Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1850-01-05

.,,aon! aGeglae that b. The erection of
Tira over the OHIO river, at or near Wheel
-, IA. great obstruction To the nav .~ation Of
,r-t hrptuav has been produced. In ines Of
- water IN the river, The largest class of
,aonb,ats are unable to pass under the bridge,
IA serious lrj1rv To the commerce Of the
.ro.,,rn part OF The State, must result from
~. nr,,saHce. Connected as is the Ohio. with
,g@ linz, Of IGtarnaI Improvements through
psqn>, lvan!a, and furnishing 10 our canals and
-,,,raads. a large auoupt # mercha ndze for
,,s Atlantic market, an obstruction Ct this ma
,,re wall have a direct tendency to diminish
the trade on our Public Works; TO affect the
Eastern market (; and materially To decrease
the revenue of the State. Results of charac
Ter 50 important should warn the Legislature
that speedy and energetic action is required,
and that measures dictated by justice and poi
Iry, should be resorted to with a view to the
removal of the evil.
The expression of our opinions on questions
more directly belonging to the National Govern
mcBt, is right arising from the nature of our
Institutions, and where they are intimately
neced with the interests of the people, becomes
duty not TO be disregarded. The representa-
tiyes in Congress of this State and the citizens,
aware of the tendency Of measures on the pros
ueritv of their constituents, and knowing the
.csponsibility of their exalted position, must
regard with becoming favor, deliberate de-
claration of public sentiment from the State
they represent. Entertaining these views, and
persuaded that questions of vital Importance TO
ihe well-being OF our beloved Commonwealth
will claim the attention of Congress, | have
deemed it right, on his OCCASION briefly to refer
to a few of those which may be considered of
/ greatest consequence to the welfare of the peo
pie.
The adjustment of the revenue laws for the
protection of the peculiar interests of Pennsyl-
vaRa, must be regarded as measure deeply
Affecting all classes OF society. In relation to
the policy of the National Government on this
subject. the manufacturer, the artiZan, the agrl-
culIuraist and the laborer, feel alike, that their
busness and pursuits, are elevated or depressed
os ,rotectiop is afforded withheld. In the
history Of the 71ast they are furnished with les
sons for the future. The events of the past
season have afforded conclusive evidence, IN the
closed doors and deserted buildings of the man.
ufactories in the dlstTesses OF the la0orer, and
tie general depression OF profitable industry, OF
the imperative necessity for q system of laws
which will sustain, against foreign competition,
tie employments of our citizens. When Proh-
table investments and useful capital are stricken
down: when surplus produce finds diminished
prices and when labor is depressed, and indus
trous operatives are thrown out of employ =
neither party dogmas, nor local interests, nor
sectional iealousies, should prevent united and
energetic effort IN National Representatives
10 restore the general prosperity
On the application for the admission of new
States into the Union, the subject OF the exten-
sion Of slavery, will claim the attention Of Con-
gress. our Southern brethren, united by long
ssscciation and habit with this institution, and
depending upon it in large degree for their do
nestle comfort and commercial advantages, viii
not willingly allow of its exclusion from terri
tories belonging to the General Government.
No disturbance is Contemplated OF their rela-
tons Herewith, IN States where 1t now exists.
Holding their slaves by compromise and conces-
sion il would involve on our part, breach Of
f4ilh and an interference with the sovereignty
Of sister republics to intermeddie with their So
cial policv or TO controverl the legality of their
domestic relations. Whatever injury may be
inflicted on Northern interests from the jealous
les incident 10 the existence OF the institution,
and the eiior. to PROSTATE free labor, sacred
regard for our pledged faith admonishes US to
suffer rather than attempt reformation where
our authority will not be acknowledged. The
extension Of the evil beyond its present limits,
tjscioses a very different feature. Inc consent
Of the free States Of the Union to It's further
progress, would eTince an ignorance OF their
true interests, of the rights OF justice and hu-
uaaity and an Indifference 10 the character and
dignity of their common country. Nhere lhese
are implicated, it is abandonment oi duty TO
compromise. So fully were the views OF the
Executive EXPRESSED on the subject oil the / a
riff, and the extension of slavery, ~ former
r1esssge that reference to them here, as en-
bracing his present sentiments thereon, would
appear TO be sufficient ~
The dissemination among the people Of inior-
nation affecting their peace and prosperity
should be REGARDED as a measure Of sound Wis
dom. and should be shackled by no unnecessary
exactions. To give to the citizens Of one sec
ton of a common country, correct knowledge
Of the wants, the opinions, and general condition
Of the people Of other portions thereoi, shouid
IL
be the aim Of all wise legislation on the subject
Nothing would tend more strongly 10 dlssipate
sectIona. fealousies and dislIkes, and to unite IN
sentiments Of neighboriy kindness, every part OF
this great confederacy. Intercourse, whether
produced BY the agency OF RAILROADS, or Oh
Telegraph; by personal or written communica-
lions IS an agent to heal dlssentions, and 70
iysler social charities, more potent than nation
4. laws. To tax beyond the necessities oi gov
eminent the intercourse Of our citizens, creates
barrier 10 the dissemination Of Ofknowicdge and
assists in estrangiDg the affections OF the diier
ent portions Of the Republic In this view OF
the subject the Rates of Postage charged by the
National Government becomes question OF
deep importance, and sound wisdom would aic-
tate reduction of present charges
X cannot fail to be perceived that tue obseI-
vations in relation TO postage, As connected win
national intercourse, applies win equal ioIce 70
improvements in the mode oi travel DeI"ee re-
mote sections Of the country. Whatever lach-
itates free communication among the citZens,
strengthens the unity of government. Nhether
from the character Of the country and the nature
of its surface, it is practicable to construct
great rational thoroughfare from the mississippi
10 the Pacific Ocean, has not been fully ascer-
t4ined but it must be evident, that such an I'M
proyement would be Of an inestIinaole 'aIue 70
every norton Of the Union. ln addition TO the
oDDorti,nities il would afford of an interchange
ii hospitaities between the people OF remote
.ectons it would not fail TO be loaded with
trade as profitable to the country, as 1t would
be important 10 different localities. 10 fenn-
sylyania, us benefits can scarcely be imagined
The Improvements already made and those 10
progress in this State, connecting with the Pub
lie Works oi other States will soon form one
nnbroken chain of communication from the At