A Caution.—We take the following paragraph from the last Wheeling Gazette:

"The New York canals closed last week, and the From Pennsylvania probably the beginning of this. this time till the middle of April next, all the canals in our country must be closed, while every rail-road will be in full operation. Were the rail-road from Cumber land to the Ohio River now completed, the amount of freight upon it would be incredible."

We extract the above, to take this opportunity for correcting our neighbour, and assuring him that he must be more cautious, if he wishes to preserve his character for truth.

Last spring the canal was open on the 16th of March, and might have been open on the 1st, had not important additions to the aqueduct delayed the admission of water. The tonnage received and shipped from here in March exceeded six million pounds. In the winter of 1834, four toils were taken every month.

We confidently expect that more than one hundred thousand dollars of tolls will be taken on our canals before the 15th of next April.

THE NAVIGATION.

The Pittsburg Manufacturer of Saturday says,-"The cold weather of the early part of the week, closed the western division of the canal with ice, and we suppose it will not be re-opened until March next. Navigation still continues on the Obio for steamers gahela river above the bridge is partially closed, so as to prevent the running of boats on it."

The Monon

NORTHERN LIBERTIES.

At a meeting of the Commissioners of the incorporated district of the Northern Liberties, held at their hall, on Tuesday evening, December the 1st, the folJowing named persons were duly elected officers under said corporation for the ensuing year, viz.:

Clerk of the Board, Robert T. Conrad.
Treasurer, Jacob F. Hoeckley.
Solicitor, Charles Naylor.

Superintendent of highways, William L. Barbour.
Superintendent of police, George Ellmore.
Captain of nightly watch, Jacob G. Baker.
Lieutenant of ditto, Peter Lewis.

Clerk of the market, Abraham Beidelman,
Vaccine physicans, Dr. Knorr, Dr. C. B. Pearce.
Collector of vaccine cases, William Adams,
Collector of water rents and superintendent of Wa-
tering Committee, John Viall.
Door-keeper, John Abel.

At a meeting of the Commissioners of said district, on Tuesday evening last, the two following named gentlemen were duly elected Directors of the Poor Tax for ensuing year, viz: Charles J. Sutter and Samuel Kuen, December 10, 1835.

The following gentlemen have been elected Direc
tors of the Poor Tax for 1836, by the Commissioners of
Southwark:
D. FRANCIS CONDIE, and
JOHN FLOYD, Jr.

PANY.

The same paper contains the following paragraph,— "We learn that a great deal of freight is detained on NORRISTOWN AND VALLEY RAIL ROAD COMA prospect now the Canal, by its closing with ice. exists from the rain and moistness of to-day (Friday) that it will be fit for navigation shortly. A great deal of floating ice is also impeding the river navigation."

Samuel Urian, of Darby township, has in his possession a dinner plate, bearing date 1716, on the back of which is the following inscription: "God save King Mr. Urian informs us that it has been in the George.' family of which he is a member, for the last sixty years, and that during the Revolutionary war, a number of British officers dined at the house of his father, on which occasion it happened to be on the table, when the eye of one of the officers caught the title; he read it to his companions, all of whom indulged in much merriment at the expense of their worthy host. It is rare indeed, that such relics of antiquity remain in the hands of private families.

AN EXAMPLE.

The Bloomsburg, (Pa.) Register of a late date says, "It is a fact worthy of being recorded, that, at our present Court of Quarter Sessions, which commenced yesterday, the Grand Jury was discharged before noon in the first day of the Court: the Prosecuting Attorney having no business to lay before them.

At an election held on the 14th inst. for officers of this Company, the following gentlemen were duly elected, viz:

Peter Wager,
Thomas Weaver,
Abraham Okie,

John Miles,
B. S. Bonsall,
Jonathan K. Hassinger,
Jacob Heyberger.

J. B. Sterigere, And at a meeting of the managers, held the same day, Peter Wager was duly elected President of the said Company.

Coal Land.-The 1800 acre tract, situated on the

Broad Mountain, sold at Auction, in parcels, in Philadelphia, on Thursday the 3d inst. for a sum rising thirty thousand dollars, or an average price of a little above $16 per acre.

many are apprehensive that the supply will not be equal previous morning this season. If we remember right, to the demand.

the weather of December, 1831, was very much as this ascer-month has been thus far; (except there was then snow) after which, the weather became mild, and continued so through the winter, and our ice dealers were oblig. ed to send to the north, in the spring for ice, to supply their customers through the summer.--United States Gazette.

HAZARD'S

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.
EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.

VOL. XVI.--NO. 26.

PHILADELPHIA, DECEMBER 26, 1835.

No. 416.

.

DANVILLE AND POTTSVILLE RAIL ROAD.

Opening of the Western Division of the Danville and centre, 100 miles nearer to Philadelphia than to New

Pottsville Rail Road.

Williamsport and Elmira, intersect her rail-road in the York-and tap her canal through the Seneca and Cayuga lakes, and we shall still maintain our advantages.

But it is time to return to the celebration: the cars

The oldest citizen of Sunbury, and oldest member of the Bar attending, Daniel Levy, Esq. was appointed President of the festivity; Lewis Dewart and Charles Donnell, Esquires, Vice-Presidents; Peter Lozurus and Daniel Brautigam, Esquires, Secretaries; and Hugh Bellas, Esq. was requested to deliver an address.

The celebration of this event took place on the 26th November, in pursuance of notice, and invitation from were met by other citizens at the eastern end of this completed division, where a dinner was prepared, in the Chief Assistant Engineer, G. M. Totten, Esq. The two elegant and commodious passenger-cars such profusion and excellence as showed that various lately built at Pottsville,-large enough to convey, in-modes of internal improvement were perfectly underside and outside, about thirty persons, each, having stood. It brought again fresh to the mind, the justness been placed on the road,upon the bank of the Susque of old Doctor C's remark: "depend upon it, gentlehanna, the ringing of bells, at 12 o'clock, and the joy-men, the science of good eating is no mean science." ful cheers of the travelling party and spectators, announced their departure for the engineer's quarters, at the Eastern end of this completed division. Two of Mr. Weaver's, Mail-coach horses drew each car, if drawing it can be called, when drawing there is none. Passing over an excellent line of Railway, which excited admiration from every one,-up the valley of the old indian Shamokin, which it crossed four times in its meanders, upon neat and substantial well roofed bridges, the cars arrived at two o'clock at their destination, having made several calls upon the way. It was observing.) ed that, lofty as the cars were, these bridges did not, like some other roads, say to the upright traveller on the top, "upon thy belly shalt thou go.

Among the toasts given, the following are recollected.

By the President-The memory of Girard and Montgomery, the founders of our rail-road. (Drank stand

By Vice President Dewart; The President and Managers of the Rail-road, faithful to their trust-persevering in a good cause.

By Mr. Bellas; Moncure Robinson, Esq. our Chief Engineer, whose science has triumphed over the mountain-whose labors insure success-whose estimates never fail.

Nearly the whole of this division of the road is laid through a series of farms, where level meadows and plentiful orchards,—the undulating hills on either hand, often cultivated to the summit, and the tall timber of the valley, through which, at intervals, gleams the silver faced Shamokin, winding its way to the Susque-in hanna, form altogether, such scenery as is rarely equalled.

By Vice President Donnell; The Corps of Engineers charge of the Danville and Pottsville Rail-road; the skill which they have displayed in the execution of this work, proves them to be masters of the science they profess; while their courteous demeanor has endeared them to their associates.

By P. Lazarus, Esq. Our absent friend, Wm. S. Campbell, lately Principal Assistant Engineer of our Rail-road.

That this avenue between the Susquehanna and the Schuylkill, will be profitable, as well as pleasant, appears to be free from doubt in the minds of those who have bestowed sufficient attention on the subject. The Gi rard coal field, now the estate of Philadelphia, and the By D. Brautigam, Esq. Our present friend, G. M. Shamokin field also, abound with anthracite coal of the best quality. The former, with the timber of the Ma- Totten, Esq. the worthy successor of Mr. Campbell. By G. M. Totten, Principal Assistant Engineer; The hanoy valley, is now transported by the eastern part of this Rail Road to the Schuylkill; and five or six hun-citizens of Sunbury, distinguished for their hospitality dred tons per day can be passed over the planes; while and courtesy to strangers. the contents of the Shamokin mines will be sent west

By a Guest; Our friends from the West of the Sus quehanna, who attend and rejoice with us in the success of this improvement.

ward, to the canal basin at Sunbury. The cars return ing from Sunbury, which otherwise would be empty, will convey, eastward, the produce brought down the By H. B. Masser, Esq. The Sub-Assistant Engineers; two branches of the Susquehanna, and those returning whose capacity, attention and fidelity, have so much from the Schuylkill, will convey westward, merchandize from Philadelphia through the centre of Pennsyl- contributed to the success we celebrate. "Friends go up higher." vania, and to the centre of the State of New York. By Charles G. Hegins, Esq. Local improvements, Thus a rapid and reciprocal trade, of the most advanta- like the separate cultivation of our intellectual faculties, geous nature, will be prosecuted, by a route, seventy while they benefit and enrich the part, increase the remiles nearer than by the Union Canal, and travellers and mails will arrive at Sunbury from Philadelphia in sources and strength of the whole. ten hours; or a third of the time, now required by the way of Columbia; and thirty hours will carry them, by this route, from Philadelphia to Buffalo. In the whole distance only one mountain will be passed over, and that is already surmounted.

As New-York is constructing a Rail-road to Buffalo, to counteract our earlier spring navigation, let us by our rail-roads from Philadelphia to Pottsville, Sunbury,

VOL. XVI.

51

Sent by Col. J. Faxton; Our rail-roads and Canals, the pride of our state; the people look with confidence to their completion, guided by the hand of judicious economy.

By Peter Weimer, Esq. (After the address.) Hugh Bellas, Esq. The view which he has just afforded us, of the present work, shows how intimately he has been connected with its origin, progress and completion.

By the Company; Mr. and Mrs. Day, our host and hostess; may all their days be days of peace, and all their nights be nights of repose.

Sketch of the address of Mr. Bellas.

He stated, that he felt it much more agreeable to rejoice with the friends of the rail-road, in the success of their labours, than to detail the history and progress of the work, or to offer considerations upon its character and prospects; but, called upon so respectably, he would submit such observations as occurred, appropri

ate to the occasion.

The origin and honor of the project, of connecting the rivers Susquehanna and Schuylkill by rail-way, were due, it was believed, to Gen. Daniel Montgomery, in whose lamented death, the community in general, as well as the friends of this road, sustained a great deprivation. In his knowledge of mankind, and of the affairs and interests of man, few equalled Daniel Montgomery.

The enterprise was first sanctioned by an act of the Legislature, in April, 1826, authorising the incorporation of a company to make a rail-road from Danville merely to Pottsville. Under this act nothing was done, In April, 1828, another act of Assembly authorised, and required the company to make a line of the road to Sunbury; thus embra ing the commerce of both branches of the Susquehanna, immediately below their conAuence.

During the summer of 1828, General Montgomery, then a Canal Commissioner, obtained the services of Moncure Robinson, Esq. in running various experimental lines, and exploring the woods and waters, between Danville and Sunbury, and Pottsville, to ascertain whether it were practicable to connect the rivers by a railroad. This resulted in a report from Mr. Robinson, that the route was practicable; and he submitted to the company an estimate of the expense. General Montgomery's penetration and remarkable knowledge of men, induced him, very soon, to fix his attention, and rest his full confidence on Mr. Robinson, as an Engineer of uncommon capacity and acquirements. He had then just returned from an absence of some years in Europe, fully possessed of all knowledge afforded by the ralroads of Great Britain, and their latest improve

ments.

probably have been already finished, notwithstanding the desolation which swept the mining region of Schuyl kill, and the depreciation of coal lands, through twenty miles of which this rail-road passes. It is well known that the sudden illness and death of Mr. Girard prevented his appropriating three hundred thousand dol lars to the completion of the work, beside his original subscription of two hundred thousand. That sum was given to the commonwealth by his will, and she has not been regardless of the road, nor of her own canal, since she has guaranteed five per cent interest, for twenty-seven years, upon stock to that amount. judicious aid to a communication, which will, in a short time, pour millions of coal tonnage into the Pennsylva nia Canal, has been the means of completing the firm and beautiful road, travelled over this morning, and the opening of which is now so justly the subject of rejoicing.

This

In the summer of 1832, the formation of the Eastern division of the road was commenced in conformity to the desire of Mr. Girard, and to the decision of a general meeting of the stockholders; and more than half was done before the close of that year. In his anxiety to prosecute the work vigorously, he ordered, at once, from England, the iron to plate the rails for the whole road. More fully to enjoy its advantages, he effected arrangements and compromises with those who held coal field. There the town of Girardsville was laid conflicting claims to his large estates in the Mahanoy out, and Saw-mills and other improvements were commenced by him, all of which are now, by his will, the property of the city of Philadelphia.

This portion of the road, extending from the Mount Carbon road, north of Pottsville to Girardsville, was completed, about the close of the year, 1833, with all its superstructure, machinery, planes, fixtures and tunnel of 800 feet, at the estimated expense of $190,000; forming a railway from Girardsville to Mount Carbon of about twelve miles. The formation of the road has been extended westward from Girardsville two miles and a half, upon which, it is understood, more extensive mining operations will soon commence.

In July 1834, the formation of twenty miles of this Western portion was commenced, and finished, early last summer. In August last, contracts were made for laying down the superstructure, of thirteen miles and three eighths, from the margin of the river at Sunbury to this place; and now, at the end of three months, it is finished and travelled, and well finished. To this may be justly applied the old German proverb, "what is well done, is twice done." Eastward of this point, running into the coal field some distance, six and a half miles of road are formed and ready for the superstruc ture. The sills and rails are all on the spot, and can be laid down in three weeks;-and will be laid whenever the coal harbour is completed at Sunbury, with its lock to pass the coal boats into the great basin of the Pennsylvania canal. Then, without delay, there is reason to believe, the locomotives will be seen with

Together they traversed the woods and climbed the hills, and searched the vallies, for favorable routes. With great labor and exposure, but with greater ardor and resolution, they persevered until fully satisfied that a superior road to that completed, ought to be constructed, and that a location could be made saving a rise and fall of 354 feet from the first proposed route, in passing the Broad Mountain, besides shortening the road, and dispensing with three inclined planes. These important facts were stated in Mr. Robinson's report in Oct. 1831, with an estimate of the cost at $675,000. This was predicated upon grading the road from Sunbury to Pottsville for a double track; with a single track, and giant strides, sweeping along the Shamokin valley, the necessary turn outs laid down, until increasing busi- with their trains of burden from the mines, and their ness should render the second track necessary. It in- cars of passengers from the sea board cities. This is cluded the tunnel of 800 feet, the planes and stationary no illusion of the fancy. To extenuate the slender power, and a superstructure sufficient to sustain traus-means, or exaggerate the immense results, is alike unportation by a locomotive engine. This report was necessary. The stability of the road now completed is adopted and sanctioned by the company, and this sys- adapted to a locomotive engine of une hundred horse's tem has been pursued from that time until the present. power--and has been completed in the superior mode The successful progress of the work, and its complete so obrious to all, at only eight thousand dollars per mile! triumph over its chief difficulties, fully bear out the While other roads estimated at less than twelve; have statements and calculations. Even the formation of the cost more than forty thousand per mile, this with all its road over the Broad Mountain, with the tunael and strong and handsome bridges, is kept down below the planes, was completed at seven per cent. less than the estimate! Mr. Robinson and his corps have saved the estimate. company, even in this division, at least thirty thousand dollars!-yet all unite in pronouncing its materials and work the best they have ever seen. Friends of the rail road, have we not reason to rejoice in the triumphant progress of this magnificent work!

But the great loss sustained in the falling of the two main pillars of the structure, Girard and Montgomery, chilled the ardent hopes of our friends; and but for this double and appalling loss, the whole road would

of a plane is heard of; on our own road, the Broad Mountain planes in operation for eight or nine months have done injury to no human being. Gross negligence and bad arrangements, upon other roads, have caused injuries as well upon the level as the plane; but experience has indicated remedies; and now the daily tran sit over numerous planes upon the Allegheny portage, in safety, has imparted confidence, and dissipated the fears of the timid."

Even now, the portion done is to be kept not "for show," until all be completed, but to be made immediately use'ul. The conveyance of passengers and the mail commences here without delay, and henceforth, the road will be readily travelled. Instead of one of the roughest, and most hilly portions of the turnpike, travellers will find in these comfortable cars, repose from fatigue, and some saving of time, as well as of expense in horses. The declivity of this portion, is not great; but it favors the conveyance of coal tonnage to the canal, and where that abounds, it were superfluous to show, that a rail road must be productive. The total fall in the 13 miles and 3-8, is 121 feet, or nine feet per mile; its maximum grade or greatest declivity for a little distance, is a little less than 16 feet (15-84) per mile, its graded width or surface 22 feet; the rails 4 feet 8 inches apart and between the tracks, the distance will be 3 feet. These dimensions accord with those of the eastern division from Girardsville to Pottsville and that portion has been in use some eight or nine months, under the transportation of about one hundred tons of coal per day to the Schuylkill navigation. This is effected at very little expense, and without in-deportment. jury in the transit of the mountain, having ever occur. red to man, woman or child, since the commencement; the fears, real or pretended, of interested alarmists, and panic-makers, notwithstanding.

and P. R. R. company.

The friends of the rail road owe much to their Chief Engineer, and they are not insensible to their obliga tions. Even the boys of Sunbury, at one of the illuminations for some success in the road, raised a bonfire in his honor, aloft upon an eminence, and in shouts of joy around it, called it Moncure Robinson. The road owes much of its success to his judicious selection of his engineer corps. They have always exhibited efficiency without ostentation, ability without boast, industry and activity, with intelligence, modesty and urbanity. As the time is probably at hand, when their resi dence will be further removed from Sunbury, every one will bear cheerful testimony to the propriety of their

GIRARD ESTATES.

At a meeting of the Commissioners of the Girard Estates, held on the 5th of December, 1835, the following report was received, and a copy thereof directed to be submittel to Councils.

Signed on behalf of the Commissioners. LAWRENCE LEWIS, Chairman. Attest, MORGAN ASH, Secretary.

To the Commissioners of the Girard Estates.

In conformity to his appointment, the undersigned Commissioner attended the adjourned meeting of the Stockholders of the company for erecting a permanent

The most gratifying view, however, is that which regards this rail road as a link of a great communication from Philadelphia to the centre of the State of New York, and thence to the lakes. To join the Susquehannah with the Schuylkill, an! thus secure to our great city, the liberal patron of so many public im. provements, a great portion of the vast commerce of the former, the products of half a million of inhabitants, is not the only consequences anticipated from the DanA more enlarged pros vil e and Pottsville rail road. pect considers it as part of a much more extensive con nexion; and all this is advancing at this moment. From Philadelphia to Norristown a rail road is completed; thence to Reading it is all under contract; thence to Pottsville has been surveyed and well loca-bridge over the river Schuylkill, at or near the city of ted, under the little Schuylkill company, and the D. Phil delphia, held at their office on the 1st inst, for the Between Pottsville and Sun- purpose of taking into consideration the propriety and bury about thirty-five miles are graded, and of this, expediency of an alteration of the bridge by the Com ling. twenty-five miles are now entirely completed and pany, so as to accommodate it for Rail-road travelopened for use. From Sunbury to Williamsport 42 miles the route is highly favorable, along the fertile valley of the West Branch, and movements have been already made on that portion; and from Williamsport to Elmira, in the state of New York is about 70 miles, for which a charter has been granted, and part of the stock subscribed. There our central rail road will intersect the great East and West road of that state, near its centre, one hundred miles nearer to Philadelphia, than to the city of New York; and thus their road and canal extends our communication to Buffalo on the West and through the Seneca and Cayuga lakes northward to lake Ontario. Ten hours will suffice to travel Resolved, That the Stockholders approve of the from Philadelphia to Sunbury; eight more, 110 miles measures heretofore taken by the President and Direcfurther to Elmira; and ten hours more to Buffalo, 28 tors to guard the interests of the Company; and that hours in all, from Philadelphia. In the whole course, there is reason to believe, that no mountain will be they feel entire confidence that the board will zealouspassed over, but that which has already been trium-ly continue their exertions to maintain the interests and the rights of the Company. phantly surmounted; the planes of which have been passed, and sometimes by ladies in from two, to five minutes each; and the whole twelve miles including them, from Girardsville to Pottsville, I am warranted in stating, can be travelled in two hours.

The real danger upon inclined planes, properly constructed and carefully managed, is probably no greater than elsewhere. In every mode of locomotive there is danger, without proper care, from the Steam boat to the footman. The former bursts her boiler and kills her passengers; the latter falls and breaks a leg, or bursts a blood-vessel. In Great Britain no such dread

It was a small meeting; out of 300 Stockholders, only about 20 attended, several of whom were Directors. This was not surprising, as the confidence of the Stockholders in the direction of the affairs of the Company would induce them to leave their interest in such efficient hands.

After stating the object of the meeting, the following resolutions were adopted:

Resolved, That it is inexpedient at this time to apply
to the Legislature for an extension of the charter of the
Rail Road purposes.
Company, or to make any alteration of the Bridge to

It appears that this Company was incorporated in 1798; the Bridge was commenced in 1801, and opened on the 1st of January, 1805. The cost of the Bridge, including the purchase of the site, was 300,000 dollars. The capital Stock is only 195,650 dollars. The difference was liquidated by the forfeited Stock, on which only a part was paid; and the application for several years, of the whole income.

The charter to the Company is for 25 years from the completion of the Bridge; but the Legislature evidently howing a great desire that the Bridge should be Free, provides, that whenever the tolls shall exceed 15 per