The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1867-01-24
support, and of the imitation of its former
FINANCES.


The exhibit of the finances of the Com
monweal,h, as presented in the late an
nual message of my predecessor, and the
report of the State Treasurer, is certainty
very gratifying and the hattering pro-
spect of the speedy extinguishment Of the
debt which has been hanging, for so ma
by years, like dark cloud over the pros
poets of our State, combined with the
hope that reasonable reduction will be
madein our babitual annual expenditures,
will cheer the people onward III the path
way OF duty.
Among the most delicate and import
ant obligations required ofthose IN official
positions. is strict and faithful manage
ment of the public revenues and expendi-
lures of the Commonwealth. Taxation
should be applied where its burdens may
he least felt, and where it is most just
that it should be borne. Every resource
should be carefully husbanded, and the
strictest economy practiced, so that the
credit of the State shall be maintained on
affirm and enduring basis, and the debtsure
IL and steadily diminished, until its f.
nal eztinguishment. Unnecessary delay
in this would, in my opinion, be incom-
patible with oRr true interests.
That thesesex xpectations are capable OF
speedy and certain consummation, has al
ready been demonstrated. The public
improvements, the cause OF our heavy
debt, which seemed to he an incubus up
on the prosperity of the State, SO long as
they were managed by heragents, have
been sold the tax on real estate has been
abolished, and considerable reductions
have already been made in the State debt.
This important branch, of the admins
tration shall receive my constant and
Jealous attention.
EXECUTION OF THE LAWS.
The general and essential principles OF
law and liberty, declared in the Constitu-
aion of Pennsylvania, shall be watchfuliy
guarded 1t will be my highest ambition
10 administer the Government in the true
spirit Of that instrument. Care shall be
taken 'that the laws be faithfully execut
ed" and the decisions of the courts re
spected and enforced, if within their au-
thorized jurisdiction. Influenced only by
considerations for the public welfare, it is
my imperative duty to see that justice be
impartially administered. That merciful
provision. the pardouing power, conferred
upon the Executive doubtlessly, for cor
rectipg only the errors of criminal juris
prudence, and securing justice, shall not
be perverted to the indiscriminate pro
lection of those who may be justly SEN
fenced to bear penalties for infractious OF
the laws made for the security and pro-
lection of society. Those ''cruelly" or
excessively" punished, or enormously
convicted, are alone entitled to its benef-
cent protection, and only such should ex-
pect its exercise in their behalf
Whenever the people deem it expedi-
lent or necessary, from actual experience,
10 alter the laws or to amend the Consti
tuition, it is their undcubted right to do
SO according to the mode prescribed with
IN itself. l here repeat, what have said
elsewhere, that $50 long as the people
feel that the power to alter or change the
character of the Government abides in
them, so long will they be'impressed with
sense of security and Of dignity which
must ever spring from the consciousness
that they Hold within their own hands a
remedy for every political evil, correc-
tive for every governmental abuse aad
usurpation."