1829.] CHESAPEAKE & DELAWARE CANAL. 271 while further south have been just opened the avenues try, governed by the same laws, and having the same to the interior of North Carolina. On the other side is permanent interests, find, or think they find, cause of that genuine Pennsylvania river, the Susquehanna, alienation from their distant countrymen. All these diswhich, while it occupies and fertil zes a great part appear when men come to approach and to understand of the state, invites and will hereafter tempt into it a each other. Surprise at finding that they whom we great portion of what the fertility of the west and the in- considered our natural enemies, have really no hostile dustry of the north can supply to commerce. At the feeling, is succeeded by that fusion of opinions in which east end lie all the natural and accumulated wealth of the asperities of contention are worn down-that interthe Delaware, separated by only a single obstruction, change of sentiments which leaves respect even where which I trust will be soon removed from the great com.it fails to produce conviction, till they who met in es mercial centre of the nation; and communicating thence trangement part in amity. These are benefits which by the Hudson and the lakes with Canada and all the no positive institutions can confer, without the aids we avenues to the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico. The this day enjoy. To us they are particularly valuable. imagination is wearied with the immensity of this flight The wide extent of our country-the numerous sovover the rich and populous countries which, almostereignties that divide it—the various governments which touching at this point, yet widely separated, could ap- rather tend to localize the feelings; and the local interproach each other, until now, only by the Atlantic. - | ests which seem yet only seem, to conflict with each But henceforward this long and expensive and hazard-other-all these might be causes of suspicion, of disconous circuit of five hundred miles, will be replaced by a safe and cheap passage of fourteen miles and two or three hours. What may not be anticipated from this approximation? and how anxious will those who have been so long separated, hasten to exchange the exuberant productions of each other's industry. too, that they should owe their origin to this country, for they almost belong to our political system. tent, or division. But they are moulded into the elements of friendship and union, by this extraordinary facility of communication, which brings into immediate contact the remotest parts of the country, and blends them insensibly into one mass of intelligent and contented patriotism. It is thus that these steam vessels, from Nor is it the least of the many sources of enjoyment on being merely instruments of trade, rise to the dignity of this occasion, that these benefits are obtained by no sac-moral and political power. There is a peculiar fitness, rifices of the rights or the interests of others. However personal feelings may sometimes mislead us, these improvements, in fact, injure no one. There is room The great problem of the American institutions was, enough in this great country of ours for all of us; and it whether a general government, with comparitively feewould be a policy equally unjust and erroneous to re- ble means, could accomplish its purposes in so extensive pine at the advantages of our neighbors. The real wis- an empire? Whether limited powers did not require a dom even of selfishness is not to envy but to emulate the limited country, and whether the action of a political prosperity of others-to open all the avenues to industry, body, so distant, could carry a healthful circulation to and then strive who shall be most industrious. Our lo extremities? That question is settled. It is no longer cal interests may be allowed to claim our earliest, but deemed necessary to impart a dangerous energy to the not our exclusive care; and even they will be best pro- central power, in order to enable it to radiate to the cir moted by advancing the local interests of others. This cumference. But few things have contributed more to work, therefore, while it benefits Philadelphia, will be establish that consoling principle, than this great polituseful to Baltimore and Norfolk, and ultimately to New ical institution-the steam boat, with its auxiliary canals York. In truth, every mile of the Rail-road from Balti-—which measure space by a scale entirely new, and more westward, every section of a canal in the remotest have totally subverted the old relations of time and dispart of the Union, is serviceable to all the Atlantic ci- tance. ties. They add to the movement and the mass of the For all the purposes of government, the assembling of nation's wealth and industry, they develope its resour-representatives, the distribution of intelligence, the execes, and the share of these advantages which each can cution of the laws, the general defence, this country is obtain, is a fit subject of generous competition, not of probably smaller in extent, even with the addition of querulous rivalry. Nor are the benefits of this canal con- Louisiana and Florida, than it was at the formation of the fined to peace alone. We may not presume that this Union. St. Louis and New Orleans are as near to Washcountry will be again invaded, but should that event re-ington now, as Portland and Savannah were to Philadelcur, we shall be spared the humiliation of having our riv- phia in 1776,-the communication between the States ers crowded with enemies, and the communications of and individuals infinitely greater, and the Union is prothe country intercepted, while the Chesapeake is barred portionally stronger, because this very intercourse furby the fortresses which adorn and defend it, and this ca-nishes at once the best motive and the best means for nal, safe behind the barriers which protect it, and strong increasing our attachment to it. in the population which will line its borders, will be equally adapted to supply the materials of commerce or the implements of war. But this great work, important as it is to our interests, inspires a much deeper interest when it is regarded not merely as an avenue of commerce, but as a great moral agent-not as a convenience for a transmission of products, however various and abundant, but for the transportation of men-of our own living, rational, moral countrymen-as the great channel for the movement of free-men and the diffusion of free institutions. No man, indeed, from any section of this country, can see without admiration the busy crowds, the countless masses of free people constantly in movement over these great waters, &can mark the happycondition, the intellectual alertness, the decorous manners, and the mutual courtesy which prevail among them, without feeling proud that these are his countrymen. In the glow and animation of such a scene, the sternest prejudices are subdued, the most violent sectional animosities subside, and even the least relenting of all intolerance, the fanaticism of party is often convinced, or shamed, or amused Unquestionably, the value of any social system de- out of its bigotry. These are the real ties which bind pends mainly on the power it furnishes for social inter- cominunities together-not the parchments of legisla course and improvement. While men are insulated at tion, but the social sympathies. It was not ill aid by remote distances, their views are readily misconstrued, an English statesman, in illustration of the power of habtheir interests misunderstood, and difference of opinion, it over the forms of government, that if he could make at first easily explicable, ripen into causes of deep hos- the ballads, he did not care who made the laws. In this tility. It is thus that national prejudices spring up for country he might have been tempted to add, that the want of knowledge, and become hereditary for want of legislation of the steamboats and canals was scarcely less intercourse, that to live on opposite sides of the same efficient than that of the government, and that no temmountain or the same river is to become enemies by porary and delegated power of governing could so permere position, and that the inhabitants of the same coun-manently affect the character of the nation, as the con 272 stant, free, and multiplied personal violations among those who make not the law, but the law-makers. a To these happy means of intercommunication, we have this day seen a most important addition. Let us cordially welcome it-welcome it for our interests, as a fresh channel of commerce-welcome it with pride, as new achievement of the country's power-welcome it with our feelings, as another tie of affectionate sympathy with all our fellow citizens throughout this wide and prosperous empire. Allow me to embody these views and to make way for the better things from which I have too long detained you, by pledging you in this sentiment -Success to the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal-a new source of prosperity, a new monument of power, and, above all, a new bond of union, to our country. The following are among the toasts which were of. fered: TOASTS. 1. By Mr. N. Biddle.-Success to the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal-a fruitful source of prosperity, a noble monument of power, above all, a strong bond of union to our country. 2. From the Chair.-The proprietors of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. 3. The President of the United States. 19. By Mr. S. Duncan. The venerable President and the Directors of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company-By their firm and successful preseverance, through good report and through evil report, in a great national work, they have richly earned the honor due to great public benefactors. 20. By Mr.H.Gilpin. The memory of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the first Engineer of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal-His works are the honorable monument of his taste, genius, and science.-Chronicle. MISCELLANEOUS. Election of Mayor.--At a joint meeting of the Select and Common Councils, held on Tuesday last, WILLIAM MILNOR, Esq. was elected Mayor for this City. The following is the vote on this occasion. For Mr. Milnor--Messrs. Cuthbert, Hale, Miller, Scott, For Mr. Richards--Messrs. Boyd, Duane, Horn, Kit- Return of the Election of Commissioners of the Incorpora- Isaac W. Norris,* 7. By Mr. James C. Fisher, Esq. President of the Canal Company.-The Delaware and Raritan CanalMay it soon close the last link of the great chain of At-Edmund Shotwell,* lantic communication. 8. By Mr. Robert M. Lewis, Chairman of the Committee of Works.-The people of the north and of the south--By this new channel may they, like the waters of the Chesapeake and the Delaware, mingle together, and be ever united by interest and kind feelings. 9. By Mr. Kane, Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements.-The memory of our friend and associate, Silas E. Weir. 10. By Mr. Platt, of the Committee of Arrangements. The government of the U. States-Its liberality in promoting and fostering internal improvements, is the best means of securing the prosperity of the country. 11. By Mr. De Wallenstein, of the Russian Legation. Internal improvement-The aim of the good and the wise, of the moralist and the politician. 12. By Mr. W. Beach Lawrence, of New York. Easy communication between all parts of American Union, the best means of securing the permanency of our great confediracy. 13. By Mr. B. W. Richards, Mayor of Philadelphia. The orator of the day-He has ably illustrated the moral and political importance of our internal improvements. 14. By Mr. Scott, President of the Board of Canal Commissioners of Pennsylvania. The President, Directors and Stockholders of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company-Liberal contributors to the integrity of the Union. 15. By Mr. S. N. Dexter, principal Contractor. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, and the gentlemen who have conducted it to this successful terminationMay the former yield an ample harvest of profit to the public-spirited stockholders, and the latter receive a rich reward in the gratitude of their fellow citizens. Nathan L. Keyser, 752 2410 Jos. S. Riley, 712 The Gentlemen whose names are on the first column are elected. of Kensington. 16. By Mr. Duponceau. The three emigrants whom Return of the Election of Commissioners for the District America desires to attach to her soil-Oil, Wine, and Silk. THE REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STate. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. VOL. IV.-NO. 18. PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 31, 1829. REPORT ON LAW SUITS. NO. 96. which are undetermined and which never will be prose Report relative to suits in the several courts of the Com-cuted, remain unpaid. The state being entitled by law, monwealth. READ, MARCH 14, 1826. to a tax on those offices, when above a given sum is reMr. F. Smith, from the committee on the judiciary ceived, the committee would invite the attention of the system, to whom was referred, on the 14th Dec. a reso- committee of ways and means to this subject. lution relative to obtaining from the prothonotaries of The committee are happy to state, that there is amthe several courts in this commonwealth, a statement ex-ple testimony of the efficiency of the district court & court hibiting the proportion which the number of contested of common pleas, for the city and Co. of Phila. The prosuits brought in the several counties, during the last thonotary of the former says, "at the September term, three years, ending with the 1st Dec., bears to the num-1825, every case upon the trial list was called, and enber tried, and such other information as would enable joyed its opportunity of trial, almost with certainty, at this House to judge of the efficiency of the administra- the second term. Altho fewer suits are brought than tion of justice under the present system, made the fol- before, nearly twice the number of cases are put to issue, lowing report, which was read, viz: and upon the trial list at each term. The list consists generally of new cases; and as exemplifying strongly the present efficiency of the court, it is worthy to be mentioned, that at September term, 1825, many causes insti tuted to that very term were at issue and on the trial list, and that one of the very latest brought of these causThe prothonoes,was tried, and verdict taken in it." tary of the latter says, "I have taken the liberty to add, the state of the docket for December term, 1825, because it will show to the committee that the trial list has, since March term, 1825, been so far reduced, as to promise at the next period of jury trials, that very few if any causes at issue will remain undisposed of after the first term." That in pursuance of this resolution, the committee addressed circulars to the different prothonotaries of the state, requesting them to make out statements of the number of original suits, including appeals from justices, brought within the three years mentioned in the resolution-the number of them to which a plea, or defence had been entered, or which have been contested,-the number of them finally decided by arbitration,-the whole number of suits put on the trial list within the said period of three years; the whole number of suits disposed of by jury trial, within that time, the whole number of suits on the trial list disposed of in anyother manner within that time, the number of suits removed to the supreme court by writs of error, within the said 3 years, the number of those suits that have been determined by the supreme court,-the number that have been reversed,the number of those reversed that have been since determined in the court below; and forward them to the committee to be laid before the House. The prothonotary of the southern district of the supreme court held at Chambersburg, has politely furnished the committee with a statement of the business, in that district, from 1819 to 1824, accompanied with prac tical observations, which they have, from the usefulness of the information it conveys, incorporated in this report, although not strictly embraced by the object of the resolution. Of the suits removed to the supreme The committee feel much satisfaction in stating that a general and prompt compliance, on the part of these officers, to furnish the information requested, has been court within the three years, embraced in the returns, manifested. They have received the returns from forty- many appear to be undetermined. Some of these, no three counties, and from the prothonotaries of the dis- doubt, have been removed in the several districts, since trict courts of the city and county of Philadelphia, and the last session of the court, and have therefore not enof the counties of Dauphin and Lancaster. These re-joyed the opportunity of being heard. Your committee turns contain much useful information. A table accom- believe that the facility of taking writs of error is too panies this report, showing a general statement of the great, and is productive of much distressing delay, prewhole. It will be perceived that a great portion of the judicial to the advancement of the ends of justice. In suits brought, have been finally disposed of by arbitra- many instances, causes are removed to the supreme tion. Much expensive litigation has thus been saved, court, when substantial justice has been done in the which would otherwise have occupied the time of the court below, and there reversed, upon points of law by courts. This mode of settling law suits, the committee no means effecting the merits of the cause, and some, are gratified to find, has answered the purpose for which times perhaps upon the mere informality of the record it was devised, and the most salutary effects anticipated or some defects of the pleadings. This is not the fault by its warmest advocates, have been realised. The ta of the judges of the court. They are bound to decide ble exhibits a great disproportion between the original according to the existing law. The evil should be remesuits brought and those disposed of by arbitration, jury died by the Legislaure, otherwise the court will be trial, or in any other manner. But it must be recollect-burthened with such a mass of business, that with all ed, that very many suits are never brought to issue or are discontinued, non-prosed, or lay dormant or settled by the parties, without being brought before the court; and of those which are contested, many are disposed of amicably, and arrangements made in court, which must necessarily occupy much of the time of the court. Τι also exhibits a great disproportion of suits put on the trial lists & those disposed of by jury trial,& in any other manner; but very many of these suits must necessarily have been put on the trial list more than once,&some perhaps frequently.By the returns of some of the prothonotaries, it seems that a great amount of old costs, in suits VOL. IV. 35 the industry and talents of the judges they will not be able to prevent a procrastination, in the suits before them, which will be detrimental to the suitors, and injurious to the interests of the community. The committee believe they have performed what was required of them by the resolution. It will give them great satisfaction to learn that they have been able to lay before the House any information on the subject of the judiciary, which may be useful in any investigation on so important a branch of the government. It is obvious that as the population of the country increases, and commerce and business of every kind are extended The number of original suits, including appeals, 2165 Whole number determined by arbitration, 361 275 who cannot conscientiously attend the religious exercises in College, such student, at the request of his parent or guardian shall be excused. It frequently happens that young men who have acquired considerable literary and scientific information, Determined by arbitration, & brot, within 3 years, 136 retain it but a short time, and derive comparatively lit Whole number on trial list, 799 125 58 1204 35 15 12 4 534 Note.-No returns have been received from Berks, U- The Trustees of Allegheny College have the happiness of announcing to the public, that this Institution will be open for the reception of students on the fourth Monday of October next. tle advantage from their acquisitions, merely because they have not learned how to apply their knowledge to the arts, and to the various operations of the active and industrious classes of mankind. Knowing this to be the case, the Faculty will endeavor in all their instructions, not only to communicate knowledge, but also to show the relation which every science bears to the operations of the artist; not only to teach abstract truth, but also to habituate the mind to the investigation and acquirement of truth; to teach it how to think, to invent, and to apit is the design of the Trustees and Faculty, a design ply all its acquisitions to some useful purpose. In short, which they will ever keep in view and prosecute with unremitting exertions, to train up youth for the active duties of life, and prepare them for becoming honora ble, profitable, and happy members of society. The College buildings are extensive, tasteful, and in a superior style of workmanship. The main building is four stories high, and the wings three stories including the basement. The whole presents a front of 120 feet. Their situation on an eminence half a mile north of the village, and commanding a prospect of the village and surrounding country, is peculiarly beautiful. The Faculty of the College is composed of the Rev. Timothy Alden, President; Rev. David M'Kinley, Professor of Mathematics; and Reynell Coates, M. D, Professor of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry. Instruc-gentlemen who have visited it. It consists of about eight tion in the Languages, and in Logic and Moral Philosophy will be given by the President; and in Rhetoric and Belles Lettres by the Professor in the Mathematical Department. The library has been universally admired by literary thousand volumes well selected, and with a few additions, will embrace every thing which will be ordinarily required for reference. It is already decidedly the best Collegiate Library west of the Allegheny mountains, and may be ranked among the first in the Union. It is intended that particular attention shall be paid to those general views of nature, which form part of a liberal education, and are happily calculated to elevate the mind. Physiology both vegetable and animal, will form part of the course of study. It is not intended that the time of the students shall be occupied in prosecuting the minute distinctions of Genera and Species, but the grand The Trustees pledge themselves to the public, and to parents and guardians of youth, that a complete course of instruction shall be given to pupils in the various branches of a literary and scientific education. Conscientiously to redeem this pledge, the Trustees, in addition to a thorough examination of the students at the close of each session, will attend by committee to monthly and quarterly examinations. Each class shall also be divided into three grades, and a circular trans-natural families of animals throughout the zoological mitted to parents and guardians semi-annually, stating the progress and standing of their children and wards. By these means, and by every other which may promise success, the Trustees will aid the Faculty in stimulating the youthful mind to action, and in speed ing the students' progress in the path of youthful knowledge. chain, will be treated under this head. A cabinet of Geology and Natural History has been commenced, and such connexions have been formed with naturalists in various places, as will tend constantly to its enlargement. The village of Meadville is handsomely situated in the valley of French Creek, and combines many things which render it a proper location for an institution of literature. It is surrounded by an extensive agricultural country, which is rapidly improving. It has abundant facilities of access. Stages from the North and South arrive and depart daily; and from the East, three times a week; and it is traversed by the North Western divison of the Pennsylvania canal. The village is also peculiarly healthful, and affords a limited, but excellent society for the occasional intercourse of students. The number of inhabitants is about 1300. The collegiate year will embrace two sessions or terms of twenty-two weeks each, having eight weeks of vacations, three of which will be appropriated to recess in the spring and five to a recess in the autumn. The annual Commencement will take place on the 3d Thursday of September, and the next term will begin five weeks from the following Monday. Special attention shall also be paid to the inculcation of those moral principles, to the cultivation of those amiable and benevolent dispositions, and to the formation of those habits of mental action and persevering industry, which are connected with the highest happiness of the individual, essential to the well-being of society, and indispensable to success in any honourable calling in life. The Trustees believe that correct religious principles and habits of devotion in literary men, are intimately connected with the best interests of mankind, and that every system of education, where the knowledge and practice of revealed religion are left out of view, is essentially defective. They will therefore provide for what they conceive to be correct elementary instruction on this subject, and will require ali students to observe the Lord's day in a christian manner, according to the laws of cur country, and to attend some place of public worship on that sacred day. At the same time, however, they disclaim all sectarian-man, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior, will be adopted, ism. They will not authorize the inculcation of any thing different from the great principles of revealed truth, which christians generally maintain with unani mity. They will permit every student to select with the advice of his friends, that place of religious worship where he shall attend. And if there should be any student who cannot conscientiously be present at any one of the places of worship which may be accessible, or The usual division of students into four classes, Fresh and the course of instruction will embrace four years. The expense for tuition for the first two years will be sixteen dollars per term, and for the two last twenty dollars per term, to be paid in advance, or secured by bond. Applicants for admission who can pass a satisfactory examination, may be received into an advanced class-into the Sophomore by paying one third the tuition of the previons year; into the Junior by pay |