whole commercial operations of the state of Ohio; and inasmuch as it would give us a line of water communication of almost unlimited extent, connect our own canal with that of Ohio, and also with the trade and commerce of the Lakes, and secure to our market the products of a vast region of country highly fertile and thereby in crease the tonnage, and consequently the revenue, on the whole of the Pennsylvania Canal And, whereas a Bill is now pending before the Legislature of this State, making appropriations for Canal and internal improvement purposes, one section of said Bill having special reference to the continuation of our Canal to Lake Erie, and appropriating for its commencement the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, to be expended during the ensuing summer. It is therefore Resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that a Canal to connect the Pennsylvania Canal with that of Ohio, by opening a continuous line of navigation thro' the centre of both states, will add greatly to the wealth of our citizens and increase the revenue and general prosperity of the state. Resolved, That it is believed that the construction of a lateral or cross Canal, to connect the Pennsylvania with the Ohio canal, at the Portage summit, depends in a great measure, (if not entirely,) on the extension of the line of our Canal by the Shenango Route. And the Board of Canal Commissioners having declared that route to be the more practicable and judicious, it is therefore further 171 departed friends and sages, by establishing a judicious system of public schools. The late venerated Clinton, of New York, has most eloquently expressed the senti ment that, "education is the guardian of liberty and the bulwark of morality, and that knowledge and virtue are generally inseparable companions, and are to the moral world what light and heat are to the natural, the illuminating and vivifying principle." In fact they are the distinguishing traits between civilized and savage life, and it must appear self evident to him who reflects deeply and seriously upon the subject, that although education cannot do every thing it can do much; although it cannot implant an aptitude to receive vivid sensation where it is not, it can call into action the sensibility of our system, enliven the powers of the mind, and extend, strengthen, refine and invigorate the perfections of our nature. It must stand as the grand balance wheel of our political systems, and regulator of our public movements, one without which safety and prosperity cannot be insured to any state, or nation; suspend its operations, or even weaken its exercise, and we may still have every moment to be hurried into excesses by the plea of tyrants, or the zeal of demagogues, based upon the plausible pretence of necessity. In all republican governments, every freeman in the state stands as he ought, a necessary constituent part of the controlling sovereignty, and it devolves as the peculiar province of such governments, to elicit the force of genius with all the care, and foster it with all the energy and zeal they would bestow on their most favourite objects of improving the sources of wealth and revenue. Our schools hold in embrio the future communities of our land; they are the pillars of our republic. But if wealth and talents were certain concomitants of each other, and genius was confined to the higher walks of life, we might with more consistency allow education to take its direction. But when we see a Henry, a Wirt, a Marshal and many others, emerging from obscurity to shine as ornaments of their country and world, or when we refer for a moment to the history of English Peers, and view the list of the House of Lords for the present and past age, do we find the descendents of Warwick, Shaftsbury and Bolingbroke standing pre-eminent in the councils of the nation. No, nearly all those who are distinguished for their worth and talents, have arisen to their present situation by the energy of their own minds, or they born and educated before their fathers were clothed with rank and opulence, hence we are led to conclude, so far from wealth and stations being the only repositories of talents, that luxury brings a clog, and the sunshine of opulence a delusion which often have a strong tendency to lead the mind from the more rational employment of improving itself to that of seeking its own momentary gratification. We all have to begin the race of our existence upon the same line, start from the same post of ignoResolved, That the proceedings of this meeting berance and listlessness. The first lessons of the spelling signed by the Chairman and Secretary and published in the papers of Pittsburg, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. On motion, the meeting adjourned. WM. WILKINS, Chairman. W. W. FETTERMAN, Secretary. Resolved, That it is the deliberate opinion of this meeting, that the immediate extension of our State Canal, by the Shenango route, is of primary importance to the State, and imperiously demanded by the increasing and diversified interest of her citizens. Resolved, That it is deemed by this meeting to be not only expedient, but highly necessary, that a liberal appropriation should be made, during the present session of our Legislature, for the continuation of our Canal to Lake Frie, and by the route designated in the foregoing preamble and resolutions. Resolved, That the Chairman and Secretary of this meeting transmit to the Governor of the Commonwealth a copy of its proceedings, with a request that he will communicate the same to both branches of the Legislature, as expressive of the sentiments of the citizens of Pittsburg in relation to these important subjects. On motion of the IIon. Charles Shaler, it was unanimously Resolved, That our Representatives in the Legislature of Pennsylvania be requested to use all honourable efforts in their power to procure as large an appropriation as possible, to carry on a work so important to the true interests of Pittsburg, Philadelphia, & the state at large. On motion of T. B. Dallas, Esq. REPORT Of the Committee on Education, relative to a general system of education in the commonwealth. Read, February 23, 1830. Mr. PARKHURST, from the committee on Education, to whom was referred the numerous petitions from the different counties in this commonwealth, praying for a general system of education, made the following report, which was read viz: That in the opinion of the committee, the time has arrived when American legislatures both national and sectional, and particularly that of Pennsylvania, owe it as a duty to their country and posterity to listen without delay to the wise councils of her many living and book are as incomprehensible to the child as the philos ophy of Newton or the problems of Euclid. In the vegetable world plants may spring up and grow like the green bay tree-but they overshadow the soil, and choak the minor operations of nature; but the analogy does not apply to the operations of mind; its outspreadings choak no surrounding object, neither it derives its power; instead of shadows it emits light does it exhaust the fertility of the source from whence and heat, and instead of darkness clothes every thing around with its own lusture and beauty; and instead of destroying, it creates, multiplies and guides the subtle machinery of the human intellect, and still it does not remain alone to the great, the eloquent, or the learned, or to those who speak from the proud elevation of pow er or talent, to extend themselves in the production of good or ill in after times; for we all move on as waves of the vast current of human existence; and although our own little commotions may soon subside, they communicate onward, and may swell as they advance, into a majority and power of which it would be scarce ly possible to conceive that we had any participation. Your committee are perfectly aware that it has been the fashion of other times to treat literary acquirements, especially of females, as starched pedantry or vain pretensions, or stigmatize them as inconsistent with the virtues of domestic affection; but really we cannot see why mothers should be denied the power of instructing their children, or wives of sharing the intellectual pursuits of their husbands, or why sisters, and daughters,should be denied the charm of refined sense or age, and infirmity, the consolation which elevates the soul and gladdens the hours of despondency. Your committee are free to acknowledge, that many obstacles present themselves at this time in undertaking to lay a foundation for a general system of education; one which is of no small magnitude arises from a want of a sufficient number of competent teachers; but we are led to believe that the talents and enterprize of our citizens, with due encouragement will soon amply supply this defect. for we are unwilling to say that Pennsylvania, with all her wealth, patriotism and resources, can remain long deficient in the essential requisites, to maintain with honor and dignity, her distinguished station. There is a deep responsibility resting upon every true republican to strengthen the foundation upon which our government rests, the virtue and intelligence of the mass of the people; with them resides the physical force of the community, and they have petitioned time after time; your chief executives have communicated freely upon the importance of the subject, and the constituents have been calling for forty years in language which cannot be mistaken; but still, from causes, which it is not necessary here to mention, many portions of this commonwealth, your committee are sorry to say, remain destitute of schools, and many others are but poor ly conducted. Your committee do not anticipate that they have presented a system, which is perfect in its nature, or one that can immediately bring order out of confusion-but they are led to believe that it will be a starting point,or nucleus, from which, with care and attention, we may raise and perfect a system which will be of immediate advantage to the rising and future generations. Believing that all former laws upon the subject are an insufficient compliance with the requisition of the constitution of this commonwealth, and that it is only necessary to offer to the voluntary acceptance of our youth, the means of improvement based upon fair and honorable principles, to excite in them emulation which will last and greatly increase their usefulness through life, your committee have been induced to off. er for the consideration of the House, the following bill. SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS, TO THE FOR EMPLOYING THE POOR. Youn Board of Directors have to present to you their annual accounts, and a statement of their transactions for the past year. They opened their house for the delivery of work to poor women on the 20th day of January last; and the severity of the winter had the effect of bringing a greater number of applicants for work than usual. The Board met their wishes as far as was in their power, and work was supplied to 1137 individuals and families. The consequence of this free delivery of work to the Poor, has occasioned a large accumulation of goods, and it has unfortunately happened that we have experienced greater difficulties this season than we have before known in disposing of them; in addition to which we had a considerable quantity, at the commencement of the last year, remaining unsold in the hands of our correspondents. The demand for such goods as we have to sell is in this city very limited, and our shipping merchants are discouraged by the results of former shipments from making further purchases | from us. It has long been a subject of general remark, that the labor of poor women is not sufficiently compensated, by the wages paid to them. This must be admitted; and the Directors feel in common with the other members of this institution, as well as the public generally, that the low rate of female wages is greatly to be lamented. But the same unfortunate circumstance extends to numerous occupations of females, besides that which claims our attention. It is indeed much easier to make complaint, and to suggest what should be done, than to provide a remedy for this great evil. It will be seen by an inspection of the accounts of this institution from the beginning, that a very small advance on the wages paid would before now have annihilated all its funds and broken up the society. We are not aware that more could have been effected than has been done for increasing the amount of subscriptions, (which is acknowledged to have been truly liberal,) nor that the funds thus obtained, could have been managed with more economy, or the goods sold to a better advantage. The numerous applications for work at this season of the year, and the satisfaction generally expressed by the applicants for the supplies they receive, are ample proofs of the benefit which they conceive is conferred uponthem, and although it falls far short of that complete relief which it would be our desire to afford them, yet it in some measure alleviates their distress, during a period when there is a scarcity of work from other quarters. We have observed that in the month of April, the time when we close our more active operations that work of other kinds and from other sources, flows in upon the people we employ and they decline taking more from us, expressing their thanks for what they have had, and hoping to be employed again on the return of another season. The House has been kept open, as usual, as an Asylum for lost children, and during the year there has been a considerable number of inmates of this description, all of whom have received the kind attention of the matron. The usual time for commencing our operations is at hand, and the new Board, will have to rely with confi dence on the prompt support of the numerous friends of the institution, in order that its benefits may continue to be enjoyed by the poor and needy with as much advantage as possible during the present season. All which is respectfully submitted. By order of the Board, THOMAS ASTLEY, Chairman. Attest-Joan B. ELLISON, Secretary. Philadelphia, Jan. 12th, 1830. - The Provident Society for Employing the Poor in account with Abrakam Hilyard, Treasurer. age, and postage, 40 98 Do Premiums of Insurance, Do -Interest, CR. Thomas Reeves, Elliot Cresson, Alexander Symington, Samuel Mason, Jr. ADJUTANT GENERAL'S REPORT 173 Adjutant General's Office, 2 Harrisburg, February 13, 1830. S 10 02 His Excellency GEO: WOLF, 94 00 36 33 $10,028 30 $1,836 70 Governor of Pennsylvania. SIR-I have the honor of presenting my annual report of the strength of the militia, and a return of the arms and military property of the commonwealth, in the hands of volunteers, and deposited in the different arsenals. It has been delayed until this time, with a hope of making it more full and comprehensive. This has been prevented by not receiving the papers of the office, in the hands of my predecessor, and by the failure of some of the brigade inspectors, to make their returns in a proper manner. The entire military force of the state, including militia and volunteers of every description, in the report of 4,520 25 last year, was stated at 177,741. The report herewith presented, will show an increase of 1,201-the whole force now reported, being 179,842. It is probable, 225 00 however, that the actual force is much more, as the bri5 00 gade inspectors, in many cases, have informed me that 720 70 great difficulty occurred in getting correct returns from 105 65 the captains of companies; commanders of volunteer corps, particularly, where the fines are the exclusive property of the company, have in many cases merely reported the number of men on parade, on the day of inspection. $10,028 30 Estimate of the Property of the Provident Society, viz: Amount of goods shipped on account of the Society, to various places, the accounts of sales of which, have not been received, invoiced at In consequence of a reduction in the price of the materials of which the above goods are made, &c. there will probably be a loss of 25 per cent. upon the price at which they are charged, Remittances received on account of sales, Probable amount yet to be received on ac count of shipments, Note in Treasurer's hands, Sundry debts due to the Treasurer and individuals, about Estimated amount of funds that will be appli cable to future transactions, 2076 78 $6228 37 $4428 37 $5928 37 In the amount of public arms in the brigades, a small diminution is visible in some articles, and an increase in others. Immediately after my appointment, I address$8305 15 ed circulars to the different inspectors, requiring a return of the public property, in their brigades. The replies in but few instances proved satisfactory. In justice to them it must be said, however, that the brigade inspectors at present in commission, so far as I have been able to form an opinion from my intercourse with them, are intelligent and vigilant officers, and seem desirous to discharge their duties faithfully. All of them have laborious and important duties to perform, and some of them receive a very small compensation. In two cases where the brigades include a large extent of territory, and where the expenses are necessarily great, the whole salary does not amount to one hundred dollars, yet they would be compelled to consume much time, not strictly within their duty, if they were ordered to go from house to house, in search of public property, which had been issued by their predecessors, without the necessary care in taking sufficient security. Seyeral reports inform me that it is impossible, from the $4928 37 loose manner in which the business has been conducted by their predecessors, to know the exact amount of pub. lic property in their brigades, without a personal examination. One states that a company is dissolved, the late brigade inspector neglected to take bonds, and the captain has become insolvent and refuses to return the arms. In such cases, I have given orders for their collection and their return to the nearest arsenal, and it is probable that the spring parades many will be collected. Not having the papers of the office in my possession, I am unable to form a correct estimate of the public property which has been distributed, but judging from former returns, it must be much greater than is reported; since, on comparing the return of last year, with that of Adjutant General Carr, made February, 1822, it will be found that the number of muskets then reported was 14,322, leaving only 329 to have been distributed in seven years. These facts are stated, and with much deference, to show the necessity of some regulation which will ensure the preservation and the safe return of the public arms and other property distributed. Otherwise the event of a war will find us as much unprepared for effectual defence as if no expense had been incurred in arming and equipping the freemen of the commonwealth. The law of 1822, does provide "that before any arms and accoutrements are delivered to any volunteer company, sufficient security shall be given for the safe return and delivery of the same, in good order and condition upon the dissolution of the company, or whenever lawfully required," but this provision having failed, the legislature may probably devise some more efficient measure, in pointing out the precise character and amount of securiiy to be taken for the "safe return and delivery." The keeper of the arsenal at Philadelphia, informs me, that by a regulation of the city authorities it has become necessary to pave a portion of the street on which the public property is erected, and that a tax of the corporation has been assessed upon the building within the last year. There are no funds at my disposal for this purpose, and if there were, I should hesitate to appropriate them until the legislature should decide the justice of paying a tax upon property which has been erected at great expense by the commonwealth, principally for the safety and convenience of the city of Philadelphia. I have the honor to be, Your excellency's abed't. servt. SIMON CAMERON, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. Return of the ordnance, camp equipage and military stores, the property of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, deposited in the arsenals at Philadelphia, Harris burg and Meadville. IN THE PHILADELPHIA ARSENAL. 1 Muskets - 1250 1 Rifles and accoutrements 230 20 9 750 Bricolls and slings 60 Ditto sabres and belts 375 12 Six pounders iron mounted 1 22 Field carriages 1 4 Trail ropes and tube boxes, Scoopes and worms 12 pound canister shot, 12 Muskets with bayonets, cleaned 256 For many years I have been acquainted with the coun EXPENDITURES OF THE ECONOMY ESTAB try bordering upon the Lehigh river from the Gap to LISHMENT. From the Western Argus. trasted with the late improvements of the Lehigh, is rendered more interesting.. the landing, or Lausanne, as it is now called. I have always admired the romantic scenery which is every Messrs. HENRY:-Having at various times been urged where presented in the course of this distance, and aby some of my friends, to furnish a statement of the ex-gree with some of your correspondents, that when conpenditures of the Economy establishment for one year, I have at last yielded to their desire, and hope it will not be unpleasant to any good citizen, who feels an interest in the welfare of our country, to know the extent of business carried on in one corner of Beaver county, and to get an idea of the inducement offered to the Farmers and Wool-growers, in the said establishment, and by the same people who are charged, by the unintelligent part of the community, with housing up the treasures of the country, without expending any thing in return.Those who have entertained, or do now entertain such ideas, will find a good opportunity to ascertain the cor rectness of their opinions by perusing the following ac count. 2 Statement of the articles purchased by the Economy ciety, during the year 1829. 173,276 feet pine and oak boards, 903,000 pine and oak shingles, 238 saw logs, 65,369 pounds iron casting for machinery, &c. The Lehigh Gap, is certainly a very romantic spot, but the situation of Lehighton, for a village or town, is not excelled by any other place north of the Blue Mountain; and I am not a little surprised, that in noticing, through the Pioneer, the different places and villages, along the Lehigh, this place has been invariably overlooked. Mauch Chunk seems by nature designed for a place of business, but as there is not sufficient room, owing to the approach of the mountains to the Lehigh, for a town of much size,the business of the place will most likely be confined pretty much to the shipment of coal. The So-Landing, or Lausanne, is less confined than Mauch Chunk, and it is probable, from its location being at the $1,101 60 head of the navigation, and at the commencement of the 554 20 turnpike road, leading to the Susquehanna, that it will 354 12 in a short time become a place of deposit for merchan2,110 37 dize and produce, destined to and from the upper coun207 36 try. The Nesquehoning creek, empties into the Le903 58 high at this place, and will tend much to bring it for1,510 50 ward and render it a place of business, as from the ex403 12 tensive water power, which this stream affords, manu4,700 40 factories can be established at comparatively a very small expense; but summing up the advantages of either of these places for a flourishing country town, they will not compare with Lehighton. In fact there are few places to be found any where more eligible or more delightfully situated, for a country village, than the latter. It is just far enough from the Coal Landing at Mauch Chunk, to keep clear of the dust-the situation is open and free-the ground plot of the town is laid out upon an elevated piece of table land--the lots are large af fording an extensive garden and yard to each dwelling 3,667 40 3,721 95 682 62 39,017 64 587 69 11,482 46 294 02 |