USA > Ohio > Hamilton County > Cincinnati > Cincinnati in 1826 > Part 8
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The most numerous class of our citizens, consists of our echanics, and, as a body, they may be eferred to as one of e chief causes of our prosperity. Of this class, indeed, e may justly feel proud, not only o" account of their pro- ssional skill and dexterity, but ako, because they possess. nerally, the characteristics of god citizens.
* One cause of this, may be, that our climate is unfavorable to the gevity of drunkards, which may be considered one of the many :ssings with which we are favoured.
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Our Merchants are distinguished for their enterprize and onc activity; the greatest obstacle to their success being their number, which is generally more than the business of the place can profitably sustain. The latter remark is equally
I 5 en applicable to our professional men, (to those, at least, of Law ph and Medicine) of whom a few are eminent, and a number The very respectable.
Of men of leisure and fortune, there are few or none. Of this class, a certain portion is desirable, provided they be possessed of public spirit, and of good taste sufficient to lead them to devote a portion of time in such manner, as to bene- fit the community, by aiding in the diffusion of Literature and Science, and establishing and fostering useful public institutions The greatest evil to be apprehended from this class, is, that they may hasten the encroachments of luxury. We are aware, that with the advance of society in wealth and refinement, a progressive increase of luxury is natural, and, perhaps, desirable, on account of its encouraging indus- try and improving the arts; but experience has shown, that its uniform tendency is to increase faster han the means of supporting it, and, in such cases, it become the parent of both crime and suffering.
The general features of the fashionable portion of our community, are similar to those of the same class in the east- ern cities, with an equal amount of refinement, if not a like degree of useless etiquette. Throughout the winter season, there are public balls, assemblies, and cotillion parties, for the gratification of those who are fond of dancing. Private partiesare both frequently and elegantly given, in which cards, muic, dancing, and conversation, constitute the prin cipal sourles of amusement. There is an increasing fond ness for the xtage, and for the last two seasons, our Comme- dians have received an amount of patronage, not less flatter ing, than unexampled in previous years. The Museums are becoming fashionable resorts for evening parties. During Ince the winter season, here are Lectures delivered in each, once or twice a week, pon Literary and Scientific subjects OFF which are generally well attended. This rational custon should be continued,-it being admirably calculated to pro mote intercourse, good feeling, and a taste for intellectua pleasures.
In the summer season, excursions to Big Bone and the Yellow Springs, serve to anuse those who have leisure and
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nclination to seek for pleasure, health, and rural scenery.
In the dwellings of the middling and poorer classes, there s, in general, that appearance of comfort and ease, which lenotes a fertile country, and a benignant government, - where labour receives its reward, and enjoys it in security. The means of substantial enjoyment, are probably more ex- ensively diffused throughout our community, than among ny other people in existence. Although this remark may ppear to display more of local partiality than of knowl- dge, yet we do not fear the result of a candid investigation f its correctness : And however sanguine our expectations lay at first appear, respecting the future destinies of our tvourite city, if the grounds on which they are made be npartially examined, they will be found, we think, to war- ant our anticipations.
CHAPTER XVII.
MISCELLANY.
GRAND MASONIC HALL.
We are informed, that the members of the different asonic Societies of Cincinnati, are sanguine in the opinion, at the Grand Lodge of Ohio,* will be removed to Cincin ti, where a Grand Hall will be erected, that shall reflect edit on the state, and do honour to the taste and munifi- ice of the Fraternity.
OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
M. W. John M. Goodenow, Grand Master.
R. W. Thomas Corwin, Deputy Grand Master.
R. W. William Rossell Foster, Sen. Grand Warden.
R. W. Roswell Stone, Jun'r. Grand Warden,
W. Lincoln Goodale, Grand Treasurer.
W. Bela Latham, Grand Secretary.
W. Walter M. Blake, Grand Marshal.
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For the last two years, this subject has been before thesk Grand Lodge at Columbus, and it is stated that the strongesW objections to the location of that institution in this place, havdie been removed by the liberal offers, which have been madash by the Cincinnati Lodges. The remaining objection to thi be measure, most strongly urged. is its remoteness from theha centre of the state. This objection, even at the presentfor moment, has not much weight: but the completion of there canals, and the national turnpike, together with the generation improvement of the roads throughout the state, will not onl tion obviate it entirely, but give such facilities for reachingwh Cincinnati, as will be equalled by few, if any other places i. the state.
A change in the period of holding the meetings of ththe Grand Lodge, from the winter to the summer season, anunt we are informed that there can be no valid objections urgenot, against such a change, would always afford good roads antre canal navigation, besides securing a more punctual atterand dance from those who are the only proper component par of this institution.
The enterprize and comparative wealth of the Mason bodies of this city,-the numerous facilities which it pods w sesses over all other points in the state, for the selection derio
Rev. and W. George C. Sedgwick, Grand Chaplain. W. Robert T. Lytle, Grand Orator.
W. David Spangler, Grand S. Deacon. W. William Coolman, Grand J. Deacon.
W. William Fielding, Grand Lecturer.
W. William John, Grand Tyler.
GRAND CHAPTER OF OHIO.
M. E. Charles R. Sherman, Grand High Priest. E. John Satterthwaite, Deputy G. H. Priest. E. Joshua Downer, Grand King. E. Samuel Stokely, Grand Scribe. E. Lincoln Goodale, Grand Treasurer.
E. Bela Latham, Grand Secretary. E. James W. Lanier, Grand Marshal. E. James M&Aboy, Grand Chaplain.
Companion Robert T. Lytle, Grand Captain of the Host. Tho :. Orr, Grand Principal Sojourner. David Spangler, Grand Royal Arch Captain. James Price, Grand Master, 3d Vail. Moses Levi, Grand Master, 2d Vail.
Walter M. Blake, Grand Master, Ist Vail.
William John, Grand Guard.
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theyskillful mechanics, and cheap materials for building, together este with its many other advantages, will, it is confidently be- ve ide ieved, induce the Grand Lodge to reflect maturely, before he will withhold from the Fraternity at large, the important hisbenefits that will follow the location of its Hall in Cincin- hetati. Should the Grand Lodge ultimately select this place enfor the site of their Hall, and unite with our Societies in its the:rection, there can be little doubt of the efficient co-opera- rafion of our citizens, in aiding its early completion, by dona- lions, or subscriptions for stock, according to the plan upon ingwhich it may be established.
Such has been the increase of the Masonic brethren in his city, within a few years, that the erection of a Hall, for ththeir own accommodation, whether the Grand Lodge shall nite with them or not, will be speedily undertaken; but ot, we are assured, until the Societies possess the ability to rect such an one, as will do honour to the city, to the state, nd to Masonry.
PUBLIC SQUARE.
It is gratifying, that the municipal authorities of the city, s well as the citizens generally, are beginning to think eriously about the purchase of a piece of ground, upon which, at some future time, to erect a City Hall, and estab- sh a Public Promenade, for pleasure, ornament, and recrea- ion. The importance of this subject, as it regards health, tility, and the beauty of Cincinnati, is too generally felt, nd too universally acknowledged, to require that any argu- hents should here be urged in its favour. There is but ne block of ground, eligibly situated for this object, that an now be procured at a fair price, and unless this be peedily secured, the increasing value of property, will soon lace even that beyond the resources of the corporation. The block referred to, is the one on which Judge Burnet esides, between Vine and Race, and Third and Fourth treets. Perhaps the city plat does not contain one better mited for the purposes of a Public Square than this, owing › its central and elevated position. The terms upon which is offered, make its purchase a matter of speculation, even would it not be ultimately used by the city, for public pur- oses. It can now be obtained for about $25,000, and no ne, who has studied the prospects of our city, will doubt, ut that in ten years, it may be sold for double that sum.
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A row of lots, fronting on Third street, the building Qua upon which would not materially injure the beauty of th he square, could, it is believed, at this time, be leased for a sul esse that would nearly meet the accruing interest of the mone be required for the purchase of it. Another row, fronting ofthe Race street, may also be leased to advantage, and the pre nd ceeds applied to the reduction of the principal. The bloc is already covered with shade trees, flowering shrubs, an evergreens; and several liberal donations have been pron ised, towards ornamenting and improving the grounds sti ea ha further, if the city become the purchaser. It has bee stated, that the Cincinnati Water Company, would, in tha case, supply, gratuitously, the necessary water for ornamen ing it with a Fountain. r
The building now upon it, has two spacious rooms,-on of which would conveniently accommodate the City Coul cil, and the other, the City Court. There are others, whic would answer as offices for the City Treasurer, Recorde Clerk, &c. This building, indeed, will be amply sufficier for the accommodation of the Municipal Authorities of th city, until the state of its treasury would justify the erectio of a City Hall, corresponding in size and magnificence to th future destinies of Cincinnati.
As the present appears to be an auspicious period fo laying the foundation of a permanent revenue for th city, it will not, perhaps, be considered as without th limits of this work, to suggest the policy of the city becomin the owner of all the ground lying south of Front street, an between Broadway and the mouth of Deer-creek, which ca be obtained at a fair price. The public Quay, which is a ready yielding a handsome revenue to the city, is too limite in extent. for the amount of business that is now done upo it. This must be evident to those who have witnessed, with in the last few days, from ten to twelve large steam-boat crowded together against the Quay, for the purpose of re ceiving and discharging their cargoes. In addition to th ordinary expansion of the commercial business of the city the completion of the Miami Canal, will greatly augmen it. The period is but a short one, when the entire spac between the limits above mentioned, in addition to that al ready owned by the city, will be required, upon which t transact, with convenience, this business. Were this groun owned by the corporation, and properly disposed of, fo
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ung Quays and Ware-houses, it would yield, in future years, with thythe public property below it, a revenue which would sunlessen the burthens of taxation, if not entirely supersede one the necessity of imposing them. With these suggestions, gotthe expediency of the measure is left for the consideration projand wisdom of the Council and our citizens.
BRIDGE OVER THE OHIO.
This subject has been one of much speculation for several years past. Its importance is perhaps not less apparent, than the practicability of its execution. The scarcity of capital among our citizens may delay it for a few more years, but the period is manifestly not remote, when its construction will be undertaken.
The feasibility of throwing a permanent bridge over the "Ohio at this place, at an expense which would secure a hand- some interest upon the sum required for its accomplishment, is generally admitted, by those practical, calculating men, who have had the subject under consideration, and who have possessed the existing data, from which to draw their conclusions.
The water of the Ohio passes over a bed of limestone rock, which will not only supply the stone, necessary in the construction of the piers and abutments, but also, an admira- ble foundation for them to rest upon. The distance from the top of the bank at the foot of Broadway, to the top of the bank in Newport or Covington, is 1,630 feet, or about 543 yards. What is termed the channel of the river lies near the north shore; its south edge is 435 feet distant from the wall at the foot of Broadway. There is in this channel a gradual descent from the north to the south edge; the dis- tance from one to the other being about 225 feet. Should this space be thought too great to exist with safety between the piers, an intermediate one may readily be constructed in the channel, the greatest depth at low water not exceeding 12 feet. The whole distance across the river would require 8 or 9 piers, besides the abutments on either bank. From the foot of Broadway, a bridge would strike the Kentucky shore, opposite the mouth of Licking. A line drawn from the bank on the Newport shore, until, at a distance of 200 feet from the place of beginning, it should intersect a similar line, from the Covington shore, would indicate the proper point for a pier, on which the main bridge should terminate. From this, branches should be carried to Newport and Cov-
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ington, thus uniting those two villages with each other, andin th both with Cincinnati.
Between the shore and the northern edge of the channel, Part there is, during the high water, an eddy, formed by the steam doub mill above, over which, the draw may properly be made to acces admit the passage of steam boats at that stage of the river : ing at a medium stage, the elevation of the bridge over the mainin fa channel of the stream, would be such as to permit the pas- plac sage of the largest class of boats. Various estimates of vidu the cost of this work have been made, varying in amount from are one to two hundred thousand dollars. An architect who gent has superintended the construction of several bridges in the an In Miami Country, and whose practical skill entitles his opinions foun to confidence, has recently given this subject some conside- woul ration. His estimates of the cost of a bridge, of the length above mentioned, supported by nine stone piers, including breakers above each, to protect them from the ice and drift. wood; branching so as to connect Newport and Covington, and secured from the weather by a neat and substantial cover, is $150,000. A tem The cons
How nearly this may approximate to the truth, remains jas, to be determined by more accurate surveys. Should it even un so cost $200,000, still it is believed, that the tolls would, from wate the time of its completion, yield a handsome interest upon exp its cost, with a certain prospect of an increase, corresponding pari to the rapid advances of the city and surrounding country. iben It is hoped that our public spirited citizens, will not lose sight of an object so deeply connected with the convenience the and ornament of the city. If our own resources at the present moment, are not adequate to the magnitude of the son, work, it would perhaps, be no difficult matter to put in requi- suthi sition some of the surplus capital of our eastern brethren, to aid in its early accomplishment.
MILITARY ACADEMY.
The plans of education respectively pursued at West Point, and at Captain Partridge's Military Academy, at Mid- dletown, are generally admitted to be of the most excellent kind. They are systems well adapted to impart vigour to the body, not less than the mind. The courses of study adopted in these popular institutions, appear to be better calculated to prepare young men for becoming useful and fuck practical members of society, than those generally pursued Por
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and in the literary colleges of the country. Of the signal success of a Military Academy, similar to that of Captain Partridge's, if established in Cincinnati, there can be no doubt. Its central position among the Western, and its easy iccess by water from the Southern states; and the prevail- ng sentiment among the people of the West and South, n favor of a military education, unite in designating this place, as a point highly eligible for the exertion of indi- vidual enterprize in regard to this subject. These remarks, are made with the hope of arresting the attention of some gentleman, properly qualified to establish and conduct such an institution. A degree of success not less flattering to its ounder, than beneficial to the youth of the West and South, vould unquestionably follow.
LICKING CANAL.
A canal down the valley of Licking river, is seriously con- emplated: of its practicability, there can be little doubt. The bed of the river itself, may be converted into a Canal, by constructing dams with locks, at such heights and intervals, ts, upon examination, may be found most advantageous. n some places, a dam erected at the rapids, will render the vater of the river level and navigable for many miles. The expense of thus canalling the stream, would be small, in com- parison with that of the Ohio Canals, whilst many and rich benefits would arise from it to the surrounding country. It vould connect a large and fertile district of Kentucky, with he principal seat of commerce on the Ohio. It would pass mmediately through the counties of Bath, Nicholas, Harri- ion, Pendleton, and Campbell, whilst many others would be sufficiently near, to render it the channel of their communi- ;ation with the Ohio. Among the resources of this region, ron ore is found in great abundance. There are already works erected on Licking, in Bath county, and owned by J. T. Mason, Esq. They consist of one blast furnace, one single, ind one double forge. Other works will doubtless be erect- ed, when the improvement here contemplated, shall be suc- cessfully accomplished, and an easy navigation furnished rom the mine to the market.
LOUISVILLE AND PORTLAND CANAL.
In 1825 a charter was granted by the Legislature of Ken- ucky, incorporating the stockholders of the Louisville and Portland Canal Company, under the management of a
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board, consisting of a President and 4 Directors, for the pur- pose of constructing a Canal, dry docks, &c. around the Falls of the Ohio. This charter is perpetual: it authorizes the company to lay a toll of 20 cts. per ton, on Steam and Keel boats, and $4 each, on flat boats; and if these tolls should not be found sufficient to pay the stockholders a net profit of 12₺ per cent. per annum, on their capital, the Directors are authorized to raise the tolls sufficiently high to produce that amount. The Legislature reserving to itself the privilege of reducing them if the dividend should exceed 18 per cent. per annum.
The work, by consent of the Canal Commissioners of Ohio, is under the superintendence of Judge Bates, the principal Engineer of the Ohio Canals, by whom the surveys and esti- mates have been made, and whose established reputation is well calculated to inspire confidence in their accuracy. A contract for the completion of the entire work, has been made with those experienced gentlemen, Messrs. Collins, Chapman, & Co. of the New York Canal.
These gentlemen commenced their operations on the first of March last, and since that time they have excavated 483- 134 cubic yards of earth, out of 633,358 yds. the estimated quantity : 5,694 cubic yards of common rock, have been ex- cavated out of 111,000 yards the estimated quantity: 4,445 cubic yards of rock have been excavated in lock pits, out of 20,000 the estimated quantity. The length of the canal will be 73 feet less than 2 miles: the width will be 50 feet at the bottom, and 197 feet at the top: its depth 42 from the tops of the banks which are to be 2 feet above high water mark : the sides of the banks will be paved with stone.
The locks will be at the lower end of the Canal, and will consist of 3 lift locks of 8.62 feet lift each, and one guard lock of the whole depth of the canal. The lift locks will be 190 feet long, by 50 feet wide, in the clear, consequently they will be of a capacity to pass the largest class of steam boats.
Two dry docks for repairing steam-boats will be construc- ted, by the side of the guard lock. A recess of the size of the locks is to be excavated about midway of the canal, for the convenience of passing large steam-boats.
The time for the completion of the work by the contract is November next, and from the report of the board there seems to be little doubt of its completion within the stipulated
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period. The entire cost of constructing this canal will be about $420.000.
This important work, when finished, will exert such an immediate and powerful influence upon the commercial prosperity of Cincinnati, that no apology is necessary for in- troducing into this work the foregoing details.
FUTURE IMPORTANCE OF CINCINNATI.
The country bordering upon the two Miamies; that part of Indiana irrigated by Whitewater, and the upper branches of the White river; and those parts of Kentucky watered by the Licking and Sandy rivers, constitute the region of country which is immediately dependent upon Cincinnati, as its great commercial and manufacturing emporium. This region is unequalled by any in the United States, for the growth of wheat, corn, hogs, cattle, and, indeed, all the provision supplies. It includes the iron mines of Brush- creek, in Ohio, and of Licking and Sandy rivers, in Ken- tucky, and also the salt and coal of these two latter streams, together with vast beds of aluminous earth. It abounds in fine oak, locust, and mulberry timber, suitable for ships and steam-boa's. Many parts of it are well adapted to grazing; and others, peculiarly suited for the growth of those import- ant articles, hemp and tobacco. The streams by which it is intersected, afford extensive navigation, as well as water- power for driving machinery ;- the Ohio river cutting it from east to west, and the Miami Canal traversing that por- tion of it lying between Dayton and Cincinnati. Its health- fulness is proverbial, and its population enterprising and in- dustrious. These constitute a brief enumeration of the more prominent resources of a section of country, embracing with- in its limits, 10,000,000 of acres of land, and capable, with- out equalling the density of many countries of Europe, of sustaining upwards of 3,000,000 of inhabitants. That a country of such magnitude, and of such resources, must give high and permanent prosperity to some point within its limits, is most obvious. A reference to its geographical fea- tures, will at once indicate Cincinnati as possessing greater local advantages than any other site within this region. In adverting, then, to this interesting point, and examining the reasons for cherishing the belief of its continued pros- perity. the first thing that arrests the attention. is the extent, salubrity, and beauty of the plain upon which the city
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stands :- These are unsurpassed upon the Ohio river. Next follows the cheapness of living, owing to the unrivalled productiveness of the country around, in the growth of all the substantial articles of food: its facilities for obtaining iron, coal, lead, hemp, salt petre, leather, wool. fur, cotton, and other raw materials, necessary for manufactures: the extent of water-power, which the Miami Canal, when com- pleted, will afford upon the city plain: the many diverging channels upon which her manufactured articles may be sent to the surrounding, as well as more distant regions .- and, finally. her commercial advantages, arising from a location, which affords great facilities for receiving from abroad, and again distributing the foreign productions of both art and nature.
It is to a partial unfolding of these resources, that the rapid growth of Cincinnati, heretofore, may be referred, pe and from a more perfect developement of the same, that its Pro continued prosperity in wealth and population, may be safely predicted. The period is not a remote one, when Cincin- Tu nati will hold the same rank among the cities of the Union, that the great State, of which she is the ornament, now possesses in the American Confederacy.
B. DRAKE, Attorney and Counsellor at Law,
permanently established in Cincinnati, for the practice of Profession. ruary, 1827.
E. D. MANSFIELD,
Attorney and Counsellor at Law, CINCINNATI, OHIO.
Office on Main, opposite Lower Market street.
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