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 75

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 75

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It was the object of Gordon to furnish a history su- perior to such objections, and altogether worthy of the magnitude of the theme, in felicity of style and purity of language. In an age which has produced a Hallam, a Scott, an Irving, and a Lingard, whose labors have imparted to their respective subjects so great a celebrity, we had a right to expect that a new lustre would be shed upon the events of our domestic history. But for our- selves we may say, that we look in vain for those evi- dences of taste and knowledge, which mellow and di- versify the style, refine and expand the sentiments, and impart to each page the richness, elevation, and maturity arising from long addiction to elegant studies. Gordon has no doubt read extensively as a lawyer, but the ex- clusive study of professional writers, is unpropitious to grace, elegance, or ease.

Of the excellent history in German, by Ebeling, it is only necessary to say that the style is agreeable and ani- mated, and that it is a subject of surprise and mortifica- tion, there is no inducement held out to a translator."

A good history of Pennsylvania, including the pe- riod of the revolution, should be a matter of very gene- ral concern. Proud has nominally brought down his narrative to the year 1770, but it is little more than a chronological series of the most striking events, since 1747; and Gordon's terminates with 1775. Ebeling, it is true, has deduced a history to the year 1802. Though very good as a narrative, it is too succinct and general; and does not invest the story of Pennsylvania, during the revolution, with the interest of which it is suscepti- blc. As the chronicles of this era now extant, do not fill the wishes of the public, it is hoped that a continu- nus narrative from the earliest periods to the most re- cent times, will be speedily undertaken. It is discred- itable to Pennsylvania, that while numerous memoirs and recollections of the times swell the libraries of the other States, she should be without any thing to remem- ber and relate. A reason indeed exists for some miti- gation of this censure. Pennsylvania for a long period, lost more completely than the other states her own indi- viduality in a more intimate connexion with the national struggle, and in being originally the seat of the federal government. A national feeling arose, which rendered her comparatively indifferent to the preservation or accumulation of facts relating exclusively to her own

· Du Ponceau began the translation of it, but from want of encouragement relinquished the enterprize. Vide 1 Vol. Hazard's Register of Pennsylvania.

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sons, or redounding to her municipal reputation. In desi- ring the want of her revolutionary history supplied, we are not anxious that she should enter the list with those 1 who, of late years, have been contending for the honor of originating the appeal to arms. But she has her own tale, and might give sundry details both curious and instruc- tive. She owes it to herself in vindication against numer- ous attacks. She owes it to the confederacy as her contin- gent to a fund of knowledge, common alike to every mem- ber. The lives of many of her worthies are but par- tially known, and some of the most illustrious are moul- dering almost without an epitaph. We trust that the task will be undertaken by a pen worthy of its magni- tude and splendor; and that while recording its events with independent recklessness and scrupulous honesty, its delicacy and dangers will be remembered and appre- ciated. J. R. T.

. From the New York Observer.

SKETCHES OF PENNSYLVANIA-2.'

(Continued from page 255.)

PITTSBURG, March 28, 1832. STATE OF RELIGION.

Messrs. Editors-In the south eastern angle of the state, including the city and county of Philadelphia, and the counties of Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Del- aware and part of Lancaster, the Friends are numer- ous. There are also societies or meetings of this de- nomination scattered in other parts of the state. I know not their whole number, nor exactly what proportion are Orthodox and what proportion Hicksites, but be- lieve that the denomination is about equally divided. The separation which has taken place between the two parties will prove of great benefit to the interests of vital piety.

The Methodists are found in a greater or less extent, in every county in the state; so also are the Baptists. I have no means of ascertaining the precise number of either. It is however very considerable. The Meth- odists are much the most numerous of the two.

The German population, which occupies chiefly the middle part of the state, is divided into two principal denominations, viz. the Lutheran. and the German Reformed. Of these, the Lutheran is much the larger. The Lutherans have two Synods, one in East and one in West Pennsylvania. They have a promising theo- logical Seminary at Gettysburg, and religion is looking up among them. Sabbath schools are being establish- ed, and revivals have occurred in several of their churches during the last year. I scarcely know a de- nomination in which I feel a more lively interest than the Lutheran. I believe that God is going to do won- ders in it and by it. The German reformed church is also increasing, and the prospects of vital godliness are brightening. Some ministers residing in East Pennsyl- vania have broken off from this body, and avowed Uni- tarianism. There are also a few ministers among the Lutherans who are reckoned neological in their doctrines, but they have not so avowed them as to have become subjects of discipline. Besides these denominations among the Germans, there are several minor ones. Among them may be reckoned what are called the Unit- ed Brethren. I do not mean the Moravians, who were originally called the United Brethren; but another de- nomination, very similar to our Methodist brethren in doctrine, zeal, and mode of laboring. I know not their numbers. There are a number of congregations of Tunkers in this state. They baptize by three immer- sions, that is an immersion for each name of the Holy Trinity: In Cambria county, there are two or three congregations of Welsh, who have preaching in their own language at least part of the time. They are a plain, humble, and apparently pious people.

The Moravians have congregations at Bethlehem, Nazareth,Lititz, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, and a few other places. Their Bishop resides at Bethle- hem, and also the superintendent of their affairs. The lands on which their towns stand belong to the General Society, whose centre is Herrnhut, in Germany. Indi- viduals own houses and their contents. They are, as a people, remarkable for order sobriety, and industry.

In West Pennsylvania there are a number of churches of Covenanters, Seceders or Associate Church, and Unionists, or Associate Reformed Presbyterians.

The Roman Catholics are formed most numerously in Philadelphia, and the western part of the state, and chiefly in and about Pittsburg as a centre. They have small chapels however in most of the large towns in the state. The constructing of the numerous canals and roads in this state, during the last ten or fifteen years, has introduced a large number of Catholic Irishmen.

There are probably 50 or 60 Episcopal Churches.

There are about 335 Presbyterian churches, and 230 ministers, -at least forty of whom are without charges, being professors or teachers, agents or secretaries of so- cieties, &c. but still preaching more or less, and many of them in vacant congregations. A very considerable number of their churches are small and fceble. The Lord has poured out his Spirit on a goodly number of their churches, as well as upon those of other denomi- nations, during the last year. Still revivals are far from being general.

There has been an interesting state of things in the first Presbyterian church in this city during the winter. And of some of the other churches, this may be said, in a qualified measure. There are two Presbyterian churches in the city proper; a third is being built in Bayardstown, which is a continuation of the city, up to the southern bank of the Allegheny river, and a fourth in Allegheny town, opposite to Pittsburg, under the labors of the Rev. Job F. Halsey. The edifice of the theological seminary, under the General Assembly, and which is located at Allegheny town, is now occupied by the students, and the work of completing the rooms is going forward. The present number of students is thir- ty. This is an important institution for the interests of the Presbyterian church in the Valley of the Mississippi.

On Monday evening of this week there was an inte- resting annual meeting of the Sabbath-school Associa- tion of the First Presbyterian Church. The report stated that there are eight schools, embracing upwards of 600 scholars, and having eighty teachers, belonging to this association. A number of teachers and scholars were hopefully converted during the past year. Among the persons who spoke, was a lawyer who has recently began to think about his soul, and who stated that it was the remarks of his little daughter, who attends the In- fant Sabbath-school, which first led him to reflect deep- ly on his need of religion. Resolutions were passed for establishing Bible classes among the apprentices, in the numerous and extensive manufactories in this place and its vicinity,-and at the close, $120 were subscribed by this association of teachers to enable the American Sun- day-school Union to continue the effort which they are making in the Valley of the Mississippi. The persons who compose this association, not long since, subscrib- ed very liberally towards the two years' effort of the society. They seem to be influenced by the right spi- rit, and to feel the importance of continually pressing forward.

Last night the annual meeting of the West Pennsyl- vania Lyceum was held. This institution has establish- ed a manual labor school upon a fine farm, about 24 miles from this city, at a place called Zelionople. It has commenced well. It has now 18 or 20 students, and the number is rapidly increasing. It needs some addi- tional buildings and improvements, which I trust will soon be made. It can then accommodate 40 or 50 stu- dents, who, if industrious and skilful, can support them- selves, with the exception of tuition ($20 per annum,)

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and eighteen cents per week for light and washing. I rejoice in the establishment of such institutions. They will enable hundreds and thousands of our young men to obtain an education, not only for a learned profession, but for all the useful occupations and business of life.

I am, yours, &c.

A TRAVELLER,

From the Philadelphia Gazette.

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

Thursday, April 19, 1832.

SELECT COUNCIL .- Mr. DUANE, as chairman of the committee on the Girard fund, made the annexed re- port, which was made the order for the next stated meet- ing.

The Committee, appointed by the select and Common Councils, of the City of Philadelphia, "to digest a plan for the general management of the bequests of the late Stephen Girard," respectfully report: That, although a specific or limited duty seemed to have been assigned to them, it soon became obvious, that even such a duty could not be performed, without reviewing the entire subject of the testator's will: it was especially necessary to consider the amount devised and bequeathed, the objects of the testator, and the means or agents far accomplishing those objects: When the novelty and magnitude of the subject shall be duly regarded, it is conceived, that these will offer an ample apology, for the postponement of this report, to the present time; indeed, the Commit- tee owe it to themselves to say, that, until the 4th of the present month, such powers had not been conferred by the Legislature, upon the Select and Common Coun- cils, as, the Committee conceived, ought to be possess- ed, in order that the trusts and duties, created and en- joined by the testator's will, might be duly executed: Now, that those powers are possessed, the Committee for the first time come to the precise recommendation, which will close this report.

1. The amount devised and bequcathed. The Commit- tee are not aware, that an accurate estimate can be made, at present, of the estate, which the late Stephen Girard accumulated, in the course of a long life of ho- norable enterprize, and incessant industry: if, as is pro- bable, that part of his estate, which is in Pennsylvania, amounts to seven millions of dollars; that sum is so large as to command admiration of the means, by which it was acquired, and gratitude for the manner in which the mass of it is to be employed. The testator gave- To charitable and benevolent institutions, $116,000 To relatives,

140,000

To individuals in his employment, 7,000

To the State of Pennsylvania, 300,000

$563,000

Leaving, it is presumed, after the payment of the collateral inheritance tax, about six millions of dollars, in real and personal estate in Pennsylvania, to the City of Philadelphia-the real estate in Philadelphia subject to annuities amounting to $3900, which will be gradual- ly diminished, and at last extinguished, on the death of the annuitants.

2. The objects of the testator, of the six millions just mentioned, half a million of dollars are to be invested, and the income applied to the formation of a new and continuous avenue or street along the entire eastern front of the city-to regulate, widen, pave and curb Water street, in the whole city extent thereof-and to remove, and to prevent the erection, in the city, of wood- en buildings; leaving five millions and a half for pur- poses to be now mentioned; of these five millions and a half, two millions in money are devoted to the esta. blishment of a College for orphans, such part of that mum as may not be used in constructing and fitting up VOL. IX. 34

the college to be applied to the maintenance and edu- cation of the orphans; and as the wants of the establish- ment shall call for a greater revenue, that revenue is to be derived to its whole extent if needful, from the in- come of the remaining three millions and a half of dol- lars; but, until the state of the college shall demand the application of the whole of the said income, it may be applied, to establishi a competent police-to improve the general appearance of the city-and, consequently, to reduce the taxes.

3. The means, or agents for carrying those objects into effect. When we consider, the magnitude of the estate thus devised and bequeathed-the deep anxiety which the testator manifested for the strict execution of his designs-and his characteristic caution and prudence in his transactions through life, we cannot but regard, as very remarkable, his omission to designate specifically the agents, who should execute his designs, or the man- ner in which those agents should be created, or conti- nued. Without doubt, difficulties, in relation to any prescribed organization, presented themselves to a mind, which never contemplated any subject imperfectly, and, rarely, if ever, failed to overcome obstacles: but, in re- lation to the duties to be performed, after his demise, instead of endeavoring to establish any particular plan, or to guard against abuses and perversions, he solemnly transferred all responsibility of that kind, to the com- munity which was to be so deeply concerned in the re- sult: What compliment, could be greater than this, to those with whom he had lived? What can be a strong- er incentive than this, to future communities and their agents, faithfully to perform all that thic testator desir- ed?

The task, therefore, of proposing or establishing a plan, devolves upon the present Councils, under circum- stances calculated to create unusual solicitude: reve- rence for the departed benefactor, and anxiety for those of whom he desired to be for ever the friend, exercise an influence, that needs no further force. But there are still other considerations that claim attention; the testator, as it may be said, on the verge of the grave, emphatically besought his fellow citizens "to observe and evince special care and anxiety in selecting mem- bers for the city Councils and other agents;" and it would appear therefore to have been his desire that the responsibilities imposed by his will, should be borne by persons chosen with a view thereto: the present Coun- cils, however, although not chosen since the testator's decease, do not consider themselves at liberty to defer proceedings under it; on the contrary, it seems to be their duty to act according to their own judgment.

If, however, the suggestions which under these cir- cumstances the Committee will now make, shall not be found to be such as might have been the result of more mature reflection and inquiry, they feel a pleasure in re- flecting that partial alteration or entire change may be proposed by those, in or out of Councils, who, from their experience and public spirit, are at once competent and disposed to serve the community.

To bring the subject, therefore, distinctly within the view of Councils and of others, in order that error may be pointed out, or improvement proposed, and not un- der an impression that the best plan is here presented, the Committee respectfully submit the following propo- sitions:

1. There shall be provided, or erected, a suitable building, for the accommodation of all the officers-for the preservation of all the deeds, books, and papers- and for the transaction of all the business, connected with the trusts and duties created and enjoined by the Will of the late Stephen Girard: and, until suchi esta- blishment shall be in readiness, temporary accommoda- datinn shall be procured.

2. There shall be established a Board of Directors of the Girard Trusts, which shall consist of nine individuals, residing in the city of Philadelphia, distinguished for their integrity, intelligence, and public spirit, as well as

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for their attachment to the principles of civil and re- ligious liberty.

3. The Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia shall assemble in joint meeting, at 12 o'clock, on the first Monday of May next, in the Com- mon Council Chamber, and there shall then be put in nomination as many individuals as the members present may propose for directors; the names of those nominat- ed shall then be forthwith published, by the clerks of Councils, three times in at least four of the daily news- papers printed in Philadelphia.

4. On the second Monday of May next, at 12 o'clock, the Select and Common Councils shall assemble in joint meeting, in the Common Council Chamber, and shall viva voce, choose from the number of individuals put in nomination, nine directors, three of whom shall be de- signated to serve, and shall serve, for one year-three, for two years-and three, for three years thereafter.

5. In case, owing to refusals to serve, there shall not be on the day of election, eighteen persons in nomina- tion, the Councils at the joint meeting for election, may add to the number in nomination-and out of the whole number then in nomination, shall, viva voce choose nine directors.

6. On the first Monday of May, at twelve o'clock, annually thereafter, the Select and Common Councils shall assemble in joint meeting, in the Common Coun- cil Chamber, and nominate individuals to supply the places of the three directors, whose term of duty will then have expired: the said nomination shall be made public, as above directed; and at twelve o'clock, on the second Monday of May, annually thereafter, the Coun- cils shall assemble in joint meeting, in the Common Council Chamber, and viva voce elect the said three di- rectors.

7. In case, at any election after the first, there shall not be, owing to refusals to act, nine persons in nomina- tion on the day of election, the Councils at their joint meeting for election may add to the number in nomina- tion-and out of the whole number then in nomination, shall viva voce choose the said three directors.

8. The same course of nomination, publication, and election, shall be pursued in supplying vacancies, bow- ever created; so that one week shall at all times inter- vene between nomination and election, and that the choice, shall be made viva voce.

9. Directors, whose term of service, may have ex- pired, may be re-elected.

10. The directors shall constitute a board, which shall meet once' at least in each week; five directors shall be a quorum, for the transaction of business: they shall choose their president on the Tuesday, in every instance, next after their own election, or the election of substituted members, in each year; the same indivi- dual may, without limitation, be re-elected president; they shall appoint their own secretary, prescribe his du- ties, fix his compensation, and remove him from office, at their discretion: they shall superintend all the estate and funds devised and bequeathed by the late Stephen Girard, to the city of Philadelphia: they shall cause all the intentions of the said testator to be carried strictly into execution; they shall have power to make contracts, appoint agente, fix their compensation, and remove them at discretion from office: they shall let all the real estate in Pennsylvania and elsewhere devised to the city of Philadelphia by the said testator, in the manner prescribed in his Will: they sball invest all funds arising from the Girard estate, and directed to be invested in the manner prescribed in said testator's Will: they shall make report quarterly to the Select and Common Coun- cils, embracing a detail of all facts calculated to enable Councils and their constituents clearly to understand the state of the several trusts, works, and establishments under their care.

11. Although all the nine directors shall be required to attend to the general duties of their stations, they shall be classed into three branches, in order that the

organization may be more precise, and the duty and re- sponsibility more definite; three of the nine shall es- pecially attend to all financial operations, income, ex- penditures, and accounts; three others shall have charge of all matters in relation to real estate, renting, repair- ing, and building; and the other three members shall attend to all matters connected with the maintenance, discipline, and education of the orphans :- provided, that, the board at large shall decide upon all measures or acts proposed to be done-measures or acts approv- ed of shall be executed under the special direction of those who shall be charged with the particular branch of duty-and reports of all proceedings sball be made weekly by the several subdivisons to the general board.

12. No member of the Select or Common Council shall hold any station, to which emolument shall be at- tached, connected with the estate and trusts devised and created by the late Stephen Girard; nor shall any mem- ber of either council be directly or indirectly employed or interested in any work or labor to be done, or in the supply of any materials to be used, in or for any work or thing to be made or done, for which payment is to be made from the Girard fund.

13. No director shall hold any station connected with the Girard trusts, to which any emolument sball be at- tached; nor shall he be directly or indirectly employed or interested in any work or labor to be done, or in the supply of any materials or goods, for which payment is to be made out of the Girard fund.

14. The Select and Common Councils, on the same day in each year, on which they shall elect a city treasu- rer, shall, in joint meeting, viva voce, choose a Treasurer for the Girard Trusts, who shall hold his office for one year, shall give such security as Councils may pre- scribe, shall receive such compensation as they may es- tablish, may employ such person or persons as clerk or clerks, as he may think proper, subject to such altera- tion as to their number and compensation as the audi- tors hereinafter mentioned may determine: he shall keep plain and accurate accounts, and a journal detail- ing all transactions and incidents taking place under his view or in his office in relation to the Girard trusts: he shall keep duplicate books of receipts for moneys paid, one whereof he shall preserve in his office, and hold the other for the use of the auditors or City Councils: he shall furnish such information within the scope of his duties, as Councils may from time to time require: and present annually, for the use of the Councils and also for the use of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, the de- tailed accounts described in the 3d clause of the 24th Section of the Will of the late Stephen Girard; it shall be his duty to comply strictly with the requisitions of the 4th clause of the 24th Section of the said Will: he shall keep a bank account, in the name of "The Di- rectors of the Girard Trusts," and shall not blend the trust funds, in his office or bank accounts with any other: he shall keep a check book, upon the most sim- ple and approved plan according to the judgment of the directors, shall draw all checks to order, and cause the person in whose favor a check may be drawn, to sign a receipt for it on the margin: checks shall be signed and be payable only when signed, by the pre- sident of the board of directors and the treasurer jointly.

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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 75

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