Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1848-01-13


their valor or their utility! They are behind
The tmes--they belong TO an age that IS past
lie time was, in other countries, where all tne
,rhis of the people were usurped by desPoic
governments, when grant by the king TO por-
ilon of his sucjects, of corporate privileges, 10
carry on trade or for municipal purposes, was
partial acknowledgements and made the means
of resumiap some of their civil rights. Then
and there. Corporations had merits, and were
cherished by the friends OF liberty. But, In this
age and country, under our Tree system, where
the people are sovereign to grant special prvi-
loyes. il is an inversion of the order of things.
IL is not 10 restore, but to take away from the
people, their common rights and give them TO
a few. 1t is to go back to the dark ages for
instruction in the science of government, and
having found an axample, TO wrest it from It's
original purpose, and to make it the instrument
Of restoring the inequality of despoi!sm, Which
lis introduction tended to correct.
The fallacy that, where large investments are
REQUIRED to carry on a profitable business, land
corporators do not associate for that which is
unpro6tabe,) individual means are inadequate,
is everywhere refuted in this happy country
Furlher, by cherishipg any particular ousi-
ness. and surrounding il with special PRIV
l;eces. the natural law, which secures TO every
branch of business its appropriate encourage
meut and reward, is violated Under this law,
SO kindly provided by Him who rules all things,
every Individual man, untrammelled by the cur
seq of bad government, guided 10y his moral and
Intellectual powers ane hid religious principles
advances his own happiness and improves his
won condition and, thus, the happiness and
prosperity of all are promoted Every effort to
modify or subvert this sovereign law, by pla-
cling classes professions or calings beyond It's
control, has hitherto, and ever will, like every
other tyansgression, be destructive OF good. IL
our free institutions are rightif it is right that
all men should be held equal--if this is the law
Of our nature, enstamped by Him who made u.s.
then every human law which impairs this equal
nv. is radically and instrnsically wrong.
The Report of the Canal Commissioners will
furnish information, in detail, in regard to the
public works Notwithstanding the Interrupt
Mons of business experienced during the year,
the gratifying result is presented, of Urge in
crease of tolls over any preceding year. The
increased and increasing value OF these great
works, render them an object worthy oil pecull-
ar care and protection; and must, forever, ne
gative the idea of the State surrenderlng the
control over them, to corporation.
The Pennsylvania railroad company have
commenced the construction OF their road, be-
tween this place and the city of Pittsburg, under
very favorable auspices. The Eastern division
is now under contract as far as Lewstown, and
it is expected the remaining portion OF 1t, as far
as HolidaYsburg, will be put under contract du-
ling the ensuing Spring. The completion OF
this great public work; even to Hollldaysburg,
win augment the trade and travel upon the Phil
adelphia and Columbia road. This prospective
increase Of business urges the necessity OF con-
siderng the best means Of avoiding the inclined
plane. al the Schuykll.
AS the Philadelphia and Columbia railroad, is
1,,,lz lap maj IN
of our public improvements, as well as the North
and West branch canals, with the commercial
metropolis of the State, and upon the control
and management OF which the value OF our ca
nails mainly depend everything which relates TO
il, is of the highest concern TO the interest OF
the Commonwealth In adopting measures to
change It's route, SO as to reach the city without
passing the inclined plane, the greatest circum-
spection and care should be observed, to secure
the best location practicable, and TO protect the
State against exorbitant claims fGr damages
No change Of location should oe' sanctioned,
until the whole question is carefully examined,
by one or more of the most competent engin-
eers, who are entirely free from all interest in
The decision. Under no circumstances, should
any plan or arrangement be entertained, by
which the State would, for single moment, be
deprived of the ownership aud entire control Of
he road.
The reports of the Auditor General, and State
treasurer, present in detail the financial opera
IONS Of the year; and | take pleasure in saying,
that the industry, ability, and fidelity, with which
these departments have been administered, are
deserving of the highest commentator.
The Commonwealth has heretofore sustained
many losses, By the delay Of the settlement of
accounts, and the omission TO enforce the pay
ment of the balances found due, when settled.
Within the last few years, many old accounts
have been finally settled, and suits brought and
prosecuted to judgment and execution, for bal
ances OF long standing, embracing the terms of
several administrations. This has, in manv in.
stances, produced cases of extreme hardship
upon bail, some Of whow have been compelled
TO paw the balances found due, with the accum-
uated interest, after the insolvency of their prin-
cipals and cosmetics
| am gratifed in being able to say, that the
business imposed udon the accounting officers,
by special act of assembly in collecting these
old debts aas not only been faithfully performed,
but that the current business has been prompt
ly attended to, and kept up. To enable the Au-
ditor General, however, to continue to do full
justice TO the interests Of the State, and all
cerned in the prompt settlement Of accounts,
liberal provision should be. made to pay addi-
tional clerk hire.
While on this SUBJECT, would respectfully
invite attention to the organization of the offices