Aggregate statement of 91 banks subject to the Bank Fund law, as reported to the Bank Commissioners, January 1st, 1840. Aggregate statement of all the chartered banks of the state of New York on the 1st of January, 1840. Statement of all the chartered banks of the state of New York, distinguishing between those located in the city of New York and elsewhere, January 1st, 1840. Table showing the principal items of the bank statements of all the chartered banks of the State, for the last The number of packages of Dry Goods imported from Liverpool into New York, in the month of January the last six years, were as follows: Indiana Legislature.—A bill for the relief of the contractors of the public works has passed both Houses of the Legislature of Indiana. It provides for the issue of Treasury 5,100 notes of the denomination of $5 and $50, to the amount of ..13,612 $1,500,000, receivable for state taxes, the former in 1840, the 2,959 latter in 1841. Those outstanding after the latter period, are to be redeemed by a fund from the sale of the interest of the state in any lots, property, or debts due from banks. Average of the six years 10,168. This shows a diminution in the average importation of the last month of 7,209 packages from the port of Liverpool only. Repeal of Charters.-The Legislature of Ohio have decided, by a solemn vote of both Houses, that they have the right to repeal any act of incorporation.-Jour. of Com. A square of ground in the city of New Orleans, bounded by Tchoupitoulas, Common Magazine and Canal streets, was sold a few days ago by the U. S. Marshal for $255,850being at the rate of nearly $475 for each foot of ground fronting on any of the four streets named. This Division extends from Northumberland to Farrandsville, and is 73 miles in length. It also includes the Bald Eagle and Lewisburg side cuts, making an aggregate of 77 miles of finished canal and slack water navigation. The lockage from the pool of the dam at Northumberland to Farrandsville, is 138 feet. Although one of the main designs of the projectors of this improvement, was to form a continuous water communication between the Susquehanna and Allegheny rivers; the expenditure, so far as the work has progressed, has been a wise and judicious one, if even the completion of the work should for a time be delayed. This board have the fullest confidence in the practicability of uniting the Eastern and Western waters, by the West Branch route, and believe, that that great object will be accomplished at no distant day. The line, as far as completed, passes through one of the finest agricultural regions in Pennsylvania, and penetrates the rich bed of bituminous coal and iron ore of Lycoming and Centre counties. Navigation has not been interrupted a single day during the present season, and the trade upon the canal greatly exceeds that of any former year. Twenty-five miles of the Williamsport and Elmira railroad have been completed, and are now in active use, which has very considerably increased the business and travel on this division. If that road was finished to Elmira, in New York, it would open an important thoroughfare between the bituminous coal and iron regions of Pennsylvania and the Lake country, abounding with salt, gypsum, &c., of New York. Companies have been incorporated in both states, and the stock has been subscribed, but the deranged state of the currency, and consequent scarcity of funds, have, for the present, suspended the further prosecution of the work. Bituminous coal is used entirely as a fuel in the locomotives, on this road. Five thousand dollars will be required on this division, for new work on old lines. The amount drawn from the Treasury, for repairs during the last fiscal year, was $27,965 59. A towing-path and road bridge is much needed across the pool of the Dunnsburg dam. In addition to the business upon the canal, which it would accommodate, the leading public road along the valley of the West Branch, crosses the river at that point; the travel of which, would of itself, in the opinion of the board, fully justify the expenditure which will be required in its construction. Its cost is estimated at $25,000. On the 30th of October the board examined the Bald Eagle and Spring creek navigation. By the act of the 7th April, 1835, the faith of the state was pledged for the payment of an interest of five per cent. per annum for twenty-five years, on $200,000, the capital stock of the company, and by a subsequent act, the state became a stockholder to the amount of $25,000. The whole length of the improvement is twentyfive miles, extending from the state dam, on the Bald Eagle creek, at the head of the side cut to Bellefonte. The board found nineteen miles of the lower end of the line, from the state dam to the Eagle Iron Works, opened for navigation, in good order, and in active operation. On the upper section of six miles, considerable work has been done. About onethird of the excavation and embankment is made—two locks are completed, and another nearly finished. The board were informed that about $25,000 had been expended on the division of six miles, between Bellefonte and Eagle Iron Works. The capital of the company consists of $200,000 in stock, and the subscription on the part of the state of $25,000. The company realized $2,000 by the sale of a water right, and is now indebted about 3,000. The whole expenditure of the company is, therefore, $230,000. It will be observed from the foregoing, that although this In August last, contracts were entered into for repairing the dam across the Bald Eagle, and the dam at Dunnstown-improvement is in the hands and under the control of an inthe former is nearly completed, and the latter in such a state of forwardness, as to render it secure. Extensive repairs are required at the Muncy dam, much of the covering of the dam has been worn through, and the stone filling washed out of the lower slope. It has been partially repaired this season, but will next year require thorough and permanent repairs. The dam across Loyalsock creek requires planking, and the works connected with it being so low, as to be liable to inundation in times of high water, the length of wier should be increased, or the embankments raised; the board would recommend the latter. corporated company, it is in fact a state work, constructed on the faith and credit of the Commonwealth. By the third section of the act of 1835, it is reserved to the Commonwealth, at any time after the guaranty shall cease, to take possession of the work and connect it with their other works of inland navigation, "on payment of the real cost thereof." On communicating with the president of the company, he has, by letter, informed the board that the company would at any time surrender the charter to the state, the stockholders receiving a five per cent. stock on the actual expenditure. The location is good, and the work well and economically executed. The tolls the present year, in the unfinished state of the work, amounted to $2,155. By a table furnished by the collector, it appears that the tolls, received by the Commonwealth, on merchandise that ascended and descended the Bald Eagle and Spring creek navigation, amounted to $6,043. If the line were finished, the business would be greatly increased; and as the tolls are pledged to the state, to meet the guaranty, it is the opinion of the board that the legislature $28,594 75 should provide for its immediate completion; and by making 1,789 24 such arrangement with the stockholders, as would be satis1,241 00 factory and just, connect this work with the other public im2,589 60 provements of the state. 28,250 00 The walls of the combined outlet locks, on the Lewisburg side cut, have given way, and the whole work requires rebuilding. The dam also, is in a bad condition-it should be repaired, and raised an additional foot in height. The following estimate, shows the amount required for repairs on this division: 3,925 00 2,625 00 7,662 50 French Creek Division. FEEDER LINE. The French creek feeder, from the head of navigation, in Rebuilding outlet locks on Lewisburg side cut, 20,703 50 the pool of Bemus' dam, three miles above Meadville, to 3,150 00 the junction of the Erie extension, including the Conneaut 750 00 lake, is twenty-seven miles in length. 800 00 A portion of this line was completed in 1829, the re500 00 mainder in 1834. It was made with the design of convey7,815 00ing the waters of French creek to the Conneaut lake, which it is proposed to raise to the height of eleven feet above its present surface, and thus form a reservoir for the Erie extension or the main line of canal, from Beaver to the harbour of Erie. It is twenty-eight feet wide at the bottom, with a descent of three inches to the mile, and is calculated for four feet depth of water. Owing to the limited business done on this line of canal, and the inadequate appropriations for keeping it in repair, it has not at any time been in a navigable condition, throughout its whole length. Since July, 1837, when the dam at Bemus' mill was injured by the flood, no part of the feeder has been used for the purpose of navigation. From the advanced state of the work on the Erie extension, the summit level of which can only be supplied from this source, a thorough repair of this line can no longer be procrastinated. It is expected if the necessary funds are provided for carrying on the work, that the water will be let into the extension in 1841. The Conneaut reservoir should therefore be in readiness. Conneaut reservoir when full, and 510 feet above the level of Lake Erie. This division of the public works has been so long neglected by the Legislature, that a very large sum will be required to effect the repairs, which must soon be made, or the improvement abandoned. The inhabitants of the valley of French creek are now, by the destruction of Bemus' dam, dam No. 1, at Sugar creek, and d'am No. 4, in a much worse condition than they were before the canal was commenced; and sheer justice to them demands that the works should either be repaired, or the obstructions removed from the bed of the stream and a free and uninterrupted descending navigation restored. The completion of the canal from Conneaut Lake to Erie, will, in the opinion of the board, justify the expenditure of a sum sufficient to place this line in a condition fit for public use— especially when it is considered that steamboats ply to a considerable extent, a large portion of the year between Pittsburg and Franklin. When a continuous canal from the harbour of Erie to Franklin is opened, it is not presuming too much to anticipate a brisk reciprocal trade between the salt, plaster, and other products of the lake country, and the iron, lumber, and the other staples of the valley of French creek and the Allegheny. In August last, the Canal Commissioners directed the reremoval of dam No. 1, at Sugar creek, which, from the lowabove. To restore the navigation it will now be necessary to construct a new piece of canal, nearly four miles in length, remove and rebuild one lock, build an aqueduct over Sugar creek, three culverts, two waste weirs, seven farm bridgeswhich is estimated to cost $54,513 00. By the fourth section of the act of 19th July last, entitled, "An act to provide for the several lines of canal and railroad, and to continue the improvements of the state," the Canal Commissioners were authorized to change the location of the feeder dam on French Creek, and extend the feeder up said creek to a distance not exceeding two miles, if, after a careful examination by a competent engineer, they should deem such change necessary to promote the interest of the commonwealth, and insure the permanency of the work.-ness of the flats, caused great injury to the owners of lands Upon examining the proposed change of the site of the feeder dam, the board observed that it had been originally located at the point where it is now proposed to fix it, and that a part of the work had actually been done. The Legislature not satisfied with the location made by the officers who were familiar with the subject, and abundantly qualified to judge, directed by a special act of assembly, the dam to be built on its present site at Bemus' mill. The board have no hesitation in expressing their opinion that the first (or upper) location was the proper one, and if the work was now to be commenced, would recommend its adoption, but considering the present situation of the work, they do not deem a change conducive to the interests of the Commonwealth, or necessary to ensure the permanency of the dam. They are satisfied the works may be made permanent at the present site. The cost of extending the feeder two miles further up the creek to McGuffin's falls, and building a new dam, is estimated at $33,075 00. To repair the old dam at Bemus' mill will require $16,412 00-accomplishing the same object at less than half the cost. The ruinous condition of the work on this line, requires that a liberal appropriation be made for repairs. The aqueduct across French creek is in such a condition as to require a renewal of the trunk, and extensive repairs on the abutments and piers. The trunk being but fifteen feet in width, will be rebuilt conformably to the resolution of the board of the 25th of March last, requiring all uncovered aqueducts to to be thirty-five feet wide in the clear. The following is the estimated amount required to repair the feeder line of the French creek division: Feeder dam at Bemus' mill, Aqueduct over French creek, Aqueduct over Watson's run,. Bridges, Canal, Raising towing path, Outlet lock and guard gates, Should the Legislature determine to make the necessary Repairing and raising towing path, 27,500 00 4,050 00 27,300 00 6,000 CO The Erie extension commences at the head of the pool, six miles above New Castle, and terminates in the harbour of Presque Isle, at Erie. It is 105 miles in length, and is divided in two lines, viz: The Shenango line extending to the summit at Conneaut lake 60 miles, and the Conneaut $16,412 00 line from thence to Erie 45 miles. The ascent from the 19,607 50 pool above New Castle to the summit when the reservoir is 3,140 50 full, is 287 feet and the descent from the summit to the sur8,400 00 face of Lake Erie, is 510 feet, making the entire lockage 18,750 00 797 feet. 22,500 00 6,750 00 11,000 00 $106,560 00 The amount drawn from the Treasury for repairs on the feeder line during the last fiscal year, was $4,000. Franklin Line. This line commences at the feeder aqueduct over French creek, and extends down that stream to its junction with the Allegheny river, at the town of Franklin, and is 224 miles in length. The lockage is 128 feet. The surface of the water in the canal at the aqueduct, will be level with the Shenango Line. Forty-five and a half miles of this line were put under contract in 1836, the remainder in 1838. During the past season the work has progressed with much spirit, notwithstanding the difficulty under which contractors laboured for want of funds. The first 43 miles extending from the head of slack water on the Beaver division to the village of Greenville, will be completed and ready for the water about the usual period of opening the navigation in the spring. There are on this line 44 locks, of these 35 are built of cut stone, and nine are constructed on the composite plan with stone walls faced with plank; five dams; three aqueducts; twenty-one road bridges, and twenty-four waste weirs. The line crosses the Pymatuning swamp near its south eastern extremity by a heavy embankment which is to be raised to such height as to create a reservoir eleven feet deep, overflowing about six hundred acres. This reservoir will be about fifty feet below the main reservoir at Conneaut lake and will contain upwards of 145 millions of cubic feet of water above water line of the canal. Pennsylvania. This connexion is of immense importance to the interests of both states—it will not only add materially to the business done on the public improvements of both, but to the permanent wealth of large sections of the territory of each. It opens a new market for the rich anthracite and bituminous coal regions, embracing the valleys of Wyoming, Conneaut line is designed to be converted into a great Lackawanna and Towanda, and in return furnishes an imreservoir by embanking across the outlet at Evansburg, and proved highway to market for the salt, gypsum, and agriculintroducing the waters of French creek by an artificial feed-tural productions of that portion of the State of New York er which has already been constructed. The entire Con- bordering on the lakes. During the past summer the board neaut line, and fifteen miles of the Shenango line will rely visited and examined the country around the northern termainly upon this source for a supply. The water in the lake mination of this line of improvements, as well as the conat its present elevation is four feet below the bottom of the templated connexions with it in New York. That state has canal, when raised it will be eleven feet above its present sur- already extended her improvements, so as to intersect the face, covering twenty-six hundred acres. The upper three Susquehanna, by canals at two points, viz: By the Shenango feet will be available as a supply during the driest portion of canal from Utica on the Erie canal to Binghamton on the the year, and contain three hundred millions of cubic feet of Susquehanna, thirty-nine miles from the state line near water above the usual depth of canal. Athens; and also from Montezuma on the Erie canal, by Seneca lake and the Chemung canal to Elmira on the Chemung branch of the Susquehanna, sixteen miles above the state line near Athens. A connexion has also been formed from Montezuma by the Cayuga lake and the Ithaca and This line was located in 1838, and eleven and a half miles Owego railroad to Owego on the Susquehanna, eighteen including twenty-three sections, thirteen locks, six culverts miles from the state line. By surveys made under the diand two bridges, were let to contractors. The remainder of rection of the Canal Commissioners of New York, it has the work was put under contract during the present year.- been ascertained that a connexion by either of these routes It is divided into sixty-one sections, comprising seventy-one is entirely practicable, and from the deep interest which that locks, two aqueducts, five culverts, fifty waste wiers, forty-state has in accomplishing that object, this board can enterone road bridges, and forty farm bridges. The locks will be tain no doubt that it will before long be undertaken and built upon the composite plan of stone and wood, and the completed. It is submitted to the legislature whether sound wooden locks, directed by the late board, entirely dispensed policy requires the adoption of any measures on the part of with. Pennsylvania to secure concert of action between that state and this. The whole cost of the Shenango line is estimated at $1,658,679 €6. Conneaut Line. It was designed by the Engineer who lately had charge of this extension, to pass Elk and Walnut creeks by means of high embankments and culverts. Upon examination of the line, by the present engineer, he recommended the abandonment of the culverts and embankments, and the substitution of aqueducts. The board adopted his suggestions, and thereby saved to the Commonwealth, upwards of one hundred thousand dollars, in the cost of the construction. Those streams at the points where the canal crosses them, have worn immense gulfs. The banks on both sides are precip itous, composed of argilaceous slate, and about one hundred feet, in height. The width across the Walnut creek gulf is six hundred feet, and across that of Elk creek, four hundred feet. The work upon the Erie extension, is progressing as rapidly as the limited means, under the control of the canal, commissioners will admit. Should prompt provision be made by the legislature, for supplying the necessary funds, the whole line can be completed during the year 1841. The entire cost of constructing the Conneaut line is estimated at.. Shenango line,..... Total estimated cost of Erie extension,... Balance required to complete,...... The board would recommend that one half of the above sum required to complete, should be appropriated by the present legislature. That portion of the North Branch extension between Athens and Wyalusing creek is designated the Tioga line. From Wyalusing to Lackawanna it is termed the Tunkhannock line. The Tioga line is thirty-five miles and fifty-six chains in length, and was put under contract in 1836. It is divided into fifty-eight sections, seventeen of which are completed, and the remainder in as great a state of forwardness as the funds applicable to the work would justify. The lockage is seventy four feet, which is overcome by nine lift locks, in addition to which there are four guard locks on the line, three aqueducts, two dams, nine waste weirs, and forty public and farm bridges. The amount of work done on this line, up Whole cost of Tioga line,.. $540,270 37 548,610 73 27,430 53 $1,416,311 63 But $1,612,515 45 For further particulars, in relation to the progress of the work, the location and condition of the line, and the supply of water, the attention of the legislature is respectfully referred to the report of W. Milnor Roberts, Esq., herewith submitted. North Branch Extension. The North Branch extension commences at the village of Athens in Bradford county, and connects with the Wyoming line at the mouth of Lackawanna creek. It is ninety miles in length, and has 189 feet of lockage. The design of the legislature in authorizing the extension of the North Branch division to the state line was to effect a connexion between the improvements of New York and VOL. II.-18 The Tunkhannock line is fifty-four miles and nineteen chains in length. The most difficult and expensive sections of the line were put under contract in July, 1838. No part of the mechanical work has yet been commenced, the second section of the act of July last, making appropriations to this |