Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1856-01-12

ness of the community. That the laws then
in existence were imperfect and failed TO
check or control the evils of intemperance, is
proposition too plain to be doubted-that
they needed revision must also be conceded.
In our large cities and towns, the evils of the
system were more severely felt.
The facilities and chedpness with which
licenses were obtained, operated as premium
To vice and immortality, and multiplied tip
piug houses and places where iniemperance
under the authority Of law, was not only per-
mitted, but encouraged. My immediate
predecessor, in his last annual message to the
Legislature, in reference TO the then license
laws, says: 80 far as relates to the city of
Philadelphia, they are peculiarly prejudicial
TO public morals, and seem to have been con.
structed TO promote the convenience of drink
ing Far more than TO restrein its evil conse-
qnence." In this opinion | fully concur.
That II remedy was demanded, all will con-
cede. Whether the law of the last session
was the proper remedy, it is not my province
now to determine. Enacted by the repre-
sentatves of the people, | gave that act my
official approval Recognizing the people
us the source Of all political power, and
their representatives rs the imm, diatc ex-
pOnents oftheir will, upon You will devolve
the responsibility of further legislation. it
any, on this subject. In all its. relations,
economical, political. social and moral. the
question is important, and its proper deter
mination involves fearful responsibilities. 1t
deserves, aud should receive. your serious
consideration. If action is had, may we not
hope that it will he such as will promote the
virtue, morality, and true interests of our
people and Commonwealth
Numerous applications will doubtless be
water and boom companies. TO facilitate
action on these Questions--economlze time
reduce the expenses Of legislution--secure
uniformity aud conhnc the companies there
after incorporated to the legitimate purposes
of their creation. | would recommend the
proprcty of enacting general laws regulating
such corporations. Already laws of this
character for coal. iron, canal, railroad, tuin-
pike, plank and bridge companies have been
passed, and in practice have been found
highly useful and economical. Such laws,
we'll regulated and carefully guard, d, would
bc productive of similar results on their ap-
plicatiun to insurance aud other companies
named.
Having. Mt the time Of my induction into
office, declared To my fellow citizens and their
representatives my sentiments in relation 10
questions connected with our national poll.
tics, their reteration now will not be en-
pected. To the opinions then expressed,
and now realfrmed, you are respectfully re-
ierred
To maintain, in their integrity, the Con-
stitution Of our Republic, and the Union of
the States-protect The civil and religious
privileges of the people--guard with jealous
care the general. great aud essential prin-
cples of liberty and free government--oi
freedom and human rightS--and vindicate,
/ by true aud single devotion t. h, m aud
, country, the great doctrine of American
nationality, are objects that awaken the
patriotism and claim the energies aud the
heart Of every American citizen.
/ In obedience Ia the requirements OF the
Constitution and laws of the State, as the
/ representatives of the people, you have as.
sembled to perform the high and responsible
duties that devolve upon You. AS coord
nate branch Of the government, 1t will bc
alike my duty and pleasure TO unite with you
in the enactment of all such laws as viii
protect the rights of,he people, and advance
the honor aud prosperity OF the Common
wealth
With sole desire for the public good
actuated by spirit of enlarged and enlight
ened patriotism, and guided by that wisdom
which hath its beginning in the fear Of God
may our efforts in harmonious action, be di
rccted to the accomplishment Of these ob
jects, and to the prumniion of that right
eousnesS which exalteth nation, aud con
stitutes the true glory ofa free and independ
entpeople.
JAMES POLLOCK.
Executiye Chamber Harrisburg, Jan. ]
1886.