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


to me to be irresistible and /, therefore, re-
commend the passage OF law, securing to mar
ried women their right of dover, in all cases
where the estates of their husbands are trans
ferred after the passage of an act, witoout the
formal consent.
In the annual message to the Legislature, at
the last session, and in several messages con-
tanning objections to bills for dissoving marriage
contracts, have expressed my opinions upon
the subject OF granting legislative divorces
These opinions have been strengthened by fur
ther reflection, and | shall adhere to them.
The great purposes for which the law making
power was established in the Commonwealth,
have been accomplished. General laws have
been enacted, and have received the appreciation
Of the people, for securing the enjoyment Of lille,
the liberty, and reputation of the citizens, and
for protecting them in the acquisition, posses
sion, and transmission of property. aid IN the
pursuit OF their own happiness. The tounda-
tions of good government being thus laid, the
time of the General Assembly, at its annual
sessions, is more occupied in providing for the
contingencies that arise in the progress of our
affairs, than in changing the organic laws, as Is
attested by reference to the annual enactments
Of the Legislature. For some years past, but
few general, while large number of local laws,
have been enacted. The tendency seems to SUBJ
tce which may well be regarded as of doubtful
utility-and it presents question, which, In
my opinion, deserves grave consideration
General laws, affecting the whole community,
receive, in their discussion, the deliberate con-
sideration of all the Representatives of the peo-
pie. That which interests all, arrests the atten-
ton, and secures the care and close investiga-
ton of all Hence, general laws have impress
ed upon them, the wisdom, the experience, and
the judgment, OF every member of the Legisa-
ture. Having received this deliberate sanction.
they usually meet with the appreciation OF the
people and become permanent rules of action
This reasonable practice, limits and simplihes
the questions submitted for legislative discus
sion, is calculated TO shorten the sessions, re-
duce the expenses of government, and give dig
nifty and Importance to the proceedings of the
General Assembly.
On the ether hand, local legislation cxcites
no interest. A few members, only, who repre-
sent the county, township or borough, in which
the change ofthe law is proposed, are concerned
in arranging the provisions, and being too often
passed upon their request, those special acts
are sent forth, with all the imperfectons, which
the wisdom and deliberate care of the whole
body. if they had beeu generallaws, would have
corrected. The direct tendency of this prac-
tice is to multiply the demand for local laws-a
demand which has increased from year to year
to an alarming extent, which no industry OF the
General Assembly will he able, within the limits
of an ordinary session, TO satisfy, if the practice
is continued Is it not mpracticable, in great
State like Pennsylvania, to.provide special acts
to meet all the different and changing views of
the citizens of every borough, township and
county and if this were pracfio able, would not
the policy of establishing an infinite variety of
different rules for the same people, be exceed
ingly questionable, and introduce great confu-
sion and uncertainty Weuld il not defeat one
great and beneficial object Of sound legislation,
which is permanency ofthe laws Is there not
true wisdom end sound policy in preserving and
Strengthening the unity of the Commonw ealth,
and in maintaining uniform interests, customs
and habits 1t is true, there are shades of diff
ferences in the condition and local circumstan-
ces of the citizens of seperate districts of the
State but, in an advancing and improving
country, where intercourse is so direct, and the
social relations of life are SO generally diffused
these will gradually and certainly disappear
under the influence of general laws. We are
one people, without reference to our ancestry,
or the place of our birth. We are all Pennsyl-
vanians--we have the same constitution of gov
ernment--the same common rights-then why
should we not have the same common lawl
In conclusion, permit me to assure you, gen.
tlemen, that | shall most heartily cooperate
with you in all your efforts to advance our be-
loved Commonwealth, and to promote the vel
fare of the people.
FRS. R. SKUNK.
Eaecufire Chamber,
L 10 4