For erecting a good permanent tower 300 feet high, with the necessary fixtures for the light, $22,000,-but that we may not underrate it, we will say $30,000,-the interest of which at 5 per cent, would be $1.500. We have allowed eight barrels of tar for each night, (probably three more than would be used,) which, at two dollars per barrel, would be $16 per night. There are about 250 nights in each year in which a light is required-the tar wou'd therefore cost $4,000 per annum. Coal we estimate at from fifteen to twenty tons per annum, for which we will say $100. The light will require the constant attention of one or two individuals, and in our calculation we say four men at a salary of $300 each-making $1200 per annum. The annual expense, agreeably to this estimate is-Interest on the cost of the tower, $1,500 4,000 100 1,200 200 $7,000 $80,000 $73,000 But this is not the only advantage of the proposed plan-for, as the light would be diffused generally throughout the atmosphere, the yards. alleys and houses would also be lighted from the same source It is believed that the light would shine into the houses to the distance of from half to three quarters of a mile from the tower-(that is, over an area of from one mile to a mile and an half in diameter,) sufficient for almost any purpose for which light is required; which would cause a saving to individuals in the item of oil and candles of at least $100,000 per annum. It would also be a very great convenience in case of fire, sickness, or other cause which might make it necessary for any person to leave his or her bed in the night, as the houses would be so lighted as to render lamps and candles useless-and the advantage of having yards and alleys lighted, would be a matter of no trifling importance. The streets would also not only be lighted to a much greater extent, but they would be much better lighted-for, on the present plan, a person walking in the evening, is alternately changing from a glare of light which is injurious to the eyes, to almost total darkness. Whereas, on the proposed plan, there would be an even, regular light throughout the city and districts. No dark places, in which a person walking would fall over curb stones, or into gutters-and there would be no dark corners, or hiding places, in which thieves or midnight robbers might secrete them selves, to evade the watchman. A large light elevated as before mentioned, would also be of very great advantage to people coming into town in the night, either by land or by water-for, when moving toward the light, an object which might impede the progress would be seen at a very great distance. But we will not go further into a detail of the suppos: ed advantages-for, if the fact that it will save to the public and to individuals, $173,000 per annum--and that it will produce a light which will extend throughout all the streets, courts, alleys and yards in the city and adjoining districts equal to that produced by a full moon, is not a sufficient inducement to call the attention of the public to it,—we know of nothing that we can offer which will have that effect. That the plan we propose would, (if properly carried into effect,) pro duce all the advantages we have particularized, we have not the least doubt. And when we say this, we do not express our own sentiments only-for, notwithstanding the estimates were made by us they have been exhibited to individuals of good judgment, on whose opinions we can rely-who coincide with us throughout, in the estimate of expenses, and supposed advantages to be derived from the plan if adopted. D. B. LEE, W. BEACH. December 30th, 1833. On page 336, Vol. XI-we published a suggestion of the use of towers for the purpose of lighting, by Jacob Smith, in 1830. REFORM CONVENTION. The Convention assembled at the Court House in Harrisburg, January 8, 1834, at 11 A. M and adjourn ed to meet again on to-morrow at 3 o'clock, P. M. Met according to adjournmen', Jan. 9th,at 3 o'clock, P. M. The following are the Officers and Delegates from the several Counties. GEORGE KREMER, President. MAHLON ORTLIP, JACOB MECHLING, Vice Presidents. Armstrong-James F. M'Cague, Geo. W. Smith. Butler-Samuel Kerr, Evans R. Evans, Jacob Mechling, Samuel A. Purviance, Samuel A. Gilmore. Dauphin Henry K. Strong, Benjamin Evans, John Cameron, Jacob Hoffman. Centre-Henry Petrikin, Henry Barnhart. Clearfield-Alexander Irwin, James Allport. Lancaster-James Mehaffey, Jacob Grosh. Luzerne-Luther Kidder, Albert G. Brodhead, Ziba Bennet, Ovid F. Johnson. Mercer-Thomas S. Cunningham. Union-George Kremer, William S. Rankin, Philadelphia County-Thomas Earl, Thomas G. Bignell, Benjamin Housekeeper, Mahlon Ortlip, John Wat kins, E. H. Bonsall. Lycoming-Robert Fleming. Susquehanna-Almon H. Reed, A. Dimock. Huntingdon--James Clarke, Thomas T. Cromwell. Mr. Earle of Philadelphia county, offered the following resolutions: 1. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draft a memorial in behalf of this Convention, praying the Legislature for the passage of a law providing for the election of delegates during the present year, to com. pose a Convention for the purpose of submitting an amended Constitution to the citizens of this Commonwealth for their adoption or rejection; and in case the Legislature shall think, a previous vote of the people necessary, then that a law be enacted providing for a special election to be held in the spring of the present year, for the purpose of taking a vote of the people on the question of Convention or no Convention. 2. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report what amendments of the Constitution ought to be agred on by this Convention, to be presented to the people, as the primary and essential features of the proposed reform. 3. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to report what measures will be proper to be taken by the friends of reform throughout the State, in case of failure to effect their objects during the present year, and whether it would be proper to connect the question with the general elections of this Commonwealth. 4. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draft 2. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to rean address to the citizens of this Commonwealth, set-port what amendments of the Constitution ought to be ting forth the views of this convention on the subject agreed on by this convention, to be presented to the of the amendment of the constitution. people, as the primary and essential features of the proposed reform. Mr. Evans of Butler, offered the following resolution as a substitute: In pursuance of which Messrs. Roberts, M'Cague, Woodward, Purviance and Housekeeper were appointed said committee. -Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draft a memorial to the Legislature praying for the passage of a law directing an election to be held on the 2d Friday 3. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to reof May next, to take a vote of the citizens of the Com-port what measures will be proper to be taken by the monwealth on the subject of a convention or no con- friends of reform throughout the State, in case of failure vention; and if the Legislature shall refuse to pass such to effect their object during the present year. In pursuance of which Messrs. Williard, Kerr, BigFleming, and Clarke of Huntingdon, were appointed said committee. a bill, then to draw up an address to the citizens of the After some discussion, in which Messrs. Lacock and Earle supported the resolution, and Mr. Evans opposed it and supported the substitute, Mr. Read of Susquehanna, moved that the resolutions, together with the substitute, be referred to a special committee-which motion was agreed to-and Messrs. Earle, Read, Lacock, Evans of Butler, Kidder, Clarke of Huntingdon, and Roberts, were appointed. Adjourned to 7 o'clock this evening.. 7 o'clock, P. M. Mr. Earle, from the committee to whom the subject was referred reported a number of resolutions, upon which the convention resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Petrikin in the chair, for the purpose of amendment. Mr. Kremer of Union, offered the following amend ment Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draft a memorial to the Legislature, praying for the passage of a law authorizing the election of delegates and the holding of a convention for the alteration of the constition, to be submitted to the people tor adoption or rejection. Messrs. Kremer, Allport, and Kidder, supported the amendment, and Messrs. Evans of Butler, and Fleming, opposed it. Mr. Gilmore, offered the following as a substitute, which was supported by Messrs. Gilmore, and Purviance, and opposed by Messrs. Earle, and Evans. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draft a memorial to the Legislature, praying them to pass a law to afford the people an opportunity of voting at the next general election for or against a convention to alter the constitution. The substitute was negatived, and the amendment passed. 4. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draft an address to the citizens of this Commonwealth, setting forth the views of this convention on the subject of the amendment of the constitution. In pursuance of which Messrs. Allpor', Gilmore, Cameron, Woodward and Read were appointed said committee. Mr. Allport submitted the following, which was con sidered and adopted. Resolved, That the Senate and House of Representatives be respectfully requested by this convention to bring the subject of reform to an immediate decision, on the evidence of public sentiment now before those honorable bodies. Adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M. to-morrow. 3 o'clock, P. M. Jan, 10. Met according to adjournment. Mr. Earle, from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported a memorial to be presented to the legislature, on the subject of a reform of the constitution-which was laid on the table. Mr. Purviance, from a majority of the committee for the purpose of suggesting amendments to the constitution, made a report, going into a detail of proposed alterations. Mr. M'Cague, from a minority of the same committee, made a report, specifying only general principles, which he moved as a substitute for the report of the majority. Before any question was taken on the above reports, the convention adjourned, to meet at 7 o'clock in the evening. 7 o'clock, P. M. The convention met according to adjournment, and resumed the consideration of the report of the minority The committee then rose, and the chairman report-tution, which had been offered as a substitute to the reof the committee to suggest amendments to the consti ed the resolutions as amended to the convention. Mr. Petrikin, moved that the second resolution be amended by striking out the words "Fourth of July," and inserting "Second Tuesday in October," which was agreed to, and the resolutions were severally adopted. The following are the resolutions as amended and adopted. port of the majority. On motion of Mr. Earle, the substitute was amended by adding a clause reducing the time of the eligibility of the Governor. On motion of Mr. Petrikin, the words "without a tax qualification," were stricken out, and the report having been amended as follows, was adopted: 1. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draft Mr. M'Cague, from the committee appointed to rea memorial to the Legislature, praying for the passage of a law authorising the election of delegates and hold-port what amendments ought to be agreed upon by ing of a convention for an alteration of the constitution, to be submitted to the people for adoption or rejec tion. this convention to be presented to the people as the primary features of the proposed reform,would respectfully submit the following report: The amendments to the constitution to provide The abolition of all offices for life. 1st. The meeting of the Legislature on the first Monday in January. Members of the Senate to be elected for two or three years only. In pursuance of which Messrs. Earle, Lacock, Kidder, Watkins, and Allport were appointed said com- 4th. mittee. The enjoyment and security of the right of univer sal suffrage. VOL. XIII. 5th. The Judges of the Supreme Court and Judges of 7th. All Executive and Judicial officers, which shall be 8th. The election of a Lieutenant Governor, to preside 9th. The term of continued elegibility to the office of tution. 11th. A restriction of the exercise of the pardoning power of the Governor. On motion of Mr. Earle, the convention proceeded to the consideration of the memorial to be presented to the Legislature, Mr. Read moved to strike out the following clause, which was reported by the committee: viction that the existing constitution of this state is in many respects imperfect, dangerous to civil liberty, and inadequate to the ends of a republican governmentthat it vests power in the hands of the governor, at once exorbitant and dangerous, without either check or control, contrary to the usages of all other republics, ancient or modern, to the lamentable abridgment of the elective franchise-the palladium of a free people—in fine, that it virtually reverses the old republican maxim, that offices should be created for the benefit of the public, not for the private and perpetual advantage of the incumbent. Your memorialists further represent, that the people have long been anxious to remove these imper. fections, by amending the constitution, in such manner, as will most effectually promote their interests, and render permanent the free institutions of this commonwealth; but owing to sundry causes, which it is now not necessary fully to specify, this desirable object has been from time to time frustrated, and the present system, with all its evils, continued. That the act of 1825 was radically defective, in not providing that the convention, if called, should submit its measures to the people for ratification, and owing to this circumstance, and to the short time afforded for information and reflection, the proposition, although it obtained majorities in twentyeight counties, was defeated by the votes of citizens favorable to the amendment of the constitution, but dissatisfied with the provisions of the law presented to them; that if a reform of the constitution is to be ef fected, it is desirable on many accounts that it take place previously to the height of the excitement that may attend the next gubernatorial and presidential elec. tion: and that the present moment is peculiarly favourable to the holding of a convention. honorable bodies the immediate passage of a law, proWe would therefore respectfully suggest to your "We believe that sufficient evidence has been af. forded fully to authorise the Legislature, as the representatives of the people, (conformably to the true intent of that clause of the constitution, which declares the right at all times to alter the form of government in such manner as they may think proper,) to enact a law providing for the speedy election of delegates to a con-viding that a vote of the citizens of this Commonwealth vention for the purpose of submitting the constitution during the present year to a vote of the people. We therefore pray for the immediate passage of a law to that effect. But if your honorable bodies shall think a preliminary vote requisite, then we pray that a vote may be taken on the day of the next general election, or sooner if deemed expedient, on the question of the call of a convention," And insert the following: "to pass a law submitting the question of convention or no convention, to the people at the next general election." After considerable discussion, the ayes and noes were called on the amendment, which resulted as fol lows: Ayes-Messrs. M'Cague, Clark of Beaver, Kerr, Evans of Butler, Strong, Hoffman, Petrikin, Barnhart, Broadhead, Bennet, Johnson, Cunningham, Rankin, Bonsall, Read, Dimock, Clarke of Huntingdon, Cromwell--18. Noes--Messrs. Mechling, Purviance, Gilmore, Cameron, Irwin, Allport, Grosh, Kidder. Woodward, Earle, Bignell, Housekeeper, Ortlip, Watkins, Williard, Alexander, Kremer-17. So the amendment was adopted. The memorial, which was amended to read as follows, was adopted. To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met: may be taken on the day of the next general election, on the question of holding a convention for the amendment of the constitution, with a special provision that the voters may, if they see fit, insert in their ballots a direction that the convention shall submit its proceedings to a vote of the people, and that the act also provide that in case of a majority of votes being given in favor of a convention, then, on a fixed day of the present year, delegates shall be elected by the citizens of the several counties, to meet on another day, to be fixed by the same act of assembly, for the purpose of submitting to the ratification of the people, such amendments of the constitution as shall utterly eradicate those evils under which we have too long suffered, and against which we have too long in vain complained. Your memorialists would wish to be understood as being content to submit the decision of this question to your honorable bodies, upon the evidence now before them; and as being of opinion that any delay of action, not required by the indispensable engagements of the Legislature, would be detrimental to the best interests of the people of this State. In conclusion your memorialists cannot doubt but the members of the present Legislature, coming as they do from every section of the State-intimately acquainted as they are, with the interests, wants and feelings of the people, and thoroughly convinced, as they must be, of the injurious, unequal and oppressive operation of the present system, will promptly respond to the earnest call of their fellow citizens, and enact such laws upon the subject as patriotism dictates, and the welfare of the people so imperiously demands. Your memorialists deem it almost unnecessary to state that the people expect thus much from the present Legislature, which this object-they also expect it from the favorable dis was elected in some measure with direct reference to The memorial of the undersigned, delegates from the several counties of the state of Pennsylvania, assembled in convention at Harrisburg, on the eighth day of Ja-position evinced since the commencement of the present nuary, A. D. 1834--respectfully represents: That this convention believes that the people of this commonwealth are thoroughly impressed with the con session. We therefore, with the greater confidence, make an appeal to the assembled representatives of the people, cherishing the anxious and lively hope, that our Henry K. Strong, Secretaries, On motion of Mr. Earle, it was Vice Presidents. Resolved, That the memorial to the Legislature be signed by the officers on behalf of this Convention. On motion of Mr. Allport, it was Resolved, That the memorial adopted by this Convention be presented to the House of Representatives by Mr. Kerr of Butler, and that he be respectfully requested to move that it be read in that honorable body, and referred to a select committee. On motion of Mr. Kerr, it was Resolved, That a copy of the same memorial be presented to the honorable Senate by Mr. Petrikin, and referred as aforesaid. Mr. Kerr, from the committee to whom the subject was referred, made the following report, which was adopted: The committee to whom was referred the enquiry what measures would be proper to be taken by the friends of reform in case of a failure to effect their ob ject during the present year, respectfully report That owing to the variety of questions of public and private interests that engrosses the human mind and the art and misrepresentation of those whose interests are opposed to the public good, it sometimes happens that a long space of time is requisite to mature and carry into effect the most beneficial measures, and that on the first trial the people give a decision on which additional information and more mature reflection induces them afterwards to reverse. It was several years after a few minds had determined on American Independence before the measure was adopted by the American people. Mr. Jefferson failed of an election when first a candidate for the Presidency. Many instances in illustration of the same principle will doubtless occur to the minds of the convention. Your committee are, therefore of opinion that a fail. ure on the first trial, either before the Legislature or the people, ought by no means to check the action of the friends of reform, but to stimulate them to fresh and more vigorous exertions, presuming that a want of information, or an imperfect mode of action has been the cause of the first failure. Your committee therefore propose the adoption of the following resolutions On motion of Mr. Purviance, it was Resolved, That a general State committee of five be appointed from this convention, and that they be authorized to appoint committees, composed of three per. sons, in each of the counties in this commonwealth, to draft an address to the people of their respective counties on the subject of reform, and in addition to act as a committee of vigilance in furthering the principles adopted by this convention. Adjoured to 9 o'clock to-morrow morning. Jan. 11, 9 o'clock, A. M. Met according to adjournment. The convention took up the resolution for the ap- The following were appointed a state committee. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to collect and publish information calculated to advance the objects of this Convention. The following were appointed the committee. Messrs.-Earle, Allport, Johnson, Kidder, Kremer, Mr. Woodward, of Wayne offered the following as a Watkins, Gilmore, Cameron, Stoever, Ortlip protest to the report of the committee to suggest amendments to the constitution. The undersigned from the committee appointed "to prepare alterations of the constitution to the Legislature," offers the following PROTEST. He considers any proposition from this convention as to the particulars in which the constitution shall be alterleast advantage resulting from the proposed alterations; ed, altogether untimed. That he cannot conceive the to be submitted to the public, and that he firmly be if, the question of convention, or no convention, is first lieves any proposed measure in this case would defeat the object of the friends of reform. The undersigned represents in the convention a counof a proper reform of the constitution. He feels bound ty, whose citizens in his behalf are decidedly in favor exceed the mere expression of the wishes of the citizens however to protest against any propositions that shall 1. Resolved, That in case of disappointment from of his county. Nor can he perceive the least authority any unforeseen cause, no law be passed on the subject of this convention to pass any vote declaring what alteraduring the present session of the Legislature, a committee tions shall, or shall not be made. He even doubts the of this body be requested to call this convention togeth-authority of the Legislature of Pennsylvania to suggest er in April or May next. 2. Resolved, That in case of a decision of the people against a convention owing to the imperfect mode in which the subject is presented for public consideration that the same committee convene this body in Novem ber or December next. 3. Resolved, That in case of such subsequent meeting, we recommend that the people confer upon their delegates full power to take all measures which appear necessary for the advancement of the cause. is any alteration whatever, if a vote is to be taken by the people. The undersigned believes that a convention of delegates duly elected by the people should meet untrammeled, and as the independent representatives of the sovereign authority of the land. On motion it was NATHANIEL A. WOODWARD. Resolved, That the thanks of this convention be presented to the President, Vice Presidents and Secretaries of this convention, for the able, dignified and imdeliberations of this convention. partial manner with which they have presided over the 4. Resolved, That the friends of reform will not be deterred by one or more decisions against them before Mr. Kremer returned thanks to the convention in a the Legislature or elsewhere, (unless the principle fairly understood) but will constantly renew the contest in the full conviction, that strong hands and stout hearts very appropriate address, for the compliment bestowed in the cause of truth, justice and liberty, must eventual- on him and the other officers. ly triumph over misrepresentation, injustice and oppres sion. On motion it was Resolved, That the proceedings of this convention 15 42 44 SW to NW and clear Among the indications of the wide-spread and rapidly increasing distress, the recent expression of public opinion, by the largest assemblage of people, without distinction of party, ever witnessed in this city, is not the least impressive; and the following facts, in addition, will satisfy your honourable bodies that there is neither exaggeration nor coloring in the assertion here made-that the prevailing panic and pressure for mo ney, and the gloomy forebodings of the future, are without a precedent in the experience of this country. In proof of this allegation the Chamber of Commerce refer with pain To the decline in price of the public and incorpo rated Stocks generally, which varies frem 10 to 30 per cent. To the depression of the Foreign and Domestic Exchanges, and the extreme difficulty of negociating Bills To the fall in value of all the principal articles of domestic produce, whether for export or home consumption To the impracticability of borrowing, as heretofore, on mortgage, even at the highest legal rate of interest, and the ruinous di-count now current on good mercantile paper, which varies from 12 to 18 per cent. per annum To the difficulty of obtaining cash advances on produce or merchandize from factors or commission merchants, who refuse to contract engagements with which they may not be able to comply To the inability of Contractors for State Loans, or the subscribers to corporate Stocks to pay up their instalments, and the great danger of a suspension of the public improvements, from the difficulty of borrowing, and the consequent disappointment and ruin of the Contractors for the public works To the discharge from employ of laborers and workmen, and the suspension of business in the various mechanical and manufacturing pursuits To the decline in value of Real Estate, both in town and country To the inability of some of the corporate companies to pay the interest due on their borrowed money, or of the State Banks to discount new paper, or do more than renew their previous loans; and, in fine, to the suspension of all commercial confidence-the complete stagnation of business in every department of industryand the bankruptcies and embarrassment consequent on such a state of affairs To the necessity imposed on the Bank of the United isphere seemed to be enveloped in a shower of fire States of contracting its accommodations, and of guardfrom the quantity of meteors that kept incessantly falling against the attempts to cripple its resources and ing. The writer of this note has followed the sea as a profession for more than 30 years, and can safely say, has been more than 4000 nights on a ship's deck in different parts of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, but nev er saw any thing like it. MEMORIAL OF THE PHILADELPHIA CHAM- Memorial of the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, decry its credit, not only by a withdrawal of the public deposits, but by a combined and systematic proscription and perversion of all its operations, even when dictated by self preservation. In regard to the cause of the frightful conjuncture here depicted, your memorialists feel it due to candour, to point unreservedly to the removal of the public funds as the immediate and only one to which the present pecuniary distress can be rationally attributed. They are unable to conceive how, in good faith or sound policy, a National Bank, created among other objects, for the express purpose of restoring specie payments-of regulating and maintaining a pure and unvitiated currency-an institution at once the fiscal agent and co-partner of the Government, to the extent of one-fifth of its capital, can be crushed and destroyed, without burying beneath its ruins all the great interests Respectfully Representsof the country, with which its existence is indissoluThat, prompted by a strong sense of duty, and view-bly connected. Would the downfall of the Bank (it is ing with serious alarm the present crisis in the money concerns of the country, the undersigned confidently apply to Congress for relief; under whose guardianship and control the currency of the Nation has been specially placed by the letter as well as the spirit of the Constitution, respectfully asked) benefit the condition of the Government and people? Would not such an event, on the contrary, draw into its vortex all the State Banks, and lead infallibly to a suspension of specie payment? Fear and distrust are gradually ripening (as your memorialists believe) into desperation and despair; and |