The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1870-01-29

armed loyalty, aud the Government has trl
umphanty established its ability success
fully to suppress domestic iusurrection, how
ever gigantic. The war itself has served tC
stimulate our people to fresh energies, and
to the development Of new enterprises
| Our manufactures have multiplied, plenty
has smiled upon our fields, and blessed the
abors of the hus5andnIan. Peace has re-
stored our people to their homes, and cheer
| ed our 6resides. The rates Of taxation have
been reduced, and are entirely abolished
upon real estate Cor the use Of the Common.
wealth, Our State debt is being steadily
and surely liquidated. Immense sums have
been paid for pensions aud ether charities.
The cause Of education has advanced, and
the institutions for the support and tuition
Of the soldiers orphans have been lbeial,
ly supplied. Railroads have been construc-
ted, and new material resources developed.
And thus our State and nation are rapidly
progressing in the attainment OF those ele.
ments of greatness which have already
placed our country in the foremost rank Of
the Powers of the earth. The great Rail
road which binds our State to the far West,
and it in turn to the Oriental nations, has
been completed, and all our efforts to add to
our material prosperity have been crowned
with unparalleled success.
L. was my privilege to announce from
this stand three years ago the princi Piles
which would guide me in the administra
ton of the Office Of Governor. At that
time l dwelt upon aud expressed my views
in reference to all questions then occupy.
ing share Of pubIic attention. | have
since, from time to time, in messages to the
Legislature, set forth the condition of The
State, recommended such measures as l
deemed expedient and calculated to al
vance her interests, and expressed my views
upon the various topics of the day tina;
we're of State or National importance. And
having fully reflected thereon, l am the
more confirmed therein. and know Of no rea
son why should not endorse and reiterate
them as fully on this occasion as il az lin
promulgated, word for word. And now,
acknowledging my responsibility in It's
broadest sense, as representative to my
constituents, and considering the magnitude
of the interests which have again been com
mitted to my charge, | feel it is due to the
people, and Incumbent upon myself, to re
fer them to the documents indicated for an
outline of The general policy which is i'll
tended as a guide lor the incoming admin
istration, rather than encuIber this address
or unnecessarily delay this audience with
their repetition. have no new pied seS to
make, but nflently refer to the record OF
my past life as evidence, at least, to my zeal
and devotion to the best interests Of my
State and country, and for the rectitude Of
my intentions And although the ability
which bring to the discharge Of such hi h
duties may be limited, | shall confidently
rely upon the kind indulgence Of my Eel
low citizens and upon i conscientious effort
to uphold unbemished, and transmit uutar,
nished to my successor in Office, and to pos
terity, the fair fame and good name of our
magnificent old Commonwealth.
Difficulties OF no ordinary character con
stautly surround your Executive officer in
the discharge of the many duties de
volving upon him, concerning each Of " hich
there may be conflicting opinions. 1t be.
ing, therefore, impossible to satisfy all, hi;
only safeguard is to adopt, aud act in accor
dance with those sterling aud bencfcenl
maxims to which the early fathers gave
utterance, which have been sanctioned by
wisdom, prosperity Of our institutions, and
the liberty and happiness of our people,
NC COnslllutlOu NGslS JhC SuplCulC CA
ecutive power" Of the State Governor, and
directs that "he shall take care that thc
laws be faithfully executed" The su
preme earthly authority recognized by US
therefore, is the law-the righuully deter
mined will of the people, "No citizen is 81
| exalted as TO be above. and none so low
as to be beneath its power" The execu
tive is as much the subject of the laws o
the State as the hunblest individual with
n its borders. In pursuance of these prin
ciples, and in the execution of the laws,
have endeavOred during my term of oflict
faithfully to dicharge every official dut.
with full reference to my sworn obliga
ton, and as shall answer at the last grea
day.
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