USA > New York > Colonial records of the New York Chamber of Commerce, 1768-1784 : with historical and biographical sketches > Part 13
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By order of the Corporation, THEOPHY. BACHE, President.
193
REGISTER OF PROCEEDINGS.
HIS EXCELLENCY'S ANSWER :
GENTLEMEN :
I should be destitute of sensibility if I did not receive this very affectionate address of the respectable Chamber of Commerce with great satisfaction.
Your generous approbation of my publick and private conduct, your concern at my departure, and solicitude for my health and happi- ness, which furnish a testimonial so honourable to my administration demand the warmest returns of esteem and gratitude. However my Gracious Sovereign may be pleased to dispose of me, I trust you will believe that the prosperity of this loyal colony, the increase of its trade and riches, and its permanent reputation and tranquility, will not cease to be objects very near my heart.
In leaving a country, to which I have so much reason to be attached, it is a pleasing reflection that the Government will devolve on a Gentleman whose long and faithfull services entitle him to the confidence of the Crown, and whose great abilities and experience as well as inclination will lead him, upon all occasions, to consult the in- terest of his Sovereign, and promote the felicity of the people intrusted to his care.
WILLIAM TRYON.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, June 7th, 1774.
PRESENT.
William Walton, President.
Isaac Low, Vice President. William McAdam, Treasurer. Antho. Van Dam, Secretary.
Joseph Bull,
William Laight,
Isaac Corsa,
Garret Rapelje, Lewis Pintard,
Samuel Hake,
Leonard Lispenard,
Gerrard Walton.
Fined for appearing after six o'clock :
Francis Lewis, John Cruger,
James Seagrove, Jacob Walton,
Anthony Van Dam.
13
194
NEW YORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, July 5th, 1774.
PRESENT.
William Walton, President.
Isaac Low,
John Alsop, S
Vice Presidents.
Antho. Van Dam, Secretary.
John Cruger,
William Laight,
Isaac Corsa,
Lewis Pintard,
Gabriel H. Ludlow,
Alexander Wallace,
Robert Watts.
Fined for appearing after six o'clock :
Theoph. Bache,
Miles Sherbrooke,
Francis Lewis,
Robert R. Waddle,
Gerrard Walton,
Richard Sharpe,
William Stepple,
James Seagrove,
John Moore,
Richard Yates.
The Committee appointed to examine fishermen's Claims, report :
That Peter Parks exhibits ample proof that he hath brought to this City and exposed to sale in the Publick Market upwards of Eight hundred live Cod Fish, between the first day of Nov., 1773, and the first day of May, 1774.
Ordered-That the Treasurer do pay unto the said Peter Parks the sum of Thirty Pounds, it appearing from the Committee's report and Vouchers, lodged with the Secretary of this Corporation, that he hath brought the greatest quantity of Live Cod Fish to Market, within the period prescribed by a Vote of this Corporation, on the first Tuesday in April, 1773.
That Robert Heartshorn exhibits proof that he hath, at Divers times, be- tween the first day of May, 1773, and the first day of May, 1774, sent to this Market four hundred and fifty-six Sheepshead.
195
REGISTER OF PROCEEDINGS.
Ordered-That the Treasurer do pay unto the said Robert Heartshorn, the sum of Twenty Pounds, it appear- ing from the Committee's report, and Vouchers lodged with the Secretary of this Corporation, that he hath sent by divers persons, employed by the said Heartshorne, the greatest quantity of Live Sheeps-head to the publick Mar- ket 114 in this city, within the period prescribed by a Vote of this Corporation on the first Tuesday in April, 1773.
Ordered-That in case any other persons claim the Bounty on Fish brought to this Market, between the first day of May, 1773, and the first day of May, 1774, that when full proof is made to the satisfaction of the Com- mittee appointed to examine fishermen's claims, upon the different species on which this Corporation have voted such Bounty : That the Committee aforesaid do draw an order on the Treasurer for the respective sums, and in favour of such persons as shall be justly intitled thereto, which the Treasurer is hereby ordered to pay and charge this Corporation therewith.
In obedience to the order of the Corporation of the Chamber of Commerce, the Committee appointed by them have considered what premiums are proper to be proposed to encourage bringing Fish to the publick Market in this City for the present year, Report as their opinion :
THAT THE SUM of Fifty Pounds be paid to the owners and crews of any one Vessel or Boat who shall supply this Market with the greatest quantity of Fish-Skate and Ray excepted-not less than one thousand pounds weight taken with a Trawl net, from the first day of May, 1774, to the first day of May, 1775.
THAT THE SUM of Twenty Pounds be paid to the owners and crew ofany one Boat or Vessel who shall supply this Market with the next greatest quantity of Fish-Skate and Ray excepted-not less than seven hundred and fifty pounds weight, taken with a Trawl net within the same period.
THAT THE SUM of Thirty Pounds be paid to the owners and crew of any
196
NEW YORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
one Boat or Vessel who shall supply this Market with the greatest quantity of Live Cod Fish, not less than one thousand fish in number, from the Ist day of November, 1774, to the Ist day of May, 1775.
THAT THE SUM of Twenty Pounds be paid to the owners and crew of any one Boat or Vessel who shall supply this Market with the next greatest quantity of Live Cod Fish, not less than seven hundred and fifty Fish in number, within the same period.
THAT THE SUM of Twenty Pounds be paid to the owners and crew of any one Boat or Vessel who shall supply this Market with the greatest quan- tity of Live Sheeps-head Fish, not less than one thousand Fish, from the first day of May, 1774, to the Ist day of May, 1775.
THAT THE SUM of Fifteen Pounds be paid to the owners and crew of any one Boat or Vessel who shall supply this Market with the next greatest quantity, not less than seven hundred and fifty Fish, within the same period.
THAT THE SUM of Ten Pounds be paid to the owners and crew of any one Boat or Vessel who shall supply this Market with the next greatest quantity, not less than five hundred Sheeps-head, within the same period.
THAT THE SUM of Ten Pounds be paid to the owners and crew of any one Boat or Vessel which shall supply this Market with the greatest quantity of fresh Mackarel, not less than seven thousand Fish, from the first day of May, 1774, to the first day of May, 1775.
THAT THE SUM of Five Pounds be paid to the owners and crew of any one Boat or Vessel who shall supply this Market with the next greatest quantity, not less than five thousand Mackaral, within the same period.
THAT THE SUM of Twenty Pounds be paid to the owners and Crew of any one Boat or Vessel who shall supply this Market with the greatest quantity of dryed Herring, sufficiently cured, from the first day of March, 1774, to the first day of July, 1775. Which is humbly submitted.
FRAN'S LEWIS. WILLIAM STEPPLE. ROBERT WATTS.
Ordered-That the above Report be published in the several newspapers, which may tend to promote a greater supply of Fish to the Inhabitants of this City, and answer the end intended by an Act of the Gouverneur Council and General Assembly of this Province.
197
REGISTER OF PROCEEDINGS.
The following gentlemen having been proposed at a former meeting to be Elected Members of this Cor- poration, were balloted for, and duly Elected :- Mr. John Schuyler, Edward Laight, Isaac Sears, Gerrard W. Beekman.
Order'd-That the Secretary send them written cer- tificates of their admission.
Mr. John Alsop and Mr. Isaac Low were qualified to serve as Vice Presidents for the ensuing year, agreeable to their Election on the first Tuesday in May last.
Order'd-That Messrs. Theoph. Bache, Isaac Corsa, Geo. Folliot, Walter Franklin, Samuel Hake, and James Jauncey, be a Committee, untill the first Tuesday in August next, to hear and determine disputes between Parties who chose to leave such to their determination.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, 3d August, 1774.
PRESENT.
William Walton,
President.
Isaac Low,
John Alsop,
Vice do.
Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
Joseph Bull,
Gabriel H. Ludlow,
John Cruger,
William Laight,
Robt. R. Waddle,
William Stepple,
Alex'r Wallace.
Fined for appearing after six o'clock :
Isaac Low.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, 6th September, 1774.
PRESENT.
William Walton, President. Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
198
NEW YORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Samuel Bayard, John Cruger, John H. Cruger, Isaac Corsa, Elias Desbrosses,
Johnston Fairholme,
William Laight,
William Stepple,
Gerrard Walton,
Hugh Wallace,
Robert Watts.
Fined for appearing after six o'clock :
William Walton,
Johnston Fairholme,
Cerrard Walton, Hugh Wallace.
The consideration of the motion made for subscribing for Eleven more of Mr. Roman's Drafts that he is now publishing, being debated,
Voted-That Eleven sets be subscribed for on account of this Corporation, and that any Member in want there- of be furnished therewith at first Cost.
Ordered-That the Treasurer do pay unto Mr. Bar- nard Romans the first subscription money for Eleven sets, taking his Receipt.
Ordered-That Messrs. Samuel Bayard, John H. Cruger, Johnston Fairholme, William Jauncey, Peter Keteltas, Lawrence Kortright, and Philip Livingston, be a Committee to hear and determine disputes that may be left to the Chamber untill the first Tuesday in December next.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, 4th October, 1774.
PRESENT.
William Walton, President.
William McAdam, Treasurer. Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
Joseph Bull, Benjamin Booth,
Leonard Lispenard,
Edward Laight, John Moore,
John Cruger, Isaac Corsa,
Lewis Pintard,
199
REGISTER OF PROCEEDINGS.
George Ludlow,
Gabriel Ludlow,
William Stepple, Gerrard Walton,
Robert Watts.
Fined for appearing after six o'clock :
Robert Watts.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, Ist November, 1774.
PRESENT.
William Walton,
President.
John Alsop,
Vice do.
Isaac Low,
Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
Theophylact Bache,
John Moore,
John Cruger,
Miles Sherbrooke,
John H. Cruger,
Richard Sharpe,
Elias Desbrosses,
James Seagrove,
Robert C. Livingston,
Samuel Verplanck,
George Ludlow,
Augustus Van Horne,
Gabriel H. Ludlow,
Gerrard Walton,
Francis Lewis,
Robert R. Waddle,
William Laight,
Robert Watts.
Fined for appearing after six o'clock :
Isaac Low,
John Moore,
Miles Sherbrooke, James Seagrove,
Robert R. Waddle.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, December 6th, 1774.
PRESENT.
William Walton, President.
Isaac Low, Vice President. William McAdam, Treasurer. Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
Joseph Bull, John H. Cruger, Isaac Corsa, George Ludlow,
Francis Lewis,
William Laight, William Stepple,
Gerrard Walton.
200
NEW YORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Fined for appearing after six o'clock :
John Moore,
Anthony Van Dam,
Alex'r Wallace.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, 3d January, 1775. PRESENT.
William Walton,
President.
Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
Joseph Bull,
John Cruger,
Isaac Corsa, William Laight,
Robert R. Waddle.
Fined for appearing after six o'clock :
Francis Lewis.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, February 7th, 1775.
PRESENT.
William Walton,
President.
John Alsop, Vice Pres. Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
Joseph Bull,
Richard Sharpe,
William Laight,
Gerrard W. Beekman,
John H. Cruger,
Edward Laight,
Johnston Fairholme,
Isaac Corsa,
John Cruger,
John Schuyler.
Fined for appearing after six o'clock :
Samuel Bayard, James Seagrove,
Gerrard Walton.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, March 7th, 1775.
PRESENT.
William Walton, President. Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
Theophy. Bache, Joseph Bull, Isaac Corsa,
William Laight, Robert Murray, Miles Sherbrooke,
Robert R. Waddle.
201
REGISTER OF PROCEEDINGS.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, April 4th, 1775.
PRESENT.
William Walton, President.
William McAdam, Treasurer. Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
Elias Desbrosses,
William Stepple,
Peter Ketletas,
Hugh Wallace,
Alexan. Wallace.
Fined for appearing after six o'clock :
Joseph Bull, William McAdam,
Jacob Walton, Edward Laight,
Gerrard W. Beekman,
Robert R. Waddell.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, 2d May, 1775.
PRESENT.
William Walton,
President.
Isaac Low,
Vice President.
William McAdam, Treasurer.
Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
Theoph. Bache,
William Laight,
Joseph Bull,
Edward Laight,
John Cruger,
Charles McEvers,
Isaac Corsa,
William Stepple,
Elias Desbrosses,
Augustus Van Horne,
George Ludlow,
Gerrard Walton,
Francis Lewis,
Robert R. Waddle,
Hugh Wallace.
Ordered-That Messrs. William Laight, Wi liam Seton, Miles Sherbrooke, James Seagrove, and William Stepple, be a Committee to Audit the Treasurer's accounts until this day, and that they report the same to this Cor- poration at their next meeting.
Ordered-That the Treasurer pay unto Mr. Bernard Romans, or his Order, One hundred and eight Dollars,
202
NEW YORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
being the last payment for Twelve Complete Setts of Charts of the Navigation to and in the new ceded Coun- tries to the Southward of Georgia,115 which he hath lately transmitted to the Secretary.
Ordered-That Messrs. Peter Ketletas, Joseph Bull, Gabriel H. Ludlow, and Edward Laight, be a Committee to examine Fishermen's Claims, that have furnished this Market with such Fish as this Corporation have thought fit to grant a Bounty thereon, and prescribe such mode of Proof as will be necessary to entitle thereto, and that they, or any three of them give an order on the Treasurer for the Payment, when it shall appear who are the Objects of such Bounty, and that they make report thereof to this Corporation.
Ordered-That Messrs. Robert C. Livingston, Geo. Ludlow, Gabriel H. Ludlow, Leonard Lispenard, Junr., William Laight, Robert Murray, and John Moore, be a Committee to hear and determine Disputes that may be left to this Chamber, until the first Tuesday in June next.
The Charter as well as the Laws of this Corporation appoints this Day for the Election of Officers when the fol- lowing Gentlemen were balloted for and duly Elected.
ISAAC Low, President.
JOHN ALSOP, Vice Presidents.
WILLIAM McADAM, Vice
CHARLES McEVERS, Treasurer.
ANTHONY VAN DAM, Secretary.
Then Messrs. Isaac Low, William McAdam, Charles McEvers, and Anthony Van Dam, the Officers elected that were present, were duly sworn, agreeable to the Charter, to execute their respective offices.116
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
HE STATE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS117 having been such as not to require a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce at an earlier period, no measures were taken for that purpose untill it was conceived that the Increase of Commerce,118 in consequence of the Latitude it derived from the Commissioners'119 benevolent proclama- tion,120 rendered a revival of so usefull an Institution abso- lutely necessary.
At the request, therefore, of a number of the Mem- bers, the President issued notices for convening as many of them as were now in New York and its vicinity, and the following Members appeared accordingly, in the Upper long room at the Coffy House.121
SPECIAL MEETING .- MONDAY, 21st June, 1779.
PRESENT.
Isaac Low,
President.
William McAdam, Vice President. Anthy. Van Dam, Secretary.
William Walton,
Alexand'r Wallace,
Isaac Corsa,
Robert R. Waddel,
Robert Murray, John Moore, William Seton,
William Laight,
Thomas Buchanan,
Gabriel H. Ludlow, William Stepple, Richard Yates,
Thomas Miller, Edward Laight, Hugh Wallace,
Gerrard Walton,
Augustus Van Horne,
Henry White, Benj. Booth,
Lawrence Kortright.
204
NEW YORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
A draft of a Letter to the Commandant122 was then produced in the words following :
NEW YORK, June 21, 1779.
SIR :
We beg leave to inform your Excellency that the Subscribers are Mem- bers of a Society known by the Style and Title of a Chamber of Commerce which, before the present unnatural rebellion, met under certain regulations (of which we have the honor of inclosing a copy), and determined the prin- cipal matters relative to trade in this City.
The good effects of this Institution having been felt and acknowledged by all persons concerned in Trade, and the increase of Commerce encour- aged by the Proclamations of his Majesty's Commissioners, together with the success of Private Ships of War,123 has induced the Merchants in general (who are ready to join us agreeable to our regulations) to solicit a renewal of our Meetings in order that the many mercantile differences which so fre- quently happen may be adjusted.
As Commandant of the City, we esteemed it our duty to lay before you the intent of our proposed meetings and at the same time we beg leave to assure you that our assistance, when called upon, will at all times be ready to facilitate the Public good.
We have the honor to be, Sir, your Excellency's Most ob't and most humble servants.
HIS EXCELLENCY DANIEL JONES, dd Esq.,
Commandant of New York, &c.
The question being put resolved nem. con. that it be engrossed and signed by the members present and trans- mitted by the President to the Commandant-it was signed accordingly.
The following Gentlemen were appointed till the first Tuesday in July next, to hear and determine disputes between Parties who shall agree to leave such to the determination of this Corporation :
William Walton, Isaac Corsa, Robert Murray,
John Moore, William Seton, Thomas Miller,
Edward Laight.
205
REGISTER OF PROCEEDINGS.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- TUESDAY, 6th July, 1779.
PRESENT. William McAdam, Vice President. Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
August Van Horne,
George Ludlow,
William Seton,
Robert Murray,
Gerrard Walton,
Benj. Booth,
Alex. Wallace,
William Walton,
Gabriel H. Ludlow,
Rob. R. Waddel,
Isaac Corsa,
Thos. Buchanan,
Edward Laight,
William Stepple,
Hugh Wallace,
William Laight,
Thomas Miller,
Henry White,
Law. Kortright.
The Vice President having received a Letter from his Excellency Gen'l Jones in answer to one Subscribed by this Corporation at their last Meeting, (it) was ordered to be entered on the Minutes, and is in the words following :
GENTLEMEN :
NEW YORK, June 25th, 1779.
I have laid the Letter you favored me with before the Comman- der in Chief, and I have the Pleasure to acquaint you that his Excel- lency approves of the Gentlemen of the Chamber of Commerce re- newing their Meetings as formerly. I was happy to hear of this Insti- tution and regret only that I have not had the benefit of your assist- ance sooner to procure to New York every advantage our present situation would admit of, which I have always had much at Heart. You may therefore Gentlemen be assured every Proposal coming from you, for the good of the City, shall meet with my hearty concur- rence and assistance, and when I Quit my present Command I shall recommend to my Successor the usefull assistance that I think may be drawn from your Institution.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your most Obedient and Humble Servant, D. JONES, Lt. Gen'l. Commandant. The Gentlemen of the
Chamber of Commerce, New York.
206
NEW YORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Committee to hear and determine disputes until the first Tuesday in August.
Hugh Wallace, Thomas Buchanan,
Gab'l H. Ludlow,
William Stepple, Richard Yates, Gerrard Walton,
Augustus Van Horne.
The following Gentlemen were balloted for, and chosen members of this Chamber :
Fred Rhinelander, Jacob Watson, Nich's Hoffman,
John Thurman, John Miller, Smith Ramadge,
Neil Jameson.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- MONDAY, 12th July, 1779.
SPECIAL MEETING.
PRESENT.
Wm. McAdam, Vice President. Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
Hugh Wallace,
Isaac Corsa,
Thomas Buchanan,
William Seton,
Thomas Miller,
William Laight,
Alex'r Wallace,
Law. Kortright,
Gerrard Walton,
Gab. H. Ludlow,
Jacob Watson,
Smith Ramadge,
William Walton,
Robt R. Waddell,
Robt. Murray,
John Miller,
Edward Laight,
Fred Rhinelander,
Will'm Stepple.
At the request of the Superintendent General, by his Letter, a Special Meeting of the Chamber was called by desire of the Commandant, and Mr. ELLIOT ee laid before the Corporation the following Letter :
MAJOR GENERAL PATTISON ff desires that the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce will meet on Monday next, to consider on the
207
REGISTER OF PROCEEDINGS.
most effectual means to be used for the better Cleansing the City, and for the raising a necessary Fund for defraying the Expence thereof, as likewise to propose such Fines and Penaltys as may be thought suffi- cient to prevent the Inhabitants from throwing the Filth and Rubbish from their Houses into the Streets, and to oblige them to convey it to certain Places that may be assigned in each Ward for depositing it, and from thence to be regularly taken away at stated times by Scavengers to be employed for that Purpose. Hospitals, Barracks, and all Public Buildings to be comprehended in whatever regulations may be propos'd for carrying into execution this very necessary and salutary Plan. The Commandant likewise wishes to know the opinion of the Chamber of Commerce respecting the expediency of regulating the markets with regard to the Prices to be paid for Butchers'meat ; 124 and further, to prevent the danger of Fire, to which the City is now exposed from the Quantities of Naval Stores that are dispers'd through the Town. The General, before he gives any order on this important point, requests to know what Plan the Merchants would wish to pro- pose, that might Combine the safety of the Public together with the Conveniencys of Trade.
NEW YORK, Ioth July, 1779.
ANDREW ELLIOT, Superintendent, &c., &c., &c.
Whereupon the following Gentlemen were appointed a Committee to take the said Letter into consideration, and to report to this Chamber thereon against Monday Evening next at six o'clock : William Walton, Jacob Watson, William Laight, Lawrence Kortright, Isaac Corsa, Isaac Low, John Thurman, William Stepple, Benjamin Booth, Nicholas Hoffman, John Miller, Fred'ck Rhinelander, Augustus Van Horne.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE .- MONDAY, 19th July, 1779.
SPECIAL MEETING.
PRESENT.
Isaac Low, President. Anthony Van Dam, Secretary.
208
NEW YORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Jacob Watson,
Richard Yates,
Isaac Corsa,
Gabriel H. Ludlow,
Alexander Wallace,
John Thurman,
Robert Murray,
Lawrence Kortright,
John Moore,
William Stepple,
Smith Ramadge,
John Miller,
Gerrard Walton,
Fred'ck Rhinelander,
Edward Laight,
Nicholas Hoffman,
Hugh Wallace,
William Laight,
Augustus Van Horne.
In pursuance of the order of this Corporation, the Committee laid before them their report in the words following :
THE COMMITTEE of the Chamber of Commerce, to whom is referred MAJOR GENERAL PATTISON'S Recommendations to lay before him a Plan for the better cleansing the Streets in this City, &c., Beg leave to observe,
That as the want of proper regulations for that Purpose has been long complained of by everybody ; they are the more happy to find that the Commandant regards it as an object of his earliest attention ; and is so ready to give the sanction of his authority effectually to remedy so crying an Evil,-and although this business does not come within the proper Sphere of the Chamber of Commerce, as not appertaining to Trade, they very cheerfully accept the Task, and shall be very happy if they can furnish any Hints that may be honored with the Commandant's approbation.
But we presume it is not so necessary to devise a new Plan, as to revise that which was formerly in Practice. This City was once as remarkable for its cleanliness as it is now for the contrary.
If, therefore, the same Regulations are adopted which experience mani- fested to be so Salutary and Proper, we conceive they will be more likely to produce the same good Effects, than any other we might be able to suggest for that Purpose.
The old Corporation ordinances,125 matured after various amendments by Time and Reflection, contain excellent Regulations for Cleaning and Pav- ing the Streets, and also provide amply against Storing Naval Stores within the confines of the City, and as the Police 126 are possessed of these Ordinan- ces, and the inhabitants probably attached to old Customs, we beg leave to recommend an adoption of them, not only with regard to the above Particu- lars, but in all other respects where they may be found usefull. And if Hospitals,127 Barracks, and all other Public Buildings are (as the Commandant generously promises) " to be comprehended in the regulations for carrying into execution this Very necessary and Salutary Plan," we conceive every
209
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REGISTER OF PROCEEDINGS.
difficulty will be entirely removed. Very different has been the former usage relative to these Public Buildings, for notwithstanding repeated repre- sentations, it seemed to be the opinion that nothing further was necessary than to throw the Straw and Dirt into the middle of the Streets and leave it to the Inhabitants and Scavengers to remove in any way they pleased. Experience has abundantly evinced that to have all the Dirt and Rubbish removed by Scavengers at the Public expence, exceeds almost all computation ; and it will be difficult to devise funds adequate to the Pur- pose, amidst the necessity there is for large expenditures for the use of the Poor, and other indispensable Occasions. Scavengers may nevertheless be found very usefull, and a Plan was once handed to the Superintendent and some Progress made therein, of advertising for and employing Scavengers under the immunity of an exclusive right to take the Dirt and Rubbish out of the Streets for their own use. To this it was objected by some Person in Power,123 " that it would interfere with the common right of Mankind, because every Person who pleased had a right to take Dirt out of the Streets." An Hypothesis in our Idea founded neither in Reason or Fact ; and we still think the Mode proposed would be the cheapest and best, of employing Scavingers.
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