they who, in their original condition, had not even the idea of the being of a God, and seemed incapable of acquiring it, or any abstract notion, should become fully instructed in the knowledge of their Creator, and of their duties to him and to their fellow men; that they who seemed to have no other consciousness than that of mere animal existence, and no other expectation than the gratification of animal appetites as they should arise; should be placed in a condition in which they are capable of enjoying "the benefits of knowledge and the blessings of religion;" in which they have set before them the means of grace," and have opened to them "the hope of glory;" is a transformation which seems above human means. Yet such is the effect of the instruction of this institution. Certainly the bounty of the commonwealth and the liberality of individuals, have never been better bestowed than in founding, endowing and supporting this establishment. At the time the committee visited it, there were eighty-seven pupils in it. They were healthy, and apparently happy. The manufacturing and mechanical department appeared to be well arranged, and the articles manufactured to be as good as in a well regulated manufactory. The whole establishment seems to be as well conducted as judg ment, skill and attention can insure it to be; and to be producing all the good which the benevolence of its founders and present managers could wish. The committee visited some other establishments in Philadelphia; but as these were not designated as objects of their attention, they do not report upon them. Visitations such as that made by this committee, cannot but be beneficial. They tend to make members from distant parts of the commonwealth better acquainted than they otherwise would be, with an important section of the State; to do away jealousies and misapprehensions; to make known the value and importance of the State institutions, and thereby extend their use; and they may be beneficial to the institutions themselves, by operating as an excitement to good management, and correction of the want of it. a then When a boy is received a sketch of h's life is taken by the superintendent and the rules of the institution are explained to him as far as is necessary for the regulation of his conduct. He is then placed in class No. 4, and a badge is given him to designate his class, which he is required to wear upon his arm, or in some is good, he is promoted to class No. 3, and so on to No. 1; no other conspicuous place. If during the first week his conduct promotion being made oftener than once in a week. If he can get the badge No. 1, and can keep it three months, he promoted to the class of honor, which is designated by badges of a different kind, and is divided into three grades. If he continues in the class of honor one month, he is promoted to the second grade, and if he continues three months in that class, he is promoted to the first or highest grade. Thus, by a course of continued good conduct, he can arrive at the highest grade in about seven months from the time of his admission. But if, during this period, he commits any fault worthy of notice, he is not permitted to be on the list of weekly promotions, or is reduced to class No. 2, 3 or 4, according to the magnitude of his fault. Once in every month, those who are deserving, are rewarded, according to their respective merits, which are known by their badges and the time which they have been in their respective classes. The rewards consist generally of cakes and fruit. Those who make the greatest progress in school, are rewarded. classes. This system precludes, to a very great degree, the with books, without reference to their standing in the merit necessity of punishment The girls are managed in a similar manner, except in some particulars of minor importance. (For statistical information see fifth annual report.) It may be proper to remark that many of those of whom an the instruction and discipline of the institution when compared unfavorable account is given, have been evidently improved by with their previous character, but not to such a degree that we can speak very favourably of them. A great proportion of ARRANGEMENT OF TIME AT THE HOUSE OF those who are not doing well are among the oldest subjects Since the date of the last report forty-two boys and twelve girls have been received- and forty-seven boys and twelve girls have been indentured, (For interesting cases and letters see fifth annual report.) To the Board of Inspectors of the Eastern Penitentiary for rhe "State of Pennsylvania. RESPECTED FRIENDS:-By a request from your board of December 7, 1833, I have carefully examined the accounts of the cotton manufacturing department, and as connected therewith, also, the stock on hand January 1, both manufactured and in preparation for manufacturing. The valuation thereto attached appears fairly made out, at as low a rate as such accounts generally are. The accompanying general statement of this account, from its first commencement to this time, as made out by your clerk, John S. Halloway, comprises all that is necessary for me to state on this subject, and the result appears to be quite as satisfactory as could be possibly anticipated from the difficulties always to be encountered in commencing an undertaking of this kind in such an institution. I did not enter minutely into every entry, to examine each particular, but on reference to many of the leading entries in each year, I found the items fairly, justly, and I believe correctly charged, further it would only have been a waste of time to have gone into them, and the result could and would only be what it now is. The young man having the care of the accounts, seems thoroughly to understand them, and appears well deserving the confidence, from the neat and correct manner in which his books &c. are kept. Fifteen minutes before the time for unlocking in the morning, a bell is rung to awake the inmates, during the fifteen minutes I should hardly be doing justice to my feelings, without exthey dress, and make their beds, and at the time appointed pre-pressing the gratification I have experienced in finding the decisely, the strictest punctuality being enjoined upon every per- partment of cotton manufacture in this very valuable institution, son employed in the institution, the bell is again rung, at which conducted with so much judgment, neatness, and economy, every boy steps out of his room, and a line is at once formed, in under the superintendence of Richard Blundia, and I feel as which order they go into the yard, and from thence to the wash-sured by a continuation of the present system, it will be found room. After washing they proceed to the school room, where not only to pay its way, but yield a fair remuneration, more the services of the day are commenced by reading the scriptures especially, should the Legislature grant you a capital for "maand prayer, At the expiration of a half hour after unlocking,nufacturing purposes," when I believe you could introduce a mencement to December 31, 1833. DR. CR. more economical manner of making purchases of cotton yarn, Manufactures, Eastern State Penitentiary, from comby obtaining it direct from the spinner, who will not only be willing to allow the four months credit, but take off from the foot of the bill the five per cent. commission he allows the city agent. The goods made by the institution are becoming well and favorably known, after supplying this market yourselves, or by an agent in the city, you would find an auction house in New York, enabled to dispose of the residue at the proper season for business, and perhaps at less expense than any other way, the charges there being very moderate. Very respectfully, your friend, Philadelphia, 1st month 25, 1834. JOEL CADBURY. "Browns & Lewis, 1,056 18 "Bowen & Rich CR. To yarn and materials, weav- To leather and findings, cord- $23,632 45 To wages, superintendent, dye- To insurances,freight, porter- By sales on commission, viz: per G. W. Rich ards & Co. 29,761 93 "sundry per sons, 2,965 08 By sales to sundries, By stocks as valued, Dec. 31, To Balance. Gain on manu- 11,814 83 15,572 95 ards, 750 42 $57,100 70 $57,100 70 There were in the penitentiary on the 1st of Janua ry, 1833, ninety-seven prisoners, since that period we have received seventy-seven, discharged by expiration of sentence seventeen, by pardon two, and one has died, leaving on the 31st of December, 1833, one hundred and fifty-two males, and two females. There are employed at weaving thirty-eight, warping, dyeing, spooling, winding, &c. (in the cotton department) twenty-one, shoemaking fifty-two, carpenters five, one cabinet maker, five blacksmiths, one wheelright, one tinman, one stone cutter, one cook, two at washing clothes, one at quilting bed covers, one apothecary, one cigar maker, five making and mending clothes, nine wool pickers, and nine idle, several of whom had just come in. Only seven of the shoemakers and ten of the $59,320 85 $39,320 85 weavers understood these trades when admitted. Manufactures from December 1, 1832 to December 31, 1833. 351 33 2,459 41 6,635 98 7,981 57 1,153 51 5th. The boys are employed at shoemaking, book. binding, making brass nails, umbrella furniture, cane chair seats and bonnet reeds. The girls are employed at sewing, knitting, washing, &c. The clothing for for all the inmates is made by them. 7th. The Library contains nearly sixteen hundred volumes. Many of the inmates are fond of reading. From fifty to one hundred apply weekly for books. 8th. The average age of the boys admitted during the last year is about thirteen years and eleven months: Girls, fourteen years and four months. 9th. The general health of the inmates is very good. 9,135 08 It often happens that we make no use of the Hospital for six months at a time. Only four deaths have occur. red since the opening of the institution. Two by dysentary, one by congestion of the brain, and one of in$9,135 08 $9,135 08 flammation of the lungs. His disease was in an advanced stage when he was received, and he died in a few days. 11th. The diet of the inmates is as follows, viz. Breakfast-Rye bread and coffee. The loss sustained on the weaving account, may be mainly attributed to the depreciation in the price of cotton goods, of which the manufactured stock on the 30th day of November 1832, was forty nine thousand four hundred and thirty-one yards of check, and six hundred and eighty-four yards plain stripe. The checks were valued at the prices obtained previous to that time, viz: Fifteen cents, when the actual nett proceeds of the sales have not averaged over thirteen cents per yard for checks, and eight cents for stripes, making a difference of two cents per yard. Fifty thousand one hundred and fifteen yards, at two cents upon each yard, ten thousand, two dollars and thirty cents. The account has also paid during the period, four hundred, three dollars and forty-seven cents for discount and interest. HOUSE OF REFUGE. HOUSE OF REFUGE, January 6, 1834. Dear Sir: The following are answers to the questions contained in your note of yesterday. 1st. The cost of the ground and buildings was $83,381 81. Dinner-Beef, potatoes, soup and rye bread, and occasionally turnips, cabbage and beans. Supper-Mush or rice and molasses. On Friday they have codfish instead of beef and soup. On Sunday they have bread and molasses for dinner, and meat, potatoes and bread for supper. In winter they have mush generally five times a week, and rice once. In summer they have rice three times, and mush twice. 14th. Twelve and a half cents per day is the greatest bor, and that only for the larger class. The greater sum which we have been able to obtain for the boys' lapart of the subjects are in the institution but little more than one year, and as it is generally some months before their labour is of any value, the amount of their earnings is necessarily small. The labor of the apprentices generally, is of but little value during the first year of their apprenticeship. The teacher is one of the most important officers in the institution; and his duties are arduous. It is necesry that he should have a competent education and experience in the management of children. He should possess energy and self command sufficient to overawe the most determined character; but he should at all times be gentle, mild and conciliating in his intercourse with his pupils. He should be able to preserve order without severity, and to acquire the respect and esteem of his pupils at the same time. It is extremely difficult open-has the energy of character, which is requisite to ento find a person possessing the milder qualities, who force perfect obedience among such pupils as he will here have under his care. His services are required in the boys' school about four and a half hours, and in the girls' school from two and a half to three hours each day. He will also be required to render some assistance in the capacity of clerk. 2d. The institution was opened December 8th, 1828, on which day the first subject was received. 3d. The number of subjects received since the ing of the institution is 431 boys and 158 girls. 4th the number discharged is as follows, viz: Boys. Girls. Total. Returned to the New York Refuge, from which he had escaped, Escaped, Remaining in the institution, 339 57 68 2 To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 1 The Managers of the House of Refuge respectfully 23 submit their annual report to the Legislature of the 4 Commonwealth. 154 531 158 689 Of those indentured, twenty four boys and five girls have not done well, and twenty seven boys and five girls have left their places, but we have since received favorable accounts of eight of the boys and one of the girls. Of the remaining 19 boys and 4 girls we have received no certain information, but there is ground for the belief that some of them had good reasons for leaving their masters,many of those reported as doing well have been considerably improved in their habits and general character, but on the whole, their conduct has been such that we cannot speak very favourably of them. They beg leave to present as a subject of sincere congratulation that the numbers of individuals received into the house during the last year have been smaller than usual. They also state with peculiar satisfaction that more have been bound out than heretofore during a similar period; and that the ages of those who have been admitted are less advanced than those of their predecessors. From all these circumstances combined, conclusions are drawn highly favorable to the system and to the particular establishment. General causes of improper conduct are not reduced. Vice and ignorance exist; and crimes are the natural consequence of them. If fewer have been exhibited in the conduct of the young, the results may be imputed, partially at least, to the good effects which have been produced by a well organized House of Refuge. In the early stages of error individuals have been withdrawn by it from the sphere where they could most readily indulge in bad practices, and have been led into a better course of life. In removing the particular individual, the evil example which he afforded is also deprived of its effect. Confidence in the efficacy of the plan is daily gaining strength. Throughout many parts of the country per sons are now pursuing a course of honest industry, who were rescued from a career of idleness by the restraints and influences of this place. The managers have become more and more convinced of the value and importance of education as a part of their scheme. They are aware that the extent of instruction which can be given by them is necessarily limited. But limited as it is, it affords a strong barrier against the encroachments of vice. They sincercly wish that the conduct of this very essential branch of the establishment were more satisfactorily within their control. l'eachers of proper qualifications are not always to be procured, at the comparatively humble salaries to which we are necessarily confined. One of the first objects to which a more enlarged endowment would be devoted, would be the due encouragement and reward of this meritorious class of individuals, That portion of instruction which is derived through the medium of the Sunday schools is upon the best possible footing. Gratuitous services are rendered on such occasions which at other times are of course not to be expected. We have great reason indeed to be thankful to the kind and generous individuals who perform the office of Sunday teachers, and to the clergymen who with unabated cheerfulness conduct the public worship of the numerous household on that day. Employment is found and skill in handy work is acquired in the regular and constant devotion of the boys to the duties of the different workshops during the allotted hours of the day. The same trades which here. tofore have been the objects of attention are still continued, and will probably be hereafter pursued. The higher branches of mechanical dexterity can scarcely be hoped for. Our apprenticeships are necessarily short: and it is not to be desired that their duration should be prolonged. If habits of industry can be acquired and fixed, and the rude elements of practical knowledge be acquired, the principal ends we aim at are attained. To this extent the occupations of the boys unquestionably go. The best proof both of the value of the habit and the sufficiency of the skill acquired, is found in the satisfaction which has been generally afforded to their employers by those who commenced their course of employment here. No less than ninety persons have, within the last year been received into families or places of respectable occupation abroad. When it is considered that certainly a very large proportion of these individuals would have continued outcasts but for the protection extended to them by this House, the Legislature will be satisfied that its patronage has been well bestowed. Humanity rejoices that so many have been redeemed from every species of wretchedness, and continued exertions and perseverance in the work of charitable policy are invited and secured. The committee of your honorable bodies that visited the establishment, enjoyed the opportunity of forming the best and truest conclusions of the manner in which our labors are performed. They witnessed the operation of a system now more than five years in active exercise, and they can tell how well it has realized the expectations that were originally formed respecting it. They appeared to be gratified in the inspection which they were pleased to give: and they conferred pleasure by their visit and the interest they manifested in the establishment. A printed report for the contributors which was prepared in the month of May last, has been communicated to the members of the Legislature. During the early part of the year scarlet fever prevailed both in the male and female side of the House, affecting many of the inmates with great violence. Subsequently varioloid made its appearance in a few instances. In the autumnal months intermittent and remittent fevers attacked-some of the boys. We have cause of thankfulness to Divine Providence that in so large a family but one death has occurred in the course of the year. This was sudden, having been occasioned by congestion of the brain. The Treasurer's account, herewith exhibited, will show the amount of receipts and expenditures. The latter have been guarded with scrupulous economy. The former have been husbanded with never ceasing The report of the Superintendent will also furnish details to which the Managers beg respectfully to care. refer. The Managers do not deem it necessary to occupy the attention of the Legislature with a studied vindication of the objects of the Institution. They have heretofore availed themselves of different public opportunities to justify the efforts which they have made in what they have never ceased to believe the cause of humanity and sound policy. As long as the system could be considered by the most fastidious a mere excusable to reiterate arguments and proofs in its sup periment it was perhaps necessary and certainly export. This necessity has happily passed away. Good intentions have now been more than justified in their results and the Managers rely with entire confidence to be found, of the wisdom which gave legislative upon the practical demonstration which is every where sanction to the plan, and of the zeal and alacrity with which it has been pursued and consummated. All which is respectfully submitted. HAZARD'S REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. VOL. XIII.-NO. 19. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. PHILADELPHIA, MAY 10, 1834. NO. 331 REPORT ON THE COAL TRADE. APPENDIX. (Concluded from page 280.) No. 22. Office of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Co. Carbondale, Jan. 2d, 1834. 11th. We have no means of ascertaining the amount of capital invested by individuals in the coal business and improvements connected therewith. But it is believed, that the capital thus invested by companies and individuals in Pennsylvania, may be safely taken at about twenty millions of dollars. In reply to the inquiries specially addressed to this company we have to say that the extent of canal and rail road, made by it is one hundred and twenty-three miles, to wit: Canal one hundred and seven miles, and To S. J. Packer, Esq. Chairman of the committee ap-rail road sixteen miles; at a cost of two millions three pointed by the Senate of Pennsylvania on the subject of the Coal Trade. hundred and three thousand five hundred and ninetynine dollars and fifty three cents. ber of inclined planes on the rail road are eight-five of them ascending planes worked by stationary steam engines, and three of them. descending planes acting by gravity. Sir-The printed queries submitted by the committee The locks of the canal are seventy five feet long and appear to have relation almost exclusively to the Schuyl-nine feet wide; boats carry thirty-two tons. The numkill coal region, in reference to which it is presumed they were framed. While it is the desire of the Delaware and Hudson canal company through its officers and agents, to aid and facilitate the labors of the committee, by furnishing to it all the information that the It has already been stated that the operations of this operations and experience of this company will permit, company commenced in a wilderness. Their improve it is supposed that it would be inexpedient and improp-ments were undertaken in 1825 and completed in the er to present answers to such queries as are not special- fall of 1829. A few facts will demonstrate their effects ly directed to them, or have no relation to the locality upon the general prosperity of the country, and their and business of the company. Of this description we consequent importance to the public. In 1828 there suppose the 1st, 2d, 3d, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, and 13th was but one building on what is now the site of Carbonprinted queries to be. dale; nor was there any road leading to it, save one In answer to the 4th inquiry we have no hesitation in constructed by the company. It now contains a popusaying that the coal business could not have been com- lation of two thousand three hundred souls, occupying menced to any good purpose, nor could it now be pur. good buildings; and there are turnpike roads passing sued with effect in the Lackawanna valley except through it, on which daily stages are running. It is one through the medium of an incorporated company; very of the best cash markets in Pennsylvania for every agriexpensive works beyond the power of individual enter-cultural product, and in addition to the coal trade, a prise and capital, had to be constructed before a market large amount of lumber business is done here, upwards for the coal could be reached, and as yet the resources of three millions of feet of lumber passed over the road and population of the Lackawanna coal region, are in- last year and it is presumed that the quantity will reach adequate to the employment of those works. five millions this year. It has already reached four mil6th-We are not aware from our experience, that lions of feet most of which passes by canal to the Dela"a population or community, growing up under an in-ware river, and by it to the city of Philadelphia. Hones corporated company differs from that created by individale was also a wilderness in 1828. It now contains a dual operators." It is to be remarked, however, that population of 1500 persons, and is daily increasing. This this company commenced its operations in a wilderness rapid advancement is marked by corresponding im and in the prosecution of its business has acted upon provements in the surrounding country, which finds an the principle that the prosperity and advancement of abundant market on the line of the works; land which the company and that of the adjacent and surrounding might before the construction of these works have been country, was one and indivisable. Hence its aim has purchased for two dollars per acre cannot now be had been to facilitate by every means in its power, the ad- for ten. The number of miners and laborers in the vancement of population, and the expansion of agricul- employment of the company at Carbondale is four hun. tural, manufacturing, mechanical and mercantile pur- dred. The number of hands employed on the rail road, suits, within the sphere of its influence. in the transportation of coal, and in its superintendence and repair is one hundred and eighty. The number of horses employed in transportation on the road is eightysix. On the line of the canal including lock tenders there are two hundred and thirty persons in the employ. ment of the company. To these may be added at Honesdale and Rondout, fifty engaged in the labor, &c. incident to shipping coal down the canal and coastwise, making a total of nine hundred and sixty persons in the immediate employment of the company and depending for subsistence on it. To these however may very properly be added the crews and horses engaged in running three hundred coal boats for the company, being two In 1829, 7,000 tons.-1830, 42,000 tons.-1831, 54,-men, a boy and horse to each boat, so that the total num000 tons.-1832, 84,500 tons.-1833, 111,777 tons. ber of persons and horses finding employment and sub 8th. We have no experience or data on this head, except what is derived from our own operations, and in answer to the 4th query, we have already stated that here the business could not be pursued with any effect by individuals; of course the question of comparative economy does not arise. 10th. The consumption of coal is unquestionably increased by having a constant supply in market, as that produces low and uniform prices. The operations of this company in the coal business commenced in the fall of 1829. The quantity of coal sent to market by it in each year has been as follows, to wit: VOL. XIII. 37 |