of the late Rev. William Bentley, D. D. estimated at something more than three thousand dollars, bequeathed to the institution by that gentleman. It also includes a number of English books, presented to the college by Isaiah Thomas, esq. of Worcester, Massachusetts. To the liberality of this gentleman the institution is also in- Į debted for a pair of elegant London made globes. Very recently a noble and splendid addition has been made to this valuable collection, by the liberal bequest of the late Judge Winthrop of Massachusetts. This bequest, covering nearly the whole of the private library of the donor, is valued at six thousand four hundred and forty dollars-and this estimate appears to be a low one. and choice works, the committee are assured, that the library of Judge Winthrop, was probably not surpassed by any one of similar extent in the Union. In rare Thus it appears, that through the noble minded liberality of a few individuals, this young but rising semina ry, now owns a well selected library, exceeding, at a low estimate, twelve thousand dollars in value. While the friends of science at a distance, have been thus mindful of an institution, located in Pennsylvania, our own citizens liave not been altogether idle and unconcerned spectators of their bounty. Allegheny college appears to have among them ardent and persevering friends; and has received various donations, which, though not very considerable in amount, sufficiently demonstrate, that its interests have struck a deep root in the public mind. Its location, in a comparatively new, but rapidly improving part of our own state, and its proximity to the states of Ohio and New York, and the Province of Upper Canada, open to it an extensive field of usefulness. To nourish the fruitful vine which has been planted by careful hands, is the duty of every friend of science, morals and free government. 3. ACADEMIES. The following statement exhibits "A list of the Academies incorporated within the state, with the dates of their institution" or incorporation, "the amount of appropriations made by the commonwealth to each, and the towns, and counties in which they are located." Academies in the state of Date of the InstiPennsylvania. 1. Public School of Germantown. tution or incor poration. 1784, Amount of appropriations by the com- Town in which loca ted. County in which located. demy.* York Ch'mbersb'g Franklin, Meadville Crawford. York. $2,000, April 5, 1799. 12. Meadville Academy. 1802, 1807, 1808, $1000 in 1811, vide also pam. laws of 1805-6, vol. 8, page 440, and also Bioren's edition Norristown. Montgom. Centre. In 1805 certain property theretofore grant- | Bellefonte. demy, 24. Harrisburg Academy $800, vide pam. laws of 1806-7, also of Doylestown. vide pam. laws of Vide pam. laws of 1807-8, page 179.-Northum❜land Northum❜land 1804, vol. 6, p. March 28, 1808, two thousand dollars, 24, 1809. Bucks. 2000 dollars, Uniontown. Fayette. In 1810 2000 dollars, in 1812 2000 -dol Somerset. Somerset. Gettysburg. Adams. Bedford. 30. Butler Academy,* 1811, 31, Chester county Aca $2000, and in 1813 a tract of land, demy, 32. Mercer Academy,* 1811, 2000 dollars, Mercer. Mercer. 1828.] REPORT ON EDUCATION. The above list of Academies" made after a careful examination of the various acts of the Legislature, in relation to them, is believed to be critically accurate so far as it goes. It is possible, however, that in the multiplicity of enactments on the subject, some one or more of the seminaries of this grade, throughout the state, may have been overlooked. It is also possible that appropriations made in favour of the Academies enumerated in the above list, may have escaped the research of the committee. If so, it is attributable rather to the embarrassments and errors inseparable from such a research, than to a want of attention on the part of the committee. This will be apparent, when it is known, that after the most diligent examination, the committee have not been able to ascertain the precise location and date of the incorporation of several of the Academies in the above schedule. The appropriations made to the Academies marked thus in the above list, were upon condition, that they should educate a certain number of poor children gratis. "Such information as may enable the Legislature to form a correct opinion of the advancing or declining condition" of these Academies, the committee cannot give, without speaking separately of each. But that it is presumed, would be going into a detail, not contemplated by the Senate, in adopting the resolutions under From an examinatian of anwhich this report is made. swers received by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, to circular letters addressed by him to many of the Aca demies, it would seem that comparatively few of them are in an "advancing condition." 4. EDUCATION OF THE POOR. "The first school district" composed of the city and county of Philadelphia, is, so far as the information of the committee extends, the only part of the state into which the Lancasterian system of education, has been Introduced. The schools in this district are organized under an act of the Legislature, passed on the third of A brief history of the operations of these schools, as represented in the several annual reports of the controllers. will best enable the Senate to judge of the economy and efficiency of the Lancasterian system in the education of the poor. March, 1818. believed that a small part only of the children-thus The boys are instructed in reading, writing, and In the last annual report the controllers say, that "each successive year confirms the utility of the mode of instruction which has been adopted, and it is only to be regretted, that many parents, whose children might be brought under its auspices, remain regardless of the adwithhold their offspring." The great disproportion be vantages, from the enjoyment of which they criminally tween the number of pupils in 1820 and 1821, is attri factories in Philadelphia and its vicinity, which "has buted, in a considerable degree, to an increase in manu sons, and consequently withdrawn many children from produced a great demand for the labour of young perthe public schools." If this be the fact, it is an evil of early and serious attention of the Legislature. no inconsiderable magnitude, and may well claim the During the preceding session of the Legislature, acts were passed modifying or repealing the general school caster, and Allegheny. Whether any, and if any, what law, within the counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, Lanbenefits have resulted to these counties, from this change, the committee are unable to say. The bill which has been passed by the Senate, during the present session, will, if passed by the House of Representatives, no doubt lead to the introduction of the Lancasterian system, into the city of Lancaster, and the boroughs of Lancaster county. The board of controllers was organized on the sixth of April 1818, and proceeded to establish schools, for both sexes, in the respective sections of the district. It will readily be perceived, that many and vexatious difficulties must have been encountered, in reducing to practice a plan of education, novel and untried in our state. The inefficiency and expensiveness of all the pre-existing legislative provisions for the education of the poor, were well calculated to shake the confidence of the From the information before the committee, they are public, to the proposed scheme of education, and consequently to embarrass the controllers in making the ne-induced to believe, that the act of the 4th of April 1810, cessary arrangements for introduction. But the zeal and to provide for the education of the poor gratis” is benevolent perseverance of these public agents, has monwealth, and much abused in others. overcome the various difficulties that surrounded them, wholly inoperative in many of the counties of the comand the result of a few years experience, has placed the be a matter of surprise, when it is considered, that it is utility of the system beyond a question. sions of the law be faithfully carried into effect. Thro' not made the duty of any person to see that the provithe agency of assessors and county commissioners, if The number of children, in the schools, under the superintendence of the board, during the several years that they have been in operation is as follows, to wit: Boys. Girls. Total. In 1818 1819 1820 1821 1507 1338 2845 3268 5369 The annual expense of educating each child has al- * See Register, vol. I. p. 155. This cannot they attend to their duty, a list of the children between the ages of five and twelve years, in each township, ward, or district, whose parents are unable to pay for their schooling, is made out and sent to the teachers of schools within such township, ward, or district; after which the parent is at liberty to send the child to such school, at the expense of the county. But no person is appointed to see that the child is sent to school, or when sent, that it is properly instructed. The school may not be one from which the pupil can derive benefit. Gross negligence or incapacity on the part of the teacher may, and it is believed not unfrequently does defeat the object of public bounty, and renders the whole system useless in its effects upon those intended to be improved by it; add to which it is apprehended that it is not un usual for a county to pay for the schooling of children who are placed upon the register, but do not attend the school. Such are some of the consequences of the present system, even where the assessors and commissioners faithfully comply with the requisitions of the law, and parents avail themselves of its privileges. But from the want of due attention on the part of those officers, or from the culpable neglect or mistaken pride of parents, it frequently happens that the children of the poor do not reap the benefit of even the precarious provision which is made for them by the act of 1809.In many counties the law is a dead letter. To revise it and provide a more efficient system, may therefore be considered as one of the most urgent duties of the legis lature. "Educate the poor" is one of the soundest maxims, one of the most important admonitions, which can reach, and dwell upon the mind of a republican lawgiver. In those parts of the state, where the population is sufficiently dense to render it practicable, the committee would earnestly recommend the adoption of the Lancasterian system of instruction. Its superior excellence in the education of the poor, is fully exemplified, in "The first School District,' and the committee can see no reason why it may not with equal success be introduced into the various towns and boroughs throughout the commonwealth. Teachers may be qualified in the Model School, at Philadelphia, free of any charge. The expense incident to the establishment of each school will be trifling, and the annual saving will afterwards be great. The Committee also respectfully call the attention of the Senate to a bill on its files, reported by this committee, containing provisions which will, in the apprehension of the committee, remedy some of the most prominent defects in the present law, and provide more effectually for the education of the poor gratis. Upon consulting the acts of Assembly, we find the following incorporations and appropriations, since the above report was delivered. 1822. Warren Academy, incorporated in Warren co. and 500 acres of land granted. 1823. Franklin Academy, Venango county, patent for two lots. Strasburgh Academy, incorp. Lancaster co. respectable college in the United States. No student shall be required to pay any ma triculating fee, nor for signature of diploma. No professor shall require more than 15 dollars from each student for the season; and no student shall be required to pay any fee for his attendance on a third course. "La Fayette COLLEGE," at Easton, established and incorporated. Washington COLLEGE, to receive 1000 dollars annually for 4 years. 2400 dollars annually for 4 years, to the Western University. 1827. Clearfield Academy incorporated, 2000 dollars granted-1000 to buildings, 1000 to permanent fund, when 1000 shall have been raised by private subscription. Milford Academy, incorporated in Pike county, and 2000 dollars granted. Mifflinburgh Academy, incorporated in Union county-2000 dollars granted. "Lancaster County" Academy, in Lancaster co.-3000 dollars granted. Union Academy at Doylestown, Bucks county, incorporated. "Madison College," established and incorporated, Uniontown, Fayette county. Allegheny College, 1000 dollars annually for 4 PENITENTIARY SYSTEM. We would invite the attention of our readers to the following interesting letter from Mr. Livingston, on the subject of the penitentiary system, which is shortly to be discussed by the Legislature. His long devotion to investigations connected with this subject, has amply qualified him to advise; and his recommendations should not be disregarded, without mature consideration. FROM THE NATIONAL GAZETTE. DISCIPLINE. 1824. Act for the education of the poor gratis, and for LETTER ON PENAL LAW AND PENITENTIARY laying a foundation of a general system of education throughout the Commonwealth, passsed. 1825. Annuity to Deaf & Dumb continued for 4 years. $1000 annually for 4 years to be paid to Jeffer- From the Hon. Edward Livingston, to Roberts Vaux. You are one of the very few, my good friend, to whom, at this period of general excitement, I could venture to speak with the hope of being listened to, on any other topic than those of the election or the tariff.Whatever may be our opinions and preferences on these subjects, yet there are others which have so much engrossed our thoughts, and interested our feelings, that we have never found time to settle between us the great concerns of the nation, and have conversed more frequently on reforms in penal lew and prison discipline, than on those required in the government of the country. Leaving, then, the majority of the people, under, the direction of that wise Providence which speaks through their voice, to determine between the candidates for their favour, let me endeavour, by this letter, to supply some observations I was prevented from offering to you, verbally, by my sudden departure when last in your city. The substitution of labour as a punishment, instead of death and other bodily sufferings, has at different periods entered into the theories of ingenious writers, and in some degree into the practice of certain nations; but I think you have sufficiently shown, that to Pennsylvania, and the wise foresight of its philanthropic founder we owe the first successful experiment to prove that se. clusion and laborious habits may be made the means at passion inconsistent with duty. Here again I have the once of punishment, reformation and example. False authority of Mr. Lynds, who tells me, in substance, that economy and a fatal inattention to the principles which his greatest difficulty was to find keepers who were not produced this success, destroyed its effects almost as apt to err on the side of indulgence. But suppose this soon as they were felt; and in Pennsylvania, as well as difficulty conquered, and the convicts placed under that in all the states which had followed her example, the sys immediate inspection of task masters willing to enforce tem was found to be inefficient in the exact degree in the most rigid discipline-one keeper to every ten would which the seclusion became less strict, and in which the not be sufficient to watch the whispers, the looks, the labour was enforced by chains or stripes. The promis-sighs, by which the association of ideas and reminiscencuous association of convicts produced an enormous in- ces of guilt would be kept up, and plans of new arcrease both in the number and atrocity of offences; and rangements formed to be executed on their discharge; it became evident that no reform could be expected, and were there no other knowledge gained, that of each while it was suffered to exist. Classification had been other's person is a serious objection to this social labour. tried in England, and partially here, but it was found to It is not extraordinary that this system should have be an incomplete remedy-that system could only be admirers; every visiter must admire the cleanliness, orperfected by individual seclusion: because, even when der, laborious exertion, and silence which reign in the the class was reduced to two, one of them would gene- shops, and the military parade of the convicts in their rally be found qualified to corrupt the other; and if the march to and from their labour is imposing. But the rare case should occur, of two persons who had arrived visiter does not see, nor can the keeper see, at all times, at the same precise point of depravity, and the rarer cir- the signs of intelligence, or hear the whispers of comcumstance of the keeper's discernment being success- munication that are made, and must from the nature of fully employed in associating them, their approximation things be made, between the most abandoned felons, would increase the common stock of guilt. The con- working for years in the same shop, within a few feet of viction of this truth, and the necessity of providing a each other. Strict discipline, we are told, prevents remedy for the evil, appears to have suggested different this-those who are detected are instantly punished, and plans, all of them in different degrees corrective of the the fear of a new infliction keeps them silent. It will present abuse. The corrupting influence of promiscu- make them cautious; but it must change their nature not ous association was found to be the greatest during the only as malefactors, but as men, if it does not increase night, when unchecked by the presence of keepers, their desire of communicating with each other while unemployed by labour, every opportunity was offered there is a possibility of doing it unobserved; and that for confirming old offenders, and initiating the young in such a possibility exists it would be vain to deny-not the mysteries of vice and crime. An obvious improve- only during the time of labour, when a word addressed ment, therefore, was a separate dormitory for each con- to one standing within a few feet could not be heard vict. To continue this seclusion during the day, would further than was intended, by reason of the clanking of be expensive, because the accommodations must be en- hammers and the noise of machinery, but along the line larged, and the indemnity to be expected from the pri- of the lock march, in going to and returning from lasoner's solitary labour would be less if he were employ-bour, when the lips of each man are placed within a few ed, or nothing if he were kept in idleness. Economy inches of the ear of the one who precedes him, a situahere again intervened, and suggested that strict discip- tion infinitely well calculated for passing the word of line during the day might supply the place of seclusion, revolt or establishing conventional signs of intelligence prevent corrupting intercourse, and increase the profits from the rear to the front of the line almost with elecof the establishment by forced and social labour. This trical rapidity. The endeavour to overcome these faci is the foundation of Mr. Lynds' plan. It has been adopt-lities for communication, although it can never perfectly ed at Auburn and Sing Sing, and with a partial success, succeed, must be sustained by placing unlimited power which I much fear may arrest the penitentiary system in in the hands, not only of the warden, but every suborits progress to that point of perfection at which all its dinate keeper. Immediate chastisement by the inflic advocates expect it to arrive. tion of stripes!-the whole system is based upon this. It may have this effect in two ways-first, by making Every under keeper may beat any convict without any us content with a partial improvement, and relaxing our kind of restrictions. He has only to suppose an irreve endeavours to perfect it; but principally by the error of rent look, or a sign of intelligence, and it is his duty to attributing to the system, effects which are only due to apply the whip-there can be no check. He says he the talent by which it is conducted; just as the worst saw a sign made by one convict to another; the convict government may be so administered as to produce more denies having made or intended it, and he is beatenprosperity than the best, when the power is placed in not only to punish him for having made the sign, but bad hands. Compared with the discipline in the prisons until he confesses that he did make it. This is not only of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and I may add, what may happen, but what has happened, and what has most of the other penitentiaries in the United States, received the solemn sanction of a court of justice, as & that of Auburn and Sing Sing is greatly superior; but necessary and legal power to be vested, not in the warit does not, and can not from the nature of things, ever den or inspectors, but in the under keepers. Now, will approach perfection, if we allow reformation to enter any one say that this power vested in subordinate hands into our views, and if we wish to guard against the abuse is not liable to be abused, and, as it is declared to be disof authority. The founder of the system did not ex- cretionary, abused with impunity; or that a system which pect reformation. In a letter with which he favoured can only be supported by such an investiture of power me some time ago on the subject, he considered it as can be, as it has been termed, a perfect model for imitahopeless: and although by the late returns it appears tion? The worst portion of it, in my opinion, is not the that a portion of the convicts have shown signs of amend facility it gives to corrupting associations or to arranging ment after their discharge, yet they are too few in pro- plans of escape. In both these particulars it is infinitely portion to the whole number, and the time is too short superior to any other existing institution of the kind. to give any certainty of the system's producing this ef. But it is in this, that it enables the lowest officer of the fect. Where fifty or sixty convicts, selected for their penitentiary, at his will, to alter the punishment directaptitude for a particular trade or work, not from any fit-ed by law, to one that the law has discarded as too uneness of moral feeling, are associated in the same shop, it is next to an impossibility that one or two keepers should prevent their communication with each other, be these keepers ever so vigilant, even supposing them to be inaccessible to corruption, or to a feeling of comVOL. II, 40. qual and demoralizing and degrading to be inflicted, and thus to increase the punishment of a slight offence to a degree greater than that designated for one of a deeper dye:-And in this, that a system of labour car ried on by stripes is not (for the reasons stated in my |