HOUSE OF REFUGE. Canal.-The Berks and Schuylkill Journal of April 4, contains the following notice: "It affords us pleasure to state that the Schuylkill Navigation has been re-opened, and that the whole line from Mount Carbon to Philadelphia, 'was in navigable order yesterday. Several boats have departed with freight, and a number are busily engaged in taking in cargoes of flour, whiskey, &c. destined for the Philadelphia market. "It is confidently expected that the Union Canal will commence operations early next week." Mr. POULSON:--With feelings deeply interested for the promotion of so laudable an Institution as the House of Refuge, the writer of this has been permitted to examine the Records of the House, and gathered from them the following interesting document, that no doubt cannot but awaken sympathetic feelings in the bosom of every one that peruses this paper. From the Records we learn, that out of 51 boys, that have been committed to the Refuge, 26 could not read. The girls, 14 in number, 11 could not read. Eight girls out of the eleven, have learned to read scripture lessons, since their com- April 4. The Schuylkill has been visited by a freshmitment. Likewise, the boys have made considerable et these two days past, probably the breaking up of the progress in their learning. We learnt also, that out of last ice and melting of the ‘remainder' snow-however, the 14 girls, in the Refuge, 6 have lost their fathers by boats descended the river yesterday; and on Monday death, 4 their mothers, 3 have neither fathers nor moth-morning will start for the interior of the state, loaded ers; and out of the 51 boys, 20 have lost their fathers, with merchandise. 7 their mothers, 11 have no parents living. Thus have we heard sung by the children of the Refuge: Some of us here were Orphans left, No friends, no guardians to our youth, As funds are needed for the institution, let the above document be an appeal to the benevolent heart-and as the Managers of the Refuge have it in contemplation to appoint an Agent to solicit donations and subscriptions to aid the funds, should it take place, it is hoped that the funds will soon be replenished; and part of the good things that the Lord in his bounty has bestowed upon his creatures, will cheerfully be given to snatch from the jaws of a dreary prison, the little wanderers, destitute of parental care. HOWARD. Am. Daily Adv. We were much gratified with a visit this week to the House of Refuge. Although the institution is still in its infancy, and of course many improvements in the management and discipline may be advantageously adopted -yet we were pleased with the advances already made. The boys were variously employed: some at book-binding; some at carpenter's work; some at shoemaking and tailoring; and others at covering demijohns with wicker work. From the cheerfulness and industry of the boys, and the appearance of regular business, the idea of punishment was almost banished. While there,theywere sum moned to supper-at the call of a whistle, they arranged themselves in a line in the yard, according to their height-and after performing a few evolutions, marched in Indian file to the supper room, where they placed themselves, each in his proper seat, at a signal from the superintendant-after being seated in silence for a few moments, a blessing was invoked, and they commenced their plentiful meal of mush and milk, and appeared to partake of it with good appetites and much satisfaction. About 4 hours each day are spent in school.No one who reflects upon the important consequences which must result from a separation of such boys from the vicious associates of a common prison, can for a moment hesitate to aid the institution as far as he can. MISCELLANEOUS. A daily mail stage commenced running on the 1st instant between this city and Pottsville-through in one day. HARRISBURG, April 6. The Susquehanna is 9 feet above low water mark, and but few arks and rafts descending, on account of the cold and boisterous weather. The late William Lehman, Esq. bequeathed to the German Society One Thousand Dollars--and to the Athenæum of this city Ten Thousand Dollars. Surely the liberal man deviseth liberal things.' A Patriarch.-A late Pittsburg paper records the death of a Mr. Samuel Neely, on the 23d ult. aged 67 years; who "had twelve sons and six daughters-thirtythree grand sons, and thirty-six grand daughters-two great-grand-sons, and one great-grand-daughter--in all ninety! and all living within eight miles of his own residence." The amount of bituminous coal lately found in Clearformation of a company for bringing it to a good marfield county, has induced some individuals to attempt the ket. The means proposed, is to build a rail road, or to improve the run, or both, so that the coal may reach the U. S. Gaz. Pennsylvania canal. Quadrature of the Circle Discovered. This theorem, which has baffled the efforts of mathematicians from time immemorial, has lately been discovered by Mr. Cleanthes Feltt, a classical and mathematical teacher of this city, to be as capable of a demonstration as the first problem of Euclid." When the diagram is presented to the eye, all former difficulties seem to vanish; and the demonstration, which is very simple, leaves not the least doubt on the mind. The discovery will make a new era in mathematics, and will prove no less useful to mankind, than the most important discovery that has yet been made. Nat. Gaz. PITTSBURG, Jan. 21. Canal Navigation.-A friend has informed us that, from the 19th of November to the 20th of December last, 1360 barrels of salt passed through the Kiskeminetas line, from the Salt Works to Dam No. 1. Also, six steam engines, 20 tons of merchandize, and a vast quantity of furniture passed up. 22 Steam-boats have been built in the city and vicinity of Pittsburg, within twelve months. Their aggregate is 4570 tons. The rain that fell in March, as shown by the guage, kept at the Pennsyl'a Hospital, amounted to 2.87 inches. Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F. GEDDES, No. 59 Locust Street, Philadelphia; where, and at the PUBLICATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE, second door back of the Post Office, (back room) subscriptions will be thankfully received. Price FIVE DOLLARS per annnm, payable April 2. 11 Boats, carrying 304 tons of Coal, depart-annually by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where ed from Mount Carbon for this city. there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance. THE REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. VOL. III.-NO. 16. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 18, 1829. THE SUPREME COURT BENCH OF PENN- (Extracted from the Pennsylvanian.") NO. 68. that in the reported decisions of that day, such was the unanimity of the court in its decisions, that scarcely a case can be found in which the chief justice and his associates delivered contrary opinions. Individuals are yet living who remember the gentlemanly manners of Atlee in private life, and the quaint and old fashioned style of Evans in all things. EDWARD SHIPPEN was commissioned judge in 1791. He remained an associate until 1800, when he succeeded M'Kean in the chief justiceship, in which station he continued until he resigned in 1805. His was a faithful and industrious, though not a great mind. His learning was sound, and its application correct; simplicity was the governing characteristic of his decisions. His devotion to his station was unwearied, and the satisfaction which he gave to the bar and the people was universal. THOMAS M'KEAN was appointed Chief Justice in July, 1777. His earlier life had been devoted to the legal profession, except that his love for the new-born cause of liberty induced him to embark on the stormy ocean of politics. His name is identified with the great sacriJACOB RUSH was appointed judge, in place of John fices, virtues and successes of our country in the revo- Evans, deceased, in 1784. His was the character of the lution. While, as a statesman, he was aiding her coun- rough diamond; unseemly in exterior, but yet of great cils, as a judge he was securing the wholesome opera- value. His manner was plain, perhaps slightly unamiation of law throughout the community. While Presi-ble as to the common courtesies of life, and his temper dent of Congress, representing the state of Delaware in was impatient of contradiction and subtlety when in the that body, he was officiating as Chief Justice of Penn- exercise of his judicial functions. Yet he was a wise sylvania, discharging the duties of both stations with judge, and a good man, and the reports of his decisions equal zeal, ability, and intelligence. How much our in the several courts in which he sat evince no less his jurisprudence is indebted to his learning and firmness, great learning than his accurate discrimination. let his deeds tell! On him fell the difficulty of administering the law, in times of great excitement, in new channels, and under a new system. Yet he was inflexible and consistent in opinion, shrewd and severe in interpretation, and watchful, alike for the prosperity of the judiciary, and his country. While on the one hand, regardless of the power of Great Britain, he did not hesitate to hazard his own life, by causing to be punished those who were proved to be traitors to their country; on the other, popular fervour and clamour JASPER YEATES was appointed judge in 1791, and against individuals accused of offences, could not induce remained on the bench until his decease in 1817.him to shrink from his duty in protecting the innocent. Twenty-five years of his life were spent upon the bench, On the bench, the lucidity of his explanations, and the the greater portion of which he was in the different cir perspicuity of his language, were perfect; his dignity of cuits of the state. His mind was vigorous and his opinmanner was great, and his comprehension of mind, du-ions bold. Pennsylvania found in him a "good and ring the most intricate trials, was unparalleled and inimitable. All subsequent decisions in the supreme court have sanctioned his judicial fame, and even European judges yielded him their spontaneous praise. It is the lot of greatness to excite envy. Many charges were made against him formally, and attempts were made to impeach him, but they all proved abortive, and only served to shed new lustre on his character. In 1800, he resigned the chief justiceship, and died in 1817. His biographer has said-'he outlived all the enmities which an active and conspicuous part in public affairs had, in the nature of things, created; and posterity will continue to cherish his memory as one among the most useful, able, and virtuous fathers of a mighty republic." Conscia mens recti, famæ mendacia ridet. WILLIAM AUGUSTUS ATLEE and JOHN EVANS were appointed judges in 1777. They were associated with chief justice M'Kean, and, by their industry, greatly aided him in the business of the bench. Few testimonials are left of the peculiar characteristics of either of these gentlemen as lawyers or judges. It is a singular fact, *Roberts and Carlisle, executed for high treason in Sept. 1778. +Chapman's case, 1 Dal. Rep. and the Freemason's case, 1777. Lord Mansfield in 1791, in a letter, speaking of Dallas' Reports of Cases in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, said "They do credit to the court, the bar, and the reporter. They show readiness in practice, liberality in principle, strong reason, and legal learning.' 1 Waln. VOL. III. 31 faithful servant." His Reports, the second of the Pennsylvania series, immediately succeeding Mr. Dallas', confer great honor upon him, both as an author and a lawyer. WILLIAM BRADFORD, JR. received his commission as judge in 1791, but held the appointment only until the beginning of 1794, when he accepted the office of atThat he was an torney general of the United States. eminent lawyer, many are yet living to testify, though few opportunities were afforded him to distinguish himself on the bench. That he was an excellent man, and a philanthropist, his exertions to obtain an amelioration of the penal code of this state, a work which added honor to its character, will always fully establish. We THOMAS SMITH took his seat as judge in 1794, and continued on the bench until his death in 1809. have very little opportunity to obtain a knowledge of his character and merits, beyond that which is afforded by his reported opinions, which are concise, nervous, and learned. HUGH H. BRACKENRIDGE was commissioned judge in 1799. He was indefatigable in his studies, and constant Although highly eccentric as a man, on to his duties. the bench his mind was well regulated by precept and His close attention to mercantile questions principle. is well remembered. His "Law Miscellanies" should be read by every student, not only for their learning, but for the elevation and ingenuity of their views, and the occasional humour of their author. He died in. 1816. The memory of WILLIAM TILGHMAN is dear to Pennsylvania. He was appointed chief justice in 1806, and filled the office until 1827, when death removed him from the scene of his usefulness. During the long time of his presidency in the Supreme Court, he was never absent from its regular sittings, except when indisposed. His fidelity and industry as a judge were conscientious, and the rules which he laid down for his conduct, in regard to his official station, were exemplary. He never suffered himself to embark in politics, wisely believing that they were incompatible with his office. He never shrunk from the decision of any case, however momentous; and never gave an opinion without a full and patient investigation. His decisions are singular for their accuracy and plainness. Law was to him the science of justice and truth, and to strip his cases down to the naked points of difference was always his object. Yet his learning was sound, and his literary accomplishments elegant. Greatly is the jurisprudence of Pennsylvania indebted to him! In his manner as a judge, he was kind, courteous, and dignified. The bar looked upon him as the common father of their family, and always rendered him affection and reverence. His mildness of conduct was only equalled by his firmness of opinion. His benevolence was a quality "thrice. blessed;" it dropped "like the gentle dew" upon all within his sphere. As a man, he was pious and exemplary in all things. Few men have laboured under as many domestic afflictions, and but few have borne calamity as he did. Although he was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief," resignation to the decrees and dependence upon the will of Providence were always the guides of his conduct. His great talents and learning, as well as his excellent virtues and piety, have been fully told by two of our eminent jurists. No one can read their productions without feeling love, respect, and reverence for his character. Extinctus amabitus idem! cause of General Jurisprudence. May the saying of Cicero always animate its decrees! “Mojor hæreditas venit unicuique nostrum a jure et legibus, quam a parentibus!" SENECA. PUBLIC PRINTING. Mr. Frick, from the committee appointed to inquire into the manner in which the public printing has been executed since the passage of the law regulating the same, made REPORT, That after a laborious examination, and on a reference to the act of assembly, passed 22d March, 1824, regulating the public printing, they are enabled to deduce the following as the result of their labors. The law requires that bills shall contain not less than 1200 ms in each page, exclusive of riglet spacing.But your committee regret to say that, in this instance, the law has been departed from-the pages have been shortened about one twelfth; thereby producing the following overcharges in the Bills of the House of Representatives. Session 1824-25-70 pages at $1.06 1826-27-64 1827-28-70 1828-29-44 do. do. do. do. Thus making an overcharge by unncessary 74.30 79.62 67.95 74.30 46.64 $342.81 The price of the Journal is fixed at 20 dollars per sheet for1200 copies, and“all incidental work in the same proportion." Your committee understand "incidental work" to mean, the additional number of copies of any document or Report struck off by order of either House: and that the price allowed for such additional work, should be the same in proportion as to the number of copies and sheets, as would be twenty dollars per sheet for twelve hundred copies. The committee are unable to ascertain from the Jour- 600 do. Penal code 14 do. 20 $684 290 40 30 THOMAS DUNCAN took his seat as an associate Judge in 1817. The recent death of this gentleman has left a strong impression of regard for his memory in a wide circle of friends. While a practising lawyer, his busi-nal, what portion of incidental work was executed du ness was very extensive, but his application not the less severe. His peculiar attribute of character as a judge was his profundity of knowledge. He delighted in the antiquities of the law, and although not always necessary for the elucidation of his subject, his opinions are filled with the origin and history of various branches of jurisprudence, relative to the particular subject under discussion. He had all the accomplishments of a great lawyer, and all the finish of the true gentleman. Such was the past Supreme Court Bench; remembered by all with feelings of pride for its worth, and satisfaction for its usefulness. Of the present Bench, the writer will say very little. It is of departed genius, learning, and virtue, that unbiassed and honest criticism freely speaks. There is a delicacy in referring to the actors upon the scene before us, which prevents impartial and unrestrained remark. JOHN B. GIBSON, the present chief justice of Pennsylvania, from the year 1816 officiated as an associate judge, until he was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Tilghman. Great respect is paid to his opinions by the legal profession; they are particularly distinguished for conciseness and point. With a very grasping mind, he generally states the plain and true question at issue, the decision, and the naked reason for it, without ornament or extensive illustration. MOLTON C. ROGERS, CHARLES HUSTON, JOHN TOD, and FREDERICK SMITH, as associates, are recent appointments, and scarce an opportunity has been afford. ed, during their official existence, to form an opinion of their general characteristics. They have all been eminent practising lawyers, and have filled many high and honourable offices under the state and national governments. The Supreme Court is therefore likely to be well sustained in the elevated character which it has acquired, and to continue a faithful auxiliary to the great Binney and Duponceau's Eulogiums. Making an overcharge for the same above the prices expressly stipulated by law of $679. It is not for the committee to say, whether these excessive charges are the result of calculation to impose upon the commonwealth, or carelessness, inattention or oversight on the part of the printer-they, however, merit the serious attention of those who can & ought to apply the corrective. Your committee have directed their attention to the manner in which the pamphlet laws have been executed since the passage of the law regulating the same.These laws are directed to be printed upon long primer type, each page to contain not less than 1800ms, including marginal references, the price is fixed at $42.50 per sheet. The committee regret to say that the work has in no instance been executed in conformity to the act of 1824. The pages do not contain the number of ms required. Those of 1826-27 have been printed upon a much larger type than designated by law; consequently each page lacks about 500ms-and from all we are able to learn has been paid at the same price per sheet as though the page contained 1800ms. a considerable looser, which we do not believe is irreOwing to the departure from law, the state has been coverable, but some means ought to be devised to prevent the like occurrences in future, Your committee would further observe that by the late account of S. C. Stambaugh, he has charged the House of Representatives 30 dollars for an Engraving of the New Penitentiary; but inasmuch as the Senate paid him 33 dollars for the same engraving, in justice to the commonwealth it ought to be deducted from his account, Comm't of service. Expir'n of service. 1, 1817 Dec. 2, 1822 do March 3, 1821 BOSTON PORT BILL. Agreeably to the suggestions made in the circular let. ter from the committee of Correspondence for this city and county, which we published in the present Vol. page 27-a convention of Delegates from the different 1819 counties assembled in this city on the 15th of July 1774. do The following is an account of their proceedings.— 1825 1819 PHILADELPHIA, July 25. At a Provincial Meeting of Deputies chosen by the several Counties in Pennsylvania; held at Philadelphia, July 15th 1774, and continued by adjournments from day to day. 1821 1819 3, 1824 6, 1819 March 3, 1823 March 24, 1818 May 1827 do 1821 Nov. 13, 1820 March 3, 1823 do 1827 1821 Dec. 6, 1822 1825 1827 Jan. 1826 March 3, 1827 1823 Dec. 2, 1822 1823 1827 Dec. 6, 1824 do 23. March 3, 1827 1827 1825 1822 2, 1822 March 3, 1825 do 1823 Succeeded by W. Forward, having resigned. +Resigned. +Succeeded by T. McCulloch, having resigned. Succeeded by S. D. Ingham, having resigned. §Died. Succeeded by T. Forrest, having resigned. **Succeeded by A. Thompson, having resigned. †+Succeeded by D. Udree, having died. PŘESENT, For the city and county of Philadelphia. Thomas Willing, John Dickinson, Peter Chevalier, Edward Penington, Thomas Wharton, John Cox, Joseph Reed, Thomas Wharton, Jun. Samuel Erwin, Thomas Fitzsimons, Doctor William Smith, Isaac Howell, Adam Hubley, George Schlosser, Samuel Miles, Thomas Mif. flin, Christopher Ludwic, Joseph Moulder, Anthony Morris, Jun. George Gray, John Nixon, Jacob Barge, Thomas Penrose, John M. Nesbit, Jonathan B. Smith, James Mease, Thomas Barclay, Benjamin Marshall, Samuel Howell, William Moulder, John Roberts, John Bayard, William Rush, and Charles Thompson. Bucks.John Kidd, Henry Wynkoop,Joseph Kirkbride, John Wilkinson, and James Wallace. Chester. Francis Richardson, Elisha Price, John Hart, Anthony Wayne, Hugh Loyd, John Sellers, Francis Johnson, and Richard Reiley. Lancaster.-George Ross,James Webb,Joseph Ferree, Matthias Slough, Emanual Carpenter, William Atlee, Alexander Lowry, and Moses Erwin. York.-James Smith, Joseph Donaldson, and Thomas Hartley. Cumberland.-James Wilson, Robert Magaw, and William Irvine. Berks.-Edward Biddle, Daniel Broadhead, Jonathan Potts, Thomas Dundas, and Christopher Schultz. Northampton.-William Edmunds, Peter Kechlein, John Okeley, and Jacob Arndt. Northumberland.-William Scull, and Samuel Hunter. Westmoreland-Robert Hannah, James Cavett. Agreed that, in case of any difference in sentiment, the question be determined by the Deputies voting by counties. The leters from Boston of the 13th of May were then read, and a short account given of the steps taken in 1825 consequence thereof, and the measures now pursuing 1827 in this and the neighbouring provinces; after which the following resolves were passed. [Force's National Calendar. Unan. I. That we acknowledge ourselves and the inhabitants of this province, liege subjects of his Majes ty King George the third, to whom they and we owe and will bear true and faithful allegiance. Unan. II. That as the idea of an unconstitutional independence on the parent state is utterly abhorrent to our principles, we view the unhappy differences be tween Great Britain and the Colonies with the deepest distress and anxiety of mind, as fruitless to her, grievous to us, and destructive of the best interests of both. Unan. III. That it is therefore our ardent desire, that our antient harmony with the mother-country should be restored, and a perpetual love and unien subsist between us, on the principles of the constitution, and an interchange of good offices, without the least infraction of our mutual rights. Unan. IV. That the inhabitants of these colonies are entitled to the same rights and liberties within these colonies, that the subjects born in England are entitled to within that realm. Unan. V. That the power assumed by the Parlia |