AMOUNT OF INTERNAL DUTIES AND DIRECT TAXES, DERIVED FROM PENNSYLVANIA IN THE ENUMERATED YEARS.

To the Committee of Citizens of the Northern Liberties, path 8052 included in the total amount of yards-esti

der his hand and seal duly perfected, bearing date the twenty-fourth day of August, one thousand six hundred eighty and two, did grant unto me, my heirs and assigns, all that tract of land, now called the territories of Pennsylvania, together with powers and jurisdictions for the good government thereof.

II.

For the well governing of this province and territories, there shall be an assembly yearly chosen by the freemen thereof, to consist of four persons out of each county, of most note for virtue, wisdom and ability, (or of a greater number at any time, as the governor and And whereas, for the encouragement of all the free-assembly shall agree) upon the first day of October formen and planters, that might be concerned in the said ever; and shall sit on the fourteenth day of the same province and territories, and for the good government month, at Philadelphia, unless the governor and council thereof, I the said William Penn, in the year one thou- for the time being shall see cause to appoint another sand six hundred eighty and three, for me, my heirs place within the said province or territories; which asand assigns, did grant and confirm unto all the freemen, sembly shall have power to choose a speaker and other planters and adventurers therein, divers liberties, fran- of their officers; and shall be judges of the qualificachises and properties, as by the said grant, entitled, The tions of their own members; sit upon their own adjournFrame of the Government of the Province of Pennsyl- ments; appoint committees; prepare bills in order to vania, and Territories thereunto belonging, in America, pass into laws; impeach criminals, and redress grievanmay appear; which charter or frame being found in ces, and shall have all other powers and privileges of some parts of it, not so suitable to the present circum- an assembly, according to the rights of the free born stances of the inhabitants, was in the third month, in subjects of England, and as is usual in any of the king's the year one thousand seven hundred, delivered up to dominions in America. me, by six parts of seven of the freemen of this province and territories, in general assembly met, provision being made in the said charter, for that end and pur

pose:

And whereas, I was then pleased to promise, that I would restore the said charter to them again, with necessary alterations, or in lieu thereof, give them another better adapted to answer the present circumstances and conditions of the said inhabitants; which they have now, by their representatives in general assembly met at Philadelphia, requested me to grant:

Know ye, therefore, that for the further well-being and good government of the said province, and territories; and in pursuance of the rights and powers before mentioned, I the said William Penn, do declare, grant and confirm, unto all the freemen, planters and adventurers, and other inhabitants in this province and territories, these following liberties, franchises and privileges, so far as in me lieth, to be held, enjoyed and kept, by the freemen, planters and adventurers, and other inhabitants of and in the said province and territories thereunto annexed, forever.

I.

Because, no people can be truly happy, though under the greatest enjoyment of civil liberties, if abridged of the freedom of their consciences, as to their religious profession and worship: and Almighty God being the only Lord of conscience, Father of Lights and Spirits; and the author as well as object of all divine knowledge, faith and worship, who only doth enlighten the minds, and persuade and convince the understandings of people, I do hereby grant and declare, that no person or persons, inhabiting in this province or territories, who shall confess and acknowledge One Almighty God, the Creator, Upholder and Ruler of the World; and profess him or themselves obliged to live quietly under the civil government, shall be in any case molested or prejudiced, in his or their person or estate, because of his or their conscientious persuasion or practice, nor be compelled to frequent or maintain any religious worship, place or ministry, contrary to his or their mind, or to do or suffer any other act or thing, contrary to their religious per

suasion.

And that all persons who also profess to believe in Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the World, shall be capable (notwithstanding their other persuasions and practices in point of conscience and religion) to serve this gov ernment in any capacity, both legislatively and executively, he or they solemnly promising, when lawfully required, allegiance to the king as sovereign, and fidelity to the proprietary and governor, and taking the attests as now established by the law made at New Castle, in the year one thousand and seven hundred, entitled, An act directing the attests of several officers and ministers, as now amended and confirmed this present assembly.

And if any county or counties, shall refuse or neglect to choose their respective representatives as aforesaid; or if chosen, do not meet to serve in assembly, those who are so chosen and met, shall have the full power of an assembly, in as ample manner as if all the representatives had been chosen and met, provided they are not less than two thirds of the whole number that ought to meet.

And that the qualifications of electors and elected, and all other matters and things relating to elections of representatives to serve in assemblies, though not herein particularly expressed, shall be and remain as by a law of this government, made at New Castle in the year one thousand seven hundred, entitled, An act to ascertain the number of members of assembly, and to regulate the elections.

III.

That the freemen in each respective county, at the time and place of meeting for electing their representa tives to serve in assembly, may as often as there shall be occasion, choose a double number of persons to present to the governor for sheriff's and coroners, to serve for three years, if so long they behave themselves well; out of which respective elections and presentments, the governor shall nominate and commissionate one for each of the said offices, the third day after such presentment, or else the first named in such presentment, for each office as aforesaid, shall stand and serve in that office for the time before respectively limited; and in case of death or default, such vacancy shall be supplied by the governor, to serve to the end of the said term.

Provided always, That if the said freemen shall at any time neglect or decline to choose a person or persons for either or both the aforetaid officers, then and in such case, the persons that are or shall be in the respective offices of sheriffs or coroners at the time of election, shall remain therein until they shall be removed by another election as aforesaid. And that the justices of the respective countries shall or may nominate and present to the governor three persons, to serve for clerk of the peace for the said county, when there is a vacan cy, one of which the governors shall commissionate within ten days after such presentment, or else the first nominated shall serve in the said office during good behaviour.

IV.

That the laws of this government shall be in this style, viz. By the Governor, with the consent and approbation of the Freemen in General Assembly met; and shall be, after confirmation by the Governor, forthwith recorded in the Roll's Office, and kept at Philadelphia, unless the Governor and Assembly shall agree to ap point another place.

V.

That all criminals shall have the same privileges of witnesses and council as their prosecutors,

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 Perin, 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.
Per JOSEPH GROWDON, Speaker.
EDWARD SHIPPEN,

PHINEAS PEMBERTON,
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:
Height, including crown
Diameter at bottom
Thickest part.

Thinnest ...

....

.5 ft. 9 inch.

..5

.0

41

It has no clapper, and is designed to be struck by the hammer of the clock-and in time of fire by a hammer fixed to machinery.

And notwithstanding the closure and test of this present 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. Geddes, No. 59 Locust street, Philadelphia; where, and at the Editor's residence, No. 51 Filbert street, subscrip tions 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.

THE

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.-NO. 10.

PHILADELPHIA, SEPT. 20, 1828.

GOV. MIFFLIN'S MESSAGE, 1792.

Gentlemen of the Senate, and

NO. 38.

of the general government, though distinct, are not adverse, and that their interests, through whatever channels they may pass, must be the same. But, in making Gentlemen of the House of Representatives. an enquiry how far the citizens of Pennsylvania have The flourishing condition of Pennsylvania continues been concerned in any riotous or violent opposition, it is to afford a subject for congratulation. As an individual just to observe, that I have found the instances of outstate, she is happy in the accumulating blessings of her rage but few; that the offenders have generally been agriculture, her commerce, and her citizens; while, as a prosecuted; and that in every case of a prosecution, le conspicuous member of the Union, she shares, in an gally supported, conviction and punishment have et eminent degree, the honour and credit which the na-sued. The documents on which this information is tional character has attained. Whether, indeed, we founded, (together with the various other papers to take a retrospective view of the contest and distress, which I may refer,) will be presented to your considera. from which we have ourselves but recently escaped; or tion: and while, with great satisfaction, I leave to the contemplate the calamities to which the nations of Eu- courts of justice, the vindication of the laws from posi rope are at the present period exposed, the comparative insult and infraction, I implicitly rely on the aid of tive 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 pros perity 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.

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 consequence of certain irregular and refractory proceedings that have taken place in particular parts of some of the states, contravening the operation of the acts of Congress, 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

your example and advice, to allay the spirit of discon 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 interesting 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 fron tiers 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 influ ence 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 corresponding 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.

This establishment, commanded with ability and actuated with zeal, proved, I am informed, very advantegeous, though, in the opinion of many of the citizens, its duration was too limited. Hence the most pressing 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