The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-02-02

ding abou: two years ago, when SIX per
sons were killed. 'fhe Doctor a~ttri5uted
that accident 10 Lightning-theFs beng a
storm at the time OF The accident; bat an
he had been able to discover ID regard TO
II was that it was the result Of steer care
lessncss; and all others who knew the
facts connected with the affair. were salts
Ged of this fact.
Sir. Trego asked 70 explain. he did
not refer, when he spoke Of 3 report that
was made by ci;izens Of Philadelphia III
to the cause Of that accident, to the one
made By DR.. Lardner. Scientific men
and others who had examined into the
matter by testimony and otherwise, did
not agree with The Doctor. lie referred
to another and much more reasonable re-
port.
Mir. Myers went on and referred 10 an
other accident. when among others killed
was q man who had TWENTY-FIVE chill
drcn, all of whom were made orphans by
this calsmity, brought about as he believ-
cd by careiessness.
Mr.. Knox sustained the resolution
He thought the resolution a necessary
one. He believed good would grow out
of its adoption, and a consequent exami-
nation into {he causes which resulted so
disastrouslg 10 human life. He thought
the action of the Legislature on this mat
ter would be materially aided by the facts
which would be disclosed to the commit
tee; and that it was the duty of the Le-
gis,ature to inquire into them. This was
a creation of The Legislature, and as such,
he believed it to be the right and the duty
of the Legislature 10 inquire into the ma
nagement which proved so fatal. He be-
lievcd il to be a legitimate subject of in
curry for the House, and essenisly ne
cessarv, for he believed more accidents Of
a disastrous nature occurred on it, than
any other road in the country, and
it was the DUTY of the Legislature TO
stop them if possible. This was az Ell
fort towards it, and should be carried out.
Mr.. Bighsm doubted the propriety of
the resolution. This was a company
work. and as such private property, which
he thought scarcely came within the legi-
innate powers of this House TO control or
regulate. He would go for a bill that
would have a general effect, the object OF
which would be TO put an end, as much
as possible, to these calamitles; but he
did not see that this resolution would pro-
mote this end. Besides, the resolution
would put the State to considerable ex-
pcnse which he wished to avoid. II a
bill was proposed 10 take general effect,
he would give il his support, but he did
not like a special law to affect the Read
ing Railroad only.
Mr.. M'Curdv asked the gentleman
from Berks (Mr. Myers whether evil
dence could be procured without the
Committee visiting the ground His
course on the resolution would be govern
ed by this. If.in the affirmative he would
support it. If in the negative he would
oppose it.
Mr.. Myers intimated that the evidence
could be procured here.
Mr.. Evans proposed that the resolution
be so amended as to make its application
general.
The House agreed to this modification:
and The resolution was then adopted.
The committee are Messrs. Myers,
Lawrence, Mather, Thompson and Nc
Curdy.
Mr.. Lawrence. from the Committee on
Claims, was instructed to report a bill for
the relief OF Thomas M'Nanara.
M. Gould, from the Committee on
Agriculture, reported the bill to prevent
AiiiIers from packing -four in old barrels
a recommendation that the bill be
negatiycd.
Mr.. MCurley. from the Committee on
was instructed 10 report a bill
extending the boundaries Of the Mixes
port school district, and for other purpo-
5es.
Mr.. Matthias. from the Committee on
Corporations, was instructed to report a
5ll providing for the incorporation Of the
Lutheran Church al Saippensburg.
Mr.. Patterson. from the Committee on
was instructed TO report a bill REL
to the sale Of unscaied L.agds in this
Commonwealth.
Mr., F%ernon. from the Select Committee
composed Of the members from the city
md county Of Philadelphia, was instruc-
ed TO report the bill as committed. author
the incorporation OF the Globe Fire
company.
Mr.. Daily, from the same eommitee, re-
ported the bill authorizing the P~assyunk
Dad in the county of Philadelphia TO be
oaved, by the consent Of the county
BOARD.
The principal objection to making N.
orleans the terminus for the line Of trans
steamships has been the bar at the