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. IX, Part 103

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 440

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. IX > Part 103

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For clothing bought for patients, &c, 3,968 79

360

PENNLSYLVANIA HOSPITAL.

[JUNE

Medical fund,

460 50

West's picture,

492 21

From the gate,

164 00

Manager's fines,

11 00

Contributions,

4.07 00

Real estate of the late John Keeble,

95 00

Ground rents sold,

710 35

For interest,

$14,884 15

For ground rents,

1,386 53

For dividends, on the lying-in fund,

384 00

16,654. 68

$49,845 24

Abstract of the cases of 1373 patients treated in the Penn- sylvania Hospital, from 4th mo. 23d, 1831, to 4th mo. 28th, 1832.

DISEASES.

Cases of accidental injury,

325

Diseases of the head,

Diseases of the cliest, &c.

Diseases of the abdominal viscera,

Diseases of the generative and urinary organs,

92 13 42

Diseases of the bones,

Diseased skin,

16 6

Abscess,

Anthrax,

2 1

Apoplexy,

Cancer,

Debility,

Diseased eyes,

Dropsy,

88 31 1

In the last ten years have been admitted

Poor.

Pay.

Total.

1823,

422

421

833

1824,

465

441

906

Inflammations,

1825,

481

429

910

Onychia,

1826, 4.44

443

887

1827,

460

512

972

1828,

534

522

1059

1829,

756

606

1362

Sore throat,

1830,

782

566

1343

1831,

724

622

1346

1832,

700

673

1373

The total number of persons admitted into the Penn- sylvania Ilospital from its foundation in 1752, to 4th month 28th, 1832, was twenty-nine thousand six hun- dred and sixteen; of whom 15,293 have been poor peo- ple, maintained and treated at the expense of the insti- tution. During this period have been

Cured,

18,400

Relieved,

3,537

Removed by friends and at their own request, without materi- al benefit,

1,814

Discharged as incurable,

150

Eloped and discharged for miscon- duct,

1,016

Pregnant women delivered safely,

650

Infants born in the house and dis- 2 charged in health, 5

612

Died,

29,367

Remain in the Hospital,

149

Of whom have been discharged, 536 & 588

1124

Leaving in the Hospital, 4th mo. 28th, 1832,

137 & 112 249

-Of the above 1139 patients, admitted into the Hos- pital during the last year, there were coloured people 75, and whites 1064.

Natives of the United States,

602

England and Wales,

957

456

Scotland,

125

€¢

West Indies,

Germany,

Sweden and Norway,

€¢

Lapland,

Denmark,

Poland,

Prussia,

Holland,

France,

Switzerland,

Italy,

Spain,

South America,

Mexico,

Island of Mauritius,

Isle of Man,

1139

2 5 40 14

Fever, -

intermittent,

remittent,

bilious,

typhus,

Hemorrhage,

Icterus,

1 10

Struck by lightning,

Polypus,

Tumours,

1040 Total,

INSANE DEPARTMENT.

Insanity, 219

Hypochondriasis,

Phrenitis,

Total,

Pay. Poor. Total.

The number of patients re-

maining in the Hospital 4th mo. 23d, 1831, was

121 & 113

234

Admitted during the last year,

552 & 587

1139

673 & 700

1373

Total,

29,616

Of the poor patients admitted in this year, 301 were cases of accidental injury, received, as is the practice of the Hospital, without any security being demanded from the parties who brought them to the institution, and treated without charge. Of this description also were 34 of the cases remaining in the Hospital at the close of the preceding year.

2 2

Rheumatism,

Scrofula,

Small pox,

by sun,

1 8

UIcers,

Vomiting,

Mania, from the use of intoxicating liquors,

260

Ireland,

549

Canada,

Nova Scotia,

Diseases of the nervous system,

3,188

361

PEOPLE OF COLOR.

1832.]

LYING-IN DEPARTMENT.

Pregnant Women.

Deliv. | Removed

Inf'ts disch. [ Died. [ Re-

To-

safe.

I by friends.

in health.

main.

tal.

1.26

Infants born in the Ilospital.

6 33

Males.

Females.

Total.

Infants born in the Hospital, 17

l'ersons under 16 years of age, 24

Unmarried adults,

622

690

Married persons,

233

314

Widowers and widows,

930

209

1139

The Pennsylvania llospital has been founded and en- dowed chiefly by the benevolence and liberality of' pri- vate citizens, and it is from this source that its Managers expect the means to continue and extend its usefulness. To succour the unfortunate, to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and needy, is the sole object of the institution; its first law ordains that the Managers of its concerns "shall not claim, receive or retain any fee, gratuity, or reward," for services rendered to the Hospital. 1ts foundation stone, laid by the hands of charity, is inscri- bed "to the relief of the sick and miserable;" and the whole incone of the corporation, from whatever source it may be derived, is devoted to this grand original pur- pose of its existence.

'T'he Corporate name of this institution is "The Con: tributors of the Pennsylvania Hospital." Charitably disposed persons who may feel disposed to aid it, are requested to attended to this circumstance, lest by a misnomer their intentions in its favor should be frustra- ted.

Examined and settled, 5th mo. 4th, 1832.

C. WATSON, BARTH WISTAR, JOHN J. SMITH, JOHN PAUL.

From Poulson's American Daily Advertiser. PEOPLE OF COLOR.

The people of color have long been subjected to too many charges that have been heaped upon them, not unfrequently without any inquiry or any knowledge of the real state of the case.

Some of their friends have known the injustice of these charges; the writer of this article lias had ample opportunity of acquiring information on this subject; he feels himself somewhat at home as it relates to pauper- ism in Philadelphia. Having been accustomed to visit the abodes of misery and wretchedness and to view poor frail human nature in its most sceret recesses, in its most undisguised forms, he has long known that the people of color as a body are a very improving people, and are able to stand a fair comparison with the same number of white persons possessing the same advan- tages.

tt is not perhaps generally known, that the colored people of this city and country lately convened a large meeting, and memorialized the legislature of Pennsylva- nia on the subject of' a bill now pending and deeply in- volving the constitutional rights of this portion of our community-the memorial is signed by James Forten, chairman, aman well known to his fellow citizens for his successful industry, talents and probity. "The me- morial refers to facts, and adds an appemhx which ac- companies the present remarks, and is submitted to the candid examination of the citizens of Pennsylvania.

Let any man professing christianity, carefully read VOL. IX. 46

this appendix, remembering the golden rule-"Dounto others as ye would they should do unto you, " and then put this question to himself-when I have pronounced the people of color a public nuisance, that they are an intolerable public burden, that our Almshouse is filled with them, &c. &c., have I not as a christian departed from the precepts of my Divine Master, and used my influence in justly oppressing the oppressed.

JUSTITIA.

APPENDIX

To the Memorial from the People of Color to the Le- gislatufe of Pennsylvania.

In connexion with the foregoing memorial, we beg leave to offer the following statement of facts for the information of all who desire to be correctly informed on the subjects to which they relate.

1. By a statement published by order of the guardi- ans of the poor in '1830, it appears that out of 549 out- door poor relieved during the year, only 22 were per- sons of color, being about 4 per cent. of the whole num- ber, while their ratio of the population of the city and suburbs exceeds 8 1-4 per cent. By a note appended to the printed report of the guardians of the poor, above referred to, it appears that the colored paupers admitted into the almshouse for the same period, did not exceed 4 per cent. of the whole number.

2. In consequence of the neglect of the assessors, to distinguish, in their assessment, the property of people of color from that of others, it is not easy to ascertain the exact amount of taxes paid by us. But an attempt has been made to remedy this defect by a reference to receipts kept by tax-payers. The result thus obtained must necessarily be deficient, and fall short of the amount really paid by people of color; because it is fair to presume that we could not find receipts for all the money paid in taxes, and because no returns have been made except where receipts were found. From these imperfect returns, however, it is ascertained that we pay not less than 2500 dollars annually, while the sum expended for the relief of our poor, out of the public funds has rarely, if ever, exceeded $2000 a year. 'the amount of rents paid by our people, is found to exceed $100,000 annually.

3. Many of us, by our labor and industry have ac- quired a little property; and have become frecholders. Besides which, we have no less than six Methodist meet- ing houses, two Presbyterian, two Baptist, one Episco- palian, and one public hall, owned exclusively by our people, the value of which, in the aggregate, is estima- ted to exceed $100,000. To these may be added, two Sunday schools, two tract societies, two Ilible societies, two temperance societies, and one female literary insti- tution.

4. We have among ourselves, more than fifty benefi- cent societies, some of which are incorporated, for mu- tual aid in time of sickness and distress. The members of these societies are bound by rules and regulations, which tend to promote industry and morality among them. For any disregard or violation of these rules,- for intemperance or immorality of any kind, the mem- bers are lable to be suspended or expelled. These so- cieties expend annually for the relief of their members when sick or disabled, or in distress, upwards of $7000, out of funds raised among themselves for mutual aid. It is also worthy of remark, that we cannot find a single in- stance of one of the members of either of these socie- ties being convicted in any of our courts. One instance only has occurred of a member being brought up and accused before a court ; but this individual was acquitted.

5. Notwith standing the difficulty of getting places for our sons as appre d.c . to lain mechanical trades, owing to the prejudices wnh which we have to contend, there are between four and five hundred people of co- lor in the city and suburbs who follow mechanical cm- ployments.

362

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

[JUNE

6. While we thankfully embrace the opportunity for schooling our children, which has been opened to us by public munificence and private benevolence, we are still desirous to do our part in the accomplishment of so desirable an object. Such of us as are of ability to do so, send our children to school at our own expense. Know- ing by experience the disadvantages many of us labor under for want of early instruction, we are anxious to give our children a suitable education to fit them for the duties and employments of life. In making the above statement of facts, our only object is, to prevent a mis- conception of our real condition, and to counteract those unjust prejudices against us, which the prevalence of erroneous opinions in regard to us, is calculated to pro- duce.

We know that the most effectual method of re- futing, and rendering harmless, false and exaggerated accounts of our degraded condition, is by our conduct; by living consistent, orderly and moral lives. Yet we are convinced that many good and humane citizens of this commonwealth, have been imposed upon, and in- duced to give credit to statements injurious to our gene- ral character and standing. At this important crisis, pregnant with great events, we deem it a duty we owe to ourselves and to our white friends, and to the public in general, to present to their candid and impartial consideration, the above statements. We ask only to he judged fairly and impartially. We claim no exemp- tion from the frailties and imperfections of our common nature. We feel that we are men of like passions and feelings with others of a different color, liable to be drawn aside by temptation, from the paths of rectitude. But we think that in the aggregate we will not suffer by a comparison with our white neighbors whose op- portunities of improvement have been no greater than ours. By such a comparison, fairly and impartially made, we are willing to be judged.

We have been careful in our exhibit of facts, to pro- duce nothing but what may be sustained by legal evi- dence; by which we mean, such facts as are susceptible of proof in a court of law. We have submitted our statements, with the. sources whence they are drawn, to some of the intelligent citizens of Philadelphia, who can testify to their substantial accuracy.

All of which is respectfully submitted to a candid public.

From the Philadelphia Gazette.

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

THURSDAY, May 31, 1832.

SELECT COUNCIL .- The following communica- tion from the executors of the late Stephen Girard, was received and laid on the table.

To the Select and Common Councils of the City of Phila- delphia.

The undersigned, executors of Stephen Girard, re- spectfully inform Councils that, after much deliberation, they have, under legal advice, come to the conclusion to pay the second instalment called for by the managers of the Danville and Pottsville rail-road company, and shall make speedy arrangements for that purpose, unless Councils, representing the residuary legatees, instruct them to the contrary. Respectfully,

TIMOTHY PAXSON, THOS. P, COPE, JOSEPH ROBERTS, W. J. DUANE, JOHN A. BARCLAY.

Several petitions were received from owners of pro- perty in Water street, which were referred to the com- mittee, to procure a survey of Water street.

Sundry petitions were presented.

Mr. PETTIT presented the annexed petition from Mr.

William Swaim, which was referred to the committee on Rittenhouse Square.

To the Select and Common Councils of the city of Phila -. delphia.

The memorial of William Swaim, respectfully shew- eth: that being proprietor of the whole square of ground on the west side of Rittenhouse Square, extend- ing from Locust to Walnut street, memorialist is inform- ed that a new fence is now about being put up, on or near the very line of this said lot, depriving him of an outlet, although under circumstances precisely similar, streets have been opened on the south and on the west side of the Centre Square. Memorialist is willing to engage, that handsome three story hrick buildings, or other buildings which shall ornament the square, shall be erected on said lot, fronting said square, if Councils will leave open a street of fifty feet wide, as around the Centre Square. WM. SWAIM.

Mr. DUANE called up for consideration the report and resolution of the Girard committee which were re- ported on the 19th of April last, which was agreed to, and after being amended so as to read, "The Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia, shall as- semble in joint meeting at 12 o'clock, on the first Mon- day in July next," instead of May, was adopted.

Mr. JOHNSON as chairman of the joint committee, made the annexed report and resolution which were laid on the table: -

The joint committee appointed to report upon the subject of the title vested in the corporation, to certain lots of ground heretofore reserved and set apart as bu- rial grounds, for the interment of strangers, and of such others as may not have been in communion with any re- ligious society at the time of their decease, respectfully report:

That of the ground originally reserved and sct apart by the executive Council of the state of Pennsylvania, in the year 1794, for that purpose, the city now hold the three following described lots, viz:

1st. One of the lots situate on the south side of Lom- bard street, between 10th and 11th streets, containing in front on Lombard street 396 feet, and in depth south- ward 78 feet.

2d. One other of the said lots, situated on the south side of Vine street, between Schuylkill Front and Se- cond streets, containing on Vine street 396 feet, and in depth north and south, on said Front and Second streets 102 feet.

3d. On one of the said lots, situate at the distance of 204 feet southward from Vine street, extending 396 feet from Schuylkill Front streets, aforesaid, and con- taining in front on both streets, 112 feet.

The last described two lots, were originally parts of a a large lot, the intermediate ground between having been recovered from the city in an ejectment brought in the year 1800, by the heirs of Thomas Smith.

The aforesaid three described lots, are now held by the city, without the obligation to use them for the pur- poses of burial grounds, but, with authority to sell and dispose of them, (under a direction) to apply the mo- neys arising from such sales to the purchase of such other lot or lots of ground out of the bounds of the city, or the inhabited parts thereof as the corporation may judge suitable and necessary for a place of general in- terment of persons who may hereafter die in the city of Philadelphia or the suburbs thereof.

This direction was given by the 22d section of an act of assembly, passed 22d day of April 1794, (4 Bio- ren's laws 412, ) at a time when the corporation did not own a suitable place out of the bounds of the city for a public burial ground, and evidently with a view to se- cure such a place for that purpose.

By an ordinance, however, on the 4th day of Septem- ber 1831, (see Digest, 124,) a lot of two acres in Penn township, purchased in 1817, was appropriated for the

18 32.]

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

363

interment of the bodies of deceased strangers, and others not members of any religious society at the time of their decease; this ordinance in conformity with the power conferred on the corporation by the 22d section of the act of 22d April 1794, above referred to, like- wise, prohibited the body of any deceased person in any of the lots of ground belonging to the city, other than the said two acre lots in Penn township.

It is ascertained that the lot in Penn township is abundantly extensive for the purposes contemplated by the Legislature in the acts of 1794, more especially as numerous cemeteries have been within a few years established in the neighborhood of the city, by indivi- duals and societies, under regulations which prevent many of the inconveniences before experienced relative to burial grounds.

The committee are of opinion that the progress of improvements in the city, renders it expedient that early attention should be given to the superintendence and disposition of the three lots above mentioned, situ- ated within the city limits, and beg leave to recommend the adoption of the following resolution:

Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, that a joint committee of two members from each Council be appointed, to take measures to procure the passage of an act of Assembly, repealing so much of the 22d section of an act passed on the 22d day of April 1794, as directs a particular application of the proceeds of certain real estate, belonging to city of Philadelphia, so as to secure to the corporation authority to apply such proceeds in any manner Councils may direct.

A communication from Mr. Jas. Stimpson, of Balti- more, was received, and referred to the committee re- lative to the rail-road through Broad street.

Mr. DUANE offered an ordinance, which was laid on the table.

A supplement to the several ordinances, requiring that so much of the ninth section of the ordinance passed December 10, 1829, as directs that the accounts of the city commissioners quarterly, shall be printed, shall be and the same is hereby repealed.

The paving committee to whom was referred an al- teration of the regulation of Vine street, occasionally by altering the culvert across Logan Square, (from keeping in a line with Schuylkill Fourth street, ) to an angle to strike Vine street near Schuylkill Fifth street, report:

That they have obtained a plan of Samuel Hains, City Recording Surveyor, by which an alteration in the regulation of Vine street between Schuylkill Third and Schuylkill Eighth streets, and in Schuylkill Fifth and Sixth streets, will be necessary by altering the course of said culvert, they offer the following ordinance to carry the same into effect with the plan annexed.

The paving committee to whom was referred the pe- tition of a number of citizens, requesting an alteration in the regulation of Beach street, between Walnut and Chesnut streets, and George street from Ashton street to the river Schuylkill, and a resolution of Councils di- recting said committee to obtain a plan of said altera- tion, report:

That they have obtained a plan of Samuel Hains, Ci- ty Recording Surveyor, and offer an ordinance to car- ry the same into effect with the plan annexed.

The paving committee to whom was referred the pe- tition of a number of citizens requesting an alteration in the regulation of Locust street from Beach street to the river Schuylkill, and a resolution of Councils directing said committee to obtain a plan of the alteration, re- port-

That they have obtained a plan of Samuel lains, Ci- ty Recording Surveyor, and offer an ordinance to car- ry the same into effect with the plan annexed.

the paving committee, presented three reports and or- dinances.

Mr. SULLIVAN Offered the annexed resolution:

Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, that the Mayor, Aldermen, and citizens of l'hiladelphia, hereby consent, that the executors of the late Mr. Gi- rard, may settle all claims, having relation to his funer- al and interment, according to their sense of propriety and sound discretion.

Which, after considerable debate, was decided by ayes and nays, viz :- Yeas, Messrs. Hood, Sullivan, 2; nays, Messrs. Baker, Fritz, Horn, Lehman, Moss, Okdl- enburg, Page, Patterson, Ryan, Sexton and Wain- wright, 11.

MONDAY, June 4, 1832.

SELECT COUNCIL .- Mr. PETTIT was called to the chair, in the absence of the president.

Mr. TOLAND presented a petition from the heirs of George Bickham, praying that a drain may be made to enter the common sewer, at the corner of Schuylkill Seventh and Arch streets, which was referred to the paving committee, with power to act.

Mr. NEFF presented the annexed petition, which was referred to a joint committee of two members from each Council, and Messrs. Neff, Johnson, Hood, and Patterson, were appointed the committee.

To the Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia.

Gentlemen,-Your petitioner owner of the property at the north-east corner of Race and Water streets, ex- tending to a vacant lot belonging to the city, adjoining Race street wharf, and leased by Capt. Whelldon, re- spectfully solieits Councils to dispose of the same to your petitioner, as it is at present a deposit for filth and otherwise productive of much injury to said Race street property adjoining; and although it can be of no use to or benefit Race street wharf, your petitioner feels dis- posed to give a liberal price for the same, should it meet the approbation of Councils.

Very respectfully, JOHN LIVEZEY. Philadelphia, June 4, 1832.

Mr. DUANE offered the following resolution which was postponed for the present.

Whereas, certain real estate purchased by the late Stephen Girard, subsequently to the last republication of his will, has not, since the decease of the testator, been under the care or control of his residuary devisecs or his heirs at law, in consequence of doubts respect- ing title: And whereas, unless some competent persons shall be authorized to take charge of the said property, losses must be sustained by those who may be ascertain- ed to be legally entitled thereto: therefore

Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils of the city of l'hiladelphia, that the city treasurer be, and he is hereby appointed, on the part of the city of Phila- delphia, in conjunction with such persons as may be ap- pointed for the purpose, by the heirs-at-law of the late Stephen Girard, to ask, receive, and recover, all rent in arrear and becoming due, from property purchased by the late Stephen Girard, subsequently to the last re- publication of his will, and that it shall be the duty of the said two individuals to keep the moneys received in bank, in joint names, paying therefrom all ground-rents, taxes, and needful repairs, and holding the residue for those who may be declared by law, or otherwise ascer- tained to be entitled thereto.

Mr. DEANE reported an ordinance relative to wooden buildings, which was ordered to be printed.

A communication from the inspectors of the State Penitentiary, was received, and was referred to the poudrette committee.

The subjoined communication from the lloard of Health was received, and was referred to a joint com- mittee of three members of each Council, and Messrs. Worrell, Groves, and Fox, were appointed the commit-

COMMON COUNCIL .- Mr. BAKEN as chairman of | tee on behalf of the Select Council.

364

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

[JUNE

HEALTH OFFICE, 2

Philadelphia, June 2d, 1832. 5

At a meeting of the Board of Health, this day, it was resolved that a copy of the following preamble and re- solutions be transmitted to the several corporations of the city and districts.

As it has been ascertained beyond the possibility of a doubt by the experience of all places where Spasmodic Cholera has prevailed, that the extent and mortality of the disease has generally been in proportion to the filthi- ness of the places thus attacked, and that where the purity of the atmosphere had been preserved by a timely removal of all sources of noxious exhalation, the disease has either not appeared at all, or has presented so mitigated a form as to almost destroy its fatality, and as at this time there are many streets, lanes, and courts, alleys, docks and other places that come within the ju- risdiction of the authorities of the city and districts that are not in such a state of cleanliness as would be advisa- ble, therefore,

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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. IX, Part 103

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870 Publication date: 1828 Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ; Number of Pages: 440

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 440