Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-01-13
CLEARFIELD, Pa WEDNESDAY, JANUARY l3 1869


appointed by law, who shall have supervls-
ion and control over all insurance companies
allowed to transact business within the State,
and annually publish, under oath, full re-
ports of their transactions. The communi-
ty is deeply interres ted in this matter, and
demands the protection which can thus only
be afforded
NEW HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE:
The commissioners appointed by an act of
the last session Ito establish an additional
State Hospital for the Insane" have noti-
fed me that they will present a report of
their proceedings sometime during the pres
ent month, which will be communicated
when received.
DAMAGES BY RAIDS.
In accordance with an act of the last ses-
sion, providing for an investigation and ad-
judication of the claims of citizens Of seV-
eral counties whose property was destroy
ed, damaged or appropriated for the public
service, and in the common defence in the
war to suppress the rebellion, a commission
of three competent gentlemen was appoint
ed, who have performed the allotted duties,
and will soon make a full report of their
transactions.
PARIS EXPOSITION.
l have received through the Secre ary of
State of the United States, bronze medal
and diploma from the Imperial Commission
ers for the best specimens of Pennsylvania
anthracite ccal exhibited at the Paris Expo
sition in 1867. These tributes to an inpor-
tant branch of the internal resources of
Pennsylvania have been assigned place
among other valuable relics in the Executive
Chamber.
STATE COAT FARMS.
Diligent but unsuccessful search has been
repeatedly made for the coat of arms of the
State, and for the authority under which
the present design was established. 1t seems
that for years past no trace of either the
original authority or design could anywhere
be found, and 1t is recommended that the
Lsgi, iature take the necessary steps to sup
ply the omission. by such means as they in
their wisdom shall determine.
STATE BENEFiCIARIEs.
A number of benevolent, charitable and
other similar institutions annually receive
appropriations from the State for their sup
port. These appropriations, in most, if not
in all cases, appear to have been adequate
for the purposes to which it was intended
they should be applied, and a as liberal as
can reasonably be expected 10 the present
condition of the Treasury of the State.
A preliminary report on the Susquehanna
fisheries has been submitted by Col. James
Worrall Civil Engineer, Commissioner un-
der the act of the Legislature in reference
thereto. There are some facts which should
be embodied in the renort, but which can
not be ascertained until early in January.
Permission has therefore been granted to
the Commissioner, at his request. to post
pone the submission of his regular report
until the earliest day practicable during the
present month.
CATTLE DISEASE.
The prevalence of contagious or epidemic
diseases among cattle and other animals has
for some years past been a prolific source of
anxiety and alarm am )ng the producers and
consumers of meats IN many of the States.
Ii was therefore deemed important to a con-
veDtlon OF competent persons 10 take into
consideration. the means best calculated TO
remedy this great and growing evil. This
composed of three commission
ers each from the fourteen States represent
ed, appointed in accordance with an agree
ment by the several Governors, assemblies at
Springfield, Illinois, on the first day of De-
cember last, and an account OF their transac-
tions is herewith presented.
Without legislative authority. but believ-
ing my action would lie sanctioned by the
peoples representatives., | appointed Dr.
Hiram Corson and Messrs. L. G. Humes
and A. Boyd Hamilton, commissioners to
represent Pennsylvania in that convention.
These gentlemen freely gave their time and
experience, and also incurred pecuniary ex-
pense of about three hundred dollars, to de-
fray which Recommend that an appropri-
alton be made.
STATISTICS.
In view of the vast amount ard great va
riety of the products of the State, desk
for the collection of statistics, relative to
Exports and imports agriculture, mapufac
lures, coal, iron, oil, lumber, &c, might, with
propriety and profit be established. This
could be accomplished by the employment
of competent clerk, under the supervision
of one of the present heads of the depart
ment, whose duty should be to collect and
publish such facts as might tend to stimu-
late and increase our productive energies,
instil new life and vigor into our manufac-
turing interests, and lead to more accurate
knowledge OF all our internal resources and
the proper methods for their development
There is abundant space in the capitol build
ings to be appropriated as a receptacle for
books, papers, meteorological and geological
specimens, and other articles that might be
contributed appropriate to such depart
ment and which in few years would form
an invaluable collection. Under legisla tive
direction, the good results would be almost
and are required by the pro
gressive spirit of the age in which We live.
OF THE VERMo NTLEGISLATURE
Your attenti1nis called to the accompany
ing joint resolutions, passed at the last scs-
sion of the Vermont Legislature, bearing a
Just tribute to the late Hon. Thad. Stevens.
Joint resolutions from the same body are
also sent you, which [ regard as worthy of
your consideration, relative to the act OF
Congress to establish and protect National
Cemeteries, and recommending ITO the
Legisasure of the State of Pennsylvania the
of an act empowering the board OF
having charge OF the Soldiers
Cemetery at Gettysburg, to trans
fer all the right, title, interest and care OF
said Soldiers National Cemetery to the |
General Government, upon the completion |
Of the same.
IN MEMoRIAM.
1t has been the misfortune of the State |
during the past year 70 lose by death two OF |
her representatives in the Congress of the |
nation, Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, of ;he Ninth, |
and Hon. Darwin A. Finney, of the Twen-
tieth District Both were natives of Yer |
mont. but in early life selected Pennsylvania
for their home, and identified themselves