of Governm't improvem't Expenses and Gratuities improvem't claimfund. . 542 27 6,000 00 5,466 25 395 007,784 50 6,995 08 329 75 3,746 53 2,624 25 17,550 16 10,427 14 4,602,204 88 1 UNION CANAL OF PENNSYLVANIA. REPORT: That after a winter of unusual severity, the Union Canal was opened for the navigation of boats on the 23th of March, and has been in operation since that time. The tolls received for the transportation of produce and merchandise, from 1st November, 1831, the date of the last annual report, to the 1st of November, instant, amounts to 59,061 dollars and 6 cents. port, they were obliged to suspend the payment of interest upon the debt of the company. And on this circumstance the Committee remark-"That a great institution long identified in the public mind, with the prosperity of the commonwealth itself-so far as that prosperity depends on her system of internal navigation -should suddenly be obliged to suspend the payment of interest upon its debts, was, when first made known, naturally alarming. That the income from tolls is not much greater, is a matter of regret to the Board of Managers, as well as a serious disappointment to the Stockholders. To account for this deficiency it is only necessary to refer to the long continued low state of water in the Susquehanna, which prevented much of the products of that interesting and extensive region being floated to marry few or slight exceptions admirably constructed-of ket; to the situation of the State canals, which are still unfinished, but in rapid progress towards completion, and to a deficiency of water in some of the levels near Myerstown, on the Tulpehocken, likewise owing to the unusual dryness of the season. These causes with others have contributed to impede the trade along the line of Canal. The Board of Managers, in anticipation of the probable loss of water from leakage, occasioned by the natural soil, overlaying limestone rock in the levels near Myerstown, had some of them partially planked, in the months of February and March last, but not continued to the full extent intended, in consequence of the protracted severity of the winter, and the long continuance of cold and ice in the spring, and the anxiety to open the canal for boats to pass as soon as the season for trade commenced. "While, however, your Committee feel and express their regrets, they have pleasure in being able to state their entire conviction of the ultimate safety of every dollar of the money borrowed by the Company-of the early reimbursement of all arrears of interest-and of an increased value at no very remote day, of the capital invested; provided no great and unforeseen disaster should occur.' In continuance they observe-"that the canal affords a sufficient pledge for the sums loaned the Company; that it is a work of great magnitude, just arriving at the point of entire completion-with vedeep interest to the commonwealth, entitled to her parental regard and cheerful aid-and affording in the rapidly increasing business done upon its waters, a cheering prospect of early prosperity-that "the east and the west are equally interested in its completion, and in its perpetual prosperity; it is the great artery of circulation between them, and it cannot be doubted, will be cherished, upheld and supported by both." That "the problem as it was once supposed to be, of a sufficient supply of water on the summit level has been solved," and that, "they are satisfied that the supply is abundant." In compliance with the request contained in the Report of the aforesaid Committee, the Board of Managers have prepared a memorial for the signatures of the holders of stock and loan of the Union Canal Company, to be presented to the Senate and House of Representatives of Pennsylvania at their next Session, praying for a pecuniary grant in lieu of the lottery privileges. In this Report, the Committee remark: Notwithstanding the inconveniences above stated, and the diminution in the receipt of tolls last fall, (nearly 5000 dollars less than the preceding,) occasioned by the frost and ice commencing earlier than usual, and That, it is well known that the privilege of raising by the extraordinary freights paid for transporting coal money by means of lotteries, is obnoxious to many of upon the Schuylkill navigation, having the effect of our fellow citizens; and your Committee think justly so taking the boats from the Union Canal, the amount of It is also known to you, that the citizens of the Comtolls received during the present year is only 76 dollars monwealth at large, and members of her legislative boand 15 cents less than the year preceding. Had the ri- dies, at the same time that they entertain too profound ver Susquehanna, and its tributary streams, been sup- a respect for the plighted faith of their great state, to plied with the customary flow of water this season, it is permit it to be infringed by the violation of a contract, the opinion of the Board of Managers, that the busi- cannot but feel, and do feel, great regret that the preness on the Union Canal would have made the augmen-servation of this faith should be connected with a systation of the tolls of the present year equal to that of the last, over the preceding one. tem which merits disapprobation. Now your Committee believe, that when the Commonwealth shall, on the A very considerable increase in the amount of tolls one hand, regard the vital importance of this great may very confidently be calculated on during the ensu- work to their interests, and on the other, the unhappy ing season, from the more perfect state of the Penn- character of the resource to be derived from the lottery sylvania canals, and the opening of the communication system, she cannot and will not hesitate to step forward with Pittsburg and the western states, by canal, and the to the relief of this great work, and by the advance of portage rail-road over the Alleghany mountain, which half a million of dollars, secure its prosperity, comit is believed may be accomplished by the middle of plete her own chain of internal communication, and reJune next; as also from the coal trade along the Swata-lieve herself from a contract so disagreeable and odious, ra by the Company's rail-road, the completion of which and from the guarantee connected with it." may be effected by the middle of April next. This The Board of Managers found it necessary from time road commences near the coal district and extends about four miles to the basins for coal boats at the head of navigation at Pinegrove. The excellent quality of this coal, and the advantages to be derived from a choice of markets on the Susquehanna, at Philadelphia, and the towns along the line of canal, will ensure a demand for all that can be raised from the extensive mines in that district. By reference to a Report made on the 13th ult. to an adjourned meeting of the Stockholders and Loanholders, by a Committee appointed at a previous meeting, on the 2d ult. to whom were referred the Report and statements then presented by the Board of Managers, it appears, that, owing to causes set forth in that Re to time during the last two years, to make temporary loans from individuals and institutions, to liquidate the same, and to meet the interest on the debt of the Company; the Board have directed that certificates to the amount of five hundred and twenty thousand dollars be prepared and issued to the holders of the floating debt, and to those entitled to interest as sanctioned by the stock and loan holders at their adjourned meeting, on the 13th ult. The arrangement above referred to for the payment of interest in certificates of loan, will enable the Board of Managers to apply the income arising hereafter from tolls, to the construction of a permanent aqueduct of brick, to replace the existing one of wood, to plank the imperfect levels near Myerstown, and make such other repairs and improvements, as may be necessary to perfect the whole work. At no distant period, the Union Canal will be called on to pass as much tonnage, or nearly so, as its capacity will allow, and for the purpose of showing the capability of the Canal to pass all that may be offered, and the probable income to be derived therefrom, the Board of Managers will remark that, if 80 boats with 20 tons each on an average, pass the Union Canal in one day, the receipts would be (at an average of $1 per ton) 2000 dollars; or for 240 days, 480,000 dollars. The supply of water requisite to pass one boat through the summit level being 5478 cubic feet, consequently, 80 boats will require 438,240 cubic feet. The quantity of water thrown up by the water wheels and steam engines, amounts to 1,858,780 cubic feet per day, leaving for leakage and evaporation 1,420,540 cubic feet over and above the quantity required for lockage. The water applicable to the above purpose, and to the use of the Canal, is supplied from the great reservoir, which is estimated by Canvass White, chief Engineer, to contain 577,967,551 cubic feet of water; it will afford an abundant supply in seasons of the greatest drought, and has been fairly tested this year, as the water has not been drawn down at any period more than eight feet below the coping of the great dam, leaving a reserve of 32 feet depth of water in the reservoir. In conclusion, the Board refer to the annexed statements. The Treasurer's account showing the sum of 1984 dollars and 62 cents, to be the balance of cash in hand on the 1st instant; also the amount of tolls received, and of tonnage that has passed the Canal for the past year. All of which is respectfully submitted. Philadelphia, 20th November, 1832. UNION CANAL COMPANY IN ACCOUNT WITH DR. 1831. To amount expended by order of the Board of Managers, from November 1, 1831, to February 1, 1832, 1832. To amount expended by ditto, from To amount expended by ditto, from Salt, 86,480 bushels, 2162 7 3 CR. 1831. By amount of balance as per setNov.1. tlement of the committee of Accounts, $610,588 54 Corn, flaxseed, clover seed, lard, butter, sand, lime- $1,589 49 By cash received from November 156,234 84 The amount of cash received for tolls, from the 1st of November, 1831, to the 1st of November, 1832, was $59,061 6. PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Committee charged with the arrangement of the fourth Annual Exhibition of the Pennsylvania Horticul610,588 54 tural Society, cannot close their labours, without making some record of the truly animating display on that oc1,984 62 casion; and though, from the profusion of interesting objects exhibited and the numerous contributors, their report must be necessarily circumscribed, it is hoped that it may serve as some memento of those choice pro E. E. VOL. X. 46 360 UNION CANAL OF PENNSYLVANIA. REPORT: That after a winter of unusual severity, the Union Canal was opened for the navigation of boats on the 23th of March, and has been in operation since that time. The tolls received for the transportation of produce and merchandise, from 1st November, 1831, the date of the last annual report, to the 1st of November, instant, amounts to 59,061 dollars and 6 cents. port, they were obliged to suspend the payment of interest upon the debt of the company. And on this circumstance the Committee remark-"That a great institution long identified in the public mind, with the prosperity of the commonwealth itself-so far as that prosperity depends on her system of internal navigation -should suddenly be obliged to suspend the payment of interest upon its debts, was, when first made known, naturally alarming. "While, however, your Committee feel and express their regrets, they have pleasure in being able to state their entire conviction of the ultimate safety of every dollar of the money borrowed by the Company-of the early reimbursement of all arrears of interest-and of That the income from tolls is not much greater, is a an increased value at no very remote day, of the capimatter of regret to the Board of Managers, as well as a tal invested; provided no great and unforeseen disaster serious disappointment to the Stockholders. To ac- should occur." In continuance they observe-" that count for this deficiency it is only necessary to refer to the canal affords a sufficient pledge for the sums loaned the long continued low state of water in the Susque- the Company; that it is a work of great magnitude, hanna, which prevented much of the products of that just arriving at the point of entire completion-with veinteresting and extensive region being floated to marry few or slight exceptions admirably constructed-of ket; to the situation of the State canals, which are still deep interest to the commonwealth, entitled to her paunfinished, but in rapid progress towards completion, rental regard and cheerful aid-and affording in the raand to a deficiency of water in some of the levels near pidly increasing business done upon its waters, a cheerMyerstown, on the Tulpehocken, likewise owing to the ing prospect of early prosperity;-that "the east and unusual dryness of the season. These causes with the west are equally interested in its completion, and others have contributed to impede the trade along the in its perpetual prosperity; it is the great artery of cirline of Canal. culation between them, and it cannot be doubted, will be cherished, upheld and supported by both.” That "the problem as it was once supposed to be, of a sufficient supply of water on the summit level has been solved," and that, "they are satisfied that the supply is abundant." The Board of Managers, in anticipation of the probable loss of water from leakage, occasioned by the natural soil, overlaying limestone rock in the levels near Myerstown, had some of them partially planked, in the months of February and March last, but not continued to the full extent intended, in consequence of the protracted severity of the winter, and the long continuance of cold and ice in the spring, and the anxiety to open the canal for boats to pass as soon as the season for trade commenced. Notwithstanding the inconveniences above stated, and the diminution in the receipt of tolls last fall, (nearly 5000 dollars less than the preceding,) occasioned by the frost and ice commencing earlier than usual, and by the extraordinary freights paid for transporting coal upon the Schuylkill navigation, having the effect of taking the boats from the Union Canal, the amount of tolls received during the present year is only 76 dollars and 15 cents less than the year preceding. Had the river Susquehanna, and its tributary streams, been supplied with the customary flow of water this season, it is the opinion of the Board of Managers, that the business on the Union Canal would have made the augmentation of the tolls of the present year equal to that of the last, over the preceding one. A very considerable increase in the amount of tolls may very confidently be calculated on during the ensuing season, from the more perfect state of the Pennsylvania canals, and the opening of the communication with Pittsburg and the western states, by canal, and the portage rail-road over the Alleghany mountain, which it is believed may be accomplished by the middle of June next; as also from the coal trade along the Swatara by the Company's rail-road, the completion of which may be effected by the middle of April next. This road commences near the coal district and extends about four miles to the basins for coal boats at the head of navigation at Pinegrove. The excellent quality of this coal, and the advantages to be derived from a choice of markets on the Susquehanna, at Philadelphia, and the towns along the line of canal, will ensure a demand for all that can be raised from the extensive mines in that district. By reference to a Report made on the 13th ult. to an adjourned meeting of the Stockholders and Loanholders, by a Committee appointed at a previous meeting, on the 2d ult. to whom were referred the Report and statements then presented by the Board of Managers, it appears, that, owing to causes set forth in that Re In compliance with the request contained in the Report of the aforesaid Committee, the Board of Managers have prepared a memorial for the signatures of the holders of stock and loan of the Union Canal Company, to be presented to the Senate and House of Representatives of Pennsylvania at their next Session, praying for a pecuniary grant in lieu of the lottery privileges. In this Report, the Committee remark: That, it is well known that the privilege of raising money by means of lotteries, is obnoxious to many of our fellow citizens; and your Committee think justly so: It is also known to you, that the citizens of the Commonwealth at large, and members of her legislative bodies, at the same time that they entertain too profound a respect for the plighted faith of their great state, to permit it to be infringed by the violation of a contract, cannot but feel, and do feel, great regret that the preservation of this faith should be connected with a system which merits disapprobation. Now your Committee believe, that when the Commonwealth shall, on the one hand, regard the vital importance of this great work to their interests, and on the other, the unhappy character of the resource to be derived from the lottery system, she cannot and will not hesitate to step forward to the relief of this great work, and by the advance of half a million of dollars, secure its prosperity, complete her own chain of internal communication, and relieve herself from a contract so disagreeable and odious, and from the guarantee connected with it." The Board of Managers found it necessary from time to time during the last two years, to make temporary loans from individuals and institutions, to liquidate the same, and to meet the interest on the debt of the Company; the Board have directed that certificates to the amount of five hundred and twenty thousand dollars be prepared and issued to the holders of the floating debt, and to those entitled to interest as sanctioned by the stock and loan holders at their adjourned meeting, on the 13th ult. The arrangement above referred to for the payment of interest in certificates of loan, will enable the Board of Managers to apply the income arising hereafter from tolls, to the construction of a permanent aqueduct of brick, to replace the existing one of wood, to plank the imperfect levels near Myerstown, and make such other repairs and improvements, as may be necessary to perfect the whole work. At no distant period, the Union Canal will be called on to pass as much tonnage, or nearly so, as its capacity will allow, and for the purpose of showing the capability of the Canal to pass all that may be offered, and the probable income to be derived therefrom, the Board of Managers will remark that, if 80 boats with 20 tons each on an average, pass the Union Canal in one day, the receipts would be (at an average of $1 per ton) 2000 dollars; or for 240 days, 480,000 dollars. The supply of water requisite to pass one boat through the summit level being 5478 cubic feet, consequently, 80 boats will require 438,240 cubic feet. The quantity of water thrown up by the water wheels and steam engines, amounts to 1,858,780 cubic feet per day, leaving for leakage and evaporation 1,420,540 cubic feet over and above the quantity required for lockage. The water applicable to the above purpose, and to the use of the Canal, is supplied from the great reservoir, which is estimated by Canvass White, chief Engineer, to contain 577,967,551 cubic feet of water; it will afford an abundant supply in seasons of the greatest drought, and has been fairly tested this year, as the water has not been drawn down at any period more than eight feet below the coping of the great dam, leaving a reserve of 32 feet depth of water in the reservoir. In conclusion, the Board refer to the annexed statements. The Treasurer's account showing the sum of 1984 dollars and 62 cents, to be the balance of cash in hand on the 1st instant; also the amount of tolls received, and of tonnage that has passed the Canal for the past year. All of which is respectfully submitted. Philadelphia, 20th November, 1832. UNION CANAL COMPANY IN ACCOUNT WITH DR. 1831. To amount expended by order of the Board of Managers, from November 1, 1831, to February 1, 1832, 1832. To amount expended by ditto, from To amount expended by ditto, from Balance, 1984 62 Salt, Merchandise, CR. 1831. By amount of balance as per setNov.1. tlement of the committee of Accounts, $610,588 54 Corn, flaxseed, clover seed, lard, butter, sand, lime stone, marble, bricks, $1,589 49 By cash received from November Tons, 156,234 84 By cash received from Feb. 1, 202,942 42 The amount of cash received for tolls, from the 1st of November, 1831, to the 1st of November, 1832, was $59,061 6. PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Committee charged with the arrangement of the fourth Annual Exhibition of the Pennsylvania Horticul610,588 54 tural Society, cannot close their labours, without making some record of the truly animating display on that oc1,984 62 casion; and though, from the profusion of interesting objects exhibited and the numerous contributors, their report must be necessarily circumscribed, it is hoped that it may serve as some memento of those choice pro E. E. Philadelphia, November 1, 1832. VOL. X. 46 |