Brady, of Westmorel'd, Gosser, Biglow, M'Williams, Mr. Page from the committee appointed to suggest matters for the consideration of the convention, made a further report, which was read as follows: 1. That volunteer corps be encouraged as far as practicable; that, for that purpose, all volunteers, so long as they shall continue to perform military duty, shall be entitled to all the advantages which are allowed to the first class; they, may fix their own days of parade, and impose such fines for absence on those days, as they may please, and adopt such bye-laws as they may approve; that they shall be subject to the same duty of encampment and service in time of peace, as the first class; they shall be allowed the usual music, at the public expense, on their days of parading; that their officers shall take rank of militia officers of the same grade, and their corps shall take rank of the militia. 2. That any person, after his arrival at the age of twenty-six, may, if he will, continue to perform duty with, and be entitled to the advantages of either the first class, or volunteers, but not subject to contribution to the military fund; but on ceasing to perform duty, he shall contribute annually 50 cents to that fund. 3. Every member of the first class, and volunteeers, shall pay a fine of $2, for every day of those required by law, in case he shall fail to parade in uniform, without sufficient excuse. 4. That a committee be appointed to draft a memorial to congress, asking a revision of the militia laws of the United States. IN THE AFTERNOON. The convention resumed the consideration of the amendment to the second resolution, attached to the report of the committee appointed to suggest matters for the consideration of the convention. Will the convention agree to the resolution as amended? A motion was made by Mr. Franklin, Further to amdend the resolution, by inserting between the words "shall" and "pay," the words "be called the second class, and" Which was agreed to. The resolution, as amended, was then adopted. The fourth resolution being under consideration, To postpone the further consideration of the same for the present, for the purpose of considering the following: Resolved, that it will be expedient to demand from those between twenty-one and twenty-six years of age, who shall neglect or refuse to uniform and equip themselves, a higher sum than from those who shall have arrived at the age of twenty-six. Which was agreed to. On the question, Will the convention agree to the resolution? YEAS. Messrs. Reed, Frazer, M'Glaughlin, Longenecker, Clarkson, Merrill, Frick, Packer, Paxton, Mitchell, Fleming, Potter, Wilson, Buchanan, Duncan, M'Cullough, Ard, Cummings, Miles, Kirk, Murphy, Parker, Criswell, Williams, M'Murtrie, Snare, Alexander, of Cumb. M'Cartney, M'Clure, Spencer, Woodburn, Speck, Clark, A C. Ramsey, Heck, Downing, Wells, Underwood, Gosser-38. NAYS. Messrs. Page, Riley, Simpson, Cooper, Baker, Fritz, So it was determined in the negative. Will the convention agree to the fourth resolution? Messrs. Page, Simpson, Baker, Fritz, Nathans, Worrel, Vansant, Rogers, Davis, Torbert, Purdy, Hart, Thompson, Bertels, Boileau, Sheetz, Zeilin, Price, Kerlin, Reed, Hambright, Frazer, Fordney, M'Laughlin, Downey, Longenecker, Overholtzer. Snyder, Clarkson, Miller, of Adams, Sanders, Franklin, Dean, Hornbeck, Straub, Packer, Wilson, M'Clure, Biddle, W. S. Ramsey, Greer, Stough, Redett, Fetter, Heck, Brady, of That the militia of the 2d class shall be enrolled as Franklin, Bard, Wallace, M'Geehan, Teeter, Alexan-usual by the proper officers, and that they shall annuder, of Westmorel'd, Brady, of Westmorel'd, Bigelow, Ringland, Waugh, Bayne, Tritt, M'Candlish-58. NAYS. Messrs. Riley, Cooper, Roberts, High, Boyer, Weber, Fogle, Merrill, Frick, Paxton, Drumheller, Mitchell, Fleming, Piatt, Potter, Curtin, Buchanan, Duncan, M'Cullough, Ard, Cummings, Miles, Kirk, Murphy, Parker, Sharon, Criswell, Williams, M'Murtrie, Snare, Alexander, of Cum. M'Cartney, Spencer, Gray, Woodburn, Speck, Clark, A. C. Ramsey, Compher, M'Elwee, Downing, Wells, Underwood, Gosser, M'Williams, Patterson-46. To postpone the question, for the purpose of introducing the following: ally pay the sum of to be collected with the county rates and levies, and paid into the treasury of the commonwealth. That the 2d class shall be officered as usual, and that all the officrs of the 1st and 2d class in each brigade, shall annually meet for drill days, for which services they shall be allowed per ficers request it, the state should necessary camp equipage. Which was not agreed to. day; ; and if the offurnish them with the A motion was made by Mr. Franklin, To re-commit to the committee on the subject, the report and resolutions, together with the report and reThe convention then adjourned until 3 o'clock, this solutions made by the said committee this morning. afternoon. So it was determined in the affirmative. Which was agreed to. 4 On motion Mr. Roberts was substituted on said be necessary; and all the commissioned officers in each committee in place of Mr Franklin. On motion of Mr. Franklin, The following resolution was adopted: Resolved, that no member of this convention, be permitted to speak more than twice on any question before the convention. The convention then adjourned until 11 o'clock, tomorrow morning. Resolved, that the officers and members of the Military Convention, now sitting in Harrisburg, be invited to take seats within the bar of the senate chamber, during the sitting of senate. "Extract from the Journal, "W. S. FRANKLIN, Clerk." 5. That brigade or regiment shall assemble annually, at such 6. The first class to be subject at all times to the requisitions of the state executive, in compliance with the provisions of the constitution. 7. That a committee be appointed to draft a memorial to congress, to be signed by the Preisdent, Vice President and Secretaries, in behalf of this body, askMr. Waugh presented to the convention the following a revision of the militia laws of the United States. ing resolution from the house of representatives. "In the House of Representatives, Jan. 4, 1832. "On motion, "Resolved, that the officers and inembers of the Military Convention be invited to take seats within the bar of this house. "Extract from the Journal, "FRS. R. SHUNK, Clerk." Mr. Simpson, from the committee to ascertain the amount necessary to defray the expenses of this convention, reported, That they have enquired particularly into the matter confided to them, and offer the following: Resolved, that the members of this convention be as'sessed the sum of seventy-five cents each, and that the same be paid into the hands of Walter S. Franklin, Esq, one of the secretaries of this convention. Which report and resolution were adopted. Mr. Page, from the committee to suggest matters for the consideration of the convention, reported, 1. That the citizens of this commonwealth ought to be divided into two classes 2. That all such citizens as will uniform themselves voluntarily according to law, ought to compose the first class, and be called the active militia; and that all such citizens between the ages of 21 and 45, who will not equip themselves, shall be called the second class, and pay a certain sum in lieu thereof, for the encouragement of the volunteers and of the first class of militia. 3. That the first class only ought to be subject to drill or duty in time of peace. And the following in conformity to the principles set forth in said resolutions. 1. That all militia trainings not in uniform should be abolished, and that the second class ought not to be required to do military duty, except when called forth to execute the laws, to suppress insurrections and repel invasions. 2. 1 hat the first class be furnished with arms and accoutrements, camp equipage, music, powder, and five days' rations in each year, and be required to encamp for instruction five days in each year. 3. The militia shall be enrolled as required by law, by the proper officers, and every enrolled militia man of the second class, except minors, should annually pay the sum of one dollar, to be collected as the county rates and levies are now by law collected, and paid into the treasury of this commonwealth. 4. The second class should have such officers as may 8. That the proceedings of this convention be recommended to the early and serious attention of the legis lature; with that view, that the officers of the convention lay before them, an authenticated copy of the Journal. The first resolution reported by the committee was adopted. The second resolution being under consideration, A motion was then made by Mr. Nathans, Which was agreed to. A motion was then made by Mr. Riley, To further amend the resolution by striking out all after the word "powder," and adding in lieu thereof as follows: "And that each company of not less than privates be allowed the sum of dollars per annum, to be appropriated by them for military purposes, in accordance with the bye laws of the respective companies." Which was not agreed to. A motion was then made by Mr. Merrill, To strike out the words "and be required," and insert "if they think proper." Which was not agreed to. The resolution, as amended, was then adopted. The fourth resolution being under consideration, the first blank was filled with "three," and the second with "one." The resolution, as amended, was then adopted. On motion of Mr. Cummings, The eighth resolution was postponed for the present. The following resolutions were then offered by Mr. Torbert: Resolved, that the committee appointed to draft a memorial to congress recommending a revision of the militia laws of the United States, be instructed to recommend the passage of a law appropriating to each state annually the sum of two thousand dollars for every representative to which it is entitled in congress, to be 1832.] MILITARY CONVENTION. On motion of Mr. Simpson, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, that the journal of this convention be printed, and that each member of the legislature be furnished with a copy of the same, and that each member of this convention be furnished with three copies. On motion of Mr. Cummings, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, that it be recommended to the legislature, to so proportion the military force of this state that the corps of artillery be augmented. be placed at the disposal of the government of the states On motion of Mr. Brady, of Franklin co. the follow- Resolved, that there ought to be a provision made by the legislature for the election of one lieutenant for each company of infantry, artillery, and riflemen, and militia of the first class, in this state, in addition to the number of officers now allowed by law. On motion of Mr. Criswell, the following resolution was adopted. Resolved, that every freeman within this commonwealth, who shall have equipped himself and served in a regularly organized volunteer company for the term of seven years, shall be exempt from military duty in time of peace. The following resolution was offered by Mr. Straub. Resolved, that this convention recommend to the consideration of the legislature of Pennsylvania, the propriety of reducing the number that is, under the existing laws, required to compose a company of the first Which was not agreed to. Mr. Page, from the committee composed of the dele-class militia. gates of the first division, reported the following resolution, which was adopted. The following resolution was offered by Mr. Fleming. Resolved, that volunteers hereafter to be organized of the same description of force have a similar uniform. Which was not agreed to. Resolved, that this convention, in consequence of the peculiar and exposed situation of the city of Philadelphia, recommend to the consideration of the legislature the propriety of such a variation in the general law, as will permit the establishment in the district now composed of the city and county of Philadelphia, of one division of volunteers, and granting, for the purposes of supporting the same, all the fines imposed and collected from the first and second class within the said district. Mr. Merrill, from the committee appointed to draft a me Provided, that no claim be made by the said division on the general fund, and that it shall determine the num-morial to congress, reported the following, which was ber of days of encampment for its own instruction. The convention adjourned until 3 o'clock this after On motion of Mr. Franklin, the following resolution was adopted. A motion was made by Mr. Wells, and Mr. W. S. Ramsey, To re-consider the vote agreeing to the resolution reported by Mr. Page, from the committee composed of the delegates from the first division. On the question, Will the convention agree to the motion? Resolved, that it be recommended to the legislature to pass a law requring all major and brigadier generals and staff officers, to equip themselves, and to parade at least once a year. adopted. To the Honourable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress Assembled. 'The memorial of a convention of citizens, assembled from the different military divisions of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, most respectfully represents, That the people of Pennsylvania are deeply impressed with the belief that the present militia system of the United States is burthensome and inefficient; that since the passage of the act of 1792, the number of men in The yeas and nays were required by Mr. Wells and cluded within its provisions has increased so much, and Mr. Davis, and are as follows: YEAS. Messrs. Miller, of Lancaster, Hambright, Cummings, Kirk, Criswell, M'Cartney, W. S. Ramsey, A. C. Ramsey, Wells, Underwood, Bigelow, Bayne-12. NAYS. Messrs. Page, Riley, Simpson, Cooper, Baker, Fritz, Nathans, Worrell, Vansant, Rogers, Davis, Torbert, Purdy, Hart, Bertels, Boileau, Sheetz, Richards, Zeilin, Price, Kerlm, Reed, Downey, Longenecker, Reigart, Miler, of Adams, Sanders, Franklin, Blattenberger, Roberts, Dean, High, Boyer, Weber, Kern, Kelchner, Fogle, Hornbeck, Livingston, Straub, Merrill, Frick, Paxton, Drumheller, Mitchell, Fleming, Piatt, Potter, Wilson, Curtin, Buchanan, Duncan, M'Cullough, Ard, Miles, Murphy, Williams, M'Murtrie, Snare, Foulke, M'Clure, Spencer, Gray, Greer, Stough, Tritt, Woodburn, Redett, Fetter, Speck, Clark, Brady, of Franklin, Compher, M'Elwee, Teeter, Downing, Alexander, of Westmorel'd, Brady of Westmorel'd, Gosser-79. So it was determined in the negative. On motion of Mr. Williams, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, that application be made to congress, by this convention, for the passage of an act appropriating for the support and discipline of the volunteers and militia of each state a sum of money to be distributed annually, and in proportion to the representation of each state in congress: which monies so appropriated shall will continue to increase so rapidly, that it is inexpedient for the government to attempt to arm and instruct the whole body. They also believe, that on no occatual services of so great a number of armed men as is sion, can the necessities of the country require the acnow included within the provisions of that act. They therefore most respectfully request your honourable bodies to revise the present militia system, and to make such changes therein, as shall enable the government to arm, and to instruct at least a portion of those who may be subject to enrolment. The eighth resolution attached to the report of the committee to suggest matters for the consideration of the convention was then adopted. On motion of Mr. Davis, Resolved, that a central committee of correspondence be appointed to promote the objects of this convention; and Ordered, that Col. Walter S. Franklin, Capt. E. W. Roberts, and Capt. Hugh M'Ilwaine, be said committee On motion of Mr. Torbert, Resolved, that the delegates from each division appoint a committee of three to correspond with the cen tral committee. Whereupon, The following persons were appointed, FIRST DIVISION. Resolved, that the thanks of this convention be tendered to the commissioners of the county of Dauphin for their kindness in granting the use of the Court House. On motion of Mr. Nathans, the following resolution was unanimously adopted. Resolved, that the thanks of this convention be and they hereby are tendered to the committee appointed to suggest matters for the consideration of the convention, for their diligent discharge of that duty. On motion of Mr. Page, Ordered, that Messrs. Page, Ringland and Franklin, be a committee to revise the proceedings of this convention, and attend to publication. The convention then adjourned sine die. SAMUEL A. PRICE, Simpson Torbert, Vice Presidents. Secretaries. FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE INDIGENT WIDOWS' AND SINGLE WOMEN'S SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA. The rotation of the seasons has again brought around dreary winter, with all its wants and deprivations. Yet, although stern and rugged in its aspect, it has attractions peculiarly belonging to it; for while the charms of the preceding periods of the year call us forth to enjoy the beauties of nature, this brings us to the heartfelt realities and endearments of home, and all the interesting charities of domestic life. It is now the season of social intercourse, of benevolent exertion, and intellectual improvement; the season when man is especially called to the exercise of those qualities, which distinguish and elevate him above the animal creation. At this season, also, the various benevolent Institutions hold their annual meetings, and among them the managers of the "Indigent Widows' and Single Women's Society," feel it incumbent upon them to present to their patrons a statement of the helpless family intrusted to their care. In the quiet and monotonous mode of living so essential and suitable to advanced life, there can be little to recreate, although much to interest, the feelings of the regular visiter. To see a number of respectable beings, who have been destined by Providence to survive all those ties that render life a blessing, and destitute of even the means of supplying the necessaries of life; to see such in the settled possession of a home, which affords every needful comfort, divested of all anxiety for the future, assured of good nursing and medical attendance when required, and the means of receiving spiritual instruction and consolation, must surely be gratifying to every benevolent mind; and while they are preparing for a richer inheritance, by patient resignation to the appointments of their Heavenly Father, afford a salutary lesson to those by whose kindness they are sustained. Since the last report, three of the family have finished their course, and, we have reason to hope, have obtained their reward. One of these had been long suffering under derangement of mind, but was retained in the family until within a few months past, when it became necessary to remove her to private lodgings, within a few miles of the city, but still under the care of a committee of the board. The Rev. Dr. Ely, Capt. Whillden, and the church of which she was a member, kindly assisted to defray the expense of this arrangement, which rendered her latter days as comfortable as her situation would admit. Five persons have been received into the asylum during the past year, making the family to consist at this time of fifty-two persons, including the matron and domestics. The managers, desirous of rendering 1832.] REVOLUTIONARY HEROES. From the American Volunteer. REVOLUTIONARY HEROES. the institution as beneficial as possible to the community, thus venture to receive as many pensioners as can be A Public meeting of the Revolutionary Officers and comfortably accommodated, although their funds, they Soldiers within the bounds of the County of Cumberland, regret to state, are in a less satisfactory situation than is the household establishment. Many causes may be asconvened, in pursuance of notice, at the County Hall The in the borough of Carlisle, on Tuesday the 3d of Jan. signed as the reason of the diminution of income. continual fluctuations of human events doubtless pro-inst. (that being the 55th anniversary of the battle of ever increasing duce an effect; and the numerous and projects that lay claim to public liberality, possessing Princeton,) to devise ways and means for their mutual the attraction of novelty, induce many to allow their benefit. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, the atBut surely an esta- tendance of these venerable men was not so numerous as was anticipated; but still, there were enough present to bounty to flow in a new channel. blishment that has been tested by many years' experience, should not be permitted to languish and decay for give great interest to the scene, and to call forth the liveliest emotions of gratitude in the bosoms of all who witthe sake of more recent experiments, however imposing in theory. But though frequently embarrassed, the nessed this assemblage of veterans, who had fought for managers are not discouraged; relief often comes when the liberties of our land, in the perilous times of the least expected; as recently, when the friends of the asylum were generally absent, and the treasury empty, a stranger, unsolicited, and unknown, offered to exhibit his curious mechanism for the benefit of the institution, and although the avails of this benevolent act were not sufficient to prevent the necessity of drawing from the small saving fund, yet the aid was peculiarly seasonable and cheering; like a gleam of sunshine in a darkened atmosphere, it inspired hope, and renewed their confidence of support from that Being who emphatically They also notice styles himself "the Widow's God." with gratitude the legacy of Paul Siemen, Esq. received from his executor, Mr. Bohlen, and the bequest of Mrs. Margaret W. Barton, with several donations, as per treasurer's account, annexed. Thus the year has closed with much less difficulty than was apprehended, so that the managers have good reason for thankuflness and trust, believing that as their day is. so shall their strength be The preacher has said, "cast thy bread upon the waters, and thou shalt find it again after many days." Yes, it will return when the season of action is over, and nothing remains to solace. the last stage of existence, but the retrospect of the past, and the anticipation of the future. It will then return in the soothing reflection, that in the season of youthful hilarity and enterprise, when the world and its pleasures possessed every attraction, that then, even at that joyous season, the heart and the hand were freely opened to alleviate the sufferings and destitution of the aged. Indigent Widows and Single Women's Society, in account with the Treasurer. DECEMBER-1831. DR. Upon Warrant of the Board of Managers, Revolution. The meeting was organized by calling Archibald Loudon, to the chair; and by appointing George RinThe chairman having stated the object of the meetchart and Peter Duey, Secretaries. "That although Congress had ing, further remarked. done much for the relief of the surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution; still, that in many instances, the aid granted proved insufficient for the support of those whose age and infirmities rendered them utterly unable to maintain themselves. That in many instances, others, who had risked their lives in the service of our country during the revolu could obtain no relief. tion, were not within the letter of the existing acts of Congress; and therefore That there was now more probability than formerly, of Congress extending further aid to them, inasmuch as old age, poverty and disease had made such sad havoc in their ranks, and had left so few objects for the nation's bounty, that the most liberal grants by Congress, would not be felt by the country at large.' It was then Resolved, That Jacob Oiler and Michael volutionary Soldiers present-their respective agesMiller-be a committee to ascertain the number of ReWhen, after making the necessary inquiries, the and to what division of the army they belonged. committee reported, That the number present was, to Of the Pennsylvania Militia. wit: Jacob Oiler, aged 85 years. do 80 years. do 80 years. do 80 years. do 78 years. paid to the Purchasing Committee, To cash paid for Printing Reports, To Balance remaining in Treasury, $4,531 31 John Mitchels, $2,350 00 do 75 years. Of the Flying Camp. Peter Duey, aged 78 years. Of the Regulars. George Simon Rinehart, Robert Barkley, Peter Tritt, $41 26 John Fagan, aged 85 years. do 82 years. do 81 years. do 77 years. do 76 years. 703 00 Philip Lenhart, Martin Miller, do 72 years. do 71 years. By Life Subscriptions, By admission of Pensioners in Asylum, By Board of Persons in Asylum, By proceeds of Mr. Maelzel's Exhibition, By sundry Donations, By the Bequest of Mrs. Margaret Wharton, By Knitting and Work done in Asylum, By Cash drawn from Saving Fund, By fines from Managers, By cash from Charity Box, 60 00 It was further Resolved, That our representatives in 140 00 176 00 Congress be requested to use their exertions to procure 102 25 for the soldiers entitled to pensions under the existing 71 25 laws, a further relief and assistance from Government, 50 00 and to cause such other laws to be made as may embrace, within their provisions, those soldiers of the revo97/50 1,950 00 lution, who are not entitled to aid or pensions under the 787 49 present acts of Congress. 71 65 Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting, sign29 37 ed by the chairman and secretaries, be published; and 200 00 that a copy of the same, be sent to our representatives 9 75 in Congress. |