The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1841-01-16


pleting works, which the state is
pledged to accomplish, until the first
work done upon them has become use
less from decay, has proved disastrous
and ruinous on many occasions.
The course heretofore usual, Of ne
glectng TO appropriate sufficient
sum for repairs, and that early in the
session, has been seriously detrment-
al to the interests Of the Commonwealth.
At the last session the Commissioners
stated that the lowest estimate for re-
pairs required 500, 900, and the Leg
islaturs appropriated S5oo,0oo, great
portion Of which was absorbed by
debts then due. The result has shown
that the Commissioners were right.
The fund has long since been exhaust
ed. The necessary repairs have not
been completed. Those who have
been engaged at them are unpaid, and
he Supervisors are without funds to-
lay in the necessary materials for re-
pairs. The repairs on the lines of Ca
malls in use should ordinarily be made in
vinteS when they would not interrupt the
use of the Canals; aud it has usually hap
pened that before the arrival of winter, the
officers have no means at their command,
and no appropriation bill is passed until late
in the session. The whole system OF re-
pairs in consequence of the uncertainty OF
the time Of paying the werkmen, and those
who furnish materials, cost the Common
wealth much more than il would do, were
the means Of payment, ample, certain, and
promptly applied.
The Beaver division Of the Pennsylvania
Canal is already connected with The public
improvements Of Ohio, by the Pennsylva-
MIA and Ohio canal, work which has been
completed by individual enterprise. aided
by eshlic appropriations from both States,
and bids fair 10 be valuable tributary to
enr public improvements, and profitable
investment for the stockholders. II has
been accomplished at less cos! than any
other work of the kind which have visi-
ted, and is monument Of the wisdom of
its projectors, and Of the skill, prudence,
and economy of those charged with its con-
struction.
respectfully recommend to the Legis-
lalure, the enactment Of law authorizing
the Canal Commissioners TO treat with the
authorities Of the State of New York, for
such connection of our internal improve
ments with theirs, as will best promote the
interests Of the two Commonyealths. The
law should limit the terms and conditions,
and define the power and authorities of the
Commissioners in such manner as on due
consideration shall be deemed proper:
The interest of the Commonwealth would
also be advanced by entrusting the same
board with the power Of selling, or leasingi
water power created Dy our internal improve
ments. There are at many points, and in
very advantageous situations, surplus guam
titles Of water, which ceuld be pro6tablv
applied to various branches of manufactue,
without injury to the due supply Of our ca
nails. The tolls on our public improve
menis would be increased thereby, and a
considerable sum realized frem such sale OF
lease.
BY an act of the seventh April, 1885. q
guaranty was made on the part of the State,
for the payment Of an interest of five pei
cent. for twenty-five years on S200,0 600, o
the capital stock of the Bad Eagle and
Spring Creek Navigation company, and by
a subsequent act the State has since sub
seribed $4,000 to the stock Of the eompa
ny. The whole of the work is completed
and in active operation, except the last 81,
miles, od which about one third Of the ex.
cavation and embankment is made, two locks
completed and another nearly completed
A comparatively trifing sum would Gnisl
this work, but the funds of the company
are exhausted, and the Commonwealth j
annually called upon for the amount Of be
guaranty, and her subscription 10 who'll
unproductive. II is a very valuable tributa
rv TO the State Canal, terminating in on
of the riches. mineral regions in this or pei
haps any other country. Every articl
coming out of it pays toll On our Stat
canal FOR $50 miles to Columbia. I, there
fore submit TO the better judgement OF III
Legislature, whether sound economy doe
OF dictate the further subscription of a sun
sufficient to finish it; believing that is prt
duetiveness will then be amply sufficient
relieve the Commonwealth from any furtht
payment Of her guaranty.
There are at present many public in
proyemenls in course of construction
our State by meas of private companie
most of which cannot but think are calc'
lated TO benefit Pennsylvania in a very hig
degree. Among the latter may particula