The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1853-08-18
The Public Debt.

Ouuty--SeconC ouiy W Dclho III eu'
and steadiness of her democratic
maiorties. As will be seen from per-
usal, it is written and published with a
view of producing reform for the sake
of preserving the ascendcncy ofthe party
in our State; but the facts it contains are
not the less important to every tax-pa yer,
without reference to his political prcdi-
lections. In fact, it is time party was
laid aside in the contemplation of the con-
dition to which our finances have been
brought by mismanagement,, extrava-
gance, and frauds, on the part of the pub
lie agents 1t will be observed, too, that
the writer is candid enough to admit, what
the Locofoco organs generally have the
hardihood to deny in the face ofirrefrag-
able facts, that the democratic party are
responsible for the condition of our fnan-
ces. Of the 42,00O,OO0 of public debt
under which our State Government and
our taxpayers now groan, only $500, 900
of it was contracted under Wing rule: and
this comparatively paltry sum was bor-
rowed under Governor Johnston's admin
istration, for the improyememnnt of the
Columbia Railroad in such way as to
effect an immense annual saving to the
State.
Under the latter part Of the Admins
tration of "Honest Frank Shunk," who,
we believe, deserved the appellation con-
ferred by his friends, the rapid increase
of the State Debt was arrested; and the
credit of the Commonwealth began to be
restored His successor, Gov. JOHNSTON,
devoted his superior abilities and energy
to the same purpose, and actually reduced
the debt about three -fourths of million
of dollars, through the operation of his
much abused Sinking Fund.-" and if his
policy had been continued, and anything
like cooperation on the part of other
branches of the government extended to
its aid, we might now spread the crafty
ing intelligence that the Debt is fast van
ishing and must eventually be extinguish-
ed, But opposition to Wing policy was
made democratic measure" and must
be carried out And it has been carried
out, with vengeance. We hope the
people will get their full satisfaction of
it. According to the Locofoco authority
we copy below, the State Debt has now
reached the enormous sum of S42, ,000,-
600. When Coy. Johnston went out of
office, let it be remembered, it was only
a very small fraction over $4,000, ,000.-
Thus it will be perceived that one of the
most prominent fruits of Gov. Bigler's
Administration will be an increase of S2,-
100000 Of the permanent debt of the
State.
Where, how, and by what means, the
reader may ask, has this occurred! We
point, for answer, to the frauds, corrup-
ton, and favoritism on the public works
The remedy lies in an entire change in
the policy of the government, and in a
sale of the Public Works. Without these,
all hope is delusive: and with them, de-
liveTance from the desolating evil may be
speedy and certain.
But read the following; and remember
that it is democratic" in its origin and
purpose:
From the westmorcand Argus and Republican.
Gov. Bigler and the State Debt.
Mr. Editor The financial affairs Of
our State have now reached crisis which
demands the serious attention of the peo-
pie of Pennsylvania. The construction
Of public works involved the State in a
heavy debt. The hope has long since
been abandoned that the revenue derived
from the works would pay even the inter
est on the money invested: and although
the necessity of eventually paying off the
principal by direct taxation has been ap-
Piled, and the debt has gone on increas-
ng until it now amounts to over forty
millions of dollars. 1t advanced in ad-
verse times; when the whole business of
The country was prostrated; and when
every branch of industry is fourishing,
when the gold of California is pouring by
the ship load into the country, in the
midst of a general prosperity, heretofore
1nequalled in the western world, the State
lebt is still increasing, and the old Key
stone keeps plunging deeper and deeper
nto debt and difficulties. Business men
who became involved during previous
years, taking advantage of the general
prosperity are extricating themselves from
heir former liabilities. In other States,
Did bonds are being cancelled and paid
'f, and Pennsylvania alone affords the
exception of great State,
whose financial embarrassments are yearly
growing worse and worse.
Possessing natural advantages unequal
ed in any land on the face of the earth,
/ healthy climate-a fertile soil-.abund-
lnce of pure water-immcnse deposits of
imestone--b building ng-stone--iron ore
oituminous and anthracite coal--vast
orests of timber--numerous navigable
treams-occupying commanding posi-
upon the great lakes
he inland seas of America, placed at the
ncad of navigation of the valley of the
her seaboard receiving the
commerce of Europe and Asia, inhabited
" population unsurpassed for industry,
nergy and enterprise, why is it that
ylyania, wearing the fetters of the