Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-04-12
THE NATIONAL TROUBLES.
GOV. CURTIN'S MESSAGE,
PENNSYLVANIA to be Prepared.
ExEcUrIvE UHAMRER,
HARRIsBuao, April 8, 1861.
To the Senate and House Of Representatives Of
the Commonwealth of pennsytuantG:


To the Senate and House of Representatives. Of
the Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania:
Gsnflemen:- AS the period fixed for the ad-
journment Of the Legislature is rapidly APP
preaching, feel constrained by q sense Of
duty to call your attention to the condition OF
the mitary organization Of the State. Il is
scarcely necessary TO say more than that the
militia system of the State, during long PEE
riod distinguished by the pursuits of peaceful
industry exclusively, has become wholly inef-
ficient, and the interference of the Legislature
is required 10 remove It's defe, aud to rsuder
| it useful aud available to the public service.
Many of our volunteer companies do not
possess The number of men required by eur
military law, and steps should be Forthwith
taken to supply these Deficiencies, There are
numerous companies, too. that are without the
necessary arms, and Of the arms that are dis
tributed, but few are provided with the more
modern appliances to render them servicea-
bic.
I recommend, therefore, that the Legislature
make immediate pro2isiou for the removal 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, bv tae adoption of
such we'll known aud tried improvements as
will render them effective in the event Of their
employment in actual service.
In this connection, recommend the estah-
ishmcDt Of Military Bureau at the Capitol,
and that the militia laws of the Commonwealth
be 80 modified and amended as to impart 10 the
military organization Of the State, the vitality
and energy essential to its practical value and
usefulness.
Precautions such as / have suggested are
wise and proper at all times in government
like ours. But especial and mOmeBtous con-
siderations, arising from the condition of public
affairs outside the limits, yet OF incalculable
consequences to the people aud demanding the
grayest attention OF the Legislature of Penn
sylvania. invest the subject 10 which your ac-
ton is invited BY this communication with ex>
traordinary interest and Importance.
We cannot be insensi5le to the fact that serious
iealousies and 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 formidable character
which seem rot to be demanded by any existing
public exIgency, have been formed n certain of
the States. On whatever preLextS bDeSS 6AtFAOfui-
nary military preparations may have been made,
no purpose, that may contemplate resistance to the
enforcement of the laws will meet sympathy or
encourag cement from the people Of this Common
wealth.
Pennsylvania yields 60 State in her respect
for and her Willingness to protect, by all needfu
guarantees, the constitutional rights and eonstitu
,ional independence of her sister States, nor inf
deiir- 10 that constitutional union, whose unexa l.
pled benz fits have been showered alike upon her,
self and them,
OBLIGATIONS o; true a rioism, therefore, adnonish
US. in the existing deplorao, and dangerous crisis
OF affairs, that militia systeN SHOULD receive
from the Legislature that prompt atsenton "hicn
public exgencies either of the State or sls batioh
may appear to demand, and which may seer2 ~
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 grdat State was estab-
llshed by It's illustriouS founder sin deeds Of
peace" Oar people have beeu trained and dis
ciplined in those arts which lead to the promotion
of their own moral and physical development aud
progress, and with the brightest regard for the
rights of others, have always cultivated fraternal
relations with tbs people Of all the States devoted
to the Constitution and the Union, and always
recognizing the spirit of concession and eompfo-
mise that uuderlies she foundation OF the Govern
ment.
Pennsylvania offers no counsel and takes no &C
ton in the nature of menace. Her desire is for
peace, and her object the preservation OF the per-
sonal and political rights of citizens, Of the true
sovereignty Of States, and the supremacy Of law
and order.
Animated by these sentiments and ndulging an
earnest hope of the speedy restoration of those
HARMONIOUS and friendly relations between the
rions members OF thi1 confederacy which have
brought our beloFed country 10 condition of un-
eq1alled power and prosperity.
commit the grave sub bject OF this eommunica
ion to your do. segatisn.
(Signed,) A. G. CURTIN.