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 44

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 44

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2d. Salt and plaister would be brought from the lake countries, by the the way of the canal to Newtown, from which place it would bear transportation to Muncy; where it would be exchanged for wrought or cast iron, which might advantageously be brought on the canal from Centre county, when it shall be completed from Muncy to the mouth of the Bald Eagle.

3d. Travellers from all those counties bordering on the lakes, from Niagara to Sackets Harbor, going south- ward; would choose such a route in preference to the Berwick and Newtown turnpike; because, the distance would he be 15 miles shorter from Newtown to North- umberland, than by this turnpike; the road could also be made with less elevation. Numerous droves of cat- tle might also be expected to travel this road, which would otherwise be obliged to take the Berwick or a more western and circuitous route. This increase of travelling through Muncy, and in a southern direction, would not only be of advantage to Muncy, but to other towns situated below it on the West Branch.

That part of the county of Lycoming which lies be- yond the Allegheny mountains, and directly north of Muncy, is almost shut out from communication with the more southern part of the county, owing to the ex- tremely bad road over which they must, at present, bring all their foreign supplies, as well as the greater part of those heavy articles, which are manufactured in the country.

It is evident, therefore, that were a good road made over the mountains, that that country, which under all its disadvantages, has many inhabitants, would be im- proved much more rapidly, a stimulous would be given to industry, and large droves of cattle would, ere long, be collected in Elkland township, the soil of which is well adapted for grazing.

The advantages which would accrue to Bradford county, and to the adjacent parts of the state of New York, from the construction of such a road as I have mentioned, will at once suggest themselves, from what I have already said; for if we shorten the distance one- fifth, and give them a better road than they now travel, they ought certainly to feel themselves much obliged to us. The making of such a road is now contemplat- ed; an act has been passed to incorporate a company under the title of the Muncy and Monroe Turnpike Road Company; subscriptions for stock in which are now being taken. When sufficient stock shall have been subscribed, it is intended that the company shall construct a road from Muncy to intersect the Berwick and Newtown turnpike, at Monroetown, in Bradford county. The distance from Muncy to Monroetown, by the proposed turnpike road, will be forty-six miles; from Monroetown to Newtown thirty-three miles; from Monroetown to Towanda, the county seat of Bradford, four miles; from Towanda to Tioga Point, fourteen miles; from Towanda to Ithica, fifty miles; to Auburn about the same distance, and to Owego thirty miles.

When we consider that the Pennsylvania canal is

dam, and that the New York canal, will soon be con- nected by canal to Newtown. We may fairly conclude, that a turnpike which would connect the two points, would yield a large amount of tolls, from the trade which would be carried on between them, and the travel- ling which would be turned into it. The northern section of the road would, no doubt, be much used by coal wagons, a considerable quantity of stone coal be- ing already carried from the Towanda coal mines.

Nor would the expense of making the road be so great as might at first view be imagined, for excepting across the mountain, it is supposed that the site of the road already made, would answer that of the proposed turnpike. R.

FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CONTROLLERS OP THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THE CONTROLLERS of the PUBLIC SCHOOLS for the city and county of Philadelphia, in obedience to the provision of the act of Assembly, of March 3d, 1831, present the following "Statement of the amount of Ex- penditure, and of the number of Children educated in the Public schools."

The Lancasterian Schools of the First School Dis- trict of Pennsylvania, agreeably to returns certified from the respective sections, at present contain four thousand six hundred and two pupils, of whom two thousand three hundred and ninety-seven are boys, and two thousand two hundred and fifty girls, thus distributed among the following schools, viz:

Boys. Girls. Total.

MODEL SCHOOL,

243

170

413

1ST SECTION-Locust st. School,

265

200

465

North Western,

177

South Western,

130

120

250

Lombard st. (col'd.)

203

257

460

2D SECTION-Northern Liberties,

412

280

. 692

Kensington,

208

256

464

Franklin st.

109

N. Liberties, (col'd.)

3D SECTION-Southwark,

378

308

686

4TH SECTION-Penn township,

233

242

475

9TH SECTION-Moyamensing,

162

221

383

2397 2205

4602

In those parts of the district where no Lancasterian Schools are by law required, nine hundred and six chil- dren have attended the ordinary Schools selected by the Directors of each particular section; making, with those above enumerated, an aggregate of FIVE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND EIGHT PUPILS, educated at the pub- lic expense since the last annual report.

During the fourteen years which have elasped since the establishment of this valuable system of public in- struction in the city and county of Philadelphia, FORTY- FOUR THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN CHILDREN have been admitted to our Schools, and avail- ed themselves of the advantages so wisely and liberally extended to them, by the existing laws.

From the subjoined accounts, duly audited and re- ported by the proper authorities, it appears that in the past year, this Board has drawn orders upon the county Treasurer for the sum of 27,595 dollars 15 cents, of which 19,488 dollars 97 cents, is chargeable to the sup- port of Lancasterian Schools, and 8106 dollars 18 cents, to expenses of education in the county sections. Du- ring this period the expenditure of the Controllers has been strictly confined to ordinary and unavoidable de- mands for maintaining and conducting the existing schools. In the approaching season, however, several objects of great interest and importance will demand the attention of the Board, and augment the claims upon its funds.

The Directors of the First Section, in pursuance of an- completed to Muncy, with the exception of the Muncy | thority granted by the Controllers, have purchased a

1832.]

REPORT ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

157

lot of ground upon Race street, west of Broad street, whereon it is intended to erect, in the course of the summer, a commodious and substantial building for the accommodation of the North Western Schools, which have hitherto been located in a small and inconve- nient room wholly inadequate to the wants of the popu- lation, so rapidly increasing in that quarter.

In the Second Section also, where the demands up- on the system of Public Schools is extensive and rapidly augmenting, the present buildings are insufficient to contain the pupils actually belonging to the different schools, and numerous applicants are for a time neces- sarily denied admission.

The Controllers arc anxious to obviate these difficul- ties, and to supply rooms and teachers at a period as early as may be consistent with a judicious regard to the extent of annual expenditure. They have accordingly decided upon the establishment of another School in that Section, to which the present occupants of the Franklin street School may be transferred; and have given the requisite authority to the Directors to pro- cure ground and ereet a new school house as early as circumstances may permit.

The subject of the education of " children under fire years of age," has engaged the earnest attention of the Controllers for a long time, and notwithstanding the dif- ficulties which surround it, has received that deep and serious consideration which its great importance merits. To commence the business of moral and intellectual in- struction, at the earliest practicable moment, and thus to awaken the intellect, to excite, foster, and guide the moral principle, before evil example, pernicious habits, or corrupt practices, shall have corrupted the mind, is of incalculable interest to all classes of pupils, but im- measurably so to those of our schools, whose period of instruction is at best brief, and often curtailed by the necessities of their parents, or imperious circumstances, which prevent, by early devotion to labour, the acquire- ment of useful learning. To obtain the best mode of infantile instruction-to establish a model school, where- . in teachers might be qualified to apply and carry out such system-to devise the most eligible mode of con- necting a series of such schools with the existing esta- blishment, and in accordance with existing laws-all these objects continue to claim the serious consideration of the Board.

A plan for infant education has been submitted to this Board, which appears to unite most, if not all, of the re- quisites for simple and efficient instruction. This has been accepted, and will require an immediate establish- ment for its proper development, and 'the qualification of teachers for additional schools. To the formation of such a model school, during the present season, the Controllers look forward with confidence.

The grateful acknowledgments of the Board, in bc- half of the recipients of this bounty, are duc for the liberal bequest of ten thousand dollars, by the will of our late munificient fellow citizen, Stephen Girard, whose enlightened views and patriotic feeling, guided the distribution of his princely wealth to great public im- provements; and to nonc more signally than to the ad- vancement of education.

In the midst of the prosperity which continues to at- tend every department of the Public School System, affording the best encouragement and highest gratifica- tion' to the gentlemen of the different Boards engaged in its administration, reflecting honor and credit upon the teachers and various agents employed, and cheering the hopes of all who feel interested in the great work of public education -- the Controllers have to regret the resignation of their late valued and respected President, ROBERTS VAUX, Esq. whose best feeling's and most as- siduous labours have been devoted to this important en- terprize during the last fourteen years. If the satisfac- tion arising from a sense of duty conscientiously per- formed, of disinterested services faithfully bestowed for a protracted period in maturing and conducting a sys-

tem of vast public benefit, can be enhanced by assu- rances of the frank and cordial esteem and high respect of his colleagues, this gentleman has left the Board un- der circumstances affording subjects for the most grati- fying recollections.

On behalf of the Board, THOMAS DUNLAP, President.

Attest-T. M. PETTIT, Secretary. Chamber of the Controllers, Philadelphia, February 14, 1832.

The Controllers of the Public Schools for the city and county of Philadelphia, report, that from the first day of January, 1831, to the thirty-first day of December, 1831, they drew orders on the county Treasurer, agree- ably to the laws authorizing the same, amounting to

$27,595 15

The whole of which is charged as follows :- LANCASTERIAN DISTRICT.

MODEL SCHOOL, Chester strect.

Teachers' salaries, stationary, fuel, &c. $1,617 76 FIRST SECTION, comprehending the city of Philadelphia. Teachers' salaries, stationary,

fuel, rent, &c. $5,823 90

School furniture, 43 96

5,867 86

SECOND SECTION, comprehending part of the N. Liberties and Kensington.

Teachers' salaries, stationary, fuel, &c. nı $3,578 62

Real Estate, 159 81

3,738 43

THIRD SECTION, comprehending South- wark.

Teachers' salaries, stationary, fuel, &c. 1,988 47 FOURTH SECTION, comprehending Penn township.

Teachers' salaries, stationary, fuel, rent, &c. $1,509 96

Real Estate, 21 76 1,531 72 NINTH SECTION, comprehending Moyamen- sing.

Teachers' salaries, stationary, fuel, rent, &c. $2,176 56

School furniture, 86 57

2,263 13

GENERAL EXPENSES.

Secretary's salary, advertising school books, and other supplies,incidental ex- penses, &c. 2,481 60

$19,488 97

The Controllers further report, that for that part of the county in which Lancasterian Schools are not requir- cd by law, orders were drawn on the county Trea- surer, as follows:

SECOND SECTION, part of Northern Liber- ties and of Kensington, $1,483 92

FOURTH SECTION, part of Penn township, 607 79

FIFTH SECTION, comprehending the town- ships of Oxford, Lower Dublin, Byber- ry and Moreland, 1,305 39

SIXTH SECTION, comprehending the town- ships of Germantown, Roxborough and Bristol, (Germantown having a Lan- casterian School, ) 2,297 35

SEVENTH SECTION, comprehending the town- ships of Blockley and Kingsessing, 1,644 13

EIGHTH SECTION, comprehending the town- ship of Passyunk, 767 60

$8,106 18

158

RAIL ROAD-WATER POWER.

EMARCR

RECAPITULATION.

LANCASTERIAN SYSTEM.

School expenses, $19,176 87 Real Estate and School furniture, 312 10

Outer Sections,

19,488 97 8,106 18

$27,595 15

PENNSYLVANIA AND OHIO RAIL ROAD.

We invite the attention of our readers to the remarks of the editor of the Steubenville Herald, upon this sub- ject. Steubenville is entirely out of the line of the propos- ed rail-road, and the opinions of the shrewd, intelligent editor of the Herald may be relied upon as those of a disinterested and competent judge .- Pitt. Gaz.

From the Steubenville Herald.

RAIL ROAD FROM PITTSBURG TO MASSILLON.

Our readers have already been advised that it has been in contemplation to incorporate a rail-road from Pittsburg, by the way of the valley of Little Beaver, through New Lisbon and Canton, to the Ohio Canal at the town of Massillon. This route was last season exa- mined and surveyed by a competent engineer, under the direction of a committee appointed by the citizens of the towns named, and was not only found perfectly practicable, but also shorter than any other route pro- posed. The following is the concluding part of the Report made by the engineer, (Lt. O. M. Mitchell,) to the Pennsylvania and Ohio Rail-road Company:

" In no instance has the grade been allowed to exceed the limit of 32 feet per mile; which presents no obsta- cles to the transportation of a given load by the same power from one extremity of the route to the other. The curves which have been adopted have in no in- stance a radius less than one thousand feet, which will admit the uninterrupted velocity of locomotive engines. In so general a report, none but general estimates of expense can be expected; and as these must vary ac- cording to the different modes of construction adopted, I shall here only state that the average cost per mile, up- on the whole distance, may be made to vary from eigh- teen to twenty thousand dollars. In conclusion, I may re- mark, that the route is one of at least ordinary practi- cability. The whole distance from Pittsburg to the Ohio Canal is less than one hundred and eight miles; from whence it appears our route is remarkably direct. 'Taking into consideration the immense advantages which must flow from such a connexion, and the rich and fertile country through which it passes, we may be warranted in the belief, that stock here invested must prove as productive as any upon a route of the same length in any part of the United States."

An act of incorporation was passed by the legislature of Ohio, at the late session, for a company to construct the said road, under the name of the "Pennsylvania and Ohio Rail-road Company," and the same is now be- fore the legislature of Pennsylvania for its sanction. It is believed there will be little or no difficulty in procur- ing the subscription of the stock in Philadelphia, Pitts- burg, and on the line of the rail-road.

This improvement will be a most important one for the counties through which it is to be made, and no less so for the commercial interests of those cities. It will turn almost all the entire trade of our canal for at least one hundred miles of its length, into Pennsylvania, and thus add immensely to the receipt of tolls on her great canal. To the town of Massillon, already an important point on the Ohio canal, it must be peculiarly beneficial. That town, we have no doubt, is destined to be the Rochester of Ohio.

Although our town is out of the way of such improve-

ments, it gives us much pleasure to note the bright pros- pects of other places. We have the Ohio river on our borders, and a healthful and productive section of coun- try around us; with these we ought to be contented. No improvement can be made, pointing toward the riv- er, that we shall not feel the benefit of.

From the Princeton Courier. WATER POWER AT MANAYUNK.

As considerable interest is manifested, and much in- quiry, as to the probable profits of the water power about to be created in and near Trenton, together with a desire to know the comparative difference between that located at Manayunk, on the Schuylkill, and the one at this place, I have recently been favored with the fol- lowing table and letter, received from a gentleman pos- sessing a general knowledge of the subject, accompa- nied with a few remarks, tending to show a concise view of both works with the comparative profits of each. From the best information obtained through other sources, the following statement and table is believed to be substantially, if not minutely correct.

JANUARY 20, 1832.

DEAN SIR,-Opposite I send you a table showing the amount of rents paid for water privileges at Manayunk, and for what kind of manufactures used. The water was first rented at $3 per square inch, drawn under a head of three feet, it was afterwards raised to $4.50 at which price it remained but a short time, when it was raised to $6 at which price it has been for some years. The falls will average about 22 feet from the surface of the water in the canal, to the tail race of the mills, the mills are entitled to the water in the order rented; the last rented to stop first in case of any want of water, and the whole subject to the navigation through the locks. The total number of horse power is 332; and at the rate of $3 per inch, it is equal to about $19 per annum for each horse power; at $4.50 it is equal to about $28.50, and at $6 it is equal to about $38 per annum. The first of the mills commenced in 1820-the total number as. per table is 14-you will observe by the table there are two different numbers of inches and amount of rent to the same mill; this arises from the owner not renting suf- ficient at first and afterward having increased his macbi- nery, found it necessary to increase his water, and at an increased price, as in the case of Rowland, Richards, and others. Yours, &c .-

Rate per inch.

Lease per year

Amount of each

Total per ann.

Parke, Cotton,

150

3 00 450 00 450 00

Borie & Co. Cotton,

360

3 00 1080 00

1080 00

M'Dowell, Paper,

100

3 00 300 00 300 00

Wagner, Cotton,

150

3 00 450 00 450 00

Brooke, Cotton.

50 3 00 150 002

Do. do.

25 4 50

112 50 S

Hagner, grind. drugs, Do. do.

50 4 50

225 00 S

Rowland, Roll. mill, Do. do.

3 00 195 002

387 00

M. Richards, Cotton, Do. do.

100

6 00 600 00 5

Darrah, Felt'g Hats,

100

4 50 450 00 450 00

4. 50 225 00 225 00

Smick & Co. Flour, D. Moore, Cotton, Lea & Newman, Flour, Eckstein, Paper,

300

6 00 1800 00

1800 00

300

6 00 1800 00

1800 00

140

6 00

840 00 840 00

Unknown, Cotton,

100

6 00

600 00 600 00

$10,329 50

No. inches.

32. 6 00

192 00 S

240

3 00 720 00 2 1320 00

3 00 150 007 375 00

252 50

159

WATER POWER-FLOODS.

1832.]

Thus it appears from the above letter and table, that the [ must be cheaper. Now if some of our eastern manu- Manayunk Water power on the Schuylkill, of 322 horse power; although part of it was leased ten or twelve years ago at only half what the remainder rents for now, yields annually $10,329 50; although all the last leases, at the highest pricc, are subject to stop, when the water is low, yet they are taken with avidity at six dollars per inch.

Let us now examine briefly what is the prospect with the TRENTON WATER POWER, as it is commonly ealled, of "Trenton Delaware Falls Company."

Judge Wright in his report (after a strict examination ánd survey had been made,) estimated it at 722 horse power which he supposes amply sufficient for present purposes, but which, he says, may be increased to 1444 horse power, by raising the Dam one foot. Taking the lowest estimate:

722 horse power at $38 per year, which is at the rate of $6 per inch, the present price at Manayunk, it amounts to $27,436 00

From which we will deduct for bad debts, contingentexpenses, clerk hire, &c. (more than 1-4th the amount. ) 7,436 00

And it leaves a neat income of $20,000 00 a year on a capital of 90,000, or not exceeding 100,000 dollars.

The full and minute estimate of the engineers for ex- cavation, embankment, wall, aqueduct, and all other work, was $70,540 90. The greater part of the work has been put out for prices less than the estimate. As the greater part of the land is already purchased on fair terms, some having generously given, or sold for trifling sums, their land to the company-as it runs mostly through broken ground, the damages are but small.

We may safely say the whole expense will not per- haps exceed $90,000, or at the outside $100,000.

The exeavation is rapidly progressing, with a fair prospect of having it completed this year.

With this short statement of facts, capitalists manu- facturers and others may draw their own conclusions.

One circumstance which is undoubtedly favorable, is, that property in this vicinity has advanced from thirty to fifty per cent. since its commencement. It seems hardly necessary to state, that it is situated on tide and canal communication with Philadelphia and New York, on the shortest direct route between these great cities, which must always give it a decided advantage over other places. The joint committee of both houses of the legislature reported unanimously at the late session in favor of building the New State Prison on it, prob- bly within three hundred yards of the old Prison which may be turned into a State Arsenal to very good ad- vantages: which is now much wanted. The great ad- vantages of the Auburn State Prison, being located on water power, is well know to the public.

The best evidence of public opinion and confidence in the measure, by those acquainted with it, is the cir- cumstance that all the stockholders came forward and took cvery share of the new stock, the first day the books were opened.

Not a share to be had except at a handsome ad- vance."

The foregoing highly interesting statement on the subject of rents payable on water powers in the neigh- bourhood of Manayunk, has been transmitted us for pub- lication from an unknown but welcome source. From the above it appears that fourteen manufactories pay an annual rent of $10,337 50, for the use of water requir- ed by their machinery. This sum strikes us an im- mense expenditure, yet it must be considered that it would still be further increased were all liable to the present rate of rent, $3, perinch, to $14,173. We are not sufficiently conversant with the incidental expen- ses of steam power to draw a parallel, yet we are satis- fied that where fucl can be obtained at almost nothing, which is applicable to this neighborhood, steam power

facturers would turn their attention to the numerous advantages we enjoy by reason of our locality-we only ask a proper investigation -- the result might be mutual- ly a subject of congratulation. In England, all the great manufacturing towns, such as Manchester, Bir- mingham, Bristol, Leeds, &c. are situated in the differ- ent coal regions, and some of them far more remote from the sea-board than what we are. Manufac-

turing establishments of almost any description, con- nected or unconnected with mining operations, would speedily command a flourishing business. The refuse coal, without any encroachment upon the marketable commodity, would of itself supply the requisite quan- tity of fuel. - Miner's Journal.

SUSQUEIIANNA FLOODS.

About a century ago, the first settlers of the interior of this state were informed by the Indians that there was a tradition among them, handed down from father to son, that a "great flood" occurred in the Susquehan- na, and the western branch of the Delaware at regular intervals of fourteen years, swelling the waters of those streams six or seven feet above the average height of the freshets of the intermediate time. Subsequent ex- perience seemed to verify this, and prove that the In- dian tradition was founded on correct observation. The first regular flood on record is, we believe, that of 1744; the second occurred in 1758; the third in 1772; the fourth, known as "the great pumpkin fresh," happened in September 1786; and the fifth took place in the spring of 1800, after a heavy rain, which continued three days and three nights and carried off a tolerably deep snow that had then recently fallen; and the sixth occurred in the month of August 1814; occasinning considerable damage along the course of the stream. Each of these floods is stated to have swelled the river to an average height of at least 6 feet above ordinary high water mark. According to the rule another should have followed in 1828, but the freshets of that year were no- wise remarkable-leaving the inference that the Indian rule of a flood every fourteen years had failed and run out. Whether this failure has been caused by the clear- ing of the country, the extension of agriculture, and the alteration in our climate; or whether these causes have merely extended the period; or, finally, whether the regular recurrence of the great floods was not altoge- ther fortuitous, we shall leave for investigation and de- cision to those who are inclined to construct theories and to philosophize-contenting ourselves with bring- ing the old Indian tradition once more into remembrance, and stating the facts which served to confirm the no- tion that it was well founded. Perhaps the great flood. of August 1817, ought to be considered as the first de- viation from the regular rule, and the present freshet as the continuation of a new series-with a slight variation of time .- Lancaster Examiner.

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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 44

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