USA > Pennsylvania > The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. III > Part 42
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1785
$5 87
1807
-
7 17
1786
5 66
1808
-
5 69
1787
5 25
1809
6 91
1788
4 81
1810
9 37
1789
5 20
1811
9 95
1790
5 56
1812
9 83
1791
5 22
1813
8 92
1792
5 25
1814
8 60
1793
5 90
1815
8 71
1794
6 90
1816
9 78
1795
10 60
1817
11 69
1796
12 50
1818
9 96
1797
8 91
1819
7 11
1798
8 20
1820
4 72
1799
9 66
1821
4 78
1800
9 86
1822
6 58
-1801
10 40
1823
6 82
1802
6 90
1824
.
5 62
1803
6 73
1825
5 10
1804
8 23
1826
.
4 65
, 1805
9 70
1827
.
5 23
1806
7 30
1828
.
5 60
Aggregate average of forty-four years, $7 42.
The circumstances which have produced the princi- pal fluctuations, are given as follows, by the gentleman who has so carefully preserved the record :- "From 1794 to '96, scarcity in France and England-from '98 to 1800, export to England-1800 to 1801, scarcity in England-1804 and '5, scarcity in Spain-1808 and '9, long embargo-1809, '10, and 11, Peninsular war --- 1812, '13, and 14, war with England-1816 and '17 scarcity in England." To this we may add the cause of
an advance during the latter part of 1828, viz. scarcity in Europe, particularly in England. The state of the currency in 1814 and '15 of course had an effect on the prices of those years.
It deserves to be considered, also, that the quantity of circulating medium and the value of all sorts of merchan- dise have fluctuated. The highest yearly average was that of 1796, viz. $12 50; the lowest that of 1826, viz. $4 65. The lowest price, in March 1821, viz. $3 75- and the highest price in March 1796, viz. $15. In one instance the price remained without any change for 11 months, but in very many others it has fluctuated two dollars or two dollars and fifty cents within a few days.
ANNALS OF PAUPERISM.
Abstract of the accounts of the Directors of the Poor- house institution of Dauphir. county. (From 7th January, 1828, to 9th January, 1829. )
330 paupers were admitted into the house during the year.
32 do. died in the house during the year.
3 children were born do do.
148 paupers in the house at present. 14 children bound out to trades.
147 out-door paupers admitted in 1828.
61 out-door paupers died.
62
do discontinued do.
25 do at this time.
246 paupers of which some eloped and some dismissed the same year.
RECEIPTS during the year (including balance in hand January 7, 1828, and 5000 dollars borrowed of the Harrisburg Bank,) $9,798 89; of this sum $326 30, are stated to be "surplus proceeds of the mill and $28 44 found with a pauper."
PAYMENTS during the year $9,616 42: of which were paid for delivering paupers, $355 72; support of out-door paupers, $311 41; physician's salary, $140; medicine and funeral expenses of out-door paupers, $265 033; medicines for paupers in the house, $277 71; tobacco in. 1825-27, $45 35; labor on farm, $184 37}; do. in and about house, $81 12; Justices' fees, $205 89; coffins for out-door poor, $70 65; coffins for the house, $96 50; salaries, $340 06; principal of debt, 850 dol- lars; for grain, $335 12; whiskey, $113 35; fuel, 65 98.
By the late returns, it appears there are 4602 taxa- bles in Dauphin county : which at 5 to 1, will give 23,- 010 inhabitants. 330 paupers in the house, and 147 out-door poor, during the year, say 477: or 1 to every 50 inhabitants.
COPPERAS .- John Wright, esq. established some time since, in the neighbourhood of Mercer, Pa. a Manufac- tory of Copperas. He has, from time to time, extended his establishment and improved his works, until he can now manufacture a quantity sufficient to supply the de- mand of the country north of the Ohio. His pyrites are excellent, and his copperas has been pronounced, by competent judges, of very superior quality, equal to any imported or manufactured elsewhere. A large quantity has been sent to the Pittsburg market, and met with a ready sale. Mr. Wright is now filling orders from Pitts- burg to a large amount. The establishment of such a manufactory in this county, is gratifying, and ought to meet with warm encouragement from all our citizens .- Mercer Press.
Appointment by the Governor.
George Stroop, esq. to be Prothonotary and Clerk of the several Courts of Perry county, in the room of W. B. Mitchell, esq. resigned.
149
REPORT ON INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT.
1829.]
RAIL ROADS AND CANALS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, FEB. 26, 1829.
Mr. Lehman from the Committee on Inland Navigation and Internal Improvement, to whom were referred the documents relative to rail roads and canals, made
REPORT:
That the time has arrived when the great work of in- ternal communication has become acceptable to the in- terests of all classes of the community, and has so far ad- vanced towards completion, and the benefits it will con- fer are so generally admitted, that arguments in favour of its policy are now superfluous.
Pennsylvania gave birth to the turnpike and canal system in America, and she now perceives the policy of spreading, by means of canals and rail roads, the basis of strength, and unfolding her immense capability of im- provement. It may be said that our whole country, under the powerful stimulus of free institutions, exhi- bits the spectacle of twenty-four states striving to aug- ment the mass of industry, wealth, and population, and to preserve for their own benefit the largest share of the trade which springs from such increased prosperity. Among the Atlantic states, the maxim is now adopted, that not only manufactures and agriculture, but a sea- port with an extended home and foreign trade, are among the elements of prosperity. The struggle for commerce kindles a noble spirit of industry-awakens genius -- and by calling forth all the resources of the states, gives strength and greatness to the whole confe- deracy.
Under the law of last session the state is pledged to form by its own means,
1st. A complete communication between the city of Philadelphia on the Delaware, and the city of Pittsburg on the Ohio, by means of rail roads and canals.
2d. A branch of the canal from the mouth of the Ju- niata, on the Susquehanna, to the New York state line.
3d. A branch from the Susquehanna to the Bald Eagle, on the West Branch.
4th. A canal from Carpenter's Point, to the tide wa- ter on the Delaware.
5th. A navigable feeder for the contemplated canal between Pittsburg and Lake Erie.
6th. A rail road from Columbia to the town of York.
The steady and (so far as is consistent with economy of expenditure) the rapid advancement of the entire system of improvement is now the obvious policy of Pennsylvania; and it is the duty of the committee to communicate to the House, the result of their anxious inquiries, in relation to the sum of money which ought to be provided for the present year, and the objects to which the money ought to be applied.
gislatures, is to secure a careful superintendence and an economical expenditure of the public money.
In addition to the improvements recognised by exist- ing laws as part of the Pennsylvania system, the com- mittee liave made provisions for advancing with all prac- tieable speed towards the great canal of the state of Ohio, and also towards lake Erie. The completion of these works is deemed essential to the full usefulness and grandeur of the scheme of improvement. The importance of connecting lake Erie with the Delaware, is illustrated by the rapid increase of the commerce of our inland seas. A few years ago ten vessels were suf- ficient for the trade of lake Erie, and now there are se- ven large steam-boats, and upwards of one hundred coasting vessels. They have also directed active ope- rations to be commenced upon the Monongahela; and if practicable, upon the rail road between Columbia and York; and also between Harrisburg, Carlisle, and Chambersburg. These improvements, it is believed, will be productive in the shape of tolls, and are due to the wishes and interests of the fertile counties on the southern border. In the bill, the committee have made provisions for examinations and estimates, with a view of connecting the canal with the river, both at Dorrstown, on the West Branch, and at Harrisburg on the Susque- hanna.
In framing the bill the committee have adopted the principle of accommodating all the districts of the state as early as possible. The result may be, that the state will receive tolls at a later period, from some parts of the line of communication; but it is obvious, that from other parts the receipt of tolls will be earlier.
The opinion has been advanced, that all the energies of the state, ought, in policy, to be concentrated to the main route between the Delaware and the Ohio, and that thereby it may the more speedily be brought to completion. This, however, would infringe the princi- ple of mutual accommodation, which has received the legislative sanction; and is now regarded as essential to the preservation of the public faith. It is also believed . that active operations may be carried on in many parts of the state to a certain extent, without retarding in any great degree the accomplishment of the main line. Ex- perience has proved, that in every district labourers may be found who will work in their own neighbour- hood, but who will not travel to a great distance from their homes. These may be employed in the advance- ment of interesting parts of the work, without any se- rious detriment to other parts which may be deemed more important to the general interests of the common- wealthı.
Embarked as Pennsylvania is in a system, of which the rich results cannot be fully enjoyed until all the parts are completed, it is the dictate of wisdom and true economy not to stay the hand of improvement, but to complete the work with all practicable speed.
It is proposed in the bill annexed to this report, to vest some discretionary powers in the commissioners, so For the vigorous prosecution of the work, the com- mittee propose to appropriate the sum of 3,200,000 dollars. far as respecta the rail roads and canals, which are au- thorised to be put under contract. No maxim of pru- dence or economy, it is thought, will be violated, if it is If the magnitude of this sum excite apprehension it will be recollected that the money will be spent within our limits, and will be an active, moving, diffu- sive capital; giving employment to our own people, stimulating industry and ingenuity, and producing arts, improvements, and inventions. It will in many ways be conducive to prosperity, independent of the advantages the publie will derive from the improvements. The cost of the work cannot ultimately be any burden upon the finances of the state, as the income to be derived will reimburse the expense. All the facts in relation to the soil and mineral riches of Pennsylvania, concur to prove that the expenditures to be made will be a judi- cious investment. The work will pay for itself. It is not necessary to repeat arguments which have hereto- fore convinced the understandings of the people, and of their representatives. Some interest, however, may left to their discretion and responsibility, to advance at such places, and with as much speed as is compatible with the means within their control, the interest of the commonwealth and the restrictions of the law. It is presumed, that no difference of opinion will now exist in relation to the policy and the true economy of bringing to a speedy completion the line between the Delaware and the Ohio, and also the branches on the Susquehanna and the Delaware. All this has been pro- mised by the law; and upon the faith of the law, enter- prising citizens in every direction, have made arrange- ments and entered into contracts, with a view of parti- cipating in the advantages which such improvements never fail to confer upon an industrious population. So far as respects the great work alluded to, it may be said, that ita construction is the settled policy of the state, and what remains for the present and future le- I be excited, by facts recently ascertained in our own
.
150
REPORT ON INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT.
IMARCH
country, on which a judgment can be formed of the amount of income to be derived from tolls. The com- mittee are aware that the vast sums invested in turnpike stock have been unproductive, and that the receipts generally have been consumed by repairs. Such, how- ever, will not be the result of the canal system.
"The tonnage conveyed on the Schuylkill canal, with- in the last year, was 105,463 tons, and the tolls and wa- ter rents amounted to nearly 100,000 dollars. This work has but recently been finished, and the result has been thus encouraging, although its benefical influence upon the productive industry of the country, is as yet felt in a very imperfect degree. The Union Canal is also full of promise, although it will not be completed until the en- suing spring. The delay may be ascribed to the diffi- culty of carrying canals across a dividing ridge, which no where exists on the line of the Pennsylvania canal. An imperfect navigation, however, existed for a few months during the last year, and such is the creative power of a eanal upon our industrious population and fine country, that with a few boats 18,000 tons were passed, and the tolls paid amounted to $26,000. The Lehigh navigation was interrupted during a great part of the past season, by the construction of works for se- curing an ascending navigation; the company, however, were enabled to brirg from the mines 33,150 tons of coal. The Erie and Champlain canals have been finish- ed but a short time, and the tolls paid into the N. York treasury, already amount to more than three millions of dollars. Last year there was a failure of the crop of wheat, which forms the great staple of that state, the tolls nevertheless were 833,000 dollars. This sum with a sufficient permanent allowance for superintendance and repairs, is adequate to paying the interest on the cost of the works, and leaves a large sum to be applied to the extinction of the debt.
If such are the happy results of the works of improve- ment above alluded to, what may not reasonably be ex- pected after the completion of the Pennsylvania canal? Wheat will be as abundantly raised in our state as in N. York, but coal and iron will be the great staples, and they constitute in all countries the most valuable ton- nage for canals.
It cannot reasonably be apprehended that any diffi- culty will exist in procuring all the money on loan .- The dividends on bridge and turnpike stocks, the col- lateral inheritance tax, and a portion of the auction du- ties are already set apart as a fund for the regular pay- ment of the interest. All the tolls arising from the ca- nals and rail roads are pledged, and some idea may be formed of the tolls which will spring from the streams of inland trade, by the fact, that the contractor for the great dam on the Kiskeminitas, who has finished his work, and who is a responsible man, offers by petition to pay 10,000 dollars, for the privilege of navigating four boats, toll free, for half a year, from Blairsville to Pittsburg. The Lehigh Navigation and Coal Company, also in their official report, state the interesting fact, that tonnage is already waiting on the Lehigh, sufficient at a moderate rate of toll to produce a handsome income to the state, on the Delaware division of the Pennsylvania Canal.
It may truly be observed, that cach successive year developes new views in relation to the rich treasure Pennsylvania has in coal. A recent memorial from the Lyceum of Natural History in New York states the amount paid within one year for fuel for domestic pur- poses and steam boats in the city of New York, at 2,400,000 dolls. Governor Clinton, in his last official message remarks, that New York is compelled to resort to the coal of Pennsylvania; and he says the quantity which will be wanted for that state, is estimated at two millions of tons. It has now become obvious that coal will constitute the chief article of fuel, not only in the city and state of New York, but in many parts of all the states on the seaboard. Coal has become an object of vast national importance, and it will soon be a part of
the public policy of many states of the union, to facili- tate the means of procuring it from the mines of Penn- sylvania. The legislature of Delaware but a few days ago, incorporated a company for the object, as stated in the law, "to furnish a cheap supply of mineral coal to the manufacturers and people of the state, to be derived from the immense stores of this valuable material, which abound in the neighbouring state of Pennsylvania."- Our state may proudly say, that the bounty of nature has made her mountains the grand repository of this precious mineral, and also of iron; and every ton which is extracted from the mines will be tributary to her wealth and greatness, and will aid in making the Penn- sylvania canal more productive in tolls, than any other canal in the United States.
The committee would dwell with emphasis upon the foregoing considerations, because they show the reve- nue the canals will produce, and the security the pub- lic creditor will have, that his interest will be paid and his capital refunded, and the right Pennsylvania bas to expect, that the loan will be taken either at home or abroad upon favourable terms.
The commissioners of the canal fund state, in their report made a few days ago, that by transferring the es- timated balance, which will be in the treasury in 1830, to the canal fund, there will be a sufficiency, after de- fraying all the ordinary expenses, to meet the interest of the present debt, together with the interest which will be incident to the new loan now proposed, of three mil- lions of dollars. It has been suggested, that to satisfy the prudent and the timid, it may be expedient to es- tablish some additional sources of revenue, and the sub- ject is now under the consideration of the finance com- mittee of the House. But it does not appear that there is reasonable ground for believing, that any additional taxation will be necessary.
Public credit rests upon a sure basis in Pennsylvania. Where is the state possessing more resources or more integrity? Our riches in the products of the soil and the mines, and in the acquisitions of personal property, are almost untouched for state purposes. Practical schemes of finance can never be wanting, and the pub- lic faith will be pledged to establish sufficient revenue. The ability and patriotism of the people no man can doubt, and a wise government will never sacrifice its character for punctuality and good faith. It is believed that measures may be resorted to for facilitating the sale and transfer of stock, and steps taken for sending stock to Europe, and that it may there be sold to advan- tage. The committee believe, that in the pursuit of this object, the state may be assisted by some of the ex- isting banks; and that both patriotism and interest will prompt the bank of l'ennsylvania, or other banks, to af- ford facilities to the government in obtaining pecuniary aid.
In the contemplation of the financial situation of Pennsylvania, the committee cannot overlook the fact, that from the national treasury, which is the common property of the people of the United States, five mil- lions might annually be distributed among the states, without embarrassing the national finances, or prevent- ing the speedy extinguishment of the national debt, or interfering with any expedient or just operation of the national government. It is believed that after the lapse of a few years the annual distribution may be ten mil- lions of dollars. The first mentioned sum would entitle Pennsylvania to 600,000 dollars, or the interest on twelve millions of dollars. The last mentioned sum would give the interest on twenty-four millions of dol- lars. A bill for the accomplishment of this object is now pending before the national legislature, and the house has requested our representatives in Congress to promote its adoption. The committee do not allude to this financial resource as of certain reliance; but in conjunction with the funds already set apart, and the sure receipt of ample tolls, it holds out the cheering prospect that the noblest monument of genius and
1829.]
REPORT ON LICENCES.
151
power may be accomplished, and the public engage- ments be met, and the high character of Pennsylvania for good faith be maintained, without additional taxa- tion, and with the certainty that whatever is regarded as , odious in our financial system, may soon be expunged.
It is believed that the sale of water power along the line of canal will soon become a financial resource of some importance, and that legal provisions ought to be made for the accomplishment of this object. This, with other interesting matters under consideration, and embracing some objects of improvement, will constitute the subject of another report.
In conclusion, the committee will remark, that the genius of William Penn recognised the policy of navi- gable communications in Pennsylvania more than half a century before a canal was constructed in his native country; and our predecessors, the inhabitants of the land which he planted, were the first among the mem- bers of the American family who run a level or measured waters, with a view to canal navigation. It has now become our imperative obligation to keep pace with the march of human improvement. All the states around us are active and circumspect, and seeking not only to unfold their own riches, but to attract to their own territory the commerce of the western states .- There is a necessity of exertion, if we are to keep our relative position in the confederacy, or to be lifted to the high station within our reach. Our state is the centre of the United States, and distinguished above all others for its mineral wealth. It has the tide of the Delaware on the east, the waters of the Ohio and of the lakes on the west, and is blessed with benignant skies and a pro- lific soil. Under the influence of a wise legislation, mental and physical improvement will advance hand in hand. The riches of the soil, and of the mines, and of the mind, will be fully explored and developed, and Pennsylvania will be the fairest portion of our happy country .
REPORT ON LICENCES.
Mr. Sullivan, from the committee on vice and im- morality, to whom was referred the memorial of a large number of the inhabitants of the Districts of Kensington, in the county of Philadelphia, praying for some further enactment to check the intemperate use of ardent spirits. REPORT:
That they are sensible of the importance of the proposition, and highly appreciate the motives of the memorialists. The committee would premise, that the enforcement of laws against vice and immorality, depends principally on the virtue, morality, good sense and patriotism of the great body of the people, such qualities will not only be productive of efficient, zeal- ous and conscientious ministers of the law, but will af- ford ample support in their due execution : and in pro- portion as these requisites may be wanting, so, in pro- portion, will the laws for the suppression of vice and immorality be comparatively a dead letter.
The memorialists are understood to recommend the reduction of the number of licensed houses for re- tailing spirituous liquors. That the number of these houses is much greater than is necessary there is no doubt; but it is believed that no equable or proper re- duction could be made by direct legislative enactment -this is already committed to the discretion of the courts of Quarter Sessions in the several counties-they have full power to reduce the number, and on them rests a high responsibility in the exercise of this discre- tion. It certainly is the duty of the court, not only to inquire into the character of an applicant, but whether the public welfare, and the legitimate and proper objects of public houses will be pro- moted by |granting additional licences, and wheth- cr a renewal of those already granted would be justified by the existing circumstances of a town or neighborhood. Yet, although the ultimate responsibil-
ity remains with the court, those citizens in the vicinity . who recommended, when an increase or continuance is unnecessary or demoralizing, ought to bear a full share of censure. Indeed, it is fair to presume, that the courts are often misled by such recommendations.
It has been alleged in favour of an increase of tavern licences; that it adds to the revenue of the state, and therefore ought not to be refused. The same argument would apply to the licensing of gambling houses, horse racing, &c. which, thanks to the moral sense of the peo- ple of this state, do not, as in some other governments, receive the sanction of law for the sake of gain to the treasury.
The memorialists suggest, "that a thorough investi- gation of the causes of intemperance, would itself con- tribute not a little towards the arresting of this growing evil." Although investigation would be a task far a- bove the knowledge of the committee, and which, were they competent to the undertaking, would swell this re- port beyond reasonable limits, they will, however, notice some causes, in addition to the remarks on tavern licences, which, being connected with our political in- stitutions, come within the purview of legislation.
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