The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1869-01-14

Ilumes aud A. Boyd Hamilton, commits
sion ers to represent Penusylvania in that
These gentlemen freely gave |
time and experience, and also in
CURED a pecuniary expense of three hun
dred dollars, to defray which | recon-
mend that an appropriation be made.
STATISTICS.
In view Of the vast amount and great
variety Of the products of the State, a
desk for the collection of statistics, rela.
tive to exports aud imports, agriculture,
manufactures, coal, iron, oil, lumber, &c,
might, with properiety and profit be es-
tablished This could be accom-
plished by the mployment OF a compet
ent clerk, under the supervision of one of
the present heads of department, whose
duty should be to collect and publish
such facts as might tend to stimulate and
increase our productive energies, instill
new life and vigor into our manufac,ur-
ing interests, and lead to more accurate
knowledge of all our internal resources
and the proper methods for their develop
mens. These is abundant space in the
Capitol buildings to be appropriated as a
receptacle for books, papers, mineralogi
cal specimens, and other articles that
might be contributed appropriate to such
department aud which in few years
would form an Invaluable collection. Tn
der legislative direction, the good results
would be almost incalculable, and are re-
quired by the progressive spirit of the
aye in which We live.
RESOLUTIONS OF THE VERMONT LgGISLA-
TURE
Your attention is called to the accom-
panying JOINT resolutions, passed at the
last session Of the Vermont Legislature,
bearing just tribute to the late Hon.
Thaddeus Stevens. Joiut resolutions from
the same body are also sent you, which |
regard as worthy of your consideration, re-
lativc to the act OF Congress ''to establish
and protect National Cemeteries" and re
commenting ''to the Legislature OF the
State of Pennsylvania the passage of an
act empowering the broad of commission.
ers having charge of the Soldiers Ma.
tional Cemetery at Gettysburg, to trans.
fer all the right, title, interest and care
of said Soldiers National Cemetery to the
General Government, upon the compile
ton Of the same
IN MEMORIAM.
1t has been the misfortune OF the State
during the past year to lose by death two
of her presentatives 10 the Congress OF
the nation, Hon Thaddeus Stevens, of
the Ninth, and Hon. Darwin \. Finney
Of the Twentieth District Both were
natives OF Vermont, but in early life
selected Pennsylvania for their home, aud
identified themselves with her interests,
which they were chosen to guard in the
Legislature ; and the people Of the Com
monwealth will long remember with graft
tude their faithful and efficient services.
The FIRST went down to his grave after a
long life of public usefulness and in well
matured honors the other in the prime
of manhood, which gave promise OF a
scarcely less brilliant career.
pARDoNs
The list Of pardons issued during the
past year will be found among the papers
to which your attention is called The
principal reasons upon which they were
based, aud the names OF some of the pro,
mineut petitioners, are given in every
case. That few of these pardons may
have been unworthily granted, through
misrepresentation of relatives, friends
sympathiziDg neighbors and other utter
ested parties, there is no doubt, but in
the majority of instances it is certain that
the facts not only justified but demanded
Executive clemency.
The whole number Of applications for
pardOns during the year has been sixteen
hundred and twenty three. The number
of pardons granted in that time has been
one hundred aud six, which is little
over 6} per cent. OF those pardoned
about five per cent have been again
brought before the courts in consequence
Of their return to the commission OF
crime.
am fully impressed with the weighty
responsibility Of the pardoning power.
which ranks among the most difficult and
embarrassing duties of the Executive of
fee. Daily beset with powerful and pitt
ful opportunities, as well as conflicting
presentations, from those in whom he
should be enabled to place the fullest con
fdence, in order to avoid errors in the
decision Of any case, the Governor is com-
pelled to take into consideration the &c
tion OF the court before which the con.
vicS has been tried the majesty of the
law which may or may not have been
violated the condition of the prisoner !;
his temptation to err the injury that
may be Inflicted upon his helpless and
dependent relatives, and the arguments
and appeals of citizens whose opinions
and wishes he is bound to respect. And
however just his decision and humane
and generous his action, either in favor
Of or against the petitioner for celemency
he must expect to have his motives i'm
pugned, his name and character milign
ed, and to suffer yirulent attacks for the