A <<' i 
 
 OPINIONS 
 
 PROMINENT STATESMEN, PROPEETY HOLDERS, 
 he^^lX. estate l^tv^yers 
 
 AND 
 
 SOIEE"TiriO MEN 
 
 UPON THE 
 
 IMPORTANCE OF THE STATE SURVEY. 
 
 1 1 
 
 T>- 
 
"Fin 
 
EXTRACTS FROM LEGISLATIVE DOCUMENTS OF 
 FORMER YEARS. 
 
 January 4, 1853. 
 I GOVERNOR SEYMOUR'S MESSAGE, 1853. 
 
 An accurate survey of our State, and the establishment of permanent 
 monuments, which will serve for the determination uf magnetic varia- 
 tions, is very desirable for the purposes of science and for the prevention 
 of litigation and other evils and embarrassments. Without these, it will 
 beconle impossible to determine with accuracy the boundaries of farms, 
 towns and counties, or to make topographical surveys of the whole or 
 any parts of our State. 
 
 The value of land is becoming so great- that more accuracy will be 
 required hereafter in ascertaining true points. Our present inaccurate 
 system of surveying causes frequent controversies and embarrassments, 
 and we are destitute of any fixed monuments, which will give certainty 
 and permanency to boundaries and admeasurements. The subject should 
 engage the early attention of the State government. 
 
 ****** 
 
 HORATIO SEYMOUR. 
 
 Albany, January 4, 1853. 
 
SENATE DOCUMENT No. 41. 
 
 February 18, 1852.;: 
 
 COMMUNICATION 
 
 FROM THE GOVERNOR, TRANSMITTING THE MEMORIAL 
 OF A COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS 
 FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE, ON A GEO- 
 GRAPHICAL SURVEY OF THE STATE. 
 
 STATE OF NEW YORK, 
 Executive Department, ) 
 
 Albany, February 18, 1852. J 
 To the Senate : 
 
 I have been requested to transmit to the leg-islatnre the accompanying^ 
 communication from a committee of the American Association for the ' 
 Advancement of Science, on the subject of a trigonometrical survey of (, 
 the State. 
 
 The considerations presented in favor of such a survey are entitled 
 not less by their intrinsic force than by a just regard for the distin- 
 guished source from which they emanate, to your enlightened and 
 favorable attention. 
 
 It is believed that measures may be adopted for the gradual accom- 
 plishment of the objeci, at an expense which will appear inconsiderable 
 when compared with the importance of the work, and the advantages to 
 result from it. 
 
 The example of other governments, in furnishing to the world an 
 accurate delineation of the topographical features of their territory, ought 
 not to be disregarded in a country like ours, presenting so many in- 
 ducements in favor of similar contributions to the cause of liberal knowl- 
 edge and scientific advancement. 
 
 I submit the subject to your consideration, believing that an early 
 commencement and judicious prosecution of the proposed undertaking 
 would redound to the honor of the State, and promote its highest in- 
 terests. 
 
 WASHINGTON HUNT. 
 
PETITIONS 
 
 FROM GREAT CORPORATIONS INTERESTED IN REAL 
 
 PROPERTY. 1877. 
 
 "b His Excellency. Lucius Robinson, Governor of the State of New Yoi'k : 
 The undersigned being either as individuals, or as representatives of 
 
 Drporations largely interested in real property as mortgagees or owners, 
 
 esire to express their sense of the importance of establishing a system 
 
 y which surveys of land throughout the State shall hereafter be made 
 
 dth scientific accuracy, and an imperishable record kept of the results. 
 Feeling a sense of the risk and responsibility necessarily attendant 
 
 pon the investment of money in real property, they believe that it would 
 
 e in the interest of greater safety and security, and would largely 
 
 iminish such risk and responsibility to provide the means for establish- 
 
 ng such a system. 
 To that end they would respectfully recommend the continuance and 
 
 ompletion of the work authorized and now being done by the Board of 
 
 commissioners of the State Survey. 
 
 .^HE EQUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY.— By Henry B. Hyde, Presi- 
 dent. 
 
 ?HE UNITED STATES LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY IN THE CITY OF NEW 
 
 I YORK.— Bv Jambs Buell, President. 
 
 ['HE NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY IN THE CITY OF NEW 
 YORK.— By Wm. H. Beers, Vice-President. 
 
 rHE GLOBE MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY. 
 
 rHE KNICKERBOCKER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.— By I. A. Nichols, 
 
 President. 
 rHE GERMANIA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.— By C. Doremu.s, Secretary. 
 LTIE BROOKLYN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.— By C. W. Bouck, President. 
 rHE METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY. 
 rHE UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK.— By John A. 
 
 Stewart. 
 
 William h. macy, 74-76 wall street. 
 
 New York, , 1877. 
 
 His Excellency, Lucius Robinson, Governor of the State of New York : 
 
 Sir Our experience has shown that questions concerning the best 
 
 methods of securing accurate land surveys, have a practical interest for 
 all corporations which, like our own, are largely interested in real estate. 
 I The prominent legal firms of the city of New York, through whom an 
 extensive real estate business is annually transacted, seem unanimous in 
 ftheir testimony that inaccurate surveying is one of the principal causes 
 iof existing imperfections in titles, and -a constant source of annoying 
 and expensive litigation ; while scientists and engineers, who have the 
 confidence of the State, are certainly of the opinion that no radical and 
 permanent improvement can be expected until a trigonometrical survey 
 of the State is made. 
 
Authorities on this subject seem to agree that a high and uniform 
 standard of precision in private land surveys cannot be obtained, except 
 by basing them upon points and lines established by general triangula- 
 tion, which shall guide and check all measurements of courses and 
 distances. 
 
 Believing, as we do, that security in boundaries is of vital importance 
 to prosperity of landed interests, and delay in such a matter must result 
 in new uncertainties and increasing losses, we earnestly hope that you 
 will be able to give your support and approval to the legislative mea- 
 sures continuing the State Survey. 
 
 We remain, dear sir , 
 
 Very respectfully yours, 
 THE MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK, 
 
 By Richard A. McCurdy, Vice-President. 
 THE DEL. AND HUDSON CANAL COMPANY OF NEW YORK, 
 
 Thomas Dickson, President. 
 
 PETITION 
 FROM PROMINENT REAL ESTATE LAWYERS. 
 
 To His 'Excellency Lucius Robinson, Governor of the State of New York : 
 
 The undersigned members of the legal profession engaged wholly, or 
 to a considerable extent, in that branch of practice involving the exam- 
 ination of titles to real estate, beg leave to give expression to their sense 
 of the great and pressing need now existing for a thorough, uniform and 
 accurate system of topographical survey of this State, by which the 
 foundation may be laid for defining and establishing imperishably every 
 property boundary, and furnishing the means by which every owner 
 may obtain an absohitely accurate map of his own land. 
 
 They have, in the course of their professional duties, often experienced 
 and noted, and can testify to the great confusion and inaccuracy of the 
 boundary lines of property as now held, and the defective methods of 
 description now often employed in deeds, and irreconcilable differences 
 in measurement and quantity of land, and the comparative uncertainty 
 and unreliability of the results consequently attainable in the examina- 
 tion of titles, which defects they believe to be in great measure the 
 result of the absence of a perfect and harmonious system of surveying, 
 wherein uniformity of method should produce accuracy of result. 
 
 They have found that the duties of the conveyancer are made unnec- 
 essarily laborious, and the expenses attendant upon his work largely 
 increased, and, in many cases, annoying and expensive litigation 
 between owners has resulted from the imperfection of the present system. 
 
 They believe that the establishment of a system of permanent monu- 
 ments, located by accurate triangulation, upon which all future surveys 
 might be based, would in great measure obviate the difficulties men- 
 tioned, and would be welcomed and gladly made use of hj land owners 
 
and surveyors throughout the State ; and in view of the benefits that 
 must necessarily arise therefrom, they would earnestly recommend such 
 legislation as would result in its adoption and completion. 
 
 SCUDDER & CARTER, 06 Wall st. 
 
 CHARLES E. STRONG, 68 Wall st. 
 
 MAN & PARSONS, 56 Wall st. • 
 
 WETMORE & BOWNE, 9 Pine st. 
 
 VIN WINKLE. CANDLER & JAY, 48 Wall st. 
 
 WM. ALLEN BUTLER, 111 Bi-oadway. 
 
 EVARTS, SOUTHMAYD & CHOATE, 52 Wall st. 
 
 NASH & HOLT, 50 Wall st. 
 
 TRACY, OLMSTEAD & TRACY. 50 Wall st. 
 
 BLATCHFORD, SEWARD, GRISWOLD & DE COSTA, 29 Nassau st. 
 
 PEET & OPDYKE, 20 Nassau st, 
 
 TURNER, LEE & McCLURE, 20 Nassau st. 
 
 MARSH & WALLIS, 120 Broadway. 
 
 DAVIS, WORK, McNAMEE & HILTON, 120 Broadway. 
 
 MOORE, HAND & , 51 Wall st. 
 
 PRICHARD, CHOATE & SMITH, 49 Wall st. 
 
 WEEKS & FORSTER. 58 Wall st. 
 
 MILLER & PECKHAM, 29 Wall st. 
 
 FELLOWS, HOYT & SCHELL, 158 Broadway, 
 
 CONDERT BROTHERS, 68 & 70 William st, 
 
 DE WITT. LOCKMAN & KiP, 88 Nassau st. 
 
 WAKEMAN & LATTING, 93 Nassau st. 
 
 LORD, DAY & LORD, 120 Broadway. 
 
 FULLERTON, KNOX & CROSBY, 120 Broadway. 
 
 EMOTT, BURNETT & HAMMOND, 120 Broadway. 
 
 WM. B. CROSBY, 120 Broadway. 
 • STARR & RUGGLES, 120 Broadway. 
 
 HORATIO F. AVERILL, 120 Broadway. 
 
 SULLIVAN, KOBBE & FOWLER, 29 Wall st. 
 
 ANDERSON & MAN, 54 Wall st. 
 
 JOHN L. SUTHERLAND, 54 Wall st. 
 
 NARNUM & HARISON, 110 Broadway. 
 
 HUTCHINS & PLATT. 40 Wall st. 
 
 RODMAN & ADAMS, 59 Liberty st. 
 
 VANSCHAICK, GILLENDER & THOMPSON, 59 Liberty st. 
 
 MARTIN & SMITH, 30 Wall st. 
 
 ROE & MACKLIN, 51 Liberty st. 
 
 SHIPMAN, BARLOW. BAROQUE & MACFARLAND, 35 Wall st. 
 
 EATON & TAILER, 11 Pine st. 
 
 TRACY & TALLMADGE, 128 Bi-oadway. 
 
 DAVIES & WHITEHEAD, 149 Broadway. 
 
 MORRISON, LAUTERBACH & SPINGARN, 206 B'way. 
 
 ELLIOTT F. SHEPARD, Tribune Building. 
 
 N. 0. BOGERT, 27 Chambers st. 
 
 ARNAUX, RITCH & WOODFORD, 32 Park place. 
 
 0. H. PALMER, 146 Broadway. 
 
 JOHN J. McCOOK, 120 Bi-oadway. 
 
 H. M. ALEXANDER, 120 Broadway. 
 
 WILLIAM A. W. STEWART, 49 Wall st. 
 
PETITIOI^S 
 
 FROM 
 
 INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING 
 
 AlTD 
 
 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 
 
10 
 
 MEMORIAL BY THE FACULTY 
 
 OP THE 
 
 RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE. 
 
 To ike Honorable the Legislature of the State of New York : 
 
 The Faculty of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, being informed 
 that a bill repealing the act authorizing the State survey is now before 
 your honorable body, respectfully state that the discontinuance of the 
 survey would be very much regretted by civil engineers and surveyors 
 who require accurate measurements and maps in the execution of their 
 professional duties. 
 
 Gross errors in the old surveys of the State from which the existing 
 general and county maps are made, are now brought forcibly before 
 the public by the report of the Board of Commissioners and Director 
 of the State Survey ; but civil engineers have long since recognized 
 the fact that the present system of land surveys of the State is hopelessly 
 bad. The method of chain and compass surveying was well adapted 
 to the condition of the country in its early settlement ; but extended 
 triangulation is now absolutely necessary to establish a proper basis 
 and system of checks for local surveys. In no other way can the requisite 
 degree of accuracy in measurements be secured. Until permanent 
 monuments are located with precision and at frequent intervals through- 
 out the State, there will be no great improvement in certainty or security 
 of public or private boundaries, nor can reliable county maps be made. 
 Grave pecuniary losses are constantly occurring in consequence of 
 imperfect surveys and maps, and the total loss to citizens doubtless 
 exceeds many times the cost of a perfect survey of the State ; while at 
 the same time the character of the engineering profession has been 
 lowered by being obliged to determine upon important public works with 
 insufficient data. 
 
 Believing that the only remedy for these evils is to be found in such 
 a trigonometrical survey as is proposed by the Commissioners and Direc- 
 tor of the State Survey, who have the full confidence of this faculty, your 
 memorialists pray that the existing organization of the State Survey be 
 continued. 
 
 JAMES FORSYTH, President. 
 
 WILLIAM L. ADAMS, Jr., Director, Prof, of Geodesy, etc. 
 
 DASCOM GREENE, Prof, of Mathematics. 
 
 H. B. NASON, Prof, of Chemistry, etc. 
 
 D. F. THOMPSON, Pro. of Des. Geometry, etc, 
 
 WM. H. BURR, Prof, of Mechanics. 
 
 ARTHUR W. BOWER, Ass't Prof, of Physics. 
 
 [TJie Argus, Feb. 15, 1877.] 
 
11 
 
 MEMORIAL OF THE FACULTY OF UNION UNIVERSITY. 
 
 Prbsbxtbd to the Senate by Mr. Harris, March 5, 1877. 
 To the Honorable, the Legislature of the State of New York : 
 
 We, the undersigned, members of the faculty of Union University, 
 observe with profound regret that a bill has been introduced into your 
 body repealing the act w^hich inaugurated the State survey. 
 
 As a body devoted to the culture and diffusion of knowledge, we felt 
 that the inauguration of the survey was a noble advance ; that it prom- 
 ised, beside ample pecuniary returns in the direction of just taxation 
 and the security of real estate boundaries, a no less valuable increase 
 in the sum of our exact information. We welcomed the beginning of 
 a work destined to place us on a footing of scientific equality with pro- 
 gressive countries. We realized that the State had initiated a work 
 which would increase its revenue, while incalculably advancing popular 
 education. We felt that the State added another powerful auxiliary to 
 its already liberal efforts in behalf of education. And now we are 
 called upon to witness an effort for the repeal of this wise, business-like 
 and enlightened measure. 
 
 We respectfully urge your honorable body to take no step back, to 
 permit no retrogression in this matter. Your admirable choice of com- 
 missioners has been a complete guarantee to us of the spirit of modern 
 thoroughness in which the work is being performed. Your memorialists 
 therefore urge that you will make provision for its contemplated and 
 untrammeled continuance. And they will ever pray, etc. 
 
 E. N. POTTER. Pi-esident of Union College and University. 
 
 I. W. .JACKSON, Prof, of Mathematics. 
 
 JOHN FOSTER, Prof, of Natui-al Philosophy. 
 
 THOMAS WARD, Prof. Mil. S. and Tactics, Capt. U. S. Army. 
 
 JONATHAN PEARSON, Prof. Botany, etc. 
 
 H. WHITEHORNE, Prof. Greek. 
 
 WILLIAM WELLS, Prof. Mod. Languages. 
 
 ROBERT T. S. LOWELL, Prof. Latin Language and Literature. 
 
 H. E. WEBSTER, Prof. Natural History. 
 
 CADY STALEY, Pj-of. Civ. Eng. 
 
 MAURICE PERKINS, Prof, of Physics. 
 
 J. B. PRICE, Adjunct Prof. Physics. 
 
 A. VANDERVEER, Prof. Surgery. 
 
 EDWARD R. HUN, Prof. Nervous Diseases. 
 
 JACOB S. MOSHER, Prof. Med. Jur. and Hygiene. 
 
 SAMUEL B. WARD, Prof. Surgery. 
 
 LEWIS BALCH, Prof. Ant. 
 
 WILLIS G. TUCKER, Prof.-of Inorganic Chemistry. 
 
 WILLIAM HAILES, Histology and Pathological Anatomy. 
 
 THOMAS HUN, Dean of the Faculty. 
 
 JOHN W. BIGELOW, Prof. Materia Medica and Therap. 
 
 C, S. MERRILL, Prof. Ophthalmology. 
 
 ISAAC EDWARDS, Prof. Conunercial Law. 
 
 LEWIS BOSS, Prof. Astronomy. 
 
12 
 
 The undersigned trustees of Dudley Observatory fully concur in the 
 above : 
 
 THOMAS W. OLCOTT, 
 DUDLEY OLCOTT, 
 S. H. RANSOM, 
 ROBERT H. PRUYN, 
 CLARENCE RATHBONE, 
 CHARLES VAN BENTHUYSEN, 
 ISAAC W. VOSBURGH, 
 JOHN M. CRAPO, 
 JOHN F. RATHBONE, 
 E. D. PALMER. 
 
 MEMORIAL OF THE FACULTY OF COLUMBIA COLLEGE. 
 
 The following petition was presented to the Assembly last Wednesday : 
 To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of New York : 
 
 The Faculty of Columbia College having learned that a bill has been 
 introduced to repeal the act organizing the State Survey, respectfully 
 represent that the need of a trigonometrical and topographical survey of 
 the State of New York has been long recognized by scientific men, who 
 have viewed with regret the serious pecuniary losses directly traceable 
 to inaccurate surveying and uncertain landmarks, and have keenly felt 
 the want of maps truthfully delineating the surface of the State. 
 
 The institution of the State Survey under commissioners of such high 
 standing, its progress under the present officers, and the w^ell considered 
 plans for future development of the work, have met the cordial approval of 
 those interested in the advancement of knowledge. Many departments 
 of physical research and instruction require the aid of accurate maps ; 
 but existing representations of the State of New York are too imperfect 
 to furnish either necessary data for investigation, or facts for the proper 
 education of citizens. 
 
 "Wide spread ignorance of the physical structure and conditions of the 
 State, as well as uncertainty in boundaries, must continue to produce 
 serious intellectual and pecuniary loss, until a thorough survey is made. 
 
 Believing, therefore, that the work is not merely valuable but also a 
 necessity, your memorialists pray that the existing organization of the 
 State Survey may be continued. And your memorialists will ever 
 
 pray, etc. 
 
 F. A. P. BARNARD, President Columbia College. 
 CHARLES MURRAY NAIRNE. Prof, of Philosophy. 
 J. S. NEWBERRY, Prof. Geolog-y, School of Mines. 
 HENRY DRISLER, Professor in Columbia College. 
 ** HENRY I. SCHMIDT, Professor in Columbia College. 
 
 WILLIAM G. PECK, Prof of Math, and Astronomy. 
 C. F. CHANDLER, Dean and Pj'of. School of Mines. 
 THEODORE W. DWIGHT, Professor of Law in Col- 
 umbia College Law School. 
 
 [Albany Evening Journal, Feb. 19, 1877.] 
 
13 
 
 PETITION 
 
 FROM THE FACULTY OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
 
 Against a Repeal of thk State Survey. 
 
 The following petition was lately presented to the Assembly by Mr. 
 Wickes of Tompkins : 
 
 To the Honorable, the Legislature of the State of New York : ' 
 
 The members of the faculty of Cornell University, having learned that 
 a bill has been introduced to repeal the act organizing " The Board of 
 Commissioners of the State Survey," respectfully petition your honorable 
 body that the important work of triangulating the State may be allowed 
 to continue until the topography of the State of New York shall have 
 been correctly mapped and published ; and your petitioners will ever 
 pray, etc. 
 
 Ithaca, N. Y., February 26, 1877. 
 
 WILLIAM C. RUSSEL, Vice-President. 
 W. D. WILSON, Registrar, etc. 
 G. C. CALDWELL, Secretary, etc. 
 WILLARD FISKE. Librarian, etc. 
 WILLIAM A. ANTHONY, Prof, of Physics. 
 CHAS. BABCOCK, Dean Faculty Architecture. 
 
 A. A. BRENEMAN, Asst. Prof. Chemistry. 
 J. P. ROBERTS, Asst. Prof. Agriculture. 
 S. M. BABCOCK, Asst. Prof. Chemistry. 
 
 J. P. CHURCH, Asst. Prof. Engineering. 
 
 E. C. CLEAVES, Asst. Prof. Drawing. 
 
 H. H. BOYESEN, Prof. German. 
 
 THEO. B. COMSTOCK, Asst. Prof. Geology. 
 
 J. HENRY COMSTOCK, Asst. Prof. Entomology. 
 
 C. L. CRANDALL, Asst. Prof. Civil Eng. 
 
 WM. R. DUDLEY, Asst. Prof. Botany. 
 
 ISAAC FLAGG, Prof. Greek. 
 
 E. A. FUERTES, Dean Faculty of Engineers, j 
 
 W. T. HEWETT, Asst. Prof. German. 
 
 E. P. JENNINGS, Asst. Prof. Chemistry. 
 P. H. PERKINS, Instructor in Rhetoric. 
 JAMES LAW, Dean Faculty Vete. Surgery. 
 
 B. P. MACKOON, Asst. Prof. German. 
 GEO. S. MOLER, Instructor Physics. 
 JOHN L. MORRIS, Dean Faculty Mech. Arts. 
 J. E. OLIVER, Dean Faculty Mathematics. 
 TRACY PECK, Dean Faculty Ancient Languages. 
 ZIBA H. POTTER, Asst. Prof. Mathematics. 
 
 A. N. PRENTISS. Dean Faculty Nat. History. 
 
 F. L. 0. RCEHRIG, Prof. Oriental Languages. 
 CHAS. A. SCHAEFFER, Dean Faculty Physics. 
 
 C. C. SHACKFORD, Dean Faculty Letters. 
 F. W. SIMONDS, Instructor in Geology. 
 
14 
 
 B. H. SMITH, Instructor in Typography. 
 JOHN E. SWEET, Director Machine Shops. 
 H. S. WHITE, Asst. Pi-of. Greek and Latin. 
 H. P. VAN NESS, Prof. Military Tactics, etc. 
 
 Mr. Wickes also presented a similar petition from the students in civil 
 engineering in Cornell University. 
 
 [Albany Evening Journal, March 8, 1877.] 
 
 MEMORIAL 
 OF THE FACULTY OF HAMILTON COLLEGE. 
 
 The following is a copy of a memorial presented in the Assembly on 
 Monday last by Hon. Everett Case : 
 To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of New York : 
 
 The undersigned members of the Faculty of Hamilton College, would 
 respectfully represent the value, in their judgment, of a complete topo- 
 graphical survey of the State, as an aid to education and a help to every 
 department of intelligent labor. It seems by general consent to be allowed, 
 that the positions of many cities and towns^ the boundaries of townships 
 and counties, the courses of rivers and the outlines of lakes are now very 
 imperfectly determined, and in the present state of knowledge a correct 
 map of the State is impossible. It would be for the credit of this great 
 and powerful central commonwealth to take the lead in this as in other 
 means which tend to develop the wealth and prosperity of its citizens. 
 This work is beyond the resources and the authority of private individuals. 
 If done at all it must be under the authority and supervision of the State, 
 to whose honor it will redound, while it will be for the advantage of all. 
 To do this work accurately and thoroughly, will of course require a consid- 
 erable outlay, but the expense will be distributed over several years, and 
 the work once completed will be for all future time. We venture there- 
 fore to express the earnest hope that the survey already begun, may be 
 continued under such direction as may seem wise and likely best to 
 accomplish the object proposed. 
 Hamilton College, February, 1877. 
 
 S. G. BROWN, President. 
 
 OREN ROOT, Prof, of Mathematics. 
 
 EDWARD NORTH, Prof, of Greek. 
 
 CHESTER HUNTINGTON, Prof, of Nat. Phil. 
 
 ALBERT H. CHESTER, Prof, of Chemisti-y. 
 
 JOHN W. MEARS, Prof, of Philosophy. 
 
 N. W. GOERTNER, College Pastor. 
 
 A. G. HOPKINS, Prof, of Latin. 
 
 ELLICOTT EVANS, Prof, of Law, &c. 
 
 HENRY A. FRINK, Prof, of Rhetoric. 
 
 [ Utica Mornmg Herald, March 3, 1877.] 
 
15 
 
 MEMORIAL 
 
 OF THE FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER. 
 
 The following is a copy of a memorial presented in the Assembly by 
 the Hon. James S. Graham : 
 
 University of Rochester, ) 
 Rochester, N. Y., March 5, 1877. } 
 
 To the Honorable Ihe Legislature of the State of New York : 
 
 Learning that a bill has been introduced to repeal the act authorizing 
 the State Survey, the undersigned would respectfully express their con- 
 viction as to the great value of a trigonometrical and topographical sur- 
 vey of this State. The numerous advantages which would be secured 
 to the whole people of the State, seem to us obvious and important. The 
 work already done by the United States Coast Survey, along our eastern 
 and northern borders, furnishes a basis from which a series of triangu- 
 lations may be carried over the interior, not only with great economy of 
 expense, but also with the certainty of requiring no revision nor repeti- 
 tion in the future. 
 
 For the sake of rendering permanent the boundary lines of real estate, 
 as a basis of intelligent construction of roads, and also as a means of 
 improving the sanitary condition of many parts of our State, your 
 memorialists pray that the existing organization of the State Survey 
 may be continued. 
 
 M. B. ANDERSON, President. 
 
 A. C. KENDRICK, Prof, of Greek. 
 
 I. F. QUINBY, Prof, of Mathematics. 
 
 A. H. MIXER, Prof, of Modern Languag-es. 
 
 S. A. LATTIMORE, Prof, of Chemistry. 
 
 J. H. GILMORE, Prof, of Rhetoric. 
 
 OTIS H. ROBINSON, Prof, of Mathematics. 
 
 W. C. MOREY, Prof, of Latin. 
 {^Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, March, 10, 1877.] 
 
 MEMORIAL 
 
 OF THE FACULTY OF VASSAR COLLEGE. 
 
 Presented to the Senate by Hon. B. Platt Carpenter, March 6, 1877. 
 
 To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of Neio Yo7'k : 
 
 The undersigned, members of the Faculty and Officers of Vassar Col- 
 lege, having learned that a bill is pending before your honorable body 
 to repeal the act organizing a State Survey, and believing that the honor 
 of the State, the advancement of science, and important pecuniary inter- 
 ests, alike demand the speedy completion of a thorough trigonometrical 
 
j ^.yatfff 
 
 16 ^^^'S'f 
 
 and topographical survey of our Stats, do respectfully and earnestly pray 
 that the work already begun under such favorable auspices may be vig- 
 orously prosecuted to the end, and that the said bill may not be allowed 
 to pass. And your memorialists will ever pray, etc. 
 PouGHKEEPSiE, Feb. 28, 1877. 
 
 J. H. RAYMOND, President Vassar College. 
 
 MARIA MITCHELL, Professor of Astronomy. 
 
 TRUMAN J. BACKUS, Professor Eng-. Lang, and Lit. 
 
 HELEN M. WEBSTER, M. D., Professor of Physiology. 
 
 C. J. HINKEL, Professor Ancient Languages. 
 
 Le R. C. COOLEY, Professor Physics and Chemistry. 
 
 PRISCILLA H. BRAISLIN, Professor Mathematics. 
 
 WILLIAM H. FORBY, General Supei-intendent. 
 
 M. VASSAR, Jk., Treasurer. 
 
 RESOLUTION OF THE N. Y. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. 
 
 Presented to the Senate March 7, 1877, by Hon. J. W. Gerard. 
 
 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. 
 
 instituted a. d. 1768. 
 Resolution in respect to the Survey of the State. 
 At a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, held March 1, 1877, Mr. 
 Samuel D. Babcock, President, in the chair, the following Preamble and 
 Resolution, offered by Mr. George W. Blunt, were unanimously adopted : 
 Whereas, It is the duty of all civilized governments to provide weights 
 and measures, and coin money for the uses of the people ; and as it is the 
 usage to provide accurate measurement of the territories of such govern- 
 ments, to prevent disputes of public and private boundaries ; and as the 
 State of New York has no means in her possession of making an accurate 
 map of the State ; Therefore 
 
 Resolved, That we respectfully ask of the Legislature to make such 
 appropriation as may be necessary to continue the Survey of the State 
 as begun last year, under such favorable auspices. 
 A true copy. 
 
 S. D. BABCOCK, 
 GEORGE WILSON, President. 
 
 Secretary.