The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1854-08-11

advocate OF the Compromise measures OF 1880
as the friend of the Tariff of lS46-aganst the
Tariff of lS42-the friend of economy in pub
lie afIairs-the advocate of sound currency
the opponent of an increase Of banking capi-
tall and the advocate of the fullest liability that
could be imposed on corporations.
His administration has been eventful, and
distinguished by energy, ability and prudence.
AT the time of his induction into office, the Leg
islature were lndnlgng in the practice fgrant-
ing special privileges to corporations, to carry
on mere business transactions, and TO compete
with individual enterprise This species of
legislation had been indulged in to an alarming
extent. Gov. Bigler Immediately took ground
against it, and by series Of veto messages, em-
bodying the soundest doctrines, sustained by the
cearest and most forcbe arguments, soon sue
ceeded in convincingal parties, that such special
privileges should not be granted; that those who
seek to enjoy the profits of business enter
prize, under an act of corporation, should be
required to bear all the responsibility. This
doctrine is now the settled policy OF the State.
1t is a remarkable fact, that whilst Governor
Bigler's vetoes in the session of 1852, We're
numerically greater than all that had emanated
from anv one of his predecessors in full term
of service, not one measure was sustained by the
General Assembly against his objections In
deed, such is the fact in reference to all bis veto
messages up to the present time. When the
Legislature attempted to create brood of new
banks, and to extend improvidently paper issues,
the fatal step was arrested by the veto power,
and eleven banks were rejected at one time
When, again. it was attempted to give the Penn
sylvana Railroad Company entire control ofthe
trrmini Of the State works at West Philadelphia,
the measure was promptly arrested bv a veto:
and recently, when it was proposed by the Cen
cral Assembly, TO relieve this same corporation
and the Pennsylvania and Ohio Railroad Com
pany, from the penalties imposed by, and incur
red under, the laws against the circulation Of
foreign small notes, thereby EST ablishing most
dangerous and prpiudicial precedent in legisla-
ton, the evil was avrrted by the same means.
The policy indicated by Gov. Bger in his
first message, after his induction into office, con-
tained many wise suggestions, and amongst these
was the cancellation Of the six per cent. bonds
of the Commonwealth then standing, by the
creation of five per cent bonds. This measure
was adopted, and large sum of money saved
annually to the treasury The policy of cash
payments and short settlements the public
works, suggested in the same document, had it
have failed to exercise most healthy influence
upon that branch of the public service.
His predecessor, William F. Johnston, was
the author of the relief currency Under the
administration of Gov. Skunk, measures had
been adopted to withdraw from circulation and
cancel this noxious medium. Very soon after
the Wings came into power under Gov. John
ston, this process OF cancellation, 50 wisely be-
gan. was arrested, and provisions made to con-
tinue this deprecated and unconstitutional cur
rency in circulation, by paying the BANKS a
large compensation, from time to time, for re-
issuing the driaced notes. Amongst the first
measures of the present administration, was to
make provision for the final withdrawal and ex-
tinction of this currency, and the work of can
collation. is again in operation.
In this single item of State policy, fellow
citizens, we have very striking Illustration Of
the difference between Federal and Democratic
measures. 1t is for you to determine which
are right, and the best adapted to promote the
prosperity of the State.
Bat in nothing has Gov. Biglpr rendered a
more important service to the people, than by
his constant and untiring efforts to break down
the pernicious system of omnibus and special
legislation. This was among his earliest recon-
mendatons, aud in the session of 1888, a few
general laws were adopted on the report and re-
communication of commissioners appointed by
him for that purpose under an act Of the legis-
lature, and much good was thus effected.
In the Governors Message of 1884, however,
he placed the axe al the root OF this tree of evil,
this spreading Upas, by declaring most emphat-
icaly, that be should no longer participate in
that offensive system Of legislation; and that the
whole power of the Executive Department
should be welded against it, This sentiment
received the universal appreciation ofalI PARTIES.
The General Assembly acted on the suggestion,
and the people are presented with the laws of
1854, each separate from the ether, and stand
ing on its own merits. This has never occur
red before, since the organization ofthe Govern
mpnt. Had the present administration no 9TH
er claim, this alone should command the favor
able judgment ofthe people.
The policy of the administration, is now well
defined on all subjects, and IFS continnauce can
not fail to promote the substantial welfare ofthe
people. At the time of its induction into pow
er, number OF improvements We're IN progress
Of construction, which have cost much larger
sum than had been anticipated and this circum-
stance, it is true, has to some extent embarrass-
ed the policy of the administration. But it must
be remembered, that these schemes were not
commenced at the instance Of Governor Rigler.
They had been undertaken before he came into
office; and the wise policy seemed TO be to prose-
cute them TO an early completion. Indeed it
has been declared fixed policy of the adj
ministration, that no new schemes Of improve
ment shall be commenced.
Nor has the honor and dignity of the State
been permitted to suffer in any instance. When
the executive OF a neighboring state refused to