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Valley Spirit: January 09, 1867 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Raw Meat As A Cure For Consumption and Diarrhoea
(Column 8)

Summary: Provides a synopsis of the "eminent" Professor Trousseau's medical work, the Clinigen Medicale. According to Trousseau, "a diet of raw flesh" remedies the symptoms caused by "typhus and typhoid fever, diabetes," and all other ailments "in which there has been great loss or impoverishment of blood and waste of the body."

Origin of Article: Philadelphia Ledger

The Democracy vs. Radicalism
(Column 1)

Summary: Although the Radicals' political power reached new heights with the election of the last Congress, the editor claims that, in light of the Supreme Court's decision on the constitutionality of military tribunals, their power is now in decline.

Full Text of Article:

Fools must have their day, and when our citizens have had enough of their absurdities we shall again relapse into moderation and good sense. But we cannot term the acts of the Republican leaders merely as absurdities, they approach more nearly the class of offenses which we call high crimes. But, either as absurdities or crimes, for the present, it seems they must have their own evil way. The disease of fanaticism has full possession of them, and like disorders of the body, we must allow them to exhaust themselves, until the patient becomes convalescent and the faculties resume their healthful tone. Our political antagonists are at this moment in the height of their frenzy, and madness rules the hour. With them the precedents established by the fathers of human liberty are as dust in the balance, and they tread upon the sacred principles of the Constitution as if they were the rubbish of bygone days. In this work of destruction and descreation, like all mono-maniacs, they believe that they are acting under a Divine impulse. They have a zeal without knowledge, and they mistake the delusions of partizan fury for patriotic feelings. They cannot be reasoned with; as well might the physician attempt to reason with his patient when his brain is in delirium. The control of the mind is lost for the time; we must wait the moment of returning reason, when the judgment is allowed full play to do the good work of regenerating and disenthralling the public mind. And let no Democrat despair, that moment will come as certain as there is a Providence guiding the affairs of men; and until it approaches let the Democracy "possess their souls in patience." We have some glimpses of returning reason even now, the dawning of a better day. That breakwater of fanaticism, the Supreme Court of the United States, has spoken out, and it is a source of comfort and congratulation that they have justified the Democracy in their policy during the war. All their protestation against the acts of the general administration have been endorsed. In the company of the Executive and Judicial departments of the government our party can afford to stand, and with complacency defy the slanders or our opponents.

To stop the mouths of Democrats from sounding the alarm against the many false and heretical doctrines of the Republicans in the first stages of the war, that party introduced what is denominated the oath of allegiance, but which is better known as the "iron-clad oath." It was presented like a poisoned chalice to the lips of free and patriotic men, and because they refused to quaff the foul dose they were denounced as sympathizers with rebels, and generally traduced in unmeasured terms. When this oath was submitted to the court it was decided that it was in direct conflict with the Constitution. Were the Democracy wrong? If so what is the status of the Judges?

The Republicans are entitled to the honor of the invention of "military courts," a great number of which were instituted by them, side by side with the constitutional courts, which were open to try and punish criminals. But the legal courts were ignored altogether, and military mobs proceeded to deal out justice, not in accordance with any code, human or divine, but in accordance with their own crude, uninstructed and misguided judgement. Their decisions will remain before the nation forever to appal them with their horrors. It would take years to depict the wrongs committed under the mockery of military trials. Against these bloody and irresponsible tribunals the Democracy raised a most indignant out-cry. What was the result? Oh! It was merely the vaporings of the copperheads. The case comes before the Supreme Court, composed of many judges, the majority of them appointed by the martyr Lincoln, and they decide unanimously that these courts had no legal sanction and that they were so many mobs, and as a consequence, every person tried by them and consigned to death was murdered.

Again the Republican party at the dictation of a single man, have declared the rebel States out of the Union, and one of their cardinal views is that Congress shall give them territorial governments.

Here again the Democracy joined issue with them, denouncing this doctrine as subversive of the whole tenor of the Constitution. But these were the utterings of traitors, and not to be regarded.

The highest tribunal of the land, however, thinks differently, and, in all the decisions made by them since the rebellion began and since peace has been declared, they recognized the rebellious States as clothed with every attribute of sovereignty possessed by them before the rebellion began. If the Democracy were traitors for their utterances on this subject, what about the patriotism of the court?

But it is well understood that the court, when this question of alien Southern States is directly presented, will decide the doctrine as one of the monstrosities of the fanaticism of the day. And what now is to be done? Either the party must submit to these decisions and obey the law, as good and faithful citizens, or they must destroy the Supreme Court. They choose the latter, alternative and they have in consequence opened their battery upon the judges. The cry is down with the Supreme Court. Where is this to end?

We have marveled much at such stupendous folly, and asked ourselves the question can me be so blinded and deluded by party as to believe that there will be no reckoning for such criminal acts? Time will show, and we counsel the Democrats to bide their time patiently.

Progress of Revolution
(Column 2)

Summary: After comparing them to the Jacobins, the article asserts that the Radicals are leading the U.S. toward "revolution and anarchy" in the "footsteps of their prototypes of the French Revolution."

Full Text of Article:

The Jacobin faction which now holds sway in Congress is growing bolder every day in its onward march toward revolution and anarchy. The leaders are throwing off the mask and beginning to tread openly in the footsteps of their prototypes of the French revolution. They have already established a "Central Directory," corresponding with the Directory of France during the period of its revolution, through which unconstitutional and iniquitous laws are hatched in secret council for the government of the people. The next step is to get rid of the executive power of the nation by the impeachment and removal of the President as the French Jacobins got rid of the executive of France by bringing the head of Louis XVI to the block. For this purpose Mr. Ashley, of Ohio, the other day introduced a resolution into Congress calling for impeachment of the President and boasted that he would have him removed before the middle of February. But their parallel between our Jacobin congressmen of to-day and the Jacobins of France of 1789 does not stop here. A bill has just been introduced in Congress by Mr. Paine, of Wisconsin, providing for the organization of a National Guard, three regiments to be located in each Congressional district of the so-called "loyal" States, to be composed of one-third negroes, and to be subject to the orders of congress, or in other words the "Central Directory," in imitation of the "National Guard" of France, which, under the commands of the Directory deluged the streets of Paris in blood. The next step in the revolutionary programme of these radical Jacobins will doubtless be the erection of the guillotine on Pennsylvania Avenue for the summary punishment, by severing their heads from their bodies, of all suspected persons, or of those who have the boldness to question the propriety of their actions. Can it be possible that the people of this country are so blinded by their passions and party prejudices that they cannot see whither we are drifting? The lessons of history seem to be lost upon them while their rulers are revelling in usurped power and madly rushing the ship of state upon the breakers of revolution and blood.-Have the horrors of the French revolution no terrors for the people of this country? It almost seems so.

In perfect keeping with the lawlessness of the times these bold bad men are now ferociously assailing the Supreme Court of the United States because it recently delivered an opinion which is likely to check them in their revolutionary schemes for power and plunder. Forney calls upon Congress "to attend to this decision at an early day," and Thad. Stevens fiercely attacks the Court on the floor of Congress. Thus we go, and the people dream on in fancied security as if nothing were going wrong, and from present appearances they are likely to continue dreaming until they awake some day to find the liberties of the country subverted and their lives and propertp at the mercy of a faction presuming to govern independently of all constitutions and laws.

Governor's Message
(Column 2)

Summary: Reminding readers that Governor Curtin publicly supported President Johnson's Reconstruction policies last year, the editor argues that the content of Curtin's annual message is proof that he hopes to become the state's next Senator. Curtin's position regarding the restoration of the Union illustrates that he plans to "outradical" his opponent to secure his victory.

Full Text of Article:

To the exclusion of other matter we publish the Governor's last annual message, in full, in our columns to-day. It is not a very long document but a very weak and foolish one. The Governor evidently aimed at bidding high for the United States Senatorship when he wrote the message. On the question of reconstruction he out-radicals Thad. Stevens himself. Notwithstanding that in his annual message a year ago, after President Johnson had reorganized State governments in all the seceded States, he approved of the President's policy, he now has the audacity to say that "they (the Southern States)are without lawful governments-they are without municipal law, and without any claim to participate in the government." Could self-stultification go further? If the President's policy for the reorganization of the State governments in the South was right and lawful a year ago, it is indeed hard to conjecture how it can be wrong and unlawful now, and upon what principle of reasoning those States have been left "without lawful governments" and "without municipal law."

Again, in speaking of the right of the Southern States to representation in Congress, the Governor says: "It would probably not be contented by the wildest partisan that these States had a right to be represented in Congress at a time when they were carrying on open war against the government." Just the reverse of this is the fact. Not even the "wildest partisan" pretended to deny their right to representation in Congress during the war. This is a historical fact of which Governor Curtin must be well acquainted, as is every man and woman of ordinary intelligence in the country. It was not until after the war was ended that, for base partisan purposes, their right to representation was seriously questioned. Was not the State of Tennessee engaged in "open war" against the government, and was she not represented in both Houses of Congress during the first two years of the war? Was her right to representation ever questioned during that time? Certainly not. We believe that Virginia was also engaged in "open war" against the government, and yet she was represented in the United States Senate during the entire period of the war, and she only lost her representation since the war through the death of Senator Bowden and the expiration of the term of John S. Carlile, and the refusal of the present Congress to admit their successors to the seats thus made vacant.-In addition to this it is a part of the history of the war that President Lincoln's standing proposition of peace to the South was that they should simply lay down their arms and fill their vacant seats in Congress.-Thus does the out-going Governor of Pennsylvania bid for the United States Senatorship by sultifying himself and falsifying the facts of history. We are glad to learn that his base is truckling to, the madness of the hour is likely to prove unsuccessful.

Message of Andrew G. Curtin
(Column 5)

Summary: Provides a transcript of Governor Curtin's annual speech to the state Senate and House of Representatives. The address touches upon many subjects, including the state's financial state of affairs and the constitutionality of the Congressional Republicans' agenda.

Full Text of Article:

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

We have reason to be thankful to God, for the blessings of peace, abundant crops, that industry has been rewarded, and that thus the Commonwealth has been able to do her full duty to herself, to the country and posterity.

The condition of our finances are as follows:

Balance in Treasury, November 30, 1866 $2,373,668.14 Receipts during fiscal year ending November 30, 1866 5,829,688.54 Total in Treasury for fiscal year ending November 30, 1866 8,203,335.68 Payments for same period have been 6,462,303.41 Balance in Treasury, December 1, 1866 1,741,033.41 Amount of the public debt as it stood on the first day of December, 1865 $37,476,258.06 Am't reduced at the State treasury during the fiscal y'r ending Nov. 30, 1866 5 per centum loan ...$1,825,553.25 1.5 per centum loan ...25,000.00 Relief notes ...623.00 Domestic creditors' certificates ...26.65 ---------- 1,854,205.90 ---------- Public deb't Dec. 1, 1866 35,622,052.16 To wit funded debt: 6 per cent. loan $400,630.00 5 per cent. loan 32,073,102.59 5.5 per cent. loan 213,200.00 6 per cent loan, military, per act May 15, 1861 2,820,750.00 Unfunded debt, relief notes in circulation 96,625.00 Interest certificates outstanding 13,086 Interest certificates unclaimed 4,448.38 Domestic creditors' certificates 119.67 35,622,052.16 Assets in Treasury: Bonds Pennsylvania R.R. Co. $6,600,000.00 Bonds Phila. and Erie R.R. Co. 3,500,000.00 Interest on bonds of Phila. and Erie R. R. Co. 1,225,000.00 Cash in Treasury 1,741,633.27 35,622,052.16 Liabilities in excess of assets November 30, 1861 $28,148,060.36 Liabilities in excess of assets November 30, 1866 23,536,018.80 Improvement in the Treasury since 1861 5,612,041.37

The extraordinary expenditure, during the war and since its close, in payments growing out of it by authority of acts of Assembly, have amounted to upwards of five millions of dollars, which, added to the actual payment of the indebtedness of the State, and money in the Treasury for that purpose shows the revenues, above the ordinary expenditures to have amounted to $10,612,000, which would have all been applied to the payment of the debt of the Commonwealth in the last six years. A careful attention to the revenues of the Commonwealth, with such just and prudent changes as may be required in the future, and a wise economy in expenditure, will, in my judgement, ensure the entire payment of the public debt, within the period of fifteen years.

The time fixed for the redemption of $23,108,626.24 of the indebtedness of the Commonwealth having expired, I recommend that provision be made for its redemption by making a new loan for that purpose payable at such periods as the prospective revenues will justify.

I recur, with much satisfaction to the wisdom, prudence and economy of the representatives of the people, in the management of the finances of the Commonwealth, during a period of much embarrasment, uncertainty and distress, and congratulate you and them on the near approach of the entire liquidation of the public debt.

Since my last Annual Message, I have drawn from the Treasury, two thousand dollars of the fund placed in the hands of the Governor for secret service and other extraordinary expenses, which I have expended, in payment of my personal staff, and for other purposes as heretofore, except five hundred and sixty-three dollars and forty-eight cents, which I returned into the Treasury.

I present, for your consideration, the amendments to the Constitution of the United States proposed to the Legislatures of the several States by a resolution of both Houses of Congress, passed on the 16th day of June last. I was glad that it was possible, without delaying the final adoption of these amendments, to ascertain the opinion of our people upon them, at the general election, in October last. By the election of a large majority of members openly favoring and advocating the amendments, that opinion seems to me to have been abundantly expressed. Indeed, the amendments are so moderate and reasonable in their character, that it would have been astonishing if the people had failed to approve them.-That every person, born in the United States, and free, whether by birth or manumission, is a citizen of the United States, and that no State has a right to abridge the rights and privileges of citizens, of the United States-these are principles which were never seriously doubted anywhere, until after the insane crusade in favor of slavery had been for some time in progress. What is called the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, in the Dred Scott case, has made it expedient and proper to re-assert these vital principles in an authoritative manner, and this is done in the first clause of the proposed amendments.

The right of prescribing the qualifications of voters is exercised by the respective States, under the Constitution of 1789; three-fifths of the slaves were counted in ascertaining the representative population of the several States. The amendment to the constitution abolished slavery in all the States and Territories. Though it was formerly otherwise in most, if not all, of the old Southern States, yet for many years past free negroes have not, in any of these, been permitted to vote. At present, therefore, the late slave States would be entitled to count the whole of their former slave population, as a basis for representation, instead of three-fifths thereof. That is to say they would have in their existing ratio about twenty more members of Congress than they had before slavery was abolished, and the free States would lose the same number making a difference of about forty numbers of Congress, or, say, one-sixth of the whole body. In other words, the treason of the rebellious States, the suppression of which has cost us so many hundreds of thousands of precious lives, and so many thousands of millions of treasure, would be rewarded by giving them a vast increase of political power. This absurdity, the second clause of the proposed amendments, designs to prevent, but the just, equal and moderate provision, that in future, the representative population of each State shall be ascertained by making a proportionate deduction from the whole population thereof, if its laws exclude from the privilege of voting any male citizens, not criminals, of the age of twenty-one years. I have yet to learn that any plausible objection can be offered to such a provision.

The third clause of the proposed amendments excludes from Congress, and from the College of Electors, and from all offices, civil and military, of the United States or of any State, persons who, as functionaries of the United States, or as Executive or Judicial officers of any State, have heretofore sworn to support the Constitution of the United States, and afterwards violated their oath by engaging in rebellion against the same, unless Congress, by a vote of two-thirds, shall have removed the disability of any such persons.

The fourth clause affirms the validity of the debt of the United States, and prohibits the assumption or payment of the rebel debt, or of any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave.

The fifth clause provides that Congress shall have power to enforce the provisions of the other clauses by appropriate legislation.

That these wise and moderate provisions will meet the hearty approbation of the Legislature, I cannot doubt. If proposed by two-thirds of each House of Congress and ratified by three-fourths of the Legislatures of the States, the Constitution provides that they should stand as adopted amendments of that instrument.

A question has been raised whether the States lately in rebellion and not yet restored to their privileges by Congress, are to be counted in this vote-in other words whether those who have rebelled and been subdued shall be entitled to a potential voice in the question of the guarantees to be required of them for future obedience to the laws. So monstrous a proposition is, it appears to me, not supported by the words or spirit of the Constitution. The power to suppress insurrection includes the power of making provisions against its breaking out afresh. These States have made an unjust war upon our common government and their sister States, and the power given by the Constitution to make war on our part, includes the power to dictate after our success, the terms of peace and restoration.

The power of Congress to guarantee to every State a Republican form of Government would cover much more cogent action than has yet been had.

The duty imposed upon Congress to provide and maintain Republican Governments for the States is to be accepted in the broadest meaning of the term. It is not a mere formal or unnecessary provision.-The power was conferred, and the duty enjoined, to preserve free institutions against all encroachments, or the more violent elements of despotism and anarchy. And now that treason has, by rebellion, subverted the Governments of a number of States, forfeiting for the people all the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including even those of property and life, the work of restoration for these States rests with the National Government, and it should be faithfully and fearlessly performed.

By their passage by Congress, and the declarations of the people at the late elections, , the faith of the nation is pledged to the amendments, and they will be fairly carried out, and their benefits given to the rebellious States. But when the amendments shall have passed into the organic law, should the people lately in rebellion persist in their rejection, and in continued disobedience, and the obstruction of the execution of the national laws, it will be an admonition to the nation that the animus[ITAL] and force of treason still exist among a people who enjoy none of the privileges of the Government, save of its generous tolerance. With their rejection, all hope of reconstruction, with the co-operation of the rebellious States, on a basis that would secure to the Republic the logical results of the war, will have vanished, and the duty must then devolve upon the government of adopting the most effectual method to secure for those States the character of governments demanded by the Constitution.

They are without lawful governments-they are without municipal law, and without any claim to participate in government.

On what principle of law or justice can the rebellious States complain, if after they have rejected the fair and magnanimous terms upon which they are offered brotherhood with us, and a participation in all the blessings of our freedom, and they have refused, if the Government in the exercise of its powers, should enter anew upon the work of reconstruction at the very foundation; and then the necessity will be forced upon us to discard all discrimination in favor of the enemies of our nationality, to give us and them enduring freedom and impartial justice.

The Constitution has defined treason, and has given express power to suppress insurrection, by war, if necessary. It has not provided , in detail, the terms to be granted after such a war. How could it do so! It would probably not be contended by the wildest partisan, that these States had a right to be represented in Congress at a time when they were carrying on open war against the government, or that Congress was not then a lawful body, nonwithstanding their exclusion. How then have they regained the right of representation? Surely not by simply laying down their arms when they could no longer hold them. The United States have the right, and it is their duty, to exact such securities for future good conduct as they may deem sufficient, and the offenders from whom they are to be exacted, can have no right to participate in our councils in the decision of the question of what their punishment shall be.

Practically, common sense determined the question of their right to participate, when Congress proceeded in the enactment of laws, after the surrender of the last rebel military force. It was determined again, when the now pending amendments were proposed by Congress. If two-thirds of Congress, as now constituted, could lawfully propose those amendment, then three-fourths of the States, not excluded from representation in Congress, form a sufficient majority to effect their lawful adoption. It was determined again by the formal sanction of both the great political parties, when Congress, by an almost unanimous vote, declared the rebellious States without the right of representation in the Electoral College in 1864.

We ought to go on resolutely and rapidly, with all measures deemed necessary to the future safety of the country, so that all parts of it may, at the earliest day, be restored to just and equal political privileges.

The annual report of Hon. Thomas H. Burrowes, Superintendent of the maintenance, and education of the soldiers' orphans, will exhibit the condition and the result thus far of that undertaking. Nearly three thousand of the destitute children of the brave men who laid down their lives that the nation might live, are now not only comfortably provided for and guarded from temptation, but are receiving an education which will fit them to repay the care of the State.

The appropriation made for this purpose at the last session has been sufficient to meet all expenses of the financial year just closed. And I recommend whatever appropriation may be necessary to continue and perfect the system under which the schools are conducted.

There can be no doubt that the appropriation will be made. Were I to select any State interest which I would more warmly commend to your prompt attention and liberality than another, it would be this. All Pennsylvanians are proud of it, and it, lies near the hearts of all true men.

Owing to their greater destitution and want of information on the part of their relatives, the orphans of our colored soldiers may require some special attention.-Perhaps authority to the State Superintendent, to use, for a short time, the services of an agent, to ascertain their number and claims, and bring them into the schools that may be provided for them, will be sufficient. The whole number in the State is not large, of whom a few have already been temporarily provided for.

I recommend that provision be made for the maintenance of such of our soldiers as are in poverty, and have been so maimed as to prevent them from securing a livelihood by their labor, by renting buildings at once, or such other means as you may deem wise and proper, until the arrangements proposed by the National Government for their support are completed.-They are probably few in number, and it is due to the character of the Commonwealth that they should not remain in, or become the inmates of the poor house, or pick up a precarious subsistence by begging. Patriotic and charitable citizens have done much for them, but speedy and proper relief can only be given them by the systematic and continued benevolence of the Commonwealth. The Legislature can alone afford immediate relief to all of this class of our citizens, and in thus exhibiting gratitude to heroic and faithful men, who did so much for the country, the burden will fall equally on her people.

By our existing laws, juries are selected by the sheriff and commissioners of the respective counties. As these officers are generally of similar political affinities, the system has always been in danger of being abused for partisan purposes. During the last six years, it has been frequently so abused, in many of the counties.

To secure, as far as possible, the administration of equal justice hereafter, I recommend that jury commissioners shall be elected in each county in the same manner as inspectors of elections are chosen, each citizen voting for one jury commissioner and the two personas having the highest number of votes to be the jury commissioners of the respective county, to perform the same duties, in the selection of jurors, that are now imposed upon the sheriff and county commissioners.

It is impossible to provide, in all respects for the increasing and changing interests of our people, by the enactment of general laws, but to a large extent it is praticable to relieve the Legislature from special legislation which is demanded and occupies so much of its sessions. Special legislation is generally passed without due consideration, much of it at the close of the session, and is chiefly objectionable from the partiality with which powers and privileges are conferred.

I again recommend the passage of general laws, when it is at all practicable, and in this connection, recommend the passage of a general law, regulating railroads now existing and the incorporation of new companies, so that so far as possible there may be a just uniformity in the franchise granted, and equal facilities afforded to the people of all sections of the Commonwealth.

There are at this time, in the various prisons, a number of persons under sentence of death, some of them for many years, and as it has become a custom that an incoming Governor should not leave a warrant of execution in cases unacted on by his predecessor, it not unfrequently happens that in many cases, some of which are recent, while some punishment should be inflicted, that of death may appear to the Executive to be too severe.

I earnestly repeat my recommendation heretofore made, that provision be made for the reception of such persons, into the penitentiaries, who may be pardoned on condition of remaining a limited time therein.

I reappointed Hon. C.R. Coburn, Superintendent of Common Schools on the expiration of his term in June last, and he continued at the head of that Department until the first of November, when he resigned, and I appointed Col. J. P. Wickersham. It is due to Mr. Coburn to say that he fulfilled all the duties of his office faithfully and efficiently. It appears from his report that there in the school year of 1865, 1,863 school districts in the State; 13,146 schools; 16,141 teachers, and 725,312 pupils, with an average attendance of 478,066. The total cost of the school system, for the entire State, including taxes levied and the State appropriations, was for the year 1866, $4,105,258 57. The increase in the number of school districts was 26; in the number of schools, 222; in the number of children attending school, 19,932; in the average attendance at school, 18,945, and in the total cost of the system, $581,620 02. I invite your attention to the valuable suggestions made in this report, and that of Col. Wickersham, and commend our system of public instruction for the continued fostering care of the Legislature.

I herewith present the reports of Col. F. Jordan, Military Agent of the State of Washington; of Col. H. H. Gregg, Chief of Transportation; of S. P. Bates, on military history of our volunteers; of trustees of the Soldiers' Gettysburg National cemetery; of the proceedings and ceremony of the return of the flags, on the 4th of July, in the city of Philadelphia, and of Col. James Worall, commissioner appointed under an act relating to the passage of fish in the Susquehanna, and invite your attention to them, and the reports of the Surveyor General and Adjutant General.

The Agency at Washington should, in my judgement be continued. It has proved to be very useful in all respects, and especially to our volunteers and their families.

Four thousand six hundred and ninety claims have passed the agency during the past year, and three hundred and eleven thousand seven hundred and three dollars has been collected from the Government and transmitted to the claimants free of charge.

It will be necessary to continue the office of Chief of Transportation, as there are unsettled accounts with the railroad companies and the National Government, and duties to be performed in the removal and care of the bodies of the dead, which require it. - An additional appropriation will be required for this Department.

I earnestly recommend, in justice to the living and the dead, that our military history be pushed forward vigorously, and that money for that purpose be appropriated.

The trustees of the State Lunatic hospital represent that it is impossible for them to accommodate and care for the number of patients committed to them under the laws regulating admissions into the hospital, and earnestly recommend that provision be made for increased accommodation.

I need not say that the institution is carefully and economically managed, or to refer to the great good it has produced; and that I cordially unite in the statement and recommendations of the memorial herewith presented.

I invited your attention to the condition of the Arsenal.

It is too small-unsafe as a depository for the large amount of valuable military material to be kept in it, and is, in all respects, inconvenient and not adapted to its purposes.

Much of the inconvenience was experienced during the war for want of sufficient room and safety, and I recommend that ground be procured and a new commodious arsenal be erected in or near the Capital of the State.

Since the adjournment of the Legislature I drew my warrant on the Treasury for five thousand dollars, appropriated to the National Cemetery at Antietam, and appointed Major General Jno. R. Brooks, trustee to represent the State. Before the warrant was drawn I appointed Colonel Wm. H. Blair and Captain J. Merrill Linn, who examined the ground and made a full investigation, their report of which accompanies this message. It will be noticed that they report seven hundred and ninety-seven bodies of Pennsylvanians that will be removed into the cemetery, and recommend and additional appropriation, in which I most cordially unite.

I cannot close my last Annual Message without renewing the expression of my gratitude to the freemen of the Commonwealth, for the hearty approval with which they have cheered the labors of the Executive Office. To have earned such approval by my official conduct, during the last six years, must always be a source of pride to myself and children. Without the consciousness that I was endeavoring to deserve their approval, and without the hope that I should succeed in attaining it, I must have sunk under the responsibilities of my position. It was only a reliance on Divine Providence, and the active, resolute, hearty support and zeal of the people and their representatives, that encouraged me during the dark and terrible crisis through which the country has passed. I tried to do my duty to my country, and know I was at least faithful to her in her deep distress, and I conceived that duty not to be limited to the merely putting of men into the field to suppress treason and rebellion, and maintain the national life, and doing everything in my power to sustain the just war forced upon us. I felt also bound so far as I could, to protect and promote the rights and comforts of our volunteers, after they had left the State, to aid and relieve the sick and wounded, and to care for the transmission, to their bereaved families, of the precious bodies of the slain and the maintenance and education of their orphans as honored children of the country.

To have been the Chief Magistrate of this great Commonwealth, during the period through which we have passed, and to have earned and maintained (if indeed I have done so) the confidence and affection of her people and their representatives, are quite enough to satisfy the highest ambition, and in my retirement from the high trust given me, I pray God that the State may continue to grow in power and strength, and her people in prosperity and happiness.

A.G. CURTIN

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,

Harrisburg, Jan. 2, 1867.

Trailer: A. G. Curtin

Local and Personal--Rev. E. E. Higbee
(Column 1)

Summary: Lists the individuals elected to Masonic Lodges in Pennsylvania over the past two years, including R. H. Thomas, of Mechanicsburg, who was appointed as the District Deputy Grand Master for Cumberland, Adams, and Franklin counties.
(Names in announcement: R. H. Thomas)

Local and Personal--Pardoned
(Column 2)

Summary: For the past several weeks, a revival has been in progress at the M. E. Church.

Local and Personal--Mercersburg Items
(Column 2)

Summary: Rev. I. G. Brown, the pastor of the German Reformed Church, was presented with a sewing machine by the ladies of his congregation for Christmas.
(Names in announcement: Rev. I. G. Brown)

Local and Personal--Mercersburg Items
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that Thomas Hafely struck George W. Wolfe with a mallet last week when he attempted to break up an altercation.
(Names in announcement: Thomas Hafely, George W. Wolfe)

Local and Personal--Greencastle Items
(Column 2)

Summary: Daniel Lilly, "a colored citizen of Greencastle," injured himself last Monday when he fell on the axe he was carrying, cutting his wrist and severing an artery.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Lilly)

Local and Personal--Greencastle Items
(Column 2)

Summary: Last Friday, George B. Vashon, principal of the colored college in Allegheny City, Pa., delivered a lecture in the new school house in Greencastle. The title of his speech was "The American Idea: Equality of all men before the law."

Local and Personal--Greencastle Items
(Column 2)

Summary: Notes that a branch of the Order of the Good Templars was organized in Greencastle last Tuesday. Rev. S. H. C. Smith gave a speech at the event.
(Names in announcement: Rev. S. H. C. Smith)

Local and Personal--Waynesboro Items
(Column 2)

Summary: The Post Office in Greencastle was re-located to Mr. Welsh's store in the Town Hall.
(Names in announcement: Welsh)

Local and Personal--Waynesboro Items
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that some "miscreants" destroyed Jacob Hines' young orchard and broke open his corn-crib.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Hines)

Origin of Article: Record

Local and Personal--Greencastle Items
(Column 2)

Summary: According to the article, a "faith" doctor, who professes "to cure various diseases by the use of 'words,'" makes regular visits to Waynesboro where he charges $1 per patient.

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Jan. 1st, Hiram Walles and Ellen Tridle, of McConnellsburg, were married by Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh.
(Names in announcement: Rev. H. Y. Hummelbaugh, Hiram Walles, Ellen Tridle)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 20th, E. W. Byers, of Washington county, Maryland, and Jennie M. Embick were married by Rev. W. F. Eyster.
(Names in announcement: Jessie M. Embick, E. W. Byers, W. F. EysterRev.)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 24th, Theo Carpenter and Missouri Burk, of Washington county, Maryland, were married by Rev. W. F. Eyster.
(Names in announcement: Theo Carpenter, Rev. W. F. Eyster, Missouri Burk)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 25th, Aldred A. Wagoner and Lauretta C. E. Warner were married by Rev. W. F. Eyster.
(Names in announcement: Aldred A. Wagoner, Rev. W. F. Eyster, Lauretta C. E. Warner)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 18th, Jacob B. Miller and Elizabeth F. Reifsnider were married by Rev. P. S. Davis.
(Names in announcement: Jacob B. Miller, Rev. P. S. Davis, Elizabeth F. Reifsnider)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 18th, G. H. M. Bowers and Kate B. Evans were married by Rev. P. S. Davis.
(Names in announcement: G. H. M. Bowers, Kate B. Evans, Rev. P. S. Davis)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 27th, Adolph Schleef, of Mechanicstown, and Lizzie Berger were married by Rev. P. S. Davis.
(Names in announcement: Adolph Schleef, Lizzie Berger, Rev. P. S. Davis)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 27th, Christian S. Friedly, and Sophia Keller were married by Rev. P. S. Davis.
(Names in announcement: Sophia Keller, Christian S. Friedly, Rev. P. S. Davis)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 22nd, Franklin Rider, of Waynesboro, and Florence G. Arms, of Adams county, were married by Rev. J. F. Oiler.
(Names in announcement: Franklin Rider, Florence H. Arms, Rev. J. F. Oiler)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Jan. 1st, Samuel Needy and Molly Snively were married by Rev. J. F. Oiler.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Needy, Molly Snively, Rev. J. F. Oiler)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 24th, J. Henry Eberly and Belle McGinnis were married by Rev. Thomas Creigh.
(Names in announcement: J. Henry Eberly, Belle McGinnis, Rev. Thomas Creigh)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 25th, J. L. Walt and S. Miller were married by Rev. A. M. Whetstone.
(Names in announcement: J. L. Walt, S. Miller, Rev. A. M. Whetstone)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 26th, George W. Brandhaven and Jane E. Starliper were married by Rev. A. M. Whetstone.
(Names in announcement: George W. Brandhaven, Rev. A. M. Whetstone, Jane E. Starliper)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 27th, John Cook and Lucy Lears were married by Rev. A. M. Whetstone.
(Names in announcement: John Cook, Lucy Lears, Rev. A. M. Whetstone)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Jan. 2nd, Samuel D. Baker, of Lexington, Va., and Mary H. Early were married by Rev. S. H. C. Smith.
(Names in announcement: Samuel D. Baker, Mary H. Early, Rev. S. H. C. Smith)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Jan. 3rd, at the residence of Mr. Ferguson, William Keefer and Elizabeth McCoy were married by S. H. C. Smith.
(Names in announcement: William Keefer, Elizabeth McCoy, Ferguson, Rev. S. H. C. Smith)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Jan. 3rd, Solomon Piper and Anna Margaret Roler were married by Rev. J. B. Jones.
(Names in announcement: Solomon Piper, Anna Margaret Roler, Rev. J. B. Jones)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On Jan. 1st, Samuel A. Shearer and Josephine, daughter of Jacob Shearer, were married by Rev. W. A. West.
(Names in announcement: Samuel A. Shearer, Josephine Shearer, Jacob Shearer, Rev. W. A. West)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 25th, Ursula Weaver, wife of John Weaver, died at age 61.
(Names in announcement: John Weaver, Ursula Weaver)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 25th, Mary Rebecca, daughter of John W. Haulman, died at age 4.
(Names in announcement: Mary Rebecca Haulman, John W. Haulman)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 22nd, James B., infant son of James B. Worthington, died at age 6 months.
(Names in announcement: James B. Worthington, James B. Worthington)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 28th, Mary Ann, wife of James Ferguson, died at age 47.
(Names in announcement: Mary Ann Ferguson, James Ferguson)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On Dec. 30th, Ella, daughter of John W. and Anna Mary Campbell, died at age 2.
(Names in announcement: Ella Campbell, John W. Campbell, Anne Mary Campbell)