The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1851-08-07

his time to the subject of Internal Improves
ments, especially to opening the great thorough
fares through our State. Familiar with its
mighty resources, his far-reaching mind saw
that means must be provided for the transpor-
tation of its wealth, or it would seek passage
through other channels. The Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad Company had already petitioncd
for the right of way through the State-the
New York and Erie road sought to reach the
lakes through northern line of counties.
The former project, rs destructive of our best
interests-as sacrificing our great commercial
emporium-as subversive of much of the uses
OF the improvements already complicated
drawing from their proper course the trade and
travel of the West, was strongly opposed by
Mr. BIGLER. Phaadelphia was to be sacrificed.
an act prejudical to the interests of tho whole
State, was about to pass-strong sectional
feeling was aroused, yet looking to the future,
Mr. BIGLER was neither intimidated by power
full interests nor seduced by the nlluring pic
lures of local prosperity The incorporation
and successful prosecution of the great Central
Rail Road attest the wisdom of his course
The other project met with his support, as
atfording to the citizens of the North market
for their productions and interfering with no
vital interest of the other portions of the State.
Among other projects calculated to develop
the resources of Pennsylvania, the North
Branch Canal has been regarded by the inhabi-
tants OF the northern portion of our State. as
of primary Importance. The immense mineral
wealth of the Wyoming and Lackawana Valleys
must seek market through this channel. The
extensive country North and West which de-
pends upon this region for its supplies, induced
the idea of this improvement, and led the
Legislature to appropriate literally for its COM
pletion Our financial difficulties caused the
abandonment of this very important work
Mr. BIGLER, looking upon it as part of a COM
prehensive financial scheme calculated to benefit
the whole State, as also involving great local
interests, has been its answering supporter.
1t would be invidious to follow Mr.. BIGLER
through his entire Senatorial course-suffice it
to say that the records of Legislation attest his
devotion to pure Democratic principles, and to
the advocacy of those measures tending to the
welfare and prosperity of the whole State
Merging the individual in the Statesman. he
permitted no local interest to bias his INDICTMENT
liberal In his sentiments he allowed no mar
row or individual views to influence his course
-"too fond of the right to follow the expedi-
ent," he was unwilling to sacrifice the future To
the present. While his career is marked with
decision and hrmness, the amenities and cour-
tesies due to his fellow members were rigidlv
adhered to-
He retired from the Senate at the close of
the term, md devoted himself exclusively to
the pursuits of business-with the usual results
of industry and intelligence-an independent
competency His abilities, experience and
sound information on all subjects connected
with the resources and interests of the State.
together with his purely democratic principles
pointed him out as suitable candidate for
Governor In lS4S he was brought forward by
his frlends-Judge LoNGsTRETH was. however.
the choice of the Convention-and as if every,
circumstance tended to add greater Iustre IN
the character OF the man, Mr.. BIGLER though
rs strongest opponent in the Convention, was
his most strenuous and ardent supporter in the
campaign that followed. His time, abilities
and means were devoted to the success of the
Democratic nominee.
Mr.. BIGLER's name was again brought for
ward, and the unanimity with which county
after county instructed their delegates-the ac-
with which he was nominated by the
Convention, are significant of his popularity,
and auspicious of success
Such is n brief sketch of the career of
WILLIAM BIGLER-another illustration of the
beauty and harmony of our political institu-
tions. Few would have ventured to predict a
future so brilliant for the carpenters apprentice
or the printers boy. More daring would he
have been deemed who would have presumed
to fashion the enlightened statesman from the
rude child of the forest.
The history of our country abounds with such
o-or,,,, -''~"oso INTEGRITY of
examples Honesty y, pu.p.-~,
character, and moral worth, are always assured
Oh success; yet the frequency of the illustration
aoes not destroy our admiration of the qualities
OF the individual. The hackneyed politician
0esit'o"s Tor the surages of his fellow-citizens,
but this intelligent statesman is presented to
Ihem' willing to abide by his principles. No
unworthy motive actuates' him-no overlapping
impels him; he has frequently declined
prohered honors, and yet feels his duty as a
citizen too strong to refuse compliance with the
wishes of his fellow-citizens so significantly ex-
essed. On all the issues touching the present
state of affairs, his mind is fully developed ;