Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1850-01-10

speedy reliei Oh our cltlZenS from the payment OF
all taxes for the support government, schools and
charities.
The Eastern and Western PenitentiarIes have
been conducted with skill and prudence and in the
reformation, and security of offenders society has
derived important advantages. 1t is, however,
worthy of serious consideration, whsther in the
adoption of system of solitary confinement, the
severity of the punishment authorized by law, does
not injuriously affect the mental and physical vgor
of the prisoner.
The frequent recommendations to the Execu--
iiye for the pardon of convcts afflicted with ill
health and mental imbecilty, would appear to:re-s
quire modification OF the present laws.
II is earnestly recommended that small ins
crease OF the annual appropriations be made to the
House of Refuge, and the Asylums of the Deaf,
Dumb and Blind These institutions, long the
deserved objects of State bounty, have been in
creasing in usefulness. and incurring additional
yearly expenses, while the annual sums bestowed
have remained the same. In the growth of popu-
lation the demands on these Asylums must be aug
mented, and their expenditures necessarily en-
iargeo, and the same degree OF liberallty awarded
on former occasions, would claim the appropria-
tlon of larger amounts @
In the prosecution Of the work for the State Lu-
natic Asylum, the appropriation of former year
has been exhausted, and sum of like amount is
required for It's completion Under the supervi-
sion Of excellent and attentive trustees the build.
Ing mas rapidly advanced, ana is now under roof,
The structure is plain, substantial and beautiful:
eligibly situated in regard to the comforts of the
patients, aud susceptible of finish honorable to
the State, and useful TO the community. The prob-
ability of its abandonment by the Legislature, or
of refusal 10 grant the additional sum required
for its completion, cannot be entertained by the
Executive. Too long already has public charity
been withheld from the Insane Poor of the State
too long have they been sufferedto wander desti-
int daSortad--fho ioctO Oft the thouuhtleoS and
the victims Of the profigate while humanity and
christian beneyolence claimed for them public
protection. 1t is not how ever. protection alone
that is contemplated IN this Asyl ylum. The reports
from different similar institutions afford the grati-
flying intelligence that eighty and in some instan-
ces, ninety per cent, Of the number afflicted, are
radically cured. In this view Of the subject COM
binng shelter and projection, with restoration TO
health and reason, the inducements TO energetic
action on our part, cannot be overlooked 1t is
estimated that additional sum Of $4,000 will
finish the building, and fit it for the reception of
patients, and the same is respectfully and earnest
ly recommended.
Notwithstanding the revision. by the last Legs-
lature, of the laws, in relation TO common schools,
the system will require modification. 1t does not
receive from the citizens the favor, that sound
and enlightened scheme of education deserves,
and the evil must exist in the laws which control
its practical operations. serious defect, is the
want of properly qualified teachers. 1t is worthy
your consideration whether the establishment of
Normal schools in the different counties, would
not remove this evil Education may well be
termed the great measure of the age: In Re-
publican government, it is the safeguard of liberty,
and enlightened statesmen regarding it in this as
pect, will cordially cooperate establish TO de-
fend, to cherish. and to maintain it, The Super
intendent having bestowed much thought the
subject, will, at an early day, submit report. to
which your attention is invited.
The militia law of the last session is imperfect
in many Of its details, and inquiries revision. In
the abolition of the mockerY of parades incident TO
the old system, and the establishment of an etfec-
tual uniformed militia, well disciplined and drilled,
it has been productive of general utility. Slight
notifications in its provisions will make it all that
can be desired. The report of the Adjutant Gen
era is well worthy your consideration, and is ac
cordingly submitted.
Reports from the Surveyor General and Auditor
General, exhibiting the condition of their resPec-
tive departments, are herewith transmitted to the
Legislature, and the latter will furnish in detail
much valuable information in relation to the inan-
cial condition of the Commonwealth.
The duty of distrctng the State fot the election
of Representatives, will devolve upon you. Re-
turns of taxables, required to be made by the diff
ferent countless have not been transmitted, as by
law they were directed but the officers charged
with the duties under the law, engaged IN their
and they will be laid, early day,
before the Legislature.
BY resolutions passed at the las; session, the
Executive was required 10 transmit to certain Of
icers, citizens natives of the State, resolutions
expressive of the appreciation Of the Legislature,
for their distinguished services in the late with
Mexico In performing this duty, these resolu-
tions were transmitted to such of these officers.
as, by the report of the Adjutant General of the
United States, had been breveed for good conduct.
The resolutions for the amendment of the Con-
slitution, having been duly published according
to the terms OF that instrumen Mt, it will be the duty
Of the Legislature to take such action on the sub
ject as may be most consistent with the wishes
of the people. II is proper TO state, that the ap-
preparation made to delray the expenses of the
publication of these resolutions, was wholly insult
iicent for the purpose, and an additional sum will
be required.
In the message delivered at the opening Of the
late session, reference was made to the citizen
soldier who had returned to his home after having
earned for himself and the State, in the war with
Mexico, reputation foI undaunted bravery, pa
tient suffering and heroic virtue and the opinion
was expressed, thatit was due to these patriotic
citizens that the Commonwealth should make
suitable acknowledgment for their ilusirious ser.
vices No action having been taken upon the sug.
gestion, would again call the subject to the at
tenon of the Legislatures 1t is also proper TO Ie-
fer 10 the recommendation therein made, in rela-
ton the death of certain officers of the govern.
ment, and the omission in the constitution 10 sup.