Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1861-04-13
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, !
HARRISBURG, April 9. 1861


EXECUTIVE CHAMBER.
HARRISBURG, April 9. 1861.
TO the Senate and House of Representatives.
efthe Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania:
Gentlemen-As the period fixed for the
adjournment of the Legislature is rapidly
approaching, feel constrained by sense of
duty TO call your attention TO the condition oil
the military organization Of the State. 1t is
scarcely necessary to say more than that the
militia system of the State, during a long
period distinguished by the pursuits OF
peaceful industry exclusively, has become
wholly inefficient, aod the interference of the
Legislature is required to remove its defects,
and to render it useful and available to the
public service.
Many Of our volunteer companies do not
possess the number of men required by our
military law, aud steps should be forthwith
taken to supply these deficiencies. There
are numerous companies, too, that are with
out the necessary arms, and Of the arms that
are distributed, but few are provided with
the more modern appliances to render them
servceable.
recommend, therefore, that the Legislo-
ture make immediate provision for the reno
val OF these capital defects that arms be
procured and distributed to those of our
citizens 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 wellkuown aud tried i'm
proveUeuts as will render them effective in
the event Of their employment ip actual
service.
lu this connection, recommend the esta'
blshment of Il military Bureau at the Capital,
and that the militia laws of the Common
! wealth hp fad duA In
lmpart to The military organization of the
State the vitality ana energy essential TO its
practical value and usefulness.
Precautions such as have suggested, are
wise aud proper at all times IN Government
like ours, But especial and nomentons con
sIderatlons, arising from the condition oil
public affairs outside the limits, yet of incal'
cuable consequence to the people. aud de-
maOding the gravest attention OF the Legis.
lature Vi Pennsylvania invest the subject to
winch your action is invited by this commu
nlcation with extraordinary interest and
Importance.
We cannot be insebsible to the fact that
serious jealousies aUd divisions distract the
public mind, and that in portions of this
Union the peace Of the country, il not the
safety OF the Government itself, is endangered
Military organizations of a formidable
|
any existing public exlgeDcy have been formed
10 certain OF the States. On whatever pre-
texts these extraordinary military prepara
lions may have been made, no purpose that
may contemplate resistance to the enforce
ment OF the laws will meet the sympathy
or encouragement from the people of til!
Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania yields to no State 10 he
respec, for aud her willingness to protect, b!
all neediui goaranttes, the constitutions
rights and constitutional independence OF he
sister States, nor inf6elIty to that constltu
tlonal Union, whose unexsmpled benefits bav,
been saogered- alike upon herself and them.
The most exalted public policy and th
eiearest obligations Of true patriotism, there
lore, admonlsh us, in the existing deplorabl,
D ana dangerous crisis OF affairs, that our mllit
system should receive from the Legislature
that prompt attention which puble exigeu
cies' either OF the State or the nation ma
appear to demand. aud which may seem il
D your WISDOM best adapted to preserve an,
D secure to the people Of PeDnsy lvsnia and tn
onlon Inc blessings OF peace and the lntegrit
= and stability Of our unr,valled Constitute
o Government.
The government OF this great State wa
established by It's iliustrious founder "in deed
J. OF peace Our people have beep trained an
T disciplined 10 those ats which lead to th
promotion Of their own moral aud physica
!. development and progress. and with th
blghes; regard for the rights of others, hsv
i always cultivated fraternal relations with th
d people Of all the States devoted to the Cor
/, stltution and the Union, aud always reoogn
!. zing the spirit Of concession aud compromls
that uuderlles the foundation of the Goverr
y meot
Pennsylvania offers no counsel and take
I no action in the nature Of q menace. He
:, desire is for peace, and her object the prese
: walton OF the personal and political rights {
6 eItlZens, Of the true sovereignty OF States
!, aud tbs supremacy OF law aud order.
;. Animated by these sentiments and indu
!, giog an earnest hope OF the speedy restoratio
of those harmonious and friendly relation
o between the various members OF this Conf,
Q deracy which have brought our believe
!. country to condition OF unequslled powe
and prosperity.
commit the grave subject Of this commI
. mic, tion TO your deiberaiion.
(Sigued) a. q, CcETIs.