The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1853-01-13

4
Our citizens, by neglectng or deferring the con-
struction of this work, may subject themselves
to the charge of sighting the benefcence of ma
ture in not cooperating with her great do
signs.
Tie trade of the West, and the lakes. may by
! this means be secured to Philadelphia No
time, however, should be lost in the construction
of this great highway. Delay may lessen the
chances of success whilst it viii. certainty afford
opportunity to our rivals to form and cement
business connections which may not be readily
severed in the future Nor are we to look at
these internal advantages alone. Nothing can
do more to argument the foreign trade of Phila-
dephia, than direct avenue to the lakes Her
growing commerce would invite the construction
of steamers to convey directly to her own port
the merchandise which she would then be called
upon to supply to the boundless West. Great as
are her natural advantages, observing man
can fail to see, that deprived of the sustaining
arm of a foreign commerce, she cannot attain to
that distinguished position, as n mart, which
nature intended she should occupy.
The right to construct railroad from Erie
to the Ohio state line, parallel with the lake,
has been subject of controversy in the Legis-
latnre for some years. The Franklin canal
company claimed to have obtained from the
State the privilege to construct railroad on this
route, and have proceeded to construct it accor-
dinghy. The authority of this company to do so
has been doubted, and the Attorney General has
the construction and of said road. So long
as this question is pending before the highest
Judicial tribunal of the State, it would be unbe-
coming in officer of any other branch of the
Government TO express an opinion touching the
questions at issue. | may, however, it seems
to me. with propriety suggest, that should the
decision of the court not confirm the entire rights
claimed by the Franklin canal company, the Le-
glslature should take such action VIII bring
this valuable privilege completely within the
control of the State, and so far may be, with
out the exercise of an illiberal or contracted
principle, render this important link between
the seaboard and the great West, subservient to
the interests of the people of Pennsylvania.
Amongst the multitudinous obligations rest
ing on the Government, there is none more bin
ding or sacred than that which looks to the edu-
cation and moral welfare of the people. These /
great considerations will doubtless receive your
anxious care. You will find in the very able |
and comprehensive report OF the Superintendent /!
of Common Schools, many interesting and use
full suggestions in reference to the present con-
dition of common school system, AMI the
cause of education generally; to all of which | 4
most respectfully ask your early attention. l
am deeply sensible of the correctness and pro-
priety of the remarks of that officer the sub |
iect of teachers for the common schools. 1t is |
the greatest of all the. difficulties surrounding
the system, and | most earnestly entreat you,
if it be practicable, in the exercise of your wis
uulil, " SOulS nlOuS Oi supply tDlS uC-
fcency. There are many other defects which
will claim your consideration, but this is of pre-
eminent Importance. The general law should
be made plain and simple, so that the most or
dinary mind could administer its provisions as
it is. the questions and decisions touching the
meaning of the law, have become more volumi-
nous than the law itself.
For information in reference to the military
affairs of the State, 1 respectfully refer you to
the able and highly interesting report of the Ad-
jutant General. | regret to learn, as | have
done by this document that this branch of the
public service is not in very iourishIng condi-
ton. The report contains many highly impor-
tant suggestions and recomn endatious, some Of
which are so obviously correct that they cannot
fail to receive your favorable consideration.
In conformity with resolution of the Gene
raj Assembly, passed OF the 2ith day of Febru-
airy last, Albert G. Waterman, Esq, of Philad-
elphia and myself attended a convention of de-
lagates from the thirteen original States, at In
dependence Hall, in Philadelphia, convened on
the 4th day of July last, for the purpose Of ia
king into consideration the subject of erecting
q monument in independence Square, to com
the event Of the Declaration of indie
pendence. Delegates were in attendance from
the States ofMassachusctts, of Connecticut, Rhode
Island New Hampshire, New York, New Jer-
sey, Delaware Georgia, and Pennsylvania. The
subject was fayorably regarded by the conven-
tion and an able address to the people Of the
thirteen original States prepared and sign
ed by the delegates, presenting comprehen-
sive view of the considerations in favor of this
most noble design, and suggesting n practical
mode of carrying it into execution. copy of
this address, together with all the other pro-
;eedings of the Convention, l shall cause to be
to both branches Of the Legisla-
ture.
1t would be difficult to conceive more inter
esting idea, one congenial to the feelings
IF the people, more consistent with n just
spirit of national pride, than the commemora- I
ion by some visible aud imperishable sign, OF t
.he great event that distinguished the dawn of
American freedom. The propriety of this de-
sign win not am sure, be doubted by the Le- ;
silature or the people, and | shall not there
ore trouble you with any further suggestions
its favor.
1t is proposed to raise the means to construct !
he monument from the States in their sovereign a
capacities, and to make no expenditures until d
he whole amount of money shall have been Sc /
cured. According to the estimates OF the COM a
nittee appointed by the convention that sub C
ect, Pennsylvania share of this expenditure h
would amount to between fifteen and twenty t
thousand dollars.
respectfully recommend the adoption of such C
as will indicate the Willingness of this
State to do her part, whenever her sister States
hall have given a similar intimation, and to
AXE such other preliminary steps as may seem f
roper and right
| desire to call your attention to the condi
ion of the public grounds surrounding the State v
ARSENAL 1t has occurred to me that this eligi- s
lie SPOT should be enclosed with good fence, o
,e planted with shade trees and otherwise i'm f
,roved As at present exposed it makes rather r
. barren and cheerless space between the town e