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 33
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In several of the branches of natural science-Orni- thology, Entomology, &c .- it must be confessed, we have as yet accomplished little or nothing; but there is reason to indulge the hope that during the ensuing year these important subjects will receive a due share of the attention of the members. The prospect bfore us is certainly encouraging-and if, in speaking of our opera- tions, we have to lament that some of the most impor- tant branches of natural science have been partially ne- glected, yet if we contemplate for a moment the diffi- enlties we have already encountered and overcome, and the ennobling purposes for which our Cabinet has been instituted, we will find, in these considerations, the high- est incentive to hope that our efforts, in cultivating and promoting a knowledge of the natural sciences, will be productive of the most beneficial results. Our Society has been in existence a year, and it was not, in the na- ture of things, to be expected, that any considerable progress should have been made in the cultivation of all the diversified branches of natural science. It is suffi- cient cause for pleasing reflection, and at the same time a high inducement to future and more vigorous exertion, that the extensive field on which we have entered has been already partially explored, and that, with regard to our end and aim, every reasonable an- ticipation has been realized.
The objects for which the Cabinet has been estab- lished are such as cannot fail to recommend themselves to the best feelings of every intelligent individual in the community. To encourage and promote a love of natural knowledge in the minds of the rising genera- tion-to afford to the more experienced votaries of nat- ural science, facilities in the prosecution of their studies which could not otherwise be- so readily obtained-to collect into one common repository, and be enabled to exhibit at a view all the rare and curious specimens, in animated nature, which can be procured within the limits of our country -- to form a Museum of shells, fo- reign and antiquated coins, Indian and other relics, &c. and in which can be deposited all the various specimens and distinct species of Montgomery county minerals, as well as the kindred productions of neighbouring states and distant countries-to possess a Herbarium of all the plants, native and naturalized, within our country, so that at a future day some American Botanist may be assisted to accomplish in that science, what Wilson and Audubon have in Ornithology-to form an extensive Library, by a collection of books and works on subjects connected with natural science, for the purpose of illus- trating and promoting a knowledge of its various branch- es-these are the considerations which have called into existence, and which must sustain, the present Cabi- net.
The committee cannot close this communication with- out requesting the attention of our agriculturists and our citizens generally to the objects of our association. To the farmer, a knowledge of the minerals he meets with in the daily routine of his business, their character and properties-of the insects which infects and destroy the produce of his farm, and of the plants and weeds which are valuable or pernicious, in his fields and gar- dens, cannot be unimportant. For the purpose there- fore of obviating any deficiency of knowledge, in these respects we would respectfully suggest to our farmers
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BANK OF THE UNITED STATES.
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and others, that, should they do us the favour to furnish specimens of animals or insects, or of minerals and plants, with whose names and properties they were un- acquainted; the society would cheerfully impart to them all the information which the members collective- ly would be enabled to give. We would also suggest that native productions, either in the animal, vegetable or mineral kingdom, which are even familiar to our citizens, and which may be regarded by them as of small importance, will always be acceptable to the Soci- ety. If the example of those individuals who have for- warded specimens for the Cabinet, were more generally imitated, the effect would doubtless be, to confer a re- ciprocal benefit to the community and to the members- and these latter would be encouraged in the study of natural science, by a consciousness that their efforts were appreciated by the public, and that the knowledge which they themselves had acquired could be communi- cated with profit to others.
Our society is at present composed of thirty members, and an addition to the number is to he desired, as it would enhance the value and extend the operations of the in- stitution. Any member has a right to propose any per- son who shall desire it, as a candidate for admission, at any of the stated meetings which are held on the last Saturday of each month in the year, and at the next subsequent meeting, such candidate, may he elected a member. The only expense necessary to be incurred, is the institution fee of five dollars, and an annual pay- ment of two dollars. On the rising generation the in- stitution we have established, must rely in a great mea- sure for support and advancement. The earlier period of life, before the cares and pursuits of the world ab- sorb the attention, is the time for improvement; and at that interesting period, the energies of the youthful mind could not perhaps he better employed than in the acquisition of natural knowledge. The utility of such knowledge will not be denied; and if we may credit the concurrent testimony of all who have cultivated na- tural science with any degree of success, it is one of the , most delightful studies in which the human mind can be engaged. To young men, then, who are just beginning to search into the "fine mysteries of knowledge," who are forming habits of mind, on which must depend, in a great measure, their happiness as individuals, their use- fulness as citizens, and their success in life, and on whom will devolve in future the responsibility of sustaining and exalting the intellectual character of their country, an early love for the study of nature is of the last im- portance. The boundaries of knowledge are only en- larged in proportion as the attention is excited; and the mind that in youth, can contemplate with delight the works of creation, and have a desire to become ac- quainted with the various objects of nature, is fitted to achieve the loftiest triumphs of genius and learning, and to enjoy at the same time, the highest degree of intellectual pleasure of which the human mind is suscep- tible.
BANK OF THE UNITED STATES.
The following letter was written some time since, and was never designed for publication. It accidently came into the hands of a New York editor, who observing the singular manner in which it disproves a charge made against the United States Bank, thought it proper to lay it before the public. It cannot but serve as an en- tire vindication of the Bank from at least one of the ab- surd charges that have been preferredagainst it.
(PRIVATE. ) Bank of the United States, Sept. 27, 1830.
Dear Sir,-I have recently received a pamphlet en- titled, " Proceedings and the Resolutions and Addresses adopted by the State Rights' party in Charleston,"
which contains the following passages: " We had ar- rayed against us the influence of the President of the Bank of the State of South Carolina, emphatically your Bank, who was among the most zealous in his efforts against us, and among the most industrious in his cry of civil war, blood, and revolution. The President of the Bank of the U. States was not less active, and the head which presides over this great Federal Institution was seen superintending, with an anxious scrutiny, the polls at the election." And again. "But if Charleston be fated to be governed by northern traders, officers of the Federal Judiciary, custom officers, and officers of the United States Bank, we know," &c. And further, " All the power of the Custom House, and of the Bank of the United States, all the power of the Federal Judi- ciary, and even to a certain extent, of the Bank of our own state, may be arrayed against us."
However unwilling to interpret very literally, ex- pressions provoked by the ardour of political contro- versy, there is yet in these extracts a direct assertion of facts, which unless the highly respectable gentlemen who make it are entirely misinformed, is calculated to excite extreme regret. In the administration of the Bank of the United States, no principal is more funda- mental than its total abstinence from politics. Its uni- form object has been to devote itself exclusively to its own concerns, leaving public affairs to the public coun- cils: to belong to the country, not to any section of it; to he true to every administration of the government, yet subservient to none; and while composed of fellow citizens of all parties, to be wholly unconnected with any. You know that during the many years in which I have enjoyed the pleasure of your correspondence, I have never made a single inquiry into the political opi- nions of any individual attached to the Branch. I am at this moment equally ignorant and indifferent, and my only anxiety is, that they should so exercise their own rights as not to violate those of the institution. Un- doubtedly, the officers of the Bank are all citizens, re- taining all their privileges of free thought and free ac- tion, nor would the directors presume to control the political opinions of the humblest individual in their service. Yet it is not an unreasonable expectation that they who voluntarily engage in the employment of the institution, should conform to its essential policy, and cautiously abstain from any conduct which may bring upon it undeserved odium. Now there is nothing more adapted to offend and estrange the community than an active and ostensible participation in popular elections, by the officers of the Bank. Whether they are in the right or in the wrong; whether the occasion be great or small, whether they succeed or fall, are matters of not the slightest consequence. All parties think them- selves always right; to all parties all contests seem im- portant; and all, if they do not succeed, are sure they ought to succeed; so that whether victorious or defeat- ed, each party retains a feeling against its prominent adversaries, which it inevitably transfers to the institu- tions identified with them.
"The Board of Directors are therefore extremely un- willing that the officers of the Bank should be zealous or conspicuous at elections, and the reproach thus puh- licly vouched is of a character to excite great sensibili- ty. That feeling I trust you will be able to remove or allay, so as to relieve the institution from the imputation of political interference, and I therefore take the earliest opportunity of inviting you to furnish me with the means of placing the subject before the Board in a satis- factory light. This will be very acceptable to them, and particularly gratifying to
Yours, with great respect, N. BIDDLE, President.
Jos. JOHNSON, Esq. Prest. Off. Dis. & Dep. Charleston, S. C.
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LEGISLATURE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
1832.]
From the Harrisburg Chronicle. LEGISLATURE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
IN SENATE-Friday, Feb. 9.
NAVIGATION OF THE DELAWARE.
A message, accompanied with documents, being re- ceived from the Governor, was read as follows:
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Com- monwealth of Pennsylvania.
GENTLEMEN-I hasten to lay before the two Houses copies of a communication from the executive of the state of New Jersey, and of certain resolutions adopted by the legislature of that state, accompanying the same, relative to an alleged obstruction of the-navigation of the river Delaware, by the erection of a wing dam in the said river, on the Pennsylvania side of the same, near New Hope.
Although the obstructions of the navigation of the Delaware river, of a more serious character than that complained of in the communication mentioned, have been placed, or authorized to be placed in that river, as well by incorporated companies, deriving their au- thority from the legislative enactments of the state of New Jersey, as by private citizens of that state, to which the assent of this commonwealth has never been obtain- ed, and the erection of the wing dam in question, by the state of Pennsylvania, to supply her canal with water at certain seasons of the year, might be justified upon the principles of an equality of rights, possessed by. this state with the state of New Jersey, in relation to the na- vigation and use of the waters of the river Delaware, yet as it is important to both states, that the extent of the privileges to be enjoyed by either, in reference to the river in question, should be definitely established and arranged in a spirit of mutual concession, amity and forbearance, it is earnestly recommended that measures be adopted by the legislature of Pennsylvania, as early as possible, to ascertain how far the dam complained of is injurious to the navigation of the river Delaware, and also for the purpose of arranging and establishing the rights and privileges of the respective states to the wa- ters of the Delaware river, and to define the several ob- jects to which they may be applied by the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively, provided the former shall adopt similar measures for attaining the ob- ject last mentioned on her part.
GEO. WOLF.
Harrisburg, Feb. 2, 1832.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE. Trenton, N. J. January 28, 1831.
To Ilis Excellency, GEORGE WOLF:
SIR :- I have the honor of forwarding to your Excel- leney an authenticated copy of certain resolutions adopt- ed by the legislature of this state, at their last session in December last, relative to a wing dam, recently erected in the Delaware river, on the Pennsylvania side thereof near New Hope.
In conformity with the authority vested in me by the first resolution, I appointed commissioners to make the proposed ascertainment of facts. The commissioners have made to me a very full and satisfactory report, by which it appears that in the course of the last summer and fall, a wing dam has been erected in Wells' falls in the river Delaware, on the Pennsylvania side thereof, below and near the town of New Hope, under the di- rection of one of the assistant engineers of the Pennsyl- vania canal; and that in erecting said dam, the engineer acted by authority and in pursuance of a resolution of the board of canal, commissioners of Pennsylvania of the 6th of May last, directing the creation of a water power to suppy the canal with water from the com-
bined locks near New Hope to Bristol,, and also that at certain seasons of the year, and certain heights of water in said river, it does now and from its location and di- mensions will probably hereafter materially interfere with and obstruct the free navigation of the river.
Permit me, sir, respectfully to call your attention to this subject so important to the interests of that portion of the citizens of New Jersey; concerned in the river trade; and to request that you will give to it an early consideration.
The idea is not entertained that the canal commission- ers acting under authority of the state of Pennsylvania, have intentionally erected this dam in such manner, aa to obstruct the free navigation of the river, and thereby infringe the rights of New Jersey, on the contrary, it is understood that they expressly directed it to be so con- structed as to avoid that result. But as the effect of it is now ascertained to be such as materially to interfere with the navigation, it is confidently hoped that the state of Pennsylvania under whose authority it has been erected, will take prompt and effective measures for its removal.
I have the honour to he With great respect,
Your obedient servant,
P. D. VROOM.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
Whereas it has been represented to the Legislature of the state of New Jersey, that a wing dam has been erected at or near to "Wells' Falls," in the river Dela- ware, on the Pennsylvania side of the said river, in the vicinity of the town of New Hope, which materially in- terferes with, and obstructs the free navigation thereof, causing thereby great inconvenience, loss and damage to the citizens of this state, and others navigating said river. And whereas aid and relief have been prayed of this Legislature by petition. Therefore,
Resolved, by the Council of the General Assembly of the state of New Jersey, that the Governor of this state be, and is hereby authorized and requested to ascertain without delay, in such manner as he may deem expedi- ent, either by agent or agents, or otherwise, whether any wing or other dam has recently been built and erected at or near to " Wells' Falls," in the river Dela- ware, on the Pennsylvania shore thereof, near to the town of New Hope-and if so, whether it does now, or from its location and dimensions, may probably hereaf- ter, materially interfere with, and obstruct the free navi- gation of the said river-and that he further ascertain, in manner aforesaid, by whom, and by what authority, and for what purpose, said dam has been erected.
Resolved further, that if it should appear to the Go- verner, from the information he may obtain under the preceding resolution, that the said wing or other dam, has been built at or near the place aforesaid, and that it now does or probably will hereafter materially obstruct the free navigation of the said river Delaware, that then, and in that case, he do, without delay, call the atten- tion of the Executive of the state of Pennsylvania to the subject, and request his co-operation in removing said obstruction, and that he do use any and every other means within his power under the existing laws of this state, and treaties with Pennsylvania, to have said dam removed, and abated as a nuisance.
In Council, December 2, 1831. The joint resolution having been three times read in Council, Resolved that the same de pass.
By order of the Council, ELIAS P. SEILEY, Vice President.
House of Assembly, December 1, 1831. These joint resolutions having been three times read and compared in the House, Resolved, that the same do pass. By order of the House,
ALEX. WURTS, Speaker of the General Assembly.
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From the Philadelphia Gazette. PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 1832.
SELECT COUNCIL .- Mr. Duane offered the an- nexed resolution which was adopted by both Councils.
Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, of the city of Philadelphia, that until a permanent regulation shall be established, in case any part of the real estate, devised to the city by the late Stephen Girard, shall re- quire repairs, the Mayor shall be, and he is authorized to cause the same to be made.
The Select Council agreed to the resolution "sent in from the Common Council relative to an Alarm Bell in the North Western part of the city. Also, to one rela- tive to the celebration on the 22d instant, and appointed on their part Messrs. Pettit, Worrell, Johnson and To- land.
COMMON COUNCIL .- Mr. Lehman presented a petition praying that Washington street be paved, which was referred to the Paving Committee.
Mr. Okie, as chairman of the Committee of Accounts made the following report and resolution which was agreed to.
The Committee on accounts to whom was referred the account of Thomas Desilver, jr. for stationary fur- nished for the use of Councils, beg leave to report, that they have examined the same, and found it to be cor- rect, and recommend the adoption of the following re- solution.
Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, that the Mayor be requested to draw his warrant on the city treasurer, in favour of Thomas Desilver, jr. for the sum fifteen dollars eighty-eight cents, and charge the same to appropriation No. 21.
Friday, Feb. 17th, 1832.
SELECT COUNCIL .- Mr. Duane as chairman of the Watering Committee made the following report and resolution, which werc adopted: and Messrs. Johnson, Worrell, Baker and Lehman, were appointed the com- mittee:
The Watering Committee respectfully represent to Councils, that they have been authorized, by the board of Canal Commissioners of Pennsylvania, "to lay down an iron main or pipe of conduit on the southern margin of the Philadelphia and Columbia rail-road, under the di- rection of the principal engineer of the rail-road;" that, in the estimate presented by the committee for the year 1832, they did not embrace the expenses of the removal of the main from its present position, near the towing path of the old canal, to that which the committee are now empowered to occupy, because the committee were not sure that permission would be given by the Canal Commissioners; consequently, as permission has now been given, the committee request Councils to adopt the following resolution:
Resolved, &c. that the sum of ten thousand dollars to be taken from the water rents of 1832, be and the same is hereby appropriated, and that the watering commit- tee be and they are hereby authorized to draw so much thereof as may be necessary, for taking up the iron main from the towing path of the old union canal, and for laying down the same along the southern margin of the Philadelphia and Columbia rail-road.
Mr. DUANE as chairman of the Girard Committee, made the annexed report and resolution, which were agreed to:
To the Select and Common Councils of the City of Phila- delphia.
The Committee on Girard's Legacy respectfully re- commend to Councils, the adoption of the following re- solution, viz:
Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia, that a committee of two members
of each Council be appointed to regulate (in conjunc- tion with the Mayor) the rents of the property be- qucathed to the city by the late Stephen Girard.
COMMON COUNCIL,-Mr. RYAN as chairman of the Committee on the Drawbridge lot, made the fol- low report and resolution which were adopted:
The Committee on the Drawbridge lot, to whom was referred the communication of Thomas and Jacob B. Lancaster, praying a renewal of their lease for the end of Spruce street wharf, and dock, report that having taken the subject into consideration, and finding that there are other applicants for the said wharf dock, re- port that they deem it expedient to offer the following resolution for the consideration of Councils-
Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, that the city commissioners be, and they are hereby directed to advertise for receiving proposals for renting of Spruce street wharf and dock, and Cedar street and Walnut street wharves, and that they be authorized to rent the same to the best bidder, agreeably to existing ordinance, in conjunction with the committee on the Drawbridge lot.
Mr. BAKER presented a petition relative to encroach- ments on the footways in Second street, which was re- ferred to the Committee on markets.
The following letter from the Mayor enclosing one from the Marble Masons was received and was referred to a Special Committee of two members of each Coun- cil, and Messrs. Fritz, Wetherill, Groves and Pettit were appointed the Committee.
MAYOR'S OFFICE, PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 17th, 1832.
To the President of the Select and Common Councils:
Gentlemen :- I enclose a communication from the Committee of Marble Masons, which invites the respect- ful attention of Councils .- Very respectfully, your ob't serv't, B. W. RICHARDS.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 17th, 1832. To Benjamin W. Richards, Esq. Mayor.
SIR,-At a general meeting of the Marble Masons of the city and county of Philadelphia, it was resolved to prepare a suitable corner stone for the contemplated Monument to the good and great WASHINGTON; and that the same be presented to the "Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of Philadelphia," to be by them received and preserved until the occasion arrives for laying it, in pur- suance of the intentions of the Donors.
The said corner stone will be exhibited on a Truck- wagon in the procession of the 22d instant, and the Sub- scribers have been appointed a sub-committee from the committee of arrangement to carry said resolution into effect, and to receive such instructions from the City Authorities, as to the temporary place of deposit, as they may deem proper. We are most respectfully, your "ob't. serv'ts.
PETER FRITZ, AD. TRAQUAIR,
A communication from Dr. J. Y. Clarke was received and was referred to the Committee on the Girard Fund.
The following letter from E. Hand was received, and was referred to a special Committee of two members of each Council, and Messrs. Sexton, Horn, Massey and Fox were appointed the committee.
To the Honorable the Select and Common Councils of the City of Philadelphia.
Gentlemen-Your petitioner Ezekiel Hand, having been employed by the City Commissioners as a watch- man for nearly 15 years past, and being exposed to the night air so long, the consequence is, that your petition- er has been laid on a bed of sickness for these two last years, and having a large family, he is now reduced to the lowest state of poverty. Having been taken sick when in the performance of his duty, he sends this, praying that Councils will take it into consideration,
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