The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1866-03-14
Letter from the Quaker City.

-.I 4.. PHILADELPHIA, Mar. Z, 1866.
To the Editor or the Presc
Whoever expects to find in this city, the
Philadelphia of twenty-five years ago, viii be
greatly disappointed. Those characteristics
for which it was then distinguished are fast
disappearing. o"
In financial affairs Philadelphia was once
the leading city; but if we are to judge from
the condition of the municipal finances, the
glory has departed. The Treasurer of the city
has recently given notice that he will pay city
warrants that were due prior to 1855. The po-
lice are paid monthly with warrants that they
are obliged to sell at from six to eight per cent
discount.
Once Philadelphia was somewhat distin-
guished for commercial enterprise; but dur
ing the last few months they have been
trying to raise money enough to start a
line of steamers between this city and
the South. Meeting after meeting was
held. A committee of forty, represent
ing every kind of business, was elected and
sent out to draw up subscriptions. The news
papers appealed in the most earnest manner
to business men and capitalists to subscribe.-
AT last the charter was so altered by the Leg
islature as TO authorize railroad corporations to
take stock; and it is now made certain that
the line will be established. But what sad
lack ofenterprise does the history of this effort
exhibit. s.au4
In the discussions that took place at the
meetings held in the interest of this line Of
steamers and the South, it was said, that as
soon as Philadelphian has secured compe-
tency in trade, he retires from business, and
lives quietly on his income; doing nothing to
aid in developing the business resources of the
city. One of the most enterprising and pub
lic-spirited citizens of this city has just died.
He set the example of building elegant and
substantial stores on Chestnut street and in
various ways, of improving the appearance of
the city. But he was not merchant; he was
a maker of patent medicines, DIR. David Jayne.
1t is generally thought that commercial pur-
suits have tendency to enlarge and liberal
| ize the mind engaged in them. But here was
a man who made hair-tonics, expectorants
&C., setting the members of the city an exam.
pie which very few were ready to follow
While speaking of DIR. Jayne let me say thai
he commenced the drug and medicine busines.
in this city in 1885. In 1850 he completed
that large granite building in Chestnut stree
where, from that time till this, his bushes.
has been carried on. At the time ofhis death
he was building dwelling in Chestnut street
surprising in elegance any house in the city
and equalled by few in any other city in this
country. 1t is just finished, though not occu-
pied; It's cost is about 100000. DIR. Jayne
was a prominent member of the Baptis'
church; his pastor Maine man, heV. d
Wheaton Smith, DID,, of the Kenneoec vaney.
You have heard of the clean streets Oh Fila
delpbia. One of the best reasons for their be-
inc clean is, that they are so little used. The
c;tv IL snread over a large territory, is great
snrawling village, and no one street has any
considerable travel in it. There is as much
travelling in broadway, New York, in one day
| as there is in Chestnut street, Philadelphia, in
one month. But the streets of this city are
not relatively cleaner than those of any other
large city. The streets in which thepoor live
! are far from clean; not so filthy as in New