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or angling for the speckled trout, which glide in goodly numbers, through the silvery fluid that gushes along in unsullied brightness over its pebbly bed.

LAUSUS.

From the Brownsville Philanthropist. DESCRIPTION OF DELANY'S CAVE

IN FAYETTE COUNTY, PA.

in the rock. We arrived at the bottom a quarter before seven o'clock, when we again took some refreshment. We now commenced our retreat, which we found very tiresome and difficult. Being anxious to examine the curiosities of nature we had neglected to pay proper attention to our course, and soon discovered that we were off the course; however we found no difficulty in righting ourselves. We each procured a small quanti. ty of spar, as a testimony of our perseverance. Having ascended the flats, we began to search for our hats, which we had left there as we passed down, and soon discovered that one of them had been removed, but to no great distance. This was some hundred yards from the mouth of the cave, though we did not give the matter a second thought, but proceeded on unmolested to the entrance, where we arrived at ten minutes after eight in the evening. We were about 1500 feet per

hundred feet of this passage had barely descent enough to carry it off. Having followed it some 20 or 30 yards through a small opening in the rocks, we were obliged to turn back, and soon discovered a small opening to the right, which we penetrated and found a narrow ascending passage about two feet wide of a regular curve, which brought us into a beautiful room, the floor of which is one solid rock, which, from its shape appears to have fallen from the roof which is 15 or 20 feet high. Having understood that there was a cave in Laurel Here we took some refreshment, and wrote our names Hill mountain, situate eight or ten miles south of Union, on half a sheet of letter paper and placed it upon the which had never been thoroughly explored, (by human wall, then fired a gun to try the effects of powder-the beings,) we determined on trying the experiment. Ac- whole mountain appeared to tremble, and we were alcordingly on Monday morning the 20th of April, after most deafened with the tremendous report, which was providing ourselves with ropes, candles, and the neces-re-echoed, from the top to the bottom of this great sary implements for producing fire in case our candles cavern. This apartment we designated as Fayette should go out we set out, accompanied by J.G. Miller, Hall. On the north side of this room and about six After a pleasant ride of some fifteen miles, over a feet above the floor, we discovered an opening, which country most beautifully diversified with hills and vales, we entered, the roof, sides and floor of which was all clothed in nature's mantle of green, we arrived at a quite smooth; after going down this passage upwards of small village at the foot of the mountain called Hayden- 100 feet, we found another large avenue, near 30 feet town, from thence ascending the mountain in a north-wide, 50 or 60 feet high, and about 400 yards in length; easterly direction for about five miles, we arrived at here we found a considerable collection of white spar, the dwelling of Mr. Hamilton Abrams, the farm form- and the stream of water running the whole length of the erly owned by Mr. Delany; here we left our horses, avenue, after which it passes through a small aperture and also left word that if we did not return by the next morning they should come to our relief. In fifteen minutes we found ourselves seated at the mouth of this awful cavern. It is situate some nine miles south-west of Uniontown, three south of Nixon's mill, and a half a mile east of Mr. Abrams's farm house, rather on the north side of the ridge some 70 or 80 yards from its summit. Around the entrance is a sink hole, something of the shape of a common funnel, about 20 feet deep, from which the entrance is to the westward,seven feet wide and four high in the centre. At 20 minutes before 3 o'clock we entered, and immediately found ourselves in a passage near 12 feet wide and from 20 to 80 feet high, of a regular descent about 48 degrees for 40 feet. After passing down 15 or 20 yards, a branch took off to the left about 25 or 30 yards, and again united with the main passage, which now takes a northwest course, of a more moderate descent; here we were struck with pendicularly below the entrance. The temperature astonishment, and paused for a moment to take a view of the grandeur of nature. This apartment was about 14 feet wide and 40 in height, side walls perpendicular, with a roof formed of two tremendous rocks which appeared hewn out for that purpose, extending from one end of this hall to the other, being near 150 feet. From this hall is a more contracted passage in the same course which leads into a very large room, sufficiently spacions to contain one thousand men, the roof about 12 feet high, and floor very uneven being composed of large rocks. A narrow descending passage to the right of this room leads into another apartment which is about six feet wide and 12 high, and some 20 or 30 feet in length, with a small spring of water running through it: from this we had to return the same way we went in, to the large room, and again pursued much the same direction as before; we arrived at a place which has hitherto been called the "narrows," but which we shall designate as the "flats," which are of an irregular width, but so low that we were obliged to drag ourselves along on our bellies for about 150 feet when we came to a perpendicular descent of about 20 feet which we succeeded in climbing down without the use of our ropes, which we now left at the top of this precipice. After passing some distance though a very uneven and irreg. ular passage with a considerable descent we found our selves at the head of a large avenue, about 20 feet wide and 50 or 60 feet high, and near two hundred yards long; the floor was sandy and all covered with white spar, but quite thin; the wall on one side was complete. MR. EDITOR,—The following anecdote of the Revoly covered with the most brilliant white spar, which lution was related to me some years ago, by an old revo hung in various forms, making a most elegant appear- lutionary character of undoubted veracity-and as I ance by candle light-through the centre ran a con- have never seen the same any where in print, it may siderable stream of excellent water which for the last serve at least to entertain a number of your readers, as

was agreeable. The air appeared to move downwards with the water. The rocks, for a considerable depth, are of blue sand stone; next they appeared to be of limestone; and still lower they could scarcely be termed rocks being of very fine sand clodded together in great masses, and could be broken with the bare hand.

The arches of the avenues are formed by the rocks meeting (thus) in the middle of the roofs, and extending the whole length.

Persons visiting this wonderful curiosity cannot be too careful of their lights, as it would certainly prove an utter impossibility to get out without the assistance of light. We were informed in the neighborhood by an eye witness to the fact, that two young men, Crain and Merrifield, had went in to a considerable depth, and returning, lost their course and wandered about till their candles were all burnt out. When they were found, two days after, they were resigned to their fate, and one of them not able to speak. We saw the name of "Crain" written on the rocks in a very remote part of the cave, dated 1802.

As we were proceeding homewards, we discovered that one of our hats had been furiously attacked by an unknown enemy, and some half a dozen pieces taken entirely off the rim. We were not able to recognize him from the marks of his teeth.

REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTE.
From the Boston Transcript.

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of

well as to illustrate the daring and hazardous spirit which
marked the American character in those days.

It is well known, that the almost unparallelled vigi-
lance of Washington, caused him to place spies in every
part of the country where they could be of any service,
even among the enemies' camps; and during the time
that the city of Philadelphia was garrisoned by the
British army, an old confidential Frenchman of this cha-
racter was placed somewhere in the lower part of the
city. The American army at the time, I think, lay at
Valley Forge. To this old Frenchman Washington
very much desired to send a communication, and his
just and honest spirit persuaded him that the enterprize
was so dangerous that his conscience could not force
him to impose it on any one; for he knew if the person
was taken, he would be immediately hung by the Bri-
tish General. He therefore inquired of Colonel John-
son if he knew a man worthy of trust-of competent
skill and knowledge, who would be willing to undertake
a very difficult and dangerous enterprise, for a hand-
some reward; at the same time, explaining the nature
of the undertaking to Col. J.-Col. Johnson replied
that he knew a man, who, he thought, might answer
his purpose; for as to presence of mind and courage,
he was not surpassed by any man in the country-and
he was no other than a serjeant in his (Col. J.'s) regi.

ment.

"Well," said Washington, "send him to me early in
the morning." By the peep of day the man was there
-Washington was immediately informed that a ser-
jeant of the army wished to speak to him, The Gen-
eral was already up, pacing his room, and ordered the
man to be shown in, who entered just as he was taking
his seat. Washington desired him also to be seated
upon which without delay, the General said to him
"Well, my brave fellow, I have sent for you for the pur-
pose of asking you to undertake a very difficult and
hazardous enterprise-and deem it so much so that I
cannot impose it upon you; you must undertake it of
your own consent, for if you do not succeed, your life
will be the forfeit; but if you do, your fortune will be
made."--"May it please your honor," said the serjeant,
"what is in the power of man to do, I will dare attempt,
for your honor's sake, and the American cause. "Wash-
ington then informed him of his wish, the risk he had
to encounter, and proceeded to suggest to him the kind
of disguise he would have to use. The serjeant seem-
ed to be glad it was no worse, begged leave to choose
his own mode of dress, to which Washington immedi-
ately consented.

him a passport to go into the city. The farmer was well acquainted in the town and knew almost where every body lived in those days. He went at a slow pace down Market street, to the corner of Sixth, where the Schuylkill Bank now stands; and where at that time resided an old Refugee. Dismounting from his well loaded horse he hitched him to a post and knocked lustily at the door. Who should appear but the Refugee himself, who was delighted to see such an abundance of good provand. Suspecting, however, some disguise about the matter, he proceeded to ask some questions of his residence and neighborhood, which being answered satisfactorily, procured for him an invitation into the house, with his whole stock in trade: the price being fixed to every thing, the panniers were soon emptied of their contents, not leaving a single article behind. The worthy host, on paying the farmer his money, requested him not to leave it long before he came again, and to be sure to come to his house first. "Yes, friend, I shall certainly do so, for thou hast been very kind to me," returned the old Quaker, and took his leave. Putting his horse up at one of the inns, without much delay, he leisurely walked down to the old Frenchman's, who kept a kind of drinking house for the soldiers, and which on his arrival the old farmer found filled with red coats, drinking and frolicking; after a few moments, the way being opened to the bar, he asked "if the landlord was in?" He was answered "no" but he would be in directly; upon which the old man called for a pot of ale, and set himself down at a small table, near to a door which opened a passage to the back part of the house. He had not been long seated, before a singular looking old gentleman came in, and passed through the crowd without speaking to any one, directly to the inside of the bar-after asking a few questions, the bar keeper told him that there sat an old farmer that wished to speak with him. Without seeming to notice the remarks, he turned to some other business which seemed to be of much more importance. But a proper time having elapsed he took a suitable occasion to walk out at the door by which the old farmer had placed himself, and as he passed out, he beckoned to the farmer to follow him; which in the space of a moment or two was complied with. The Frenchman quickened his step, up a back winding stairs, followed by the farmer, into a small room; which hardly looked as if it belonged to the house. Both having entered, the Frenchman shut the door, turned the key and put it in his pocket. He next went to a little chest, or box, which he unlocked, and taking out a pair of horseman's pistols, he laid them on a table, and covered them with his pocket-handkerchief-all this time not saying a single word. But now he requested the farmer to take a seat, and sat himself down very coolly by the table on which lay the pistols. Then raising his small black eyes, which peered out from under a pair of dark heavy eyebrows, he observed to the farmer, "I understand you have some business with me." The farmer answered he did not know that he had. "You say you have no business with me?" rejoined the Frenchman. The other replied "no, I dont know that I have." At this the Frenchman seemed much disconcerted, and repeated the question the third time, which was answered as before. A dumb silence now fell over both parties-at last the Frenchman, a little more hurried in his manner, rose from his table, went to a closet in a corner of the room, and opened a small drawer, which was privately fixed for the purpose, and took out a bundle of letters which were subscribed by General Washington. Holding the back of one before the eyes of the farmer he asked him if he knew the handwriting; "Yes, that I do, and now I know you are the very man that I wished to see. ""Tis well for you," answered the Frenchman, for if I had been mistaken, clapping his hands on the pistols, "these should have put an end to your existence." The serjeant now being sure of his man, pulled out the letter, addressed in a peculiar way to the spy, in the handwriting of Wash

The serjeant was again to appear the next morning, before daylight; which he did not fail to do, disguised as an old Quaker farmer, with his long cue cut off. His broad brimmed hat, and long waisted coat, were dusted over with flour, to suit a pair of old, once fair topped boots, and a pair of old rusty breeches. He led by his hand a tolerably sleek horse, over whose back hung a pair of panniers or kind of wallet, the sides of which were well stowed with butter, eggs, chickens, and cheese. When Washington beheld him, he could not help putting on one of his usually grave smiles, at the same time handing him a letter addressed to the old Frenchman, which he took good care to conceal somewhere about the trappings of his horse. Thus accoutred, he set out for the British lines, and appeared there just as the day was dawning. The guard halloed, "who goes" and called for the countersign-the poor old farmer knew no countersign, but that of counterfeiting the alarm of a man who was in expectation of being shot every moment. But he cried out in rather an under tone, "not to shoot him, he was an old farmer, stealing into the city with a little marketing in order to procure some few necessaries for his family, who were all lying very sick-and as for those senseless Americans, they have neither money nor any thing else." The plan took admirably; the sentinel passed him through the line to the officers' quarters, who after a few inquiries, gave

ington, and was immediately opened and read. "I un derstand it," said he, and you will amuse yourself as well as you can for the space of an hour, and then call here, when I will be ready for you." The serjeant still in disguise, then left him and walked up to Market street, down Market to Fourth street, on the south side, passing what was then well known as the Red Lion tavern, which was almost filled with British soldiers; as he passed to his great surprise and alarm, he was met, not far from this tavern, by one of his old acquaintances a deserter from his own company! who hailed him with "d-m it, Jack, is that you?" The serjeant now thunderstruck seeing he was discovered, with admirable presence of mind, took no notice of the call, but walked slowly until he turned a corner of the street, then quickening his pace, he took the most zigzag course he could find down again to the old spy, instantly telling him that he was discovered, and unless he could be somewhere secreted, he would lose his life. The old spy, almost as much alarmed as the other, in the twinkling of an eye sprang to a very deep cellar, which was well filled with wood, and opening a large hole in the middle of it, ordered the sergeant quickly to jump in, and not attempt to come out, until he came to his relief. He then piled up the wood as it had been before, and very deliberately walked into the bar-room.

Schuylkill county, 218,000 tons of coal, filling a fresh water tonnage (counting our ton as a government ton) equal to all that was filled in 12 months, (ending in September 1831,) by the aggregate of the foreign commerce of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia; yet Schuylkill claims but one portion of this new object of enterprise, in which already are labouring, thousands of the hardy sons of Pennsylvania, native and adopted, wherever there is severe work, wherever there are dangerous undertakings, there do we find our adopted sons-this is no new thing with them-the battles of our revolution-the battles of our last war, were all severe and dangerous jobs-and there were they, shedding their blood with ours: They were here with us in the Coal region in the days of its wilderness-and may we now long enjoy together, its advancing prosperity,-in all harmony and happiness.

Is the coal trade to be for the sole benefit of the land owner and the collier? No, nor is there any portion of our home trade, either among the vast or the minute, that does not advance many other trades, and in many instances create new trades altogether--and all tending to establish our political independence, on foundations that will not be shaken.

This beneficial and wide spread influence, is perhaps as apparent in the Coal Trade as in any other; it draws its vast supplies of horses, mules, cattle and pork from the far west, its fish and incessant supplies of oil from the near and distant fisheries of the east, its interminable wear and tear of clothing from the manufactories of the wool of the north, and of the cotton of the south; it consumes vast quantities of iron, foreign and domestic, and its provender and provisions come from far and near; it paid last year more than $200,000 for toll on the canal, and more than a quarter of a million of dollars freight.

There is no department in the aggregate of the mighty home trade of the U. States, that is not intertwisted with many others, all consuming in unbounded abundance, the products of our own soil and of our own skill and labor; this forms the enduring basis on which rests our independence, practical and political; no foreign power can overturn it, no foreign force can reach it."

Scarcely had he attended to some little matter, before a small company of British soldiers entered in pursuit of an old Quaker farmer. The Frenchman told them that an old man of that description had been there a short time before, called for a pot of ale, and went away. The soldiers, notwithstanding, proceeded to examine the house-turned over all the beds, and examined all the closets they could find; went even down into the cellar where the serjeant had the satisfaction to hear them pass up without him-uttering the most dreadful imprecations. They then left the house and went some distance, trying to trace the farmer further, but hearing nothing more of him, returned again to the old Frenchman's, and swore he must be in that house somewhere, and fell again to examining it as they had done before, and, if possible, even more thoroughly; but finding no trace of the Quaker farmer, they at length gave up the pursuit. For three long days the serjeant remained in his hiding place, being, however, well supplied by the old spy; at the end of which time, the battle of Germantown took place, when all the lines were broken up, the gates of the city thrown open, and crowds of people went out to see the engagement. The old Frenchman hastened to the cellar, told the serjeant now was his time, and to pass out with the general tumultwhich he did only losing his horse, (which he never knew what become of,) for a handsome and liberal re-weekly papers, published in this City, under the titles

ward.

COAL TRADE.

EXTRACT FROM AN ORATION DELIVERED AT POTTSVILLE,

JULY 4, BY JOSEPH LYON,

PRESENTMENT

OF THE GRAND JURY OF THE MAYOR'S COURT.
JUNE SESSIONS-1833.

The Grand Inquest of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, inquiring for the City of Philadelphia upon their oaths and affirmations, respectively do represent-1st. The editors, publishers, and venders of two

of "The Tickler," and "Quizzical Register," whose indecent, libellous, and scurrilous publications, are calculated seriously to impair the public morals, endan

ger

many instances, jeopard the happiness of individuthe public peace, promote domestic broils, and in als and their families. These together present an evil And published at length in the Miners' Journal. of so serious a character, that the Grand Jury cannot, "Let us for a moment advert to the enduring honor, consistently with the duty they owe to their fellow citi that enterprise and labour has achieved in the Coal Re-zens, and with the qualifications they have taken, avoid gion, on the Lehigh, Lackawana, Susquehanna, and here on the Schuylkill.

If we applaud him "who produces two blades of grass where only one grew before," what shall be said of the men who have converted worthless and howling wildernesses into scenes of trade and industry, of consumption and production, that yield in importance to the foreign commerce of very few of the sea-ports of the Union.

The navigation on the Schuylkill alone, built and building, exceeds 20,000 tons, and will employ more than 1500 men and boys, and more than 500 horses and mules.

In a season of eight months, we last year shipped from

expressing their unanimous conviction, that the aforesaid licentious publications ought immediately to be corrected, being derogatory to the dignity and order of a well-regulated community.

2d. The assemblage of young men and boys at the corners of our streets, particularly on Sabbath evenings, is a subject which we think demands the notice of our police and courts. Besides the direct mischief which results to the morals and habits of our youth, the order and peace of the community is frequently violated-re: spectable citizens are insulted; and females, protected or unprotected, are often violently assaulted, and subjected to filthy jests and imprecations, or to witness obscenity in some of the most disgusting forms.

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The existence of what may be termed Juvenile Thea tres, established in obscure places, is also a source of much injury to the youth of both sexes; the price of admission being low, and where unlimited license is afforded for every vicious indulgence. They are often visited by stealth, and the money paid for admission must be known by those who receive it, to have been very often dishonestly acquired, as the visitors are of an age and a class not to have money of their own.

3d. The block of buildings bounded by Vine and Sassafras and Water and Front streets, the Inquest are of opinion presents a nuisance of a very serious nature, and which may prove detrimental to the public health. There are in this block 29 houses or tenements, containing 94 families, consisting of 472 individuals. These houses generally cover all the ground belonging to the premises. in many of them are residing six families each, and they have not the convenience of a privy, nor a situation in which one could be placed: they are almost without ventilation: the tenants are compelled to use vessels of various kinds, which are emptied, either into the streets and gutters, or into the neighboring

docks.

The Grand Jury bring this subject into view in the expectation that measures may be adopted to abate this nuisance, and compel all persons who may in future erect dwellings, to reserve as much ground as will enable them to construct suitable conveniences in the open air.

4th. The Grand Jury further present as a serious evil, the granting of licenses for ins and taverns to persons who are notoriously deficient in the necessary room and furniture, and to an extent, in the opinion of Inquest, entirely uncalled for, either for the accommodation of travellers or the transaction of public business, and very frequently to persons who habitually and openly violate the laws-tempting many of our youth to become intemperate, and to the great detriment of the public morals.

As no other Grand Jury than that of the Mayor's Court is now permitted by law to visit the Eastern Penitentiary, we deemed it a duty to inspect that Institu

tion.

To all our inquiries, the Warden, Mr. Samuel R. Wood, returned prompt and satisfactory answers-a frank and open disposition was manifested to exhibit the prisoners, and every part of the establishment;and we can scarcely speak of the plan of the buildings, which are so aumirably adapted to the security, com. fort, and reformation of the convicts, as well as of the economy and entire management of this prison, in terms of too high praise.

The visit to the House of Refuge has impressed the minds of the Grand Jury with emotions of opposite kinds of regret, that any causes should exist in society, especially the want of proper parental example and instruction, for the committal of offenders of so tender years-but as the necessity does exist, of gratification, that the liberality of the Commonwealth and their fellow citizens, has reared and sustained an Institution in which religious and moral instruction is so amply afforded; where so strict attention is paid to the health and comfort of the inmates; where habits of industry are cultivated and enforced; and where the children are fitted from their various occupations to become industrious and useful members of society. The Grand Jury cannot close their remarks on this subject, without observing that the amount of expenditure to sustain this establishment, is amply repaid by the bene. fit conferred on the community; and they feel that there is a debt of gratitude due to the respectable gentlemen who devote their time and talents to the management of this their interesting charge.

The promiscuous intercourse of the inmates of the Arch Street Prison is degrading and demoralizing in the extreme-there may be seen white and coloured, prisoners intermingled, who are charged with every

VOL. XII.

4

variety of offence-the man who has been unable to meet the expenses of a quashed indictment, and he who stands charged with the crime of murder, are made associates-the extremes of vice, as well as color are here completely blended.

The wretched and disgusting condition which the majority of the prisoners exhibit, awakens a most fearful apprehension of a revisit of that awful scourge, which so recently swept so many of its unhappy inmates into one common grave. Some of the prisoners placed here upon trial, and some as witnesses for petty offences, are kept for weeks and months in their filthy and scanty raiment, before they receive their trial. Others, in whom the sense of decency is not extinct, divest themselves of every article of clothing, except just suf ficient to hide the extreme of nakedness, in order that they may appear at least decent when brought out of prison for trial.

With the question of guilt or innocence we have nothing to do; but we think that humanity, as well as com. mon sense, decides, that it is demoralizing in the last degree, thus to unite the suspected with the convicted, the extremes of vice as well as color in the same common herd.

The Grand Inquest for the City intend no reflection either upon the keepers or inspectors-they know that these gentlemen deplore equally with the Inquest the existence of these evils-the defect, the mischief, is in the system, and not in the management. It is proper to remark, that the only separation is that of the sexes. The Debtor's Apartment could be improved by greater attention to its cleanliness.

The Prison in Walnut street presented a degree of order and cleanliness which is highly creditable to the inspectors and keepers. There were but few sick in any of the Prisons, and none with what are termed malignant diseases. The Inquest, in taking leave of this subject, cannot but congratulate their fellow citizens upon the change which will soon be made by the demolition of the two prisons alluded to, and the transfer of the prisoners to that which is now being erected in Federal street-the discipline of which will be conformed to that which is so benevolently and faithfully admin. istered in the Prison at Cherry Hill.

SAMUEL J. ROBBINS, Foreman.
1. Collins,
Francis Smith,
Owen McGirr,
J. Troubat,
Edward Parker,
Charles White,
Thos. Stokley,
Jacob Beck,
Thos. Koehler.

Wm. S. Perot, R. W. Pomeroy, Richard S. Risley, Joseph W. Buzby, Joseph Paul, John Wiegand, Henry Duhring, Jonas Gleason, James Rowland,

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At a meeting of the Board held this day, the Treasu rer of the Girard Trust informed that on the 23th May 1833, the Executors of Stephen Girard filed an account at the Register's Office, and communicated the following extract therefrom, which the Board ordered to be transmitted to Councils.

Gross amount paid over by Executors,
Commissions allowed for trouble on
$2,777,863 66, 2
Commissioners allowed for trouble on
$1,886,756 14, 5
Balance due to the estate,

From the Minutes.

4,030,384 2

69,446 68

94,337 80 470,451 40

MORGAN ASH, Secretary.

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an iron pipe into the culvert, near the corner of Pine and Schuylkill Fourth street, which if granted, he will undertake to have so guarded, as to prevent any incon

To the President and Members of the Select and Com-venience arising from the introduction of mud, or

mon Councils.

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You will also find annexed to the account a schedule of the personal property that has been passed to me for the City Corporation by the Executors in the present quarter, the par value of which is $2,088, 177, and the valuation by the Executors of the same, 2,403,235 67 and there is a large amount of personal property yet to be received. I have also to inform Councils that there is due for rents outstanding to the first January 1863, $1808 5-100, of which $526 64-100 belong to the disputed part of the estate. The rents due for this quarter payable on the first of April instant, is $13,454 40-100, including $801 40-100, due to the disputed part of the estate.

All of which is respectfully submitted by your very obedient servant,

BRITAIN COOPER, Treasurer of the Girard Trust.

The annexed communication was received from John Elliott, and was referred to the Paving Committee with power to act.

To the President and Members of the Select Council. The subscriber, proprietor of a Chemical Laboratory, on Pine and Schuylkill Fourth street, respectfully represents, That in the progress of his business, (the manufacture of Chrome Yellow and Green, Prussian Blue, &c.) a considerable quantity of waste water necessarily passes off, parti lly tinged with those substances, which from its unsightly appearance, excites the apprehension of the neighbours; and when a cow or other domestic animal dies in the vicinity, reports are circulated, that the water from the Laboratory had Joccasioned it. The object of the present communicaion is to request, that you will permit him to introduce

other obstructing substances into the culvert. Your compliance herewith will much oblige your friend, &c. JOHN ELLIOTT.

Philadelphia, 6 mo. 13th, 1833.

The following communication was received, and was referred to the Committee on Gas.

To the Select and Common Councils. Gentlemen,-I perceive by the newspapers, that the subject of lighting this city with Gas, has been discussed by you with much ardour.

The advantage that would accrue to the public by substituting a more brilliant for the present dim, and al. most imperceivable light, and at a much cheaper rate, (the expence being less than one half of that of oil,) are well known to you.

Against the introduction of Gas it has been argued that it would destroy the fish in our rivers. That its manufacture would be attended with noxious and disagreeable effluvia-that constant explosions would necessarily take place, resulting often in serious accidents, and even in loss of life. But these objections cannot possibly be made to the introduction of the material or spirit gas, it being of a portable nature, the same as oil, and the manufacture of which is attended with no more danger than that article-and as respects the noxious smell and disagreeable effluvia of the air gas, is the very reverse of the other, the smell of which is rather agreeable than otherwise, and in my opinion, would tend to purify the air, and thereby dispel or prevent in a manner infectious disease.

It is my belief that a lamp can be constructed in which the aforesaid gas can be burned in the streets, even in the most tempestuous weather. If you conclude to introduce a more splendid light at a much cheaper rate, and will pay the expenses for having a model made, I will attend to the construction thereof, and should it succeed, you can take out a patent for the same, for which I will be willing to allow the city and county one half the profits ensuing therefrom.

The expense for having a model made will not exceed twenty dollars, and perhaps not ten. Subjoined you have a plan, on which the aforesaid lamp is to be constructed with explanations of the different parts.

I am gentlemen, very respectfully, yours, &c. ROBERT TEMPLE.

Mr. J. P. Wetherill presented a petition, praying that the drays and wheelbarrows may be removed from committee on Markets. Third street above Market, which was referred to the

Mr. Worrall presented the following petition, which was referred to the Paving Committee.

To the Select and Common Councils of the city of

Philadelphia.

The petition of the subscribers respectfully showeth, That the water in Locust, street west of Tenth street, passes down the said Locust street to Ninth street, where it empties into the culvert in Ninth street, and that in times of heavy rain the water is so swelled as to render the corners at Ninth and Tenth streets almost impassable:-that in the winter time the gutters at the corner of Tenth and Locust streets become obstructed with ice, rendering the crossing very dangerous to car. riages.

A number of alleys west of Tenth street empty into Locust street, which added to the dye stuffs from a dyehouse in Locust street, form an accumulation of filth very annoying to the inhabitants between Ninth and Tenth streets.

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