The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-01-10

prudence, and In the reformation, and Sc
curity of offenders, society has derived
important advantages. 1t is however
worthy of serious consideration, whether
in the adoption of a system of solitary con-
inement, the severity of the punishment
authorized by law does not injuriously |
affect the mental and physical vigor of the
prisoner.
The frequent recommendations to the
executive for pardon of convicts afflicted
with ill-health and mental imbecility,
would appear 10 require some modification
of the present laws.
1t is earnestly recommended that a
small increase 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 OBJ
jects of State bounty, have been increa-
sing in usefulness, and incurring addition
al yearly expenses, while the annual
sums bestowed have remained the same.
In the growth of population the demands
on these Asylums must be augmented,
and their expenditures necessarily enlarg-
| ed, and the same degree of liberality
awarded on former occasions, would claim
the appropriation of larger amounts.
| In the prosecution of the work for the
State Lunatic Asylum, the appropriation
of former year has been exhausted, and
sum of like amount is required for its
completion. Under the supervision of
excellent ana attentive trustees, the build
ing has rapidly advanced, and is now un
der roof. The structure is plain, substan-
tial anc. beautiful; eligibly situated in re-
gard to the comforts of patients, and sus-
ceptible of finish, honorable TO the state
and useful 10 the community. The pro-
bability of its abandonment by the Legis-
lature, or of refusal to grant the addition
al sum required for its completion, can
not be entertained by the Executive. Too
long already has public charity been with
held from the insane poor of the state;-
too long have they been suffered 10 wan
| der destitute and deserted; the jest of the
| thoughtless and the victims of the profit
gate; while humanity and Christian
beuevolence claimed for them public pro-
| lection. 1t Is not, however, protection
alone that is contemplated iii this Asylum.
The reports from different similar insti-
tut!ons afford the gratifying intelligence
that eighty, and III some instances, ninety
| per cent. of the number afflicted, are radi-
combining shelter and protection, with
restoration to health and reason, the IN
ducements TO energetic action on our part,
cannot be overlooked. 1t is estimated
that an additional sum of $4,000 will
finish the building, and fit it for the recep-
! ton of patients, and the same is respect
! fully and earnestly recommended.
Notwithstanding the revision, by the
last Legislature, OF the laws in relation to
common schools, the system will require
} modification. 1t does not receive from
the citizens the favor, that a sound and
enlightened scheme of education deserves.
and the evil must exist i'll the laws which
control its practical operations. 4 serious
t defect is the want of properly qualified
teachers. 1t is worthy your consideration
whether the establishment of Normal
schools IN the different counties would moi
l improve this evil. Education may well
. be termed the great measure of the age
: In Republican government it is the safe
, guard OF liberty, and enlightened states.
S men regarding II in this aspect, will cordi-
t ally cooperate TO establish, to defend, tc
/ cherish, to maintain it. The SuperInten.
e dent having bestowed much thought or
the subject, will, at an early day, submit
|, q report, to which your attention is d
: rected.
l The militia law of the last session i,
t imperfect IN many of its details, and re-
E qulres revision. In the abolition of the
S mockery of parades incident to the ole
e system, and the establishment of an effec
: tual uniformed militia, well discip iplined an(
q drilled, ii has been productive of genera
d utility. Slight notifications of its provi
: sions will make it all that can be desired
= The report of the Adjutant General il
), well worthy your consideration, and il
|. accordingly submitted
/ Reports from the Surveyor General ant
: Auditor General, exhibiting the condition
e OF their respective departments, are here
d with transmitted to the Legislature, ant
e the latter will furnish in detail much valu
e able information, in relation to the fnan
cial condition of the Commonwealth.
e The duty of districling the State for tn
n election of Representatives, will devolv
2; upon you. Returns of taxables, require
e to be made by the different counties, hav
? not been transmitted, as by law they wer
N directed; but the officers charged with tb
is duties under the law, are engaged in thei
n preparation, and they will be laid, at al
2 early day before the Legislature.
e By resolutions passed at the last ses
lie sion, the Executive was required to trans
NIT TO certain officers, citizens or native
10 OF the State, resolutions expressive of tn
le appreciation of the Legislature for thei