Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1852-01-14

improvements of the State, or rather to the
mode of their administration, | invite special
attention. There are i'll it some radical
defects which need reformation. 1t is
wanting in proper checks and the enforce
ment of proper responsibility; to secure
which it is respectfully urged upon The
Legislature to make such change as W Il
authorize the election Of one Cansl Com
missioner by the people for the term OF
three wears, 60 whom shall be entrusted
the whole supervision of the system, and
the selection by the Legislature of an En-
eincer, TO serve for similer term, to
whom shall be committed the duty OF ma
king the necessary examinations and esti-
mates of the propriety AMI cost OF construc-
tion and repair of the public works.
That commissioner or agent for payments
shall be selected by the in:ernal imi rove
ment Commissioners, to be charged with
the disbursement Of the public funds
annually appropriated to these purposes.
Officers thus selected, owing their appoint
ment to different powers in the government,
would from that fact and the nature of
their dutiea, act as checks upon each other,
bring responsibility directly to each de-
partment Of the system, and secure more
active and energetic discharge Of duty.
1t can not be doubted that the revenues
derived from the public works ought to be
very greatly increased. These improve
ments should now bring clear revenue to
tho Treasury. In other states, cana's and
railways have rarely failed TO become
sources of such revenue within twenty
years from the period Of their construction;
while with us, from causes heretofore suy-
gested for Legislative action, and stiil
within Legislative control, the result has
been widely different.
Our system Of public education is far
from that perfection which is desirable,
The defects appear 10 arise from INSULT
cheney of funds, and the want OF proper
teachers. 1t is manifest that competent
persons, in sufficient numbers to supply
the demand for their services, can not be
had, unless some practical plSn Is adopted
as part of tie common school system, 60
create professional teachers. The ability
to impart knowledge to others, particular
" to young minds, IS to bo obtained only
after long and patient study, assisted by
all the facilities which science and learning
can afford The future greatness IN hap
piness of the country depend SO much upon
the enlightenment of the public mind, that
the statesman and patriot can not devote
lis time, energies, and tslsn's, 10 more
worthy object, than i;p attainment
The recent agricultural exhibition Was 50
numerously attended and so creditable to
our people, in the display Of works Of skill
and home industry, as we'll IS OF sgricui-
tural implements and SICK, that am
convinced great public good must result
from ii. The urgent requests Of a former
Message, believed to be Of value and ira-
portauce to this great interest, 1t is hoped
will meet favorable acton at your hands.
These exhibitions should be repeated in
other parts Of the State, and CHERISHED as
tho best means of diffusing practical and
scientific knowledge of agriculture, Tn"
establishment of State Society for
Western Pennsylvania, would be highly
advantageous to the people Of that portion,
deprived as they are by the difficulty OF
transportation, of full participation IN the
benefits of the present Society.
Contracts have been made for the pub |!
l;cation of the Colonial Records, and OF
the maps and other documsnts connected |
with tho Geological Survey Of tho State.
An interesting report from tho gen'lemAa
charged with the arrangement for publica-
tion Of the Pennsylvania Archives, accom-
panies this Message, invite to it and to
these important and interesting papers
your favorable action. The supervision of
the publication of these papers should be
entrusted to the gentleman who has ar
ranged them. The labor performed mas
greatly exceeded the amount contemplated
by the Legislature, and hence demands
additional compensation.
The Insane Asylum, ss we'll as the
other charitable institutions in which the
State is directly interested, are in pros
porous condition. The kindly y regards Of the
Assembly are solicited for these institutions
1t is a pleasan; reflection now, and will
be grateful Renaissance heresfser, that
10 the promotion Of all these interests, the
administration Of public affairs, while
under my control, has faithfully and to
some extent efficiently directed its labOrs.
Ii is to be regretted that Eore WAS not
accomplished, but it is still encouraging to
know that so much of practical good has
been done. =.
In the enactment Of the revenue laws OF
he National Government, much injury
,as resulted to many Of the industrial IN
eres.s of this State. Their alteration in
,uch manner as will protect those interests,
III must earnestly desire. l have on
ormer occasions mos. fully expressed my
,ievs on thi. subject, and have urged upon
he Legislature the proprie:y Of such {
ction as would influence fsvorably the
National Congress The great naanufac- c
uring, mining, and agricultural interests {
{ Pennsylvania require and demand a I
hange of the present system Of tariff laws.
he i'll success attending former efforts, C
furnishes no excuse for an omission again '
0 call attention to the subject. In the
onfederacy of States, We hold an impor