338 A. L. Bishop — The State Worlcs of Pennsylvania. 



complaints. As a result of the inquiry it was found* that frequently 

 engineers on locomotives and stationary engines of the Phila- 

 delphia and Columbia railroad were discharged to make way for 

 others. The latter, it was found, often knew little or nothing about 

 the practical operation of the engines placed under their charge. f 

 "In some cases the engineers were so totally ignorant of the duties 

 of their offices as to be obliged to learn them from their firemen and 

 subordinates." The committee endeavored to seek out the cause 

 for such 'practices on the part of the canal commissioners. The 

 evidence prompted them to report that such removals and appoint- 

 ments had been made in many instances on political grounds alone. 



Keferring to the main line of canal, the committee stated: "In- 

 stances of extravagance, neglect, and incompetency on the part of 

 those to whom this important line was entrusted have been proved, 

 as well as a disposition to favor certain individuals, altogether 

 incompatible with the public interest. Amongst other evidence 

 of the incapacity of agents proved to the satisfaction of the 

 committee, they would name that a supervisor was sent to the Juni- 

 ata division who knew so little about a canal that he could not tell 

 the difference between an aqueduct and a culvert." 



The method of accounting practiced by the canal commissioners 

 is, in some respects, open to adverse criticism. Whether or not the 

 system used was devised for the purpose of misleading the public, 

 the fact is that it did. Before continuing the discussion of those 

 corrupt practices, which more properly fall within the scope of this 

 chapter, an examination will be made of some of the questionable 

 features in the accounting system of the canal boards. 



The cost of the several portions of the main line of works when 

 completed, equipped and brought into use was as follows : — 



Philadelphia and Columbia railroad (report of 1836) $3,330,127.55 



Eastern division of canal (report of 1836) 1,347,014.40 



Juniata division (report of 1830) 3,036,290.13^ 



Portage railroad (report of 1836) ..." 1,634,357.69 



Western division (report of 1830, which included extensive 



repairs) 2,758,917.71 



Total $12,106,707.48^ 



* 



Se« J. H. Rep., 1836-37, II, pp. 801, 802, et seq. for the report of a select 

 committee relative to tlie management of the canals and railways of the 

 commonwealth. 



fin the report of the canal commissioners for 1839 it was stated that out 

 of twenty-seven engines on the Philadelphia and Oohunbia railroad, the new 

 administration found only five that were fit for use. Tliis was due, to a large 

 extent, to the drivers not knowing how to keep the engines in repair. 



