The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1875-01-13

SldeFatlO0. thaL we may AFOiu tue
evils cf The present system aad in
augurate one whose provisions will
admit of no evasion, whose penal
ties will command obedience. and
that will protect and secure. alike,
both borrowers and lenders in their
legitimate rights
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
The suggestions in my message Of
last year in reference TO q geological
survey Of fhe State, were embodied
in bill that passed the Legislature
of 1874. This act authorized the ap-
pointment By the Governor, Of a
board Of ten scientific and practical
gentlemen to serve gratuitously, to
whom was to be entrusted the selec-
ton Of a geologist, and under whose
direction the survey was to be made.
An annual appropriation Of thirty
FIVE thousand dollars was made 70
defray the expenses, and the whole
work is to be completed within three
years. To compose this board ten
gentlemen were chosen from different
portions Of the State representing
the various interests directly concern
ed in the survey, and possessing, it IS
believed, the necessary qualifications
to 81 them for the proper discharge OF
their important and responsible task.
An experienced and competent geolO-
gist was elected By the board in June
last, and in the brief period that has
elapsed since the survey began in
September, the work has progressed
with great satisfaction, and the re-
suits soon to be submitted 10 the
public in an Ineligible form viii, l
feel confident, bespeak for the Com
mission during the remaining two
years Of their labors the good will
and assistance Of the people Of the
State. With the limited appropria-
tion investigation could not be push
ed into every part Of the Safe, but
during the next two years with cor
responding zeal and faithfulness q
thorough and elaborate survey Of the
whole State may be expected. The
reports TO be published within a few
weeks viii embrace the results Of the
examinations Of the iron ores and
roofing states Of York, Adams, Le-
high, and Northampton counties; the
fossil iron ore belt Of the Juniata
valley the bituminous coal basins Of
Clearield and Jefferson counties, and
the oil regions Of Venango county.
Included therein will be descriptions
Of other minerals, together with nu-
merous analyses Of ores, clays. Goals
and rocks. the whole to be accompa-
nied and illustrated with carefully
prepared maps.
The great benefits Of the survey
viii be at once recognized in this emu
meration, and particularly by those
who desire TO develop, sell, or lease
their lands. 4 museum Of minerals
will be collected at Harrisburg. and
when assorted and arranged, will be
an Invaluable contribution to the ex-
hibition at the Centennial.
BOARD or PARDONs
To comply with the provisions Of
was possible, and to satisfy a reason
able wish Of the public, at the request
7 of the Governor, early in the past
year, the Acknowledgement and See
retary Of the Commonwealth began
to act as a board Of pardOns, selecting
a recorder, to whom all communica-
tions and applications were to be adj
dressed, that they might be arranged
and prepared for a hearing IL was
also made bis duty 70 keep minutes
Of the proceedings Of the Board, 10
/ see that al requirements were met,
and 10 record the recommendations
I for pardon and the reason therefor.
The Board thus organized, with ooe
or two intermissi0ns, held stated
monthly meetings. when applications
having been publicly heard and every
opportunity afforded for a full discus
sion Of their merits or the reasons
why they should not BE- granted.
These hearings have at some sessions
extended over period Of four days,
the sittings Of the Board at times
reaching far into the night. The zeal,
fidelity. and industry, with which
these men have sought for the truth,
entitle them to the gratitude Of the
public and should secure them its coz
fdence.
As the proceedings before the
Board are without precedent, it is
[ not s.n2ula- that erroneous impress
sions pregail az % its powers aud tee
/ form toe application and discussion
should take ii behalf Of a prisoner.
/ The common mistake is 20 conceive
that the Board has the functions Of 4
court Of review, where the errors Of
the several courts Of the Common
wealth NAV be revised and corrected.
/ This was manifestly never The inten-
ton Of those who framed the Consti-
tuition and the composition Of the
I Board. only enc Of whom must nee
ie-sariIy be learned in the law, for
/ bids anv such construction.
Iii 4 misspprehens OF also. 70
/ suppose that tits incumbent upon the
board 10 listen to exhaustive ari
elaborate arguments FOR and against
an application. when al the testImo-
nv marsbailed on the trial is again
reviewed If this practice should
obtain. as the applications Increase,
The greater part Of the time Of
the gentlemen composing the
board viii be consumed in bearing
applicants fr pardon, 70 the serious
F.. detriment Of the public service IN
Z their other Official relations.
To facilitate investigation and eu-
.aiis exact Justice 70 be done, the
ngbFi- and especially those connected
/ With the administration Of the Law,
should esteem It a duty 10 convey 70
re board al the information within
their knowledge, that would enlight-
en- and help them 70 a srightfll eOnclu-
sion. Would IL not be wise % re-
/ ouire every officer of the law, pariic-
alarly the Judge and district attorney,
70 furnish their opinion a. % the pro-
priety Of the pardon.
MUNICIPAL ISDEBTEDsE-7 AND 4AAA-
ZION
TIE rrsa.io1 and increase Of IN
debtetDess by the municipalities Of
- Commonwealth the past few
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