The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-01-20

have guarded their expenditure with more
care than formerly. have every reason
TO believe, that these laws are strictly ana
honestly administered by the accountant
and Treasury Departments, and ina1 'ne
influence of their authority and example
has had salutary effect upon all the pup
Iic agents. Much however, remains 10
! be done to perfect our system OF taxanon.
Con,nlaints are made, that several of the
tavas now levied are rendered unproduct-
i've. as well as oppressive, by imperfec-
/ tjons in their assessments. Personal es-
tates. that should bear share of the pub
lie burthens, escape altogether, by the in
terposition of trust, between the osten-
sible and the beneficial owners. The
property Of many corporations is exempt
ed from taxation by special laws, while
that of others of the same clases, and e.
qually meritorious, remains bound. Sc
curities for the payment of money, are by
the words of the law, made taxable,
which are in fact, the mere evidence OF
passing transactions, and can, III no degree
be regarded as even temporary invest
ments Of the property of those In whose
hands they are found. The simple ex-
hibit, by the citizen, Of his personal estate
made without any other sanction, Is sub
stituted, generally for a less equivocal
mode Of ascertaining its amount and char
acter. 1t should not be forgotten, that
the tax which one citizen elndes, 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 sufl'ered.-
The whole subject, however, is one Pc
culiary within your province, and | com
mend il TO your prompt and serious con-
sideration.-
The report of the Adjutant General.
exhibits the condition Of the militia and
volunteers, and of the arsenals and militia
ry property of the Commonwealth. 1t
contains, also, judicious suggestions, in
regard 10 the care of the public property,
and the improvement Of the militia sys-
tenn.
As the nations Of the world have not
united in providing, by paramount law,
for the peaceful adjustment of disputes
between seperate sovereignties, military
organization is essential to repel aggres-
sion and maintain the rights of the repub-
lie. In nation of ireemen, capable of
self government, a well organized militia
is adequate for these Purposes, in all or
dinary contingencies. Every man feels
the conscious dignity Of being 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 profitable result
Our volunteers, whose time and talents
have been largely given to the acquisi-
ton of military knowledge, present
formidable force, which may compare,
advantageously, with that OF any other
State. Their conduct and discipline,
have secured the public confidence, and |
they merit such well devised legislation,
as viii secure their continued efficiency
and increasing numbers.
The incalculable benefits of our sys-
TEN of Common Sshool instruction, are
extending themselves throughout the
whole Commonwealth, strengthening, |
improving, and elevating mind, and pre-
pairing the generation which is to succeed !
Us, for usefulness and just appreciations |
Of duty. In country districts, where the
population is scattered, and large por-
ton of the children find active employ
ment for near half the year, the system
cannot reach ALI the ends that are accom- |
plised in cities and towns. But the signal |
and extensive advantages resulting from /
it, throughout the State, as shown in the |
comprehensive report Of the Superin-
tendent of Common Schools, give assu-
rance, thlt Pennsylvania has laid the
broad and deep foundation for the perpe-
tuity of her institutions, by securing a
sound, intellectual and moral education.
for all her children.
have lately, with the Superintendent
of the Public Schools, visited the city Of |
Philadelphia. There is much for the
good man to admire, in the variety, CON-
prehensiveness, and beautiful arrangement |
of her benevolent and charitable institu-
tons, and to warm his gratitude towards
the men who founded, and who now di-
srect them. But, there is amoral grandeur
presented to the patriot, in her public
schools, that surpasses them all. By the |
former, which cannot be commended too |
strongly to the continued favour and fos-
tering care of the Legislature, comfort and
instruction are provided for few, who !
are excepted from the mass by special
misfortune. But the latter are aSblessing
to all; they provide for improving and
elevating the whole body of the people,
and for qualifying every child in its on
ward way to maturity, by sound mental
and moral instruction. for filling up its