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REPORT OF THE CANAL COMMISSIONERS.

Columbia and Philadelphia rail road,

$10 00 2198 00 2107 61 7508 50 328 00 4,829 00 16,832 14 50 00

$33,863 25

By an act of the 4th of April, 1831, the canal commissioners are required, should they deem it practicable and expedient to construct a chute or sluice in the Shamokin dam, on the east side of the river, for the passage of river craft, or to adopt such other measures as they may deem best calculated to insure and preserve the safe navigation of the river at that place.

The board, in the discharge of this duty, have adopted the plan of extending the walls of the old sluice, making the whole length of the sluice as now constructed, six hundred and fifty feet, and rendering, as they believe, the navigation entirely safe, at a much less expense than it could have been effected on the east side of the river.

The West Philadelphia canal company, on the 14th instant, presented to the board a plan of the proposed canal navigation round the western abutment of the permanent bridge over the river Schuylkill, at the city of Philadelphia, to be submitted to an engineer or engineers, to be appointed by the canal commissioners, agreeably to the provisions of the 15th section of the act incorporating the company. The board therefore appointed Moncure Robinson and D. B. Douglass, engineers, to make the re-survey and examinations required by the said act.

425

ference of level, between the surface of the canal and the river is 15 feet, to be overcome by two combined locks of 7 feet lift each. Owing to the proximity of the canal to the river, the proposed cut will be on a line diagonal to the canal, and a basin of 100 feet in length, and 50 feet wide, must be excavated on the berin side of the canal to admit of boats turning. The whole work is estimated to cost $11,452 32.

On the 6th of April last the superintendent upon the Juniata division was directed to make the necessary exauthorising the board to settle with James McNamee, aminations, under the act of the 4th of April, 1831, late a contractor on section 37, of the said division, for retained percentage, and materials delivered, and to pay the amount which may appear to be due. The superintendent reported to the board on the 8th of June, that the sum of $378 73 of retained percentage re. founded in justice. The sum reported to be due was mained unpaid, but that no other part of the claim was then directed to be paid.

A con

In obedience to the act of the 25th of March last, the board on the 29th of March directed the superin. tendent upon the Susquehanna division, to contract immediately with some fit person for the construction of a chute in Snyder's dam on Penn's creek. tract was accordingly made soon thereafter, but was abandoned in September, because the sum of two hundred dollars appropriated by the act was insufficient to meet the cost of the necessary repairs. Subsequent offers have been made to other persons, deeply interested in the navigation of Penn's creek, but the board have not found any person willing to undertake the repairs of the chute for the sum appropriated.

their proceedings in the year that has just elapsed, they As a conclusion to the report of the board, detailing rise and progress of the public canals and rail-roads of thought it proper to take a concise retrospect of the Pennsylvania, exhibiting the systematic and unwaver ing efforts of a great state, proceeding steadily, through a series of years, in the prosecution of a gigantic system of improvement, which, when completed, as now authorised by law, will be about seven hundred miles in length.

By the act of the 4th of April, 1831, the canal commissioners are directed to enquire and ascertain, whether the fifth section of the act of Pennsylvanla passed the 19th day of February, 1801, which declares the Susquehanna down to the Maryland line, to be a public highway, has been violated by the erection of dams; the dams constructed on this river, under the authority of the state are four in number, two on the main river, and one on each of its North and West branches; these dams vary in height counting from the bottom of the river, from 8 to 12 feet; sluices are left in three of them, and a chute constructed in the fourth, for the accommodation of the descending trade on the river. Considerable damage however has been done during the last spring freshets, to craft passing through two of those sluices, but such improvements have since been governor to appoint three canal commissioners, to exMarch 27th, 1824, a law was passed, authorising the made as will for the future render the descending navi-plore the following routes, to ascertain the practicagation entirely safe. This being effected, the canal commissioners are of opinion, that the law of the 19th February, 1801, has not been violated.

By the act of the 25th March, 1831, the sum of 120 dollars is appropriated to the repair of that portion of the public road, on the south side of the river Lehigh, which was injured or destroyed by the dam across the mouth of the said river; upon examination it appears, that the sum appropriated is inadequate for the purpose, and it has been suggested that a change of the location of the road could be advantageously made, and that the object of the act would thereby be more effectually obtained.

In obedience to the directions of the resolution of the 30th of March last, a survey has been made by the engineer, upon the division for a side cut from the Juniata division of the Pennsylvania canal, to the Juniata river, nearly opposite the mouth of Tuscarora creek; the river bank opposite the mouth of that creek was found to be decidedly unfavourable for the proposed connection. The site selected is a few rods below the Perrysville ferry, and may be considered favourable, the distance between the towing path of the canal, and the river on the line proposed is 300 feet, and the dif. VOL. VIII. 54

to the House of Representatives, by a committee of that On the 10th of February, 1824, a report was made body, recommending a survey from the termination of the Susquehanna, Juniata, Conemaugh, Kiskim inetas the Union canal, at Middletown, along the valleys of and Allegheny rivers, with a view to a continuous canal, from Philadelphia to Pittsburg.

bility of constructing canals on the lines designated.
1. From Harrisburg to Pittsburg, by the waters of the
West Branch of the Susquehanna and Sinnemahoning,
Juniata and Conemaugh rivers, also, the route by the
with the waters of the Allegheny river; and also, the
country between the Schuylkill and the Susquehanna,
through the great valley of Chester and Lancaster
counties.

county, by Mabonoy creek, the river Susquehanna, the
2. From a point on the river Schuylkill, in Schuylkill
Moshannon or Clearfield and Black Lick creeks, the
Conemaugh, Kiskiminetas, and Allegheny rivers, to
Pittsburg.

missioners reported that they had surveyed about four
February 28, 1825.-A majority of the canal com-
hundred and eighty miles, between the Schuylkill river
and the sources of the Juniata and Conemaugh, on the
Allegheny mountain, during the previous season; and
that in their opinion, a canal was practicable from east
to west, and ought to be undertaken immediately by
the State.-$6,351 27, were expended on these preli
minary explorations during the year 1824.

Governor to appoint a board of five canal commission.
April 11th, 1825.-A law was passed directing the

426

REPORT OF THE CANAL COMMISSIONERS.

ers, who were required to explore and survey routes for canals.

1- From Philadelphia through Chester and Lancaster counties, and thence by the West branch of the Susquehanna and the waters thereof, to the Allegheny and Pittsburg.

2. From the Allegheny to Lake Erie.

3. From Philadelphia, by the Juniata to Pittsburg; and From thence to Lake Erie,

4. From Philadelphia to the northern boundary of the state, towards the Seneca or Cayuga lake.

5. A route through Cumberland and Franklin counties, to the Potomac river.

6. A route by the Conococheague, or Monocosey and Conewago, to the Susquehanna.

7. A route through the county of Bedford, to connect the route of the proposed Chesapeake and Ohio canal, with the Juniata.

December 30, 1825, and February 3, 1826, the canal commissioners reported that four routes were levelled and surveyed, that is:

1. The several summits on the route by the West Branch of the Susquehanna.

2. Between the Sinnemahoning and Toby's creek. 3. Between the heads of the West Branch and Two Lick creeks.

4. Between Clearfield creek and the Conemaugh. And connecting these with the surveys of the previous year at the mouth of the Juniata and at the Allegheny mountain-and also the Juniata summit, and thence by the Conemaugh, Kiskiminetas and Allegheny to Pittsburg.

After giving a preference to the most northern and Juniata routes, they state, "the board do not hesitate to say, that the practicability of a communication by one or other of the routes proposed, which shall answer all valuable and useful purposes, is satisfactorily ascertained;" and they conclude with recommending the beginning of the work by the commonwealth.

The sum of $6,575 93 was expended in 1825 for making preliminary surveys, and for expenses of the board of canal commissioners.

February 25, 1826, a law was passed directing about 54 miles of canal to be put under contract, to wit: From the west end of the Union canal to opposite the mouth of the Juniata-and from the mouth of the Kiskiminetas to Pittsburg. These portions of the line being common to all the routes proposed, were deemed most proper to commence upon.

April 10th, 1826, the governor was required by law to appoint four addditional canal commissioners, thus increasing the board to nine in number.

December 11th, 1826, and February 6th, 1827, the canal commissioners reported, that they had continued the surveys and examinations of canal routes.

1. To connect the Susquehanna and Potomac rivers. 2. From the mouth of the Juniata, up that stream and thence to the mouth of the Kiskiminetas by a canal and portage.

3. From the mouth of the Kiskiminetas to the mouth of French creek.

4. A feeder from French creek to Conneaut lake. 5. From the mouth of the Juniata, by the West Branch and Sinnemahoning, to the head of Clarion riv

er.

6. From Northumberland to the New York line. By that report, it appears that they had put under contract 22 miles of the canal on the Susquehanna, and 24 miles on the Allegheny, being 46 miles altogether, and they recommended the opening of a communication between the Eastern and Western divisions by a canal and portage road on the Juniata route: and also, a canal up the Susquehanna to Northumberland, and by the North branch to the New York line: and also, by the West Branch to Bald Eagle; they likewise brought into view, connections between the Delaware and Susquehanna, the Ohio, and Lake Erie, and a canal

stream.

[DECEMBER

route from the tide waters of the Delaware up that The disbursements for the year 1826, were For preliminary surveys, including expenses of the board of canal commissioners, $15,032 74 For construction of canal, pay of acting commissioners, engineers, &c. $126, 698 64

April 9, 1827, the Legislature directed a canal to be constructed from the Western termination of the East. ern division, up the Susquehanna to Northumberland, and up the Juniata to Lewistown, and from Blairsville to join the western division at the mouth of the Kiskiminetas, and also to commence a feeder from French creek to Conneaut lake, and a canal on the Delaware between Philadelphia and Easton.

December 25th, 1827.-A report was made by the canal commissioners, showing that they had continued the preliminary surveys. 1. From Easton, up the Delaware, to Carpenter's

point.

2. From the Delaware to the Schuylkill, at Philadel

phia.

3. For a rail road from Philadelphia to Columbia. 4. An estimate for a canal, from the Maryland line, up the Susquehanna, to Columbia.

5. From Columbia to Middletown.

6. From Pittsburg, by the Beaver and Shenango, to Conneaut lake.

7. From Conneaut lake to Erie Harbor. 8. From the Allegheny river to Conneaut out-let. 9. From Meadville, by French creek, to Erie Harbor.

10. Another survey along the North branch.

11. Between Bennet's branch of Sinnemahoning and Sandy lick.

12. Between the West branch and Two Lick creeks. In reference to the two latter surveys, the board used this emphatic remark: "They are therefore compelled to say, in the most explicit manner, that a navigable communication, between the eastern and western waters of Pennsylvania, sufficiently permanent to justify the expense, is wholly impracticable."

The board also reported, that they had put under contract,

18 miles of canal on the Delaware division, from Bristol upwards.

40 miles on the Susquehanna, from the eastern division to Northumberland.

44 miles on the Juniata, from its mouth to Lewis

town.

51 miles between Blairsville and Pittsburg, and 9 miles of the French creek feeder; making

&c.

162 miles of canal contracted for in 1827. The expenditures of the year 1827, amounted to For preliminary surveys, including the expenses of the board of canal commissioners, $18,355 37 Construction of canals, pay of officers, damages, 913,620 54 March 24, 1828, the legislature directed an extension of the canals along the Conemaugh, Juniata, Delaware and North Branch, not exceeding 45 miles on each stream; 25 miles on the West Branch, ten miles between Middletown and Columbia, and the French creek feeder to be carried to Conneaut lake; and also, the road bed to be prepared of 40 miles, twenty miles aeach end for a rail road between Columbia and Phila, delphia.

December 11th, 1828, by the report of the canal commissioners, it appears that, in obedience to lawt preliminary surveys were made, 1. Of the Ohio river, from Beaver to Pittsburg. 2. Of the Monongahela river, from Pittsburg to Brownsville.

3. Of the Allegheny river, from the mouth of the Kiskiminetas to the mouth of French creek.

4. For a portage road over the Allegheny mountain.

1831.]

REPORT OF THE CANAL COMMISSIONERS.

5. For a canal throngh Kishacoquillas valley. 6. For a rail road from Harrisburg to Chambersburg, and thence by Gettysburg to York.

7. Several surveys between the Susquehanna and the head waters of the Schuylkill and Lehigh rivers.

8. Another survey from Easton to Carpenter's point. 9. Another survey of the West Branch, to the mouth of Bald Eagle.

Their report also shows that they had put under contract during the preceding season,

10 miles of the French creek feeder.

427

27,012 90

miles of the bed of the Columbia and Philadelphia rail road were graded and ready for laying the rails. The tolls received in 1830, were The disbursements for the year 1830, including surveys, construction of canal and rail roads, officers, damages, repairs, &c.

3,137,844 08

March 21st, 1831, the legislature directed the completion of the whole of the rail road from Columbia to Philadelphia, and of the Eastern division of the canal between Columbia and Middletown; also the extension

26 miles of canal, from Blairsville up the Cone- of the Juniata division by canal or slack water, from maugh.

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195 miles of canal contracted for in 1828; and also, 40 miles of road formation of the Columbia and Philadelphia rail-road. Preliminary surveys expenditure included in the next year.

The amount expended in 1828, for construction, and pay of officers, &c. $2,785,612 24.

April 22, 1829, a law was passed, requiring the canal commissioners to enter into contracts for those sections on the Delaware division, and on the North Branch division, which had not then been commenced, and making it their duty to cause as much of the contracts, then made upon the different lines of canal and rail way, to be completed within the year, as should be practicable.

By an act of the 16th April, 1829, the legislature appointed a board of nine canal commissioners, to serve for one year from the first Monday of June thereafter.

December 18th, 1829, the canal commissioners reported that they had caused other surveys to be made of the east end of the Columbia and Philadelphia rail road, and of the portage rail road over the Allegheny mountain. By their report, it appears that they had put under contract

6 miles of canal on the Delaware and
9 miles on the North Branch, making

15 miles contracted for in 1829.

195 miles of canal were reported as finished and navígable; 106,000 dollars as borrowed over the appropriation, and 1,398,790 67 dollars as due to contractors for work done. Toat year rates of toll upon the canal were established and a system of rules and regulations was adopted.

The sums expended in 1829, were for Preliminary surveys, including surveys made in 1828,

Construction of canals, pay of officers, damages. &c.

$19,637,67

3,713,908 25 March 27, 1830, the legislature made it the duty of the canal commissioners to cause all existing contracts to be completed, if practicable, during that year, and to constrnct about three miles of canal at the east end of the western division extending to Johnstown, and also requiring another survey of the portage road over the Allegheny mountain, by three engineers.

During the same session an act was passed reducing the number of canal commissioners to three, and again vesting their appointment in the governor.

December 21, 1830, the canal commissioners reported that they had caused another survey to be made of the Allegheny portage road, and surveys of connexions between the Pennsylvania canal and the Susquehanna river at Harrisburg and Lewisburg—and that they had placed under contract and constructed three and an half miles of canal below Johnstown. They say that the water had been admitted into 406 miles of canal and that 20 miles more were nearly completed; and 401

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Huntingdon to Hollidaysburg, and a rail road from thence across the Allegheny mountain to Johnstown; also the extension of the West Branch division, by canal or slack water, from the Muncy dam to the mouth of the Bald Eagle, and a water communication between the town of Lewisburg, and the said division; also, the extension of the North Branch division by canal or slack water from the pool of the Nanticoke dam, fifteen miles, and a towing path along said pool; also, a canal or slack water from the Allegheny river, at the mouth of French creek, up that creek to the French creek feeder, and a canal or slack water from the Ohio river, at the mouth of Big Beaver creek, up that creek to the town of New Castle.

By the present report of the canal commissioners, it appears that they have put under contract during the past season: Perches.

Miles. 41

32 36

38, of road bed formation upon the Columbia and Philadelphia rail road.

160, of laying a single track of rails upon do, do 221, of road bed formation upon the Allegheny Portage road.

8 227, of canal on the Eastern division between Middletown and Columbia.

38 102. of canal and slackwater, upon the Franks town line of the Juniata division.

3

16

41

22

48, of feeder do. upon do. do.
316, of canal and slackwater upon the Wyoming
line of the North Branch division.

203, of feeder do. upon do. do,
68, of canal and slack water upon the Lycom.
ing line of the West Branch division.
200, the Lewisburg cross cut.

88, of canal and slack water upon the Franklin
line of the French creek division,

22 240, of the Beaver division,

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It is understood by the parties, that under the term excavation, are included all drains that may occur on the section; and under the term embankment, is included $207,527 07 the filling in of bridges, and that in all cases the earth for embankment shall be taken from such places as may be directed by the superintendent or engineer on the line. It is also understood that no allowance shall be made for the bailing of water.

Signed by order of the board,
JAMES CLARKE, President.

FRS. R. SHUNK, Sec'y.
Harrisburg, December 15, 1831.

A.

ARTICLE OF AGREEMENT, entered into this day of one thousand eight hundred and by and between the COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, by superintendent on the Division of the Pennsylvania canal, of the one part, and

of the other part, Witnesseth, That the said

do

Division of

pre

It is further agreed, that any items of work, that may necessarily occur on this section, not already specified in this contract, shall be estimated by the engineer, and paid for accordingly. And it is further understood by of the canal is the property of the commonwealth the parties that all stone quarried from the bed disposed of by the superintendent as he may think proof Pennsylvania, and not of the contractor, and may be per; and that all timber, buildings or fences on the track of the canal, are the property of the landholder, keeping of the same from the depredations of and the said contractor to be responsible for the safe hands and laborers.

next

promise and agree to dig, embank puddle and construct, in a substantial and workmanlike manner, all that part of the the Pennsylvania Canal, known and designated as the On or about the The payments to be made in the following manner: section, upon the plan of the day of line of said Division, in the following manner, to wit: ensuing the date of this contract, the said engineer The canal banks to be so constructed, that the water certificate being presented to the superintendent, the shall estimate the quantity of work done, and upon his may at all places be at least forty feet wide at the top amount thereof shall be paid, deducting therefrom fif water line, twenty-eight feet wide at bottom, and four feet deep. Each of the banks shall be at least two feet each succeeding month, within the limits of this conteen per cent.; and on or about the above the top water line, and such a slope shall be day of served on the inner side of the banks, both above and tract, the like estimate shall be made, certificate grantbelow the top water line, as that every foot perpendic-fifteen per cent. directed to be retained to be withheld ed, and payment in like proportion made thereon. The ular rise shall give an horizontal base of eighteen inches, until the contract is completed, unless the board of cathe towing path shall be on the river side of the canal, nal commissioners shall direct the same or any part its surface shall be at least ten feet wide, and the bank thereof to be sooner paid: And further, at the expiraopposite the towing path shall be at least seven feet tion of the stipulated period for the completion of this wide, and both banks shall have a declination from the inner to the outer edge thereof, equal to half an inch for contract, if the whole work shall be finished to the satisevery foot of surface; the banks shall be constructed of estimate it, and within twenty days after the presenta faction of the said superintendent,the said engineer shall pure, solid and compact water proof earth, and they tion of his certificate to the superintendent the balance shall be made smooth and even, with a slope on the out-which may remain due shall be paid. ermost side, not less than is above mentioned. And it

is further agreed, for the purpose of giving to the bank It is further agreed between the parties, that when the necessary connexion with the earth upon which the superintendent on this division shall give notice in they are to be erected, that all the grass, tre 3s, bushes, and stumps, on the space to be occupied by the canal banks, together with all logs, brush, roots and vegetable matter of all descriptions, shall be wholly removed at least fifty feet from the centre of the canal; and it is further agreed that all necessary grubbing shall be executed according to the directions of the engineer appointed by the canal commissioners of Pennsylvania, and when required that a puddle ditch shall be excavated under the seat of each bank, of such breadth and depth, and shall be carried up to such a height within the embankment, as may be designated by the engi

writing, or by public advertisement, that the sum of money appropriated towards the expenses of this division, for the present year shall have been expended, that any subsequent labor performed under this contract, shall not be considered as incurring a debt against the state, contrary to the true intent and meaning of the 7th section of the act of 21st of March last.

neers.

And the said

completing this contract as follows:

For grubbing and clearing, the sum of

to be paid for

For all necessary excavation within the banks of the canal, puddle ditch and towing path be the same earth, gravel, loose stones, clay, loam or sand,

per cubic yard.

And the said

do
from time to time during the progress of the work
further promise and agree, that
will
conform to such deviations from the present line of the
canal, and to such alterations in the form, slope, and di-
mensions of the banks, towing paths or any other part of
the works; as the said engineer may direct. And it is
mutually agreed, that the decision of the said engineer
arise between the said parties.
shall be final and conclusive, in any dispute which may
And the said

do

further agree, that

will not re-let or transfer said contract, or any part thereof, to any other per

1831.]

IMPROVEMENT FUND.

429

to the purposes intended, as detailed in their report to the Legislature, on the 13th inst., from which it ap pears, that $290,000 were paid to the treasurer of the Board of Canal Commissioners, on accounts drawn by the Governor, and $10,000 retained for the payment of the salaries of Lock-keepers and Toll-collectors, of which last sum a balance of $963 23 remains in their hands.

son or persons whatever. And that will person ally snperintend the work during its progress. It is further agreed between the parties, that in case the work upon this section shall not be commenced within days from this date; or if at any subsequent period the said should, in the opinion of the superintendent or engineer, refuse or neglect to prosecute this contract with a force proportioned to the quantity of work to be done, and the period within The Commissioners of the fund, upon a careful exawhich it is to be completed;or shall sub-contract or re-let mination of the several acts of Assembly, relative to said section or any part thereof; or shall not give per- disbursements for canal and rail road purposes, came to sonal superintendence to the work, the said engineer the conclusion, that the act of 30th March, 1831, did shall have power with the consent of one of the canal not constitute three disbursing officers, nor did it recommissioners to determine that this contract has been quire of them to make direct payments, on account of abandoned, and such determination shall put an end to repairs, damages or salaries of officers, excepting those this contract, and exonerate the commonwealth from of Lock-keepers and Tull-collectors. From the comevery obligation thence arising; and the superintendent mencement of the system, it was evidently the intenmay immediately proceed to dispose thereof in the tion of the Legislature, that the board of Canal Comsame manner as if it had never existed. And to avoid missioners or their subordinate officers, should be the disputes, as well as interruption and hindrance to the agents for the payment of all moneys connected with regular and peaceable progress of the different parts of the construction of the Canal; and the Commissioners the work, and to prevent unnecessary injury to the of the Internal Improvement fund, are not regarded in rights and property of the neighbors in the vicinity of the light of disbursing officers, either by the act conthe canal, the superintendent, engineer, or assistant en- stituting them a board, or by any of the subsequent gineer will dismiss from the service, every quarrelsome acts imposing further obligations.—Their duties are of disorderly person,and such as shall be addicted to habits a character entirely different as will appear by an exaof intemperance, or who shall wantonly commit any un-mination of the acts of Assembly. necessary trespass, either upon the person, land, or property of citizens living, travelling, or working upon or near the works of the said canal, to be guilty of other offensive misconduct; and every contractor shall dismiss all similar persons employed under him, whenever thereto directed by the superintendent, engineer, or as-terest on loans, that were or might be authorised for the sistant engineer.

And the said

contract on or before the year 183

do promise and agree to finish and deliver up this
day of
in the
This contract not to be binding on the common-
wealth, until approved by the board of canal commis-
sioners.

In witness whereof, the said parties have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above mentioned.

WITNESS,

[L. S.] Superintendent.
L. S.]
[L. S.]
[L. S.J

Extract from the 6th Section of the act of the 25th of
February, 1826.

"No extra allowance shall in any case be made for the performance of any such contract beyond the sum stipulated therein.

REPORT OF THE

The act of 1st of April, 1826, "establishing an internal improvement fund," constitutes the Secretary of the Commonwealth, the Auditor General and the State Treasurer, as Commissioners. The sole object of that act was the creation of a fund, for the payment of inconstruction of the Pennsylvania Canal, and it does not appear that any further duty was intended to be imposed on the Commissioners than the management and superintendance of that fund. As the act creating the Commissioners precisely defined their duties, all subsequent acts enlarging their powers, must be construed strictly in accordance with the object of their constitu

tion.

The act of 1st of April, 1826, entitled "an act authorising a loan for the commencement of the construction of the Pennsylvania Canal and for other purposes," is the first in which we find an enlargement of the original powers of the commissioners of the internal improvement fund. That act requires the Governor to borrow the sum of $300,000, to be paid to the commissioners, to be by them "APPLIED in the manner und for the purposes hereinafter directed." The 4th section of the same act prescribes the manner, and directs "that it shall be the duty of the commissioners of the internal improvement fund to cause such sums to be paid out of the moneys so borrowed as aforesaid, as shall be found necessary for the construction of so much of the Pennsylvania Canal as is now authorised by law to be constructed. on warrants drawn by the

COMMISSIONERS OF THE INTERNAL IM- Governor, on the Commissioners of said fund, at the

PROVEMENT FUND.

Office of the Commissioners of the Internal
Improvement Fund, Dec. 17, 1831.

To the Speaker of the H. of R.

}

request of the board of canal commissioners, to the treasurer of said board, who shall pay out the same, &c. It thus appears that at the commencement of the system, the commissioners of the fund were passive agents in the disbursement of moneys for the conSIR-In compliance with a resolution of the House struction and incidental expenses of the canal; and all of Representatives of the 15th inst., requiring the the subsequent acts, by which the proceeds of loans Commissioners of the Internal Improvement fund, to were vested in them, make the same provisions with "furnish to the House, a statement of the moneys dis- regard to the manner in which the money shall be apbursed by them, under the provisions of the act of As-plied to the purposes intended. The 18th section of sembly, entitled "an act authorising a loan of money to be invested in the Internal Improvement fund, to be applied to the payment of repairs, damages and other demands upon said fund, and for other purposes, "passed 30th March, 1831: and if no part thereof was paid in satisfaction of damages assessed, that they state the reasons therefor"-the Commissioners of said fund beg leave to state, that the sum of $300,000, appropriated by said act, was paid over to them, and has been applied

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the 9th April, 1827, says, "all such sums shall be drawn and accounted for," as directed by the Acts of 25th February and 1st April, 1826, both of which de clare that moneys shall be paid on governor's warrants. The acts of 24th March and 18th December, 1828, provide that the money shall be applied in the manner directed by law. The Acts of 23d April, 17th Novem. ber. and 7th December, 1829, prescribe no particular mode of payment, and therefore the practice under for.

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