white queensware imported from Europe, which he did successfully, with the aid of a small enamelling kiln. His next step was to accomplish the manufacture of this ware; in which, after many attempts upon the different kinds of clay, with which our country abounds, he was entirely successful. But upon the prosecution of this new enterprise upon a large scale, without at this early period (1825) contemplating any thing further, he abandoned all other occupations, and commenced his career as the first American Manufacturer of queensware in the old building formerly occupied for the city water works. It was there, whilst pursuing his unwearied efforts, secluded from society, and denying himself the ordinary gratifications of youth, that he conceived and matur ed the idea of making porcelain. His researches after the clay used in the composition of queensware, had brought to his knowledge the existence of beds of fellspar, and kaolin, and in every kiln of ware which he burned, experiments were made to produce the body of porcelain. The writer of this short tribute to his memory, can recal to mind the joy with which his first successful effort was hailed. Nature seemed to be opening her hidden resources to him. A new discovery had dawned upon his imagination, and his active mind was bent upon the entire accomplishment of this last and highest object of his ambition. His former project in which he had been eminently successful, and to the introduction of which, in this country, he incontestibly established his claim, now gave way to the higher and more important art of the porcelain manufacture. The difficulties he had yet to encounter to enable him to rival, or even approach the splendid productions of France, were immense. But difficulties never discouraged him-the energies of his mind always seemed to rise in exact proportion to the obstacles with which he had to contend. The modelling, glazing, gilding, &c., were yet to be acquired, and the powers of his inventive faculties were brought to bear in rapid succession upon each distinct department of this difficult art. In the space of a few years, with disappointment and success alternately stimulating his ardor, and with the expenditure of a large amount of capital, he was enabled to produce ware which, for its beauty of color, surface, and gilding, would compare with the finest specimens of porcelain, made at the Royal Manufactory at Sevres, in France. Thus, to WILLIAM ELLIS TOCKER are we indebted for the introduction of that noble art in this country; to him belongs all the honor and praise of adding so important a branch to our flourishing manufactures. Although long known in Asia and Europe, it was by the slow and tedious process of experiment alone, that he acquired the knowledge of what, until then, had remained unknown in America. Pursuing his discovery, if I may be allowed to use the term, with an enthusiasm that is characteristic of men of genius, he made many important improvements, particularly in the glazing and gilding, both of which are of a very superior kind. In the year 1831, having successfully conducted the business for more than four years, having triumphed over every difficulty with which the untrodden path of experiment is ever strewed, and began partially to be remunerated for his immense expenditure of time, of labor, and of private fortune, and when he only needed capital to enable him to enlarge his sphere of action, Judge HEMPHILL, one of our most estimable citizens, took an interest in the concern, and furnished the means requisite to erect buildings, and conduct the business on a more extended scale, The result was the American Porcelain Manufactory, now in successful operation, on Chesnut and Schuylkill Sixth street. He lived to finish that undertaking, and the whole building, which is admirably adapted for its intended purposes, was planned and executed under his immediate supervision. But just as the arrangements were completed, and he had again commenced to manufacture porcelain, with the increased advantages which were combined in this new and commodious establishment, death closed the scene upon his earthly labors. An attack of remit tent fever terminated his life in August, 1832, in the 53d year of his age. Although he did not live to reap the rich harvest in anticipation-to mature and perfect the work he had commenced, yet he has left an imperishable record of his genius and enterprise in the origin of the porcelain manufacture in America. THOMAS TUCKER, who is engaged by Judge Hemphill in superintending the concern, commenced at an early period, under the instruction of his brother, to learn the business, and has since given evidence of his extensive knowledge in the minute detail of that intricate art. The entire establishment is now owned by Judge Hemphill-is advantageously known over the Union, and justly a favorite in Philadelphia, and under the auspices of so enterprising a citizen, we trust, will long continue to flourish. Philadelphia, Oct. 31. E. FIRE PROOF EDIFICE FOR PUBLIC INSTITU. TIONS. Pursuant to an invitation given to the Literary and Scientific Institutions of Philadelphia, to consult on the subject of erecting a fire proof edifice, for their respec tive uses, a meeting was held at the Athenæum, November 1st, 1833. PETER S. DUPONCEAU, L.L. D. was called to the chair, and Dr. R. E. Griffith appointed Secretary. It appeared that the following named societies were represented, viz. the American Philosophical Society, Athenæum, Academy of Natural Sciences, Trustees of the Philadelphia Museum, Historical Society, Mercan tile Library, Academy of the Fine Arts, Agricultural Society, Pennsylvania Library Company, Library of Foreign Literature, Law Academy. Mr Roberts Vaux, after making some observations, submitted the follow. ing preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted. The great value of the Libraries and Scientific Cabinets, and the collection in the fine and the useful arts, which are owned by various institutions in Philadelphia, render it the duty of those who are entrusted with their care, to provide for their complete arrangement, exhibitions, and most especially for protection from fire to loss by which they are continually liable. It is moreover highly desirable that such rich stores of knowledge should be placed in the same edifice, and thus not only afford facilities to those whose pursuits require the frequent consultation of them, but also enquiring stran gers sojourning in our city, conveniently to inspect these instructive repositories. In order therefore to ascertain whether it be practicable to accomplish an object so important to the promotion of learning, and the security of its treasure, by the combined efforts of the institutions alluded to, aided by an opulent and public spirited people- Be it resolved, that the individuals now convened, and officially connected with the societies interested, will bring the subject before those bodies respectively, at the earliest opportunity, in order to a full exposition, and interchange of opinion, by committees to be ap pointed, and duly authorized to conter and report there. upon. And further resolved, that these proceedings be transmitted to the presiding officer of each institution to which they are applicable, and that they be published for the information of our fellow citizens, all of whom are deeply concerned in the preservation and extensive I usefulness of the rare and curious collections in ques- to them, for any moneys demanded as due on account tion. On motion of Mr. S. Gratz, Resolved, That the respective bodies to whom these PETER S. DU PONCEAU, Chairman. From the Philadelphia Gazette. Thursday evening, October 31, 1833. Mr. Groves presented a resolution concerning the election of managers for the Wills Hospital-laid on the table. Mr. Worrell presented a petition from sundry citizens, praying that Schuylkill Third and Fifth streets, from Market to Spruce, may be paved, and for the regulating and planting of Rittenhouse square. Referred to the Paving Committee. Mr. Lippincott presented a petition from sundry individuals, praying that the use of the Hall of the markethouse in Second street, may be granted to an associa tion of young men, for the purpose of a reading room, recently established in the southern section of the city. Referred to the Committee on Markets. On motion of Mr. Lewis, Council resumed the con. sideration of the following ordinance appropriating $40,000 from the Girard Fund, to the improvement of city property. AN ORDINANCE For the appropriation of forty thousand dollars from the income of the Girard Estates, for the improvement of city property. of any of the said improvements, and if they allow the President of Common Council. Attest-ROBERT HARE, Jr. Clerk of Common Council. Mr. Worrell offered a resolution authorising the Committee on the Public Improvements on Schuylkill at Chesnut street, to rent the stores now building there, to the best bidder, for a term not exceeding three years, and to invite proposals by public advertisement. Adopted and concurred in by Common Council. Mr. Lippincott, from the Committee on Ways and Means, reported an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to borrow $60,000 in anticipation of taxes, of the present year, on the best practicable terms, not exceeding six per cent. Adopted and concurred in by the Common Council. Mr. Groves offered a resolution for the appointment of a committee of Councils, to adopt measures to enable the city to obtain possession of that part of Franklin Square, which is held as a burial ground by the German Reformed Congregation. Mr. Groves stated that there was no doubt that the corporation were the true owners Section 1. Be it ordained and enacted by the citizens of that piece of ground, and that it was a very great of Philadelphia, in Select and Common Councils assem- drawback upon the beauty of the Square. An investibled, That forty thousand dollars, part of the accumu- gation into the merits of the question of ownership, lation of the income of the residuary trust fund of the some years ago, resulted in the congregation surrenderGirard Estate, be, and the same is hereby appropriat-ing to the city a portion of the ground. ed for the improvement of city property, agreeably to the third item of the twenty-fourth clause of the Will of the late Stephen Girard. Sect. 2. And be it further ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the said forty thousand dollars shall be applied towards the improvement of the city property, as follows: 1. For the stores, wharf, dock, &c. near Schuylkill, between Market and Chesnut streets, $18,000 2. For the rail road on Broad street, 4,000 4. For the culvert, &c. at Draw bridge dock, 5. For paving, 4,000 6,000 $40,000 And that the Treasurer of the Girard Trust shall open separate and distinct accounts of the several improve ments aforesaid. Sect. 3. And be it further ordained and enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the City Commissioners or the committees of Councils under whose especial care or superintendance they are effected, shall cause the said improvements to be made in the usual manner, and shall examine every account which shall be exhibited Mr. Wetherill supported the resolution; he stated that he had understood several months ago, that the congregation intended to build on a part of this ground, and as they had no title to it, it was time the rights of the city were looked to. Resolution referred to committee on Franklin Square. The items of unfinished business, relative to lighting the city with gas, was referred to a special committee, consisting of Messrs. Lippincott, Wetherill and Eyre, of the Select, and Messrs. Schott, Troth, and Hutchinson of the Common Council. COMMON COUNCIL. Mr. Byerly presented a petition from owners of property in the vicinity, praying that Schuylkill Seventh and Eighth streets, between Market and Arch, and Elmaker street, may be regulated and paved. Referred to the Paving Committee, with power to act. Mr. Gilder presented a petition for paving Schuylkill Third and Fifth streets, between Spruce and Market, and for improving Rittenhouse Square. Referred to the appropriate committees. Mr. Toland from the committee of accounts, submit. ted the following report— The Committee of Accounts respectfully report, that they have examined the accounts of ths Treasurer of the City, for the quarter ending 31st December, 1832, compared them with the vouchers, and find the same correct, leaving a balance in the Treasury at that date, of $27,425 40. They also report, for the information of Councils, an abstract of the receipts and expenditures for the year 1832, showing the sources of the Revenue, and the object of expenditure, all which is respectfully submitted. The receipts into the City Treasury during the year 1832, were $489,470 12, derived from the following sources, to wit: Taxes, Water Rents, Market Rents, Rents from other Real Estates, Wharfages at Drawbridge landing, $210,641 27 Sanatory, 640 00 Sale of two Steam Engines at Fair Mount, 7,899 62 Frederick Graff, Sales of Hogs, 1,175 29 Contingent moneys, received of City City Commissioners, repayment of money advanced them, $17,000 of Water Rents, and $8,000 is annually transferred to Sinking Fund. 2,244 73 229 36 247 49 130,000 00 16,300 10 500 00 of City Rental, Mr. Chandler from the Committee to whom the sub ject was referred, presented an ordinance, entitled "an ordinance for establishing an Effective Preventive Police for the City of Philadelphia," based on the report of the Commissioners appointed for the purposewhich was read and ordered to be printed. Mr. Gilder offered a resolution that the Committee on Markets be requested to enquire into the expediency of erecting a Market House, at one of the corners of Broad and Market streets, which was adopted. PUBLIC MEETING. At a large and respectable meeting of the mechanics of Wilkes Barre, held at the house of G. P. Steele, for the purpose of adopting measures promotive of their mutual interests, and to interpose their veto against the introduction of foreign articles of merchandize which come within the scope of their own manufacture. ANTHONY BROWER was called to the chair, and J. W. Lynde, and A. M. Wright were appointed Se cretaries. After the object of the meeting had been stated from the chair, on motion it was Resolved, That a committee be appointed, comprised of individuals to be selected one from each branch of mechanism represented in the meeting, whereupon the following individuals were chosen said committee, viz. Wm. Willitts, Samuel Howe, Wm. B. Norton, Wm. Stephens, Elem Purdy, Ansel Thomas, Hartzell Thomas, A. M. Wright; who, after retiring a short time, returned and reported the following address, which was unanimously adopted. ADDRESS, 6,659 74 To the citizens of Luzerne county, generally, and particularly to the merchants, 28,973 71 14,362 98 54,675 23 4,486 82 1,128 00 20,632 72 The mechanics and manufacturers residing in Wilkes Barre, and its neighborhood, having met together to consult upon measures of mutual and common benefit, flatter themselves that a generous people will indulge them in spreading before them their views and objects. Whatever promotes the interest and welfare of a nume1,267 63 rous and laborious class of community, and at the same 685 50 time increases the comfort and wealth of the other class197 58 es, must be deemed an object worthy of the attention of all rational men. The protection of domestic indus. 400 03 try for the last eight or ten years has been the theme of all; yet no term has been more abused and perverted by those who most use it. While the creation of stupendous monopolies has been countenanced, and the venders of articles of foreign manufacture have met with liberal support and encouragement, individual enterprize and real domestic industry have been discourag ed and driven out of doors. Hence, while we find the 22,676 98 Repaving over Water Pipes, and repair ing old pavements, 13,799 Repairing and improving City Property, Interest on City Funded Deb', Distribution among Fire and Hose Com panies, Purchase of Paving Stone, 7,179 00 owners and stockholders of the million establishments, rolling in wealth, and enjoying extravagant profits, the mechanics and laborers throughout our country, are embarrassed and discouraged. And what is still more alarming to our apprehensions, the owners of these overshadowing establishments are stretching forth their hands, thus strengthened by legal preferences, to control the halls of future legislation. All we ask is to be left in the possession of the fruits of our own enterprise, upon equal and fair terms; and this desirable end we are now endeavoring to attain. We humbly ask the good people of Susquehanna valley, if it would not be more for the benefit of the country to make use of the articles furnished, and which can be furnished by the manufacturers and mechanics who reside among you, and increase the consumption and business of the country, than to obtain these articles of a less substantial quality from the cities and eastern manufactories? We are your fellow citizens, having the same interests and desire the same advantages from the common weal of the country. We consume the products of the farmer, the wares of the merchant, and increase the business and wages of the common laborer. We add to the population, increase the business of the different professions, contribute our portion of the taxes, and consequently to the various improvements of the country. Then why should not our welfare be an object worthy the care and favor of our fellow citizens? Have we not higher claims upon your regard, than strangers who reside hundreds of miles from you, and have no single interest in common with our local welfare? If the articles we produce were inferior to those brought from abroad, then we admit our claims upon your favor would be less strong; but we presume we have nothing to fear by a fair comparison with our foreign competitors in the soundness and real value of our work. We are here among you, responsible for the good faith of our undertakings, and this is a guaranty which the same articles sent by the stranger does not afford. Although our business depends upon the pa tronage of all classes of society, yet we appeal more particularly in the present case to the merchants, who have it more immediately within their power to advance our prosperity by a generous and liberal course, than any other portion of our fellow citizens. We humbly conceive, that, rightly understood, their permanent prosperity is in a great degree dependent upon our own. If they will in fair exchange, take our wares in place of those of less value from abroad, it will save the expense and risk of transportation, give encouragement to industry and wholesome competition, increase the inducements to mechanics and the laboring classes to set tle, and contribute by their skill and knowledge, to the character and prosperity of the country. In this, it is believed, the rational and discriminating merchant will clearly recognize his own substantial profit and welfare. If the merchants would, in place of introducing very indifferent articles from abroad, take of the mechanics and manufacturers the same articles manufactured here, it would enable the country mechanics to increase their business, and be the means of bringing it to a perfec. tion and cheapness, beneficial to all classes of the community. It is believed that there is an amount of merchandize, such as ready made clothing, hats, shoes, boots, leather, socks,and various other articles, brought into the valley from the cities, clearly within the capacity of this country, to produce which, if fabricated here, would increase our population many hundreds, perhaps thousands. Is this not desirable? Does not any well informed person see that the best interests of the country are involved in this question? And does not the merchant to whom we emphatically appeal, perceive a sure and healthful increase to his business and his profits in this proposition? There may be some so short sighted as to believe that a sort of mercantile piracy upon all other branches of business is their best policy! but this number, we trust, is few, and that the VOL. XII. 38 liberal minded and well balanced merchant sees his own best prosperity in the prosperity of his fellow men. Impressed with the correctness of these views, we ask of you, our generous and enlightened fellow citi. zens, the exercise of a spirit of reciprocity, to be willing to live and let live;-the practice of which militates against the substantial interests of none; but is equally beneficial in its tendency towards all. We ask in this case as in all others, but the application of that simple but sublime rule, to "do unto others as you would be done by." On motion, Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, whose duty it shall be to confer with the merchants of Wilkesbarre, and ascertain their views with regard to the object and deliberations of this meeting; and discover how far they will enter into our views and feelings,—and that said committee be instructed to prepare a report to be submitted to an adjourned meeting, to be held at Mr. Steele's on the last Saturday evening of Court session. Said committee to consist of A. Brower, J. W. Lynde, and S. Howe. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the officers, and published in all the papers of Wilkesbarre. ANTHONY BROWER. J. W. LYNDE, } Secretaries. Wyoming Herald. LAND TITLES. In vol. 2d, of Biron's edition of the laws of this state, page 105; is a large, but as we consider a very interesting and important note in relation to the land titles of Pennsylvania, from its first settlement up to the year 1810— when that edition of the laws was published. By permission of Mr. Biron, we are enabled to insert it in the Register, and we believe that we could not devote a portion of our paper, to a more interesting article of history in relation to this subject. It was drawn up we understand with great labor and research, by the Hop. Charles Smith-it will occupy a portion of several numbers, but we presume will be new to most of our read. ers, and impart information which is valuable to every landholder throughout the state. It is in the form of a note to the act for opening the land office in 1784. PART I. The importance of the following note must be an apology for its length. It is the editor's desire to lay before the public a connected view of the land titles of Pennsylvania from its first settlement to the present time; an attempt of equal difficulty and interest. That it will be free from errors, is perhaps rather to be wished than expected; as, from the lapse of time, some material documents, once known to have existed, can no longer be traced. Fortunately, however, much of what may be now considered as depending upon tradition, is more the subject of curiosity than of real utility. The public records furnish ample materials of all that is of moment at the present time. The royal charter from Charles the Second to Witliam Penn, bears date at Westminster, March 4th, 1681, in the thirty-third year of the reign of that king. The extent and limits of the territory of Pennsylvania may be seen in the charter itself, in the Appendix to this work; and in the course of the note, its present boundaries, as settled with the adjoining states, or enlarged by purchase, will distinctly appear. It were needless, at this time of day, to question the validity of royal charters. A principle had obtained among the European nations, that a new discovered country belonged to the nation whose people first discovered it. Eugene the 4th, and Alexander the 6th successively granted to Portugal and Spain all the coun list, by reason of its not having been filed with the public records, was questioned before the revolution, by the proprietary officers. tries possessed by Infidels, which should be discovered by the industry of their subjects, and subdued by the force of their arms; and we are told, that no person, in the fifteenth century, doubted that the Pope, in the In the conditions and concessions, agreed upon be plenitude of his apostolic power, had a right to confer tween the proprietor and first purchasers, (which may it; and all Christian princes were deterred from intrud- be seen in the appendix,) it was stipulated, "that as ing into the countries those nations had discovered, or soon as they should arrive, a certain quantity of land, or from interrupting the progress of their navigation and ground plat should be laid out for a large town, or city, conquests. But William Penn, although clothed with in the most convenient place upon the river for health powers as full and comprehensive as those possessed by and navigation, and that every purchaser should have, the adventurers from Portugal and Spain, was influenc-by lot, so much land therein, as should answer to the ed by a purer morality, and sounder policy. His reli- proportion which he had bought, or taken up upon gious principles did not permit him to wrest the soil of rent. That the proportion of lands that shall be laid Pennsylvania by force from the people to whom God out in the first great town or city, should be after the and nature gave it, nor to establish his title in blood, but proportion of ten acres for every five hundred acres under the shade of the lofty trees of the forest, his purchased, if the place will allow it." right was fixed by treaties with the natives, and sancti. fied, as it were, by incense smoking from the calumet of peace. The settlement of the Swedes and Dutch on the lands near the river Delaware, and their subsequent subjection to the English government, previous to the royal grant to William Penn, are the subjects of general history. The Indian deed for the purchase made by the Dutch, of the lands between Bombay hook and Cape Henlopen, is now the property, and in possession, of the state of Delaware. The purchases made by William Penn, and his succesors, are of no small importance in the consideration of the land history of Pennsylvania. It was a principle adopted in all new settlements, that the laws of the mother country, at least so far as they are not inconsistent with the situation and circumstances of the infant colony, should have a binding force until altered by the authority of the new government. But that binding force arises only from the necessity which supposes that they receive those laws under which they lived before their settlements, into their new plantations, and agree to be governed by them for want of another law. But in the instance of the grant of Pennsylvania, it was incorporated in the charter "That the laws for regulating and governing property within the said province, as well for the descent and enjoyment of lands, as likewise for the enjoyment and succession of goods, and chattels, &c shall be and continue the same, as they shall be for the time being, by the general course of the law of England, until the said laws shall be altered by the said William Penn, his heirs or assigns, and by the freemen of the said province, their delegates, or deputies, or the greater part of them." It is clear, therefore, that from the date of the charter, until acts of assembly were made to alter the same, lands within the province descended according to the course of the common law. Such is still the rule, as will be seen in the course of this work, in cases omitted by the intestate laws of Pennsylvania. See 4 Dallas, 64-2 Binney, 279. William Penn, being possessed of the absolute Proprietaryship of all the lands in the province, so far as the charter, independent of his Indian purchases, could vest such right, and the consequent right, (defined in the 17th section of the charter,) to parcel them out among purchasers, to be holden of himself and his heirs, "by such services, customs and rents, as to him or them should seem fit, and not immediately of the crown," sold large tracts of land to persons who were called first purchasers. These sales, it is believed, amounted to considerably more than three hundred thousand acres. The price for which these lands was sold, was forty shillings sterling for one hundred acres, and one shilling, quit rent. These grants or sales have been since denominated old rights, and had peculiar privileges annexed to them, which will be immediately detailed. They had no location, but were to be survey ed any where in the province. There were three lists of original purchasers; but only the two first were filed in the Land-Office; and the authenticity of the third Accordingly, when the first colony sailed from Eng. land, in October, 1681, certain commissioners were appointed to execute the conditions on the part of Wil. liam Penn; that is, to lay out the great town, and to proceed to survey the country lands. This commission remains in the office. It is known that difficulties existed with respect to the construction of these concessions and conditions; and the place of the great town was not fixed by these commissioners. No place could be found which would bear a town of six or seven thousand acres, the propor tion to the lands already purchased, if such had been the construction of the concessions and conditions; and if the idea of a city of such extent had not been absurd and impracticable. Tradition tells us, therefore, that the commissioners did nothing but explore the country till William Penn's arrival. What knowledge they had gained of it they laid before him; and after deliberation, and, it must now be presumed, upon consultation with the settlers, he laid out a town of about two square miles, or twelve hundred and eighty acres, nearly as the city of Philadelphia now stands. The whole construction of the great town was therefore altered. The city was divided into lots of different sizes, and a large tract adjoining it, was surveyed, and called the Liber ties; and out of the city and Liberties the first purcha sers were to have their two per cent. Not a single memorial can be found of this plan, nor any record of the alteration, or any written evidence of the consent of the inhabitants to the new arrangement; but a regular series of uniform facts, upon the books of the Land Office, establish it beyond a doubt. The river Schuylkill divided the Liberties into two parts; the lots beyond the Schuylkill were of a less value than those on the town side; and it is remarkable, that the Liberty lands, without a single exception, laid out on the town side of the Schuylkill, were in propor tion of eight acres to five hundred acres, and the war rants are uniformly for 492 as of country land, and eight acres in the Northern Liberties, and in the same proportion for larger purchasers; and those whose liberty land lay beyond Schuylkill, in the western Liberties had their warrants for 490 acres of country land, and 10 acres of liberty land. It is therefore presumed by those, whose age and information give weight to the fact, that one fifth part taken from the holders in the Northern Liberties made up the city plot, and the su periority in value made up for the deficiency in quanti ty, and time has amply realized their foresight. The city of Philadelphia was laid out, according to Proud's assertion in the end of the year 1682. But the most prevalent opinion is, that the plan was not completed until the month of June, 1683. As the ground chosen for the site of the city was claimed by some Swedes, the proprietor gave them in exchange for it, a larger quantity of land at a small distance from it, William Penn, in a letter to the society of free tra ders, dated August 16th, 1683, writes thus (see his select works:) "Philadelphia, the expectation of those that are concerned in this province, is at last laid out to the content, &c. I say little of the town itself, be |