nant fevers lies in the air, confined and corrupted, by neglect of rags, and other filth about the helpless sick, and not from their bodies. As these heads shall be the subjects of a future lecture, I shall at present only mention to you further, a few of those methods which have preserved individuals from prevailing diseases. The inhabitants of Hispaniola have found the wearing flannel shirts to be a preservative against intermittent fevers in that sickly island; and as this disease is known to arise principally from inhaling a great quantity of the humidity of the air, I make no doubt it would also be of use in preventing them in our low, moist, level countries. suit, but is more within the limits of human precaution than has generally been imagined, and to excite your particular attention to the improvement of this humane and interesting part of your profession, in which, and all other useful undertakings, I most sincerely wish you success. I am now to inform, you, gentlemen, that the managers and physicians of the Pennsylvania Hospital, on seeing the great number of you attending the school of Physic in this city, are of opinion, this excellent institution likewise affords a favourable opportunity of further improvement to you in the practical part of your profession; and being desirous it should answer all the good purposes intended by the generous contributors to it, have allotted to me the task of giving a course of clini cal and meteorological observations in it, which I cheerfully undertake, (though the season of my life points out relaxation and retirement, rather than new incumbrances) in hopes that remarks on the many curious cases that must daily occur, amongst an hundred and thirty sick persons, collected together at one time, may be very instructive to you. I therefore purpose to meet you at stated times here, and give you the best informa We know that the bark of sassafras contains many excellent medicinal virtues; my worthy friend, Mr. Peter Franklin, told me, that he being in the fall of the year, in the river Nanticoke, In Maryland, and on seeing the people on shore much afflicted with Intermittent fevers, advised the mariners of the ship to drink freely, by way of prevention, of that aromatic and antiseptic medicine, but could not prevail on more than half the company to do it, and that he and all the others who took it, enjoyed perfect health, whilst not a single person of the rest e-stion in my power of the nature and treatment of chrocaped a severe attack of the epidemic disease: I have known other similar instances, which it is needless to mention, since this remarkobly pertinent. nical diseases, and of the proper management of ulcers, wounds, and fractures. I shall show you all the operations of surgery, and endeavour, from the experience of thirty ycars, to introduce to you a familiar acquaintance with the acute diseases of your own country; in order to which, I shall put up a complete meteorological apparatus, and endeavour to inform you of all the known properties of the atmosphere which surrounds us, and the effects its frequent variations produce on animal bodies; and confirm the doctrine by an exact register of the weather, and of the prevailing diseases, both here and in the neighbouring provinces; to which I shall add all the interesting observations which may occur in private practice, and sincerely wish it may be in my power to do them to your satisfaction. I have likewise the pleasnre to inform you, that Dr, Smith has promised to go through a course of experimental philosophy in the college, for your instruction in Pneumatics, Hydraulics, and Mechanics, which will be of the greatest advantage to a ready comprehension of the meteorological lectures; and other parts of your Medical studies, and lay you under the highest obligations to that learned professor. ANNALS OF PAUPERISM. But I have reason to expect that a more agreeable and equally certain preventative against our autumnal fevers, will be found in sulphurous chalybeate waters, which may be readily procured in most parts of America, especially where those diseases are most prevalent: a spring of this kind at Gloucester, within a few miles of this place, has been much used of late; has been so very serviceable to invalids, it has the appearance of being a valuable conveniency to the city. Persons under various diseases took lodgings in the village last season, for the advantage of drinking the waters at the fountain head, and though the fall was more sickly than has been known in the memory of man, not any one of the inhabitants near the Spaw, who drank it freely, had a touch of the prevailing disease; whilst the major part of those that did not, had more the appearance of ghosts than living creatures. There were two houses the habitations of father and son, within twenty feet of each other; the family of the father had suffered greatly from intermittent fevers the preceding fall, and some of these continued invalids till the middle of summer, when they were prevailed on to take the waters, after which they daily recovered health, bloom, and vigour, and passed Table of the Mortality in the Medical Department of the the sickly season without a complaint, whilst scarcely a person in that of the son, who did not take them, escaped a severe illness. It is well known from experience, that mineral waters are not only the most palatable, but the most salutary parts of the materia medica; and that the effect of those which are pure and properly impreg nated with chalybeate principles, strengthen digestion, brace and counteract a summer's sun, dilute a thick putrid bile, (the instrument of mischief in all hot climates,) and immediately wash away putrefaction through the emunctories of the bowels, skin, or kidneys, and there- June 62 July. 76 fore appear to be natural preventatives against the effect of a hot, moist, and putrid atmosphere. Whether these Aug. 70 Sep. 49 waters will answer my sanguine expectations or not, Oct. must be left to the decision of time, if they should be found wanting, that ought not discourage our further Nov. 107 pursuit; for since Providence has furnished every country with defences for the human body, against the inclemencies of heat and cold, why should we question whether Infinite Wisdom and Goodness has made equal provision against all other natural injuries of our constitution? Experience and reason encourage us to believe it has, and that the means might be discovered by diligent investigation, were our researches equal to the task. The above instances are therefore related to convince May | 46 you, that the prevention of some of the epidemic diseases of America is not only a laudable and rational pur Admission Dates of Philadelphia Alms-House. Men's Men's Med. Wards M.Wards Women's Men & Wo men's Sur gical, and VenWards Ven'l and Eye Wards, Cells & Obl Wards Deaths No. 1827 Deaths! adm No adm Dths Death adm Νο adm dozen of them must be exhibited, together with the certificate of their having been made and fully tested in the U. States. A silver medal. 12. Steam Engine Furnace and Boiler. To the inventor of the best constructed furnace and boiler, superior to any now in use, for consuming anthracite in generating steam; to be applied to steam engines. A silver medal. Certificates will be required, of the furnace having been some time in use, of the quantity of coal consumed, and of the effect produced. 13. Fire Bricks. To the maker of the best fire bricks. A silver medal. This premium will not be awarded until the bricks have been tested, and found to be equal to the Stourbridge. 14. Currying Knives. To the maker of the best currying knives, equal to the best now in use; two dozen to be exhibited. A silver medal. Certificates will be required from manufacturers of leather, that the knives have been used, and found equal to the best now in use. 15. Copper Bottoms. To the maker of the best copper bottoms, not fewer than three to be exhibited; the diameter not to be less than forty inches. A silver medal. 16. Japanned Waiters, or Trays. For the best specimen of japanned waiters, or trays, made and japanned in Pennsylvania; an assortment to be exhibited. A silver medal. 17. Surveyors' Instruments. To the maker of the best surveyors' instruments. A silver medal. 18. To the maker of the best portable mountain Ba rometer. A silver medal. 19. Lithographic Stone. For the best specimens of lithographic stone, found in the United States. A silver medal. As a guide to those unacquainted with the particular kind required, a specimen of the German stone may be seen at the hall of the Institute. 20. Porcelain. For the best porcelain, made in the United States, gilt, painted, and plain; one hundred pieces must be exhibited. A silver medal. 21. Imitation Russia Leather. For the best specimen of imitation Russia leather; one dozen skins to be exhi 2. Tinned Cast Iron.-For the best specimen of tinned cast iron hollow ware, 'for culinary purposes; not less than one dozen pieces to be exhibited-A silver medal. 3. Iron Hollow Ware, coated with Porcelain.-For the best specimen of iron hollow ware, coated with porce-bited. A silver medal. lain, similar to that imported from Germany; not less than one dozen pieces to be exhibited.—A silver medal. 4. Annealed Cast Iron.-For the best specimen of annealed cast iron; not less than one dozen pieces, for various purposes, to be exhibited.-A silver medal. 5. Smelting Iron Ore with Anthracite.-To the first person who, previous to the first day of January, 1830, shall have manufactured, in the United States, iron from the ore, using not less than one half anthracite coal; the quantity to be not less than twenty tons-A gold medal. 6. Sheet Iron. For the best specimen of rolled sheet iron, equal to that imported from Russia; not less than twelve sheets to be exhibited. A silver medal. 7. Cast Steel.-For the best specimen of cast steel, manufactured in the United States; not less than fifty pounds to be exhibited. A silver medal. 8. Files. To the manufacturer of the best files made in the U. States; twelve dozen, assorted sizes, to be exhi bited. A silver medal. 9. Stock, or Standing Vice.-For the best stock, or standing vices, equalled to those called Tower Vices, and weighing thirty pounds, or upwards; three at least to be exhibited. A silver medal. 10. Pig Brass.-For the best specimen of pig brass, the zinc used to be the produce of the United States; not less than fifty pounds to be exhibited. A silver medal. 11. Crucibles. To the maker of the best crucibles, suitable for brass founders; the crucibles must be capable of resisting heat as well as the best now in use; one 22. Woollen Goods. To the manufacturer of the best piece of Broad Cloth, made in the United States; not less than 40 yards to be exhibited. A silver medal. 23. To the manufacturer of the best piece of cassimere, made in the United States; not less than 40 yards to be exhibited. A silver medal. Regard will be had to the quality of the dye, as well as to the cloth, in premiums No. 22 and 23. 24. To the manufacturer of the best piece of satinett, made in the United States; not less than 100 yards to be exhibited. A silver medal. in the United States, two dozen pair to be exhibited. A 25. To the maker of the best woollen blankets, made silver medal. points; regard will be had to weight, and no premium The blankets to be of the size known as 2, 24, or 3 awarded, unless the quality be equal to that of the imported. 26. To the maker of the best ingrain carpeting; not less than 100 yards to be exhibited. A silver medal. The quality of colours will be considered in awarding this premium. 27. For the best specimen of stair carpeting, in imitation of Venetian; not less than 50 yards to be exhibit ed. A silver medal. 28. Cotton Goods.-For the best specimen of furniture chintz, made in the United States; not less than 300 yards to be exhibited. A silver medal. 29. To the manufacturer of the best specimen of calicoes, or prints, for ladies' dresses made in the United States; not less than 300 yards to be exhibited. A silver medal. 30. To the manufacturer of the best specimen of shirtings, not under No. 50, made in the United States; not less than 300 yards to be exhibited. A silver medal. 31. To the manufacturer of the best specimen of dimities, made in the United States, which must be equal to that imported; not less than 100 yards to be exhibited. A silver medal. 32. To the manufacturer in Pennsylvania, of the best loom cotton stockings, bleached; not less than five dozen pairs to be exhibited. A silver medal. While you are thus convened, in order to transact the 33. Sewing Silk. To the maker in Pennsylvania, of legislative business of our country, I cannot, I think, more properly introduce to you the subjects of my adthe greatest quantity of sewing silk, of good quality; dress, than by adverting to the conduct of the late gennot less than ten pounds; at least one pound to be exhi-eral assembly, as furnishing an honourable example for bited. A silver medal. 34. Cabinet Ware.-To the maker of the best cabi net secretary and book case. A silver medal. 35. To the maker of the best sofa. A silver medal. 36. To the maker of the best and most complete ward robe. A silver medal. 37. To the maker of the best chairs; one dozen to be exhibited. A silver medal. 38. Madder. To the person who shall cultivate the greatest quantity of madder, the produce of not less than a quarter of an acre; samples must be exhibited, with a certificate of the quantity produced. A silver medal. 39. Green Paint. For a green paint, which will stand the action of the sun better than any now in use. silver medal. ` A 40. Wall Colouring. For the best specimens of wall colouring; a variety of samples to be exhibited. A sil ver medal. 41. Bleaching Salts. To the manufacturer of the best bleaching salts, (chloride of lime,) made in the state of Pennsylvania; not less than five thousand pounds to be made during the year ending October 1, 1828; one hundred pounds to be exhibited. A silver medal. 42. Prussiate of Potash. To the manufacturer of the best prussiate of potash, (ferro cyanate of potassa) made in the state of Pennsylvania; not less than 1000 pounds to be made during the year ending October 1, 1828; fifty pounds to be exhibited-a silver medal. 43. Prussian Blue. To the manufacturer of the best Prussian blue, (ferro cyanate of iron) made in the state of Pennsylvania; not less than 1000 pounds to be made during the year ending October 1, 1828; 50 pounds to be exhibited. A silver medal. 44. Hanging Astral Lamp. To the maker of the best hanging astral lamp, made in the United States, with not less than five burners; the extreme diameter to be not less than fifty inches. A silver medal. 45. Machine Drawing. To the pupil of the high school, who shall execute and exhibit the best specimen of perspective drawing from machinery. A silver medal. Conditions and Regulations. All articles offered for a premium, must be sent to the place of deposit, before the opening of the exhibi tion. No premium will be awarded a second time for the same article; nor for one, the quality of which is inferior to such as have been formerly exhibited, the price being considered. When articles are for sale, the maker's name and residence, together with the price of goods, must be affixed to them, or transmitted to William Hamilton, Actuary, at the Hall of the Institute. When a premium is offered for the best article of any description, it will not be awarded excepting the quality is such as to merit it. Articles of extraordinary merit, not contained in the following list, may receive honorary premiums on the award of the managers. imitating a powerful incentive to diligence and patriotism. By the labour and wisdom of your predecessors, many of the constitutional principles of our government, have attained their practical use and effect. The wealth of the community has been successfully applied to its proper objects, the maintenance of public credit, and the advancement of public convenience. A system of has been established; and, at the very moment that the jurisprudence, at once comprehensive and beneficent, sanguinary denunciations of the Penal Code have been expunged, its operation, in correcting and reforming, has been experimentally ensured. The consequences of this enlightened policy, uniting with the temperate and industrious habits of our constituents, and the natural advantages of the soil and climate which we enjoy, present to your view a state of agriculture, commerce and arts, that may fairly awaken the pride, and must elevate the hopes, of every virtuous citizen. The contribution which Pennsylvania yields to the treasury of the Union, forms a competent evidence of the extent and emoluments of her trade. The rapid increase of her population, and the abundant supplies which she accumulates for foreign, as well as for domestic markets, will demonstrate the active and productive condition of her husbandry; and innumerable proofs arise in her city, towns, and villages, to display a general diffusion of useful knowledge, and the cultivation of every art, which is necessary, or crnamental, in society. To preserve and to improve the blessings of the situa tion which I have described, is the trust, gentlemen, confided to your care; and, as it is reasonable to presume that the expectations of our constituents will be raised, in proportion as this task has been facilitated, permit me to renew, at the present period, the most faithful assurances, that your various exertions for the public good will receive all the aid, which it is in the power of the executive to bestow. Contemplating the many important points that engaged the attention of the preceding general assembly, you will perceive, gentlemen, that the consolidation of the revenues, and the exoneration from the pressure of the debts of the commonwealth, deserve to be peculiarly distinguished, on account of the beneficial effects which they have already produced; for, the public resources, moulded into one aggregate fund, have been rescued from that confusion, which partial appropriations of specific branches, together with a tardy and precarious collection, had unavoidably occasioned; while the means that were directed to be employed, for the satisfaction of the public creditors, have given celebrity to our new government, and amply praoide, at the commencement of the ensuing year, for the extinguishment of all the pecuniary obligations of the state, except those resting on the principal of the funded and depreciation certificates. It will add to your pleasure on this occasion, to observe, from the report of the sales of stock which the secretary is directed to present to you, that great precaution was taken to prevent a depreciation of the debt of the United States, which might have happened from too suddenly over-charging the market; and our suc difficulties of rendering this river navigable are great; and some objections, in point of policy, might be urged against the principle of the undertaking. But the combined strength and opulence of the states that are immediately interested, would undoubtedly be competent to overcome the former; and the effect of the measures which have been taken, and which might be taken, to preserve the balance of improvements in favour of Pennsylvania, would, perhaps, sufficiently remove the latter. The equal accommodation of our constituents, however, and the advancement of every part of the state to the enjoyment of the greatest advantage to which it is susceptible, are duties that will entitle this subject to your consideration; and I am inclined to believe, that whenever you shall deem it proper to enter into a negociation, the states of Maryland and Delaware will not hesitate to sacrifice some local interests, in order to accomplish that extensive plan of public convenience, which contemplates a new avenue to the ocean, and the union of the bays of Chesapeake and Delaware. cess, in this respect, will be obvious, from the high price that has been obtained. Considering, indeed, that the authority to dispose of stock, was intended merely as an auxiliary to our specie funds, and desiring, as far as possible, to avoid the diminution of a productive capital, I have thought it expedient to charge as many objects upon the money actually in the treasury, as was consistent with the regard which the law prescribes for previous appropriations. Under these considerations, therefore, you will find, that the quantity of deferred stock which has been sold, amounts to one hundred and seventy-nine thousand five hundred and thirty dollars; that the quantity of three per cent. stock which has been sold, amounts to three hundred and four thousand five hundred dollars; that the proceeds of the sales of both amount to one hundred and sixteen thousand one hundred and sixty-nine pounds seventeen shillings and twopence; and that this sum is to be applied to the payment of all the interest due, or which must become due, on the first day of January next, upon the funded and depreciation debt; to the payment of the arrears of inter- Should the magnitude of the work, however, and the est on the new loan debt; and to the repayment of the natural or political obstacles which are suggested, enloan of sixty thousand pounds, which was borrowed from force a temporary suspension, we may, nevertheless, the Bank of North America. To relieve the state from view the opening and clearing of the Susquehanna, the accumulation of interest, to redeem the valuable from its northern entrance into Pennsylvania, as far at property that was pledged as a collateral security to the least as Wright's ferry, not only with respect to the bebank, and to employ the favourable opportunity pre-nefits which the circumjacent country will immediately sented by the advanced price of stock, were the induce- experience, but with respect to the resulting influence ments for anticipating the period, which the terms of in rendering more easy, and more desirable, the ultithe contract allowed, for liquidating the last of these mate point of improvement in the navigation of the riengagements. ver. I regret, therefore, that satisfactory overtures have not hitherto been made for executing this part of the plan, upon the terms proposed in the act of Assembly; and as its practicability cannot be doubted, allow me to refer it to your discretion to determine, whether the disappointment has not arisen from the insufficiency of the sum appropriated, and, consequently, whether a more adequate provision ought not to be made. The improvement of our roads and inland navigation, will, I am persuaded, continue to be a favourite object with the legislature: I have, indeed, received such accounts from the Agents of Information (whose report will be laid before you) and through various other channels, respecting the progress in executing the contracts which have been formed, as promise full compensation for the expense that has been incurred, and afford ample encouragement for future enterprises of a similar nature. In addition to the contracts that were mentioned in a former address, I have concluded others for opening and improving a road leading from Harrisburg, thro' the Narrows, at the end of the Kittatiny mountain and Peter's mountain, and thence the nearest and best course to the place where it will intersect the road leading from Harrisburg to Sunbury, at or near Halifax; for opening and improving a road leading from Stockport, on the river Delaware, to Harmony, at the Great Bend of the river Susquehanna; for improving the navigation of the river Juniata from its mouth to Water street, and thence to Frankstown; and for opening and improving a road from Yorktown to Cooper's-ferry. I shall take this opportunity of transmitting the report of Agents of Information, who, having recently explored the Juniata and Conemaugh, and surveyed the roads corresponding with those rivers, recommend that a deviation should be made in that quarter from the plan which is prescribed in the act of assembly, upon principles that certainly merits a serious consideration. If their opinion is sanctioned by your approbation, the proposed roads to Pittsburg, to Poplar Run, and to the Little Conemaugh, being blended and formed into one great road, leading from Franktown to Pittsburg, the projected canal between the Quitapahilla and Tulpehoccon being opened, and a few easy portages established in proper situations, a certain foundation will be laid for connecting the western waters of the Ohio and the great lakes with the eastern streams, flowing into the Atlantic, particularly with the tide-waters of the Delaware, in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia. But, gentlemen, while we trace the progress of this communication, with a just estimate of its importance, permit me to advert to another object, which, in the impartial exercise of the powers of government, ought not to be forgotten-I mean the navigation of the lower waters of the Susquehanna. It is true, that the natural While I offer these remarks, I am aware, gentlemen, that the want of a good and permanent road is, at present, the principal defect in the communication between the middle counties and the metropolis. The steps which are taking, however, in pursuance of the legisla tive resolution of the 30th day of September last, to remedy this inconveniency, have met with universal approbation; and, I hope, the commissioners who were appointed to make the proper surveys between Philadelphia and Lancaster, will enable me, previously to the adjournment of the session, to lay a plan before you, which, corresponding in its execution with your views, and the wishes of our fellow citizens, may lead to the establishment of a general system of well constructed and well regulated roads. You must readily perceive, indeed, that it will be in vain either to open roads, or to clear rivers, without a vigilant attention to keep the former in repair, and to prevent encroachments upon the latter: And the existing laws being extremely inadequate to these essential purposes, you will, I am confident, revise and amend them, with all the diligence and energy, which the occasion shall be thought to require. Among the many considerations that will occur in the course of the investigation thus introduced, the circumstances of our inland trade, will probably suggest the idea of making a reasonable compensation to the holders of certain ferries on the Susquehanna and other rivers, in order to give a free passage to wagons transporting produce to the market, and returning with the merchandize of Philadelphia. This, it has been conceived, would be the means of preventing the trade of several counties from centering in other states, as experience has shown, that when the Susquehanna is frozen over, many western farmers convey their produce to this city, which, in other seasons, they dispose of in Maryland. Some latitude should, likewise, be allowed, in laying out the roads that are described in the late act of assembly; and such of them as may remain incomplete, should, perhaps, be made subject to the same jurisdiction and regulations as are established in the case of county roads. Under the authority of an act of Assembly, I have obtained a loan of twenty thousand pounds from the Bank of North America, upon a mortgage of the revenues arising from vendues, in order to repay the money expended by the corporation of the city, and the commissioners of the county of Philadelphia, for the accommodation of Congress; and to provide a suitable dwelling for the President of the United States. The first part of this appropriation, amounting to two thousand nine hundred and one pounds nine shillings and four-pence, and the price of the lot of ground (which has been obtained on the west side of Ninth street, between Market and Chesnut streets) amounting to five thousand four hundred and ninety-one pounds; there only remains the sum of eleven thousand six hundred and seven pounds ten shillings and eight-pence, to purchase the materials and complete the structure of the building. As soon as an eligible plan can be procured, and a satisfactory estimate of the expense can be formed, I will lay them before you; and you may be assured, gentlemen, that I will endeavour, with the strictest economy and diligence, to do all the justice to the hospitable intention of the legislature, which the limitation of the fund will permit. In discharging other duties that were assigned to me by laws passed at the last session of the general assembly, I have appointed one set of commissioners to lay out a town at the mouth of Beayer creek, and another set to run the boundary line between the counties of Mifflin and Huntingdon. The former have not yet had time to execute their trust; and the latter have found so much difficulty in ascertaining the point of departure intended by the act, that they have made a special report (which will be communicated for your information) suggesting that a straight line from the Water-gap in Tuscarora to the Blue Rock on Juniata, is the only course that can give satisfaction; and this they accordingly recommend to be expressly sanctioned by the legislature. It may be proper to observe, that an early decision on the subject is requisite to preserve peace and order: but, at the same time, I am happy to add, that the disturbances, which had arisen from another cause in the county of Mifflin, have entirely subsided; and I have received information, that the principal rioters have given the best evidence of their contrition, by readily submitting to those measures, which it was thought necessary to pursue, in order to vindicate the dignity and energy of the government. In obedience to the directions of the legislature, I entered into a contract with the commissioners of the city, by which they engaged, at a reasonable rate, to pave the foot way of the state house square, from Chesnut to Walnut street, in Fifth street; and the undertaking being executed, I have paid the consideration money by a warrant upon the treasurer, for the sum of one hundred and fifty-three pounds fifteen shillings and eleven-pence. The forms prescribed in the law, respecting an indemnity for those lots of the donation land, which have been found to lie within the jurisdiction of New York, have, likewise, been pursued; but as it is probable that many of the claimants were too remote to receive an account of the arrangement, in season to take advantage of it, (some of them being actually employed in the western army of the United States) and as, in fact, from a misconstruction of the law, none of them appeared on the proper day to draw their lots, you will, no doubt, perceive the propriety of extending the time for presenting these claims, as well as for deciding the priority in chusing an equivalent; and it will be expedient to announce your indulgence, in these respects, as soon as possible. The commissioner for stating the claims of this state against the United States reports to me, that, although nothing has yet appeared to warrant a material change of the opinion, which was formerly expressed upon the probable result of the settlement of those claims, considerable progress has been made in arranging and stating the accounts: and, I trust, that at length all the ob. VOL. II. 15 stacles to the completion of the contract for the Lake Erie purchase are removed; the comptroller of the treasury of the United States, and the comptroller general of Pennsylvania, having concurred in stating the amount of the consideration money to be one hundred and fiftyone thousand, six hundred and forty dollars and twentyfive cents, and the medium of payment to be loan-office certificates of the United States, at their specie value reduced by the continental scale of depreciation; cer tificates of final settlements issued by the commissioners of the states, or departments; or certificates commonly called registered debt, with the interest which may be due upon them until the tenth day of June 1791. The necessary sum, in public securities of these various descriptions, is prepared at the treasury, and will be delivered as soon as the mode of conveyance (which I have referred to the consideration of the attorney-general) shall be settled. From some doubts, indeed, that have been entertained, whether there exists in any offi cer of the federal government, a competent authority to execute an instrument of this nature, it may eventually be necessary to call in the aid of congress; but, as the terms of the contract have received a definitive construction, it will not, I presume, occasion much delay, to designate the mere formalities of transfer. In leading your attention, gentlemen, to those objects which are particularly interesting to the public welfare, the election of a senator, to represent the commonwealth in the senate of the United States, appears first in order and importance. During the present session of the fe deral legislature, the ratio of representation, in the po pular branch of the government, will be fixed for the ensuing period of ten years; our commercial intercourse with foreign nations will probably be settled on a new basis; and there is great reason to expect, that a system for establishing and regulating the militia of the United States will be introduced and adopted. The jurisdiction of congress cannot, I think, be exercised upon subjects more critical in their origin, or more extensive in their operation; on which a greater diversity of opinion is likely to arise; or in the decision of which a free people ought to be more anxious to give the full expression of their feelings and their sentiments. Recollecting, therefore, the weight of one member in the small body of the senate, you will excuse me if I am solicitous, that considerations respecting the magnitude of the end should suppress every doubt and reconcile every variance 'res pecting the forms of the proceeding; so that Pennsyl vania may, at this juncture, enjoy the whole force of her legitimate influence in the councils of the Union. To you, gentlemen, no argument can be offered, which a sense of public duty, and an ardent attachment to the honour and prosperity of your country, will not spontaneously suggest: You feel, and I am confident you will act, as becomes the importance of the occasion; and, under this impression, I cheerfully dismiss the subject with informing you, that, by the returns from the several districts, it appears, that Thomas Fitsimons, Fred'k Augustus Muhlenberg, Thomas Hartley, Daniel Heister, Israel Jacobs, John Wilkes Kittera, Andrew Gregg and William Findley, are duly elected representatives of this state in the house of representatives of the United States, for the next term of two years. If the supplement to the judiciary bill, which was par ticularly recommended to your consideration by the late house of representatives, should introduce an enquiry into the general state of the department, you will find, that, although the foundation is admirably laid, some additions are necessary to complete the strength and beauty of the superstructure. Besides pursuing the objects of the supplementary bill, to which I have adverted, the enlargement of the equitable powers of our courts of law seems to be expedient; not only as it would promote the ordinary administration of justice, but as the means of placing the scene of domestic liti. gation upon an equal footing with controversies arising Between the citizens of Pennsylvania and the citizens of |