senting accurate results, it would appear highly probable the extra expenses in repairs and management of the business, was incurred in consequence of the greater speed maintained. Some abatement should doubtless be made, for the ratio of difference in expense of load ing and unloading, which, in consequence of its being shorter, would bear heavier on the Liverpool road, than on the Baltimore. The accounts for the Liverpool transportation are presented in much detail, and are very satisfactory in their character. Those for the Baltimore road are not given in as much fulness and detail, but we have no reason to doubt their accuracy. It further appears, that horse power is a little more expen. sive for motive power, at a low velocity, than locomotive steam, at a high velocity, as compared for the two roads. But this would not be the case if the power was reversed for the two roads, as the short ascents on the Baltimore road would greatly depress the economy of steam power. The average cost of transportation on these two roads, when reduced to a level, is 3.56 cents per ton per mile. This allows no profit or toll; the cost stated for the Mohawk and Hudson road is 3. 5, and for the Delaware and Hudson Company's road is also 3.5 cents per ton per mile, as the nett cost. It may, therefore, be considered that experience thus far has settled the cost at 34 cents per ton per mile, on a level road. It has been shown in this investigation, that where locomotive steam power is used, it is important to its economy, to have all the inclination reduced to a uniform angle, and the curves to a uniform radius, other wise the traction that occurs on the sharpest curves, and greatest ascents, will determine the load of the engine. It is obvious that the load of the engine must be regulated by its ability to overcome the greatest resistance that occurs on the road over which it passes, unless extra power is stationed on the line to aid in passing ascents: the inconvenience of stationary power would prevent a resort to this method, unless the increased power required, was considerably greater than was generally necessary on the route travelled. This consideration is highly important where a large general trade is to be accommodated, and accounts for the great expense that is often encountered to bring the grade to the most favorable standard. The cost has been shown to be 3 cents per ton per mile on a level, and as rail roads are not often entirely level, it has been thought proper to a full understand ing of the subject, to present a statement, showing the comparative economy in motive power, by locomotive steam engines on roads of different inclinations. In the calculations, the engine is assumed to weigh 6 tons (13,000 lbs.,) with 7,000 lbs. on its working wheels; adhesion at 10; the weight of the tender at 7,000 lbs.; resistance from friction. The load carried is exclu sive of the tender, and includes freight and wagons.Two thirds of the gross load will be tonnage goods. On a level the gross load will be, On a road or section having an ascent of 10 feet per mile, 75.29 tons. 49.53 On a road or section having an ascent of 20 feet per mile, 37.35 On a road or section having an ascent of 30 feet per mile, 27.24 On a road or section having an ascent of 40 feet per mile, 20.22 On a road or section having an ascent of 50 feet per mile, 17.04 On a road or section having an ascent of 60 feet per mile, 13.92 On a road or section having an ascent of 70 feet per mile, 11.31 In the load on a level, we have 50 tons exclusive of wagons, taking the cost of motive power at 40 per cent of the entire cost of transportation; the total cost on the level being 3.5 cents. The total cost on an accent of 10 feet per mile is per ton, The total cost on an ascent of 20 feet per mile is per ton, The total cost on an ascent of 30 feet per mile is per ton, The total cost on an ascent of 40 feet per mile is per ton, The total cost on an ascent of 50 feet per mile is per ton, The total cost on an ascent of 60 feet per mile is per ton, The total cost on an ascent of 70 feet per mile is per ton, 4.20 cts. 4.90 5.95 7.28 8.19 9.66 11.41 There are engines of a larger size than the one as. sumed; but it is the most approved at this time, in reference to the weight of engine, and the weight of the working wheels. This however is unimportant, as the comparison will not be at all affected by varying the power of the engine. the ratio between a level and the ascents will remain the same notwithstanding. (To be concluded) READING, March 31, 1835. To the Editor of the Commercial Herald. As you have turned your attention and that of the Public, through the medium of your valuable paper to the internal improvements of the State, I now send you the original MSS. of the proceedings of the first meeting held in relation to the improvement of the Schuyl kill. In 1813 when that meeting was held, the prejudices of the people through this section of country were absolutely insurmountable-Canals through a farm, the Schuylkill dam'd up, descending trade during high water obstructed, seemed to nerve every heart to determined opposition, and it was in vain that the enlightened amongst us, endeavoured to allay this feeling of hostility. The forbearance and prudence of the Schuylkill Navigation Company, together with the large sums of money disbursed along the line, eventually in a great measure neutralized those angry opponents to the mea sure. how very far they were from foreseeing the immense The opinions then entertained by this meeting, show advantages of that improvement. When speaking of the use of Coal, they say the Coal mines will afford cheerful and comfortable fires to the citizens of Reading, Philadelphia and perhaps New York. It may well be said, improvements in this country are so rapid that before their advantages can be anticipated, they are enjoyed. NAVIGATION OF THE RIVER SCHUYLKILL. At a numerous assemblage of the citizens of Schuylkill County, at the house of Mr. A. Reifschnider in Orwigsburg, on Tuesday the 13th of December, pursuant to public notice, Dr. J. M'Farland was appointed Chairman, and George Dreibelbis, Secretary of the meeting. In an appropriate address from the Chair, the objects of the meeting were distinctly exhibited, and after a fair discussion and mature deliberation on them, the following resolutions offered by James B. Hubley, were ascertained to convey the united sentiments of all present, and received their unanimous approbation. Resolved, That this meeting feel a lively interest in the measures adopted by their fellow citizens in the lower counties and in Philadelphia, for the improvement of the Navigation of the River Schuylkill. That every project which is intended to supply our countrymen with articles before of foreign importation, is calculated to strengthen our Independence and ought to; and we are persuaded will be attentively listened to by the Legislature of Pennsylvania. That at a period when our foreign commerce is destroyed and the capital employed in it, may be advantageously turned to Domestic Trade, all Internal navigation will be carefully encouraged, and when such navigation will effect an interchange of products of great necessity as well as of comfort, it will merit a liberal patronage from our State Government. miles to Swatara, by this last to Susquehanna, Juniata to Huntingdon and Poplar run, then a portage to Canoe place on Conemaugh of 18 miles, then down Conemaugh to the mouth of Stoney creek, then down Conemaugh and Kiskeminetas to the Allegheny River and down to Pittsburg, in all, 426 miles,) was only £40, 116 2 0. From tide water on the Schuylkill to Reading, the estimate by David Rittenhouse and others, was £1,147 0 0. Other routes and estimates for connecting the waters of the State with those of New York will be found in the same article. The whole is a cu That the opening of the Schuylkill up to Mill Creek, or even higher, is an undertaking so clearly practicable, and so highly beneficial to private as well as the public interest of the state, that should even the period of its accomplishment be unhappily prolonged, it must eventually arrive, and none can be more favorable than the present. That should this river be rendered navigable it re-rious document, and will prove interesting, as exhibit. quires no efforts of imagination to perceive the pro-ing the enlarged views of the Society at that early day, ductions of the interior of the state of New York, borne on the subject of improvement, although a different and along its channels: and the products of this county, much more expensive system has been adopted. finding their way into the capital of that State. The Plaister from Onondago and the borders of the Cayuga, will be seen like the fertilizing Nile, produc ing abundance in our soil. The Wheat trade which hitherto has been enjoyed but partially, and at seasons will become a constant source of wealth to our citizens: perhaps even the salt which is manufactured in the central part of the State of New York, may afford us supplies in times of scarcity: above all our extensive coal mines, whilst they will afford cheerful and comfortable fires to the citizens of Reading, Philadelphia and perhaps New York, will together with our lumber and iron become inexhaustible sources of prosperity to the inhabitants of Schuylkill county. Resolved, Therefore, That we will cordially co-operate with our fellow citizens of Berks, Montgomery and Philadelphia, in endeavouring to procure the passage of a law to ensure the success of this useful undertaking, on such principles as will best accord with the interests of this county as well as the public utility. Resolved, That to effect this interesting object the following persons be a Committee of Superintendance, viz: Dr. J. M'Farland, George Dreibelbis, John Pott, D Graeff, J. Krebs, Jer. Reed, J. Hughes, Theo. Hughes, A. Reifschneider, J. Kepner, W. Green, G. Rahn, J. Old, D. Yost, B. Kepner, J. Huntringer, H. Boyer, H. Hesser, A. Fertig, J. Hoch, C. Kerchner, C. Wagner, G. Orwig, Jac. Reed, D. Focht. MESSAGE OF THE GOVERNOR. HARRISBURG, March 21, 1835. Gentlemen. I have received from the Secretary of the War Department, several communications growing out of a Resolution of the House of Representatives of the United States of the 23d of January last, "directing him to forward copies of the Report and Profile of Major Bache's survey of a route of a rail road from Williamsport in Pennsylvania to Elmira in the State of New York; to the Governors of Pennsylvania and New York with the request that they lay the same before the Legislatures of their respective states," copies of which, together with the documents accompanying the same will be laid before you. The importance of the contemplated improvement, and the advantages which must result from its completion, to the citizens of those portions of the respective States through which it will pass, as well as to the respective States, are made so manifest by the accompanying documents that any attempt on my part to enlarge upon them, would be entirely superfluous. I shall content myself, therefore with a single remark, that the practicability of the enterprise will be found, by an examination of the survey and report of Major Bache, to be unquestionable, and that the commerce it would open between the two States if completed, and the transportation it would inResolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be vite in the interchange of the coal and iron of Penn signed by the Chairman, attested by the Secretary, and sylvania, for the plaster and salt of New York, indepublished in the Reading papers, and Editors of other pendently of the carriage of other products of the repapers who are favorable to the project are also re-spective States upon it, would, there is reason to be quested to give them an insertion. Resolved, That this Committee be requested to circulate for signature such memorials to the Legislature as may be consistent with the views of this meeting. Resolved, That the following persons be a Commit. tee of mission to wait on the members of our Legislature at their present session, and to request the passage of such a law, as is above contemplated, viz: Dr. James McFarland, John Pott, John Hughes and George Dreibelbis and that they be also a Committee of Correspondence to communicate with such other committees as may be appointed on the subject. Attest by JAMES MCFARLAND, Chairman. GEORGE DREIBELBIS, Sec❜ry. In Vol. II. of the Register, page 118, will be found a memorial presented to the Legislature in 1791-by "The Society for promoting the improvement of ROAD AND INLAND NAVIGATION,"-furnishing estimates for different routes, by clearing the navigation of certain waters. In this the "estimate of the expense of clearing the navigation from Philadelphia to Pittsburg," by the Schuylkill, Tulpehocken, Quitipahilla, a canal of 15 lieve, more than justify its construction. The papers and documents, however, are transmit ted to the General Assembly for their examination and candid and impartial consideration. GEO. WOLF. HARRISBURG, March 21, 1835. For some documents in relation to this road, see Register Vol. ix. pp. 18, 89, Vol. x. p. 246. Printed every Saturday morning by WILLIAM F. GEDDES, No. 9 Library street. The publication office of the Register has been removed from Franklin Place, to No. 61, in the Arcade, Western Avenue, up stairs. HAZARD'S REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. VOL. XV.--NO. 16. PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 18, 1835. INSTRUCTION OF THE BLIND. Second Annual Report of the Managers of Pennsylvania Institution for the Instruction of the Blind. Located in Philadelphia. March 2, 1835. No. 380. town, with twelve of the pupils, whose examination excited so great an interest throughout the county, that committees were appointed in every township, to make collections for this Institution, which have already reached a considerable amount. The Board of Managers, in presenting to the contri- A similar invitation was received from the citizens of butors their Second Annual Report, have the happiness Wilmington, in the month of September last, and acto assure them of the continued success of the undercepted; when the services of many benevolent persons taking-of the rapid advancement of the pupils in were enlisted in our cause: and on their solicitation and learning, in the mechanical arts, and in music-of the assurance, that an application to the Legislature of the excellent moral discipline which has been preserved-State of Delaware would meet with success, if presentand of the health and happiness which have been en- ed by the Managers, in company with their pupils, joyed in the Institution, under the vigilant and affec- Messrs. Fraley and Snider, with the Principal and eight tionate care of its Principal and Matron. of the pupils, went to Dover on the month of January Eleven pupils have been admitted during the year;-last. The exhibitions made before the Legislature, one left the Institution in bad health, and soon after-were highly satisfactory to them; and they have since wards died at his home. We have now twenty-one made an appropriation for the support of several indiunder our care, of whom nine are females. Eighteen gent pupils from their State. Exhibitions were also are from within this state, one from the State made before large audiences at Wilmington and of Delaware, one from Virginia, and one from South Smyrna; and much kindness, hospitality, and liberality from the citizens of Delaware, were received during this visit, which the Board have great pleasure in acknowledging. Carolina. Since the first Report, the Board have secured the services of Mr. J. B. Stout, as Assistant Teacher in the English branches; of Mr. A. Schmitz, as Instructor of Music; and of John Roxbury, a blind man from the Edinburg school, as Teacher of the mechanical arts. — The Board are happy to concur with Mr. Friedlander, in expressing their entire satisfaction with the manner in which the various departments have been filled. After this visit to Delaware, Messrs. Dunn and Rich ards, with the Principal, exhibited the proficiency of seven pupils, to the Legislature of New Jersey; who, it is hoped, will be induced to secure by a handsome appropriation, the benefits of this Institution for the indigent Blind of that State. The Annual Examination on the 23d of December, In April last, the Institution was removed into Thirand a Concert on the 19th of February last, gave evi- teenth street, where two houses, with intermediate lots, dence of the improvement of the pupils in the English were taken on rent. In these houses, the present branches and in music. The German language is now number of pupils are comfortably accommodated; but taught; and it is expected that a course of Mathemati- a few more only can be received; and space is much cal studies will soon be commenced. But, as the great needed for the various manufactures. The members majority of the pupils are poor, and dependent for of the Board have therefore been very active in the their maintenance and education upon charity, it is endeavor to raise by contributions, the sum of 20,000 particularly desirable that they should carry with them Dollars, upon which depends the grant of 10,000 from the Institution, the means of supporting them- Dollars from the State of Pennsylvania, for a building. selves hereafter. It is therefore, very satisfactory to When this sum is secured, a lot will be purchased, state, that several handicraft arts have been added to and an edifice commenced; it being of great importhose formerly taught; and the baskets, mattresses, tance to relieve the Institution from the burthen of rent; door-mats, rugs and twine, made in the institution; are and to provide accommodations for a much larger numsuch as would command a ready sale; that several ber of pupils. For although the allowance from this of the girls knit and sew with great neatness; and State, of 160 Dollars for each indigent pupil, does not that some other handicrafts will soon be introduced.-pay one-half of the expenses of 20 children, and if Want of room for workshops, necessarily limits the operations of the pupils in the handicraft depart ments. even the number were increased to 40, would not be nearly sufficient; yet proportionably, the expenditures would be very much reduced: and, independently of other motives to extend the charity, it is much more for our interest. To call the attention of the inhabitants of this State to the subject of the Blind, and to announce to the afflicted in all districts, the advantages of our Institu. An application will be made to the Legislature of tion, the Board not only sent its Circulars, and the this State, for an increase of the allowance per pupil; necessary instructions for applicants, into all the coun- and, should they augment it to 200 Dollars per annum, ties; but induced the Principal, with one of the pupils, we might securely depend upon the charity of our to make a very extensive tour during the month of July fellow citizens, to supply what else may be wanting; last. The exhibitions of the acquirements of our pupils and regard the permanence of the Institution as assurexcited a lively interest in all who witnessed them; but ed. At present, its income, (as will be seen in the the applications for admission, which were anticipated accounts of the Treasurer, herewith submitted) is far as a consequence, have not been numerous from the below its outlay; and, although all the economy in the interior of this State. power of the Board, consistent with the comfort and Shortly after the return of Mr. Friedlander, he ac-advantage of the pupils, has been practised, it has been cepted (with the approbation of the Board) an invita- found necessary to encroach greatly on the ten thou tion from the citizens of West Chester; and visited that sand dollars granted by the State, which it was hoped, VOL. XV. 31 might have been in part added to the permanent matter in the same space, and greater durability than fund. any books yet printed for the Blind. That our expenditures have been so great, will perhaps excite surprise in those acquainted only with the economy of other institutions of education; but, it must be recollected, that none of the ordinary apparatus of instruction, can be used by us: neither the slate nor black board, no common map or printed book; that the In books, maps, and music sheets, with raised charactersthe tables for calculating and writing-the musical instruments-the machines and materials for manufac tures, are all costly, and the Blind, from their peculiar privation, require both more attendants and more instruction, than any other children. To increase a permanent fund, yielding interest, and to extend the number of annual subscribers, will be incumbent upon the Board of Managers for the ensuing year; and an appeal is confidently made to the benevolent, to further this effort, which the interest already excited in this community, by our Institution, authorizes us to hope. Already, by this charity, have upwards of twenty children been raised from a state of helplessness, gloom and degradation; a burthen to industrious parents, or with a prospect for life of dependence on public charity, they are now receiving a means of honest maintenance. Deprived of all the enjoyments of the best of our senses, new sources of pleasure have been bestowed-new channels of information opened to them. Cut off by their calamity, from the ordinary pursuits and associations of others, we have raised them to the rank of their fellow men; and taken from them the stamp of inferiority, which even pity had inflicted WILLIAM WHITE, President. JACOB SNIDER, jr. Rec. Sec'ry. THE PENNSYLVANIA INSTITUTION, Julius R. Friedlander, Principal. Names. Richard Guyn, Joseph Ramsey, Cordelia U. Snyder;* Sarah Siegfried, PUPILS. Where from. Moyamensing, do. New Castle, State of Dela. Lancaster city. Harrisonburg, Rockingham county, Va. Southampton, Bucks coun- Philadelphia county. do Franklin county, Pa. East Marlbo', Chester county, Pa. Berks county, Pa. W. Whiteland, Chester county, Pa. Montgomeryville, Montg'y Since the foreging Report was submitted to the Contributors, the Board have received a communication from Mr. Snider, on the subject of Printing for the Blind. In the course of last year, he devoted much time to the accomplishment of the printing the Gospel, according to St. Mark, for the use of the pupils of this Institution; and which has been to them a work of great utility and benefit. The whole expense for the apparatus and printing, was incurred by three members of the Board of Managers, the funds of the Institution not being adequate to engage in the work. Mr. Snider has liberally offered, (provided funds can be raised without infringing on those of the Institution) to have March 1. To Amount borrowed from Perprinted, the Gospel, according to St. John, from copper plates, in a form more condensed and convenient; the execution superior to any heretofore printed, and as durable as that of his former work; on the following terms: RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. Statement of Receipts and Expenditures of "The "For 100 copies, bound for use, and the copper plates to be delivered to the Institution, the sum of $400.-For any number of copies over this number, at the rate of $2 per copy:-or, he offers to have any work printed, containing as much matter as the one proposed, in 125 pages, size of 8 by 10 inches, for the same sum. The Managers regret, that the necessity of applying the funds to the erection of buildings, precludes their engaging at present in this important work. This statement is made in the hope, that those who are greatly interested in the further advancement of this branch of the education of the Blind, will be induced to furnish aid for the proposed undertaking. A specimen of the printing by this method is annexed; exhibiting more 1834. DR. manent Fund, being art. Paid for Furniture, includ- $ 876 48 6,400 00 850 80 208 35 Rent of houses occu- 789 60 for Fuel, 257 13 For incidentals, as per account and vouchers, 172 58 To balance in hands of Principal, to Credit of 910 04 272 62 TRAVELLING.-Passengers are now conveyed the whole distance between Pittsburg and Philadelphia, in a little more than four days, by a new mode of transportation, departing from this city, they take the rail road to Columbia, and thence embark in handsomely 1,182 66 furnished canal boats, which they only leave at the mountains, crossing thence the rail road cars, and, at the western termination, resuming the canal boats, and $17,276 77 proceeding without further interruption to Pittsburg. The meals are to be taken on the boats, and the nights spent in comfortable beds, while the boat is in progress. |