,
Philadelphia Bank 5233 shares, Farmers and
Mechanics Bank l708 shares The stock
would most probably command ready sale,
and do most sincerely hope that not day will
be lost before this possible blot on the faith and
honor Of the State is effectualy guarded against
by the prompt action of the Legislature.
In my last annual message, the question was
distinctly presented to the Legislature whether
the works then in progress should be prosecu-
ted to immediate completion or not, and the
question was by them determined in the affirm
ative, and the sum of 100000 appropriated to
each of what has usually been denominated the
main lines; and the works being SO far progress
ed in as to warrant the expectation of their be-
ing completed in another year, all will now con-
cur in the opinion, | presume, that provision
should be Immediately made for the completion
of the unfinished works as soon as possible.
A judicious and immediate appropriation,
promptly made in anticipation oe the usual ap-
preparation bill, specifically for the works un-
der contraction the completion of the reser-
voirs, at each end ofthe Portage Railroad-and
for ordinary repairs, is imperiously called for,
and will enable the contractors to complete the
whole, and have them ready for use by the
opening of the navigation in the spring of S42.
The vast importance Of the immediate compile
ton of the main lines, as well to the citizens
Immediately interested in them, as to the fiscal
interests of the Commonwealth, cannot be too
strongly pressed upon your attention. They
will complete a communication between the
greatlakes and our commercialmetropolis They
will also, by proper arrangement with the au-
thorities of New York. connect our improve
ments with those of that great Commonwealth,
thus affording an opportunity of exchanging the
products of the two States and strengthening
the bonds of our national union. They will al
so add largely to the revenue on the works now
in use.
Whatever differences of opinion may have
existed as to the policy of commencing the Erie
Extension and North Branch Canals, there
ought to be none now as to their speedy compile
ton. They are nearly finished, comparative
ly small sum is necessary to complete them,
and the policy of continued and protracted
delay in completing works which the state is
pledged to accomplish until the first work done
upon them has become useless from decay, has
proved disastrous and ruinous on many occa-
sions.
The course heretofore usual, of neglecting to
appropriate sufficient sum for repairs, and that
early in the session, has been seriously detrl-
mental to the interests of the Commonwealth
At the last session, the Commissioners stated
that the lowest estimate for repairs required
100000, and the Legislature appropriated
$500,000, great portion of which was absorb
ed by debts then DUE The result has shown
that the Commissioners were right. The fund
has long since been exhausted. The necessa-
ry repairs have not been completed Those
who have been engaged at them are unpaid,
and the Supervisors are without funds to lay in
the necessary material for repairs. The re-
pairs on the lines of Canals in use should ordi-
narily be made in winter, when they would not
interrupt the use of the Canals; and it has usu-
ally happened that before the arrival of winter
the officers have no means at their command,
and no appropriation bill is passed until late in
the session. The whole system of repairs, in
consequence of the uncertainty of the time OF
paying the workmen, and those who furnish
materials, cost the Commonwealth much more
than it would do, were the means of payment
ample, certain, and promptly applied.
The Beaver division of the Pennsylvania
Canal is already connected with the public inn
provements of Ohio by the Pennsylvania and
Ohio canal, work which has been completed
by individual enterprise, aided by public appro-
priations from both States, and bids fair to be a
valuable tributary to our public Improvements,
and profitable investment for the stockholders
1t has been accomplished at less cost than
any other work of the kind which have visit
ed, and is monument of the wisdom of its pro.
jectors and of the skill, prudence, and economy
of those charged with its construction.
l respectfully recommend to the Legislature
the enactment of law authorizing the Cana
Commissioners to treat with the authorities o
the state of New York for such connection o.
our internal improvements with theirs, as viii
! best promote the interest of the two Common
wealths The law should limit the terms and
conditions, and define the power and authorl
ties of the Commissioners in such manner as
on due consideration shall be deemed proper
The interest of the Commonwealth would al
SO be advanced by cntrusting the same boare
with the power selling, or leasing, water pow