The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-01-10
), and an additional sum will be

PURPOSE, ana an aoOllonai sum WIZ DC
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, a /
reputation for undaunted bravery, pAtientI
suffering and heroic virtue; and the opin-
ion was expressed, that it was due to
these patriotic citizens, that the Common
wealth should make a suitable acknowl-
edoment for their iilustrous services. No
action having been taken upon the sugges-
tions, would again call the subject to the
attention of the Legislature. 1t is also
proper to refer to the recommendation
therein made, in relation to the death of
certain officers of the government, and the
omission in the constitution to supply the
vacancy. The subject is deemed of suffi-
cent importance to justify an earnest hope
that legislative action may not be withheld
thereon.
The practice of postponing the passage
of appropriation bills to the last day of the
session, forbids deliberation, as well to the
Legislature as to the Executive, and
should hereafter be avoided. These bills,
requiring care and attention to the specific
items, and disposing of large amounts of
the public money, should be deliberately
examined before they obtained the sane
ton of laws. Nothing can excuse hasty
and unadvis ed legislation, on a subject so
important to the public Interests. 1t is
confidently anticipated that this Legisla-
ture will adopt rule of practice more
consistent w ith prudence, economy, and
sound policy.
The intimated connection existing be-
tween the industry of the citizen, and the
currency of his country, demands for that
question the serions attention of the states
man and lawgiver. In authorizing Bank
ing or other Institutions, to create a cur
rency other than gold and silver, it would
be unfaithful TO our trusts TO permit them,
| for want of proper checks and guards to
allow it to become less valuable than the
coin II is intended TO represent. The views
expressed in the last message in favor of
! the restriction of the number Of these in
stitutions, to the real business wants of
the people, and refusing a renewal of Bank
charters until thorough examination of
their affairs had demonstrated their entire
solvency, remain unchanged. The tax
on banking capital, enacted by the last
Legislature IN the granting of charters, and
applied to the payment of the public debt,
has resulted in securing to that object a
sum exceeding one hundred thousand dol
lars. While this tax should not be increa- l.
/ sed to an extent which would cripple the
resources of these institutions, the present
amount cannot be considered an unfair
equivalent Tor the privileges conferred,
and should therefore continue to be impo-
sed as legitimate source of revenue.
The laws intended to prevent the circu-
lation of notes of less denomination than
} five dollars, are practically regarded by
: the citizens. In government founded
! on popular opinion, experience would
teach the impolicy of continuing in force
; statutory provisions which are generally
| imperative. The violation, with impuni
; ty, of laws however unimportant, vii
lead to a disregard of others, indispensable
| to the security of society. 1t is, in deed
to be regretted that this circulation has no
t been prevented, as much evil has beer
experienced by the community from tho
= reception of this irresponsible paper. The
: amount IN circulation within the State
: supplied by institutions of adjoining States
= is estimated at not less than five million:
D of dollars, and is valueless, except in 10
: calities near the Banks by which it is is
i sued. To the extent of this circulation
t the constitutional currency, and the notes
: of sound specie paying banks of the Com
monwealth are displaced. The solveney
5 of the institutions issuing this paper, can
: not be known TO the citizens, and it pas
e ses from hand to hand the representative
d of value 1t may not possess, over which
: our laws can have no control.
i In endeavoring to''eradicate an acknowl
l edged evil, the practical Statesman vii
: frequently find necessity for yielding t.
l.. popular inclination, and will consult tn
5 welfare of his constituents by striving t.
s mitigate what cannot be removed. If, a
is alleged, the business operation of tn
d community require circulating medium
n other than gold or silver, of less demon
: ination than five dollars, supply unde
d the regulations and restrictions of on
l. laws, would not be open to the objection
l. of the existing method. Were the Bank
of the Commonwealth authorized to es
&c tablish agencies or branches IL one O
e more places, and permission given sue
d branches TO issue said notes, upon state
e ment in detail by the parent institution
&c being made to the Auditor General, salts
e factory to the said officer, of the entir
ir solvency of the said Bank; exhibiting it
n whole assets and liabilities, -designatin
the proportion of its capital stock to b
s. omnIoved at the said apeucv or branch