VI. That no person or persons shall or may, at any time hereafter, be obliged to answer any complaint, matter, or thing whatsoever, relating to property, before the Governor and Council, or in any other place, but in ordinary Courts of Justice, unless appeals thereunto shall be hereafter by law appointed. VII. That no person within this government shall be licensed by the Governor to keep an ordinary Tavern or house of public entertainment, but such who are first recommended to him, under the hands of the justices of the respective counties, signed in open court, which justices are and shall be hereby empowered to suppress and forbid any person keeping such public house as aforesaid, upon their misbehaviour, or such penalties as the law doth or shall direct; and to recommend others from time to time, as they shall see occasion. VIII. If any person, through temptation or melancholy shall destroy himself, his estate, real and personal shall notwithstanding descend to his wife and children, or relations, as if he had died a natural death; and if any person shall be destroyed or killed by casualty or accident, there shall be no forfeiture to the Governor by reason thereof. And no act, law, or ordinance whatsoever, shall at any time hereafter be made or done, to alter, change, or diminish the form or effect of this Charter, or any part or clause therein contrary to the true intent and meaning thereof, without the consent of the Governor for the time being, and six parts of seven of the Assembly met. But because the happiness of mankind depends so much upon the enjoying of liberty of their conscience as aforesaid, I do hereby solemnly declare, promise, and grant, for me, my heirs, and assigns, that the First article of this Charter relating to liberty of conscience, and every part and clause therein, according to the true intent and meaning thereof, shall be kept and remain, without any alteration, inviolably for ever. And lastly, I the said William Penn, Proprietary and Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania, and Territories thereunto belonging, for myself, my heirs and assigns, have solemnly declared, granted, and confirmed, and do hereby solemnly declare, grant, and confirm, That neither I, my heirs or assigns, shall procure or do any thing or things whereby the liberties in this Charter contained and expressed, nor any part thereof, be infringed or broken. And if any thing shall be procured or done, by any person or persons, contrary to these presents, it shall be held of no force or effect. In Witness whereof, I the said William Penn, at Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, have unto this present Charter of Liberties set my hand and broad seal, this twentyeighth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and one, being the thirteenth year of the reign of king William the Third over England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, &c. and in the twentyfirst year of my government. of the town of Philadelphia, (when the said town is incorporated) two persons to represent them in Assembly; and the inhabitants of each county in the Territories, shall as many persons to represent them in a distinct Assembly, for the Territories, as shall be by them requested as aforesaid. Notwithstanding which separation of the Province and Territories, in respect of legislation, I do hereby promise, grant, and declare, that the inhabitants of both Province and Territories shall separately enjoy all other liberties, privileges, and benefits granted jointly to them in this Charter, any law, usage, or custom of the Government heretofore made or practised, or any law made and passed by this General Assembly, to the contrary hereof, notwithstanding. WILLIAM PENN. This Charter of privileges being distinctly read in Assembly, and the whole and every part thereof, being approved and agreed to by us, we do thankfully receive the same from our Proprietary and Governor, at Philadelphia, this twenty-eighth day of October, one thousand seven hundred and one. Signed on behalf and by order of the Assembly. SAMUEL CARPENTER, GRIFFITH OWEN, CALEB PUSEY, THOMAS STORY, Proprietary and Governor's Council. STATE HOUSE BELL. The new bell for the State House has been completed, and was placed in its proper situation in the Steeple on Thursday last the 11th instant. It was cast by Mr. J. Wilbank, of this city. The dimensions were all scientifically calculated previously to being cast-and so accurately were the calculations made, that the weight only exceeds what was intended, 75 pounds. It weighs 4275 lbs. and will cost at 45 cents per pound $1923 75. It is probably the largest bell in the United States—but this is quite diminutive compared with the great bell in Russia, which was cast at the expense of the Empress Anne, weighing 432,000 pounds; the height of which was 19 feet-its circumference at the bottom 63 feet 11 inches-and its greatest thickness 23 inches. The following are the dimensions of the State House bell, as received from Mr. Wilbank: It has no clapper, and is designed to be struck by the hammer of the clock-and in time of fire by a hammer And notwithstanding the closure and test of this pre-fixed to machinery. sent Charter as aforesaid, I think fit to add this following proviso thereunto, as part of the same, That is to say, Hail storm.-The inhabitants of Newbury township, That notwithstanding any clause or clauses in the above- York co. were visited on Monday, 1st inst. with an exmentioned Charter, obliging the Province and Territo-tremely heavy hail storm. It did considerable damage ries to join together in legislation, I am content, and do to the barns, and crushed a number of fences. The hail hereby declare, that if the representatives of the Pro- stones laid so deep that they might have been thrown up vince and Territories shall not hereafter agree to join by the shovel full. [Harrisburg Argus. together in legislation, and that the same shall be signified unto me, or my Deputy, in open Assembly, or otherwise from under the hands and seals of the representatives for the time being, of the Province and Territories, or the major part of either of them, at any time within three years of the date hereof, that in such case, the inhabitants of each of the three counties of this province, shall not have less than eight persons to represent them in Assembly, for the Province; and the inhabitants Printed every Saturday morning by William F. Ged. des, No. 59 Locust street, Philadelphia; where, and at the Editor's residence, No. 51 Filbert street, subscriptions will be thankfully received. Price five dollars per annum--payable in six months after the commencement of publication--and annually, thereafter, by subscribers resident in or near the city--or where there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance. REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD, NO. 51, FILBERT STREET. VOL. II.-NÒ. 10. GOV. MIFFLIN'S MESSAGE, 1793. Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives. The flourishing condition of Pennsylvania continues to afford a subject for congratulation. As an individual state, she is happy in the accumulating blessings of her agriculture, her commerce, and her citizens; while, as a conspicuous member of the Union, she shares, in an eminent degree, the honour and credit which the national character has attained. Whether, indeed, we take a retrospective view of the contest and distress, from which we have ourselves but recently escaped; or contemplate the calamities to which the nations of Europe are at the present period exposed, the comparative happiness of America scarcely leaves the patriotic mind occasion for a wish, independent of the safety and preservation of the source from which it flows. With a due respect to the benevolent dispensations of Providence, I think we cannot err in ascribing the prosperity of our country to the frame and operation of her political institutions. In the origin and construction of most governments, the traces of accident and force are obvious, and the principles of equality and freedom seem to be studiously resisted; but this remark serves only to enhance the value of the example which America presents, and to endear to her citizens the reflection, that the constitution of the Union (as well as the constitutions of the respective states) is the genuine offspring of reason, deliberation, and independence, formed by the wisdom, and established by the virtue, of the people. While, however, I deliver this short, but just encomium upon the nature of our federal compact, and acknowledge, with ardour, that the voice of the people can alone give a legitimate existence to government, permit me, gentlemen, to take this public opportunity of adding a truth, equally manifest and important, that obedience to the regular exercise of constitutional authority, can alone render a free government beneficial and permanent. In granting the power to legislate, the people virtually engage, that acts of legislation shall be held sacred: the constitution, and the laws made under it, are therefore alike the evidences of the public will, though expressed by different organs; and every unauthorized opposition to either, must be considered, in effect, as a raising of the hand in contradiction to the tongue. NO.38: of the general government, though distinct, are not ad verse, and that their interests, through whatever channels they may pass, must be the same. But, in making an enquiry how far the citizens of Pennsylvania have been concerned in any riotous or violent opposition, it is just to observe, that I have found the instances of outrage but few; that the offenders have generally been prosecuted; and that in every case of a prosecution, le gally supported, conviction and punishment have ensued. The documents on which this information is founded, (together with the various other papers to which I may refer,) will be presented to your considera tion: and while, with great satisfaction, I leave to the courts of justice, the vindication of the laws from posi tive insult and infraction, I implicitly rely on the aid of your example and advice, to allay the spirit of discom tent, to cultivate the means of harmony, and to excite a merited confidence in the measures of the general goment. There are not wanting, gentlemen, strong and inte resting motives for the suppression of domestic contro versies. Since the settlement of America so powerful and so hostile a combination of the Indian tribes has not appeared, as that which now menaces the western frontiers of the United States. Whatever may have been the origin of the contest, the danger is common, and the common force of the Union is necessary to the defence: It is the duty, therefore, and doubtless the desire, of those who are engaged in the administration of the general government, to afford protection co-extensively with their jurisdiction. But still we are left to lament that Pennsylvania, from local circumstances, may occa sionally become the seat of the war, and surely a tribute of sympathy is peculiarly due to such of our fellow citizens as are constantly exposed to the ravages of a barbarous enemy. The provision which, under the influence of this sentiment, was made at the last session of the General Assembly, for co-operating with the force of the Union, in protecting our western frontiers, was regarded as a salutary proof of legislative attention and liberality. Endeavouring, on my part, to give to the execution of the law a despatch and effect correspond. ing with the design of the Legislature, I appointed the officers of the three companies, and issued instructions for the proper enlistment, the very day on which the act was passed; and, as a sufficient number of rifles could not immediately be procured to arm the corps, I borrowed from the Secretary at War a temporary supply of muskets, to be delivered from the magazine of the United States in Pittsburg, authorizing, at the same time, an allowance to be made to every man who should bring his own rifle into the service. I am persuaded that, uniting with me in lamenting the existence of any cause which can lead to observations of this kind, you will peruse with pain a communication which the President of the United States has made, and the copy of the proclamation issued by him, in conse- This establishment, commanded with ability and acquence of certain irregular and refractory proceedings tuated with zeal, proved, I am informed, very advanthat have taken place in particular parts of some of the tegeous, though, in the opinion of many of the citizens, states, contravening the operation of the acts of Con-its duration was too limited. Hence the most pressing gress, for raising a revenue upon spirits distilled within the territory of the Union. As far as it is in my power I have cheerfully endeavoured to promote the object of the measure which the President has pursued on this occasion, and indeed I shall always deem it an honourable and pleasing part of the duties of my office, to inculcate a strict and faithful attention to our federal obligations. For I am sensible, that the jurisdictions of the state, and VOL. II. 21 solicitations were made, either to prevent the disbanding of the men at the expiration of the period of their enlistment, or to supply their place by a competent draft from the militia of the neighbouring counties. With the former of these propositions, I did not think myself empowered to comply; and, in complying with the lat ter, I expressly stipulated, that, as soon as the troops of the United States had assembled in sufficient force on the frontiers, to answer a reasonable expectation of protection and defence, the militia should be discharged, and all military proceedings under my instructions discontinued. You will be happy to find, from the representation of several of the lieutenants, that this has already been the case; but the statements that I have directed to be presented to you, will show the necessity of making a further provision to defray the expenses in curred for those occasional militia services, which the emergencies of the country have rendered unavoidable. Among the many important matters, that will now present themselves to your view, the act of Congress for establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States, claims an early attention, as the principal arrangements, which require the interference of the state legislature, are directed to be completed within one year after the passing of that act. In order to prevent delay, and to facilitate your labours, I have taken measures for procuring a general enrolment of the inhabitants of the commonwealth, according to the description and regulations of the first section of the law; and the Secretary will lay the returns of the proper officer before you, as soon as they are received. information could not be furnished, so as to enable all of then to repair to Harrisburg at the time prescribed by the act of Congress for the discharge of their duty.. Under these circumstances, and with a view, if possible, to prevent the state from being deprived of the exercise of one of her most important federal rights, I consulted the Judges of the Supreme Court, the President of the first district, and the Attorney General, respecting the conduct, which the law required, or authorized, to be pursued on the occasion; and, in conformity to their opinion, I ascertained, from the returns actually received on the twenty-first day of November, the fifteen candidates who had the highest number of votes; and proclaimed and notified those persons as the electors duly chosen. I here, likewise, observe with some satisfaction, that the returns which have been delivered to me subsequent to the proclamation, would have produced no variance in the election; but I have thought it necessary to animadvert with considerable severity, on the official negligence, to which so painful an embarrassment was owing, and I am persuaded, that, as far as depends on the wisdom of the Legislature, its recurrence, at any future period, will be effectually prevented. I announce to you, gentlemen, with peculiar pleasure, the execution of the law, which provided for the redemption and extinguishment of the state debts. As soon as overtures were made for purchasing the requisite amount of the 3 per cent. stock of the United States, belonging to Pennsylvania, at the rate stipulated by the act of Assembly, I issued the regular notification to the public creditors, and you will perceive, from a particular report of the transaction, which is prepared for your information, that the sales, for this object, have amounted to nine hundred and eighty-six thousand dollars; which, at the average price of 12 1-16 in the pound, has produced the specie sum of five hundred and ninetythree thousand two hundred and one dollars and one amounts to the sum of five hundred and forty-eight thousand nine hundred and eighty-eight dollars and thirteen cents; and that there remains (allowing for certain contingencies) in the treasury, the sum of seventy-two thousand two hundred and one dollars and The election for members to serve the commonwealth fifty cents, to answer the further operation of the rein the representative house of Congress, for the term of demption law, and such new appropriations as you shall two years, from the fourth day of March next; and the be pleased to direct. I have found it impracticable,` election for electors, to choose, on behalf of Pennsyl- however, on the terms prescribed, to vest any part of vania, a President and Vice President of the U. States, this surplus in the stock of the bank of North America, at a meeting appointed to be held on the first Wednes- according to the view and disposition of the Legislature. day of the present month, have taken place during the Thus honourably disencumbered from the pecuniary recess of the Legislature; and copies of the proclama- obligations that were incurred in consequence of the tions issued on those occasions will inform you of the late war-the honest price of our independence-I cannames of the citizens who are elected to fill the respec- not conceive (as I have before suggested) any situation tive offices. It is proper to accompany this communica- of political prosperity and affluence, surpassing that tion with a statement, that irregularities have occurred which the citizens of Pennsylvania are invited to enjoy. in both the elections, as to the time and manner of From that part of the wealth of the community, which transmitting the returns. In the first case, the returns consists in the debt of the United States, there will, notof some of the districts, not being seasonably received at withstanding the recent diminutions of the capital (rethe meeting of the judges of the election, were there- ducing it to the estimated amount of about one hundred fore excluded from the general return of the county, and sixty-seven thousand dollars in six per cents; one though separately delivered at the Executive Depart- hundred and eighty-seven thousand dollars in three per ment: but, whatever may be the decision of the House cents; and two hundred and eighteen thousand dollars of Representatives of Congress on this circumstance, it in deferred stock) arise an income, which, together gives me pleasure to add, that it appears from an actual with the product of the ordinary and permanent reveinspection of the documents, that the admission, or re-nues, will be sufficient to defray the expenses of gojection, of the votes contained in the separate returns, vernment, and to prosecute any rational objects of pubcannot affect the state of the election. In the second lic convenience. Our unliquidated demand against the case, a more serious difficulty arose: by the act of As- Union, may, at the same time, be considered, as promissembly twelve days were allowed to the sheriff's for ing an accession of productive property; for, although transmitting the returns of the election of electors, and nothing can be precisely ascertained in this respect, unI was enjoined, on or before the 28th of November, to til the final settlement of all the claims of the sister notify the election to the several persons who should be states, the agent, on behalf of Pennsylvania, assures me, duly chosen. More than twelve days having elapsed that our accounts bear a favourable aspect, and that he from the day of the election, and many of the returns has reason to believe, that the principal charges which not being received, I became apprehensive, that it they exhibit, stand at present in a state of approbation. would be impracticable to send the legal notice to the In addition to these funds, the arrearages of taxes electors, and that if any farther delay was indulged, the (amounting, exclusively of the known exonerations, to For another object of a federal nature, permit me, gentlemen, again to solicit a candid, a serious, and an efficient consideration: That Pennsylvania, during two of the most interesting sessions of Congress, has been curtailed of her just share in the federal representation, and deprived of her proportionate influence in the national councils, is, certainly a reflection pregnant with mortification, as it respects the character of the state, and with apprehension, as it respects her interest. But, relying on the wisdom of the Legislature, I forbear to offer any opinion upon the controverted modes of choosing our representatives in the senatorial branch of the general government; I content myself with a repetition of my confidence, that the principles of patriotism, as well as the sense of duty operate in the discussion of the sub-cent.; that the aggregate of the debts already redeemed ject; and the recent opportunity which you have had, to acquire a knowledge of the sentiments and feelings of our fellow citizens, yields a perfect assurance, that your decision will, at this time, be satisfactory to them, and honourable to yourselves. the sum of about five hundred and thirty-seven thou-Lehigh water gap across the Matchunk mountain, to insand dollars) form a considerable, though, from the nature of the subject, a temporary resource; and the operations of the Land Office (which, since the first day of November 1791, have brought, of specie and certificates, a suin exceeding two hundred and ten thousand dollars into the Treasury) may be regarded with the most sanguine expectation of benefit and emolument. tersect the Nescopeck road made by Evan Owen; for improving a road in a winding ascent over Vanderen's hill in Roxbury township, in the county of Philadelphia, agreeably to the principles of a survey and report made by David Rittenhouse and Thomas Hutchins, Esquires, in pursuance of instructions given them by the General Assembly, on the twenty-sixth of September 1783; for opening and improving a road from the mouth of Juniata river to David Miller's on Juniata; for improving the road from M'Call's ferry on Susquehanna river, until it falls into the road to be laid out from Peach-bottom fer in the state of Delaware; for improving a road leading from Lancaster to Harrisburg, beginning at the Bear in Donnegal township, to Swatara creek in Dauphin county; for opening and improving a road from the east side of Sideling hill to the town of Bedford; for opening and improving that part of the road from Bedford to Pittsburg, that lies between Loyalhanning creek and the nine mile run; and for opening and improving a road from Mount Rock, near Carlisle, to Rankin's ferry, on Susquehanna river. To cherish these resources with a prudent economy, and to employ them with a judicious liberality, may now be considered as the chief purposes of the trust, which our constituents have reposed in the departments of government. An attention to the first of these, will, I be-ry to the nearest navigable waters of Christiana creek, lieve, induce you to avoid any farther reduction of the principal of the public stock; and must suggest the expediency of making some arrangement, for rendering the unappropriated monies, that shall, from time to time, accumulate in the Treasury, productive of a reasonable profit. I recommend, likewise, to your consideration, the propriety of taking additional measures for the collection of the arrearages of taxes, which the delay of every year naturally renders more difficult and precarious, and if the amount due from the city and the respective counties, were now to be cleared from the claims to exoneration, divided into moderate sums, and made payable in convenient instalments, I think the regulation would not only alleviate the burthen to the citizens, but ensure the payment to the public. I am informed, that the several incorporated companies for establishing a turnpike road from the city of Philadelphia to the borough of Lancaster; and for opening water communications between the rivers Susquehanna and Schuylkill, and between the rivers Schuylkill and the Delaware, have commenced their respective works, with a fair prospect of success. And I cannot leave this subject, without repeating a desire, that the improvements in our roads and rivers may be secured; by a revision of the general laws that relate to them, and the introduction of strict and permanent rules, as well for keeping them in repair, as for preventing nuisances and encroachments. With respect to the second point of legislative duty, to which I have particularly adverted (the judicious appropriation of the public wealth) experience justifies me in anticipating the most satisfactory conduct. The improvement of the public roads, and of our inland navigation, has been, and will, no doubt, continue to be, a leading object; and it affords me great pleasure to encourage that pursuit, by assuring you of the beneficial effects which it has already produced, under the auspi As intimately connected with the order and product ces of the legislature. The execution of several of the of our finances, the offices of accounts, and the Land contracts, that were formerly mentioned, is complete; Office, will, at all times, claim the particular attention of and the progress in many more, is very considerable; as government. Such improvements might, I think, be will appear from the reports of the agents of informa-introduced into both these departments, as would rention, which I shall direct to be transmitted to you, during the present session. The commissioners appointed to view and lay out a road beginning at or near the Peach; bottom ferry, and running towards the navigable waters of Christiana creek; the commissioners appointed to lay out a road from Wilkesbarre to Wyalusing creek, and thence to Tioga point; and the commissioners appointed to lay out a road from Loyalsock creek to the one hundred and nine mile stone, have completed the tasks respectively assigned to them; and I expect soon to receive the surveys of the other commissioners appointed for similar purposes, aggreeably to the directions of the Act of Assembly. Since my last public communication, additional contracts have, likewise, been formed, for opening a road from Callendar's mill over Crogham's gap in the Blue mountain to West's mill; for opening and improving a road from Frankstown to Conemaugh at or near the mouth of Stony creek, and improving the navigation of the river Juniata from its mouth to Aughwick falls; for opening and improving a road through Nicholls' gap over the South mountain; for opening and improving that part of the road from Bedford to Pittsburg, that lies between M'Connehy's run and Loyalhanning creek; for opening and improving a road across the Blue mountain at Smith's gap, between the wind-gap and the Lehigh water-gap; for improving the navigation of the river Susquehanna, from Wright's ferry to the mouth of Swatara creek; for opening and improving a road beginning at the west end of High street of the city of Philadelphia, and thence extending on the direction of said street about three miles and a half, through the county of Philadelphia and township of Blockley, to the line of the county of Delaware; for improving a road from M'Callister's gap to the Burnt Cabbins and Skinner's road; for opening and improving a road from the der their transactions more convenient to the citizens, and more advantageous to the public. I shall not, however, enter into the detail, farther than to bring again to your notice the impediments in the collection of the du ty on tavern licenses; and to point out the expediency of placing, on a better footing, the mode of compelling the officers, who are entrusted with public monies, to account; as it may, at present happen, that the process can only be issued by those, who are, themselves, the delinquents. With respect to marriage licenses, some legislative sanction is certainly wanting, to render them either useful, as a civil regulation, or profitable, as an instrument of revenue. In bringing to your view the state of the public departments, my earnest desire, that the judiciary should be established upon the most eligible plan, and that every improvement, which experience may suggest, should be adopted, will, I hope, excuse my reminding you, that very injurious delays and disappointments arise in the administration of justice, within the city and county of Philadelphia, owing, among other things, to the impossibility of obtaining the constant attendance of the As sociate Justices of the Common Pleas, for the inadequate compensation which the law allows. The importance and the multiplicity of the objects embraced by the ju risdiction of that court; the great body of our fellow citizens, as well as the many foreigners, affected by its decisions, and the number of sessions (including those of, the Quarter sessions, of the Orphans' Court, and of the court for the discharge of insolvent debtors) which its judges must unavoidably hold; are considerations, that recommend the subject to a very serious attention, and will, no doubt, produce an effectual reform. The expediency of enlarging the equitable powers of all the courts, will, likewise, I presume, again be introdu ced into your deliberations; and, in consequence of the dissolution of the court of Admiralty, which formerly existed under the authority of the state, it is now necessary to determine, in what manner the ship builders, and other persons employed in the equipment of vessels, shall proceed to obtain the benefit intended for that industrious and valuable class of citizens, by the act which subjects the vessels and furniture to the payment of their demands. The materials that have been collected, in pursuance of the law passed at the last session, will enable you, before your adjournment, to gratify our constituents, by enacting a moderate, explicit, and comprehensive table of fees; and having required from the respective sheriffs on account of the present state of the public prisons throughout the commonwealth, I shall refer their answers, together with a very accurate and liberal report from the inspectors of the prisons of Philadelphia, to your wisdom and humanity; in hopes that measures may be devised to increase the security of the community, and to meliorate the condition of the unfortunate. As education indirectly unites with the courts of justice, in producing an habitual obedience to the authority of the laws, and in preserving the peace and order of society, it will not be improper here to express a wish, that the establishment of public schools, contemplated by the constitution, may receive a favourable attention; for, considered merely as a matter of policy, it is better to prevent than to punish offences; and the diffusion of knowledge, elevating the sentiments, and confirming the virtue of the people, is the safest, the best instrument, that government can employ. tilential disease, who, for the very purpose of evading the existing law, may be discharged within the precincts of a neighbouring state; but being, in fact, destined for Pennsylvania, immediately travel hither by land. The establishment of an hospital for invalid mariners, to be supported by a fund collected from the persons whose benefit is designed, might, it is thought, be usefully connected with the Health Office; and seems calculated to engage your attention, from motives of policy as well as of benevolence. Enquiring into the material business directed to be performed by the laws of the last session, you will find, that the boundary line between the counties of Mifflin and Huntingdon, has, at length, been run; and, it is with pleasure I add, to the satisfaction of all the parties. The republication of the laws of the commonwealth, during the period prescribed by the Act, will, probably, be completed before your adjournment; and, according to the report of the Surveyor General, the lottery for indemnifying those claimants, whose lots fell in the tenth district of the donation lands, has been regularly drawn; but a legislative explanation will be required, to enable the land officers to carry into effect the design of the Act, in favour of such persons as have not heretofore filed their claims. Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, ring the recess of the legislature, but for the payment of which, no fund has hitherto been designated. You will receive, in the reports of the proper officers, a particular statement of the various objects that require a pecuniary provision for the ensuing year. Besides an appropriation for the computed expenses of government, It must be flattering to the judginent, and grateful to be wanting a sum of seven thousand and thirty eight (amounting to about ninety thousand dollars) there will the humanity of the legislature, to learn, from satisfac- dollars and ninety six cents, to discharge the certificates tory evidence, that the experiment in rendering the pe-issued for those debts, which have been liquidated dunal laws of Pennsylvania less sanguinary, has been attended with an obvious decrease of the number and atrocity of offences. I shall therefore take an early opportunity of communicating to you a statement of the facts and observations relating to the subject, which a Judge of the Supreme Court (lately the Attorney General) has made, in compliance with my request, and which, as the result of considerable experience and deliberation, merits particular regard. Such, indeed, have already been the wholesome effects of the new system, that, if, while we consider the prevention of crimes to be the sole end of punishment, we also admit, that every punishment, which is not absolutely necessary for that purpose, is an act of tyranny and cruelty, it has now become a duty to prosecute the business of reform; and I am persuaded, you will find, that, without affecting the just distribution of penalties in proportion to the respective transgressions, a mitigation of punishment may be safely, and even beneficially, extended to many, if not to all, of the offences, except high treason and murder, for which the law still denounces the forfeiture of life. The extra expenses incurred for militia services on our western frontier, will, I am persuaded, be cheerfully defrayed; and you will find, from the account of the disbursements, and an estimate of the work that remains to be done, the necessity there is for a further grant to complete the building intended for the accommodation mit me to subjoin a few matters of less moment: appro of the President of the United States. To these, perpriations for making some requisite improvements in the gun powder magazine, and storing the public arms; for reimbursing the pay of supernumerary clerks, unavoidaly employed by the treasurer, in expediting the subscription to the loan proposed by the U. States; for satisfying horses that were taken, as he alleges, by certain citizens a small claim made by Corn-Planter, on account of two of Pennsylvania from the Seneca nation; and for defraying the contingent expenses of the executive department. Pursuing the judicious conduct which has heretofore been adopted, with respect to our finances, directions will, I presume, be given for destroying a considerable sum of the bills of credit of the years 1781 and 1785, that is now accumulated in the treasury; but as contributions in taxes, or purchases at the land office, are the You will perceive, from documents that will be laid before you, that the constitution of the office of the wardens of the port, requires a radical revision; and that regulations are necessary to obviate the cause of certain disputes, which have recently taken place between the merchants and the pilots, respecting the pay of the lat-only means, at present, provided for the final redempter; and the continuance of which might have proved prejudicial to the trade of Philadelphia. I am not apprised how far Congress has it in contemplation to legislate on these subjects; but lest you should deem it expedient to exercise your power over them immediately, I have procured, in aid of your enquiries, a statement of the pilotage allowed at some of the principal ports within the United States. pediency of ordering an actual and immediate payment; tion of those emissions, I submit to your wisdom the exfrom which (you will, probably, think with me) the faith of the commonwealth will derive additional honor; residuum of the unfunded depreciation certificates) will the land office (except in absorbing an inconsiderable be free from embarrassment; and the system which shall be formed for collecting the arrearages of taxes, may be rendered more simple in its structure, and more certain in its operations. Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, The Health Office becomes, also, more and more important, as our commerce extends, and the emigrations to America increase. In addition, therefore, to my former representations, I am led to observe, that inconve niences, which have been actually felt, point out the It will be necessary, during the present session, to ecessity of a provision to prevent, in future, the intro- provide for taking the enumeration of the taxable inhaaction of emigrants, and others, infected with any pes-bitants of the state, agreeably to the direction of the |