,; l i i THE DAILY TELEGRAPH PHILADELPHIA; FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1870. FAIRMOUNT PARK. THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS. History of the Park During the Past Year Its Future Prospects What It Has Cost the People. Below we give in full the second annual re port of the Commissioner of Fairmount Park, just issued, together with the moat essential portions of the Chief Engineer's report: Report of the CommWaloner. la the flmt annual report of the Park Oomrais amners a narrative of the origin of the Park, and the accnMive steps by which It advanoed from its taslgrjlncant inception, when It consisted of pnly nve acres, to its present magnificent area of nearly three thousand acres, was succinctly glyen. 1 hat arrattTe, cartons and intruotie as It is, need not now be repeated. As soon as conveniently may be It Is the intention of the Commisnlouers to furnish, as a contribution to our local history, a more com plete review of those movements, which, at nrnt and for a long period slow and wearisome and dis couraging, afterwards became rapid, animated and ucoensful; and also to present, so far as records and traditions will enable them to do so, an ac count of the various estates comprised within the Park bordors. Many of these, it is well known, through their owners and occunants, were identified with the social and civil progress of Philadelphia in all its earlier career; and such an account, while intrinsically full of Interest, will, it is believed, give a new value to the Park, by clustering around its most attractive portions Inspiring memories of the deeds and the men of times long since passed away, but the benefits of whose labors still survive lor the edification of the present and coming gene rations. if thore has heretofore existed a division of opinion as to the desirableness of a great Park for Philadelphia, the result of the experiment thus far made iu that direction has certainly removed It. On that subject there Is universal accord. Though still comparatively in He infancy, and with no strikingly visible improvements, except the laying out of roads and foot-paths, which give access to aome of its conspicuous features, the Park has not only been a source of gratification to hundreds of thousands of visitors, but it has already become, in the estimation of the country at large, a sugges tive and distinctive svmbol of our metropolitan advancement. Famous as this city has been, along from Its very foundation,' for its benevolent and charitable associations, and for the in stitutions of learning and science which, keep ing even pace Willi its growth, have here matured into acknowledged superiority, it is not to be denied that, especially of later years, apart from business motives, It has not presented in so large a degree as it should havo done, those inducements to strangers to come, or to tarry when here, which are among the most vigorous indica tions oi metropolitan wisdom. Our churches, our schools, our libraries, our hospitals, our galleries of art, our collections In natural science, all bore, as tbey still bear, favorable comparison with simi lar objects elsewhore, and In places of mere amuse ment we cre not notably deficient; but, while possessing environs cf exceeding beauty, from the want of suitable facilities of approach, our advan tages In this respect were immeasurably lost to us. In spring the mud, In summer the dust, In autumn the slime, and In winter the slush, which cause so much discomfort on our highways, have, except to our own citizens, made the hills and the vales and the groves which offer go many and such varied charms in our immediate vicinity al most wholly unfamiliar. Many persons whose journey Ings brought them to Philadelphia came and went with no better notion of its topography than that it is built in the centre of a plain, having no greater irregularity of surface than an occasional mound of cobble stones, and no rural surroundings besides scattered ranges of cattle pons and lengthened stretches of cabbage cardens. The extension of the Park has dispelled such illusions. For all who chooso to pass its portals, there are walks and drives, mile after miles In extent, which, leading through scenes of unsurpassed loveliness, conduct to the fairest and the brightest prospects. The importance of large open spaces In great cities as means of health and enjoyment to the In habitants is too obvious to need comment. Their value as sources of attraction to strangers is equally apparent. For the people of Phdadelphia the Park had become a necessity. The rapid expansion of the material limits ot the city, the immense in crease of its population, and the constant enlarge ment of its Industries and its tralllc, demanded, as well for sanatory as commercial reasons, that it should be supplied with the opportunities for fresh air and agreeable relaxation, which only extensive parks can furnish. Such being the case, it was most fortunate that the site selected was procurable, lor It Is no exaggeration to say that, In all the re quisite adjuncts and auxiliaries, it is unequalled, laying In what in a few years will be the very heart of the city; exhibiting, singly and in com bination, every variety of picturesque aspect; pre senting contours, both smooth and broken, adapted to all forms of embellishment, and noils suited to all kinds of cultivation; boun tifully endowed with stately and umbrageous trees; Irrigated by numerous brooks, which, as they meander from the higher to the lower levels, babble over pebbly bottoms, or leap in Hash ing cascades, or spread into shining pools; and partly composed of two romantic streams, flow ing for wiles between banks of verdurous lawn or sloping woodland, or rock-girt pre cipice, Falrmouut Park, considered In reference to the uses for which It is intended, and the situation it occupies, may justly claim to be without a rival. Superb and elegant as are many of the parks be longing to European capitals, except in the archi tectural and sculptural adornments which the lavish application of wealth has bestowed, or the grand and graceful arboreous avenues which the careful nurture of centuries has secured, there is no one among them which is its superior, while In natural capabilities it far excels them all. And if the people of Philadelphia have been for tunate In the site selected for their Park because of these natural capabilities, they are still more fortunate in the economic results which that selec tion Involves. For many years the gravest topic submitted for municipal deliberation had been one connected with the water supply of the city. "Whether that supply could continue to be drawn In sufficient abundance and of the desired purity from the Schuylkill, or whether It would have to be sought in more distant regions, were questions which deeply exercised not only the public func tionaries, but all thoughtful citizens. In the dis cussion of these questions it became manifest that if the latter alternative were adopted, it would compel an outlay of many millions of dollars. The formation of huge artificial lakes and the con struction of long lines of aqueducts through a rugged country, as experience elsewhere bad shown, could only be accomplished at enormous expense, ami, when completed, the cost of maintenance and re pair would be proportionably heavy. To avert this but one course was feasible, and that was the dedication of the Park as its boundaries are now defined. The fact was urgent that If some early measures to prevent the spread of manufac turing establishments along the margins of the Schuylkill and its tributaries were not adopted, the unavoidable discbarge of impurities from these Into the river would render its waters certainly unpal atable and probably unwholesome. Already, in deed, the oil refineries, and other worksof a noxious character, whose debris was deposited in the stream, had, at intervals, communicated a repulsive taint to its flavor, and their growing numbers threat ened to render It altogether insalubrious. By obtaining an amount of land on both sides of the river, from the bridge at Callowhlll street to the Kails, sufllclent to secure positive control of the drainage into it between those points, and by erect ing a sewer to receive and carry oft' the drainage ' from Manayunk, Falls Village and intermediate places, the purity of the water, in tho Judgment of scientific experts, would certainly be preserved; and thus protected, it was not doubted that, with proper reservoirs for storage, the supply would be ample, unless in exceptional cases of drought, for more than double the present number of residents. Mow, as the price of the land acquired and to be acquired for this purpose, and the sum to he applied to the contemplated sewer, will not, according to the most liberal calculation, be equal to one-half the estimated cost of bringing the water from a distance, singular and paradoxical as the statement mav seem, it is. nevertheless, true that, by this purchase, Philadelphia will actually save money, and practically get a Park for nothing. In other words: without the acquisition and disposition ot this land, It would not be ixHHlble to protect tne bcuuyi klll from such contamination as would speedily make its waters unfit for general use, and In that contingency a resort to remoter sources of supply would oe Inevitable. Such a resort could not be successfully had without the expenditure of at least twice the amount expended in procuring the erounds In Fairmount Park, it follows that the city will secure an abundant supply of pure water lor very much less than It would otherwise have cost; and that, in addition to this great boon, it has obtained a spacious Park, which will yield to its citizens unfailing elements of invlgoratlon and delight, and oiler to sojourners within Its gates op pvrtuuitlet of vtereise and pleasure beneath the peulal skies and amid thn gracious sight which give strength to the bodv and bring Joy to the spirit. Vp to the 31st of December, 1W0, the amount paid by the Comniimloner to owners of land, with whom the valuation hod been reaehod by mutual agree ment, was S3,120,flfil HI, and for necessary Court charges, In this connsotlon, SlfiM 82; and the mount paid for land, for which tho damages were sserwed by juries, was f 81,139 40, and for charges 60 60, making a total lor land purchase of 43,127 ,07 S, and for land damages 81,189 92, lo all, t3,208,2r7 . These figures, it must be borne In mind, Include, beyond the fee simple of the soil, the numerous buildings erected and the Improvements of various kinds made upon it. As portions ef the land which was indispensable were peculiarly adapted to manufacturing pur poses, many of these Improvements were of a costly character; but, while the owners have been equit ably compensated, the Commissioners believe that, taking the whole body of the land as the basis of calculation, it has been obtained on terms quite as moderate as could have been expected. When It la remembered that the properties acquired by the Commissioners embrace two hundred and sixty three distinct parcels, and spread over very many miles, and that in numerous cases, in the very na ture of things, the negotiations were tedious and complicated, some idea may be formed of the amount of labor performed in this behalf by the Committee on Land purchases and Damages, to whom the duty was delegated. That committee, in addition to the personal visitations made for information and ex amination, met on each Friday throughout the year, without any Intermission; and to their sealous In dustry and their thorough knowledgeof the subjects with which they had to deal it is mainly due that so much has been achieved, and with such entire satisfaction. While the process of reducing Into actual posses sion the land constituting the Park is still In pro gress, no system of improvement which at once embraces the wbolo and each of tho parts can be finally adopted. But as rapidly as they have come into possession of contiguous pieces, the Commis sioners have endeavored to make them available for present uses, and, so far as practicable, to adapt them to their ultimate purposes, in that portion of the Park which lies east of the Schuylkill and north of Girard avenue the tracts they now hold arc separated by Intervening tracts, which still re main unadjusted or unadjudlcated, and except In the way of surveys and preparation they have not been able to effect much. In so much of the western portion of the Park as is now thoroughly under their control, they have laid out carriage roads and foot paths through some of the most attractive scenery, and have removed with all convenient speed every obstacle to its general enjoyment by the public. This description of work is under the special care of the Committee on Plans and Improvements; and a detailed statement of what has beon thus done and projected will be found In the copious and elaborate report of the Chief Engineer. The Lans downe drive, to which that report refers, was for mally opened on the 24th of June, ltMi!); and the cere mony was participated in by the judicial, legisla tive and executive authorities of the city, assisted by a vast assemblage of citizons. The occasion was in all respects one of marked and memor able interest. But what especially distinguished it was the presence and active co-operation of the venerable Jesse George, on the summit of whose munificontj gift of land to the city the crowning act was performed. Kebecca George, who, actuated by the same generous and patriotic motives, had united with her brother in his most liberal dona tion, shrunk, with womanly delicacy, from any display in the face of such a crowd as was then gathered; but when, without any formal parade, on the following 10th of September, the burgee flag, inscribed with the title "George's Hill," was hoisted to the masthead of the Concourse, over which It Is henceforth to float, she took part in the unostentatious demonstration. In- less than two months from the date of this occurrence Kebecca George was no more. She had nearly attained four-score years, and during her whole life was a pattern of tho unobtrusive goodness which charac terizes the religious community to which she be longed. Simple in her tastes and habits, she was, at the same time, earnest, sincere, affectionate and faithful. From childhood upward she had been the companion and friend of her brother: and when he determined on the noble act which has insepa rably associated their family name with Fairmount Park, she cordially Joined with him. The respeot due to a public benefactress was shown to her me mory by the municipal government. Councils passed resolutions of euloglum and regret, and ap pointed a joint committee to attend uer iunerai along with the Mayor, and thePark Commissioners placed upon their minutes the following tribute: Resolved, That tho Fairmount Park Commis sioners with Borrow record on their minutes the de cease of Kebecca George, on the tenth day of No vember, lKtj'j, in tne sevenry-mntu year ot ner age. Resolved. That this Commission, in common with all the citizens of Philadelphia, owe to the memory of Kebecca George a debt or gratitude tor the liberal spirit she manifested in the grant of her share of "George's Hill" to the city. Kesolved, xuat this commission, lor memseives and their successors, and for the citizens of Phila delphia, acain declare their purposo that the name of Kebecca George, and that of her honored brother, shall in all future time bo associated with their pleasure, health and enjoyment when visiting that most beautiful part of the Park, "George's Hill;" and that it shall stand a monument to their name and honor forever. Kesolved, That we sincerely sympathize with our city's benefactor, Jesse George, in this his great bereavement, in the Iobs of his only near relative and home companion of upward of three-fourths of a century; and with these resolutions we tender to him our Blncere condolence and very respectful re gards, together with our desires that he may con tinue in the enjoyment of health and long life. Kesolved, 'J hat the Commissioners will attend the funeral of Kebecca George at the adjournment of this session. The establishment of a Park guard, and its adaptation and training, have occupied the serious attention of the Commissioners, and, thanks to the diligent supervision of the Committee on Police and Superintendence, it now possesses great eltl ciency and renders excellent service. As a rule, the visitors to the Park, of all ages and classes, have exhibited the most laudable order and good conduct, and the instances of wilful violation of decorum or wanton depredation of proporty have been relatively few. Whenever these have oc curred, prompt arrest and certain punisn ment have taught the offenders that they cannot do wrong with impunity; and the salutary influence of such examples has deterred the evil-minded from similar aggressions. The regulations adopted for the government of the Park have proved most eitective. rrcpareu. as they have boon, so as to give to all the largest liberty in the use and enjoyment of the advantages which the Park otters, consistent with a decent re. spectfor propriety of demeanor; and proclaimed In so many ways that the most unobservant cannot truthfullyjpfead ignorance of their requirements, they have commended themselves to general favor, and have commanded general compliance. While Imposing restraints designed only to prevent un warranted license, tho Commissioners have as stdouBly sought to furnish to the masses of the peo ple every facility of access to, and recreation within, the splendid domain which owes its exist ence to their liberality, and which Is sacredly set apart that they, and the mases of the people who are to succeed' them, may find in it a blessing and a solace forever. Steamboats and rowboats have been encouraged to ply on the Schuylkill; wheeled vehicles have been authorized, at moderate rates and with suitable safeguards against imposition, to carry passengers over the grounds; arrangements for cheap fares and frequent truing have been made with the railroads that penetrate the Park, and places for temperate rufrebhment have been pro vided. And as an earnest of what they hope to effect hereafter, during the past summer the Commissioners Inaugurated a series of afternoon concerts, which, though neither iiKn so large a scale nor so often repeated as they could have wished, proved eminently successful, and will sti mulate to renewed exertions iu furtherance of the same object. On the lllth of Scptembor, WO, the corner-stone of a monument to tho memory of Alexander Von Humboldt was laid in a portion of the Park set apart tor the purpose. Tho time chosen was the centennial anniversary of the birth of the world renowned philosopher; and the ceremonies, which were imposing and lmpresBive, were conducted by the Grand Lodge of Masons in the State of Penn sylvania, in connection with the Park Commission ers, the German Society (at whose Instance the matter was begun) and other institutions. At some future day it may be presumed that statues and monuments will form conspicuous ornaments of the Park grounds; but it is the intention of the Commissioners to scrutinize with watchful care all applications In this particular, in order that none shall be admitted which will not stand as memorials of eminent public services or virtues, and illustrate in their design and execntlon the highest attain ments of art. in the present case permission was granted to lay the corner-stone "on condition that no monument shall be erected thereon until the de sign for the same shall bo accepted by the Park Commission; and with the further condition that any monument, when so erected, shall be the pro perty of the Park Commissioners, to be exclusively controlled by them." And similar conditions will be exacted from all who solicit similar privilege ). Among the events of the year Just closed there Is one that deserves notice as the first stop In a move ment which may result In a permanent institution that will give the Park an additional bold uion popular regard. In various parts of the Park grounds are chestnut and walnut and other nut- bearing trees, numbering over four thousand, of which many hundreds gave promise of a plentiful crop. It became the subject of consideration to devise a plan that would give the enjoyment of this harvest to the public, without incurring the risk of the disorder and dangers that might ensae from lto indiscriminate gathering by all comers. Hence arose the idea of appropriating the nut to the school children of the city. And to avoid confusion In the first trial of the experiment, It , was deemed advisable to confine the Invitation to the public schools, whose perfect discipline it was believed would secure the best arrangement for the safety and comfort of the large throngs of young people. An Invitation was accordingly given to the Board of Controllers, who entered heartily Into the pro ject, and, by the oo-operatlon of the school direc tors ef the various district and of the teachers, were enabled to make the holiday complete success. So great was the appreciation of It as to give rise to suggestion for Instituting two Park holidays, one in June for botanical and floral recreation, end one in the autumn Tor nut-gathering. The date of nutting-day last year1 was the 8th of October, which was at the period of the first ripening of chestnut. The walnut fell a week earlier, and the hickory nuts a week or two later. The number of persons pre sent on the occasion was estimated to be sixty thou sand, and the principal embarrasmont in arranging for the visit grew out of the difficulty of transport ing such multitudes of children and teachers to the Park from home scattered over She wide area ef the city. The trouble from this cause may be di minished in future by arranging the schools lntwo or more divisions, to come on diflerent days. With such an arrangement, the pupils of private schools and Inmates of children's homes could also come on appointed days, accompanied in all esses by their teachers or care-taker. In this way the people of Philadelphia may be brought into closer mutual sympathy by a feeling of common Interest in the improvement and maintenance of the Park. Since the last report, some changes have taken place in the personnel of the Commission. On the 1st of January, 1RC9, the Hon. Daniel M. Fox was installed as Mayor, of the city, and became ex oltlclo a member of the board. On the same day James H. Castle, a valuable and active Commis sioner, who had fulfilled his duties most faithfully and Intelligently, felt constrained by the urgency of his private business to relinquish hisseat, and the District Court appointed Morton McMlchael, whose official term as Mavor, and with it his functions as Commissioner, bad Just expired, to fill the vacancy. At a meeting held Immediately thereafter, on the motion of Mayor Fox, Mr. McMlchael was re elected president, a post ho had occupied from the outset. On the 19th of June Joseph F.Marcer re signed his position as secretary of the Board. Mr. Marcer, In virtue of his office as president of Cora inon ('mindl. was a member of the original Com mission, and whllo the difficult work of moulding and constructing the novel organization was iu progress, he rendered Important aid by his knowl edge of allairs, and by the Bkiil with which he discharged the onerous and exacting duties of secretary, in which capacity he continued to act being a Commissioner, of course, without com pensation until the date mentioned. On the re signation of Mr. Marcer, David F. Foley, who, as assistant secretary, had given ample proof of his industry and abilities, was promoted to the princi pal place, with a suitable salary. On the Tth.of Oc tober Louis Wagner, successor to Mr. Marcoras President of Common Council, was added to the Commission; and on the 3d of January, 1870, Samuel W. Cattell, then chosen president of Se lect Council, replaced William S. Stokley, whoso service in that relation reosed. During his con nection with the Commission Mr. Stokley exhi bited the same zeal and energy which have dis tinguished him in the various public stations he has held. From what has been stated, it will be seen that while all has been done for the Park that a judi cious disposition of tho means at command would sanction, it can only be regarded as having entered upon the first stages of initiation. Pending the topographical survey, which, from the extensive area to be gone over, and tho Interruptions una voidably encountered, required a large force and a long time for Its consummation, no permanent plan for action could be adopted. Anxious as the Commissioners were to give to the public the use of the Park as fast as the diflerent tracts of which It is made up came into their possession, they did not wait for any preliminaries except such as were absolutely essential. As soon as fences and other obstructions could be removed, they opened provi sional roads and paths, and erected snch temporary structures as the exigency demanded. In this course, so long as it will promote the accommoda tion and convenience of the public, they propose to persevere. But something more is necessary. The surveys are now nearly finished, and all the data for a broad and comprehensive system of Im provement, embracing the entire Park, in all its relations and dependencies, will soon be at their disposal. Feeling the great responsibility which rests upon them, they have resolved to con sult the highest talent in engineering and land scape gardening they can find, as to what that system of Improvement should be. Edu cated and trained, as several of the Commis sioners have been, as engineers, and aided, as they are, by the taste and skiliof their own accomplished Chief'Engineer, with the general information as to park requirements which all the members of the Board feel they possess, it 1b from no want of confi dence in their ability to grapple with the ordinary questions that may arise, they are impelled to seek this assistance. But In so wide a field of operations as Fairmount Park includes, and with so many and such various objects as it contains, they think that, in order that the parts may harmonize with each other and with the whole, it is essential that the knowledge which only comes with experlence.and the faculties of perception, selection, apposition and distribution, which must be sedulously cultivated in this special pursuit before they can master its difficulties, should be employed, if for nothing else, at least to sketch the picture which other hands may execute. In this, however, as in everything belonging to the administration of the Park, the Commissioners will keep constantly In view the strictest principles of economy. They realize that nature has been so prodigal In her bounties has granted so profusely her choicest favors to the Park, that discreet utilization, rather than sumptuous de coration, will be needed; and to this end they will direct the attention of those to whom they may apply for instruction. While the general plan 1b in preparation there are certain details so evidently proper that It may be assumed they will In any event be embraced in it. Of this description is a river drive on both sides of the Schuylkill, to extend on the westbe vond Falls brldgo, and on the east to the mouth of the WlFsahlckon, and thence to follow the windings of the latter until it passes beyond the Park limits. This drive has already been plotted out, and It will be commenced as early as circumstances will per mit. When completed on the eastern shore, and connected with the Wlssahickon valley, it will fur nish a line of Park travel fully ten miles in length, through scenery diversified from the placid smooth ness of a lake reposing among grassy meadows, to the sweeping dash of the torrent as it struggloa and roars between lofty pine-clad summits. The marginal road on the western shore will, In like manner, approach the ravine known as Roberts' hollow, where beneath the shade of sombre forest groups a rapid stream rushes through a rocky channel; and ascending by the sinuous bor ders of this streum, the visitor will reach tho upland drive, returning hy wuicu ne win have mado a twelve-mile circuit. When the valley of the Wlssahickon and Koberts' hollow shall be united, as ultimately they must be, by a bridge spanning the Schuylkill, the ride from east to west, of about eight miles, will comprise more luxuriant wildnets than can be found in any other park on either continent. Simultaneously with the construction of these roads the avenues which skirt tho Park on both Its eastern and westorn frontiers will be pressed forward. The entrances leading to it will also bo carefully studied (as, in deed, they already have beon), so that those which afford the btbt and easiest access may be put in proper condition. This subject is one of the utmost consequence, both to the present and future welfare ofthePurk, and tho Commissioners are satisfied that the public will not tolerato any encroach ments or hindrances which will unreasonably in terfere with its settlement. As soon us favorable weather will permit, a play ground for children and a parade ground for the military will be provided. The localities assigned to these are convenient, and the spaco allotted will be ample. In the former the Inducements for health ful exercise and harmless pastime will blend amusement with profit for the young; and by mak ing the latter attractive, the revived spirit of ac tivity which our volunteers have on recent occa sions so creditably displayed may be still more incited. Further arrangements for the accom modation of the public will be made as rapidly as tbey can be. Suitable places for cricket, base-ball and other athletic exercises will be set apart, and croquet grounds will not bB overlooked. Bridle paths for horsemen will soon be opened, and in con nection with these, turfy enclosures will be appro priated for equestrian exercises. In a word, with out entering Into particulars, the Commissioners give the assurance that they will avail themselves of every suitable opportunity to make whatever inexpensive Improvements the present state of the Park will admit of, so that all may be benefited. In closing their report, the Commissioners desire to express to tho City Councils their grateful ap preciation of the aid they have received from thoso bodies. While the present Park project was In Its germ. Councils assisted to unfold it. When it ex. panded into larger proportions, they fostered it growth. And at every step in its advance they have helped it onward, lheir own good judgment co incided with the popular wishes, which with rare unanimity pointed in this direction; and they cheer fully embodied in action what they recognized as the sentiment of their constituents. As well for reasons of an official character as from motives of fiersonal respeot, it has been the aim of he Commissioners to cultivate such rela tions with the city legislature as would induce harmony of purpose between them. Without this they knew the great work committed to their charge eould not be performed. However wisely they might plan, If Councils, to whom that power was reserved, refused the necessary appro priations, their schemes would come to naught. From the beginning, therefore, while not avoiding any duties imposed on them, nor surrendering any right they possessed, they have striven to make their act acceptable. That tbey have done so Is shown in this, that all they have asked has been granted, not grndgingly and with stint, but with open hand and In full measure, ft is true they have asked only for what was imperative. Aside from the sum applied to the acquisition of land (and a to these, when once ascertained according to law, they had no dis cretion), they have kept their requisitions within the narrowest bounds that a gradual and moderate dovelopmentof the Park would Justify. They have sought no startling effects; they have approved none. Ouietlv. and. a thev believe, prudently: steadily, and as they hope, successfully, they have fulfilled their trust; and in rendering this account of their stewardship, they think they may reasona bly expect that Councils and that larger commu nity which they and Council alike represent, ana to wntcn they and councils are alike amena ble, will join with them in congratulations on the resnlt of their efforts. By order of the Commissioners, MosToit MoMichakl, President. The Chief Engineer' Report. The report of the Chief Knsineer. Mr. John C. CreBson, which accompanies the report of the presi dent of the Commission, covers the entire detail of the work accomplished In opening walks and drives, and in the preparation of plans and surveys to facilitate fnture action. Maps are now being completed which will show the position of every tree, rock or stream In the Park, and the exact shape of the entire surfaoe. Mr. Cresson explains that the present road to George's Hill was opened for temporary use only, so that it was deemed inad visable to go to the great expense of making It more than wide enough to be used with safety. The road, three and a half miles In length, with an average width of thirty feet, and four mile of footwalk, generally eight feet wide, were completed within nine weeks ot tueir commencement, r rom time to time the drive has been greatly Improved. An ex tension or branch road, two miles in length, has been opened from George's Hill to Belmont Cot tsge, and back to the Landsdowne drive, which will atlord views as beautiful as those already made famous on the latter road. An avenueone hundred feet wide, has also been laid out for a mile and a quarter on the southwest boundary ofthe Park. A temporary road has also beon built from the point at which Thirty-fifth street, in West Philadelphia, touches the Park across to Girard avenue, avoiding the railway traces. On the west bank of the river the aggregate extent of carriage roads mado Is nearly seven miles, and about four miles of footway in addition. On tho east side comparatively little apparent work has been done, the most important improve ment being the opening of a new roadway from the old park to Girard avenue bridge. This will be a vast satisfaction to the driving public. Between Thirty-third street and the river there are still some tracts of which the Park has not got posses sion, and no particular work can be done till these difficulties are settled. A tract of eighteen acres has been set apart as a nuraory, and about 80,000 Norway spruce seedlings are now growing there. A green-house for propagating plants Is also built and In use. A number of the buildings which have come into the possession of the Park, including the Kialto House, the old Peters mansion and others of less note, have been arranged as o Ml cos and quarters for the officers and their assistants. Kailroad sidings havo been constructed for tho reception of furnace cinder to be used in surfacing roads. A stone-breaking machine, driven by a steam engine, is established at the Belmont stone quarry, for breaking the road material obtained at that plaoe. The steam road roller, weighing twenty tons, imported from England, has been put at work on such of the new drives as are prepared for Its use, with excellent effect in maintaining a hard and even surface. A steam dredger, built under the orders of the Board, is working upon the silt bars along the river shore, improving the condition of the pool and furnishing material for embankments at much less cost than it can be obtained by any other pro cess. The foregoing statement embraces the principal mechanical works carried on during the year, omit ting only a few of lets conspicuous character. The amount of drainage effected 1 also detailed by Mr. Creseon; and descriptions are given at length of the various surveys made with a view of locating new roads and means of entrance. To Mr. John D. Estabrook, Mr. Samuel L. Smedley and Mr. Herman Schwarzman great credit is awarded for the zeal and ability with which the work en trusted to them was accomplished. The head gar dener employed in June last has had active charge of putting the grounds in presentable order, clear ing away undergrowth, fixing the lawns and pre paring a systematic catalogue of all trees and other plants found growing within the Park limits. He has already catalogued 321 genera and 6755 species. For five months, ending November 30, 257 ,553 persons visited Landsdowne Park, passing through the entrance at Girard avenue bridge. This number is exclusive of those entering on the day of the public school festival, aggregating about 50,000 more. Receipts nnd Expenditures. Appended to the Chief Engineer's report, ad dressed to the President of tho commission, is the following exhibit of receipts and expendi tures: RECEIPTS 18C9. 1. Rents $4,118-82 License fees 5'J5-(;0 Pasture, etc 740 -SO Bale of old materials 1,3J7S)8 Tftid to the City Treasurer, to be credited to the "Fund for Park purposes" $0,772 10 2. For sale of buildings (paid to tho City Treasurer, to bo credited to the Sinking Fund for tho redemption of the Park Loan) 1,310-25 Total receipts $8, 0J 1-35 EXPENDITURES. Land Purchases. Appropriation by ordinance approved January 27, 1809, out of the proceeds of the loan of four million dollars authorized by an ordinance ap proved the 20th day of December, 1808, entitled "An ordinance to create a loan for the further extension of Fairmount Park and the improve ment thereof." Item 1. For the payment of the damages for the ground and pro perty so taken or to be taken 2,000,000-00 Additional appropriation, approved by ordinance, May 5. 180'J 1,000,000-00 Additional appropriation, approved by ordinance, November 5, 180'J. . 500,000 00 Total appropriations for land pur chases and damages $.1,500,00000 Total expenditures for laud pur chases und damages 3,208,209-83 Balance, December 31, 1809 $291,730-12 Permanent Improvements. Appropriation out of the proceeds of tho Fark Loan by ordinance approved January 27, ISO: Item 2. "For the laying out, con struction, aad improvement" of said Park for public use 1200,000 00 Additional appropriation out of the proceeds of said loan for permit nent improvements, by an ordi nance approved September 27, 1809 .; 100,00000 A further appropriation out of tho proceeus ot said loan ior perma nent improvements, by au ordi- ; nance approved November 5, lbO'J ;.. 200,000-00 Total appropriation for permanent improvements $500,000 00 Expenditure. Buildings $17,905-29 Bridges 5,990-33 Dredging 349-81 Drainage 23,470-97 Drives 104,104-17 Fountains and hydrants. . 79011 Hedges 39 75 Lakes and ornamental waters 404-24 Lawns 12,780-42 Livestock 1,933-32 Machinery 32,4fc0-55 Materials. 2,825,72 Miscellaneous 1,853 -85 Nurseries.......' 1,310-85 Olllce expenses (Park Oilleo) 4,739 02 Park seats 3,203-50 Planting and seeding 0,875 01 Police.:. y.500-85 Salaries 4,211-20 tuarry (Belmont) 2,302 21 Surveys 20,97540 Tools and implements 0,402 17 Tools, repairing 1,115-00 Trees and shrubs.. . : ' 277 80 Walks.... 9,5ft8'M Walls and fences . i 2,550-80 Water supply and distribution 875 8 1 Wharves, steamboat landing 5,355 25 Total expenditure for permanent im provement 280,469-87 Balance $219,530-13 The bills for materials and labor for the month of December, 1809, were paid in January, 1870, and tho amount added to the above 28,804 73 Shows the balance on the 31st of De cember, 1809 , $248,334-80 irrnopRiATioN tor 1809. Appropriation for the salary of Solicitor, by ordinance approved January 2i. 1809: Item 1 $2,50000 Expenditure. 8alary of Solicitor ; 2,500-00 Appropriation for maintenance, supervision, and further Improvement of Park, by ordinance approved January 29, 1809: Item 2 $30,000 00 Expenditures. Office expenses $4,854-21 Insurance (on buildings within Park) 090 10 Police 10,880-85 Salaries 2,199-97 Repairing buildings 513-40 Repairs 10,700-09 Maintenance of deer (feed) 101 -08 Miscellaneous 55314 $29,999-44 Balance merging '50 rUHO FOB l'AKK rUKI'OSEH. Appropriation of the Park Fund of 1808 "to pay deficiencies for the years 1807 and 1808, and other Park purposes," by ordinauce approved May 3, 1809 $375000 Expenditures. ! Materials (bills of 1808) $152 74 Miscellaneous (bills of 1808) 152-92 Police (salaries of Park Guard, Decem ber, 1808) 51188 Repairs (wages for labor) 423-12 Repairs of tools 25-50 Salaries (Chief Engineer) 3:i3-34 Stationery (bills of 1808) 23-00 Surveys -. 90005 Music (concerts in Park) 109800 Printing (.notices lo tenauls) 3'00 $3714-15 Balance $35-85 INSURANCE. TtELAWARE MUTUAL SAFETY INSURANCE XJ COMPANY. Incorporated by the Legislature oi rennsyivauia, ltvio. Office southeast corner of THIRD and WALNUT Street. Philadelphia. MARINE INSURANCES On VesBcls, Cargo and Freight to all parts of the worm. INLAND INSURANCES On goods by river, canal, lake and laud carriage to an parts oi tne ininn. FIRE INSURANCES On Merchandise generally; on mores, Dwellings, Houses, etc. ASSETS OF THE COMPANY November 1, IRtitf. i 1200.000 United States Five Per Cent. Loan, ten-forties 1210,00000 100,000 United States Six Percent. Loan (lawful money) 107,760-00 150,000 United States. Six Per Cent. Loan, 1881 60,000-00 aw, oiui-e ui ieuuHyivaiua out er Cent. Loan 813,950-00 n n AAA "il, tii.1i. . i m wiuw viur ui t uuaueipuia tux i er Cent Loan (exempt from tax) 200,028-00 100,000 State of New Jersey Six Per Cent. Loan 102,000 30 zu,uuu reiniHjivauia nanroau uirsr, Mortnaire Six Per Cent. Ronds 19,43000 h,uw r euuHvivaina jtauroaa se cond mortgage Six Der Cent. Bonds 83,628-00 fcj,wu r CUUBJT1VUU1U JMU1- road Mortgage Six Per Cent. Bonds (Pennsylvania Railroad guarantee) 20,000-00 80,000 State of Tennessee Five Per Cent. Loan 18,000-00 7,000 btate of Tennessee Six Per Cent. Loan 4,27000 iz,uuu i-erwsyivania Kauroaa com pany, 250 shares stock 14,00000 o,uuu jMurtn Pennsylvania ltaii road Company, 100 Shares stock 8,00000 iu.uuu .riniaiiuipma ana soutnern Moll Steamship Com pany, SO shares stock 7,600-00 nil nrm T : . , . . . . . v,vuu iMa.ua un uulu ana juorT puire, first liens on City Properties 246,900-00 11,231,400 Par. Market value, 11,255,27000 , Cost, l,210,22-27. Real Estate 36,000-00 lull. 1 I, . 1 t . . - - . . jjino xieueivnuie iur insurances maae... 3X3, (tw io .uuiuuueB uue at Agencies : Premiums on Marine Policies, Accrued Interest, and other debts due the Com pany 65,097-93 Btoek, Scrip, etc., of Sundry Corpora tions, 14706. Estimated value 2,74020 twin in xiauK y lbtt,ui&&g Cash 1b Drawer 97ii26 169,291-14 11,852,10004 DIRECTORS. Thomas C. Hand, .bamuel E. Stokes, John '. Davis. William . Boulton. Edmund A. Sender, Theophllus Paulding, James Traquair, Henry Sloan. Henry O. Dallett, Jr., James C. Hand, William C. Ludwlg, Joseph U. Seal, Hugh Craig, John D. Taylor, (ieorge W. Bvrnadon, William C. Houston. Edward Darlington, II. Jones Brooke, Edward Lafourcade, Jacob Rlegel, Jacob P. Jones, James B. McFarland, Joshua P. Eyre, Spencer Mcllvaln, J. H. Semple, PittHbur?, A. B. Berger, Pittsburg, D. T. Morgan, PltUburg. TI10MA8 C. nAND, President, JOHN C. DAVIS. Vii'.rr..ulfl..nt nENRY LYLBURN, Secretary. HENRY BAUj Assistant Secretary. 1 1 . 1829. CIIAKTR PERPETUAL. jo Frantlin Fire Insurance Company OF PHILADELPHIA. Office, Hob. 435 and437 CHESNUT St. Assets Jan. li'70LS2a825v73la6T capital n,ooono AOORUKD SURPLUS AND PREMIUMS... .a,4io,7al U7 INCOMK FOR ItiO. LOSS R 8 PAID IN I80.I, 01U,VUO. 4 !i,uug u. Loss6spaMsmcel829 over $5,500,000 Perpetual and Temporary Polioie on Liberal T.rmt. ' The Company lo iuuea policies upon the Keutaof all kind of huililinga. (i round Uenta, and Mortgages, J lie 'inanaufl'' one no UiCstu lt.u ujuAIM. DIRKCTORS. Alfred O. Baker, , A 11 red Fit! or, ISaiuuel (.rant. 1'hnmaa Sparta, t.eore W. Hlcbarda, William S. Grant, . laaau l.ea, Tbomaa 8. Ellia, I tieorge t alee, Gwtavua 8. Benaoa. ALFRED G. BAKKK, Pruaulent. UKUHUK FALUN, Vioe-Preaidunt JAMFS W. Mr ALLIHTkK, Booretary. 1 illiODOKK M. UJLUKH. Aaaitt&ut Beoretary. 8 199 pAME INSURANCE COMPANY. No. tut CHESNUT Btreet. INOORPORATJCD lWi. CHARTEB PERPETUAL, ' CAPITAL, CauO.OUO. FIRE INBUKANUE KXULURIVKLY. Insure Mainat Loas or Damac by Fire eiLber by Pet. petnal or Temporary Policies. DLUHOXORSt Charles Richard on, Hubert Pea roe, William 11. Kbann, John Kessler, Jr., WiHiun M. tieylwi, Kdwaxd B. Urne, John F. Kmilh, Charles Htukes, Nathan Uillos, John W. Kverauut, George A, w oet, Mordecai Huzby, CdARIJCa RICH AKDSON, Prendenl WILLIAM U KHAWN, Viee President fVnxuKS L ELajiCBaBD, (Secretary. J INSURANCE.. INSURANCE COMPANY OF NORTH AMERICA. Jaiuuav X. 1879. Charter Peroet.nl. ... 500,000 !8,83,.VI. Incorporated 1704. CAP1TAT- A MS ETC Ierfl paid elnce organization.... 821,000,000 Reeelpta mt Premlame, lN0ft....8l,001,S,ir,15 Interest from Iraventinents, !. 14,(MiM '4.l(lrt,.S:fl 1.0:!.,3!itf-8t I.oeees paid, 18(19. Statement of tbe Aencte. First Motivates on Oily Property 8766,430 United States Government and other Loan Bonds 1,133,-MS Railroad, Bank and Oaoal Stocks (5,708 Cash In Hank aad Office IWT.KX) Loans en Collateral oeoartty 83,5M Motes Reoeivsble, mostly Mai tne Premiums... . nai.PM A corned Interest : 90167 Premiums in oonrse ot transmtaalea RS.llig Unaottlsd Marine Premiums 100,900 Real Estate, Office ol Company, Philadelphia. . 30,009 DIRECTORS. ZW&I Arthur O. Coffin, 1 Francis R. Owe. bamuel vv. ones, Jobn A. Hro.n, liberies Taylor, Ambrose VVbite, William Welsh, B. Morris aln, John Mason, George L. Harrison, Kdnrant M. Trotter, Kdnard H Clink, 'J'. Charlton Henry, Ahred D. .loeftnp, Ixiuis t!. Madeira, Cliorlea W. Cnstiman," Clement A. Griaooai, -Milium Urockie. ARTHUR G. COFFiN, Pr,ldoot. OUAKLKS PLAT I', Vice President. Matthiar Mabin, Heeretary. C. II. Kf.kvt'h, Assistant Hocratary. 3 4 LIFE INSURANCE CO , II. f. Number of Policies issued by the five largest New York Companies during the tins years ef their sxjitoooa: MUTUAL (23 monthi). looa NKW KOKK (lesniouthH) kki Manhattan CT monttiH) u KNICKBKIiOUKKR. .. (20 mouths) rr, EQUITABLE (17 months) sea Daring the 81 months of Its existence tho AISBUtlY HAS ISSUED 2600 POLICIES, INSURING NEARLY $0,000,000. Reliable Canvusing Agent wanted throughout tho eouniry. JAMES M. LONGACRK, Manager for Pennsylvania and Delaware. OfHoe.No. Sua WALNUT Btreet, PhiUdelphw. BAMCKL POWKR8, Special Agent. 4 It THE ENTERPRISE IN8URANCE CO. OP PHILADELPHIA. Office B. W. corner of FOURTH and WALNUT Street.' FIRK lNKl'RAM'K EXCLUSIVELY. o.?r,IJ,PHTli1' ANU TKHM POL101K8 IB8UFD. CASH Capital (paid np in full) 100,00000 Cash AeaetM, Jan. 1, 1M70 83vt4,3313 DLRKUTOH8. F. Ratchord Starr, , J. Livingston Rninger, James U Ulaghorn, Jobn M. Atwood, Heni. T. Tredick. Charles Wheeler, Thomas H. Montgomery, Ueorge H. Htuart, ilona n. rsrown. H. Brown. James M. Aertsen. . THOMAS H. MONTCOMkBY, Vloo-Preeident. AI.KX. W. WISTKR, Secretary. JACOB B. PKTKKSOM, Assistant Secretary ' rpHE PENNSYLVANIA FIRE INSURANCE JL COMPANY. InooiTOrsted I8ii6 Charter Perpetual wS;Lr ' WALN U 1' Street, opposite Independence Scrusr. ' bis Company, favorably known to the oommnnity for over forty years, continues to insure against lose or dam. age by Are on Publio or Private Buildlngs,either perma nently or for a limited time. Also on Furniture, Stock of Coeds, and Merchandise generally, on liberal terms. Their Capital, together with a Urge Surplus Fund, la Invested in tbe most careful manner, which enables then to offer to the Insured an undoubted security in h of loss. - . . -' - .,11,1 x 4-1 fa 11L mrm. - . John Davereng, Tbottuu Amlth Alexander Henson, Isaac Hazlebnrst, Henry Lewis, J. OiUlnghaja Fell. Alumni rJanaocK, jr. GREAT WE ST ER N Mutual Life Insurance Co. OFNICW YORK. EDWIN E. SIMPSON, MANAGER, Jo. 519 WAIsNUT St., lMiilada. AU tbe good, equitable and liberal features of tbe best Lite Insurance Companies are guaranteed to the policy holders of this Company. (1 43 niuthiim Liberal arrangement made with competent agents. JMPEBIAJj FIRE INSURANCE CO. LONDON. ESTAUI.LSUED 1803. r&ld-np Capital and Accniuulated Fund, 08,000,000 I IN GOLD. PEEV0ST & HERRING, Agentt, B45 jno. iot o. Tiukii) street, pnuadeipma, CTJA8. M. PREVOST. CHAS. P. HERRING WATOHES, JEWELRY, ETO. jxvyns LADOMUS & CO f DIAMOND DEALERS & JY.T.IEKS. WATCUe8,JKWII,HVHILVmi WAUk. - JJ tr ffi,TTTin , ttyittt n TT enniTn ' -r'Og Chestnut St., Phllr Ladies' and Gents' "Watches AMERICAN AND IMPORTED, Of tho most celebrated makers. FINE VEST CHAINS AND LEONTINEJ In 14 and 18 karat. DIAMOND and other Jewelry of the latest design. Engagement and Wedding Rings, in 18-karat and coin. Solid SilTor-War for Bridal Present. Table Cutlery, Plated Ware, etc 11 ( tm RICH JEWELRY, JOHN U Xt 112 IV IN A. IM DIAMOND DEALER AND JEWELLER, NO. 13 SOUTH EIGHTH STREET, 8 1 niwl Bnirp PHILADELPHIA. ESTABLISHED 182&. WATCHES, JEWELRY, CLOCKS, SILVERWARE, and FAN- 'Y GOOrS. O-.W. K.VJKHJB3JL.JL., yp. 1 H. HIYTH 6TREET. PHlLAIHt,PHU. HOWARD WATCHES. THE FINE AMERICAN WATOH AT THK VERV LOWKfeT PHiCKo BY ALEXANDER R. HARPER, Buccessor to John M. Harper, Agent for the Uuwart Watxh. No. 308 CHESNUT STREKT, 119 3a SKUONU Bi'OKY. CP WILLIAM B. WARNE A CO t" Wholesale Oiwlerein !Vj2i WATCH KM AMU JUWHTrtY. bK. corner SKVKN'lll end CHKFtNlh Hire. ih beocud fiuor, and late ef No. tt a. TU1K1) bu
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers