Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1855-01-19

to support a system, the management OF
which has been marked by extraTagant
expenditure, fraudulent speculation, and
a reckless disregard Of public interests, the
people demand relief and release from
these burdens. The press and the ballot
box have declared the popular will on this
subject, and that will should be obeyed.
Duty, and a conviction of its propriety,
will prompt me to give cordial support,
to the accomplishment of this object.
In this connection, and whether a sale
of all, or any of the public improvements
be effected or not, the abolition or re-orga-
niza,ion of the Board Of Canal Commissio
ners, and the substitution Of some other
efficient and responsible system of man
agemcn., are subjects worthy Of consider
alton. Every measure of reform in this
regard, calculated to increase the efficiency
and responsibility Of the supervisory pow
or; protect the interests Of the State; and
correct the real or alleged abuses OF the
present system, will receive my approval.
The people having in the recent election
decided against the passage of law prohi-
biting the manufacture and sale of spirit
uous liquors, it will become the duty Of
the Legislature and Executive to consider
what other legislation may be necessary to
control aud correct the evils OF intemper-
ance Our present license system although
highly penal, and corrective Of many abus-
es, is still defective. The facility with
which licenses are obtained for the sale Of
malt and other liquors, is an evil that
demands reform. The number OF places
in which these are sold, should be limited
by law; and no license granted unless by
the Courts, and in The manner now requi-
red in the case of public inns and taverns;
and subject to the same regulations, res
trictions and penalties.
The desecrasion of the Sabbath by q
traffic so fruitful of evil, and so demora-
lizing in its results, is in direct opposition
to the law of God, and the moral sentiment
of the people; and is a rcproach to the
age in which We live. A stringent and
comprehensive law, remedial in its provls-
ions AMI vindicatius the great law of the
Sabbath, in its physical and moral relations
to man, is required, not only by the moral
sense Of the community, but would be jus
titled by every sentiment of humanity
every consideration Of philanthropy, every
impulse of pure and genuine patriotism
The history of intemperauce is written in
tears and blood. Paupcrism, taxation an1
crime follow in its train. y remedy should
be applied and public sentiment,with the
full force of its moral sanction, will approve
all prudent and constitutional Legislation
on this subject.
The parioning power-thc harmonious
blending of mercy and justice in our Con-
s,itution-vill be exercised with just
regard to both these important principles.
With every desire to extend mercy to the
unfortunate and repentant transgrcssor,
justice, in her stern demands, will not be
overlooked by the pardon of the vicious
and hardened criminal. This power has
been conferred on the Executive, not to
overthrow the administration Of justice,
but to aid and promote it. 1t should be
exercised with great caution, and only
upon the most satisfactory assurance that
it is due to the condemned, and that the
rights and security of the public will not
be prejudiccd by the act. To prcvent the
abuse of this power, and to protect the
Executive from imposition, notice Of the
intended application should be published
in the city or county where the trial and
conviction took place.
| Experience has demonstrated the impo-
licy of subscriptions by municipal corpor.
ations, to the stock of railroad companies.
This Is especially true in relation to county
subscriptions. The practice should be
avoided, or at least not encouraged by
future legislation.
Legislation, so far as practicable, should
be general and uniform. Local and special
legislation ought to be discouraged, when
the object cau be obtained by general laws.
Its tendency is pernicious and general
principles, and public good, are often sac
ri6ced to secure personal and private ben
efts. "Omnibus legislation being i'm
proper in itself, and demoralizing in Its
influence, can not receive my sanction.
The views and practice of my immediate
predecessor on this subject, meet my cor
dial approval.
Pennsylvania, occupying as she does an
important ard proud position in the sister
hood of States, can not be Indifferent to
the policy and acts Of the National Gov
ernment. Her voice, potential for good in
/ a.b.. J,rs ouvht MT 70 ho diurao, III aI