One of the first measures was that urged by the Society for the Improvement of Roads and Canals, and which contemplated the construction of highways and artificial waterways at the expense of the State. This suggestion aroused such a storm of opposition that the Legislature was compelled to reject the original proposition and to pass bills providing only partial and doubtful encouragement for their establishment by private enterprise.
A long and valuable report was made February 19, 1791, which embodied the results of examinations made previously. The committee reported that the Delaware River could be made an important channel for the trade of New York by the construction of a portage canal of nineteen miles; that a safe boat and raft navigation might be made to the northern boundary of the State for £25,000. They gave an estimate of the grain which was brought down the Susquehanna and the Juniata and they reported on the probable trade along the Allegheny River and how it could be increased by canals at certain places.
They recommended that the Governor should issue a proclamation inviting proposals for building canals and locks in and near the waters of the Tulpehocken and Quittapahilla; for a canal from Frankstown to Poplar Run, and for clearing the Susquehanna from Wright’s Ferry to Havre de Grace. They also wanted proposals for a turnpike from Philadelphia through Lancaster to the Susquehanna and for other roads throughout the State.
A bill was passed April 6, 1792, and in August Governor Mifflin apprised the Legislature that he had made contracts for the improvements of certain streams, but that “several propositions had not yet met with persons willing to undertake the specified work.”
During the year 1793 the Bank of Pennsylvania was incorporated by the Legislature, the opinion being expressed that it would “promote the regular, permanent and successful operations of the finances of the State and be productive of great benefit to trade and industry in general.”
The State subscribed for one-third of the entire stock and branches were established at Lancaster, Harrisburg, Reading, Easton and Pittsburgh. These were discontinued in 1810; in 1843 the State sold its stock, and with the great financial crisis of 1857 the Bank of Pennsylvania sank in ruin.
Joe Disberry, Remarkable Thief, First
Arrested November 22, 1783
About the close of the Revolutionary War a notorious character named Disberry lived between Selinsgrove and Sunbury. He was possessed of great physical strength and had few superiors in running, jumping and skating. But in thieving and lying he was considered a match for the prince of darkness himself.