Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-01-14

than 81 900, above stated.
In this connection 1 must speak with ap-
plause of the active benevolence OF cur citi-
zens, who have without compensation devoted
their time and care to their suffering fellow
citizens, disabled by the casualties Of war.
Not only have many gone to the neld, to ad-
minister their kind Offices, but In every part
of the Comm onwealth thousands have applied
their means and exertions to the same end /;
and especially have the women of Pennsylva-
MIA, obeying their true womaniy instincts,
shown that they are worthy to be the mothers,
wives and sisters of the brave men, whom they
have stimulated to their duty, and soothed
and nursed in tue sufferings tina, have ensued
the performance of it.
The city OF Philadelphia having patriotically
offered to the United States, League Island as
donation for Navy Yard, Congress direct
ed commission to report upon the avalla-
biity Of that site and also OF New London.
To the general astonishment, a majority of the
commission have reported in favor of New
London, but the minority has presented re-
port, which is fortified by the approval OF the
Secretary Of the Navy, showing so conclusive
iy the superiority of League Island that 1t is
scarcely possible that Congress should hesi-
tate to select that location. To establish q
Navy Yard for the construction of iron clad
vessels at a point remote from all necessary
supplies, situated on salt water, and accessible
by more than one route to any enemy, who
may have momentary superiority at sea,
would appear to be quite inconsistent with the
wisdom of Congress-, especially when site is
offered convenient to iron, coal and other nec-
essaTy supplies, situated on fresh water with
sufficient depth for the draught of large YES
sells, and safe from hostile attack by Its posi-
tion.
Capt. Henry E. Wrigley, of the city of Phil
sdelphia, at my request, and without compen-
.satiou, has made report to me on the defen-
ces of the Delaware, which l herewith trans
NIT for information.
In July last Il received, at Pittsburg, by tee
graph, an offer from the Pennsylvania Rail.
road Company, of donation of fifty thousand
do liars to assist in paying bounties to volun-
teers. declined this offer, because had nc
authority to accept it on behalf of the public,
and was unwilling to undertake the dsburse-
ment of the fund in my private capacity. !
have since received letter on the subject
from the company suggesting other modes Of
disposing OF the money, copy of which is
annexed to this message.
II the Legislature should accept the dona-
tion, recommend that it be applied towards
the erection of an asylum for our disabled sol.
diers, and that the trustees appointed 10 su-
perintend the erection and management of the
asylum be authorized to accept such further
contributions as our citizens may offer. In
we'll managed establishment of that kind, it is
the Government to the men, will enable them
to support themselves with comfort. By an
act of Congress passed on the second day of
July, 1862, lands were granted to the several
States-for the endowment, support and main
tenanee by each State, OF at least one college
for teaching such branches of learning as are
related to agriculture and the mechanic arts,
without excluding other scientific and classi-
cal studies, and including military tactics.
1 recommend that proper provision be made
by the Legislature for having the lands thus
granted to this State selected, and the title
made to the State, and that Congress be re-
quested to allow the lands and their proceeds
to be used by the State in the construction
and support OF such an asylum as have above
suggested.
The details OF the operations of the common
school system, during the school year that ter
minated on the first Monday in June, 1862,
manifest scarcely any evil effects from the
troubled state of the country. Absence OF the
usual degree Of progress in the various depart
ments is the only. result observable. To have
held its own, however, during the severe Or
deal to which, in common with all our great
social interests and enterprises, it has bean
subjected, is the strongest proof of its inhe-
rent ygor, and of the hold it possesses upon
the affections as well as the judgment of the
people Of the State.
It has come TO my knowledge that in some
parts of the State system exists OF pay ing the
wages of workmen and laborers not In money
but in orders on store keepers for merchandise Sc
and other articles. This system, by prevent
ing all competition, leaves the men to the un-
controlled discretion of the store keepers. 1t
Is sy stem most unwise and unjust, and il af
fects classes of useful citizens, who, as they
live by the proceeds of their daily labor, have
not adequate means to resist it. l have no
doubt that most of the difficulties which occa-
Il liz kat.r 10, a,
w0EEmen are due to the prevalence of this
system. That every man, for a a fair day s
labor, should receive fair days wage, is but
the dictate OF common honesty and while it
would be most nnwise for the State to inter-
fere at all with the rate of wages, it is in my
Judgment incumbent on her to protect her la
boring population by requiring that whatever
may be the wager stipulated, they shall be so
paid that the recipient may purchase necessa-
ries for himself and his family, where they
can be had best and cheapest. do most ear
nestly recommend this subject TO the Legis-
lature for prompt and effectual action.
I believe that the several charitable institu-
tions to which the Legislature has been accus-
toned to grant aid, have been well managed
during tho past year.
The Wyoming Canal is still in the hands OF
the receiver. Certain creditors of the compa-
ny having instituted proceedings in the Sa-
preme Court for selling the canal under the
mortgage, the Attorney General has interyen-
ed in the suit to oppose the making of de-
cree Of sale. No decree has been made, and
the proceedings are yet pending. Meanwhile,
1t being alleged that the subscribers and stock
holders have paid up but small part of the
nominal capital of the company, an inforrna-
tion has been filed in the Supreme Court by
the Attorney General, to compel them to pay
up the capital, or such charges, and assess
ments as may be necessary to extinguish the
debt duo to the Commonwealth. This pro-
ceeding is also still pending. 1t is understood
that the gross receipts of the canal during the