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 28
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VOL. IX.
13
99
PENNSYLVANIA CANAL.
[FEBRUARI
money has been paid. The account has been settled at the auditing department.
By authority of the second section of the act of 21st March last, the remainder of the work on this line, be- ing eight miles and seventy-one hundredths in length, was allotted for execution on the 18th of May last, and contracts immediately entered into for the prompt and vigorous prosecution of the same, w.th the view of the entre completion of the whole l.ne before the first of December, 183). However vain and improbable this measure might have been generally considered, from the magnitude of some part of the work, the advanced state of the season and consequent shortness of time allotted for its execution, together with the unexampled amount of work offered to contractors in this and the neighbouring states, yet am I strengthened in the belief that this de- sirable issue would have been effected, had not other unexpected and insuperable obstacles intervened. One of the most prominent features on this line is the large aqueduct over the Swatara river, having a superstruc- ture of three hundred feet in length, supported by four piers and two abutments. Connected with this, and resting upon the same piers, is a travelling bridge, twenty feet in width. - The whole work, when finished, will contain more than three thousand five hundred perches of masonry. The contractors entered upon their labours with a promptitude and energy which gave earnest expectation of the accomplishment of this work within the period specified. The difficulty and even impossibility in procuring the necessary tim- ber in season, the alteration in the plan after a part of the work had been done, the continued and unusual high waters during the summer which prevented the foundations of the piers from being laid, and the se- vere sickness which prevailed among the workmen employed upon it during the latter part of the sum- mer and through the autumnal months, completely paralyzed their utmost efforts, and disappointed the confident hopes of success entertained in the com- mencement of the work. The abutments are nearly completed, the foundations of two piers have been laid, and much of the framing of the superstructure is done. The foundations of the other piers will be laid during the winter, and all the materials prepared to make an efficient spring attack, and with unqualified confidence I assert that the water may be passed through in June next.
The pit of lock No. 6, has been excavated, and the foundation will be put down immediately. A great part of the materials for this lock are upon the ground, and the remainders will be delivered during the winter, so that this work can be completed in six weeks after the weather in the spring will admit of masonry being done. So much of the stone work of lock No. 7 has been laid, that it can be completed in two weeks after the mild weather opens. The contractors for building the outlet locks at Columbia, are steadily progressing with their work, and give assurance that the fulfilment of their contract will be made before the first of July next. No delay to the navigation will result from the incompletion of these locks, contemporary with the completion of the other work. The masonry of most of the road and farm bridges is done, and the rest (the whole being built of dry rubble work) can be put up through the winter. Six sections have been completed, and seven others can be finished in two or three weeks. The very wet season, and great sickliness of the line, with the scarcity of labourers, have severely resulted to the disadvantage of contractors, and retarded their op- erations. A full and active force will be engaged henceforth, and the completion of every section ensu- red before the first of April next. Section No. 12, on which no estimate has yet been made, and sections Nos. 9, 11 and 15, which were deserted by the original con- tractors, are now in the hands of steady and enterpri- sing men, who will prosecute them to completion within the shortest practicable period.
The amount expended on this part of the line is as follows:
! Paid on Sections, $22,312 44
Mechanical work, 12,831 00
Fencing, 295 00
Engineering, &c.
2,053 54
$37,491 98
Amount from damage and repair fund, ex- pended in the payment of damage con- tracts, 137 50
Whole amount expended on the line, $37,628 98
The estimated amount which will be required to com- plete the eight miles and 71 hundredths, agreeably to the report of the engineer, will be, on work con- tracted for:
On Sections, $21,887 29
Per centage retained, 3,911 62
25,798 91
Mechanical work, 55,131 25
Per centage retained, 2,315 17
57,446 42
$83,245 33
To this add contingencies, and amount of
work estimated, not under contract, 14,983 25
$98,228 58
Abstract of moneys paid during the present year, up to the 25th November, upon the 10 miles of canal of the old part of the line, as per table A, to wit:
On Sections,
$19,563 91
Locks, 5,899 01
Aqueducts,
14,875 06
Bridges and waste-wier,
2,042 17
Lock houses,
358 00
Fencing,
363 81
Miscellaneous,
9,974 04
Engineering,
2,128 19
$55,204 19
In addition to the above disbursements, the further sum of $21, 171 52 was paid upon balances and retained per cen- tage upon final estimates of the former year, 21,171 52
$76,375 71
List of damage cases settled on offers of the board made and accepted, from the 25th Nov. 1830, to the 25th Nov. 1831, by John Barber, superintendent of eastern division, Pennsylvania canal:
John Wanner, $150
Matthias Flaurs' heirs, 120
Christian Kaufman, 50
Evan Green, - 100
List of damage cases settled upon award of apprais- ers appointed in conformity with the sixth section of the act of 6th April, 1830:
Robert Clark, $2100
James Forster, 143
Christiana Eagle, 158
P. Wenrich's heirs, 120
Mich'l. Kapp's heirs, 156
Hise & Lauman, 55
John Lindemuth, Jacob Updegrove, 233
181
For more detailed information you are referred to the tabular statements, and to the report of the engi- neer attached hereto.
All which is respectfully submitted.
JOHN BARBER, Superintendent.
Canal Office, Eastern Division, 2 Nov. 25, 1831. $
1832.]
REPORT OF A. B. WARFORD, ENOISEER. Eastern Division Penn'a. Canal, 2 Nov. 24, 1831. S
To JOIN BARBER, ESQ.
Superintendent Eastern Division Penn'a. Canal.
Sin-That part of the eastern division of the Penn- sylvania canal, extending from Clark's ferry to Middle- town, has been, since it came under my direction, and as I have been credibly informed, was, from the 22d of March to that period, in navigable order. But few re- pairs are required on this part of the division, except at the bridge across the Susquehanna river at Clark's fer- ry, which will require extensive repairs to render it a substantial and permanent work. It is believed, how- ever, that by the repairs now in progress, it will be straightened and strengthened to such an extent, that it will answer the intended purpose for a considerable time, at an expenditure not exceeding three thousand five hundred dollars. The work upon the remainder of the division, and particularly that part which was placed under contract the present year, has not pro- gressed with as much rapidity as was desirable; and less has been done than was confidently anticipated in the early part of the season. Many causes have com- bined to retard the progress of the work. The scarcity of laborers, together with a very sickly season, by rea- son of which the effective force of what men could be procured was diminished, has had, in no small degrec, a retarding influence upon the works. An unusually wet season, and consequent high water, has been the means of limiting the efforts of some contractors, and has in some degree operated to the disadvantage of all., -Section No. 1, has been reported completed Sections 7, 16, 17, 18 and 19, have been completed since the last estimate. Sections 4, 5, 8, 20, 21, C, B and A; may be completed in three weeks. The remainder of the sections, together with the bridges, culverts, waste- weirs and water-ways, will be completed carly in the spring; and the locks, aqueduct, and every other part of the work connected with the eastern division, may be so far completed that the water may be admitted in June next. That part of the eastern division, which was placed under contract in pursuance of the act of the 21st of March last, is 8 71.100 miles in length, and the works connected with it of the following dimensions: The aqueduct across the Swatara is 300 feet long and 18 feet wide. Locks No. 6 and 7, are each 8 feet lift, and 90 by 17 feet in the chamber. The outlet locks at Columbia are cach 10 feet lift, and 100 by 17} feet in the chamber. The road bridges are 20 feet wide, and 48 feet in length, except the one at Walnut street in Marietta, which will be in length 76 feet. The farm bridges are 12 feet wide, and 48 feet long, except those on sections 10, 12, and C, which are 50 feet long. The towing path bridge at Middletown is 57 feet long and 10 feet wide. Culvert on section 13, 4 feet span; waste- wiers 60 feet long, and water-ways 8 feet wide. This part of the division is estimated to cost $133,804 52, as will appear in detail by referring to the accompanying es- timate. This amount exceeds the cost, as reported by Mr. Gay, $18,763 46; but if the cost of the outict locks at Columbia be' deducted, which appears not to have been contemplated in that report, it will be found to fall within his estimate. The amount of work estima- ted to have been done, on the 15th inst. was $41,992 03, which left the value of the work remaining to be done, $91,812 49; to which, if there is added $23,718 02, the amount estimated to complete the work authorized pri- or to the 21st of March last, it will make $115,530 50, the total amount required to complete the eastern divi- sion, and is believed to be sufficiently large to meet every exigency.
Included in the estimated cost of the aqueduct over the Swatara, is $7200 for altering the plan, after the works were put under contract. This was done from the belief that the work, if executed agreeably to the
plan then proposed, would be insufficient to sustain the necessary weight of water, and with a view to give it that stability which the structure required.
All which is respectfully submitted.
A. B. WARFORD, Engineer.
ESTIMATE OF THE COST OF WORK.
Estimated cost of that part of the eastern division of, the Pennsylvania canal, authorized by the act of 21st March, 1831.
Sections.
No. 1 .- Daniel Dougherty, contractor, $1071 44
No. 2 .- Peacock and Willer, contractors, 1020 52
No. 3 .- Peacock and Miller, contractors, 1556 6)
No. 4 .- Bernard Fitzsimmons, contractor, 1715 52
No. 5 .- John Darning, contractor, 1719 44
No. 6 .- Neal and Hughes, contractors, 877 77
No. 7 .- John Kelley, contractor, 1923 50
No. 8 .- Lathrop, Wilber & ยก reat, contractors, 626 31
No. 9 .- Jeremiah Kirk, contractor, 1615 48
No. 10 .- John C. Lessig, contractor,
993 20
No. 11 .- John Murry, contractor,
1577 61
No. 12 .- James Eagan, contractor,
1417 25
No. 13 .- Lathrop, Wilber & Treat, contractors, 1958 05
No. 14 .- M'Lean and Harkins, contractors, 2728 95
No. 15 .- Edward Milligan, contractor, includ- ing work estimated to Edward Fabrigue, contractor, 2482.16
No. 16 .- John and Felix Murry, contractors, 2070 04
No. 17 .- John and Felix Sturry, contractors, 1087 28
No. 18 .- Eagan, Dougherty & Hopkins, con- tractors, 2047 90
No. 19 .- George Blattenberger, contractor, 3378 29
No. 20 .- John Dougherty, contractor, 1831 00
No. 21 .- Michael Burke, contractor, 6849 30 C .- Jeremiah Kirk, contractor, 1947 82
B .- Patrick Carson, contractor,
3 99 84
A -llerman Sutton, contractor,
6839 CO
No 6 -Ehle and Hodge, contractors,
66.7 50
Outlet Lock at Columbia -Guilford, M'cul- lough & Anderson, contractors, 20,0:3 25
Culvert on Section 13 .- Not under contract, 4.56 25
Aqueduct at Swatara .- John and Nathaniel
Evans, contractors, 19,770 CO
Road Bridge, No. 1 .- A. P. and C. Provest, contractors, 492 00
No. 2 .- A. P. and C. Provest, contractors, 574 60
No. 3 .- Harris and Fleury, con- tractors, No. 4 .- Contract forfeited, 659 50 629 00
Extra Bridge at Marietta. - Samuch Hopkins & Co., contractors,
1284 CO
Road Bridge, No. 6 .- Boyer and Jenkins, con- tractors, No.7 .- Boyer and Jenkins, con- tractors,
745 66
Farm Bridge, No. 1 .- A. P. and C. Prorcst, contractors,
626 80
No. 2 .- Harris and Fleury, con- tractors,
705 00
No. 4 .- Kauffelt, Herr & Co., contractors,
517 50
No. 5 .- Kauffelt, llerr & Co., constractors, 563 50
Farm Bridge on Section No. 10 .- Richard and Thomas English, contractors,
Farm Bridge, No. 6 .- Kauffelt, llerr & Co., contractors,
517 50
Farm Bridge on Section 12 .- Foreman and M'Neal, contractors, 542 50
Farm Bridge, No. 7 .- Wilber and Treat, con- tractors, 1002 75
No. 8 .- Wilber and Treat, con- tractors,
500 25
1
Lock No. 7 -Ehle and Hodge contractors,
2785 78
898 31
510 50
PENNSYLVANIA CANAL.
9g
100
REPORT ON AGRICULTURE, &c.
[FEBRUARY
Farm Bridge, No. 9 .- Richard and Thomas
English, contractors, 741 00
No. 10 .- Richard and Thomas
English, contractors, 671 90
No. 11 .- Richard and Thomas English, contractors, No. 12 .- John Cameron, con- tractor, 506 50
No. 13 .- John Cameron, con-
tractor,
1261 00
Farm Bridge on Section C .- Breneman and Crawford, contractors,
567 85
Towing Path Bridge at Middletown, 1001 75
Two waste-wicrs, not under contract, at $375,
750 00
Two water-ways, not under contract, at $500,
1000 00
Houses at Locks No. 6 and 7 .- Jones and Balsley, contractors,
347 00 4.00 00 6024 00
Houses at outlet Lock .- Not under contract, 5020 rods fence, at $1 20,
Removing on Sections 3 and 4 .- Saml. Hop- kins, contractor,
275 00
Removing Building on Section No. 2 .- Saml. Zink, contra ctor, 12 50
Removing Building on Section No. 15 .- Ed- ward Fabrigues, contractor,
50 00
Removing Building on Section 17 .- John White, contractor,
125 00
Removing Building on Section 19 .- Jno. B. Haldeman, contractor, 100 00
Removing Building at Swatara,-John Storm, contractor, 70 00
Removing Building on Section C .- Daniel May, contractor,
75 00
Contingencies,
6700 00
Total cost, $133,804 52
Amount of work estimated to have been
donc, November 15th, 1831, 41,992 03
Amount required to finish the work, $91,812 49
Estimated cost of completing that part of the eastern division of the Pennsylvania canal, authorized pre- vious to the 21st of March, 1831.
Puddling Section No. 35 .- Robt. W. Hous- ton & Co., contractors, $4937 25
Puddling Section No. 36 .- Robt. W. Hous- ton & Co., contractors,
7141 91
Lock No. 1, 1000 00
Road Bridge, No. 5 .- Boyer and Jenkins, contractors, 508 36
Road Bridge on Section No. 36 .- Samuel Hopkins, contractor,
425 00
Foot Bridge,
200 00
Culvert at Haldeman's Mill .- Alexander Provest & Co., 2337 50
Houses at Locks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 .- Jones and Balsley, contractors,
1662 00
One waste-wier,
350 00
Six water-ways, $500 each, 3000 00
Contingencies, 2156 00
Amount required to complete the works, $23,718.02
REPORT ON AGRICULTURE, &c, TO THE LEGISLATURE.
Mr. Drumheller, from the committee on agriculture and domestic manufactures made the following report, viz:
the formation of societies for the promotion of agricul- ture, and also, so much as relates to manufactures,
REPORT:
That they approach the subject with a deep sense of its importance, and aware of the necessity of cantion" and circumspection, in regard to any measure wbich, may exercise an extensive and lasting influence on the state of society, and the social relations of life, it is with diffidence we offer the following suggestions. No community can become numerous, intelligent, prosper- ons, or happy, without plentiful supplies of the neces- saries and comforts of life, and these can only be fur- nished where agriculture and manufactures are in a flourishing condition. Hence, the prosperity of these sources of national wealth, is a necessary preliminary to all other improvements in the condition of the body of the people. It is therefore among the most imperative duties of the government, to foster and encourage them, by the judicious application of such means as the con- stitution has placed at its disposal. The extensive sys- tem of internal improvement in which we are now en- gaged, has for its primary object the increase of pro- ductive power; and it will rcadily be conceded, that it is the most effectual means of accomplishing the end in view. But while we are appropriating so many millions in this way, it may be worth while to consider, if there he not other means of promoting the same object, at least deserving of attention. It is certainly necessary that our farmers should have facilities of getting their products to market, before their power of production can be fully called into exercise, but it is not less neces- sary, that they should possess the knowledge requisite to direct their labor in the most profitable way. Your committee have no doubt that the raising of silk, and of the grape, if extensively introduced, would be sources of profit to many of our citizens, and an important ad- vantage to the community at largc. That species of the mulberry on which the silk worm is fed in Europe and Asia, is so well adapted to our climate, that it has be- come naturalized in some parts of our state, and is to be found growing without care or cultivation, in hedge rows and waste places. It is easily propagated, either by seed or by cuttings of the branches, so that nothing is wanting but information and a little attention to its cultivation, to multiply it to any desirable extent. We have also a native species of mulberry, which is known to answer the purpose for feeding silk worms, whether as well or better than the foreign, is perhaps not yet de- termined. Several species of the grape are also natives of the country, and some varieties of the wine grape of Europe have been cultivated in some places to advan- tage, whilst others have been found too tender to stand the scvere winters of this climate, and the question is yet undecided, whether foreign or native varieties of this delicious fruit are best adapted to general cultivation. There are doubtless many other articles now imported, which may be produced in our own country. Madder will grow luxuriantly in this state, and it is highly proba- ble that the Olive tree and the Tea plant would both thrive well in some of the southern states. . In these cases, and every other in which articles are not produced, where it might be advantageously done, it is evident that want of knowledge is the principal reason for the deficiency. Any measure, therefore, which would dif- fuse among the inhabitants of our state, an increase of useful and practical knowledge, and promote a spirit of inquiry and enterprise, will cause agriculture and man- ufactures to improve, and promote general prosperity and happiness.
Societies for the improvement of agriculture and man- ufactures, appear well calculated to excite emulation, and thus assist in perfecting the skill of the agricultural- ists and manufacturers. They are, therefore, useful; and where the citizens feel interest enough in them, to devote a portion of their time and attention in promo- ting their object, they are deserving of high commen-
The committee on agriculture and domestic manufac- tures, to whom was referred so much of the Governor's message, as relates to the culture of the vine and the Mulberry tree, together with the subject of encouraging | dation. But your committee do not perceive, that any
529 30
1832.]
NORTHERN DISPENSARY.
101
considerable benefit would result from encouraging such associations by appropriations of money from the Treasuary, and it is feared that much of what might be thus obtained, would be wasted on objects of little utility.
Schools or academics in which agriculture and the mechanic arts shall be taught in the most improved methods, in connection with literary and scientific in- struction, the students attending a portion of their time, to the pursuits of literature and science, and another to manual labor, appear admirably adapted to promote our object. In such institutions, the labor of the pupils will give strength and vigor to their constitutions, they will learn the most approved methods of prosecuting what- ever branch of business they may choose to follow, and they will naturally acquire habits of industry, that cannot fail to be highly useful in after life. At the same time, they will have the opportunity of acquiring an ample store of knowledge, and the regular prosecu- tion of their studies, will discipline and improve their mental powers. This combination of intelligence, vi- gor of body, activity of mind, and habitual industry, forms a character which is well calculated for exten- sive usefulness in every situation in life, and is pre-em- inently calculated to promote the well being of society, by increasing the power of production in all branches of business. Such establishments may readily be made the means of diffusing a practical knowledge of all use- ful discoveries and improvements, and by- the combina- tion of science, mechanical skill and practical know- ledge, which this system of education cannot fail to pro- duce, many discoveries will doubtless be made that oth- erwise would escape notice.
We are not recommending a Utopian scheme, or ad- vocating an untried principle. Schools have been es- tablished upon this plan, and so far as they have been tried, it is believed they have given an earnest of use- fulness that will justify very sanguine expectations. The most conspicuous among these, and that which has been the longest in operation of any that is known to your committee, is that of Emanuel Fellenburg, at Hofwyl, in Switzerland. It was established more than twenty years since, and is still in successful operation; and from the concurrent reports of many travellers who have visited it, the experiment has conclusively demon- strated the great superiority of the system over every other that has been made known to the public. Sc- veral establishments have also been commenced in this country on similar principles, that give flattering indica- tions; but there are none that have been long enough in operation, to show, by their fruits, the extent of the ad- vantages they are calculated to confer.
It is a source of much satisfaction toreflect, that while the system we recommend will give an education much better adapted to form useful citizens, than can be ob- tained at our best institutions on the present plan; it will also be much less expensive. The agricultural school at Hofwyl, is the property of a private individ- ual, and we know not whether the labor of the scholars is sufficient to remunerate him for the expense of their education. It is known, however, that they are fed, clothed and instructed without any pay or profit, ex- cept what is derived from their labor, and we infer that the loss, if any, cannot be very considerable, otherwise the school would be discontinued. At the Oncida in- stitute, in thic state of New York, according to the re- port of the managers of that institution, the students work three hours in the day, and this is found sufficient to pay for their boarding and lodging; and some of supe- rior skill, have paid all their expenses .- There is, therefore, little doubt, that young men from fifteen to twenty years of age, by working four or five hours in each day, could pay all the necessary expenses of their education and maintenance: so that a liberal and valua- ble education might be placed within reach of every child of the republic, with but little burthen upon the community. We are aware it is not the province of this committee to digest and propose a plan for establishing
such institutions; but we would carnestly recommend them as proper objects of legislative encouragement. And as the consideration of the propriety of establishing a general system of education, has been referred to an- other committee, we respectfully propose the following resolution, viz:
Resolved, that the committee on education be in- structed to enquire into the expediency of making pro- vision, by law, for the establishment of a competent number of academies or schools, in which agricultural and mechanical employment shall be combined with literary and scientific instruction.
The resolution attached to the foregoing report, was again read, considered and adopted.
NORTHERN DISPENSARY.
Remaining under care last year, Admitted since that time,
9
639
648
Of whom the number recovered is, 573
Relieved,
31
Died,
20
Remaining under care, 24
648
The receipts and expenditures have been as follows: RECEIPTS.
Balance in Treasury last year,
$380 90
Interest on Mortgages, 42 00
Interest on the Kensington Loan,
190 00
Income on Wills' Legacy, 270 00
Contributions,
328 00
$1,210 90
EXPENDITURES.
Medicines,
$165 91
Leeching, Cupping and Bleeding, 182 90
Medical Works,
3 00
Stationary and Printing,
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