TO THE CITIZENS
Op the , ,
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.
t • r- "
The address of the subscribers, a Committee of the " Pennsyl¬
vania Society for the promotion of Internal Improvements
in the Commonwealth."
, . Friends and Fellow Citizens.
. We respectfully invite your serious attention to one of the
most important subjects ever agitated in Pennsylvania since the
jtime when William Penn purchased jthe soil from the original
owners. We mean the establishment of a general, liberal, and
extended system for the internal improvement of the state, by
opening a communication by canals, (or railways, should they
appear, on full examination, to be preferable, or by both canals
and railways,) between the copious streams by which our terri¬
tory is intersected ; to commence wkh the line between the Sus-
quehannah and the Alleghany, a$d between the latter and Lake
Erie, and to proceed, with as much, rapidity as the resources of
the state will permit, till every section partake in the cdpious
blessings which this system secure. In addressing an en¬
lightened community on such a topic, we confidently hope we
shall arouse a deep interest commensurate with the magnificent
object contemplated.
j As a preliminary, we wish it distinctly understood, that we
disclaim, in the most unequivocal manner, any partiality or
prejudice for or against any particular route, or for or against
canals or railways. And we deprecate, as a most serious ca¬
lamity, any collision on those subjects, arising from local or
personal views, which would have an inevitable tendency to
create disunion and alienation ajftopg the friends of the general
measure—to paralize their efforts—and to retard the aecom-i
plishment of the grand objectdw£ all have in view. On those
points, which, at all events, are -of comparatively minor import¬
ance, the public mind, for want of sufficient data, is not at pre-?
sent prepared to decide. It is therefore hoped, that postponing
iill consideration of the mode of -die route by which the commu",
iiication is to be effected, the energies of all our public-spirited
j:itizens, of every description, and in every quarter of the state,
will be concentrated in order to effect the organization of a sys¬
tem worthy of Pennsylvania. This is the only rational plan-
Isuited to existing circumstances—the only one which promises
:o be crowned with success. After diligent explorations are
made by competent and disinterested individuals, then will be
the proper time to determine on the route, and on the compara-.
five merits of canals and railways. /
j It is very far from our intention to depreciate the advantage a,
pf our sister states—or unduly to elevate those of .our own.
No. 10.
We trust we shall not be chargeable with either of those errors,
when we venture the declaration, that in the treasures of the
mineral kingdom, Pennsylvania is not exceeded, perhaps not
equalled, by any state in the union. In iron and coal, the grand
sources of the extraordinary wealth of Great Britain, this state
is supremely blest, to a degree certainly not exceeded by any
portion of the globe, of equal extent. Inexhaustible stores of
iron, equal to any in the world, abound in Huntingdon, Centre,
Beaver, Fayette, Lancaster, Chester, and various other coun¬
ties. Bituminous coal, enough to supply the consumption of
half the globe, abounds in Greene, Washington, Westmore¬
land, Alleghany, Beaver,--'Armstrong, Venango, Indiana, Jef¬
ferson, Somerset, Cambria, Bedford, Clearfield, M'Kean, Cen¬
tre, Potter, Lycoming, Tioga, Mifflin, and Dauphin. The
supply of anthricite coal in Bradford, Luzerne, Pike, North¬
ampton, Schuylkill, and other counties, is boundless. The
soil of the state, moreover, teems with a great variety of other
most valuable mineral productions. Her resources for producing
the important article, salt, are grfcat, perhaps inexhaustible. No
part of the western hemisphere's more fully blest with water
power. Her territory, unusually compact, has an easy access
to the Atlantic on the one side, and to the majestic inland seas
of this continent on the other; and, embracing 49,000 square
miles, or 29,440,000 acres, is capable of supporting 10,000,000
of inhabitants. Her population, at present about 1,250,000, is
hardy, industrious, virtuous, intelligent, and enterprizing. Her
soil is fertile, her climate mild'and salubrious. Tithes are wholly
unknown, and her taxes are probably lower than those in any
other part of the world. Most of the cultivators are owners of the
soil. Land may be purchased in' Pennsylvania, in fee simple, for
less than the annual rent paid in Europe for land not more fertile.
In a word, there is scarcely any important advantage which
she does not possess, or which she may not readily acquire,
by a judicious direction of her ^resources. Of such a coun¬
try, nearly equal in extent to^England, and capable of as
high a degree of improvement^we may well be proud. And
ought we not, therefore, to rahke due exertions to elevate our
highly-favoured Pennsylvania to the rank to which her immense
advantages entitle her to aspire? , , :
What, then, is wanting.to insure those blessings—to spread
happiness and prosperity over* the state—rto realize the fond¬
est anticipations of its most zealous friends? Nothing but the
system to which, fellow citizens, we now invoke your attention
—a system'which shall call forth the energies and resources of
the state with wisdom and prudence, and secure their applica- ,
tion with skill and judgment. In the effort to attain this object,
we earnestly solicit the advice, the aid, and the cordial co-ope¬
ration of public-spirited citizens throughout the state.
(3 )
So much has been recently written respecting canals, so fully
have their advantages been displayed, and so general is the con¬
viction of those advantages, that it might perhaps be unneces¬
sary to enter into any detail on the subject. But it cannot be
otherwise than useful, to submit a few striking facts, which, if
any of our citizens still entertain doubts on the propriety of in¬
curring the expense the proposed system may require, must re¬
move those doubts forever.
We forbear to descant on the immense advantages that Eng¬
land derives from her system of internal navigation, which she
has carried to the highest perfection. We shall not seek for facts
beyond the limits of our own country, which affords abundant
evidence in support of the system we advocate.
The state of New Hampshire is chiefly inland. It has but a
very limited sea coast. A large portion of its territory, like a
portion of Pennsylvania, was, by the oppressive expense of
transportation, debarred from access to a seaport. Industry, there¬
fore, languished for want of adequate markets for its produc¬
tions. Fertile lands were sold, as is the case in parts of this
state, at a dollar and a half, and two dollars per acre. The tim¬
ber was worse than useless to the settler, for it required consi¬
derable expense to clear the land. While affairs were in this
depressed condition, the Middlesex Canal was fortunately-
begun and completed by a few enterprizing individuals.
A new era dawned on the state. The canal opened the Bos¬
ton market, and, through that market, the West Indies, to her
various productions. A total change took place. Industry was
stimulated by the tempting prospect of a rich reward for its
labours. Cultivation and new settlements were extended.
Prosperity and happiness pervaded sections of the state for¬
merly a wilderness. The productions of the soil, in many
cases, doubled in amount, to meet the increased demand.
Lands in consequence rose to four, six, and eight dollars per
acre. And, according to statements made by competent judges,
on satisfactory data, the enhanced value imparted to the timber
alone, amounted to $ 5,000,000.
Had the cost of this canal been $5,000,000, instead of
$ 700,000, can it be doubted that the money would have been
well bestowed ?
This case, so clear and so striking, would suffice to decide
the question beyond the power of appeal. But that of New
York is more recent, and still more impressive. This great
state, under the guidance of an enlightened policy, adopted a
system of internal improvement, on an enlarged and liberal scale,
which affords an imperishable monument of the effects of a well
directed spirit of enterprize. She fearlessly undertook the con¬
struction of canals extending 430 miles, with resources not
greater than, and with a population not far exceeding, ours at
AoEoggCHburGer
May 26 1922 Lot 3>46i'0G
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present. The expense, when completed, will exceed $ 10,000,-
000, of which she borrowed about & 7,600,000, making ample
provision by duties and taxes for the payment, not merely of
the interest on the loans, but of part, of the current expenses,
to the amount of about S 2,400,000.
The beneficial results of this magnificent undertaking, begun
July 4th, 1817, and likely to be nearly completed the 4th of July,
1825, are of the most striking character. In many parts of the
state contiguous to the canal, lands, we are credibly informed,
have risen in value, three, four, and even five dollars per acre.
Cases have occurred in which they now rent for more than they
were offered for in fee simple before the canal was begun.*
The quantity of produce raised in some parts is doubled, in
others trebled. Numerous new settlements are taking place.
Towns spring up, as it were by magic, on the banks of the canal,
in places where, five, six, or seven years since, there was no
trace of a human habitation. Villages, which were in a languish¬
ing condition, have, within three or four years, doubled their
population, and become thriving towns. In fine, there has rarely
been a greater addition made to the sum of human happiness
and prosperity in the same space of time, and within the same
compass of territory.
Such great improvements require to be considered in two
very different points of view—one regards the pecuniary remu¬
neration for the capital invested—the other, the blessings, the
prosperity they diffuse through the states where they are located.
When undertaken by individual capital and enterprize, the for¬
mer is a primary object, to which the most pointed attention is
necessarily paid. But when executed by governments, the latter
is a paramount consideration. And it is perfectly evident to
any sound statesman, that the money expended on the New
York canals was judiciously invested, and yields an ample re¬
muneration in the vast increase of public prosperity, even were
the tolls no more than sufficient to preserve them in repair.
Fortunately in this case, as it will be in ours, both objects are
harmoniously united.
The number of boats that passed at Utica in 1823, was 2393;
in 1824, 5269; such is the rapid increase of the trade. The
number that passed last year at the junction of the canals, was
about 10,000. The quantity of produce received at Albany,
'was about SB 3,000,000. The merchandize bound to the west¬
ward and northward was probably of equal amount.
■»
"Real estate in the city of New York has experienced an average rise of 30
per cent, since the canal was opened. In good situations the rise has been, in
many instances, 60, 70, 80 and 100 per cent. Two stores in Pearl street, have
been sold this week for $ 54,000, which, two or three years since, would not
have commanded $30,000.
' - . • J
( 5 )
The tolls in 1821 were - 35 20,224
1822 - - - - 64,071
4823 - - - - - 153,399
1824 - - - * 340,642
Thus, at this early period, when the Erie Canal is not com¬
pleted, which is by far the more important, and which will open
to New York, the treasures of the country contiguous to the:
lakes, for thousands of miles, the tolls amount to nearly the
interest on the capital invested, which interest is at present
only 35 375,823. Next year, according to the message of go¬
vernor Clinton, they are expected to reach 35 600,000. The ca¬
nal commissioners, whose estimates of the tolls have hitherto
in every instance fallen considerably short of the reality, con¬
fidently predict, that in ten years the entire debt may be liqui¬
dated by the canal fund, provided it be kept sacred—and that
this fund will then produce one million of dollars annually, which
•will not only amply defray all the expenses of the government, but
afford an annual surplus to extend internal improvements through¬
out the state.
These facts cannot fail to inspire with zeal and ardour in the
great cause of internal improvement, every Pennsylvanian alive
to the feelings of public spirit, and to the sacred duty w hich he
owes hi^country. Should this result be produced, success will
be certain, and the beneficial consequences almost incalculable.
Though it may at first appear doubtful, we feel confident, that
immense as are the benefits secured to New York by her Erie
Canal, the Pennsylvania Canal, (or Railway, as the case may
be,) to connect the settlements on the Alleghany with those
on the Susquehannah, the Schuylkill, and the Delaware, will
insure to this state more solid advantages.
Hitherto, the Erie canal has wafted to the capital only the
productions of a portion of the state, and those principally of
agriculture, v In agricultural productions Pennsylvania is cer¬
tainly not inferior to New York; and hence, on that ground,
we may calculate on equal benefits and equal tolls. But in the
two grand articles of coal and iron, which, in England, afford
the chief support to canals, wherever the latter are located near
their mines, our resources are much more abundant than those
of New York, so far as any discoveries have as yet been made.
She does not appear to possess coal mines, and her supplies of
iron are but slender. The whole of that valuable article which
passed at Utica last year, w< as only 1664 tons of castings. Where¬
as it is not improbable that the tolls on iron and coal, as soon
as our contemplated communication is completed, will be per¬
haps double those on ajl the articles of agricultural produce.
The heavy freight on iron, no less than $20 per ton from
some parts of the state, distant 200 miles from Philadelphia,
locks up a large, portion of it in the earth. Suppose the canal
I
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completed, and the t6ll the same as on agricultural produce on
the Erie canal, that is, $3 per ton for 200 miles—and the expense
of the boatmen and horse to be about $ 2 per ton, it would reduce
the cost of transportation about $ 15. This would open an
additional market for probably 20,000 tons per annum, for do¬
mestic consumption and exportation—which, at $ 90 per ton,
would amount to $ 1,800,000, on which the toll would be
$ 60,000. The extent of the transportation of coal baffles all
calculation.
But an equally important view remains, as regards the trade
of the western states. By an estimate recently published by
our society, the correctness of which may be tested by an atten¬
tive examination of the map of the United States, it appears
that through the Pennsylvania canal will probably pass the chief
part of the produce of, and the supplies for—
Inhabitants.
One-half of the state of Ohio - - - - - 350,000
One-half of Kentucky - 300,000
Part of Indiana - - - - - > - ' - 150,000
Part of Illinois ------ 50,000
Missouri - - - - - . - . 70,000
North-west section of Virginia - - - 100,000
Making a total of - - - - - 1,020,000
Whereas those who will find it more convenient to avail
themselves of the Erie Canal will be—
One-half of Ohio - - - - - 350,000
Part of Indiana ------- 20,000
Part of Illinois ------ 10,000
Michigan and North-west Territory - 17,000
Part of the British possessions - - - - 13,000
410,000
We believe those estimates substantially correct—but what¬
ever deductions may be made from them, enough remains, to
satisfy every dispassionate mind that our anticipations of the
favourable results of the Pennsylvania canal are likely to be
fully realized.
We now exhibit the expense of transportation on a turnpike,
of 250 barrels of flour, equal to about 25 tons, from Pittsburg
to Philadelphia ; and of a return load of 25 tons of merchandize
to the former city, at the rates actually paid at present, and add
the expense that would accrue for the same quantity on a canal,
predicated on the rates paid on the Erie canal. We can make
no comparison between turnpike and railroads for want of data.
We assume that the circuity of route may render it necessary to
make the canal 400 miles, which assumption affords great ad¬
vantage in the argument to the turnpike system.
( 7 )
• Per Turnpike.
250 barrels of flour to Philadelphia at $ 2 - - - - - $ 500
25 tons of merchandize to Pittsburg at $ 2 75 per 100 lbs. - - 1540
• 2040
Per Canal, supposed 400 miles.
250 barrels of flour, the cargo of a canal boat, require two men, one
boy and a horse, for 16 days, at S7£ cents each per day - - $56
Hire of boat - - 8
Tolls on 250 barrels of flour, for 400 miles, at the rate of $ 1 50
per ton for 100 miles 150
Tolls on 25 tons of merchandize, 400 miles, at the rate of $ 3 per
ton for 100 miles - - - 300
Men, boy, horse, and boat, same as before 64
578
Difference in favour of the canal on 25 tons both ways - - $ 1462*
Supposing only 25,000 tons of produce, and the same amount
of merchandize, to pass the canal in one year, the difference, at
.the above rate, would be the enormous sum of $ 1,462,000,
above one-fourth of the probable expense of cutting the canal.
The wagons, horses, and gears, would cost about $ 6400—
whereas a boat, a horse and gears, would cost only about $ 300.
The tolls on 25,000 tons of produce and 25,000 tons of mer¬
chandize would be $385,000 dollars;—more than the interest
on the whole expense of the canal.
The produce and merchandize that passed on the Erie canal
last year, was above 73,000 tons, exclusive of an immense quan¬
tity of lumber. .
During the last year, 157,918 bbls. of flour, and 273,551 bushels
of wheat, passed along the canal at Utica. Accounting five bu¬
shels of the latter equal to a barrel of the former, the aggregate
was 213,000 bbls. about 20,000 tons, equal to a fourth of the
average export of the U. States, of which probably one-third, if
not one-half, was absolutely created by the impetus given to in¬
dustry by the canal. Transported on a turnpike 350 miles, at the
above rate, it would have cost about $497,000; whereas, by the
canal it cost only about $ 105,000. Thus the saving of expense
to the farming interest, on this single article, was more than the
interest of the whole canal debt! and yet, even at this low rate,
this article paid about- one-quarter of the interest. If one-
third, as we have assumed, was created through the effect of
the canal, it is 70,000 barrels, which, at $ 4|, is $ 315,000, ex¬
clusive of all other creations by the same means, which were at
least equal in amount. .. . - ; ; ,,
From these facts it appears that a farmer contiguous to a
canal, at a distance of 250 or 300 miles from a seaport, can
have as easy access to it, as one on a turnpike at a distance of
50 or 60 miles. ■ < >
* We wish it distinctly understood, that all the calculations in this address, al¬
though made on the best data attainable, are only given as approximations to the
truth. They must necessarily be imperfect. ,
( 8 )
The most important measure, as the commencement of the
system of internal improvement, is the appointment of a board
of public works, of the most enlightened and independent citi¬
zens in the state, to be aided by competent engineers. This is
a condition, without which all our efforts will be fruitless.
It cannot be irrelevant to the subjects of this address, to state
some of the operations of a few of our sister states, in respect
to the great object of internal improvement.
The legislature of Massachusetts has recently appointed a
Board of Commissioners to explore the country from Boston
harbour to Connecticut river, nearly 100 miles, with a view to
cut a canal, and open a communication between them.
The legislature of Ohio, a state quite in its infancy, and only
recovering from the severe pressure and embarrassment arising
from a depreciated paper currency, has passed an act for cut¬
ting a canal between the Scioto river and Lake Erie, a distance
of 312 miles, at an expense of about $ 3,000,000. She has au¬
thorized commissioners to borrow the money necessary, and
made provision of funds to pay the interest.
In Virginia and North Carolina the boards of works have
charge of the different canals and turnpike roads, and have large
funds at their disposal for their construction and improvement.
Last year a bill passed the house of delegates, in the former
state, by a majority of 103 to 70, authorizing a loan of $400,000,
to carry on the works in James and Kenhawa rivers.
The state of Illinois is making arrangements for cutting a
canal 100 miles in length.
The importance of the objects of this address, will, we trust
be sufficient apology for its length. Before we conclude, how¬
ever, we wish to give a slight sketch of the proceedings of our
society hitherto, and its ultimate viewsl :
It has published eight papers—one oil turnpike roads—five
on canals generally—one on railways—and one on canals and
railways. Of each it has generally distributed one thousand
copies, to some of the most respectable citizens of Philadel¬
phia, and of the state at large. Circular letters have been for¬
warded to those citizens, urging them to cooperate in an uni¬
ted application to the legislature, immediately to commence
a liberal system of internal improvement. Our addresses have
been published in most of the country papers in the state. It is
not assuming too much, to assert, that to-this correspondence
and these efforts, much of the ardour and zeal which so gene¬
rally prevail throughout the commonwealth, on this vital sub¬
ject, may be fairly traced.
The Society has, moreover, engaged an enlightened and
competent citizen to proceed to Europe, to procure such in¬
formation as may be necessary in the prosecution of its
views, with an assistant to aid in copying his papers and
( 9 )
plans. Of this measure, so highly necessary to the accomplish¬
ment of those views, and which was one of the chief induce¬
ments to its institution, the expense will be about $ 3000, for
which, there is reason to believe, a fund of invaluable informa¬
tion will be acquired, which will amply compensate the ex¬
penditure.
Its ulterior course must be regulated by the support it shall
receive. Should that support be adequate for the purpose,
it is contemplated to employ skilful persons to institute mine-
ralogical surveys of the whole state, in order to bring to light
its hidden treasures—some of them more valuable probably than
the mines of Potosi. That course likewise embraces the em¬
ployment of a competent civil engineer to aid in making ex¬
plorations of suitable situations for canals and turnpike roads,
in aid of the efforts of the citizens of different districts, whose
means may not suffice for such objects. In a word, every thing
that can tend to deve^ope the resources of the state, and to call
them into active operation, for the promotion of its grandeur
and prosperity, falls within the scope of the views of this in¬
stitution.
In presenting these subjects to your serious reflection, fellow
citizens, we might be satisfied with an appeal to your public
spirit—to an enlightened regard for the honour and greatness
of your country. These motives would have sufficient weight
with every generous and exalted mind. But there are other mo¬
tives, which, though not so dignified, are cogent, and perfectly
legitimate—we mean those arising from a due and honest regard
to self-interest, which is deeply involved in the question at is¬
sue. Every class of the community must derive benefit from the
success of the measures contemplated by this society. The
farmer will find increased demand, brisker sales,.and higher
prices for his produce—the merchant and trader a great exten¬
sion of trade and commerce—the manufacturer and mechanic,
more certain employment, and more adequate remuneration for
their industry—the capitalist a better interest for his money—
and the proprietor of lands and houses, a rise in price from 25
to 30 per cent. All participate in general prosperity—all suffer
in general depression. Therefore, every man ought, wholly in¬
dependent of patriotism, to unite his efforts in promoting great
national objects. , . .
A large portion of the rvestern trade has been withdrawn from
this city: and the present exertions fire calculated not merely to
regain zvhat is lost. The struggle, fellow citizens, assumes a
more serious aspect. It is to retain what is left—for nothing
can be more certain, than thisy that zvithout opening a commu¬
nication with the western states, more rapid and less expensive
than that which at present exists, we have no chance of retaining
what little remains of cur trade with that rising quarter of the
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Union, or even with the western portion of our own state. It re-
quires but little sagacity to perceive, that without such a commu¬
nication, the trade of Philadelphia must decline, while that of our
neighbours must proportionally increase, not merely from their
own intrinsic resources, which their system is rapidly calling into
activity, but from the inroads they must make on ours.
From the progress the society has made in the short period
of its existence—from the extended views it entertains of pro¬
moting the putdic good—and frotn the advantages which must
be insured by a zealous direction of adequate means to the
objects it proposes to attain, we trust, it will in time collect
within its bosom a large portion of the wise, the good, and the
liberal of our fellow-citizens ; and by its researches and efforts
lead to the adoption of a system, whereby the commonwealth may
avail itself fully of its resources—and that thus the society will
be crowned with complete success in the delightful employment
of ministering to the comfort—the happiness—and the pros¬
perity of that portion of their fellow men placed within the
sphere of its operations.
SAMUEL ARCHER, T
NICHOLAS BIDDLE,
JOHN CONNELLY,
PAUL BECK, Jun.
JOHN MOSS,
EDWARD S. BURD, ^
NATHAN SELLERS, g3
SAMUEL WETHERILL, }>|
THOMAS LEIPER, ~
JOHN SERGEANT, 3
NATHANIEL CHAPMAN,
SAMUEL D. INGHAM,
THOMAS CADWALADER,
JMATHEW CAREY,
THOMAS BIDDLE.
Subscriptions and donations received by the president—trea¬
surer—and secretaries.
The printers of newspapers throughout the state are request¬
ed to insert the above. ~
Philadelphia, March 4, 1&25
©©nsi,aTOTi<©if
OF THE
PENNSYLVANIA SOCIETY
FOR THE
PROMOTION OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COMMON¬
WEALTH.
I. This Society shall consist of as many members as shall
sign this constitution: and its object shall be, as designated
in the title, to promote internal improvements in the com¬
monwealth.
II.' The Officers of the Society shall be a President, three
Vice Presidents, a Recording and a Corresponding Secretary,
and a Treasurer ; who shall be chosen on the second Tuesday
in December of the present year, and on the first Tuesday in
January, in every year after 1825. The Officers chosen at
any election shall retain their offices until the appointment of
successors.
III. The President, or in his absence, one of the Vi*£
Presidents, or, in their absence, a Chairman chosen prq tem¬
pore, shall preside at the meetings of the Society. The
President shall call extra meetings whenever requested by
six members in writing, whereof three days notice shall be
given.
IV. The Recording Secretary shall keep fair minutes of
the proceedings of the Society.
V. The Treasurer shall receive all monies belonging to
the Society, and keep correct accounts of the receipts and
disbursements, which he shall present to the Society at the
stated meetings. He shall pay no monies but on the order of
the President, countersigned by the Secretary.
VI. The Society shall hold meetings every two months,
on the first Tuesday of January, March, May, July, Septem¬
ber, and November.
VII. An acting committee, to consist of five members,
shall be appointed on the second Tuesday in December of
this year, and at the first meetings of the Society in every
year after 1825; which committee shall perform such duties
as may be entrusted to them by the society, and shall have
charge of its correspondence. The Corresponding Secretary
shall act as secretary of this committee,'1 and shall keep its
minutes.
VIII. The subscription for the first year shall be one hun¬
dred dollars, payable in four quarterly instalments, the first
on the organization of the Society. The subscription after
the first year shall be ten dollars per annum.
Nov. 30, 1824.
( « )
Extract from the By-Laws.
The Acting Committee shall open a correspondence wit!
the friends of internal improvements in the United States an
elsewhere; with all who have charge of public works in th
United States; and with those who are skilled in the scienc
of civil engineering. They shall collect such information, i:
relation to the objects of the Society, as can be procured
and shall from time to time report their proceedings, an
such other matters as may be interesting to the Society, an
as may contribute by their statement and promulgation to tl
purposes for which it is established. The Committee ms
submit for the consideration of the Society, plans for publ
improvements, and such estimates of their cost, and of tl
means of their accomplishment, as can be procured withoi
expense ; unless the expenditure of money for the purpose <
attaining such estimates and plans shall be specially autho:
ized by the Society. They shall keep accurate minutes of the
proceedings, which shall be submitted to the Society atevei
stated meeting.
Officers of the Society.
PRESIDENT.
JOHN SERGEANT.
VICE PRESIDENTS.
JOHN CONNELLY,
MATHEW CAREY,
PAUL BECK, JR.
j
TREASURER.
JOHN WHITE.
. J
RECORDING SECRETARY.
JOHN Y. CLARK.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY-
GERARD RALSTON.
ACTING COMMITTEE.
MATHEW CAREY,
IOSEPH HEMPHILL,
RICHARD PETERS, JR.
STEPHEN DUNCAN,
THOMAS BIDDLE.