The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1860-03-29

duties Of that office with signal ability and
discretion. Gov. Pollock's administration
was singularly y pure, moderate and conser-
vative. 1t was not distinguished by any
startling measures, or any exciting innova-
tions. The agitations and fluctuations
caused by the breaking up of the Wing
party, the p1o-slavery democratic outrages
in Kansas, the rise of the American and
Republican organizations, and the tremen-
dous political contest Of 1856, withdrew
the general attention from mere State af-
fairs to those Of national concern But,
in the midst of all, the Pollock administra-
ton held its even way, maintaining the
interests and the honor of Pennsylvania,
and condemning the barbarities which op-
pressed the people of Kansas, and the
faithless servilities of the Pierce and Bu-
chanan administrations-utt uttering its voice
for protection to the industries Of Pennsyl-
vania, and exhibiting, on every occasion,
that dignified moderation which is so pecul-
lar to the Pennsylvania character. That
administration steadily won the confidence
of the people as it proceeded, and retired
from power attended by the respect of ev-
cry citizen in the Commonwealth, and
above even the suspicion of corruption or
partiality. Ex-Secretary Curtin, as the
intimate friend and constitutional adviser
of the Governor, is fairly entitled to full
share Of the credit, which attaches to the
honest, wise and benign administration of
James Pollock.
During that strenuous contest for the
United States Senatorship, which distin-
guished the legislative session of 1855,
Col Curtin was strongly and persistently
urged by large body Of friends for that
high position.
His department of the administration
school system as its superintendent. He
gave laborious attention to it, and took
particular pleasure in pertecting the details
| and increasing its efficiency. The Com
monwealth is greatly indebted to him for
the legislation concerning Normal schools,
which affords the method and means of
Systematically training i body of intelligent
and highly competent teachers, and thus
supplying the most pressing need of our
free schools. Under the working of that
| law, one State Normal School is in efficient
| operation, end others are springing up III
various parts of the Commonwealth
| Secretary Curtin was an original and
active supporter of that great measure of
| the Pollock administration-the sale of the
Main Line of Public Improvements. This
measure was vigorously opposed before its
consummation, but now it is agreed on all
hands that it was timely and wise, and
| that the Commonwealth was thereby re-
licved of an incubus which annually deple-
ted its treasury and corrupted its politics.
Since his retirement from the Secreta-
ryship of the Commonwealth, Col. Curtin
has devoted himself again to the practice
of the law, and to the material and indus
trial interests of his region of the Com
monwealth. He has been very active in
promoting those lines of railroad which
are to bring Centre, Clinton, Clearfeld and
the adjoining counties into connection
with the Pennsylvania Central, and the
Sunbury and Erie railroads. He is a gen
tleman of unusual public spirit, and his
whole soul is bound up in the development
of the immense mineral and agricultural
resources of his native State. By birth,
education, and lifelong habit and associa-
ton, he is a protectionist, and tradition
ary believer in free labor, and in that
policy which purposely encourages, diver
: SITES and perfects all the arts, industries
and refnements of free and civilized
community.
Since that auspicious union of the OPP
position in Pennsylvania, which has resul-
ted in the formation and the continued
ascendancy of the Peoples Party, Col. Cur
tin has been, for at least two years,
regarded from many quarters of the State
as a particularly worthy and suitable can
didate for Governor. For that high po-
sition he is peculiarly well qualified. He
unites an even temper and solid judge
ment, to great knowledge not only Of books
but of men and affairs.
No man in the Commonwealth is more
familiar with its history or with its varl-
Gus local interests with its diversified ca
pacities and requirements with It's legls-
iation, It's policy and public opinion; nc
one has such an extensive acquaintance
all over the State. In all his private re,
lations, and in all the discharge Of his
official duties, he has achieved a high
character for probity and honor. In head
and heart. in temperament and action, he
is an ingrained Pennsylvania. Within
our broad limits there is none who cal
and will make better Governor.
Col Curtin is not only above all re
: proach, but is beloved by his immediate
neighbors and his personal acquaintance
\ man of diSnifcd presence, OF gracious