Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1858-01-29
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
GOIERNOR WIN. I. PACKER.

FELLOW CITIZENS; In appearing before you
to enter upon my duties as Governor of the
Commonwealth, consult my own inclnations
in conforming TO the usage which deulaniS a
popular address; and, in the first place, | glad
iy embrace this opportunity TO return my pro-
found aud gIeatful thanks 10 the People of Penn
sylvanla, for hon0riBg ne with the Chief Ex-
ecutive Office in their government. Their kind
ness will never be forgotten, nor will the con-
fdenee they have repoSed in me ever lie inteu-
tionally betrayed. Duty 10 them and to myself
will require that the obligation which | iave
just taken to discharge my public duties with
fidelity shall be faithfully observed; and thus
justify, as far as possible, the popular decision
Doubtless may commit errors ia a position
involving SO much of responsibility; bar | will
hope that none of them will be of grave char
t.~tsr, f,rI4.:-- sr;s-s, "a fl.s r,,b
lie interests. | crave III advance charitable
Judgment upon my official conduct-thaI 1t
shall be construed with kindnes and liberation
SO long aa it shail appear to be prompted by
sincere and honest motives-and here engage
in this public and formal manner, to regard the
will of the people, the public good, and the
commands of the Constitution, as the guiding
lights hy which my course is TO be directed
With these aims constantly in view, shall
indulge the pleasing hope of doing some good
in the high station TO which | have been called
By the public voice, aud of repressiug solne
evils which may threaten the public welfare, or
the individual rights of the people.
FriLow Citizens of the SeRate and House Of
Representatives, will be my ardent desire
to cultivate with you, as Representatives of the
people, the most amicable relations, and to
unite with you in the adoption of all such Inea-
sures as the public good NAV require. The
different branches Of the government, although
charged With distinct duties, are to be regard
ed as parts of one harmonious whole and it is
we'll when all these parts move onward without
Jar, interference, Or collision. Nevertheless,
the distinct duties of the Executive, when du-
ly and honestly performed may occasion differ
ences with the Legislature; bat, in such case, il
vii! be expcdient to cultivate spiri: of com
promise and Cancellation for the disposal Of such
differences, or, at least for mitigating the feel
ings of alienation to which they tend.
1t is one of the duties of the Executive from
time to time, to give TO the General Assembly
information of the state of the commonwealth
and recommend to their consideration such
measures as he shall judge expedent; and uu-
der usage this is done by messages in writing
which are entered among the public records and
remain part uf the official history of the State
, | Go not understand this as power of dicta-
ting to the General Assembly the measures
they shall adopt, nor even power of iaitia-
ting laws, but as an informing and suggesting
power. in no respect trenchng upon the jus
: and proper jurisdiction of the legislative de-
partmcnt OF IA free state. In short, il was uev.
er intended TO give legal control over the
proceedings of the Representatives Of the
people in the enactment of laws. Ii is, there.
FORE a right of communication with them
which, while pruaently and reasonably exerci-
scd, can give no just occasion for jealousy, OBJ
lection, or complaint. The Executive, wher
exercising this right. is but performing plain
duty, and can apprehend no difficulty in speak
ing with respectful freedom even upon ques-
tions where an entire agreement of sentiment
cannot be expected. But, there Is another and
more delicate power which pertains to the re-
lations between the Legislative and Executive
departments. BY the twenty-thlrd aud twenty
fourth sections of the first article of tue Con-
stitutiou, all bills pasted by the General As
sembly, aud most of the orders, resolutions anC
votes III which they may concur, are submitted
to the Executive, and if disapproved by hin
can only be made valid by vote of two-third:
of each House. This power of disapproval i.
among the most important duties of the Exec
utive, and is constantly becoming more SO
from the operation of obvious and natural eau
ses. In my opinion it is the clear and binding
duty of the Executive to return for fe-cousd
Grafton every bill, order, resolution or vote
presented to him which he cannot approve-it
other words, that the assent Of his judemen
aud conscience shall be. actually given TO any
measure before he permits it to take effect; uu-
less, indeed, it be passed against his objection