14 [^P'-il- 



Leopoldt, John Penington, and Blanchard & Lea, book- 

 sellers. 



Mr. Price offered for publication in the Proceedings, a copy 

 of the Opinion of the Supreme Court in the suit for taxes 

 against the Society, Avith a brief communication introductory, 

 as follows : 



To THE American Philosophical Society : 



I have the satisfaction to report to the Society, that the suit of 

 the City of Philadelphia against this Corporation, claiming to tax the 

 Hall, has been decided in favor of the Society, and against the power 

 of the City to tax this property. The Argument of Counsel has been 

 printed, and numerous copies of it are in possession of the Society. 

 As the Opinion of Judge Read, which is that of all the Court, is of 

 historical interest, as well as protective of the title and interests of 

 the Society, I cannot but recommend that it be printed in the So- 

 ciety's Proceedings. For this purpose I herewith furnish a copy of 

 that Opinion. I am, very respectfully, &c , 



Eli K. Price. 



SUPREME COURT. THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA v. THE 



AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. 



The Hall of the American Philosophical Society is not liable to taxation. 



Eastern District. Error to the District Court of Philadelphia. 

 Opinion by 



Read, J. — Independence Square was not one of the original 

 squares left open for public use by William Penn in his platform of 

 the City of Philadelphia, but consisted of various lots purchased at 

 different times under the authority of the Legislature of the Pro- 

 vince. The intention was to erect a State-house and other public 

 buildings upon it, and that the residue of the square should be and 

 remain a public green and walk forever. The old court house had been 

 built in 1707, in Market Street above Second, and was used not only 

 as a hall of justice, but also as a legislative hall, in which the Pro- 

 vincial A.ssemblies transacted their business, and the general elections 

 were held there. By the direction of the Representatives of the 

 Freemen of the Province, Andrew Hamilton and William Allen 

 purchased certain lots on the south side of Chestnut Street, lying 

 contiguous to each other, and bounded by Delaware Fifth and Sixth 

 Streets, and erected thereon the present State-house, which was begun 



