The Ebensburg Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1865-1871, 1866-02-08
The Governors Message.


Two facts are graphically and glorious
ly set forth by Gov. Curtin in his last an
nual message, Lamely, our inexhaustible
resources financially, and indomitable en-
ergy patriotically. In the usual brief
reference of the message to our financial
condition, we have the almost astounding
fact, that since 1860 the condition of the
treasury has been improved to the amount
of S2,555,579 OF. During the rebellion,
the State Treasury has been in the control
OF the Republican party three out of the
four years of that struggle. We do not
mean to imply by this that the opposition
party is dishonest, but we do insist on the
right of claiming the credit of these re-
suits as being due to the prudence and
the wisdom Of Republican fnanciering.
The necessity of extraordinary expendi-
lures during the war tested the capacity
OF the treasury to its utmost. Hon. Henry
ID. Moore was the first treasurer to meet
the pressure he was followed by William
d. M'Grath, who was elected by the op-
position, and who, singular to relate, IN
stead of zealously guarding the resources
OF the people, gave our British ancient
which the State was compelled to pay,
instead of six per cent. interest on her
bonds held in Europe, at least at the usu-
rous rate of nine per cent. This fact
evidences who is entitled to the credit of
the improved condition of the treasury.
Gov. Curtin's recommendations concern
ing other features of the finances, are
eminently sound and just, particularly
those relating to the appropriation of mo-
ney for the support of local charities.
With few exceptions, such as for Insti-
tutes for the Deaf and Dumb. Houses of
Refuge, Blind and Lunatic Asylums, he
opposes these appropriations, and justly
recommends that they cease. He also
strongly urges the Legislature only to
make appropriation for specific objects
the direct object of such appropriation to
be named. If these recommendations are
complied with, a reduction of taxation
can be made by the present Legislature
But if the reckless waste of the public
revenues is to be persisted In by con-
tinuation Of the same system, taxation
cannot be reduced. This is plain to all
who understand the financial condition of
the Commonwealth.
Our military history for the last four
years, as it is briefly recorded in this mes
sage, can only be regarded as marvellous
Gov. Curtin starts with the first call of
troops for the three months service, ami
thence tracing the history of the conflict
through all its dangers and glories, he
shows that Pennsylvania contributed to
the volunteer army the gigantic force of
three hundred and siIty-t,co thousand tUO
hundred and etqhty.tour men. This num-
Der is exclusively of those contributed to
the regular army, the marine and the
naval service. Wherever our flag was
borne-in the Weston the coast
In the Gulf-on the mountain top above
the clouds-over swamps and morasses-
everywhere at the influence of the for
tunes of war, and in the midst of danger
and death, the sons of Pennsy lvania uobly
and gallautly performed their duty
While these facts go to swell the glory of
the State, it is also established by the
message that Pennsylvania sent for
ward the first troops which reached
Washington at the first signal of the
alarm for the safety of the National Capt.
tal The spirit which animated cur peo-
pie from the first inspired and invigorated
them to the last.
I'VE desire to refer only to these two
facts, the wonderful financial results of
four years of war, with the stupendo Gus
achievements Of a military character,
placed Oh the record by the same people
in the same period. They are gracefully
and grandly elaborated in the message,
and while that document contains other
facts of importance, those to which we
refer will enable the reader to realize the
ability with which the State Government
was directed during the crisis Of war, and
serve to render the people and the Gov
ernment of the State of Pennsylvania
forever famous on the pages of the Ma
tion's histery.-Harrisbarg Telegraph