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. XII > Part 21
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The committee have seen an improvement in the common lamps, by adding reflectors, which would not be so costly, and would greatly improve the light in the streets, and have no doubt that if proper inducements were offered, other improvements, perhaps better adapted to the purpose, would be brought forward, which might effect the object of improving the light, without increasing so considerably the annual expense; and with a view to the present comfort, together with a further inquiry into the matter, the committee re- commend the adoption of the following resolutions.
1. Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, That the City Commissioners be, and they are hereby required, to light, at the public cost, all reflecting or argand lamps, which have been erected by individuals, and hereafter to light in like manner, any lamps which shall be so erected by individuals in any street or alley under their control, provided, that intervals of 150 feet, or thereabouts, be left between the lamps so placed, except where they may otherwise be required for public good, or the intersections of streets.
2. Resolved, That a premium of - collars, or a medal of equal value, be paid for the most approved lamp, which may be adopted, for the purpose of light- ing the streets with the most effect, and the least cost.
Mr. Toland from the committee on Rittenhouse
Square, made a report on that subject, which was re- committed.
Mr. Neff presented a remonstrance against the erec- tion of a Western Market, in Market west of Eighth street, which was referred to the committee on Mar- kets.
Mr. Massey called up for consideration the resolution relative to the opening of Cherry street, which was read and passed.
Messages requiring a report from the Market House Committee, and with regard to the collection of rents at the Drawbridge, were received and laid on the ta- ble.
Mr. Wetherill, Chairman of the Watering Commit- tee, made the annexed report to the Select Council, on Thursday evening.
To the Select and Common Councils of the city of Phil- adelphia.
Gentlemen-The Watering Committee respectfully report, as expedient, for Councils to grant the request of John M. Ogden, Esq. and others, as set forth in their communication addressed to Councils, in behalf of the Penn Township and Northern Liberty Rail Road Com- pany, and referred to the committee.
They herewith submit a draft of an Indenture for that purpose; also that of a Resolution, authorizing the committee to have it entered into, and the Mayor to affix the city seal to the same.
JOHN P. WETHERILL, Chairman.
Resolved, That the Watering Committee be, and they are hereby authorized and directed to have the draft of the Indenture just read, entered into forthwith, between the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of Phila- delphia, and the Northern Liberty and Penn Township Rail Road Company, relative to the parcel of the land of triangular shape. situate at the southwest corner of Coates street and the Columbia Rail Road, &c., or at the north east corner of the City Ground, at Fairmount; and that the Mayor be, and he is hereby authorized and desired, to affix the city seal to the same.
COMMON COUNCIL .- The President submitted a communication from Cornelius Stevenson, City Trea- surer, containing a statement of receipts and expendi- tures from April 1st, to July 1st, 1833; which on motion of Mr. Haines, was referred to the Committee on Ac- counts.
The President submitted a communication from the Commissioners of the Girard Fstate, enclosing the fol- lowing quarterly report, which was referred to the Committee on Accounts.
The Commissioners of the Girard Estates, in compli- ance with the ninth section of the Ordinance entitled an Ordinance for the further management of the Girard Estate:
REPORT
That their communication to Councils for the quarter ending the 31st of March last, contained a statement of the subjects which engaged the attention of the Board during that period. They now proceed to inform Councils of their transactions for the quarter ending the 30th June last.
On the 9th April, the Board was informed that the case of the Seventh day Baptists vs. Girard, was marked for trial in the District Court for the City and County of Philadelphia, and they immediately directed the papers to be placed in the hands of the Counsellor of the Gi- rard Estate, who was instructed to act in conjunction with the counsel employed by Mr. Girard, in defending the interests of the city. This suit involves the title to a lot of ground on the east side of Fifth, near Chesnut street. The Board are very desirous of having the controversy determined as early as possible :- should the decision be favorable to the city, it will afford a desirable site for the erection of a building adapted to the business of the Trust; the want of which is much felt.
71
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
1833.]
On the same day the Board directed the Treasurer to settle the account of the intestate property with the next kin of Mr. Girard, and pay over to them the balance in his hands on account of that estate. Instructions were also given to the agent to deliver to them possession of the said property.
On the 20th April, the Counsellor of the Girard Estate furnished a written opinion on sundry points embraced in a resolution of Councils of the 2d February last, a copy of which has already been communicated to Coun- cils. On the same day the Executors transferred to the city, certain stocks which enabled the Board to make up the appropriation for the College, which they did as follows:
6331 shares U. S. Bank Stock, 664,715
870,000 dolls. Penn'a. five per ct. Loan, 994,418
100,000 do. City Loan, 113,500
Penn'a. five per cent.
227,367
2,000,000
On the 4th May, the Board made up the appropria- tion for the Delaware Avenue Fund, and for other pur- poses, in the following manner: having first directed forty shares of the Union Insurance Company Stock to be sold, and the proceeds invested in the Pennsylvania 5 per cent Loan. Penn'a 5 per ct. loan, 45,822 66
Schuylkill Nav. Co. loan, 276,484 00
Mount Carbon R. Road loan, 30.000 00
Guardian of the Poor loan, 25,000 00
l'enn'a Insurance Co. Stoek, 11,000 00
Delaware Insurance Co. Stock,
4,200 00
4,166 67
Philad. Insurance Co. Stock, City 5 per cent loan,
87,745 00
l'enn'a 5 per cent loan,
13,860 00
Do. do. do.
1,721 67
$500,000 00
A letter was received from C. Loesar, Esq. Orwigs- burg, relative to an action of cjectment for lands in Schuylkill county, which was referred to the Commit- tee on Lands, out of the county of Philadelphia.
On the 8th May, a written opinion was received from the Counsellor of the Girard Estate, relative to the claim of Mr. Roberts to occupy the house in South 3d street, rent free. The opinion is favorable to the claim of Mr. Roberts: who, may, thefore, continue to occupy the house so long as he continues to be cashier of the Trustees of the Old Bank of the United States. The business of the Trustees not yet being wound up, a committee was appointed to ascertain the probable time their affairs will be brought to a close; no informa- tion has yet been received.
The Executors of Mr. Girard, having requested in- structions relative to the State Tax on the personal property of the Estate, the Board referred the subject to the Counsellor who advised that the tax should be paid-which was communicated to the Executors.
The Executors have notified the Board of their inten- tion of delivering to the city possession of the house in North Water street, the late mansion of Mr. Girard: when this takes place, the income of the Real Estate will be increased by the rent which it will yield.
By the liberality of the Directors of the Girard Bank, the Board was offered a room in their Banking house, which has been accepted for the accommodation of the furniture, books, and papers of Mr. Girard: where they have been deposited.
On June 18th, a communication was received from Councils directing this Board to take measures for con- testing the charges made for commissions by the Exec- utors. The subject was referred to the Counsellor with instructions to carry it into effect. The Board are informed that this has been done.
With respect to the Real Estate in the city and coun-
ty, the Board have the pleasure to inform Councils that it is all rented to tenants, who, with few exceptions, pay the rent with punctuality. The whole Estate is in excellent order; and under the supervision of the Agent who reports from time to time its condition, repairs are immediately made when required. For the amounts received from this portion of the Estate, as well from stocks, loans, &c., Councils are referred to the Trea- surer's quarterly accounts.
All which is respectfully submitted.
JOSHUA LIPPINCOTT, President. Attest-MORGAN ASH, Secretary.
The President submitted a communication signed James Laws, agent for Eliza Stout, complaining of the serious inconvenience sustained by petitioner from a spring of water in the eellar of the house at the S. W. corner of Second and Dock street, and praying for a permit for laying pipes to the culvert, for the purpose of draining the same. Also, a letter, signed W. A. Martin, clerk, enclosing a resolution of the Board of Health, recommending the immediate removal of the nuisance complained of, in the manner above mention- ed. Referred to the Paving Committee.
Mr. Merrick presented the following petition, signed by citizens residing in Market street, praying that a branch of the Philadelphia and Columbia Rail road may be extended down Market to Eighth street, which was referred to the Rail Road Committee.
To the Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia.
The memorial of the subscribers respectfully repre- sents :-
That the passage of the Philadelphia and Columbia Rail Road through this city is greatly calculated to promote the general prosperity of its inhabitants, and particularly those persons engaged in receiving and disposing of the produce of the interior of the state. It is obvious however, that the benefits to be derived from it will greatly depend on the fact of the road being carried to those parts of the city where this business has been heretofore transacted. All know the difficul- ties and reluctance, as well as losses of changing long established locations for the transaction of business requiring much room, and connected with the other branches of business necessarily fixed in their present location. Your memorialists owners and occupiers of property on Market street, between Delaware Eighth and Broad streets, therefore respectfully request that a branch of the Rail Road may be continued down Mar- ket street from Broad to Delaware Eighth street, with a double or single track, as may be deemed most expe- dient. This measure is deemed necessary by your me- morialists for the general interests of that trade and the city, as well as for the particular interests of your memo- rialists. It is apparent that if a branch is not made, a large portion of the trade now transacted in this portion of the city and destined greatly to increase on the com- pletion of that road, will be diverted into the Northern and Southern districts adjoining the city, greatly to the injury and prosperity of the corporate limits of this city. Should it be desired and found necessary, it is believed that the funds required to effect this object can be obtained from your memorialists and others with- out taxing the funds of the city.
Philadelphia, June 28, 1833.
Mr. Gowan presented the following petition from proprietors of wharves on the Delaware river, praying that further proceedings of Councils in reference to Delaware avenne, may be suspended .- Referred to the Committee on Delaware avenue.
To the Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia.
At a meeting of Proprietors of wharves on the river Delaware, within the limits of the city of Philadelphia,
72
PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.
[AUGUST
committees were appointed on each square, to view and report to a meeting to be convened hereafter, in relation to the contemplated " Delaware Avenue." It is respectfully suggested to Councils, that they post- pone any final decision in relation thereto, for the pre- sent.
J. RIDGWAY, Chairman of the Meeting. GEO. BLIGHT, Secretary. Philadelphia, July 8, 1833. .
Mr. Huston presented a petition from owners and occupiers of property on Haines street, running from Delaware Sixth, westward to Nicholson street, and be- tween Cherry and Race streets, praying that the said street may be paved. - Referred to Paving Committee.
Mr. Smith presented the following remonstrance against the erection of a market house in High street, which was referred to the Committee on Markets.
To the Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia.
The subscribers, owners of property, and residents or transacting business in Market street between 12th and 13th streets, beg leave to state, That they have learned with regret, that the committee on Markets have or are about to report an ordinance to erect a mar- ket house in Market street, between 12th and 13th streets. That being extensively engaged in the wes- tern trade, consisting of heavy and bulky goods coming in wagons, and having their stores especially adapted to that business, the erection of a market house would ef- fectually deprive them of the convenience they now have in pursuit of their usual occupations. That the continuance of the Pennsylvania Rail Road through the city from Vine to Cedar street along Broad street, will very probably induce business men in Market street, to take a branch down said street-the erection of the market house would render that impossible. That the market for the neighborhood is as well supplied with provisions of all kinds as it would be if the market house was built, the carts and wagons from the surrounding country, extending almost every Market day from Eighth to Juniper street, and even beyond Broad street. And lastly-That they believe your honorable bodies are restrained from the passing of such an ordinance by an act of the legislature regulating the building of Market houses from street to street, as may become necessary, passed March 23d, 1786-(Miller's digest p. 130.) The subscribers therefore respectfully and earnestly remon- strate against the erection of the proposed Market house, it being detrimental to their interests, and that of the city at large, and not in any degree required for the accommodation of the citizens of this and the con- tiguous neighborhood.
Mr. Gilder, chairman of the Building Committee, on the Girard College, made the following report :-
The committee appointed to take charge of the Gi- rard Lands out of the county of Philadelphia, to whom was referred the communication of Jacob Alter, rela- tive to the purchase or division of thirteen tracts of land in Schuylkill county, one-fourth of which is claim- ed by him, report:
That as Mr. Girard has made no provision in his will for the improvement of the lands devised by him to the city out of the county of Philadelphia, there are no funds out of which the title of Mr. Alter can be pur- chased. And whereas, the principle value of those lands is contained in the bowels of the earth, and con- sists it is presumed in Anthracite Coal, it would be im- possible to make a just and equitable division, the com- mittee are of opinion that it would be improper for the City Councils to sanction by their authority any partition of those lands, they therefore offer the following:
Resolved, That the request of Jacob Alter, as con- tained in his communication of the 20th of June last, cannot be complied with.
pledged as security for the payment of a loan to Daniel Olmstead, from the Franklin Legacy may be released, he having other property to pledge, for the same pur- pose. Referred to the Committee on Franklin and Scott's Legacies, and the City Solicitor, with power to act.
Mr. Elliott presented a petition from owners of pro- perty on Schuylkill Sixth street, between Arch and Cherry streets, praying that said street may be paved. Referred to the Paving Committee.
Mr. Elliott presented a bill from Lydia R. Baily, for- printing, executed under the orders of Councils, from Dec. 1, 1832, to May 16, 1833, amounting to $1290 92. Referred to Committee on Accounts.
Mr. Gilder, chairman of Paving Committee, reported an ordinance for permitting John Elliott to lay an iron pipe from his chemical Laboratory in Pine street be- tween Schuylkill Fourth and Fifth, to the Culvert, which was read a third time and passed. In the Select Council this ordinance was laid on the table.
Mr. Chandler offered a resolution directing the Building Committee of Girard College to prepare an account of the laying of the corner stone of the College, on the 4th instant, and publish 500 copies of the same, appended to the address of N. Biddle, Esq.
Mr. Lapsley chairman of the Market Committee, of- fered a resolution, directing the committee to report an ordinance for the erection of a market house in High street, between Eleventh and Thirteenth streets. This resolution was supported by Messrs. Lapsley, Gilder, Borie, and Morris, and opposed by Messrs. Huston, Merrick, and Byerly. It was subsequently amended by striking out the words "between Eleventh and Thirteenth streets," and inserting "west of Eighth street," in which shape the resolution was adopted.
Mr. Chandler called up for consideration the ordi- nance, published in last proceedings-appropriating $2500 to the use of the Trustees of Girard College, which passed a third reading, and was finally adopted.
Mr. Byerly called up for consideration an ordinance, published in last proceedings-for the alteration and regulation of Delaware Sixth, between Race and Vine streets, which was finally adopted.
Mr. Haines called up for consideration the report of the Watering Committee, in reference to the sale of certain city property to the Penn Township Rail Road Company, which was adopted. The following is the agreement:
This indenture, made this - day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- three, between the Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of Philadelphia, of the first part, and the Northern Li- berties and Penn Township Rail Road Company, of the second part; witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars unto them paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted, bargained, sold and conveyed, and by these presents, do grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said Northern Liberties and Penn Township Rail Road Company and their succes- sors, all that piece or parcel of land of triangular shape, situate in the District of Spring Garden, at the south west corner of Coates street and a street ageed to be laid out by the District of Spring Garden, by authority of a recent act of Assembly, along and on each side of the Columbia Rail Road, of the width of eighty feet, in- cluding said Rail Road, containing on each of said streets sixty feet, and bounded on the south by a circle drawn from points on each of said streets, at the dis- tance of sixty feet from their intersection, at a radius of five hundred feet: To have and to hold the said pre- mises to the said Northern Libertiesand Penn Township Rail Road Company and their successors, to and for the use of the said company for ever, for the purpose of continuing and laying out their rail ways thereupon,
Mr. Merrick presented a petition from Joseph Mar- shall, praying that certain property owned by him, and | leaving a footway on the south side thereof: Provided,
73
PENNSYLVANIA.
1833.]
and it is hereby agreed between the parties aforesaid, that if the said triangular piece of ground shall not be required for the purpose aforesaid, within the time of five years, or the said Rail Road should at any time hereafter be abandoned, the same shall revert back, and again become the property of the said party of the first part upon re-payment of the purchase money aforesaid to the said party of the second part: and provided also that in laying out the track or tracks of said Rail Road, a reservation shall be made as aforesaid, on said trian- gular piece or parcel of land, for a footway, to be of the width of at least ten feet between said Rail Road track or tracks, and the city property south of said piece or parcel of land of a triangular shape as herein described, and in accordance with the plan herewith annexed.
In witness of all which, the words " within the time of five years" being first interlined, the public or cor- porate seal of the party of the first part has been hereto affixed, by the Mayor of the city of Philadelphia, by direction of the Select and Common Councils of the said city, and the public seal of the party of the second party has been affixed by the President of the Northern Liberties and Penn Township Rail Road Company, the day and year first above written.
Received the day of A. D. 1833, of the Northern Liberties and Penn Township Rail Road Com- pany, by the sum of one hundred and fifty dol- lars, being the full amount of consideration money above mentioned.
Mr. Maitland offered a resolution, directing the City Commissioners to collect immediately, all arrearages due from the tenants occupying Drawbridge Lot-which was adopted.
The resolution of the Select Council, authorizing a deputation of Councils to visit the Girard and Bodinot Lands in Schuylkill county, was taken up and concur- red in.
From the National Gazette. PENNSYLVANIA.
Very few of the inhabitants of Philadelphia kuow much about the State of which they are citizens. They see, around them, a beautiful, rich and flourishing city, and they are proud of it; they hear, occasionally, of the wealth and resources of Pennsylvania, and they are satisfied. When health or pleasure induces them to leave their homes, they-betake themselves to swal- low nauseous waters at Saratoga; or to bask on the un- shaded sands of the sea-beach; or weary themselves, in body and spirit, by pacing, to and fro, in the long piaz- zas of fashionable watering places, without an object to attract or reward attention. They sit day after day in the same place, at the same table, to devour roasted pigs and rice puddings, which they would not touch at home, and are stewed, night after night, in close and warm closets, called bed chambers; or spread them- selves on the tables or floor of the dining room Whe- ther health or pleasure be the object of these summer excursions, a journey through the northern and western parts of this state is infinitely preferable to these fash- ionable resorts. Comfort, plenty and cleanliness are found in the unpretending taverns on the road, and every mile opens some scene of novelty and interest,- some evidence of the industry, skill, enterprise and wealth of the commonwealth.
Let the traveller who can feel and understand such manifestations of human power and happiness, take his course up the Delaware. Passing along the cultivated and quiet banks of the river, and always in the neigh- borhood of the Delaware canal, he will come to Easton; a large and growing town, full of business, and exhi biting the evidences of wealth, hardly exceeded by any place in the United States of the same size and population. In journeying from Easton to Mauch Chunk, by the way of Bethlehem, if he pleases, although a few miles out of the direct road, he will frequent- VOL. XII. 10
ly encounter the canal of the Lehigh company, one of the most substantial and useful works of the kind in this or any country. The scenery is grand, romantic and varied, especially in the vicinity of the Blue Moun- tain, through which he will pass by a gap made for, or by the clear and beautiful Lehigh. Between Easton and the mountain, the riches of Pennsylvania agricul- ture are displayed in fields, as far as the eye can reach from successive eminences, loaded with every produc- tion of the earth. The different colors of the various grains and grasses give a variety and richness to the picture that lies under the eye, that cannot be imagin- ed by one who has seen nothing but brick houses and paved streets, or pine barrens and white sand.
From the hotel at Mauch Chunk, once very good, I do not know it this season, our traveller may ascend on a rail road, about nine miles, to the mines of the compa- ny-and the wonders of the coal region open upon him. I will not stop to describe them. The distance from Mauch Chunk to Pottsville is about thirty miles, two- thirds of which may be passed on a rail road. At Potts- ville, you are amidst the creations of magic; the natural magic of money, enterprise and skill. Canals are branching in various directions, connected, by numer- ous rail roads, with the hills, more or less distant, which contain the mineral wealth that is now distributed to several of our great cities, as well as to many parts of the country, and the demand for which is increasing so rapidly, that its extent cannot be foreseen. But, Potts- ville! Where and what is this Pottsville? inquires one who declares that it is but five or six years since he vi- sited the place called Pottsville, and there was no city or town, or even a humble village there. He remembers nothing but steep and rugged hills, with the Schuylkill gliding between them, silent and obscure. So it was at a period less distant than that mentioned. But Potts- ville is now a large incorporated borough, beautiful in its position, and imposing in its appearance. Fine houses line a long and close-built street. Splendid ho- tels; extensive stores supplied with every article of lux- ury or use; and, better than all, an intelligent and po- lished population, astonish the stranger in Pottsville.
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