1832.]

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

sometimes succeeded in giving a temporary existence, were mostly the harbingers of an increased reverential atttachment. They loved him with the devotion of a parent-they regarded him, in every emergency, as a tried, steadfast, and superior friend. In all their scenes of petty trial-not the less important in their estimation because so in fact-in all their heart-burnings and bitter distress-even while Governor Evans was playing off his mischievous and frightening alarms-the good colonists looked unwaveringly to Penn, as their buckler and their shield. When the equipoise given to the State by his character was withdrawn, the colonial elements became uneven and unsteady; and the re-organization of the old factions, under the titles of the proprietary and popular, was the consequence. Then ensued a scene of angry and continued controversy between the descendants of Penn and the assembly; and charges and recriminations-murmurs of disapprobation upon one side, and sharp menaces upon the other-followed each other in long and uninterrupted succession. The popular party at length found a keen and able champion in Dr. Franklin, who performed, for a long period, a prominent part in the drama of public affairs. About the time of the appearance of his celebrated "Historical Review," distinguished as well for its asperity and injustice to William Penn, as for its great ability in representing existing grievances, the assembly resolved upon petitioning the British crown for a regal instead of a This measure would in all proprietary government. probability have been prosecuted with the utmost ardor, but for the injudicious movements of the English ministry, which now determined the provincialists of Pennsylvania, in concert with the other colonies of North America, to absolve their connexion with the parent country. The war of the revolution terminated the contemptible bickerings which had so long disgraced and distracted her councils, and party jealousy and personal ill-will were thrown into the shade, or entirely swallowed up by the greater passion with which she now felt herself animated. It is to the developement of this story, continued through the struggle to which we have just adverted, and following it up to the most recent times, that the volumes of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania are devoted. This is indeed but a bald outline of the objects intended to be displayed. The lives and characters of the original settlers, though not much attended to in the Memoirs before us, are particularly commprehended within the design and objects of the association. In a word, to ascertain the truth before the time has elapsed when it is approachable-to elicit facts now the subject of dispute and contradiction--to commemorate the worth and talents of those who either contributed to establish the empire in the beginning, or assisted, at the expense of their blood and treasure, in maintaining her rights since-to fix with precision what she is entitled to on the score of intellectual, literary, and scientific fame-to exhibit her geology, and develope her resources-in short, to explore every section of her natural and artificial history--all enter into the contemplation of the society. What divisions of this immense region of information have been traversed, the volumes published will testify. They have certain ly augmented the stock of knowledge relating to Pennsylvania-rectified errors—and removed doubts, which, from the apparent tranquillity with which they were cherished, promised to be perpetual. To specify no others, the proofs adduced as to the locality of the first treaty made between Penn and the natives; the settlement of the question as to the authorship of Washington's farewell address; the exhibition of that justice which characterized Penn's commerce with the Indians; the defence of Heckewelder's history; and the removal

because, perhaps, they more directly tend to gratify the feverish sensibility or vain-glorious direction of our American feeling on the exciting topic of letters. One relates to our provincial writers generally, under the modest title, "Notes on the Provincial literature of Pennsylvania," by T. J. Wharton, and the other by J. F. Fisher, devoted to our colonial poets!

Whatever may have been the intellectual culture and literary taste of the first settlers of Pennsylvania, and the zeal with which science and the muses may have been privately cultivated and invoked, it does not ap. pear that learning was very munificently fostered by the colonial legislature. The founder, it is true, was prompt in complying with the duty which devolved upon him, by a provision in his "frame of government,' promulgated before his arrival in the province. He incorporated a body in 1697, under the denomination of "The Overseers of the public schools." The seminaries thus established were confined to the city and vicinity of Philadelphia, and were placed under the su The principal academy perintendence of individuals belonging to the same religious society with himself. in Fourth street was able, by the erudition of its teachers, to keep alive a competent knowledge of the ancient classics among a considerable number of the youth of Philadelphia. The incorporation of these schools, however, is the only direct encouragement which learning received, either from the provincial council or the assembly, during the existence of the colonial govern ment, if we except the establishment of the University The former received its charter in of Pennsylvania, and the charity school attached to that institution. 1753, and the latter was chartered and moderately endowed by the proprietaries two years after, though it had existed by private subscription since 1749. But as it would be unjust to deprive the assembly of any of its reputation for public spirit, we must not omit, that, besides two private acts authorizing particular churches to raise small sums of money by lottery, for the erection of school houses, two laws were enacted, one in 1712, and the other in 1730, respectively granting permission to "all religious societies of protestants," to purchase lands and tenements for schools, cemeteries, churches, and hospitals. These comprise every act, connected with the subject of education, which can be found upon the legislative records, from the settlement of the province to the revolution.

Lest, however, the assembly should seem wholly to have forgotten the interests of science for so long a period, it may be mentioned that the sum of £200 sterling was appropriated in 1760 to the purchase of a reflecting telescope with a micrometer, and the erection of observatories for noticing the transit of Venus. Two years after, David Rittenhouse experienced their liberality, by receiving the donation of £300, which was voted as a testimony to the genius displayed in the construction of his orrery. The cause of science and letters in the province found a true patron, a munificent He presented to the college of Philadelcontributor, in Thomas Penn, the last surviving son of the founder. phia about $12,000, and one-half of a manor in Bucks county, containing three thousand acres, besides founding and endowing a library at Lancaster.*

[To be Continued.]

J. R. T.

of the aspersion against Governor Mifflin, of his parti-
cipation in the unworthy plot to displace General Wash-
ington, manifest a spirit and industry which merit high
commendation. But we cannot help esteeming two ar-
ticles of these volumes with a peculiar complacency, ry."

* Called, in honor of his wife, "The Juliana Libra

Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, that the Paving Committee be, and they are hereby requestThe situation of the street is now, and always has ed, to inquire if any, and what alterations are necessaheretofore been impassable from Pine to South street,ry to be made in the existing regulations from Spruce and he apprehends no individual of the community to Chesnut street west of Beech street, to the river could be at all inconvenienced, and your petitioner as Schuylkill. in duty bound will ever pray, &c.

Resolved, by the authority aforesaid, That the Paving Committee, in conjunction with the City Commissioners, be authorized to contract with any person or persons for labor and materials for the completion of the above items, in whatever way may in their opinion appear best for the public interest.

Mr. Hoop, as chairman of the Committee on Markets, made the following report and resolution which were adopted.

The Committee on Markets to whom was referred the petition of the Chester County Farmers, beg leave to report: That in their opinion it is inexpedient for Councils to grant the request of the petitioners, namely the repeal of part of the Ordinance of December 23, 1831, and recommend the adoption of the following resolution.

Resolved, That the Committee be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.

Mr. BAKER, as chairman of the Committee to whom was referred the application of David E. Shapley, made the annexed report and resolution which were agreed to.

The Committee to whom was referred the application of David E. Shapley, report: That they have taken the said application into consideration and are of opinion that the price and length of time that are asked for, by said Shapley, would be no inducement for Councils to contract for any portion of said ground, and offer the following resolution:

Resolved, That the committee be discharged from further consideration of the subject.

Mr. HORN, as chairman of the Library Committee, made the following report and resolution which were laid on the table.

"The Committee on the Library to whom were refer

253.

red a communication from MR. SAMUEL HAZARD, requesting the aid of Councils in behalf of a weekly paper conducted by him, entitled 'THE REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA,' respectfully REPORT: That the object of the work as stated by MR. HAZARD, is 'to collect and preserve all facts and documents which may be wanted for use or as materials for a history of the State. And that with this object in view, a large portion of each volume is devoted to the city of Philadelphia, and contains the Proceedings of Councils, and all important Reports and other documents relating to the City and its institutions, as well as tabular views of its finances, expenditures, &c.'

The Committee have carefully examined the volumes already published, and have no hesitation in saying that in their opinion the important and interesting object proposed has been thus far successfully accomplished. As a depository of rich and valuable information relative to Pennsylvania; the work is entitled to the encouragment of her citizens generally, and as particularly connected with Philadelphia, its annals, and its institutions, it is deserving of the peculiar favor and patronage of the inhabitants of our city. It is suggested too, that without further assistance, the undertaking must terminate with the volume now in progress. From the character of the work, and from the fact that it cannot avail itself of the profits upon which papers open to advertisements usually in a great measure rely, it must receive its sustenance from Pennsylvania, and more especially from the people of Philadelphia, or it must close its existence. Impressed with the belief that it is worthy of patronage, and that as a book of reference, ties and officers, the Committee recommend it to the it will at all times be of great utility to the city authori favorable notice of the Councils. The publisher will furnish the eight vo!umes already completed, at $3 per volume, bound. The subscription price is $5 per annum. Two volumes are published in a year.

The Committee submit the following resolutions: Resolved, That the Clerks of Councils be authorized to purchase seven copies of the eight volumes now published of HAZARD'S REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA; and to subscribe on behalf of the Corporation for seven copies of the said work continued from the eighth volume.

Resolved, That said copies be appropriated as follows, to wit:

One to the Select Council Chamber.
One to the Common Council Chamber.
One to the Mayor's Office.

One to the City Treasurer's Office.
One to the City Commissioners' Office.
One to the Watering Committee's Office.
One to any Department or Board which may be esta-
blished relative to the Girard Estate."

April 12th, 1832.

The resolution relative to the appointing of a comSchuylkill county, passed by the Select Council at their mittee to visit the lands of the late Stephen Girard, in last meeting, was called up for consideration, and was passed-Messrs- Sexton and Fritz were appointed the Committee.

From the New York Observer.
SKETCHES OF PENNSYLVANIA.

PITTSBURG, March 28, 1832. Messrs. Editors-Agreeably to my promise, I send you some notices, geographical, literary and moral, of the State of Pennsylvania, made during my journey from Philadelphia to this city. I ought, however, to say, that there are but few places of importance in this State which I have not visited, and many of them repeatedly, within the last ten years. I mention this fact, because it would be consummate folly and presumption in any one to attempt to give general notices of this State who had only passed from Philadelphia to Pittsburg in a stage.

7. The Juniata, which is a part of the great canal chain that is to unite the eastern part of the State with the western. 8. The corresponding part on the west of the mountains down the Conemaugh and Alleghe ny, from Johnstown to Pittsburg. 9. The canal uniting French creek to Lake Erie. 10. The Beaver canal.

A rail-road, of 40 miles in length, is building across the Allegheny or dividing ridge from Johnstown to the Juniata canal, which will complete the great line from east to west. Besides, the Chesapeake and Ohio canal will probably terminate on the Monongahela or Youghiogheny, and so benefit the south-western angle of the State, which is already improved by the national road from Cumberland to Zanesville in Ohio, or rather to St. Louis, where it is to end. In addition to this, a rail-road is making from Philadelphia to Columbia on the Susquehanna, whilst another from the latter place is to continue to Baltimore.

Although the Allegheny range of mountains crosses the central part of this State, and occupies much of its surface, yet few states in the Union have so much fertile land. Agriculture is carried on to great perfection in Pennsylvania, especially in the eastern part of it. I have seen no part of our country where I had rather spend my days than in some of the valleys of the Allegheny mountains. The road from Philadelphia, through Lancaster, Harrisburg, Chambersburg, Bedford, &c. crosses several of these valleys. That in which Carlisle, Chambersburg, &c. stand, and which is called Cumberland Valley, and in Virginia, the Great Valley, is a delightful region, possessing great fertility. Many of the smaller vallies, such as Penn's Half Moon, Ligonier, &c. are beautiful.

Pennsylvania, according to the best calculation, contains 47,500 square miles; and if you examine the map, you will see that few States possess equal geographical advantages. On the east you first have the western side of the rich valley of the Delaware river, whose branches, the Lehigh and Schuylkill, with many small. er ones, flow from the west, taking their rise in the eastern range and spurs of the Allegheny system of mountains. As you look further westward, you have the great and fertile valley of the Susquehanna, which flows down from New York, and whose great tributaries are the Western Branch and the Juniata, besides many of smaller size. The Susquehanna, with its widespread branches, drains a very large part of the State. The basin of the Susquehanna is a mountainous region, intersected with extensive and fertile valleys: whilst its mountains abound in stores of mineral wealth. As you proceed still westward, and take your stand on the dividing ridge of the Alleghenies, which in Pennsylvania is the last but one of the entire range, you see in the western end of the State, the upper end of the valley of the Ohio, composed of the valleys of the Kiskeminetas, which is formed by the Conemaugh, its tributaries, French creek, Toby's creek, and the Mononga-cersburg, Chambersburg, Lewistowr., Huntingdon, hela, Youghiogheny, and the Allegheny, with the Loy. allhanna.

The productions of this State, which are those of the middle states in general, such as grains of all kinds, cattle, horses, sheep, together with coal, iron, glass, and lumber, &c. find a market through various channels. On the north, by means of the lakes and the Erie and Hudson canal, the Delaware and Hudson canal, and many roads, they seek the city of New York; on the east, they naturally flow towards Philadelphia and the Delaware bay; on the south they find, by natural courses, their way to Baltimore, which is destined to have a very large portion of the trade of central Pennsylvania: whilst on the west the great outlet is the Ohio which flows from Pittsburg, bearing the productions of West Pennsylvania to New Orleans.

ROADS AND CANALS.

But great and various as the natural channels of trade are in this State, those which are artificial are adding much to the facilities of commerce enjoyed by the inhabitants. The public authorities of the State have for many years been intently engaged in promoting internal improvements. Two turnpikes have been made from the eastern to the western ends of the State; besides many shorter ones which branch out into various directions.

Many canals have also been undertaken, and some of them are completed. When they are all finished, the natural facilities of trade will have been greatly augmented, as you will readily perceive. These canals are, 1. The Lehigh, improving the navigation along that valley. 2. The Delaware. 3. The Schuylkill. 4. The Union, which joins the Schuylkill river to the Susquehanna. 5. The Susquehanna, up along the east or rather North Branch. 6. The West Branch of the Susquehanna from Northumberland to Lycoming county.

This State abounds in flourishing towns, which stand along the rivers, or the great roads, and have in general a good society. Among these may be reckoned, Easton, Reading, Norristown, Bethlehem, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Columbia, York, Gettysburg, Carlisle, Mer

Northumberland, Bellefonte, &c. in the eastern and middle parts of the State; and Pittsburg, Washington, Brownsville, Uniontown, Meadville, and Erie, in the west. Philadelphia is the great commercial capital, and Harrisburg, a beautiful town on the eastern bank of the Susquehanna, 100 miles west of Philadelphia, is the seat of government.

Some idea of the extent of the improvements which are in progress in this State, may be formed from the fact, that when they are accomplished, it is calculated that they will cost at least $20,000,000.

COLLEGES, THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES, ACADEMIES, &c.

I wish I could give you as flattering an account of the efforts made in this state to advance the education of the people. Until very recently, nothing was done to provide a common school system for the state. Within a year, however, the Legislature has commenced the foundation of a school fund. There is at present much excitement among the intelligent portion of the inhabitants on this subject. It is greatly to be feared that they will imitate the worst school system in New England, that of Connecticut-that is, aim at having a vast school fund, instead of raising by annual taxation the amount needed. It has been ascertained that many thousands of the children of this state are growing up without education.

Too

As regards colleges, there is no want of them. many have been chartered by the Legislature, and none of them endowed as they ought to be. There are, 1. The University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, the Academical department of which is now doing pretty well, and the Medical, as is well known, is flourishing. 2. A college chartered at Easton, which never did any thing. 3. At Lancaster, which is now dead. 4. At Northumberland, also dead. 5. Dickinson College at Carlisle, now breathing its last, it is to be feared.

This

ill-fated college has often promised well; has been con-
siderably aided by the state, but has disappointed, for
reasons unknown to me, the hopes of its friends. 6.
Western University of Pennsylvania, at this place,
(Pittsburg,) which is under the instruction of the Rev.
Drs. Bruce and Black, and which has 50 or 60 students.
7. Washington college, at the town of Washington,
lately revived and now flourishing. It has a department
for the education of clerks, teachers, &c. in the Eng-
lish branches. 8. Jefferson College, at Canonsburg,
9. Meadville, which is under the
very flourishing.
presidency of Rev. Mr. Alden, but has hitherto accom-
plished but little. 10. Madison College, at Uniontown,

under the Methodists.

As to Theological schools, there are as follows: 1. The Theological Seminary of the Lutheran church, established at Gettysburg, under the instruction of Professors Hazelius and Schmucker. It is flourishing, and has at present about 50 students. This institution is destined to exert an immense influence on the cause of Christ in this state, and other states which have a German population. 2. Gerran Reformed, established at York. This institution is in its infancy, and is struggling through many difficulties. It has but few students yet. 3. The Theological Seminary at Alleghenytown in the vicinity of this place, under the care of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church. It is conducted by Professors Halsey and Nevin, and has at present 30 students. Its prospects are encouraging; 4. The Theological school of the Associate Reformed church, or as it is called here, the Union church, embracing that part of the Associate Reformed church

which in the West refused to unite with the General
The late Dr. Riddle of this vicinity
Assembly in 1820.
was their Professor for several years. Very recently,
the Rev. Mr. Pressly of South Carolina was appointed
to this office. He has removed to Pittsburg, which is
to be the place of the establishment of this infant
school of the Prophets. 5. The Theological school of
the Associate church, established at Canonsburg, under
the instruction of the Rev. Dr. Ramsay. It has some
connexion, I believe, with Jefferson College; probably
only so far as to allow the Theological students access
to the Library, &c. of the College. 6. The school of
the Moravians, or United Brethren, at Nazareth,
which, although mainly a boarding school for other pur-
poses, has also a considerable number of young men
who are studying Theology.

I ought to mention here that besides the colleges and
theological seminaries in this state, there are also aca-
demies for the instruction of the youth of both sexes in
Still it is to be ac-
all the large towns in the state.
knowledged that this state is far behind what it ought to
be as it regards the subject of education. But it will
Many difficulties have to be encoun-
not always be so.
tered. A vast proportion of the foreign emigrants to
Pennsylvania, were German and Irish, and these gen-
erally from the poorest and most ignorant classes of
those worthy nations. And as they form a full moiety
of the population of the state, and have in many instan-
ces, but low ideas of the importance of education, al-
though many of them are now very wealthy, it is diffi-
cult to bring the public councils up to a work which is
not yet very popular.

tablishing lotteries; and now they are rising in their
might to destroy, root and branch, this great, this wide-
But I must stop.
spread curse.
I am, yours, &c.

A TRAVELLER,

From the Pittsburg Gazette.

Forty-six years ago, the late Judge Brackenridge, in the first number of the Pittsburg Gazette, commenced his contributions, and continued them with indefatigable assiduity for many years. Time has passed on, and the

But a better day is arising. Many spirits are kindling up on the subject of education. My native state will not always be the Baotia of the United States. No state has more public spirit or political integrity both in the state and the national legislature. On all great national measures, and especially such as concern national faith, the representatives of this state will be found honest and firm men, whatever may be their party views. They seldom follow leaders blindly. Pennsylvania is about to do more to put down the lottery system in this country than any other state in the -Union. The people have been abused by those to whom they inconsiderately granted the privilege of es

Native of the Ohio," the son of this early correspondent, has again become a resident of the fields of his youthful days. We gladly receive this first communication of the "gifted son of a gifted sire," and flatter ourselves with the hope, that the assiduity and perseverance of the present, will equal that of the first correspondent of this paper.

To the Editor of the Pittsburg Gazette:

I have lately read, with great pleasure, the beautiful and classic remarks of my much esteemed school-fellow William Robinson, Esq. in relation to the rapid growth of our native town of Pittsburg. Having occupied some leisure moments in preparing a narrative of the more remarkable incidents of my life, down to the taking possession of Florida, where I acted as Secretary of General Jackson, the same ideas as those expressed by w. Robinson, suggested themselves, but it would not be possible for me to express them in the same felicitous manner. There may be some error in my description, for it even goes beyond the period when his father was the only person who lived between the Allegheny river and the lakes. I send you an extract from my future book.

H. M. BRACKENRIDGE.

"Pittsburg, at this time, was but a village. Two plains, partly commons, embraced the foot of Grant's hill, that which stretched along up the Allegheny, being much the longest; while the scattered town lay princi pally on the bank of the Monongahela, near the junction of the rivers. On the bank of the Allegheny, at the distance of a long Sunday evening's walk, stood Fort Fayette, surmounted with the stripes and stars of the old thirteen; and from this place, the King's orchard, as it was called, (and it was worthy of a king,) stretched almost to the ditch of old FORT PITT, the name by On the other side which the town was then known. of the river just mentioned, the hills rose, rude and rough, without the smoke of a single chimney to afford The clear and a rhyme for the muse of Tom Moore. beautiful Allegheny, the loveliest stream that ever glistened to the moon, was still the boundary of civilization, for all beyond it was called the Indian country, and associated with many a fireside tale of scalping knife, hair breadth escape, and all the horrors of savage warfare.

On the Monongahela side, the hills rose from the water's edge, to the height of a mountain, with some two or three ferry-houses squeezed in between it and the river. On its summit there was a solitary farm-house of Major Kirkpatrick; its friend, the barn, not long before, had been burnt down down by the heroes of the Whiskey Insurrection, and this, happening in the night, threw so brilliant a light over the town, that one might How would it dosee to pick up a pin in the street. en passant, to erect a huge gas light lamp up there, for the purpose of lighting the town?-To the east, for I am now supposed to be standing on the brow of GRANT'S HILL, the ground was picturesque, and beautifully diversified with hill and dale, having undergone some lit