Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1861-01-23
Inauguration Of Gov. Curtin.

of the Commonwealth, was inaugursted
At Harrisburg, on the 5th inst. The pro-
cession of military and citizsns was form
ed at half past ten clock. unler the au-.
spices of Gen. VIM. II. Keim, the Chief
Marshal, and m ,rchcd to the Capitol
There were severa. fine companies OF
military present, and the procession pre-
sented a fine appearances. Arrived at the
Capitol, tho two Houses met in joint
Convention, and the Governor>elsct, with
Gov. Packer, having taken their place
Iteside the Speaker Of tho two Houses,
after prayer by Rey. Mr.. Cattell, of the
Presbyterian Church, tho oath OF, Office
was administered by Hon. Robert u. Pal
mer, Speaker Of the Senate. The Cover
nor then arose. and, in the presence Of y
large and attentive assembly, proceeded
to read his inaugural address.
He first referred to the duties and req
possibilities surrouL ding him, and ex-
pressed determination to meet them to
the bost of his alb lity. After speaking OF
the general educational interests Of the
people he approves Of the recommends
ton Of Gov, Packer for an appropriation
to the Farmers High School the succee
ding paragraphs refer to the sale OF
the public improv ements, reduction Of
Tho State debt the pardoning pow
er charters, the veto power, &c. Then,
coming 10 the great issues before the
country, he says:
The position of mutual enstrangement
in which the different sections Of our
country have been placed by tho preeipi.
tate and violent depunciatlong of heated
partizans, the apprehension Of NiIl more
serious complications of or political af-
fairs. and the fearful uncertainty Of tho
future, have had the effect of weakening
commercial credit sad partially Interrupt
ting trade and as q natural consequence
our exchanges and currencics have been
disarranged Yet the elements Of gener.
al prosperity are everywhere diifused
amongst US. and nothing is wanting but a
return Of confidence to enable us TO reap
the rich rewards Of our diversified indus
try and enterprise. Should the res.ora-
ton Of cor tidence in business and com.
mercial circles be long DELAYED. the Legis.
lature, in its wisdom, will, | doubt not,
meet the necessities OF the crisis in q gen>
crous and patriotic spirit.
Thus far our system Of Government has
fully answered the expectations Of its
founders, and has demonstrated the ca.
pac;.y of the people for self government.
The couutrY has advanced in wealth,
knowledge and powc:, and secured to all
Glasses tb9 blessings, peace, prosperity
and happiness. The workings Of our
simple and natural political organizations
have given direction and energy to indiv-
idual and associated enterprise, maintain :
ed public order, and promoted the well
fare of all parts Of our vast and expan-
ding country. No one who knows the
history Of Pennsylvania and understand.
the opinions aud feelings of her people
can justly charge vs. with hostility to our
brethren Sf other States. We regard
them as friends and fellow countrymen,
in whose wei fare we feel kind interest,
and we recog nze in their broadcst exten,
all our constitutional obiiga ions TO them
These we are ready TO observe generously
and frateinally in their letter and soilit
with answer, ing fidelity.
The election of President OF the
Unitsd States, accordin. TO the forms of
The Constitution, has recently been made
a pretcxt for disturbing the peace of the
country by deliberate attempt 10 wrcst
from the Federal Government which the
people conferred OH it when they adop,ed
the Constitution. BY tins movement the
question whether the government of the
United States embodics the perogatiycs
right and powers Of sovereignty, or nero
ly represents a multitude of independent
communities confederatcd in league
which any one Of them may dissolve a,
will, is now placed directly before the
American people. Unhappily this ques,
ton is not presented in the simple form
of politic',l discussion but complicated
with the passion and jcalousies OF actual
co iflict.
There is nothing in tho life Of Mr.. Lin
coin, nor any act Of his before or since
his election, to Justify the appreh snsion
that his Administration will be so un
friendly TO the local institutions of any oI
the States. no sentiments but those oi
kindness and concilliation have been eS.
pressed or entertained by the const,u
iional majority which elected him and
nothing mas occurred to provoke tho ex-
element which seems to have blinded
tho judgement of a part of the people,
and is rrecipitated them into revolution.
The supremacy of the National Govern
ment has been so fully admitted and SO
'ong cherished by the people of Penusyl-
vania, so completely has the idea of its
nationality and sovereignty moulded their
political convictions and directed their
political action, tha! they are surprised
at the per,inacity with which portion ot
tho people elsewhere maintain the oppo-
site view. The traditions of the past,
the recorded teachings of the Fathers of
the Republic, the security Of their free
dom and prosperity and their hopes for
the future, are all in harmony with an
unfaltering allegiance to the National
Union, the maintainance of the Constilu.