The New York Herald Newspaper, May 14, 1845, Page 1

Vol. X1., No. 132—Whole No. 4004. Common Council, NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY MORNING, MAY 14, 1845. customed (o administrative duties, | am conscious that I Boanp or Atprnaen.—It becomes the painful duty of | shall often require the indulgence of those who have so the reporter to chronicle the expiring death struggles of the members of the old Board of Aldermen, and painful as the duty is, he knows of no way to avoid At five ininutes past 11 o'clock the “native” Aldermen entered, with mournful facos, and took their seats with a sigh, gazing probably officially for the last time, upon the portraits of the departed Washington, Clinton, Hamilton and Jay. Strugele the First.—Ald. Drake moved that all unfin- ished papers be placed upon file. Adopted. — Struggle the Second.—Ald. Draxe then offered the fol- ing resolution :— That the thanks of this Board are hereby presented to Richard L. Schieftelin, Esq., for the able manner in which he has presided over the deliberations of this bo dy, and for his unremitted attention to the duties thereot. ‘This resolution was put by the clerk, and adopted. ‘The President then read the following address: On motion a committee of two was appointed, consist. ing of Ald, Drake and Hasbrouck, to wait upon his Honor the Mayor and inform him that the Board were about ad- journinig—(20 minutes past 11 o'clock. | soon reported that the committee having waited uponthe Mayor, he had informed them that he had no communication to make. A motion was then made to adjourn, but not being seconded it was withdrawn, The Clerk.—Ald, Hasanovex offereda resolution pass- ing a vote of thanks to Charles A. Whitney, Clerk of the Board, for the gentlemanly, efficient and courteous man- ner in which he had performed his duties during the past ear, In offering this resolution, Ald. H. made a speech of considerable length, in which he begged to dissent from many of the remarks made by the President. He also regretted that he could not thank the majority f courtesy they had extended to him. His very caustic and severe. The resolution was adopted. Ald, Dnaxe then offered a resolution passing a vote of thanks to David the able and efficient manner in which ho had his duties—the untiring industry, courtesy, &c. ted. ‘Tue New Common Covnct.—Tne Hat.—Never hasan occasion of the like nature passed off so quietly as to-day. ‘The numbers in and about theFlall were comparatively ve- ry few, there not being more than from one to two hun- dred, when generally there are more than as many thou- sands. Everything was perfectly quiet, the applicants for office being (oo anxious to say much. The races of the two wonderful mares was the cause, undoubtedly, of so few being present to see the new Mayor, Mr. Hayomeyer, take the course and the late Mayor boit from the track. The Mayor Elect.—At *f minutes past 12 o'clock, the door opened, and Mr. Clark, Mayor's first Marshal, M Adop- entered an announced his Hon ‘or Harper | and Mr. William F. Havemeyer, Mayor ele upon which the Board of Aldermen arose. Mayor and Mayer elect, then took the speakers staid, and his Honor, Mayor Harper, announced that vould administer the oath of office to the Mayor which he accordingly did. Mr. Hanrer—Gentlemen, I have the pleasure of pre- senting to you Wm. F. Haveme: Mayor of the city and county of Now York. (Turning to the Ma yor aud shaking hin by the hand,) aud sir, { wish you a great deal of happiness and prosperity The Jldermen—His Honor, Mayor Havemeyer, then administered the oath of office to the following gentle- anen, returned by the County Clerk as Aldermen elect for the ensuing year Wards. Wards. A. Oliver Charlick, 10, Benjamin J. Messerole, 11. Charles J. Dodge, 2. James C. Stoneall, 8. Egbert Benson (whig) 12. David 8. Jackson, 4. Joseph A. Divver, "13. Davis D. Briggs, 6, Emanuel B .Hart, . ‘Thomas B. ‘Tappan, 6. Thomas 8, Heary, Wm. V. Brady, (whig.) 2. Thomas Conner, William C. Seaman, 8. Richard ‘T. Compton, . Crandell Rich, 9. Theodorus Vantine. His Honor then repaired to the Board of Assistants to swear in the members of that body. Business-—On motion of Ald. Seaman, Ald. Jackson was appointed Chairman pro tem. Ald. Seaman then moved to proceed to the ballot for President of the Board of Aldermen, and nominated Al- | derman Cxannicx for the ottice. ark motion, Aldermen Henny and Brapy were appoint- ed tellezs. The result of the ballot was-or Charlick 12, Blank 3, On motion, Aldermen ‘Tarrax and Bryson’ were ap- pointed by the Chair to wait upon the President and con- duct hint to his seat, and they immediately ushered the eae ar of the Ist ward, with his laurels upon his row, to the Speaker’s chair. President Cuartick then rose and addressed the Board as follows :—Allow me to return to you, gentlemen of the Board of Aldermen, my sincere thanks fur the high honoryou have conferred upon me in thus selecting me to preside over your deliberations. [do not intend inake “ny promises whatever as to the manner in whi I intend’ to preside over merely say that | shall endeavor to do so to the best of my abilities, and I shalt call upon and trust to you to sustain me in my decisions. Having said thus much, | hope 1 shall be excused from making along speech, or Promises made to the ear to be broken to the hope ; but rather let us by our acts be judged. Kemovais ond Appointments.—Ald Seaman, who acted as principal executioner, offered a number of decapita- ting resolutions, and others to fill the vacuum caused by the removal. David 'f. Valentine was appointed Clerk of the Com- mon Couneil, vice Charles A. Whitney, removed. Ald. Haxr oifered a resolution abolishing the office of Assistant Clerk of the Board of Aldermen. Ado; . Ald. Jackson offered a resolution authorising the Cleric of the Common Council to employ an assistant at & compensation not to exceed $500 per annum. Adopted. A committee consisting of Aldermen Briggs and Ben- son, were appointed to wait upon the Mayor, and in- forin him that the Board was in session, and ready to re- ceive any communication from him. The committee, after a short absence, reported that they had performed the duty assigned them, and that the Mayor would com- municute with them by’ Message. A like committee, con: ing of Aldermen Henry and Brady, was appointed to wait upon the Board of Assist. ants, and inform them of the same fact. Resisnation—The resignation of Lewis Cordnan, as- sistant keeper City Hall, was recoived and adopted. Claims on the Treasury—Ald. Henry offered a resolu- tion directing the City Chamberlain not to pay any claims signed by the late Clerk of the Board. Adopted. Rules and Orders—On motion of Alderman Hart, the printed rules and orders of the old Board were adopted, until otherwise ordered. Medtevocation of Contracts.—Ald. Cuanuicx offered the dollowing preamble and resolutions: Whereas a contract has been entered into by the mem- bers of the Common Council to build an Alms House up- on Randail’s Island, six hundred feet long, and on dred wide,/and four stories high, which, in the o| this Common Council, is wholly unsuitable to the objects to be attained by its erection ; and, Whereas, in the judgment of this Common Council, the Alms House establishisent should not consist wholly of one large building, but of several separate buildings, not only with reference to guarding against calamity by fire, and the rayages ot epidemic disease, but witha view toa classification of the paupers, separating males from fe males, and the old and decripit from the able bodied, that tho latter may be maintainea and employed at labor in a arate building, to be designated as the Work House ; ans, Whereas, the said contract has been entered into be- fore auy authority had beeu obtained to provide the ne- cessary means to meet the expenditures, the law applied for not having passed the Legislature; and, Whereas the said proceedings are not only an infringe- meat upon the rights of this Common Council, in thus at. tempting to forestall their action in the premises,and a di- rect violation of the charter of our city, aud therefore void, but presents a precedent of dangerous tendency ; therefore, Resolved, That this Common Council do hereby disallow the said contract entered into by the late “Joint Special Committee on Buildings, upon fandall’s Island,” with Amos Woodruff and W. W. Wetmore, to build an Alms House and a rear biflding upon Randall’s Island, under date of the 30th of April, 1345, the said contract be- ing null and voi ‘lerk of the Common Council under the advisement of the Counsel of the Cor- poration, cause to be served upon the said Amos Wood- ruffand W. W. Wetmore, personally, « copy, duly cer tilied, of these preambles and resolutions, Resolved, That it be referred to a select committee, consisting of three frem each Ward, to enquire into and report upon the expediency of erecting suitable build- ings for the Alms House Department, wish the necessary pluns and specifications of the same-—a proper site for their location, and whether prison labor may not be em- ployed in their erection, and also an estimate of their cost and the ways and means to defray the expenses. Adopted by a vote of 15 affirmative and none in the negative. (Ald. Seaman and Henry had stepped out a moment and consequently did not yote.] Police Bill.-On motion of Ald. Briccs, the new Police bo sanctioned by the Legislature in May last was adupt- Removals and Appointments.—T" and appointments were made: Javob Hayes, re-appointed Sergoant-at-Arms to the Board of yng Wm. ©. Bryant & Co. (Even Post), Printer of Board of Aldermen, vice John F. Trow, eure. ihias John Ewen, Comptroller, vice D. D, Williamson, re- moved. Wm. P, Moss, Superintendent of Alms House, vice Horace Luitborough, removed. Fenelon Hasbrouck, M.D., Resident Physician of the Alms House, vice John McClennan, removed, Joseph I. Sweet, Superintendant of Streets, vice Geo, Bakewell, removed. Bartholomew Purdy, Superintendent of Lamp and Gas, vice James M. Gillespie, removed. John A. Peterson, Superintendant of Pavements, vico James I, Bross, removed, Jen M. Sniffen, Corporation Attomey, vice M. M. Da- vidson, removed. Jam T. Brady, Counsel to the Board, vice John Leveridge, removed, Mack Vakley, Superintefdant of Public Buildings and Repairs, vice George Young, removed. At this stage of the proceedings, the following mos- #nge of his Honor the Mayor was received and read:— Message of Mayor Havemeycr. Mayor's Orvicr, May 13, 1845, ite the Common Council of the City of New York. he following removals To the Hon GextTiemnn. in aes ut the responsibilities of the important public trust to whieh I have Teen elevated by tho cuties of my fellow citizens, | feel that my first duty is to express, through you, to our constituents, my profound sense o: the honor which they have conferred upon me, Unac+ Valentine, the Assistant Clerk, for | our deliberations, but will | generously extended to me their confidence, and can on- y promise that all my abilities shall be exerted to fulfil their reasonable expectations. By the seventeenti section of the amendments to our harter, it is made the duty of the Mayor ‘to com- ticaie to the Common Council, at least once a year, anu oftener if he shall deem it expedient, a general state- ment of the situation and condition of the city, in relation | | to its government, finances and improvements ; and to “recommend to the adoption of the Common Council all such measures connected with the police, security, health, cleauliness and ornament of tho city, and the im: provement of its government and finances, as he shall | deem expedient.”* ‘The finanei, condition of the city, which, from its im- | portance, and the general interest it excites should first | | harged | demand our attention, is exhibited by the following state- | ments, made up to the third of the present month : FUNDED OR PERMANENT CIty DEBT. 5 per cent city stock of 1820 and 1829, Gah. oo e's se aaey 18, 5 per cent public building stoc 5 per cent fire loan stock, due 4) ARMM os} acsiehe wohl sine: « 6 & 6 pr ct floating debt, duo before. . . 6 water Toan stock, due. $250,000 515,000 temporary water loan, due before... ...... eaas8e Nominal amount of debt, ..... +++... «$14,437,038. 00 Leas proceed of snies of water * to credit of water com- 102,111 40 ing fund, from sales of real estate and revenues specially pledged for the redemption of the city debt........ 2... 1,814,152 00 Less balance in bank to credit of commissioners of sin! not invested., . Actual amount of city debts... . .. . «$12,454,498 50 The amount will probably be increased to $700,000. It is anticipated that acts willbe passed by the Legislature at its present session, authorizing the Corporation to fund $500,000 for the completion of the water works, and $200,000 for the erection of the alms house buildings. For the redemption of this debt, as it falls due, there are bonds nnd mortgages and property takon for fire loan stock, bonds and mortgages taken for sales of public property, the revenues from markets, licenses, present amounting to about $100,000 per year, and the interest on the stocks held by the commissioners of the sinking fund, besides the whole of the real estate belong- ing to the city. The temporary debt of tho city, or debt incurred for city expenditure in anticipation of the receipt of taxes and resources, was as follows: Revenue bonds, in anticipation of tax and di ‘The police proper, and the municipal police, and | the watch; and the persons belonging to each of these | divisions receive their appointments from different sources, This is a complicated and inefficient system. ‘These separate organizations teud, as I am informed, to excite dissensions between the individuals composing them, which are incompatible with the efficiency of a well regulated police. By the act passed by the Legislature of this State, May 7, 1844, entitled ‘An Act for the establishment of the Police of the City of New York,” the power is given to the Common Council, to adopt by ordinance and thus put im operation the sections of that act relating to the police of the city. Your predecessors did not see fit to enact such an ordinance, but it is competent for you to do so, This law appears to contain within itself a complete system; it confers powers and imposes regulations which the city does not possess, and cannot establish un- der its charter or any former law, and which are essen- tial to the object in view; it is presented to us under circumstances which deserve our respect, and appears to be better calculated to give us an efficient police than the system now in operation, or any which is within the Tegal competency of the Common Council to carry into effect, Nothing short of radical defects in the plan, which the Government cannot remedy by auxiliary legislation ought to prevent us from availing ourselves of these valuable grants, which, if we reject in this form, we cannot get renewed, in a different one, until the next session of the Legislature, and almost at the close of our official existence. The defect which is most prominent is the appointment of policemen for a single year. Their term of office being the same with that of the aldermen, assistants and assessors, who are to appoint them, there is danger that the whole system willbe in- volvod in the incessant strifes and annual changes of par- ties, and its agents recline from the experience and independence which are indispensable to their useful- ness. This evil, which, if it were to continue, would constitute a strong objection to the plan, may be reme- died by the Legislature before its effects are experi- enced. This important subject merits, as I have no doubt it will receive, your early and careful consideration. Tam informod by the President of the Croton Aque- duct Board, that the department under his superinten- dence is ina highly prosperous condition, The receipts for the year ending the 3lst December, 1845, were $118,009," and, from present appearances, they promise this year to reach the sum. of $160,000, ‘Some improve- ments in its management havo been suggested, which will be explained in detail in the communication which the Board will shortly make to your honorably body. The administration of the Government of the City has been committed to us at a period, and under circumstan- ces, which require of us the greatest prudence, energy and economy. We are forewarned that professions will be disre; led, and that we shall be judged according to If we deprecate such a judgment, or are un- willing to invoke it, we are unprepared for a proper dis- charge of the responsibilities which we have assumed. The only safe rule of official conduct is to do what, in c our convictions, is right, in entire disregard of personal or temporary consequences. -If we follow this rule, and continually bear in mind that a temporizii policy that loads inevitably to ruin, we shall be ampl: compensated for any immediate inconveniences to whic this course may subject us, by the final verdict of public approval. he frequent changes which have occurred in our mu- nicipal administration, are no indications of instability in FEVOHUC +0. seus encse crs esssuc tes, $194,700 00 Outstanding warranis, being’ drafts drawn on the Treasury, and not’ presented for payment... 0's sevece cee 190,198 68 Amount due to the wate: und, beit ‘amount to the credit of the Water Comm sioners, expended for city purposes, an’ to be reimbursod... . + 102,111 40 | Balance due State on mill tax of 1944 . 57,379 86 “Common Schools on levy of 1st. MOBAS ee Chen shanae ce tcen at aa OOK OD Total temporary debt. «$1,117,058 96 Lose balauce in ‘Treasury. + 124/874 28 | | \ | | Net temporary debt. . $992,184 63 ‘The expenditure’ on cil m January ist to May 3d, 1845, for which the largest portion of the foregoing debt was created, is as follows:— For Watch. ........ » $92,032 84 For Lamps and Gas . TI AMT 40 For contingent expenses. . 440,530 24 Total expenditure for contin. geat expenses, and Watch and amps. . saves sees ve es «604,910 48. - ‘ Expenditure for Water Loan in terest, in anticipation of tax 882,177 21 Leaving a balance of. ........ 5 $110,007 41 ¢ebt incurred prior to January 1, 1845, to meet ere is a balance of uncollected tax of 1641, 1842, 1344, amounting to about $240,000 ; from which the above amount of $110,007 41 will doubtless be realized before the close of the present year. Should a greater amount be realized from this source within the year than is necessary for this purpose, it will add to the resources of the city a corresponding amount. The act entitled “ An act to enable the supervisors of the city and county of New York to raise money by tax,” assed March 14, 1845, authorizes raising by tax to de- vay the expenses of tue city governmeuat the following ntingent exponses, (being for expen: ses of city on all accounts other than watch, lanips, interest on city debt, com- mon schools ‘and redemption of floating debt of 1810)... + $940,987 00 For watch... + 240,500 00 For lamps. ++ 150,000.00 Total amount authorized to be raised for these expenditure: + 1,339,487 00 timated revenues from Aims House, auctions’ duties, redemption of lands sold for assessments, and bought in by city. 45,000 00 Total menns for the support of the city vernment, independent of the payments for interest on city debt, common schools, and the redemption of the floating debt of 1842. 1,384,487 00 ‘The expenditure to 3d of May, 1845, out of the means above stated, is, as shown above — 604,910 00 Leaving a balance for the remainder of the ar, to January 1, 1546........ Leas’ such amount as mey hav predecessors since May 3. The following table shows the taxes levied, the tax and revenues collected, and the amount expended for the support of the city government since 1835, with the dif- ference between the receipts and expenditures of each year :— sass $779,576 48 en expended by your Tax § reve- Expend’te E De rues ¢ on city Excess of Defi’ Fear account, ‘yectipts” infest in {612,671 31 54,412 7 10 623,01 189,350 2 Wit 899 35 192)434 7 ini2 779 30 620,235 1 wA3 371 60 189,713 64 iait 2,963,118 83 316,344 32 Total excess of receipts. Total deieieney indo. « $824 444 57 590,057 96 + 530,057 96 Balance... .... + $204,383 61 From the foregoing statement, it appears that the re- ceipts for the support of the city government from 1839 to 1842 inclusive, exceeded the expenditure for the same period in the sumjof $824,444 57; of which $628,235 14 ac- crued in 1842, in Consequence of levying a larger amount for interest and county contingencies than was required for the expenditure of that year, and from the sale of pro- perty forthe taxes of former years. This surplus of $824\444 57 has beon wholly absorbed by the deficiency in the receipts from revenues and tax to meet the expen- diture of 1843 and 1844, and by the reduction of revenue bonds, as follows : Surplus on hand, Revenue bonds Jan. 1, 1839, « + «$920,000 00 Revenue bonds out Jan. 1, 1845, ..... . 690,700 00 Reductions on rev. bonds. . .. . . $299,900 00 revenue col- year 1843,..1,965,687 96 Expenditure on city account in 1943. .. .2,149,371 60 + $924,444 57 Excess of exponditure over re- ceipts of 1843, . . Tax and revenues coi- lected in 1844,. . ., .9,216,774 61 Expenditure on ‘city account in 1844,, , 183,713 64 2,563,118 83 Excess of expenditure over re- coipts of 13M, oe... ee vee. « $9M6,344 32 $819,957 96 Nett deficiency Jan, 1, 1845,. . + $25,916 39 The Fire Department, from its intimate connection with the security of property, will always be an object of pe- culiar interest to our fellow-citizens, From a statement furnished me by tho chief engineer, it appears that there are now in the city thirty-nine en- qincs, thirty-cight hore companies, seven hook and Ind- der conrpanies, and two hydrant companies. ‘Thirty- three of the engines are located below Twenty-eighth street; and of these, 30 are six anda half inch cylinder engines, one 10 inch, and two 9 inch cylinder engines. ‘As none of the 6} inch cylinder engines have been built for the last ten years, they are now much worn, and are constantly requiring repa nee The introduction of the Croton water, while it has added vastly to the ability of the department to answer the ends of its organization, has likewise suggested va- rious improvements in its arrangement. Hose carts have been multiplied and have proved to be in many cases advantageous substitutes tor the fire engine. From the lightness of their construction they can be run with much greater facility to points where they are suddenly required, and, being able from the hydrant to throw wa- ter to the elevation of ordinary buildings, they are found to equal in efficiency, for the extinguishment of fires, the class of engines Brinsipally used before the introduction of the water, and still constituting in numbers the bulk f our engine force, 'hese considerations indicate the propriety of redu- cing greatly, perhaps of dispensiny entirely with, the | smaller class of engines, and substituting for them ‘hose carts, and in limited numbers a larger and more power: ful class of engines, such os the largest and most power ful we have now in commission. An economy in the number of persons required to man the necessary force, | anda great saving to the city in repaire might in this | way be ach he police of the city consists of three separate bo- | the popular judgment, but the natural resultsof misgo- vetnment. ‘That the city has been misgoverned is a fact too well established to admit of controversy. That this misgovernment has arisen from a want of ori- ginal integrity of purpose in those who have been char- je with its administration, I do not believe. ‘The evil lies deeper. It has its origin in the system itsolf; and, until that shall be changed, it will never b tually or permanently remedied. The government of the city remains substantially the same as when it was instituted to regulate the affairs of a petty municipal corporation, while the community upon which it acts has grown, until it embraces a larger popu- lation than several of the States of the Union—presents, in the business relations and social condition of its inha- bitants, a greater variety of subjects for regulation, and a a larger number of officers, and the collection and application of a greater revenue. i The government, affecting these vast and varied in- terests, is without those divisions and limitations of pow- er which all experience has shown to be absolutely in- nsable to a wise and honest administration. Its le- tion is wholly unchecked. The separation into two oards is but nominal, the members of each being elect- ed for the same term, and by the same constituencies.— And the veto ofthe Mayor has no practical effect to re- sist the passage ofa measure. The Common Council, too, unites in itself nearly all executive with all legislative powers. It appoints all officers, removes them at will, and holds them accounta- ble to itselfalone. It performs most of the proper exe- cutive functions through committees, which are restrain- ed neither by the publicity which belongs to its own proceedings, nor the definite and fixed responsibility which attends the official action of individuals. The pow- ers of the municipal government are concentrated in a few men, thus unchecked and absolute. ‘The annual election of thirty-four persons, whose dis- cretion is thus unlimited, and whose main business is to collect and distribute, through the various forms of pa- tronage, nearly a million and a half of dollars, is an event of no ordinary interest. ‘The nature of man must be radically changed before success in such an election can be prevented from being regarded in some degree as a pecuniary prize to be contended for ; and to the ex- tent to which it is so regarded, it is corrupting in its of- fects. It tends to corrupt the electors, by inducing them to choose their representative with reference to the dis- tribution of this patronage, and the representative, by subjecting him to the pressure of the selfish influences which dictated his election. It also exercises anevil influence upon the people in another respect. It creates and stimulates an appetite for public employment to the abandonment of the more sober, reliable, and ultimately lucrative ba tinbeted of pri- vate industry.’ A change in the political complexion of the Common Council is generally followed by a change of all the officers in the government from the highest to the most subordinate ; and this change has now ome Imost universal. The facility with which it is accomplished leads to combinations to effect it—those who in thi! r hold their offices by the they displaced—are assailed by the same combinations— and are in turn thrown out of employment to await the chancos of the next year's competition. This is a disqua. lifying process. The man ejected from office seldom re- turns to his original business, or if he does, it is not with that reliance upon it which commands success. He generally becomes a politician, and seeks no other Ser raess, The uncertainty of his chances of success and defeat generate an excitement, which, like that of gaming, leads to habits of indolence and irregularity. In proportion as he becomes unfit for office, he grows more dependent upon it, and more unscrupulous in its pursuit. A government whose organization docs not provide the guards which have universally been found necessary to prevent errors and abuses in administration; which pro- duces incessant fluctuations in the ofticers who conduct it, utterly incompatible with their competency and use- fulness; and which itself becomes a mere machinery for the distribution of public favors, ought not to be tolera- ted where the power to change it exists. It seems to me that we cannot render a more accepta- ble service to our constituents than at once to take mea- sures to procure such alteration in the charter of the city as will remedy these evils in its government. In m: judgment, its executive and legislative functions should be vested in different and independent hands. The heads of the executive departments should be either elected by the people or appointed by the Mayor, with the consent of the Board of Aldermen. The subor- dinate officers should be appointed 3 the Mayor—or, in cases provided by ordinance, by the heads of the depart- ments, aiact to similar confirmation. And these offi- cers should hold their place for a fixed term, during which they should be removable only for cause ascer- tained in some mode defined by law. The city legislation ought to be divided in fact as well ‘as in form into two bodies; the members of which should ind should represent diffe- rent constituencies; for which purpose the city might be divided, so that each district should elect one alder- man, and each ward one or more assistants annually. ‘The veto of the mayor, instead of being as now, mere- ly nominal, should, like that of the President of the Union, or the Governor of the State, have the effect of requiring a larger vote to ropass an act against which it had been interposed, Those reformations will require the intervention of the State Legislature, and therefore cannot be accomplished until the next annual session of that body. But it is within your competency, and is necessary to secure ac- tion at that sossion, to mature before that time the re- quired amendment of tho city charter. This you can do yourselves, or through a convention of the people. In ‘either case, the amendments which are agreed upon will have first to be presented to the ow ature for its sanction, and should then be submit- ted to the electors of the city for final adoption. In much as your present duties are already onerous, and in all cases where alteratio: the organic law are re. ‘aired, an 7 the original source of power is in it, Lam of the opinion that itis better to submit this whole subject at asearly a day as is practicable, to the deliberations of a body specially chosen and delegated by the people for the purpose, It would certainly have been preferable that the act convening such a body should, in the first instance, have received the confirmation of the lature ; but nevertheless, within ene powe: call a conventio1 which shall possess suificient practical authority. In the meanwhile, | earnestly recommend that, so far as any part of the governmental organization is within your control, you conform it to the spirit of these sugges- tions. You may not be able to give the requisite inde- pendence and proper responsibility to the heads of the epartments under the present mode of appointment and term of office, but you can abolish the practice which has prevailed of transacting executive business by commit- tees, and constitute, for the performance of such duties, executive departments, The 2ist section of the amended charter provides that “the Executive business of the Corporation of New York shall be hereafter performed by distinct depart- ments, which it shall be the duty of the Commen Council to organize and appoint.” Our constituents in public meetings, and in various other modes, jounced the practice of imposing Executive functions upon Legislative committees, as a violation of the provision of the charter. ‘These manifestations are entitled to our respect, and 1 trust that you will not continue a practice thus condem- ned, but at once conform to the obvious requirements of law, and not allow the precedent of long established abuse to weigh against the most solemn obligations of duty. W. F. HAVEMEYER. Bar Game.—Ald. Divver offered a resolution di- recting the Commissioner of the Alms-House not to dis- pose of any property of any kind, orto purchase any sul ee unless Teodacedl by the Committee on Finance. Adopted. Street Inspectors.—A resolution was also offered by the same gentleman, removing all the present Street In- spectors, and providing that the Aldermen and Assistants i persons to perform the duty. Amended by fixing the rémuneration at $2 per day, MaComptrolier—Ald. Briccs offered a questing the Comptroller to report the unexpended amount of the appropriation for cleaning streets. Adopted. Adjournment.—On motion, it was resolved that when the Board adjourn, it adjourn to meet at 6 o'clock on Thursday next. Removals and Appointments resumed.—Flias L. Smi Street Commissioner, vice Samuel 8. Doughty, remove John Stewart, Receiver of Taxes, vice Henry T. Kiersted, removed. Jease Brush, Water Purveyer, vice John P. Flender, removed. : James Tury, Mayor's Clerk, vice Freeborn G. Luckey, removed. Morgan I. Mott, Keeper of Blackwell’s Island, vice John F. Driggs, removed. Stephen Van Ostrand, Collector City Revenue, vice Thomas Hogan, removed. Malichi Fallon, Keeper City Prison, vice Wm, Cox, removed. Bernard Kennedy, Assistant Keeper City Hall, vice Job Smith, resigned. Edward Fitzgerald and Edward Hannagan, Ballast Masters, to fill vacancies. James C. Willett, Collector of Asi Aaron Q. Felt, removed. Joseph Hotiemire, Deputy Keeper City Hall, vice Lewis Cordnan, resigned. a 4 Henry P. Wanmaker, Public Administrator, vice Har- ris Wilson, removed. Patrick McCafferty, Deputy Collector of Assessments, vice George Betts, removed. Samuel Dunshee, Deputy Collector of Assessments, re-appointed. : Peter 8. Esquirol, Deputy Receiver of Taxes, vice Garret H. Stryker, removed. Aaron R. Jollie, Inspector of Weights and Measures, vice Samuel C. Jollie, removed. George Walters, Deputy Keeper Blackwell's Island, vice Elisha Packard, removed. antl Stephen S. Duryee, Deputy Clerk in Clinton Market vice Ledyard Avery, removed. William E. Denniss, Superintendent of Wharves and Piers, vice Phillip Maybe, removed. Cornelius B. Archer, City Inspector, vice Eli Leavitt, removed. y James M. Bard, Inspector of Weights and Measures, vice Henry Swords, removed. ‘Anthony Chappel, Deputy Collector of Assessments, vice Samuel Ludlow, removed. ; Isaac Cozzens, Jr. Assistant City Inspector,vice Joshua Fleet, removed. i ~ Daniel Leavitt, Deputy Clerk Clinton Market, vice Thomas H. Odell, removed. ; William Messerve, Peperintendent of Markets, vice Benjamin Ward, removed. Wm. N. Burkhead, Clerk in the office of Superinten- dent of Streets, vice James Burns, removed. Geo. W. Skyler, Clerk to the Superintendent of Re- pairs, vice Edward Green, removed. all have been, under the discipline of party organization, yet I am very sure, that beyond the mere A ang oe to office, partizan feelings and influences will be disre- garded in all matters presenting themselves for legisla- tive deliberation and action ; and that but one primary object—a salutary reformation and a healthy adminis- tration of the city government, for the benefit of the peo- ple, will be kept constantly in view, to guide our coun- cils, and regulate our proceedings. rans Animated by a virtuous and patriotic zeal, inspired by a confident and abiding faith in an all wise and beni- ficent Providence, whose blessings are gaiefolls ac. | knowledged, and their continuance humbly invoked— let all our proceedings, I pray you, gentlemen, be mark- ed with mutual forbearance, good will and respect, with | moderation and dignity, with truth and integrity; let us | diligently and steadfastly pursue those measures, and those yet which are best calculated, not merely to pre- serve, but to advance the internal good order, happines: and prosperity of our noble city, and accelerate its creasing honor and Blory. At the conclusion of the addre: vigorously to business. i : Mr. O. §.Banrizs was unanimously appointed Clerk | of the Board for the ensuing year. Mr. Davin 8. Cuaprizp Was unanimously appointed | Ai fant Clerk. ek Nicuoras M. Surpe.. was appointed Sergeant-at- rms. Witutam Denman, Esq. proprietor and editor of the Truth Teller, was unanimously appointed printer to the Board for the ensuing year. ; A committee was here appointed to wait upon his Ho- nor the Mayor, and inform him that the Board was duly organised. Messrs. Oliver and Turner being selected for the purpose, retired; and in five minutes returned and reported. it was hereupon moved that the rules of the last Board be selected to regulate the proceedings of the present Board. Adopted. ‘The message ef the Mayor, as_reported above, was hereupon read, and on motion of Mr. Turner it was or- dered to be inserted on the minutes. ‘ Papers from the Board—Resolution directing to have no warrants signed by Mr. Whitney, clerk of the late Board, take effect. ; A number of papers from the Board, which will be found noticed above, were taken up snd concurred in. The appointment of James T. Brapy, Esq., as Counsel to the Corporation, was unanimously concurred in. Also of A. M. Sniffen, as Corporation Attorney. New Police—The Ordinance in relation to the esta- blishment of the New Police, as noticed above, passed both Boards, It willgo into operation in ten days. Messrs. Purser, Oliver and Gray, were appointed Fi- nance Committee. ir. Purser offered the following resolution : Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to report to the Board the legality of the present Executive Commit- teo, and the propriety of reporting an ordinance, consti- tuting a department according to the provisions of the amended Charter. Adopted, nem. con. Messrs. Purser, Roberts, Oliver, Maclay and Spofford, were accordingly appointed to act. s ‘he lms House—The Resolution of the Board, which rovided forthe immediate dissolution of the contract for the erection of the Alms House on Randall’s Island, and directing the Clerk of the Board to serve copies of the Board proceeded | Richard J, Smith, Assistant Street Comm: Augustus T. Arrowsmith, removed. Patrick Mott, Clerk Catherine Market, vice B. W Bebee, removed. Matthew Boyle re-a) roe and Gouverneur . John C. Demarest clerk Jefferson Market, vice John D. Herring removed. : Wm. H. Jacobs, clerk Washington Market, vice John Brewer removed. ¢ GilbertCromwell, clerk in Tompkins Market,vico Wm. Hadley removed. James A. Coffin, President of the Water Board, re-ap- inted. Porobert H. Tait,assistant clerk Washington Market, vice Edwin Nuby removed. . James W. Henry 2nd, clerk Street Com. office vice J. B. Stansbury removed. ae J ‘Wm. 8. Tompkins, M. D., Physician City Prison, vice James Warren removed. ‘Abraham Cotterell weigh-master at WashingtonMarket vice George C. Grant removed. The Streets.—Ald. Benson offered a resolution author- izing the Superintendent of Streets to cause all the filth and rubbish now accumulated in the streets to be remov- ed,and also the manure deposited in the dumping ground: and charge the former to the street contractors and de- duct the cost from th jount due them. Adopted. At 20 minutes of 4 o’clock the Board took a recess for one hour. ArrsRnoon Session.—After the recess, the Board re- assembled, and the following additional’ appointments were made: jioner, vice. ppointed clerk and sweeper of Mon Markets. the same on the contractors, were duly concurred in. The various appointments, as noticed in the proceed- ings before the Board, were concurred in Resolutions, directing the late Comptroller to commu- nicate to this Board the amount of unexpended appropri- ations for the year 1845. Concurred in. Resolutions, directing the removal of the Dockmasters and Street Inspectors, and authorising the appointment of suitable persons to clean the streets, at $2 per day, until the new Police Bill comes into operation. Coneurred in. City Prison.—Removal of Mr. Cox, and appointment of Malachi Fallon, a keeper of the City Prison—Concurred in, The Streets.—Resolution from the Board, directing that the Superintendent of Streets cause, forthwith, the filth to be removed therefrom, and charge the expense to the contractors; also, to remove the filth at the foot of Roose- velt street. Concurred in. Chatham Theatre.—Invitation to the Board to attend the Theatre on Saturday evening, accepted. ; The papers from the Board were all concurred in, and will be found fully noticed above. The Board adjourned at 4 o'clock, to meet again at 7. Evenina Srssion. The Board mot at 7 o'clock, Narnanir Pxarce, Esq., President, in the Chair. komt Papers from the Board.—A large number of appuint- ments from the Board, as noticed in their proceedings, were concurred in. Keeper of the City Hall—The, re-appo Taylor, the attentive and gentlemanly City Hall, was unanimously concurred in. 'rinter to the Common Council, and the Departments intment of Mr. keeper of the Jonathan Nash, Deputy Keeper Blackwell's Island, vice Peter Squire, removed. ‘Wn. Sinclair, 1st Clerk Street Commi: vice Jno. C. Wandell, removed. Dennis McCarty, Keeper Potter's Field, vice T. S. Goerck, removed. James Taylor, re-appointed Deputy Keeper City Hall. J. O'Sullivan, Printer to Departments Common Council, vice John F. Trow & Co. removed. R. D. Letter, Clerk in Fulion Market, vice David Tre- sant, removed. Geo. W. Gibson, appointed Assistant Dep. Clerk Ful- ton Market. Ald. Stoxraxt offered an ordinance, creating an addi- tional deputy clerk and assistant in Fulton Market, at a salary of for the first and $400 for the second. Adopted. Abolition of the Municipal Police.—An ordinance was offered and adopted, repealing the ordinance creating the Municipal Police, and at a stroke cutting off the heads of the two hundred M. P.’s and their officers. Committee on Finance.—The President appointed Ald. Stoneall, Vantine and Benson, to constitute the Commit- tee on Finance, on the part of the Board of Aldermen. On motion, the Board then adjourned till Thursday next, at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Boano or Assistants.—May 13.—This Board was al duly orga large concourse of joner’s Office, mised at 12 o'clock, sons blocking up the entrance and space outside the Tho new Board all took their places at the hour of meet- ing. The selection reflects upon the democratic party much credit, in as far as appearances go. ‘The members of the new Board of Assistants are decidedly a gentle- manly looking set of men, such as are to be found among the ordinary run of citizens of smart business habits; and if they pos g to their ap- pearance, they mi ry excellent Board. At the appointed hour, his honor Mayor Havemerer took his place in the chair, and swore in the following members, who took their places in duo order, after ta- king the usual oath of office :— Wards. t 1, John 8. Gilbert,” 10, Neil Gray, 11, Jacob Miller, - Joseph C. Albertson, 3. G. M. Ogden, 12. Thomas Spofford, 13. Nathan Robers, 4. George H. Purser, 5. Lyman Candee, 14. Edwin Nichols, 16. James D. Oli 6. John Foote, 4 16 J.J. V. Westervelt, 17, W. H. Cornell. Those in italics are whigs. His Honor hereupon retired, when, on motion of Mr. Gitwert, of the Ist ward, J.J. V. Westervent, Esq. of the 16th ward, was ap- pointed to the chair, upon which, Mr. Acnenrson offered a resolution, proposing that Natnaniet Pearce, Esq., Assistant Alderman of the 7th ward, be appointed President of the Board for the en- suing year, which was unanimously adopted. A committec, consisting of Messrs. Oliver and Nichols, were hereupon appointed to conduct the President to the chair. The Prestoexr, on taking the chair, delivered the fol- lowing brief addross, in a cool and emphatic tone :— |GentLemen : For this distinguished proof of your con- fidence and kindness, in selecting me for your presiding officer, and for the honor it confers, I beg you to accept warm and grateful acknowledgments ; and whilst it will ever be valued and cherished by me asa gratifying testimonial of your preference and good opinion, it shal inspire me with a zeal so to conduct myself asto ju: fy, in some measure, your choice, and secure the approb: tion of our generous constituents. I could wish that I were better qualified to fulfil the duties of the chair, and in a manner suitable to its dignity and importance-—in ac- cordance with my own wishes and the just expectations of the Board. Fully sensible, gentlemen, of respon- bilities and ombarrassments connected with the station to which you have called me, and sincerely distrustiul of my abilities, being ‘eto and inexperienced in legislative proceedings, I can only promise that it shall bo my ardent desire and constant effort to discharge m: duty ‘with all the ability and address in my power—witl the temper, moderation, courtesy, and impartiality due to the office and the Board; and, at least, with a devo- tion to business, and a fidelity of intention, which may stain me under every embarrassment and difficulty,’ and entitle me, I hope, to the indulgence, if not approval, of the just and liberal portion of my fellow citizens. But all my efforts must prove unavailing, without your liberal and cordial co-operation. How much will de- nd upon yourselves, gentlemen, individually and col- lectively, in preserving the laws of order and the rules of decorum, and imparting dignity and character to our proceedings, is not necessary that I should remind you; nor is it needful, 1 am sure, that I should admonish you of the magnitude of our trust, or the manner in which it ought tobe discharged. But, gentlemen, I will take occasion to say, that coming into office and power ata time when much is expected and required at our hands in a legislative capacity, for the promotion of the general welfare and interests of our extensive city—the great metropolis of the new world—we should spare no efforts or means to fulfil, to the utmost of our power and | authority, all just tnd reasonable expectations. How deeply important is it that we prove ourselves worthy the trust reposed in us, and act becomes the represen- tatives ofa numerous, free, and enlightened constituency. Their interests have been confided, in part, to our ma- nagement and control; and, as faithful agents and guar- dians, we are bound to exercise our best faculties and attainments in earnest endeavors to effect the great ob- jects of our election—to administer their affairs with efi- | ciency and success. For the accomplishment of an end so desirable, honesty of purpose, followed up by wise and energetic action on our part, is indispensably neces: | sary. So far as I can now judge, wo assemble here with ty of purpos , and under the influence only of high nd honorable motives, to organise, and commence our | irit of conciliation and harmony. This cir- an auspicious presage, and gives assurance of successful results. It manifests a firm and honest determination to do our duty, conscientiously and faithfully, without reference to personal or party considerations; to legislate in all cases, with cau- The appointment of J. L. O'Sullivan, proprietor of the News, as Printer to the Common Council and Depart- ments, was unanimously concurred in. The Board adjourned to meet at six o’clock on Thurs- day evening next. Common Pleas. Before Judge Ingraham. May 13.—Hart vs. Perkins.—The jury in t ready noticed, rendered a verdict for plai damages and 6 cents cost. case, al- cents Cireult Court. Before Judge Edmonds. May 13. —Thorne vs. Bell.—The jury in this case, al- ly noticed, rendered a verdict for defendant. Great Firr 1x Torowro—This morning, (Friday, May 8th) about two o’clock, the alarm of tire was given, and agreat amount of property has been destroy- roke out in a stable or outhouse, in the rear of the premises on King street, belonging, to Mrs. Musson, adjoining the extensive grocery stores of Smith & Macdonell. The flames soon communicated with the rear premises of 8. & M. in which there was a large quantity of spirits and other ignitable articles deposited, which at once took fire, and extended the flames to other buildings. The wind being easterly, the range of the fire extended to the west, and took all the outbuildings in succession, in the rear of the buildings on King street, from the stores of Smith & Macdonell to the ores oc: cupied by Mr. Rigney. A few front brick buildings on King street, were burnt, viz : that occupied by Wragg & Co., with the store of Mr. Brett, and an adjoining building belonging to him, untenanted, and the premises lately occupied by the Messrs. Rowsell. There has been a great destruction of property—the extent of which it would be difficult to estimate. We presume that the in- surance companies will be the greatest sufferers. The occupants of the premises along the range of the fire were, Messrs. Smith & Macdonell, (back premises and valuable contents burnt); Mra. Musson, (back premises burnt, of slight value;) McConkey, confectioner, and Brewer, bookbinder, (no loss;) Kissock, Norris, Wight- man, Wakefield, Coons, Wragg & Co. and Brett, nad their back premises Fevaat Gags and goods more or less consumed or damaged. The rear premises belonging Mr. Rigney escaped, but his goods, in removing them fety, have been much injured. The only build- ings in front, on King street, destroyed, are those we have named ; and the chief loss by the fire is in the de- struction of merchandise. Leaisiative Synorsis.—In the Senate, on Mon- day morning, among a number of other reports of The most exciting and spirit-stirring scenes we have ever witnessed in this city, were those that marked the return, yesterday evening,to their respective hotels,of immense mass congregated from the four quarters of th Union and the Canadas, to attend the long projected and nervous contest between the North and the South, on the Long Island Race Course. It was cheering to’ ob- serve the perfect harmony that prevailed between the two contending competitors. The South displayed no triumph, while the North submitted to their disappoint- ment with the philosophy of him, who, inthe olden time, furnished us with the consolatory maxim, still and ever applicable to all such contingencies : “*Tis not in mortals to command success— But we may do more, Sempronius, We may deserve it.” The hotels are literally over-flowing. The accession of travellers, on Monday night, after our only posite, list was completed, far outstrips our limited privilege of detailing. In addition, there are, at the— Amrnican—W. F. Certo, Kentucky; Dr. F. R. Me- Mena, Baltimore; ‘I. W. Bradbury, Virginia; P. Smyth, Albany; W. Blair, Virginia; Messrs. Price and Allers, Richmond, Hon. J. W. Houston, Delaware; Dr. Brembie and Morton McMichael, Philadelphia; A. Harper and James Fisher, do.; Wm. Parsons, and 20 others, Aston—Messrs. March and Mentor, Boston; Whiting, Pickering, Hubbard, Miles and Pearce, do.; Charles Hodges, Columbia; R. A. Taylor, Dr. Craig, James Arm- strong, Baltimore; E. Austin, Charleston; Messrs. Skin- ner, Seward and Summer, Boston; Geo Dane and Noah Blanchard, do.; Jno M. Botts, Richmond, and 40 others. Crry—Edward Baker, Allegheny; Silas Baker, do.; Stubbsfield and Field, Alabama; Hon. John Greig, Canan- daigua; E. P. Peters, St. Louis; Messrs. Colt, Felt and Coombs, Boston; F. G. Dallas, U. 8. N.; W. Baker, Philadelphia; ‘Thos. C. Rust, Westchester co.; N. H. Coney, Philadelphia, and 15 others. Fnranxiin—J. W. Walcott, Milton, Connecticut; Jno. B. Burns, Columbia, Ohio; Elias Yates, Springfie! ; A. W. North, W. Rattle, Ohio; Messrs. Walker, Bleecker and Neilson, Albany; Daniel Brett, Providence; C. Vincent, Stonington. Go! ton; Felix Larcey,New Orl H. Borenne, Hervillo, Lou. Sr. Groncr’s—P. T. Fletcher, Syracuse; T. Rogers, Albany; Foster and Hillebrast, Johnston, Thurlow, Pa- lermo; Wilson and Bart, Pompton, and 6 others. Howanp’s—Hon. J. W. White, Conn.; Hon. J. L. Low- jaine; Hon. I. S$. Rawson, Maine; Messrs. J. N. B. More, Gen. I. Jackson, Lockport ; Colonel J. B. Wright, Albany; Hon. J. Pierson, Troy, and 40 others. mith, Albany; Messrs. Richards, Tom: ul, Joyce, Sheply, Boston; Thayer and Gerald. “Pawtucket; ‘Park ‘and Eaton, Worceste Brown, Philad; Cohen and Hyde, Rio Janeiro; Berney, and Edwards, Philad. Fitth Ward Court. Thomas Lee vs. James Gordon Bennett.—In this great saddle case, which came up to-day, before Ulysses D. French, Esq., Assistant Justice for the Fifth, Eighth end Fourteenth Wards Court,—wherein the plaint sought to recover the sum of five dollars, for certain alterations alleged to haye been mate by him upon e lady's saddle, manufactured by the plaintiff for the defendant? wife. The plaintiff! was non-suited with costs. J. SmitH, for Plaintif: B, Gaunnairn, for Defendant. r; G. B. Moore, Steam Facrory.—At the adjourned meeting, on Tuesday afternoon, the Naumkeag Steam Cotton Company was organised, under the act of incorporation, by the choice ofthe following gentlemen as directors, David Pingree, of Salem; Isaac Livermore, and jiam S$. Lincoln, of Boston; William D, Waters, Na- thaniel Silsbee, jun. and William Lummus, of Salem. It was unanimously voted that the Directors petition the Legislature, at its earliest session, for leave to increase the capital stock to $400,000.—Salem Register. viz, Errecr or Snort Crops on Matne.—It is eaid that an important branch of trade in Maine has been ma- lly and injuriously affected by the failure of the su- of Cuba and Porto Rico. Maine principally furnished the lumber, boxes and casks in which the crops of those islands have been packed for market—the value of boxes sent to Cuba last year for the reception of the sugar crop, being alone about $500,000. But in the failure of the crops, these articles are required to a limited extent only, and consequently ne raw material and industry of Maine are not called ‘or. Marte Sugar Propu t year for maple sugar in New Ham} ‘er- mont. The amount made has probably exceeded that of any preceding year. The Vermont Watchman says the value of sugar manufactured in Vermont this season, will exceed one million of dollars. Amusements. Bmrn Extraorpinary.—The English journals are in the habit of giving publicity to all the births which take e, among the nobility and gentry, of their “ sea girt isle.” ' Were we in the habit of doing so, we could Chronicle one of the most extraordinary births that ever occurred in the United States—we refer to that of two young tigers, born at the Menagerie of Ogden, Weeks & Co,, corner of Eight street and Bowery, on Sunday the 11th instant. Many of the wild animals in the Menagerie have increased their progeny, since they were imported; but, these are the first, and only tigers, ever littered in America. The parents are the pet tigers, of the far-fam- ed Herr Driesbach, the lion tamer. The mother is the celebrated tigress ‘Juliette’—the sire, the no less celebrated tiger, “Col. Alexander.” The “mother and children are doing well.” In consequence of these “ do- mestic troubles,” the performance of the pet tigress, is for the present dispensed with. ‘This event was an- nounced to the audience in the following speech, by Herr Driesbach, on Monday :— “ Ladies and Gentlemen—For the first time, Iam ob- liged to ask a favor of you—for the first time, i must ask your indulgence, for the omission of a part’ of my per formance, namely, that of my “ leaping tiger,” who, in the common course of naturo is called upon to take charge of a young family, born yesterday. ‘The mother and young can be seen in the second cage from where I With your go on with the rest of my performances The crowded and admiring received this an- nouncement with tremendous cheering. These cubs and their mother, form a new and valuable addition to this vast collection of all that is rare and curious. The lover of nature can here see the natural affection of the brute creation, most fully exhibited. The Tiger is well known to be amost ferocious and vicious animal, yet Madame “Juliette,” Fc aay as much affection and so- licitude as the most fully domesticated cat or dog; and as they lay in their cage, they present a beautiful scene for some of the fancy painters, who “do up” things for the Academy of Design. After the birth, it became necessary to remove them into another cage,the whelps were taken out while ‘‘Juliette” was asleep, and when she was waked up and called upon to “‘step into the next room,” and found her children gone, she gave full vent to the natural ferocity of her disposition. ‘The indomit- able courage and astonishing prowess of Herr Dries bach, soon overcome her anger, and he took her in hi arms, and carried her to her family, in a cage to them. selves, where they can be seen this di eveni minor importance, majority and minority re made on the subject of thé distribution of tory of the State, and both reports and bills referred to a select committee to report complete. The bills to renew the charter of the Commercial Bank and Bank of Ro- chester, were referred to a select committee to report complete, as were all the Railroad bills, and then the discussion of the Convention bill was resumed and continued until the hour of taking a rece In the Assemay, to-day, several reports of committees were received. Mr. Morrison, from a select committee, made a written report on the petition for the abolition of the punishment of death. No bill was introduced, but he concluded by expressing the hope that the Conven- tion which is hereafter to convene, would insert a provi- sion into the Constifition providing that the punishment of death be hereafter entirely abolished in this State.— Ten times the usual number of the report was ordered printed. The general orders were then taken up, and several Seni ills were passed through the committee of the whole and reported to the House. On motion of T.R. Lee, a committee was ‘sppointed to wait on the wi- dow of the late General Hamilton, and invite her to a seat withinthe bar of the House. Messrs. T. R. Lee and Sweeney were appointed such committee, and Mrs. Hamilton came into the House and was accommodated with a seat on the right of the Speaker, the members rising when she entered, and also when she left the chamber. ‘The House then took up the order of the third reading bills. To provide for the appointment of an additional num- ber of Commissioners of Deeds in and for the city of New York—Passed ‘To amend the act regulating highways in the counties of Suffolk, Queens and Kings—Passed. To amend the act for the relief of the Albany Medical College, the Geneva Medical College, and the Medical Department of the University of New York—Passed, ayes 87, nays 8. Mr. Vax Haven Railroad —ayes 79, nays 17. Boi ‘elative to alien passengers landing in New York— Jaid on table on motion of Mr. Bailey. To amend the act to incorporate the Jefferson In- surance Co. of the city of New York—Passed, ayes 87, nays 1~Albany Atlas, May 12. Aunany, 13th May, 1945.—The Convention Bill has ssed. At 7 P. M. yesterday, according to order, the Senate proceeded to vote in Committee on the several amendments. When this was disposed of, the Bi referred to the Senate. Mr. Hunt moved that the Con tion submit their proposed Amendments to Constituti to the people,in distinct propositions,and as a whole. And the bil wae read and passed by the same vote. Almost 9P. M, the bill was received in the House. The amend- ments were then read. The only important ones are those removing the restrictions upon the residence of the Delegates, and upon officers of the General ( ; also that the proposed ame: to the people, asd if the Convention deem it practicable. The House con- curred in these amendments, the negative vote ranging from 20 to 28, The majority vote 78. So the amendments | anon called for the reconsideration rday rejecting the New York and N. iL. ‘The motion to reconsider was lot tious liberality ont, impartial justice for the psd ‘ood, on the broad basis of our political fnith— e good honest principle of ‘‘ eq tice to all —speciel favors to none.” And although ted as we were declaredconcurred in, The House adjourned at 20 | minutes past 11. Jared 1, Rathbone is dead. He died this morning. Al- so Judge Sutherland.—Livingston letter. Aprowrment py_ THE Presipent.—George W. Jones, of Wisconsin Ter ito 1 ere of public lands in Wisconsin and Iowa, vice James Wilson, removed, net propositions, | lay and $900 pereons’ visited the exhibitiod on Monday eve ng; this is proof ive, that there must be some attractive charm about it, h will repay the price of admission. \d evening is the last chance our citizens will f seeing so extensive and rare a collec- tion. They leave the city on Thursday morning. We would advise every one to go and see them. Ernrortan Skrenapers—Patmo’s Orera Hovse It 18 impossible to describe the enthusiasm that universally attends each and every representation of these accomplished vocalists. Their style ep to improve by practice, and never to diminish in interest by repetition. To-night their programme is full of fresh and —— interest, and the remainder of their brief engagement will still further command the public at- tention. Great Piz 1x Newnery.—We have (says the Wilmington Chronicle,) verbal intelligence that a most destructive fire occurred in Newbern, on Frida: morning last. As we hear, some thirty or forty build- ings were consumed on South Front Middle street; among the number, many large and valuable brick edi- . No estimate of the amount of the loss sustained has been received. The warm sympathies of this com- munity cannot but be aroused on account of the affliction of our neighbor town.—Charleston Courier, May 9. E. LIPPOLD& CO NO. 103 WILLIAM STREET, NEAR JOHN, J A ER FOR SALE. THE FOLLOWING GOODS, of their own importations, by the package, or in lota to snit rehasers :— REAL BERLIN ZEPHYR WORSTED AND GERMAN TAPESTRY WORSTEDS. Best manufacture Pre Con " srechoveepabipumad Cotton, Linen, Silk, Worsted, Gold and Silver, of all widths ad _ EMBROIDERY. PATTERNS, Of all Makers and Numbers NILLE, For Working and OrFiomee Chale Wee Plain and Shaded; Plain and Shaded, and Ghinee, Sticks and Spools; Twist, ; 10. + FRI GES. ‘at a4 Ik, I the latest styles. si ‘orste an avon, 0 jal ity And Gimp Cords, in it variety. GOLD AND SILV! xe ee AND BRAIDS, TAS- o GTEEL, GILT, AND SILVER BEADS, Purse Trimmings, Steel a beatae, at ns, ke. OILED SILKS, sorted Colors, PERFORATED PAPER. CORDS AND TASSELS, Braids, Tapes, Bindings, Galloons, &e. al im*m “INVITATION TO LIQUOR SELLERS. us REV, THOMAS P. HUNT, who has held debates in everal cities with liquor sellers, iuvites. all Who are enga- the trade to meet him on Wednesday night, the 1th inst., at Bo'clock, atthe National, Hall, Canal street, to debate the “A Gaght Liqnor Selling to be made a Penitentiary of- nce The public generally are Invited to attend and hear the debate, mi32e To defray expenses 12% cents will be taken at the door. re PAVILION, NEW BRIGHTON. HE PAVILION, at New Brighton, is now in full opera- tion, and the proprietor will be glad to enter into ments with parties who who wish to. mason ot for a shorter period. jon every day from 12 to other hours. whol + the Pay fotel at all ae