The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-01-05

A Minute Review of the Affairs of
the Commonwealth.
His Recommendation for Legislation,
and Views upon the Ma
tional Situation.

HARRISBURG, Jan. 5.-The following Is the
annual message of Governor Geary, as sent to
the two houses of the State Legislature to-day
To TIE Senate and House of Representatives Of the COM
anonpealh Of PennsyI1ana:--
GENTLEMEN From the days of William Penn, the
great and pious founder OF our Commonwealth has
been the universal custom of my predecessors, when
making their annual communications to the General
Assembly to acknowledge their gratitude to and
dependence upon the Great Lawglver of the Uni
verse. In imitation OF their noble example, let us
earnestly invoke His blessing and guidance in our
efforts to perform the great work OF legislation
before us, in such manner as to meet His approba-
tion, as well as that Of our common constituents
In transmitting to you the seventy-ninth annual
message since the organization OF the present State
Government, it affords me the highest qualification
to congratulate you and our fellow-citzen gene
rally on their enjoying, to an unusual degree the
blessings OF health and unstinted prosperity; and
that principles and institutions-the pride and
boast OF every true-hearted patrot-although tried
again in the crucible Of g heated political contest
the heavngs of popular passion, and the collision 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 dlscharging the i'm
portant duties and assuming the special respon-
sbilities which devolye upon you. 1t is extremely
diflcult, even with the greatest caution la your
deliberations, to enact laws that will fully meet the
expectations and appreciation OF all the people, but
much OF this difficulty may be overcome by avoiding
legislation for personal and special interests and
being unmindfu of the magnitude OF the interests OF
the State, and OF its rapidly advancing population,
wealth, and influence to destines beyond the reach
OF human vision. nober heritage was never given
to man than that which re possess; geographically
and politically of the greatest importance; an area OF
more than fortyfour thousand square miles; diver
sined with mountains, Valleys plains, rivers noun
tans covered with majestic forests valuable tim
ber OF almost every variety plains dotted with COM
Portable homesteads, and presenting well-cutivated
farms and luxurant fields marked by the advance
ment OF agrculture-the parent, supporter, and
stimulator 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, mechanics,
wool growers, coal and iron miners oil producers
and merchants full OF activity and confdence with
thousands OF miles or railroads and canals to
transfer the vast products to Market and accom-
modate the travel OF four millions OF happy and
prosperous people. Nor should we be forgetful Of
education in all its branches OF the public charities
PRISONS reformatories, the collection OF properly i'm
posed taxes the speedy reduction of the State debt
the preservation of order, and the certain pro-
lection of life, business, and property. All these
interests, and perhaps others OF equal Importance
demand legislation OF the most enlightened, LIBERAL
and comprehensive character.
In conformity TO the requirements OF the Consti-
tuition, proceed to invite your attention to such
measures as are deemed necessary for your con-
sideration, and 10 assure you OF my willingness TO
share with you the anxietes and responsibilities OF
all legislation calculated to advance the prosperity
OF the people and the best interests OF the Common
wealth.