Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-04-18
Message from the Governor.

The following is the message OF Governor
Curtin, calling the attention of the LegisIa-
ture to the defects of the militia system of the
State, and recommending that the Legislature
adopt immediate measures to remove such de-
fects.
PENNSYLVANIA EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Harrisburg, April 9, 1861.
To The Senate and House of Representatives. Of
the Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania:
GENTLEMEN
AS the period fixed fos the adjournment Of
the Legislature is rapidly approaching, | feel
constrained by o sense Q! duty to call your at
tention to the condition Of the military organi-
zation of the State.
1t is scarcely necessary to say more than
that the militia system of the State, during
long period distinguished by the pursuits of
peaceful industry exclusively, has become who'll
ly inefficient, aud the interference of the Leg
islature is required to remove its defects, and
TO render ii useful and available TO the public
service.
Many of our volunteer companies do not
possess the number of men required by our
militia law, and steps should be forthwith ia
ken to supply these deficiencies. There are
numerous companies too, that are without the
necessary arms aud of the arms that are dis
tributed, but few are provided with the more
modern appliances to render them serviceabe.
recommend, therefore, that the Legisla-
ture make immediate provision for the removal
Of these capital defects that arms be pro
cured and distributed to those of our citizeLs
who may enter into the military service of the
State and that steps be taken to change the
guns already distributed, by the adoption of
such well known and tried improvements as
will render them effective in the event Of their
employment in actual service.
In this connection | recommend the eStab
Iishment Of Military Bureau at the capital :;
and that the militia laws of the Common
wealth be so modified and amended as to i'm
part to the military organization of the State,
the vitality and energy essential to its practi
cal value and usefulness.
Precautions, such as | have suggested, are
wise and proper at all times, in a Government
like ours but special and momentous conSid
eratons, arising from the condition Of public
affairs outside Of the limits, yet of incalcuabe
consequence to the people, and demanding the
gravest attention of the Legislature of Perm
Z >
ton is invited by this communication, with cx-
traOrdnary interest and Importance We can
not be insenSibIe to tie fact that serious ieal
ousies and divisions distract the public mind
and .hat, in portions of this Union, the peace
Of the country, if not the safety of the Gov
ernment itself is endangered. Military organ
izations of formidable character, anG which
seem not to be demanded by any existing pub,
lie exigcncy, have been formed in certain Of
the States. On whatever pretexts these ex
traordinary military preparations may have
been made, no purpose that may contemplate
resistance 10 the enforcement Of the laws, will
meet sympathy or encouragement from the peo-
pie Of this Commonwealth. Pennsylvania
yields to 10 State in her respect for and her
willingness to protect, by all ncedful gnaran.
tees, the constitutional rights and constitu,
tional independence of her sister States, nor
in fidelity TO that constitutional Union whose
uuexampled benefits have been .howcred alike
upon herself aud them
The most exalted public policy and the clear
est obligations Of true patriotism, therefore ad
mouish US in the existing deporabIe and dan
gerOus crisis of affairs, that our militia system
! should receive from the Legislature that prompt
attention which public eXigences, either of The
| State or the Nation, may appear TO demand
and which may seem, in your wisdom best
/ adapted to preserve and secure to the people
! of Pennsylvania and the Union the blessing Of
peace and the integrity and stability of our
! unrivalled constitutional government.
| The government of this great State was es.
taGlished by its lluStriouS founder ''n deeds Of
peace = our people have been trained and dis,
/ cipIined in those arts which Iced to the promo
tion of their own moral and physical develop
ment and progress, and with the highest re
gard for the rights OF others, have always cul-
! tivated fraternal relations with the people Of
all the States devoted to the Constitution and
the Union, and always recognizing the spirit Of
concession aud compromise that underlies the
foundation of the government Pennsy ylvania
offers no counsel, and takes no action in the
nature of a menace her desire is for peace,
and her object, the preservation of the person,
al and political rights of citizens, of States,
and the supremacy of law and order.
Animated by these sentiments, and indul-
ging an earnest hope of the speedy restoration
Of those harmonious and friendly relations be.
tween the varioaS members of this Confeder-
acy which have brought our beloved country
to condition of unequaled power and pros,
perity. | commit the grave subject of this com.
munication to your deliberation.
A G. CURTIN.