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 55
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117
The Pottsville and Danville Rail Road Company, to whom a lease has been given to work the coal mines on the Bear ridge, have commenced their operations, and have ascertained from actual exploration, that there are sixteen large veins of coal on the ridge which they have opened, producing coal of superior quality-they are making a tunnel, and have penetrated the ridge about eighty feet, and as the rail road is expected to be finish- ed as far as Girardville the present season, there is no doubt that coal will be brought from those lands to this city, during the ensuing spring. The saw mill on the Shenandoah creek has been put in good order-this mill as well as the two other saw mills on the Mahonoy, have been busily employed in cutting timber to fulfil the contract entered into by the agent, with the Potts- ville and Danville Rail Road Company-these mills will yield a fair profit to the city, and have no doubt contri-
buted greatly towards facilitating the works of the Rail Road Company.
The committee are of opinion that those lands will, at no distant period, with judicious management, be pro- ductive of very considerable revenue to the city, but owing to the particular circumstances under which this part of Mr. Girard's estate is devised, they have thought it most prudent to enter into an arrangement with the agent, whose salary has been continued the same as fix- ed by Mr. Girard-by which his salary and all incidental expenses, including taxes, shall not exceed the income of the estate, while all the proceeds of the estate beyond the amount of his salary are to be paid over by him to the treasurer of the Girard estates.
In conclusion, the committee beg leave to remark, that it is doubtful whether the boundary lines of this estate have ever been correctly established, and con- ceiving this to be a matter of much importance, they re- spectfully recommend the adoption of the following re- solution:
Resolved, That the committee having in charge the lands helonging to the estate of the late Stephen Girard, out of the county of Philadelphia, be, and they are hereby authorised to take such measures as they may think the most expedient for ascertaining and establish- ing the boundary lines of the lands in Schuylkill county, and that the Mayor be authorised to draw his warrants, (at the request of the said committee, ) on the treasurer of the Girard estates, for such sums as may be necessary to accomplish that object.
In compliance with the resolution of Councils, the committee have also visited the lands devised by the late Elias Boudinot to this corporation, in trust, &c .- these lands lie on the south side of the west branch of the Susquehanna, and on the western declivity of the Alle- gheny mountain; they commence about four miles be- low Karthau's, and extend down the river several miles, and no doubt contain large bodies of bituminous coal and iron: the committee are of opinion that these mine- rals together with the timber in the vallies, constitute the chief value of this estate, there being but little if any farming land. The west branch canal, now antho- rised by act of assembly, will, when completed, be within about fifty miles from the lower end of the lands; and when the river is high it can be navigated to that point without difficulty. These lands however, are so remote from the city, and the expense and difficulty necessarily attending their management, will conse- quently be so great, that it is presumed they cannot for a length of time be made to contribute much towards the objects intended by the donor, in addition to these circumstances the taxes (of which two years are now due) are still accumulating. In view of these facts, the committee, after having given the subject mature de- liberation, are of opinion that the best course to pursue, will be for the city to obtain the sanction of the state, by act of Assembly, for them to make sale of these lands to the best advantage, and apply the proceeds thereof to the objects specified in the will of the testa- tor. They therefore offer the following resolutions:
Resolved, That application be made to the legisla- ture, at their next session, for authority to sell the lands in Centre county, devised to this city, in trust, &c. by the late Elias Boudinot.
Resolved, That the Mayor be, and he hereby is au- thorised to draw his warrant on the city treasurer, in favor of J. G. Lowry, Esq. treasurer of Centre county, for the sum of forty dollars and two cents, being the amount of taxes due on the Boudinot lands, for the years 1832 and 1833.
Philadelphia, Sept. 12, 1833.
The first and third resolutions were adopted, and con- curred in by the Common Council. The second reso- lution was laid on the table.
Mr. Worrell, from the committee to whom was refer- | red the petition of Griffith Evans and George Pepper,
187
IMPROVEMENTS ON THE SCHUYLKILL.
1833. ]
praying for an extension of the culvert in Mulberry street, westward to the river, reported favorably on the application, and submitted an ordinance authorising the city commissioners to commence the work. Expense of culvert, wharf, and dock, estimated at $3,500. Laid on the table.
Mr. Wetherill, from the Watering Committee, made report on the subject of the old Engine House, at Fair Mount, recommending that the centre building be ar- ranged for public meetings of citizens, and the wings fitted up for the use of the men having charge of the water works. Cost estimated at $3,000. Adopted.
Mr. Wetherill, from the Watering Committee, made a report, recommending the appointment of two suitable persons to examine the condition of the Fair Mount dam, with a view to ascertain its stability. Also, recom- mending that the Watering Committee be authorised to appoint qualified persons to measure the quantity of water flowing over said dam. Adopted.
Mr. Worrell, from the committee on the city proper- ty, at Chesnut street wharf, Schuylkill, made the follow- ing report:
To the Select and Common Councils of the City of Philadelphia.
The commitee appointed to superintend the improve- ments of the city property, at Chesnut street wharf, on the Schuylkill, in addition to their report presented on the 14th of February, 1833, further report-
That in conformity to the resolution of Councils, passed November 8th, 1832, they have caused the Old Engine House at the corner of Schuylkill Front and Chesnut streets, to be taken down, and made use of the materials thereof, in the erection of the Store House, authorised to be built, under the direction of the com- mittee by resolutions of Councils-the said store is one hundred and twenty feet front on Beach street, and from thence extending westward eighty feet, and is now being roofed in.
'The south dock or canal, is nearly completed witlı suitable floodgates, now in their places, and the north dock or canal is nearly walled up, the whole being in a satisfactory state of progress.
The money expended on these improvements up to the present time, amounts to the sum of thirty-two thousand and fifty-six dollars and thirty-five cents-and for removing the old engine house, the cost has been twelve hundred and thirty eight dollars, seventy seven cents; together amounting to thirty-three thousand two hundred and ninety-five dollars and twelve cents.
The committee have received from J. Erdman, an estimate of the probable cost of completing the build- ings, wharves, docks, &c. Which including the sums now due and unpaid, amounts to twenty-one thousand three hundred and twenty-five dollars, making the whole expense of this improvement when completed, (which the committee believe will be in the course of the present season, ) fifty-four thousand six hundred and twenty dollars, and twelve cents. All of which is respectfully submitted.
Mr. Lippincott, from the committee on the subject, reported an ordinance for the regulation, government, and direction of the Wills' Hospital, which was ordered to be printed.
Mr. Groves from the committee on the subject, re- ported an ordinance, directing the City Clerk to make correct accounts, annually, of all taxes and water rents levied on the estate of the late Stephen Girard, and or- dering the same, when duly ascertained, to be paid over to the City Treasurer. Ordered to be printed.
Mr. Massey submitted a letter from Professor Hare, on the subject of lighting the city with gas, &c. and ex . pressing his opinion as to the inexpediency of that mea- sure. Laid on the table.
Mr. Lippincott submitted a resolution authorising the Mayor to draw his warrant in favour of the City Trea-
surer, on B. Cooper, Treasurer of the Girard Fund, for $30,000, to be appropriated to the improvement of the city property on the Schuylkill. Laid on the table. COMMON COUNCIL.
The president submitted a communication signed Richard Willing, and others, representing that a sloop, loaded with paving stones, which had recently sunk off Stamper's wharf, materially interfered with the naviga- tion of the river, and praying that the corporation would direct its removal. On motion, the committee on the drawbridge lot, were authorised to confer with the wardens of the port, and take measures for the removal of said obstruction.
The president submitted a communication from Mi- chael Woolf, the individual employed to attend to the committees of Councils, at their meetings in the City Hall, requesting some compensation for his services. Referred to a joint special committe, authorised to re- port at next meeting, the proper amount of compensa- tion. Committee of Common Council, Messrs. Maitland and Yarnall. Select Council, Massey and McCreedy.
Mr. Wetherill presented a petition from a committee of the Fifth. Baptist Church, in Sansom street, praying permission to erect in front of their house of worship, a patent reflecting lamp-the oil, &c. to be furnished by the city. Referred to the committee on Argand burn- ers.
Mr. Sailor presented a memorial remonstrating against making Crown street a stand for coaches. Referred to the committee on markets.
Dr. Huston presented a petition praying that west George street may be opened and regulated.
Mr. Smith presented a petition of like import. Re- ferred to the Paving Committee, with power to act.
Mr. Smith presented a petition, praying that Jaco- by street may be paved. Referred to the Paving Com- mittee.
Mr. Chandler presented a communication signed Mi- chael Andress, agent for John Brooks, in relation to a nuisance back of Third, above Union street, and asking permission to lay an iron pipe to the culvert in Union street, to remove the same. Referred to the Paving Committee.
Mr. Gilder presented a petition asking that Lewis street may be paved. Referred to Paving Committee, with power to act.
Mr. Elliott presented a bill making the corporation debtor to J. B. Sewell, $30, for superintending the printing of sundry accounts of the Girard estate. Re- ferred to the committee on Accounts.
Mr. Lapsley from the Market Committee, to whom was referred a petition praying for a change in the stand for market carts, from Pine above Third street, to Pine below Third street, reported against the application. Adopted, and concurred in by Select Council.
Mr. Lapsley from the Market Committee, to whom was referred petitions for erecting a stand for Manayunk coaches, reported against the application. Adopted, and concurred in by Select Council.
Mr. Merrick from the committee appointed to pre- pare an ordinance for the re-organization of the City Police, agreeably to the provisions of the will of . Stephen Girard, made the following report which was adopted, and concurred in by Select Council.
That in the fulfilment of the duties assigned them, they have examined_into present arrangements, and have called to their aid gentlemen whose practical knowledge and long experience in its operation, ena- bled them to point out wherein it is defective, and to what extent changes may be made conducive to the public good.
The result of these inquiries has been a conviction on the minds of the committee, that to meet in its full
188
CHARGE OF JUDGE DARLINGTON.
[SEPTEMBER
spirit, the wishes of the testator, and render the police an efficient protection to the lives and property of their fellow citizens, will require a change in the whole sys- tem, involving an increased expenditure, arising from additional duties, and an increased number of individu- als to be employed.
In a matter of so much importance to the welfare and safety of the community, your committee are of opi- nion, that no hasty or ill-advised steps should be taken, but that the plan should be fully matured by gentlemen fully competent to the task.
The committee have applied for advice to the Mayor and Recorder of the city, and the late Mayor, and be- lieving that the experience of those gentlemen, whose knowledge of the subject will enable them to judge of the practical operation of any change that may be made, better than can be done by any committee of Councils, recommend that the subject be referred to them to re- port to an early meeting of the next Councils, and in pursuance offer the following resolution to the consider- ation of Councils.
Resolved, That John Swift, Mayor of the city, Joseph Mcilvaine, Recorder, Benjamin W. Richards, and Jos. Watson, late Mayors, be and are hereby appointed Commissioners for the purpose of devising a new and more efficient system of police, for the protection of the city, in obedience to the will of Stephen Girard, and that they be requested to report at the first meeting of next Council, or as soon after as practicable.
All which is respectfully submitted.
Mr. Merrick from the committee on Fire companies, made the following report, which was unanimously adopted and concurred in by Select Council.
To the Select and Common Councils.
The committee on Fire companies report-
That in conformity with the ordinances appropriating to the Fire companies in the city, the sum of $7000 to defray expenses incurred in keeping their fire appara- tus in effective service-they have certified to the May- or the following apportionment, and requested him to draw his warrant on the City Treasurer, in favor of the President of the companies, respectively, for the amount appropriated to each.
Assistance Engine Company $245
Columbia
245
Delaware
245
Diligent
291 50
Good Will 245
Hand-in-Hand 245
Harmony
245
Hibernia
245
Pennsylvania
291 50
Philadelphia
291 50
Reliance
245
Vigilant
245
Washington
245
American Hose Company
282
Columbia
282
Fame
282
Good Intent
282
Hope
282
Neptune
282
Philadelphia
282
Perseverance
282
Phoenix
291 50
Resolution
282
Robert Morris
282
Southwark
282
Washington
282
$7000 00
In this apportionment your committee have been guided by their predecessors. During their visit to in- spect the apparatus, no disapprobation was expressed by the gentlemen in attendance to the amount appor- tioned to each, except in one or two instances, when
from an increase of expenditure and value of appara- tus, a like increase of appropriation was. sought. As however the grade had been fixed by former commit- tees, after a careful examination into the circumstances of each company, and as the session was advanced too near its close before such application was made, to ad- mit of such a revision, as would ensure equal justice to all, your committee have not deemed it expedient or proper at this time to make any change.
The committee cannot close their report without ex- pressing their gratification at the admirable order and keeping of the Fire apparatus, every part of which ap- peared in the best condition for effective service, and reflects much credit on the gentlemen to whose patri- otic exertions the community are indebted for the pre- servation of their property from the destructive ele- ment. All which is respectfully submitted.
Mr. Gilder from the Paving Committee, reported a resolution for repaving Sixth street from Race to Vine -Rye street-Walnut street from Schuylkill Third to Front, and Schuylkill Sixth from Race to Arch.
Dr. Huston called up for consideration the report of the committee on changing the name of South alley, and offered an amendment directing said alley, as well as the new street opposite to be called, Commerce street, which was adopted. Select Council non·con- curred in the amendment-Common Council refused to recede, and appointed Messrs, Chandler and · Hus- ton a committee of Conference. Select Council ap- pointed Messrs. Wetherill and Lippincott.
On motion, Councils adjourned until Thursday even- ing next.
CHARGE OF JUDGE DARLINGTON.
HORSE-RACING.
"At the recent court in Delaware county, Judge Dar- lington delivered a Charge to the Grand Jury-and at their request, furnished the following extract there- from, which we find in the Upland Union.
There is one offence against the laws, of which we are very rarely officially informed, but which we have abundant reason to believe, is too common within this district. - Rumor, and even the public newspapers, sometimes inform us that the law against horse-racing is disregarded and set at nought in this and the adjoining county of Chester. It is believed that times and places are appointed for these public and open infractions of the law-that crowds assemble to witness them, always composed, in part, of the idle, the dissolute, and the vicious-the free passage of citizens over the highways is often obstructed-and the scene not unfrequently winds up with gaming, drunkenness, and hreaches of the peace. The subject is respectfully submitted to the attention of the Grand Jury.
We will not detain you to inquire whether public horse-racing be, under any circumstances, useful or necessary for the encouragement of the better breeds of horses, (a question about which much might be said on both sides) because, it is believed, all will agree that the tendency and practical effect of horse-racing, (at least such as are supposed to exist among us,) is noxious to the peace and good order of the community: besides often obstructing the highways, and rendering the passage over them dangerous, the facilities given to the extension of crime and fraud, by the gathering of the idle and vicious; the various species of gambling which are sometimes practised by them on such occa- sions; the chance of uttering and passing counterfeit notes; and many other practices of a demoralizing and criminal tendency, must far overbalance any imaginary good which can ever be hoped for by the practice of horse-racing, and be a sufficient consideration, one would suppose, to induce the whole people, magistracy and peace officers, of such a county as this, to rise up and put forth their strength against the practice, and thus eradicate the stain which will otherwise remain
189
MISCELLANEOUS.
1833.]
upon the general good character of the people of this county for exemplary morals and peaceable and dutiful submission to the laws.
But it is enough for You and for us to know, " that all racing, running,-pacing or trotting horses, mares, or geldings, for money, goods or chattels, or other va- luable things," are declared by the act of the 17th of February, 1810, " to be common nuisances against the state," and the " authors, parties, contrivers and abet- tors thereof, shall be prosecuted and proceeded against by indictment." The same act further provides, that " each horse, mare or gelding, used or employed by the owner thereof, or with his consent, in any race, on which any bet or wager shall have been laid, or any purse or stakes shall have been made, shall be forfeited to the proper county: and the said horse, mare or geld- ing so forfeited, shall at any time within two months thereafter, be seized by any overseer of the poor or supervisor of the highways of the township in which such race shall have been run, or by the sheriff, or any of his deputies, of the county within which said town- ship shall be situate."
We know not whether any complaints may be for- mally laid before you for offences against the law just referred to, but the attestation you have just taken, au- thorises you, nay requires you to make diligent inquiry; that is, by all the means within your knowledge, or that you may be furnished with. If you require the atten- dance of witnesses, the court will compel their atten- dance, so that you may examine them on oath. You have the right to present the offences and the names of the offenders in writing, with the names of the witness- es you may choose to furnish, whereby the Attorney General may be enabled to prepare and prosecute in- dictments.
If it shall be found that any peace officers, whose duty it is to suppress crimes and punish nuisances, or any officers especially charged with the execution of the act referred to-if any magistrate, constable, over- seer of the poor, supervisors of the highways, sheriff or his deputies, have been remiss in their duty, so that either offenders or horses have escaped, the Grand Jury have a right to present them.
The gambling character of horse-racing is all that has heretofore met the reprehension of the Legislature, ex- cept within the city and county of Philadelphia. By the act of the 22d of March, 1817, all horse-racing, whether for money or other valuable thing or not, is forbidden, under severe penalties, upon any of the public roads or highways in that populous district-a provision which, for the safety and convenience of travellers, we should like to see extended over the state. But under the pre- sent act, to which your inquiries have been directed, it is only such races upon which some " bet or wager" shall have been laid, or " some purse or stakes shall have been made, or some money, goods, chattels or other valuable things" shall have been striven for, that come under the notice, penalties and forfeitures of the law.
It is recommended to the Grand Jury to take the subject into consideration, with a hope that whatever may be the immediate result, at least public inquiry may be directed to the subject, and that in the end, the offence with all its concomitant evils may be banished from our county. - Village Record.
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Sept. 2, 1823.
The trustees of the University have great satisfaction in being able, after three years' experience, and after the examination of the classes in the collegiate depart- ment which has lately taken place, to renew the assu- rance of their entire and even increased confidence in the efficiency of the institution under its present pro- fessors. The system of instruction adopted at the re- organization of the department of arts, was announced in the month of September, 1829, and at the close of
the studies of the following year, the trustees took oc- casion to state the gratifying results of the first years' labours. The expectations then indulged have been fully realized, and they feel themselves warranted in saying from a careful inspection during the three years which have since elapsed, and especially at the close of the last session, that this system has been ably and faithfully carried into effect. The instruction of the pupils in everybranch of their studies has been tho- rough and accurate.
The trustees have pleasure also in believing that the public confidence in the University is becoming more and more established. The number of pupils admitted at the last examination was greater by one third than at the corresponding period of any former year. It is en- couraging to perceive from this demonstration, that the institution is growing in the esteem of our fellow citi- zens, and that the measure of its support increases with the conviction, founded upon actual results exhibited by the classes that have been graduated, of its capacity to afford a comprehensive and solid education.
In bearing this testimony, according to their duty, to the merits of the Institution, and to the industry, zeal and ability of the Professors, the Trustees avail themselves of the occasion to repeat the expression of their sense of the importance of the trust committed to them, and of their determination to endeavour to exe- cute it in a manner worthy of the enlightened commu- nity whom it most immediately concerns. That com- munity, and all who may feel an interest in the advance- ment of morality and learning, they would respectfully but earnestly invite to make themselves acquainted with the actual state of the University, persuaded that nothing more will be necessary to convince them that " it is as broad in its principles, and comprehensive in its course of instruction, as any college within our common country," and extending its usefulness by their counte- nance and support. Let it have the place it deserves in their thoughts and affections, so as to be invigorated by the warmth of habitual kindness and consideration, and with the blessing of Heaven its success is certain.
Signed by order of the Board.
WM. WHITE, Chairman. JAMES C. BIDDLE, Secretary.
THE COAL TRADE .- In our paper of Wednesday we published what we then stated was an incomplete ac- count of the number of the vessels laden with coal, that had cleared from the river Schuylkill, during a period of a little over five months. [See page 158.] Weare now enabled to present a tolerably complete return. Froin 20th of March to the 1st of September, the num- ber of vessels laden with full cargoes of coal, were 52 brigs, 568 schooners, and 124 sloops -- making a total of 744 vessels. During the same period, the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company despatched from the Delaware, laden with coal from the mines at Mauch Chunk, 1 ship, 32 brigs, 155 schooners, and 55 sloops-total, 243. The whole number of clearances from the Delaware and Schuylkill, therefore, amount to nine hundred and eighty-seven.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.