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 82

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 438

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 82

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" These are questions which the public are called up- on to consider by the strongest motives of self preserva- tion, and which upon their responsibility to posterity they must decide."

Since those remarks were made, experience, obser- vation and intelligence from abroad, have all tended to confirm their truth, and to establish beyond a question, the practical value and efficiency of the new police of London, whose organization resembles that now recom- mended by the Commissioners.

We have it on the authority of intelligent and dis-

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tinguished Americans, who have seen for themselves, that throughout all the districts of the English Metropo- lis in which the new system has been tried, there pre- vails an admirable degree of order, regularity and de- cency, and that the most perfect security is afforded to every person during all hours of the day and night. In these districts are included many streets which former- ly were abandoned almost exclusively to the occupancy of thieves and felons, and through which, no respecta- ble individual could pass without the most imminent danger of personal injury, robbery and murder.

To this testimony from abroad, may be added what the observation of the whole American police must con- firm, that within the last five years, a large proportion of the most daring and ingenious crimes detected in this country, have been traced to experienced London cul- prits recently arrived, who have probably been forced by the operations of the new police, from those dark recesses of a crowded city, which once afforded them shelter and security. This continued emigration of the refuse of the English population, has grown into a se- rious evil, and furnishes an additional argument for the establishment of a more energetic preventive system in our own country.

In connection with such evidence in favor of the new police system of Londom, it is gratifying to remark, that its effects have not arisen from any additional or arbitrary powers conferred upon the officers, but are entirely referable to its regular, organized and systemat- ic operation. It is a fact, worthy of all observation, that the existing regulations of London, confer less power upon the individual police man, leave less to his discre- tion, and afford him less opportunity to oppress the cit- izen than those which have always prevailed in Phila- delphia, in reference to the nighly watch.

To the arrangements which the commissioners have thus ventured to recommend,an objection may easily be raised on the score of expense. That an increased expenditure will be necessary, they have no desire to conceal; on the contrary, they are prepared to indicate its probable extent. A number of private police men will be requir- ed, at least double the present city watch-and some addition to the rate of wages will be necessary-two additional lieutenants and one clerk will be created, and sixteen inspectors substituted for the twelve city police officers now in authority. To these sources of expense must be added the rent of two additional watch houses and 12 rooms or stations for inspectors, it being contem- plated that each watch house will also be an inspector's station.

An answer to such objections is easily furnished. The city heretofore has been watched during half of every hour, between 10 and 11 at night and daybreak. It is now proposed to guard it during every moment of the night, and so much during the day,as may be necessary for the perfect maintenance of peace and order. That the expense should be doubled or more than doubled at such a change is not therefore to be wondered at, and the only question is whether the change proposed be necessary and desirable. The Commissioners believe that the highest and best interests of society, the com- fort of the present generation and the hopes of prospe- rity imperiously require it. They believe moreover, that no establishment less numerous or expensive can reach the great objects in view. It would be easy to devise a cheaper system, professing the same objects, but which must certainly fail in the performance of its functions. Would such a system be recommended by just views of economy? And would not the argument for an imperfect police on the score of its economy be stronger still for abolishing it altogether.

curity of the persons and property of the inhabitants, by a competent police, including a sufficient number of watchmen really suitable to the purpose. It follows then that an increase in the number, and an improve- ment in the quality of those employed in the police, were in contemplation of the testator, and that to this increase and improvement (for both of which the com- missioners have endeavoured to provide) he meant to devote a large portion of his property. If we go fur- ther and enquire to what extent he designed this in- crease should go, we arrive at the conclusion that he expected the watch to be doubled at least, because he has recommended that on each beat or round at least two watchmen should go together. The spirit of this recommendation has been followed, by assigning two watchmen to each round, one of whom should be con- stantly on duty, and by providing the means of reinforc- ing him at a short notice, on all occasions where greater force may be necessary. The other recommendation of the testator, that the city be divided into four dis- tricts, has been incorporated in the plan proposed.

Having thus, as briefly and distinctly as the extent and complicated nature of the subject would admit, explain- ed their views, the Commissioners respectfully submit them to the consideration of the Councils. They regret that one gentleman named in the resolution (Mr. Rich- ards) has been prevented, by severe and protracted sickness, from joining in their deliberations, or par- ticipating in this report. From his knowledge, talents and experience, they had reason to expect the most important aid.

JOHN SWIFT, Mayor. JOSEPH M'ILVAINE, Recorder. JOSEPH WATSON.

From the Bucks County Intelligencer.

Mr. Editor :- A desire to promote harmony and friend- ly feelings between the Agents of the Commonwealth, and the people residing in the vicinity of our public improvements, has induced me to request a publication of the following correspondence. It grew out of a disposition which has been manifested on the part of some of our Justices of the Peace, to adopt a course of extrajudicial proceedings, in matters connected with our public works. If the opinion of the Attorney Ge- neral, therein set forth, shall tend to shield the Agents of the Commonwealth from illegal and vexatious prose- cutions, or prevent useless litigation, it will be a source of much pleasure and gratification.

Respectfully yours, SIMPSON TORBERT.

Pennsylvania Canal Office, 2 Del. Div. 17th Oct. 1633. 5

Extract of a letter to Ellis Lewis, Esq. Attorney General.

Pennsylvania Canal Office, 2 Del. Div. 22d Sept. 1833. S

Dear Sir :- Has a Justice of the Peace a right to in- stitute an action against an agent of the State for the recovery of wages dne to persons for labour done on the Canal, or have they any authority to bring suits against the public agents or labourers, for taking earth, gravel, &c. off private property, for the purpose of making repairs on the canal-and if such actions should be brought, what would be the proper course for the agents of the Commonwealth to adopt.

Respectfully yours, SIMPSON TORBERT, Sup't.

ELLIS LEWIS, Esq. Attorney General.

But the will of the venerated Girard, in that clause to Extract from Mr. Lewis' reply. which the commissioners, by the terms of their appoint- ment, are specially referred, presents a conclusive an · HARRISBURG, Oct 8, 1833. Dear Sir :- Unless an agent of the State expressly makes himself liable in a contract for wages due for swer to all such objections. That clause expressly de- votes certain portions of his estate "to enable Councils to provide more effectually than they now do, for the se- | labour on the Canal, he cannot be sued-because a suit

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against him in his official capacity is in reality a suit against the State, which can never be brought in any State Courts against her consent-prescribing the terms, &c. On this subject I have given an opinion to Gen. Wm. B. Mitchell, Superintendent of the Columbia and Philadelphia Rail Road. (See present Vol. page 176. ) It is confined particularly to that branch of your inqui- ries relative to suits entertained by Justices, for materi- als taken for Canal and Rail Road purposes, a copy of which I herewith send you.

Yours, very respectfully, ELLIS LEWIS.

SIMPSON TORBERT, Sup't. &c.

5th Section of the Act of the 6th of April, 1830, referred to in the letter of Mr. Lewis, page 176.

"And be it further enacted, &c. That in cases where injury or damage has been or may be done to private property, by reason of the Pennsylvania Canal or Rail Road passing through the same, or by the taking of any materials for said Canal or Rail Road, it shall be the du- ty of the Canal Commissioners to ascertain as nearly as may be in their power, the amount of damage actually sustained, and to make an offer of such sum, to the per- son or persons aggrieved,as they shall think reasonable, a record of which offer shall be made, and if the same should not be accepted, and the damage thereafter as- sessed in the manner provided for by this act, should not amount to a larger sum than the one offered a aforesaid; the person or persons in whose favour such damage be assessed, shall pay all the costs attending such assessment, and a certified copy of the record of such offer as aforesaid, shall be evidence of the amount thereof."

PITTSBURG WAGONERS.

WHEELING, Sept. 28.

On Wednesday last sixty wagons with merchandise for the west arrined in this place.

The Baltimore Gazette of Monday says that one hundred and one wagons were despatched Westward that morning from the Depot of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road.

Few of our eastern people who have not travelled to the west, have any conception of the vast amount of transportation east and west from the cities of Philadel- phia and Baltimore to the cities of Pittsburgh and Wheeling on the Ohio, a distance of 300 miles by land. The wagons which are constantly employed in this trade, have the capacity of a one story building 20 feet long by six to eight feet wide. These house-wagons are covered with canvass, and are drawn, many of them by five stout horses, but the greater part of them by six or eight. Their loads vary from sixty to eighty cwt. and they travel from 18 to 22 miles a day, making a trip from Philadelphia to Pittsburg and back again in about 30 or 35 days. Several thousand wagons are employed in this business. They go in squads of half a dozen to thirty in a string, and keep company the whole distance. They have their regular "wagon tav- erns," as they are called, to stay at over night, and we have seen over fifty of these teams meet at one place for rest.

The drivers carry a mattress and a blanket, and after they have fed themselves and their horses, and drank their usual potation of whiskey they spread the mat- tress upon the floor of the bar room and lie down to rest-this is the only bed on which many of them sleep from one year's end to another-they do not un- dress, except merely to take off their coats and do not perhaps change any part of their clothing from one end of their journey to the other.

In the morning they feed and card their horses, and as soon as they breakfastand harness, they start on their journey and do not stop to feed themselves or their

teams, until they have driven to the end of their day's route. They eat but two regular meals a day, for each . of which they pay 22 cents ;- their horses are fed with oats altogether, which they purchase of the tavern keeper, at a few cents advance on the original cost. The first cost of their meals is more than the tavern keeper receives, so that the only profit the taverner gets from his customers is that which arises from the sale of whiskey, and the manure made in his yard. These teams do not see the inside of a barn or shed perhaps during their lives. At night the harness is taken off and laid upon a pole running across the axel-trees, and sticking out behind the wagon-the horses are then tied to different parts of the wagon, and fed from pro- vender troughs which are carried for that purpose on the journey, and let the weather be what it may, the poor beasts must stand in the open air at the mercy of the elements. We have often asked the wagoner why he did not put his horses into the stable during the storm; and have as often received for reply, "that they do better by standing out;" and as a proof of the truth uf their assertion, we do not remember of ever having seen what is usually denominated a poor horse among the many thousands which have come under our obser- vations.

Many persons have made independent fortunes in this business of teaming. We have known some young men to begin as drivers at eight and ten dollars a month and after a few years labor, be the owner of a dozen teams-when they get thus wealthy, they ride upon horseback, and accompany their teams all in a string, from the Ohio to the Delaware, and purchase flour and whiskey, and sell them on their own account to the mer- chants and tavern keepers on the route.

The transportation of goods by wagons from the east to the west is about drawing to a close. The canals between Philadelphia and Pittsburg are already com- pleted, and the Portage Rail Road across the Allegheny Mountains, to connect the canals on each side, will be completed early next season, when, on this route, wag- ons will cease to run. The Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road is already completed to Frederick, a distance of about 75 miles-the whole will be completed in a few years-when these improvements shall be in operation, what is now termed, a "Pittsburg Wagoner," will no more be known.

We did not intend to write so long an article-but its perusal may not be altogether useless or uninterest- ing to a portion of our readers, who, like ourself until 1817, may be ignorant of the extent of business, habits, and customs of a Pittsburg Teamster.'-Long Island Advocate.

JEFFERSON COLLEGE.

Extract from the Minutes of the Alumni Association of Jefferson College.

CANONSBURG, Sept. 25, 1833.

According to previous intimation, a number of the Alumni of Jefferson College assembled for the purpose of organizing an association. The necessary officers having been selected, the committee appointed on a former occasion, consisting of the Rev. Aaron Williams, Rev. A. B. Brown, and Stephen Caldwell, Esq., reported a constitution, which was adopted, as fol- lows-

Article 1. The name of this association shall be "The Alumni Association of Jefferson College."

Art. 2. The object of this association shall be to pro- mote the interests of the College, and the friendly inter- course of its graduates.

Art. 3 .. The Alumni of the old Canonsburg Academy, now in the learned professions, all the Alumni of the college, and those who are, or have been, instructers in the Institution, shall be considered members, together with such Alumni of other colleges, and honorary

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graduates of this college, as may be elected on applica- tion.

Art. 4. The officers of the association shall be a Pre- sident, seven Vice Presidents, a Treasurer and a Secre- tary; who shall perform the duties usually devolving on such officers, and shall continue in office one year, or until a new election.

Art. 5. There shall be an annual meeting of the as- sociation, on the day before the annual commencement, at which time a public address shall be delivered before the Society, and all necessary business transacted.

Art. 6. This constitution may be amended at an an- nual meeting, by a vote of two thirds of the members present.

After an Address, by Thomas Livingston, Esq., of Pittsburg, the association proceeded to the election of officers. James Ross, Esq., of Pittsburgh, was chosen President-Hon Wm. Hendricks, of Indiana, Charles Hammond, Esq., of Cincinnati; Rev. W. Smith, and Rev. J. Ramsay, D. D., of Canonsburg, Dr. Andrew Livingston, of York, Pa., Rev. J. R. Wilson, D. D. of Albany, and Rev. Moses Allen, of Washington co., were elected Vice Presidents-Rev. John H. Kennedy, of Canonsburg, was chosen Treasurer, and Stephen Caldwell, Esq., of Pittsburgh, Secretary. The thanks of the meeting were tendered to Mr. Livingston, for his address, and arrangements were made for its publica- tion.

T. Livingston, Esq., Rev. A. Williams, and Alfred Patterson, Esq., were appointed a committee to select a speaker for the next annual meeting ..

On motion, it was Resolved, That the Secretary of the association prepare, and cause to be published, such of the proceedings of this meeting as he deems pro- per.

The society then adjourned, to meet at the time spe- cified in the constitution.

E. P. OLIPHANT, Chairman.

ALEX. T. M'GILL, Secretary.

PUBLIC MEETING-TRADE WITH THE WEST.

A large and respectable meeting of the citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia, was held at the County Court Room, on Saturday evening last, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of appointing delegates to the Canal Convention to be held at Warren, Ohio, on the 13th November next.

HENRY TROTH, Esq. the President of the Common Council of the City, was called to the Chair, and

Robert Bethell, Esq. was appointed Secretary.

The meeting was addressed in energetic and appro- priate terms by General Robert Patterson, who offered the following resolutiuns:

Resolved, That a committee of five persons be ap- pointed to confer with the Board of Trade in relation to the Canal Convention to be held at Warren, in the State of Ohio, on the second Wednesday in November next and to adopt such measures as may be proper to carry into effect the objects of the proposed Convention.

The resolution was seconded by Colonel Chew in a speech of considerable length, and unanimously adopt- ed.

The Chairman appointed the following commit- tee :-

Josiah Randall, Alexander M'Clurg, John M. Atwood, John H. Brown, and Cornelius S. Smith.

On motion of Judge Sutherland, the name of Dr. Jesse R. Burden was added to the committee; and on motion of Josialı Randall, the name of Dr. Jacob Frick was also added.

On motion of General Patterson, it was resolved, that the proceedings be published in the newspapers, and on motion of the same gentleman, the meeting adjourn- ed. HENRY TROTH, Chairman.

ROBERT BETHELL, Secretary.

Meeting held at the District Court Room, on Saturday, the 26th ult. to confer with the Board of Trade, in re- lation to the Canal Convention to be held at Warren, in Ohio, on the 2d Wednesday of November, viz.

Josiah Randall, Corn. S. Smith,

Alex. McClurg, J. R. Burden,

J. M. Atwood,

Jacob Frick,

John A. Brown.

And the Board of Trade on the 29th ult. appointed a Committee of Conference, consisting of

Robert Patterson, George Handy,

Robert Toland, Wm. McMain,

Matthew Newkirk,

John Haseltine,

Thos. P. Hoopes.

At a joint meeting of the committees appointed by tlie Town Meeting and the Board of Trade, held at Wa de's hotel on Thursday the 31st of October.

ROBERT TOLAND, Esq. was called to the chair; and Jacob Frick, appointed secretary.

On motion of Josiah Randall, Esq. it was unanimous- ly Resolved, That the joint committee do now proceed to the election of seven delegates to represent the city and county of Philadelphia in the proposed Convention to be held at Warren, in the state of Ohio, on the 13th November next.

Messrs. Hazeltine and Newkirk were appointed tel- lers, who in a short time reported, that the following gentlemen were elected, viz.

Josiah White, Jacob S. Waln,

George N. Baker, Jesse R. Burden,

Abraham Miller,

George Handy.

Thomas P. Hoopes,

On motion it was-

Resolved, That the Delegates now elected, be au- thorised to exercise a sound discretion upon the choice of routes to connect the Ohio and Pennsylvania Canals, and upon all other matters that may be presented to the convention for their consideration.

Resolved, That the Delegates be authorised to fill any vacancies that may occur in their body,

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the daily papers.

ROBERT TOLAND, Chairman.

JACOB FRICK, Secretary .

LIME SPREADER .- We last week had an opportunity of witnessing the performance of a machine for spreading lime, invented by Mark Wilson of this County, and by him patented. Although the machine was much worn, being one of the first constructed, it spread near 100 bushels in an afternoon. It is quite simple and could be made, with the exception of the cog-wheels by any one accustomed to the use of a saw and hatchet. It spreads the lime in any proportion desired, from 10 to 70 bushels to the acre, and with more uniformity than can be done with a shovel. The machines are made for one or two horses, and it is ascertained that two men can spread with a two horse machine, four hundred bushels per day. It can be used in windy as well as calm weather, no inconvenience arising from the dust therefrom. Mr. Brock of this place has obtained the right of vending patents for the use and construction of the machine in this County, with the exception of the upper townships. We conceive it to be an improve- ment of much consequence to farmers, who make use of lime as a manure, entirely doing away a most disa- greeable, yet necessary branch of their business. The machine,for two horses, costs about 30 or 35 dollars, and as no one farmer would have constant use for them, by three or four joining together, the expense would be so trifling that we should presume every neighborhood would be able to have among them one of these labor

The following gentlemen were appointed at a Town saving machines .- Bucks Intelligencer.

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MAUCH CHUNK, Oct. 26.

ENTERPRIZE .- We notice with pleasure the recent manifestations of laudable enterprize, and public spirit among the citizens of this place, in the promotion of im- provements which are calculated to contribute material- ly to the credit and respectability of the place, as well as to become objects of great utility to its inhabitants. Within a few days a subscription has been opened for the erection of another Meeting House intended for the use of the Presbyterians and others, as occasion may require, and we understand that it has hitherto met with a degree of encouragement from the liberality of our citizens, which has exceeded the fondest anticipa- tions of its friends. A communication upon the subject by the Committee appointed to receive subscriptions, will be seen in another column.

We would also congratulate our friends of the Meth- odist Society in this place, (who are really the pioneers in the cause of erecting a house of worship) upon the progress of their Meeting House, which has recently been raised, covered and painted on the outside, and which exhibits an appearance on Broadway (although plain and unassuming) which does credit to their en- terprise and perseverance.

Hitherto the inhabitants of this place have been de- pendent upon the liberality of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company for a place of worship in the Town Ilouse, which was erected for that among other purpo- es .- Mauch Chunk Courier.

MAUCH CHUNK .- It may not be amiss to remark, that since the commencement of the improvements on the Lehigh, and the building of Mauch Chunk, even up to the present time, the increase of population has been so rapid in proportion to the increase of buildings, which have till recently been erected by the Company only as the necessities of the place demand, so great has been the scarcity of room, for all purposes, that hitherto the Town House has been appropriated to the use of dis- pensing light and instruction in various ways-the base- ment story being used as a Printing Office, (the art of printing being the ground work, ) and the second story for schools, and the third for meetings of every descrip- tion, for public teaching in spiritual things .- Ib.

H. H. Burr, assignee of Theo. Burr vS. The Danville Bridge Company.

U. S. Court-Western District. This suit, brought to recover damages for an infringement of a patent right obtained by Theodore Burr for an improvement in bridge building, was decided last week. The jury brought in a verdict of $900 damages, which the Judge trebled, making $2,700, with costs.

POTTSVILLE, October 26.

Snow .- On Sunday last we had a slight sprinkling of snow in this borough. On the Broad Mountain, we understand, it snowed throughout the greater part of the day, and clothed the country round about in the livery of winter .- Miners' Journal.

A large and beautiful Organ, lately purchased in Philadelphia for the Episcopal Church of this borough, has arrived in safety and been erected, and in all pro- bability will be heard by those who attend divine service in said church to-morrow .- 1b.

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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. XII, Part 82

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870 Publication date: 1828 Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ; Number of Pages: 438

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 438