Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1846-01-15


tures, hnd their way to markets through other
cher channels of communication and by far the
reatest amount of coal is transported upon
ompany improvements.
BY the statement referred to it appears that
e6,23I tons OF iron IN Its various forms, passed
over the canals and railways of the State during
the season. How much found its way to market
upon our rivers and company works, | have no
means of ascert1ining with accuracy; but most
probably an amount equal to that which was
carried on the State improvements
From the best information have been enabled
to obtain, not less than two millions of tons of
Anthracite cod were taken out of the mines and
carried to market during The last year, the greater
portion of which was sent to the Eastern and
nelghbormg States, being an increase of about
20 per cent. over the operations of the preceding
year, and 1t Is believed that the trade in this ar
Icle VIII increase IN even greater ratio the
present year. OF the BltuminouS coal, very
large amount was also mined and sent to market.
1t is estimated that not less than thirteen million
bushels were consumed at Pittsburg and IN It's
vicinity, and about SIX millions OF bushels were
transported from that point down the Ono river
advert with great satisfaction to the growing
confidence Of the people III the success and man.
agement of our State Improvements, which has
baen secured by the vigilance and economy OF
the Canal Commissioners
The importance of these works, as contrlbu-
lion to the National defence, and their value to
the citizens of other States, as well as our own
cannot be too highly appreciated. They are now
yielding a considerable portion Of the revenue to
meet the claims upon the Treasury. The seclr-
ly OF the public creditors and the faith and hon
or OF the State are most intimately connected
with their productueness They, therefore, de-
mand the special care and vigilance of the Le-
Saf.a htT hsah
yielding, may be secured and advanced with the
increasing business of the country.
In tins connection, there are few objects of ma
tlonai concern, in which Pennsylvania has a
deeper interest. than IN the appropriation for re-
moving tie distractions to the navigation OF the
OHIO river, to the city of Pittsburg, which is a
port of commercial entry. The claims upon
Congress, to expedite the completion of this
work, long since commenced as one of national
Interest, derive great force from the communica-
ton 1t would facilitate between the Western and
South Western states on the one hand and those
of the Atlantic on the other, by means of public
improvements
The Legislative enactments of the last few
years, have introduced numerous improvements
IN the system of levying and collecting the reve-
nues of the State, and have guarded their expen-
diture with more care than formerly. / have
every reason TO believe, that these laws are
strictly and honestly administered by the Ac-
countant and Treasury Departments, and that the
influence of their authority and example, has had
a salutary effect upon all the public agents.
Much, however, remains to be done, to perfect
our system of taxation. Complaints are made,
that several Of the taxes now levied are rendered
unproductlve, as well as oppressive, by imperfec-
tions In their assessments. Personal estates that
should bear a share of the public burthens, es-
49, 81, e
between the ostensbie and the beneficial own
erz The property of many corporations, is ex-
empted from taxation by special laws while that
of others Of the same classes, and equally merit
nrous remains bound. Securities for the pay
ment Of money, are by the words of the law,
made taxable, which are, In fact, the mere evi-
Hence of passing transactions, and can, In no de-
gree, be regarded as even temporary investments
of those In. whose hands they are found. The
simple exhibit, by the citizen, of his personal es-
tate, made without any other sanction, is substi-
tuted, generally, for less equivocal mode Of as
certalnIng Its amount and character.
1t should not be forgotten, that the tax which
one citizen eudes or is legally relieved from, is
distributed among the rest and forms an addition
TO their burthens. Justice to the taxpayers re-
quires that this should not be suffered The whole
Subject, however, is one peculiarly within your
province, and | commend it to your prompt and Sc
r3ous consideration.
The report of the Adjutant General, exhibits
the condition of the Militia and Volunteers, and
of the Arsenals and military property of the COM
monwealth. 1t contains, also, Judlcous suggest
ions in regard to the of the public property,
and the improvement of the Militia system.
As the nations of the world have not united in
providing by paramount law for the peaceful ad-
justnent of disputes between separate govern
nlents military organization Is essential to repe
aggression and maintain the rights of the repub-
lie. In nation of freemen, capable of self gov
ernrnent, well organized militia lis adequate for
these purposes in all ordinary contingencies
Every man feels the conscious dignity of being a
part of the national sovereignty and the proud
duty of defending his own rights, and the rights
of all
Various opinions are entertained, as to the best
organization ofthe militia, and cannot hope that
discussion of them here will lead to any profit
able result Our Volunteers, whose time and
talents have been largely given to the acquisition
Of military knowledge, present formidable force,
which may compare adyantageousy, with that
of any other State. Their conduct and discipline,
nave secured the public confidence, and they
merit such well devised Legislation, as will secure
their continued efficiency and increasing num-
bers
The invaluable benefits of our system of Com
mon School instruction, are extending themselves
throughout the whole Commonwealth, strength
ching. improving and elevating mind and prepar-