Year: 1861

of steady liquidation, by the ordinary means
of the treasury, al! unnecessary expendl-
lures of the public money must be firmly
resisted, SO that the gradual diminution of
the indebtedness shall not be interrupted.


To promote the prosperity of the people
and the power of the Commonwealth, by
increasing her financial resources, by a lib
eral recognition of the vast interests Of our
commerce, by outstanding our means and
diminishing our burdens OF taxation and of
debt. will be tie highest objects of my am
bition. and all the energy of my administra-
ton will be directed to the accomplishment
of these results.


The pardoning power is one Of the most
important and delicate powers conferred
upon the Chief Magistrate by tie Constitu-
ton, and it should always be exercised with
great caution, and never, except on the most
conclusive evidence that it is due to the
condemned, and that the public security
will not be prejudiced by the act. When
such applications are presented to the Exec
utive, it is due to society, to the administra-
tion of justice, and to all interested, that
public notice should be given. By the adop-
ton of such a regulation imposition will be
prevented and just efforts strengthened.


The association of capital and labor under
acts of incorporation, where the puposes to
be accomplished are beyond the reach of
individual enterprise. has long been the pol
icy of the State, and has done much to ad-
vance the prosperity of the people. Where
the means of the citizens are moderate, as
they generally are in new and growing
countries, and where the concentration of
the capital Of many is necessary to develop
ment and progress, such associations, when
judiciously restricted, confer large benefits
on the State. The vast resources of Penn
sylvania, and the variety of her mechanical
and other industrial pursuits, invite capital
and enterprise from abroad, which on every
sound principle of political economy, should
be encouraged. Much of the time of the
Legislature is consumed by applications for
special chartered privileges which might be
saved by the enactment of general laws,
and by such amendment to our general min
ing and manufacturing law as will remove
needless and bnrthensome restraints, and
at the same time afford ample protection to
capital and labor, and to the community at
large. Our statute books are full OF acts of
incorporation, comforting special privileges.
various as they are numerous, dissimilar in
their grants of power, and unequal in their
liabilities and restrictions. Well considered
and judicious general laws to meet all class
es of corporations would remedy the evil,
economist time and money. relieve the Le-
gislature from the constant pressure for
undue privileges, and be just and equal to
all in their administration.


The veto power conferred upon the Exec.
utive was given with much hesitation, and
not without serious apprehensions as 60 its
abuse, by the trainers of our organic law
1t is, in my Judgment, to be used with tie
greatest caution, and only when legislation
is manifestly inconsiderate, or of more than
doubtful consttutionaltv. The legislators,
chosen as they are directly by the people,
in such o manner that fair expression of
their views of the true policy of the govern
ment can always be had, give to all well
considered measures of legislation the sane
tion of the highest power of the State, and
it should not be arbitrarily interfered with.
While shall shrink from no duty involved
by the sacred trust reposed in me by the
people of the Commonwealth, I would have
all other departments of the government
appreciate the full measure of responsibility
that deyolves upon them.


The position of mutual estrangemcnt in
which the different sections of our country
have been placed by the precipitate action
and violent denunciation of heated partizans
the apprehension of still more serious COM
plications of our political affairs, and the
fearful uncertainty of the future, have had
the effect of weakening commercial credit
and partially interrupting trade; and, as
natural consequence. deranging our exchang-
es and currency. Yet the elements of gen.
eral prosperity are everywhere diffdsed
amongst US, and nothing is wanting but a
return of confidence to enable US to reap the
rich rewards of our diversified industry and
enterprise. Should the restitution of conf
dence In business and commercial circles be
long delayed, the Legislature, in its wisdom,
will, doubt not, meet the necessities of the
crisis in generous and patriotic spirit,


Thus far our system of Government has
fully answered the expectations of its found
ers, and has demonstrated the capacity of
the people for self-government. The country
has advanced in wealth, knowledge and
power. and secured to all classes of its cit
izens the blessings of peace, prosperity and
happiness. The workings of our simple and
natural political organizations have given
direction and energy to individual and as
sociated enterprise, maintained public order,
and promoted the welfare Of all parts of our
vast ard expanding country. No one who
knows the history of Pennsylvania and un-
derstands the opinions and feelings of her
people. cen justly charge US with hostility,
to our brethren Of other States. We regard
them as friends and fellow countrymen, in
whose welfare We feel kindred interest;