Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-01-13
Gov, Hoyt's Message.


asmuch rs there was no session of the
State legislature last year the Cover
nor had good reason to enter some
what more minutely into details than
was usual when the message came be-
fore the public as an annual State
paper. The Governor starts out with
an alluson to the growth and power
of the State, the prosperity, happiness
and content of the people and the i'm
portance of the duties that devolve
upon the law makers, and then calls
attention TO the financial condition of
the State, giving summary of the
receipts and expenditures of the State
treasury from December |, 1879, to
November 80, 1880, both inclusive
From this summary it appears that
the receipts were s6, 20,33447, and
the payments during the same period
s6,S20,119.49. The estimated reve-
nues to the general and sinking funds
for the present year amount to 50, ,4O4,-
10000, and the estimated expenses for
the same period are s., 399,9sS00.
But in the general fund their will be
an estimated deficiency of S77l 10000,
while there is n present deficit Of ST.
043,O00G0, in appropriations unpaid.
The amount that must be provided
for the general fund to pay this de-
ficieucy is 81, l,sl4OOO0O
The Governor admits that "our tax
laws are neither uniform nor equit-
able" but says there is no data in
the possession of the departments upon
which it would be safe TO attempt the
enactment of any sweeping or radical
changes" He therefore makes no rec
ommendation for such purpose, but
leaves the matter with the Legislature.
During the year 1882 over 100000
| 900 of the State loans will mature by
the terms of the acts creating them,
and it is thought that the present Is a
most favorable time to refund these
maturing loans at n lower rate of in
terest than is now paid upon them
aud authority il asked from the pres
ent legislature to enable the depart
ments to act forthwith
The subjec: Of education next re-
ceives the attention of the Governor,
and he treats it in fair and liberal
spirit. The State is carrying on its
system of public instruction in three
directions, viz: through the public
schools, the normal schools and the
soldiers orphans schools. Quoting
from the reports of Superintendent
Wickersham very gratifying condi.
tion of these educational agencies j.
presented, and adequate support to
them strongly urged.
The message also treats Of the sub.
ject of freight discrimination and in
order that all shippers in the Stats
may be in condition to have the pro
lection of statute law, it is urged that
necessary legislation be enacted Sc
that the provisions of the Constitutia
may be placed in reach of execution
by the courts over all transportation
companies, at all times, in all places
and in all interests.
The remainder Of the message is de
voted TO matters of minor Importance
such as the municipal commission bill
for the government of cities, the geo
logical survey, the board of agricul
ture, the fishery commission, the ma
tional guard, the centennial celebra
tion at Yorktown, all of which ar,
commended to the favor of the legis
lature. The Governor also pays hand
some tributes to the memories ant
public services of the late Ex.Gov
: William Bigler and Judge Warren J
> Woodward. In conclusion he recap
: itulates the questions Of Legislation
that should receive attention as fol
9 lows:
Provision for the revenues of tn,
9 commonwealth;
i The passage of the appropriation
: bills necessary 10 carry on the variou
! departmenta.f he support Of penal anS
: charitsble institutions, and the like;
hill - rafs.uA tha ,.uhlin Iok, A..