The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-04
Mss.age OF Che Geysrner Of Psan.yly.nl..

Message or the Governor OF Pennsylvania.
The message of Governor JOHNSON, which has
just been addressed to the Legislature at Harris
burg, is most able exposition of the affairs Of
Pennsylvania, containing highly judicious recon-
mendations for the welfare of the keystone State
The Governor commences with appropriate ac-
Acknowledgements to the Supreme Being for the COM
parativc exemption Of the people of the State from
pestilence, and for the many blessings which they
enjoy He then alludes to the recent conflicts in
Europe between the oppressor and the oppressed,
and says they have been regarded with the deepest
solictude by the people Of the United States He
deplores their want Of success; and says that,
though it is not the policy of national govern
ment TO mngle in the controversies of foreign ma
tons, il is violation ofnternationa law to enter
our protest against acts of cruelty and barbarian
upon heroic men and defenceless women.
He then reviews the fiscal condition of the State ;
and illustrates the wisdom and sound policy of
those measures of relief and improvement which
were recommended by him to the last Legisa-
ture.
The balance in the treasury at the end Of the
fiscal year. 1850, it is estimated will be 1851 500 co.
This, it is thought, will authorize the appropria
ton OF sum Of not less than $500, 900, in addi-
ton to the amount already appropriated, to be
expended in the completion Of the North Branch
canal.
The establishment of sinking fund has been
highly beneficial in raising the price of the State
stocks, and in increasing the confidence in the
ability of the State to meet her engagements. The
excellence of this institution has been fully and
satisfactorily demonstrated by its practical work
ings the past year and its beneficial results can
not be doubted. The payments from various
sources to the credit of this fund.- during the past
year, have amounted in the aggregate to the sum
Of s 371 900. With these means, for the supply of
the sinking, fund, together with such additions as
the probable of the treasury, from time to
time, may justify, it is susceptible of easy calcula
ton to determine how nearly approaches the period
when the State taxes may be altogether repealed,
and the burdens of the people removed.
Important notifications of the laws in regard to
banking and the currency are proposed by the cx-
ecutive. The number of banking institutions should
be restricted the real business wants Of the peo
pie; and it is recommended that no bank charter
shall be renewed until thorough examination of
the institution shall have demonstrated its entire
solvency. The laws intended to prevent the circu-
lation Of notes of less denomination than five dol
lars practically dsregardcd by the citizens. 1t
is therefore, recommended that the banks of the
commonwealth be authorized to establish agencies
or branches in one or more places, with permission
to issue notes under the denomination of five dol
lars to be based upon depositc of State stocks in
the hands OF the treasurer, which to be at all
times liable for the redemption of the notes thus
issued.
Many matters of purely local interest are mo-
ticed
The Governor concludes with the expression of a
determination to adhere to the National Constitu-
ton, as it has been expounded by the sages and
patriots Of other days; and quotes the patriotic
language of Washington's Farewell Address, in
which the people admonished to " frown upon
the first dawning of every attempt to ALLEVIATE any
portion Of country from the rest, to enfecble
the sacred ties which link together the various
parts"