Source:Extract/content
Extract of a letter to the editors.
Harrisburgh, March 24, 1836.
The Convention Bill, as amended by the House, has been fully and ably discussed in the Senate, where it originated. They have concurred in all the amendments, save the one relating to the number of delegates to be elected. The House, you remember, reduced the number from one hundred and thirty-three to one hundred. In this they non-concurred, and the House receded, this morning, from that amendment.
We have been also successful in passing thro' the press of business in the House, the bills for the opening and extension of the street along the Allegheny river, and granting certain privileges to the Pittsburgh Gas Company to lay pipes and open communications with the city, subject to the provisions and conditions therein prescribed. To perpetuate the events of our early history, many of which are still fresh in the recollection of some of our old and respectable citizens, we have taken the liberty of naming the street along the Allegheny after the ancient Fort, of which scarcely a vestige now remains. It is to be called "Duquesne Way"—as the two last mentioned bills are 'riding' upon a little Senate bill, they will go back to that body as amendments, and will most probably receive the concurrence of the Senate to-morrow.
Our friends in Birmingham will be gratified, also, to hear that the opening of Ferry, the widening of Hill, and the vacation of Ross streets, will be accomplished before the close of our session: perhaps to-morrow. I ought also to include the Turnpike Road from Birmingham to Hamilton's mill.
The bill for the incorporation of a company to supply the Northern Liberties with water may be reached in its order upon the files in two or three days. There will be no difficulty about it.
As it does not work well to be too officious in introducing business out of its order, we have procured a friend, who has kindly consented to take charge of the supplement to "Trinity Church Charter," and will impose it as 'a rider' upon a popular measure from the Senate. Thus it will get through.
'The Preachers' Aid Society Bill of the Methodist Church' is also within our reach, and will pass. So is the Hand street Bridge bill. The supplement to the charter of the city of Pittsburgh, by which its limits are extended, has passed the Senate, and will, it is most probable, pass the House before its adjournment. A bill has passed the Senate granting $12,500 to the Western University. There is a Bank Bill in the House providing $25,000 for the same object, but as there is a 'forlorn hope' of getting it through, we must take a little rather than nothing. The friends of this measure are numerous, and it will, I think, be successful.
Thus have I given you, for the benefit of your readers, a bird's eye view of what is done, and in contemplation to be done. Many of our members have gone off already. Yours, &c.
