Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-04-14
Letter from Harrisburg.
HARRISBURG, April 9, 1855.

in regard to multiplying Bank charters is es-
pecially worthy of commendation. Though In
the minority, they are uniformly found voting
against the reckless schemes which are now
almost daily being rushed through the House.
On Thursday, the House voted to take up the
bill to extend the charter of the Southwark
Bank, Philadelphia. In Committee Mr. La
porte moved to add proviso to the first sec
ton, requiring said bank to pay into the State
Treasury bonus of two per cent on its capl-
tai stock, in consideration Of the renewal OF the
charter thoreof which was not agreed to.
The bill was then taken up on second read
ing, when Mr. Laporte renewed the amend
ment offered by him in committee.
Mr. Laporte said the Honesdale Bank had
been chartered, subject to this restriction, and
he was informed the Erie Bank also If this
restriction had not been imposed OH other in
stitutions passed this winter, it should have
been and it was time its imposition should be
commenced, and the people, to that extent re-
lieved His constituents were opposed to the
increase of banking capital in the Common
wealth, and he intended voting in accordance
with their wishes. He hoped their district
would be found the " star" district of the State
on this subject in this House.
Mr. Holcomb followed in favor of the amend
ment, as due to the taxpayers, whose burth-
ems were most heavy. He would offer this pro-
vision hereafter to all bank bills.
The amendment was negatfved, and the bill
passed finally
On the same day the bill to incorporate the
Lock Haven Bank passed the House finally.
During the discussion, Mr.. LAPoRTE said,
over $3,OOO,000 of new banking capital
were authorized by bills which have already
passed the Houre. lie was opposed to the
increase of banking capital and did not believe
the people would sustain the men or party who
undertook to make this increase. lie spoke at
some length on this subject
| The bill relative to estates held for corpor-
ate, religious and charitable uses, the sixth sec
,tion of which alters the manner of hold church
property in the Catholic church, was under
consideration 10 the Senate, and the section so
obnoxious to the ecclesiastics of the Catholic
church was adopted, with but one negative
vote. This strong expression of sentiment
shows that the Senate does not consider that
any fragrant injustice can be done to the Cath
oIic church by repeating the act of 1874, which
permitted church property to be held in perpe-
tuity by the Catholic Bishops.
In the House of Representatives, ON Thurs
day, letter was presented from Col John H.
Brant Postmaster at this place, stating that
he had been directed by the Postmaster Gen
eral to say that, the State having provided by
legislative enactments for the payment of the
postage upon all mail matter sent to or from
the Executive the Departments, or members
of the Legislature, and these facts being known
to the Department, all letters addressed to said
parties, without the postage being paid at the
mailing Office, should not be classed as unpaid
letters, but must be rated with proper amount
of postage to be paid at Harrisburg, where
provision for such payment has been made
The House of Representatives passed bill
to repeal the charter of the Erie and North
East Railroad Company, and to provide for the
disposal of the same, yesterday, after discuss
ing it nearly the whole day This bill has
been pending since the commencement of the
session, and has been earnestly advocated by
the Representatives from Erie county, who
were elected with special reference to this ques-
ton, until this successful result was obtained.
The majority on the final passage of the bill
was large, much larger than any vote in its
previous stages. 1t is now in the Senate where
a majority are supposed to be in favor of its
passage. But appearances, in these railroad
matters, where there is great foreign interest
which will be brought to bear with all the en-
ergy and persuasion that has been so success
full on former occasions, and exceeding decep-
tive. At this late period of the session, bill
of the interest involved in this, which will ex-
cite great deal of discussion, may be obstruct-
ed and amended, and final vote be prevented
until the days of the session terminate
The bill repeating tavern licenses passed the
Senate to-day by Is to IA. 1t prohibits the
granting of lincenses after the first of July but
does not interfere with the existing licenses
1t has to be returned to the House. in conse-
! quence of amendments.
The MssING BRIDE"-T. b. Peterson.
lO2 Chestnut ST., Philadelphia, has now in
press, and will shortly publish book with the
above title, by Mrs. SourHwoRrH This cele-
brated authoreSs has taken position in thevery
front rank of American writer's, her works hay
ing been universally admired by their readers