The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1851-01-16

S4,036,sO0 4,553, 1873 rs 4,l0l, 300
In the item of expenditure for public i'm
provements, is included $l4s,5oo paid TO
North Branch Canal, and $2s6,44 OF to
avoid Inclined Plane.
In the amounts received from Canal and
Railroad tolls and collateral inheritance tax.
es, the actual receinis af tho. last year fall
short of the estimates. In making these es-
Inmates, it was supposed the suggestion of a
former message IN relation TO the convey
ance of passengers on the Columbia Rail.
way would have been favorably regarded.
1t is still believed that largely increased
revenue would attend the adoption of the
changes heretofore recommended. That
the collateral inheritance tax is inefficienHy
and carelessly collected in some ofthe coun-
ties, and even when collected frequently
retained In the hands of the officers longer
than necessary, is demonstrable by the fact
of the great disproportion received AT the
Treasury from counties OF equal population,
business, and wealth. A statement of the
amounts received from the several counties
during the last four years, will exhibit much
valuable information on the interesting
question Of inequality Of taxation in the pay
ment of the public debt. All items of taxa
ton applicable TO the sinking fund should
be required to reach the Treasury quarterly
under the severest penalties.
A reference TO reports OF the Adjutant
General, Auditor General Surveyor General,
and Superintendent of Common Schools, will
afford detailed information of the business
of their several departments, and furnish
views and suggestions Of interes! 10 the gen.
eral veal
The school system, although still imper-
feet, is rapidly improving in its general con :
dition, and promises the beneficial results ii
was designed TO accomplish The education
of the people, is the great question of the
age, and as such, it cannot fail to command
your earnest and enlightened efforts, for its
speedy and Ultimate success.
In the competition for trade and travel, no
effort for the full repair of the canals and rail
roads of the State should be neglected. The
de.eriorating condition of many of these
works, admonish that the system of supervi-
sion is Intellectual to secure the return OF
which their construction gave confident as
surance' In system of divided response
bility in their management the difficulty ev-
identity exists. On former occasion ii was
| suggested 10 divide the State into Canal and
Railway districts, and allot to each Canal
Commissioner, TO whom its entire control
should be given. This project is again re.
commended, but should il fail to meet your
appreciation. the proposition of electing a
Superintendent, to whom for his whole time
and attention, compensating salary should
be paid, and under whose sole control the
public works might be placed, is worthy OF
consideration. All the evils arising from d.
vided counsels and shifting responsibilities
would be avoided, and stfsS energy and skill
in their management secured which cannot
be expected under the present system, 1t is
alleged this method of supervision of public
works has succeeded well and bene6cially
in other States.
A commercial connection between Phila-
dslphia and Europe by Steamships,-an en-
terprise truly worthy the favoring regards
Of the whole commonwealth and the coun.
tenance and aid Of the national government,
| by the extension of mail fecilities--the com.
plstion of the great Railway communications