The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1870-01-14
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

atires Of the Commonwealth of Pennsyi.
Udniu.
GENTLEMEN: From the days of viii |
liam Penn, the great and pious founder |
of our Commonw wealth, it has been the |
universal custom of my predecessors, |
when making their annual communica. |
tions to the General Assembly, to ac- |
knowledge their gratitude to and de- |
pendence upon tie Great Law w-giver of |
the Universe. In imitation of their |
noble example, let us earnestly invoke |
His blessing and guidance in our efforts |
to perform the great work of legislation
now before us, In such manner AS to
meet His appreciation, as well as that
of our common constituents.
In transmitting to you the seventy.
ninth annual message since the organi-
zation of the present State government,
it affords me the highest qualification to
congratulate you, and our fellow citi-
zens generally, on their enjoying, to an
unusual degree, the blessings of health
and unstinted prosperity; and that our
principles and institutions-the pride
and boast OF every true hearted patriot
although tried again in the crucible
of a heated political contest, the heav-
ings of pofular passion, and the collis-
ion of parties, from which we have just
emerged, remain unimpaired and vital
in every part.
Under such auspicious circumstances
you have assembled for the purpose of
discharging the important duties, and
assuming the special responsibilities
which devOlve upon you. 1t is eX-
tremely difficult, even with the greatest
caution in your deliberations, to enact
laws that will fully meet the expecta-
tions and appreciation of all the people;
but much of this difficulty may be over
come by avoiding legislation for per-
sonal and special interests, and not be-
ing unmindful of the magnitude of the
interests of the State, and of its rapidly
advancing population, wealth, and in
fluence to destinies beyond the reach
Of human vision. A nobler heritage
was never given to man than that
which we possess geographically and
politically of the greatest Importance 4;
an area of more than forty-fOur thous-
and square miles; diversified with
mountains, valleys, plains, rivers ;
mountains covered with majestic forests
of valuable timber of almost every va
riety; plains dotted with comfortable
h0mestCads, and presenting well-culti-
waited farms and luXuriant fields mark
ed by the advancement of agriculture
the parent, supporter, and stimuator
of every species of industry, exchange
and commerce hills and valleys with
teeming mines of all the varieties OF
coal, iron, oil, salt, and other minerals
with farmers, manufacturers, mechan-
les, wool-growers, coal and iron miners
oil producers and merchants full OF &C
tivity and confidenc; with thousand!
of miles of railroads and canals to tians
for tha yust nrn1nnts to paarkat anf
accommodate the travel of four millions
of happy and prosperous people. No
should we be forgetful of education il
all its branches, of the public charities
prisons, reformatOries, the collection o
properly imposed taxes, the speedy re
duction of the State debt, the preserva
tion Of order, and the more certain pro
lection of life, business and property
All these interests and perhaps other
of equal importance, demand legisa
tion OF the most enlightened, liberia
and comprehensive character.
In conformity TO the requirements G
the Constitution. l proceed to invit
your attention to such measures as ar
deemed necessary for your considera
ton, and to assure you of my willing
ness TO share with you the anxietie
and responsibilities of all Legislation
ttICululcu tO duNullCc lllc prosperity U
the people and the best interests of tn
Commonwealth.
FINANCES.
From the reports of the Auditor Gen
Cral and State Treasurer, the followin;
statement has been carefully prepared
and exhibits the receipts and disburse
ments for the fiscal year ending Novem
her 80, 1868:
RECEIPTS.
Balance in Treasury, Nov. -
30, 1863 9......."............". 81 l,0l2,925 )
Ordinary receipts during
the fiscal year ending No
vembcr 80, 1S69............. 5,241,7l1 .
Total in Treasury during
year ending Nov. 30, 1863, G,25f,6 1886 G
DISBURSEMENTS.
Ordinary expenses paid
during the year ending
: Nov. 30, 1s69................. y, 2,4S5, III =
Loans, &C., redeemed at
ry......."........"..., lU9,Oli
Loans redeemed by the
Commissioners of the
Sinking FuNd.............. 362, ,7G2 Q
Interest paid at Treasury. 17O,6G5
Interest paid by Commits
: sioners of Sinking Fund. l,725,57S