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

now in rapid progress of construction to the
navigable waters of the West, the thorough
repair of the Cumberland Valley road, and
tue erection Of various lines of Railway in
the valley of the Susquehanna, must throw
an amount of trade on the Columbia Rail-
road which will demand for lis transit the
entire capacity of that thoroughfare in con-
dition of perfect repair. Every avenue by
which the trade of the west, as we'll as OF
Central and Northern Pennsylvania reaches
Philadelphia, the entire people should feel
a lively interest, as identical with the pros
peri!y of the whole State. Whilst the inter-
nal trade is pouring into our metropolis, and
her local authorities are doing their part TO
promote her commerce, it is our duty 10 de-
mand from the General Government some
portion of its resources fof the security and
improvement of tie harbor of the Delaware.
Improvement of the navigable rivers and
protection of the harbors of the Ocean and
Lakes ought 10 be no longer delayed.
In this connection deem it my duty to
call your attention to the pending litigation
in relation 10 the bridge over the Ohio River
at Wheeling, erected under the authority of
Virginia, which, it is confidently asserted
puts in jeopardy large commercial interests.
1t has been my care to watch the progress o!
the controversy, aud to direct The proper law
officer of the Commonwealth, associated
with the other distinguished gentlemen who
professionally represent the State, to protect
these Interests before the judicial tribunal
which has cognizance of the case under the
Constitution.
In the various Railway projects now sew
orally terminating at Philadelphia, Harris
burg, and Piltsblrg, the people Of the Com
monweallh ought never to lose sight of that
other great enterprise which, known as the
Supbury and Erie Railroad, was meant 81 to
connect the susquehanna, the Delaware, and
the Lakes. Besides the command of the
trade Of the Northern Seas secured by its
construction, it would bring into market for
sale and settlement vast bodies OF untenart-
ed and unimproved lands, and devoope
treasures of inexhaustible mineral wealth
now wholly inaccessible.
The large indebtedness OF the State, and
the necessity for its reduction, forbid the pol
icy on her part, of embarking in these vari.
Gus Improvements
The debt of the Commonwealth was in.
Cured in the erection of works which were
largely conductive to the settlement and sale
/ ~ IL
while she has sccu red no part of this ipher-
itance, other States have been literally aid
ed in The construction of their internal i'm.
provements by donation of public lands. 1t
is right on her part 10 demand portion of
these lands 10 aid in the completion of the
important works partially completed and in
contemplation.
system of banking, based upon State
stocks. under proper restrictions, is recon-
mended to the attention of the Legislature.
1t is thought that the present banking facili.
ties are unequal 10 the wants OF the business
community. The large amount of notes of
banks Of other States found in crculalion a.
mong our people, the inability of the banks,
with safety TO their credit, to accopimoda to
at all times the active bona iness de-
mands of the country, and opera
tions in the nature of private ar sSlally
transacted on severe terms to the borrower
demonstrate that increased facilities are de-
manded to secure healthy development of
our resources. Any considerable extension
of the present System is hardly TO be antici-
pated, nor is il desirable, if more perma-
nent basis for such operations can be devils
ed. Free banking upon deposite and
| pledge of public stocks early recommended
itself to favor. Ii is not liable to sudden ex-
pansions and contractions--more secure
from failure-less obnoxious TO counterfeit
ing and fraud, and offers undcubied .ecuri.
ty to the note holder. Should the stock re.
quired be the loans of the Commonwealth
it would depreciate their value, and also
have a tendency to Withdraw them from
foreign countries, 10 which are annually sent
millions of the public money to pay interest
A recall of these stocks, and the discharge
of the interest TO the resident citizens,
would lead TO the expenditure of an equal
amount at home, thereby affording employ
ment to the people in the improvement o
the State, in the erection of industrial insti-
tutons, and in various works of beauty and
taste. If this system is favorably regarded,
a REIMBURSEMENT of portion of the inter-
est on the stocks pledged would be directly
| advantageous TO the Treasury.
The confidence felt IN the security, and
the desire TO use the relief notes, when kept
in good condition, justify the belief that an
| issue of small notes from the State institu-
tions, founded on deposite Of stocks, would
be highly acceptable to the people.
A reference 10 subjects, under the control
of the National Government, has long FORM
ed part of the annual messages of the State
Executives, and the custom has.iouallafavor
not only by its consonance with the peculiar
relations of the States TO d Al Gov
eminent, but in the deep sdiI0Nu66 felt by
individual citizens in the action of the latter
on questions of pervading and direct inter.
est to all. From the resolves of their Repre-
sentatiyes in the councils of the States, the
| opspions md xuiehas af tho paonIa aro ofian