1832.]

CHESAPEAKE AND DELAWARE CANAL.

enlarge and strengthen the towing-path, in exposed places, where it had been partially chafed away by the action of the waves, or to increase its height in those parts, where, from the consolidation of the materials of which it had been formed, it had become too low.

391

indicated by the following comparative statements of
the number of vessels that have passed through it, the
amount of tolls received, and the rates of increase du
ring the different periods.

Number of passages made through the canal.
From Del. From Ches. Total.

The walls of one of the locks on the upper level have been raised, by which an additional supply of water, of nearly a fout in depth, over that level, (of about six From 31st Aug. 1829, to 1st hundred acres in extent,) has been obtained. This, with the aid of the other reservoirs, has furnished a quantity fully adequate to meet the loss by evaporation, or demand for lockage, during the whole of last season.

The additional height of water will make necessary a corresponding increase in the stoning on those parts of the banks of this level where it has not been already done. Since the last report, final settlements have been satisfactorily completed with all the contractors except one, that were employed in constructing the canal, locks, bridges, and walls, and the several balances that were due them paid.

Purchases and payments have also been made of the different pieces of land, which by permanently overflowing or other causes, became requisite for canal purposes.

The claims of damages for temporary occupancy of ground, by flooding or otherwise, have been very generally adjusted and liquidated.

The tolls received since the last annual statement, amount to $63,073 47. This is not as large a sum as could have been fairly calculated on, or as was anticpated. The deficiency may, however, readily be traced to several causes. Among these were the early commencement of the severely cold weather of the past winter, and its long continuance, which stopped the navigation on the canal much sooner, and kept it closed until a later period than ordinary, and prevented the receipt of any revenue for a considerable time. A diminution of the general mercantile transactions during the present spring, and the short quantity of flour made last season, have also, each materially affected the business of this company. The completion of the rail-road in the vicinity of the canal, has taken from it, for the present, the transportation of passengers, and a portion of the light articles of merchandize.

Jan. 1830,
1st Jan. 1830, to 1st
Jan. 1831,

1st Jan. 1831, to 1st
Jan. 1832,

1st Jan. 1832, to 1st
June, 1832,

Amount of tolls received.

17,835 28

From 31st Aug. 1829; to 1st Jan. 1830,
1st Jan. 1830, to
1st June, 1830,
1st June, 1830, to
1st Jan. 1831,

32,228 84

1st Jan. 1831, tó
1st June, 1831, 28,994 67
1st June, 1831, to

1st Jan. 1832, 39,107 95

$6,822 88

dur. 1830, 50,063 66

-dur. 1831, 68,102 62 23,965 52

1st Jan. 1832, to 1st June, 1832,

The revenue of the company during the portion of the year 1829, that the canal was in operation, as contrasted with that of 1830, shows an increase on the amount of the first, exclusive, in both cases, of receipts for passenger barges, at the rate of 48 per cent.

The revenue (also exclusive of that from passenger barges,) during the year 1830, as compared with that of last year, shows an increase on the amount of the former period, and in favor of the latter, at the rate of 50 per cent.

By the preceding statement may be seen the rapid manner in which the trade on the canal has increased, from its commencement until this spring.

As the principal causes which have made the busi

But the cause which has been most operative of any on the tolls, this spring, has been the state of the waters of the river Susquehanna, the usual ice freshet having taken place early in the season, and passed off so rapid-ness of the present season an exception to the general ly and violently, as not to be available for transportation, and the river has since been so low, except for very short periods, that the produce of the interior parts of Pennsylvania and New York, which heretofore by that channel sought its way to market, has been prevented or delayed thus far, this season, from pursuing its usual course.

rate of increase are but temporary, it may fairly be inferred, that the effects will be of the same transient character, except that arising from the competition in the transportation of passengers, as some of them no doubt will continue to go by other routes, while a portion may prefer that by way of the canal.

Applications have recently been made from different quarters, in relation to the use of the canal by passenger barges, to be propelled by steam power; as by that means, it is thought, they might rival in speed, as they would in comfort and convenience, any other way of crossing the Delaware peninsula. And it is probable, the public, next season, will have an opportunity of testing the relative advantages of each mode of convey

The following statement will show the number of
passages since the last report, that have been made
through the canal, by regular packets employed in the
transportation of merchandize between Baltimore, Alex-
andria, Richmond, Petersburg, and Norfolk, and Phila-
delphia. Also the number of passages of vessels engaged
in carrying produce, with an account of the quantity of
some of the principal articles with which they were la-ance.
laden.

1183 packets with merchandize.
824 vessels, carrying
wood 19,932 cords.
236 do. arks and rafts, carry-
ing
carrying
do.
do.

Frequent attempts having been made to defraud the revenue of the canal company, by means of false manifests of cargoes, and various deceptions, which there was no power under the charter to punish by fine, or otherwise, when detected, a remedy for this evil became necessary. Applications were therefore made during their last sessions, to the Legislatures of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, for the passage of laws, in the several states, to prevent these practices, by subjecting the persons engaged in them to penalties. Acts were accordingly passed by each, inflicting a fine, in one state of twenty dollars, and in the others of double the usual rates of toll, with all the incidental expenses of examination and costs of prosecution.

It is expected, that by a strict enforcement of the pro-ed on Monday night, relative to the report of the comvisions of these laws, a recurrence of similar attempts mittee to visit the lands of the late Stephen Girard, will hereafter generally be prevented. which was agreed to. Messrs. Groves and Lippincott, were appointed the committee on behalf of the select council.

The difficulties that must be encountered in the navigation of Back creek having been made more apparent, and increased by the additional trade through it, another application has recently been made to Congress, for an appropriation for the purpose of improving its channel. A bill is now before that body, embracing this very desirable object; and there is a well grounded expectation that it will pass, and ultimately become a law. This creek being a tide water and great public highway, it is believed that an act to improve its navigation would not come within the range of the constitutional objection to certain classes of internal improvements.

Mr. LIPPINCOTT offered the annexed resolution which was adopted.

Resolved, That the Mayor is hereby authorised to draw his warrant on the city treasurer, in favour of the committee appointed to view the lands of Stephen Girard, for the amount of the expenses incurred by them, and that the same be charged to the Girard fund.

COMMON COUNCIL-Mr. SEXTON was called to the chair in the absence of the president.

Petitions were presented similar to those presented in the select council.

The common council appointed Messrs. Sullivan, Oldenburg, and Wetherill the committee on their part relative to the Rail-road along Broad street.

Messrs. Moss, Hood and Wainwright, were appointed the committee relative to the communication received from the board of health.

Thursday, June 14, 1852. SELECT COUNCIL.-Mr. TOLAND, presented the following communication from the nephews of the late Stephen Girard.

Although the revenue of the company, for the last season, has not been as great as was expected, yet as the general trade has continued progressively to increase, there is no reason to believe the favorable results that have been anticipated, in relation to the canal, will not be realized. The stockholders will soon derive other benefits than those they now share in common with the public, in the facilities afforded to trade and intercourse, and the consequent increase of both; and the advantages, so far as respects the citizens of Philadelphia, of the additional quantity and diminished price of many of the necessaries of life, which are so largely supplied by means of this new channel. And there can be little doubt, that the transportation through it, will continue to augment from ordinary causes as heretofore; and particularly by the extension of the Baltimore and Ohio rail-road, and other internal improvements of the south. In addition to which, it will be greatly increased when the communication shall be open between the of their uncle and of his bequests in their favor, they Respectfully showeth, that being advised of the death northern and southern states, by the construction of the came to this city to receive their respective legacies, Delaware and Raritan canal, now in rapid progress; having the most unlimited confidence, from his uncomwhich will complete a great chain of inland sloop navi-mon wealth and resources, that they had but to ask and gation along the sea-board, of which the Chesapeake receive. and Delaware canal now forms but an unconnected part.

Since the last annual meeting, Mr. S. Griffitts Fisher has been appointed secretary and treasurer, in consequence of the resignation of Mr. Henry D. Gilpin, who had held those offices from the reorganization of the company in January, 1822. The board feel it due to the gentleman with whom they have been so long and so intimately associated, to testify, in the conclusion of this report, the high sense they have individually entertained, of the intelligence, urbanity, and efficiency, with which Mr. Gilpin uniformly discharged his important and sometimes complicated duties, and to express their best wishes for his happiness in every station to which his talents and capacity for enlarged usefulness may call

him.

Signed by order and in behalf of the president and

directors.

ROBERT M. LEWIS, President.

S. GRIFFITTS FISHER, Secretary. Chesapeake and Delaware canal office, June 4th, 1832.

From the Philadelphia Gazette.

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

Friday, June 8, 1832.

SELECT COUNCIL.-Mr. PETTIT presented a petition praying that Lawson street be paved, which was referred to the paving committee.

To the Select and Common Councils of the city of Phila
delphia.
The memorial of John Fabricius Girard, and John Au-
guste Girard, citizens of France, nephews and lega.
tees of Stephen Girard, deceased,

Your memorialists, however, has been advised that the law intended for the benefit of creditors, allows them a year to present their claims, and will not within that period compel the executors. But, that, where not even the most remote suspicion can be entertained of the insufficiency of the estate to pay debts and legacies, the reason of the law fails, and with it fails the necessity of withholding them. It will hardly be avowed that the legacies are retained until it can be ascertained whether the estate be sufficient to pay them, and the executors and residuary legatees are above the suspicion that they are retained, that an interest may be made for the benefit of either, from money which does not belong to them, but was given to others under very peculiar circumstances.

Your memorialists have therefore been induced to apply to the councils as residuary legatees, for their consent as far as will concern them, to the payment of these legacies, in like manner as if a year had elapsed since the testator's death, so that no apprehension may remain that those who take by the will of their relative the great mass of his estate will at any time censure or complain of the executors for not withholding from the family of a great public benefactor, until the last hour which the law tolerates, the acknowledgments which he has made of the claims of consanguinity. F. F. GIRARD, JEAN GIRARD, Junr. Philadelphia, 14th June, 1832.

Mr. PETTIT presented the annexed petition from Messrs. Mordecai and Samuel N. Lewis, which was referand Messrs. Pettit, Groves, Baker and Moss were appointed the committee.

Mr. JOHNSON presented a petition from the inhabit-red to a joint committee of two members of each council, ants of Thirteenth and Lombard streets, relative to a nuisance, which was referred to the same committee. A communication was received from the city com. missioners, which was referred to the same committee. The ordinance relative to wooden buildings, was taken up for consideration, and was passed.

Mr. GROVES moved to take up the resolution he offer.

To the Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia.

The memorial of Mordecai Lewis and Samuel N. Lewis, respectfully showeth:

1832.]

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCILS.

That your memorialists are the owners of the entire square of ground, bounded by Pine and Lombard, and Schuylkill 7th and 8th streets, in the city of Philadelphia. That on the said ground, they have erected buildings at great expence, for the manufactory of white and red lead; and have their manufactory in successful operation. That they have found it expedient to put up new beds for the corroding of the lead; and early in the season commenced the preparation for the same. That early in the month of April, they gave an order to cut the stuff for the work, and it was prepared and principally hauled on the ground between the 1st and the 7th of June. That the carpenter who had been engaged long before, commenced his work on the 9th of June, and has prepared a considerable part of the frame. That the foundation was done before the 1st of June, and all this without any knowledge or suspicion that it was contemplated to enact an ordinance, which would in any way or manner affect the building proposed to be erected.

393

the city, extend its celebrity, and render it more attrac
tive, cannot be doubted.
Very respectfully, gentlemen,
Your obedient serv't,

STEPHEN KINGSTON.

Mr. PETTIT presented the subjoined letter, with the map, from Mr. Trautwine.

Philadelphia, June 14, 1832. Dear Sir,-Will you do me the favour to present the accompanying map (in my name) to the city councilsit will perhaps prove serviceable to them while considering the propriety of continuing the Columbia road down Broad street, from Vine to South, and as it is drawn from actual survey may be interesting to such of the members as own property along the line. With the greatest respect, Yours, &c. JOHN C. TRAUTWINE.

Resolved by the Select and Common Councils, That the committee on Washington and Rittenhouse squares be requested to make report of the amount already expended, and the probable amount that may be required to complete the improvements heretofore authorised by councils to be made in Rittenhouse square.

Your memorialists respectfully submit to councils, that their case is one which seems to require relief by an exemption from the ordinance recently passed in relation to the erection of wooden or frame buildings. Great expense has been incurred in preparation, which must be almost wholly lost. The operations of a useful manufactory materially interfered with; and thus great and serious injury done to your memorialists, by an ordinance, which is virtually as relates to them ex post facto; and that too in a case in which as they are the propri- Resolved by the Select and Common Councils, That a etors of the square of ground, the erection of a frame committee of two members from each council be ap. cannot be of any possible injury to any other of the citi-pointed for the purpose of purchasing wood for the necessitous poor.

zens.

Your memorialists therefore respectfully request, that a resolution may be passed by councils, which shall exempt from the operation of the ordinance in question, the buildings already commenced by your memorialists on the ground heretofore mentioned.

MORDECAI LEWIS,
SAM'L. N. LEWIS.

Philadelphia, June 14, 1832.

Mr. TOLAND offered the following resolution which was adopted by both councils.

Resolved, by the select and common councils of the city of Philadelphia. That the executors of the late Stephen Girard be, and they are hereby authorized, so far as the interests of this corporation, as residuary legatees are concerned, to pay all persons entitled to receive bequests under his will, the sums to which they are respectively entitled by said will, without waiting for the expiration of the year, from the date of his de

cease.

Mr. PETTIT presented the annexed petition from Stephen Kingston, which was referred to the committee on Rittenhouse square.

To the Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia:

The memorial of Stephen Kingston, proprietor of the lot from Fourth to Fifth street, Rittenhouse square, on the south side, respectfully sheweth:

That as the said square is to be forthwith inclosed with a handsome fence and planted with trees, your memorialist begs leave to propose, that the front of all buildings on said lots shall be erected on piers or columns, eighteen feet in height, projecting over the space appropriated for a footway, which footway not to be less than twelve feet in width, and the houses of brick or marble, or of both, and to be of equal height, affording protection at all times,

"From storms a shelter, and from heat a shade,"

On which memorialist is willing to bind himself, his heirs and assigns, to comply with the ordinance, all other proprietors of lots bounding on said square; may be invited to enter into similar contracts. That this arrangement will contribute in an eminent degree to beautify VOL. IX. 50

Mr. JOHNSON offered the annexed resolution, which was adopted, and Messrs. Johnson, Fox, Moss, and Wainwright, were appointed the commitee.

Mr. PETTIT presented the following resolution, which was adopted.

Resolved, That the thanks of the councils be and they are hereby tendered to John C. Trautwine, Esq. for the well executed and useful map of the eastern termination of the Philadelphia and Columbia Rail-road, executed by him and presented in his name to the councils.

The following communication was received from the west Philadelphia canal company, which was referred to a special committee of two members of each council, and Messrs. Lippincott, Worrell, Hood and Okie, were appointed the committee.

To the Members of the Select and Common Councils of the city of Philadelphia.

GENTLEMEN-I am directed by the board of managers of the west Philadelphia canal company, to inform you, that they have determined speedily to commence, and as soon as practicable, complete the canal around

the western abutment of the permanent bridge.

In order to effect that object, they have resolved to increase the capital stock of the company $25,000 beyond the amount subscribed for incorporating it, but no money shall be required to be paid until four hundred

shares of the additional stock shall have been subscribed.

The managers are desirous to ascertain from councils what assistance the city will afford toward completing the work, as the board have determined not to commence the work, until the adequate funds are raised to fully execute their undertakings. Should councils appoint a committee to examine the subject of this com munication, they will be met by a committee from the managers, ready to confer and furnish councils with any information they may require in this behalf. Respectfully, &c.

ROB. BETHELL.

Sec'y Managers West Philada. Canal Co. Mr. GROVES called up for consideration the following resolution, which he offered on the 10th of May, which was agreed to and adopted, and Messrs. Groves, Worrell, Pettit, Hood, Ryan and Moss were appointed the committee.

"With the view of carrying into effect that part of the will of Stephen Girard, which makes it the duty of the corporation of the city of Philadelphia, to erect building's suitable for a college on the place and in the manner described in the said will-Therefore,

Resolved, by the Select and Common Councils, That a joint committee consisting of 3 members of each council be appointed for the purpose of advertising for and procuring plans for the said college and such out-buildings as may be necessary to accommodate 300 students, and that the said committee be authorized to offer a premium of 400 dollars for the plan which may be approved of, and 200 dollars for the one next in point of merit, and for the third best plan 150 dollars, which plans when received shall be reported to council at a special meeting, which shall be called for that purpose, who shall determine the premium aforesaid."

COMMON COUNCIL.-Mr. SEXTON was called to the chair in the absence of the president.

Petitions similar to those presented in the Select Council were received.

Mr. BAKER, as chairman of the paving committee, made the two following reports and resolutions which were adopted.

The paving committee to whom was referred the petition of a number of citizens, requesting Blight's and South avenue to be paved, reported favorably.

Mr. Moss as chairman of the committee to improve the western front of the city, made the following report and resolution, which were laid on the table, and the plan was directed to be placed in the city commissioners' office for inspection.

"The committee appointed to report a plan for improving the city property between Market and Chesnut streets, on the river Schuylkill, report:

That after giving the subject due consideration they have concluded to submit the plan which accompanies this report, as one which in their opinion is best adapted to render this important portion of the city property most convenient for landing or shipping such articles as are transported on that river; and also that, which will produce the largest income, and which is well calculated to afford convenience to the citizens.

The ware houses can be constructed or not as may be hereafter determined on; but we would recommend that the whole should be completed as soon as practicable, as well because we are satisfied from all the information which we could collect, that the whole improvement would produce such an income, as it would be impolitic not to realize with the least possible delay,

but also that it would afford considerable accommodation

to our fellow citizens and add much to the appearance
of that important and improving part of the city.
The committee therefore offer the following resolu-

tion:

Resolved, That the plan recommended by the com

mittee as reported on the 14th day of June, for improving the city property on river Schuylkill, between Market and Chesnut streets, be, and the same is hereby adopted."

The common council took up for consideration the resolution offered by Mr. Groves, for appointing a committee to carry into effect the report of the committee relative to Mr. Girard's lands, which was adopted and Messrs. Coryell and Sullivan were appointed the committee on behalf the common council.

The common council also concurred in the resolution relative to paying the expenses of the committee.

Mr. SULLIVAN called up for consideration the resolution which he offered at a previous meeting, relative to defraying the funeral expenses of the late Stephen Girard, and when agreeing to the resolution, the yeas and nays were called for, and were as follows-Yeas, Messrs. Hood, Okie, Sexton and Sullivan-4. Nays, Messrs. Baker, Coryell, Horn, Leiper. Mayberry, Moss, Patterson, Ryan, Wainwright and Wetherill-10. The reso ution was lost.

SANITARY MEASURES.

Monday, June 18, 1832. SELECT COUNCIL.-Mr. NEFF presented the following petition from owners of property in Dock street, which was referred to the paving committee.

To the Select and Common Council. The subscribers, residents and occupiers of stores in Dock street, beg leave to represent, that in consequence of the bad condition of the sewer in said street their cellars are completely inundated; thereby rendering them useless as places of storage and affecting the health and comfort of all who dwell in said street and its neighborhood. The subscribers would therefore pray that a committee be appointed from your honorable bodies to inquire into this cause of complaint, and if possible to have it remedied.

Mr. SCOTT reported the following ordinance for Sanitary purposes, which was passed. AN ORDINANCE FOR SANITARY PURPOSES. SECTION 1. Be it ordained and enacted by the citi zens of Philadelphia, in select and common councils as sembled, That the Mayor be authorised to borrow forthwith, at a rate of interest not to exceed 5 per cent per annum, the sum of $30,000, which loan shall be irredeemable before the year 1852, and the certificates of which shall be issued and be transferable in the same manner as other certificates of city debt.

SECT. 2. And be it further ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, "that the sum so raised shall, together with the premium upon it, be passed to the credit of a fund to be called the sanitary fund, and shall not be used for any purpose or purposes whatsoever, unconnected with sanitary measures.

SECT. 3. And be it further ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, That a board to be called the "sanita ry board" shall be forthwith constituted, to consist of 3 members of the select council, and 5 members of the common council, together with the Mayor and Recorder of the city, whose duty it shall be to direct all such measures towards the cleansing and purifying of the city as they may think proper, and with power and au thority to prepare proper depots and places of reception for the sick, and to do and perform all such matters as in their discretion they may deem right.

SECT. 4. And be it further ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the fund to be raised as aforesaid, shall be at the command and under the controul of said board, and shall be drawn from the treasury upon the order of the Mayor, whenever a vote of said board shall require it.

SECT. 5. And be it further ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the members of the select and common council shall be divided by the clerks by lot, into classes, of the above numbers each, and each class shall serve as members of said board 2 weeks, five of the board shall constitute a quorum, and they shall keep minutes of their proceedings, and shall meet daily. the authority aforesaid, That 8 additional superintend SECT. 6. And be it further ordained and enacted by ents of the streets shall be appointed by the Mayor, to be and continue in office as long as may be necessary, at a salary of $40 per month, and that said superintendents shall be charged with and responsible for the complete and entire cleanliness of the streets, lanes and alleys committed to their care: that the city shall be divided forthwith by the Mayor and city commissioners into 8 districts, one of which shall be assigned to each of said superintendents, and the whole be carefully and unremittingly supervised and inspected by the two superintendents already existing.

Enacted into an ordinance in the city of Philadel
phia, this 18th day of June, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.
SILAS W. SEXTON,

President pro. tem. of the Common Council.
JOHN M. SCOTT,
President of the Select Council.
Attest Anch'n RANDALL, Clerk of Select Council.