The New York Herald Newspaper, May 10, 1848, Page 1

Whole No. 5004, NEW YORK, WEDNESDA Y MORNING, MAY 10, 1848. Installation of the Mayor and the New Common Council. THE MAYOR’S MESSAGE. Board of Aldermen. TERRIBLE EMEUTE IN THE HOTEL DE VILLE. The Board of Assistants in a State of Revolution. At twelve o'clock, the Hon, William F. Hayemeyer, accompanied by the Hon. William V. Brady, appeared in the chamber of the Board of Aldermen, followed by the following gentlemen, members elect of the new Board:— Wards. Wards. 1.—Tbeodore R. De Forrest, 10,—Niel Gray. James 'T. Libby, 11.—Amos F. Hatfeld, Robert Swartwout, —Thomas Carnly, 4.—Edmond Fitagerald, ‘Thomas K, Downing, —William Adams, Denis Carolin, 6.—Frederick Kohler, .—Linus W. Stevens, 7.—Morris Franklin, 16.—Washington Smith, 8.—William J. MeDermott, 17, Clarkson Croliua, 9,—Jacob L. Dodge, 18.—Moses Maynard, Jt. Mr. Buavy roso and announced that he was pro- pared to perform the last duties of his office, in the ad. ministration of the oath of office to William ¥. Have- moyer. ‘The oath was thon adwinistored; after which Mr. Havemeyer took the chair. Order being rostored, his Honor tho Mayor pro- ceeded to administer the oath of office to the members of the Board of Aldermen elect. ° On motion of Ald. Surti, Ald. Grey took the chair, and the roll was called, On motion of Ald, Crorivs, tho Board then pro- ceeded to ballot for President of the Board; Ald. Franklin haying been nominated by Ald. Adams, and Ald, Grey, by Ald. Kohle: ‘Tho bailots having beon counted, it appeared that Morris Franklin received 10 votes, and Niel Grey re- cuived 8 votes. Morris Franklin having received tho greater number of voter, was declared President of the Board, President Fxaxxiin was then condueted to the chair by Ald. Marnanp and Dowsixe, after which he rose and said: “Gentlemen—For this ronewed evidence of your con- fidence in selecting me as the Prosident of this Board, 1 sincerely thank you; and, in the entering upon the discharge of these duties, I can only pledge my best exertions to conduct its proceedings in such a manner ax to expodite the public business, and to promote tho comfort of those to whom it has beon entrusted. And Task, in return, that you will assist mo in no doing. by a punetual attendance upon the meetings of the Board, and a strict compliance with the rules of order we may establish. It has often been a cause of complaint, that much time is unnecessarily consumed in consequence of a want of punctuality on tho part of committeer; and I call your attention to the fact.in the hops that you will make such arrangements as to pre- vont any future complaint in reference to this subject. Wo havo been ontrusted, gentlemen, with tho dis- charge of groat and important duties, involving tho expenditure of large amounts of money to be collected from the great body of tho people. It is, therefore, our Dounden duty so to transact tho public business as to alleviate, as faras possible, the heavy burthens which now rest upon them; for it is not only the rich who are called upon to contribute to this expenditure, but all classes of the community—either directly, or indi- reotly—aro interested in this branch of our political economy, and are ontitled toa strict and faithful a count at our hands of the trust committed to our care. 1 desire to unite with you in endeavoring, as far as possible, to decreaso the ratio of taxation, and to carry out any measures of reform calculated to produce #0 desirable o rosult; for although we may have been se- lected in reference to our party, political views; yet, if we value tho oaths which we have this day takon in the presence. of God, and of our fellow men, we are bound ‘by every obligation of duty to discard all con- siderations of that Kind, and to legislate only for tho eneral interest and the public good; and I cannot Soubt but that, by the aid of that Providence whose blessings we are bound to invoke upon an occasion such as this, wo shall be enabled so to discharge our duties here, that at the expiration of our term of office, we shall receive the reward of an approvng conscience, and the animating response of - well done, good and faithfal servants.” With thia object for our polar star. and with an honest endoavor on our parts, tho political year which we havo now commenced will bo occupied to the comfort of our. own minds, and to pro- mote the cause of virtue and good order in our commu- nity; without which, in vain will be our efforts to pro- duce those lasting reforms which are required and ex- pected at our hands. Let us, then, gentlemen, as the heart of one man, lay aside 01 itieal prejudices and feelings; and, with a higher and more noble object in view, cause thia year to bo remembered as among those which may be distinguished in the annals of our history, for objects of ‘benevolence, of virtue, and hu- manity. Then, indeed, will our works praise us, and our laurels will remain pure and fragrant when the winter of death shall overtake us, and our grey hairs beckon to the grave.”” Ald. Smith and Hatfield were thon appointed a committee to wait on his honor the Mayor, and an- nounee to him that the Board was organized, and ready for business. Ald. Crolius and Fitsgorald wero then appointed a committee to wait upon the Board of Assistants, and inform them of the readiness of the Board to proceed to business. Tho committees having performed tho duties assigned them, were discharged: On motion of Ald. Anas vid T. Valentine was appointed Clerk to the Board. On motion of Ald. Marxanp, Jacob Hays was thon appointed Sergeant-at-Arms of the Board. ‘he following Message waa then received from the Mayor :— Mayor's Message. Mayor's Orricr, New York, May 9, 1848. To the Honoroble the Common Council GentLxMen—Grateful for the generous confidence of my fellow citisens, which has again called me to administer the government of this great city. | never- thelens feel a profound sense of the arduous respon bilities of the trust; and shall esteem mysolf fortunate if | shall be able with my best endeavors for the public service, and with the most indulgent construction of my acta, to justify the confidenco which has been #0 liberally extended to me. A provision of the charter makes it the duty of the Mayor to communicate annually, and oftener if cir- cumstances shall require, to the Common Council, on such topics an concern the welfare and prosperity of our city, and the proper adminiatration of its affairs. ‘The financial condition of the city first demands our attention, and ix exhibited in the following statement, made up to the Sth instant:— ‘The permanent city debt redeemable from the sink- ing fund May th, 1848, was.as follows Ra 5 lie bui stock, redeem Por som Pecan stock do 00,000 0 joan stock, city stocks of “aud 29, do 5 fire indemnity stock, "do 5 water loan stock, do 5 do do do 5 dodo do 5 do do do 5 Croton water stock, do ‘ water loan atock, de | Agel 0 0 0 6 sd temporary water loan, before Lras Amount of stocks and bonds held by the commissioners of the sinking fund for the redemp’n of the above $2,628,882 00 Balance in treasury to the credit of water fund. ... 94.675 00 Balance of cash in bank to credit of comminsioners of winking fand......... 32,260 00 ———— 2,765,707 00 Total net debt to be redeomed by sink- fmg fund. occ ce cveecesce ese + e+ e$I1,801,076 00 For the completion of water works and payment of damages there is authority yet to ixaue water stock to the amount of. 0 Wey dees. 0 20,000 00 Total amount of debt authorited and to be redeemed by the sinki ‘There is in addition to th funded for the erecti is redeomable in annual i rained in the taxon of each year, commencing in 1843 and onding in 1853, ‘The Board of Supervisors is authorised by an act of the Legislature to raise by tax the following sums for city expenditures for the present yenr : For general city expenditures under the control of the city authorities, other than for police, lamps For police For lamps Total for city and county expenditures, subject to the control of the city au- thoritios, and authorised to be levied. « Flonting debt redemption, .. . . 50.000 00 Common schools... « ..+. + «288,300 00 Deficiency of interest on city Mev ee ee eee eee eee + 200,000 00 $1,899,150 00 $628,300 00 90,000 00 Deficiency of tax for 1847..... Making for all purpose county... For Stal for city and . . +. $2,617,450 00 seen 124,000 00 Total tax to bo levied for city, county, and State......... weoeee +e. $741,450 00 ‘The rate of tax based upon the ate valuation of at year will be $111 per $100, or 6.76 100 over that of 1847, The portion of the above amount. which ia applicable to the support of the cit; overnment for the current year, it will fe percetved, is. scs sca ses cesses + $1,800,160 00 Add revenues appropriated to city expen- ditures in reduction of tax......... 56,300 00 eer ~ ‘Total means for city government expen- . : . . 450 00 ditures. . Of which there expended and pi out between Jan. Ist and the 5th inst Leaving for ex ture during the re- mainder of the year, and to meet ex- ak ing contracts and liabilities. .... + $1,177,865 03 ‘his amount will not be sufficiont to cover expendi tures nd liabilities which will accrue during the rosi- due of the year; and unloss « more economical systera of management be introduced in tho several depart- ments, sud contracts already authorised be suspend- ed, a very large deficiency must necessarily ensue. ‘The sum appro riated for *Alms-house’” for the pre- sent your is less by $65,460 60 than tho actual expen diture of la ‘while the expenditures of this depart- ment, from t of January last to the present time, exceod those of last year, during the samo period. in the sum of $9,600. “The appropriation for “cleaning streets’? for this year is $10,000 less than the actual expenditure of 1847, while the expenditures of the pre- sent year to May 6, have been $15,334.68 larger than those of the corresponding period of Inst yeur ‘The amount appropriated for new wharves and plers is $82.- 000, of which the sum of $7,693 has been expended, and contracts have been entered into involving an addi- tional expenditure of $67,580, making together the sum of $05,213, or within $16,787 of the amount appro- priated for this account for the entire year. Resolu- tions have been passed by the Common Council for building and extending other piers, estimated to cort $41,000. which, of courso, if carried into effect, would overrun the appropriation for the year the sum of 000. $1.9 777,584 97 24,000. "The excess of oxpenditure on these accounts over the means provided, will be imereased by the cost of th: Russ pavement, under the contract recently authorix- ed, aud doubtless by oxcosses in other accounts anc other oxponsos for which no provision has been made, whilo it can hardly be anticipated that any saving witi be made to counterbalance to any considerable extent the large debt which will be thus created, ‘Tho ostimates for the amount of tho taxes necessary to be laid, are derived from the heads of the several de- partments, and submitted to and revised by the Com- mon Council before the application to the Legislatur: for authority to assess them is made, If thera o mates be made with propor care, the expenditures should not exceed them—except in cases of an extraor- dinary nature, which could not be anticipated. ‘These estimatos aro too frequently dixregarded, and a debt is Convinced thit a tendency ns consequently incurred. to improvidence—at all times sufficiently gre been much strengthened by this practice, 1 shall it my duty to withhold my approval from any measur calling for an appropriation which shall exceed the c+- timates, unless sudden or peculiar omergencies shall render 4 rigid adherence to this rulo impracticable. ‘The large and increasing burden which the alms house department imposes on our citizens, ronders it incumbent on you to institute a rigid inquiry into its affairs, with a view to improving its administration. ‘The expenses of this department, exclusive of salaries, for tho yoar 1845, were. . .... $260,078 46 ‘The receipts from ali sources were. . . 30,007 96 Net expenses, exclusive of salaries. ... $238,980 50 Tho salaries of Department Amounted to.. 40,369 31 Leaving the net expenses for 1845. ... $270,340 81 The expenses of the Department, exclusive of salaries, for year 1846, were. . 200,313 74 ‘The receipts froin all sources wero. . Net expense, oxclusive of salaries... $249,201 54 The salaries of Department amounted to.. 52,723 85 $302,015 40 0 $356,408 69 B7iT48 60 Net expenso, exclusive of salaries... $318,717 91 The salaries of Department amounted to.. 60,965 40 Leaving the net expenses for 1846 ‘The expenses of tho Department for yeur 1847, exclusive of salaries, wero. The receipts from all sources were. . Leaving the net expense for 1847... $379,681 37 Tho increase of expenditures for the year past is $77,000. It has been occasioned, in part, by an increase of the number of persons supported, and eight cents additional each per week in the cost of their support, and in part by a very large increase in expenditure for out-door poor. In a report furnished me by the com- missioner of the department, it is tated that the amount distributed forthis purpore within the year past was $95,019 84, or nearly $30,000 more than the year previous; and also that such temporary relief was afforded during January and February of this year to 44.572 persons, ‘or about one-ninth of the whole popula. tion of this city. The system of distribution to out- door poor, even if not founded on a false principle, is so extremely liable to abuse, that im all probability it will become ultimately impracticable. It may well be doubt- ed whether the government can safely undertake to grant relief to persons at their own houses, or at any other m place than the public here a 80 Impossible fe it to define and limit, which assiatance be granted—and #0 eat is it to prevent a public charity which is not subject to any of the restraints which apply to that dispensed at the almshouse, frou becoming a «tupendous abuse, creating extravagant ex- penditure on the part of the government, aud aifordin< to the indolent “incentives to idleness and beggary ‘The arbitrary discretion of an individual dispensing money not his own, exposed to arts which may misle and to solicitations which are count ted by no fe ing of interest or sense of practical responsibility, anit sobjected to the influence of those who may seek popu- larity through the dispensation of the public bounty, cannot be a safe depository of such a power. It secuis to me that you should give this subject anearly and thorough investigation, with a view toa change of the system, or an effectual reform of its administration. Another though smaller source of the increased ¢x- penditures of this department, may be found in tho fact that while the inmates of the penitentiary have been reduced from 1339 in 1845, to 762 in 1847, the same number of officers have been retained, with salaries and allowances increased from $13.147 75 in 1845, to $17,695 in 1847. It is probable that on examination, other instances of similar unnecessary expenditure would be discovered. ‘The large annual cost of this departmont may also, in some measure be attributed to the want of atten- tion on the part of some of the officers, and conse- quent relaxation of discipline. During a recent visit to the public institutions I observed an inefficiency in the management of the penitentiary; that a con siderable number of perrons of both sexes were enti ly Uunemployed-—the grounds were neglected—and no preparations for tilling thom were obsorvuble. Basket making, which had been introduced at the intsance of the commissioner for the purpose of giving employ ment to the inmates, had been abandon asl was informed, in consequence of the want of efficient co- operation on the part of the keeper of that inatitu- tion. Tho alms house proper and nursery being in process of removal togthe new buildings on Blackwell's and Randall's island, no opportunity was afforded of form- ing a correct judgment of their condition, The two buildings and chapels authorized by a for- mer administration to be erected on Blackwell's island for the accommodotion of the alms house pro- per, have been completed. An addition has likewise been made to the lunatic asylum, which, with the new mad house, now nearly finished, will furnish ample room for this class of unfortunate persons who may use as origit posed, contemplated the erection on Blackwe to which the whole establishment was to be itional buildings—one as a workhouse and the other as a hospital for the sick. No measures have been taken for erecting these buildings; and it has been determined by your predecessors to retain the present alms house at Bellevue as a hospital for the sick poor. It is presumed that such provision will for some time to come meet the emergencies of this estab- lighment. I would, however, recommend that tho original de- sign be carried out by erecting additional buildings for the Alms Houye on Randall's island, where the nursery buildings are now located, and by appropriating the present buildings on Blackwell's Isla pores of « work house, ‘There is still remaining of the amount which has beon authorized to be funded for the erection of the Alina House buildings, a considera- ble balance which may be applied to this purpose, A work house is an important and necessary adjunct to a well regulated Alma House establishment. ‘Tho sys- tematic employment of able bodied paupers not only tends to diminlab the burden, of their support to the city, but discourages a disposition to bo maintained at the public expense. It likewine relieves the magistrates from tho of committing to the penitentiary for vagrancy, common association with felons, many who, alth temporarily helpless, from disease or intemperance yet untainted with crime. Larger and better modations for persons sick with the amall pox are alto required. ‘The building now ned is unsuitable for the purpore, In ite preeont condition, tho separation of the roxes, and of the virtuous from the vicious, ix im- racticable. 1 am informed that a new building might pe rected by labor of the prisoners at small expense, and I trust that this subject will receive your immedi- ate attention, The ordinance organising the alms house depart- ment, substituted, in the place of the five comminasic ers who formerly acted, one commissioner with a sa ry, and with the same power, who should devote his en- tire time to the superindontence and direction of th department. This ordinance likewise provided for appointment of the superintendents by the Comu Council, the appointment of the subordinates being verted in the commissioner, By an amendment of the ordinance the latter appointments were conferred upon the cammittes of charity and alms, and have heen more recently assumed by the Cominon Council. By depriving the commissioner of the selection of his own officers, and practically exempting them from ac- countability to him, his power to enforce discipline and economy must be greatly weakened, if not destroy- ed, and the purposes for which the ordinance was ori- ginally framed, measurably frustrated, The ordinance also provides that the affairs of cach branch of the department should be conducted by a separate head or superintendent, under the direction of the commissioner, and not, as formerly, by the porintendent of the alms-house, and requires that the bite of supplies ‘should be certified by. the superin- tendont of the particular branch for which the supplies were purchased, In most cases this requirement is Iiterally complied with, but in many instances the articles required are receipted for at the alms-house, ‘and distributed from that place to the different insti- tutions, To carry out the ordinance in its spirit, the supplies should be purchased or contracted for with ace to cach particular cetablishment, so that the expenditures of each could bo kept separately and dis- tinetly on the books of the comptroller. If the ac- counts were kept in this manner, and monthly returns made to that ofcer of the average number of inmates in each institution, it would enable a comparison to made of their relat . Would tend to stimula the exert tendents, and would eon duce to # more id economical udwministration of the affairs of the departments. | would, therefore, present this subject to your serious consideration, with a view to such amendments of the ordinance as may secure results #0 desirable Phe system of police which was in operation pre- v.ously to the year 1845 had long been the subject of general and just dissatisfaction. It had failed to afford adequato protection to persons and property in the intimate and complex relations between individuals which exist in a community like ours. The discussions eugendered by a public evil, so constantly felt and so deeply concerning every citizen, resulted in the adop- tion of the present system ; and the experience of its operation for three years has enabled us to judge how fur it is capable of answering the important objects for which it was instituted. ‘The various municipal duties now assigned to the police were formerly entrusted to one hundred mar- shals, about twelve hundred watchmen, with twelve cuptains and twenty-four assistant captains, nine day policemen, fifty Sunday officers, about one hundred and fifty other functionaries, and about three hundred officers appoiuted specially to attend the polls at elec- tions. Notwithstanding that fifteen hundred men were thus in the regular employment of the city, and three hundred in its occasional employment, the num- ber who could be collected with tl facility and Pp ness which alone could make them valuable in a puclio emergency, was inconsiderable, ‘The marshals derived no regular compensation from the city, but were remunerated by fees for tho execution of ‘civil process, and for arrests and other special services in criminal cases, Their number was inadequate to the purposes of a police. ‘Their time was, to a considerable extent, occupied by civil business. The mode of their compensation did not interest them in the prevention of crime, but rather in its commission, and sometimes was believed to lead to an actual partnership with the criminals whom it was their duty to detect. ‘To those emergencies in which efficient and concen- trated action is necessary to the preservation of pub- order, and the protection of the property and per- iduals, they were still less adapted; not ttainment of these public objects did not duce to their emolument in the trade into which the proper functions of the municipal government had been converted, and because they were not required to devote their time to such publie objects, nor were they organised for the purpose under a competent official head, responsible to him and subject to his control. ‘The watchmen were employed only in the night, one half being on duty at a time, and all of them attend- ing during the day to their ordinary avocatior did not pousoss general powers as_police engaged during the day in detecting or preventing of- fences, acquired no expericnce in that duty, or know- ledge of the haunts of criminals or the indications of crime; and they could not be assembled with readiness or certainty, to act in any emergency in which their services might be required. ‘Thexe causos also rendered them less competent to per- form police duties in the night; their labor during the day made them loss active and vigilant; and the mo- tives to diligence in the detection of offenders, wero weakened by the consideration that they would be compelled to leave their business to attend the trial of any whom thoy might apprehend. The other officers, performing police duty, were but nine day policemen, and fifty Sunday officers, In truth, it cannot be said that any thing having the character or deserving the name of a system of police existed. The change effected by the act adopted in 1845, was the organization of a body of eight hundred men, sub- sequently increased to ‘nine hundred, to take the places of the eighteen hundred by nployed regu. jarly or occasionally, who shou teil with po- dice’ authorities, per the f watchmen al night, with addit the eflicieney which arise from da nee and exclusive devo- tion, and with a cant accountability, and who should be employe part of each of these years by contract. Although t! contract system was tried under circumstances which prevented its securing the public favor, and perhaps ted its being as successful as it might otherwise t the result in as ought, in my judgmen ther experiment With gre giving out the contracts and the conditions necessary to ensure the efficioncy of the service. The relative expense incurred under the different modes of cleaning the strocts is illustrated by the fol- lowing statement Under Superintendent Under Street Inspectors, Bret Collecting Manure la. and. tran spectors porting cou ; and Horn teher,garb- Sweeping. Carting. Blowers, age, §e. $41,208 25 $49,842 10 SBD TS $87,947 45 Seioi as Stet 9 “Zam to Sako ot S507 4 OLS U7 BM O67, AL Gross expenditur Receipts. Net expenditure. «SIS NO7 45 sta 6a Ne eS Ss 22S A39 79 TZ 1ST 23 + 180,089 5s 1ois71 ty 1843-For the seven months from about Ist Jan. to Aug. 7, during which the contract was in operation 28,300 00 Paid in final settlement of that contract in 1845. .. .10,000 00-38,309 00 of of 44,004 52 Net expenditure for the year... . 1844-For the period from Nov.11 to De 31, during which the second contrac was in operation. ...... For the previous period from Jan. 1, to Noy. 11, udder tho Superinten’t.108,266 73 Less receipts for manure. . 31,994 68 66,460 00 3,749 97 Nett expenditure for tho year. . 1845-For the period from Jan. Itc May 12, under the same contract, 36,156 10 For the residue ofthe year under Sup't of Streets. Less receipts for manuro 752 07 308 82-77,443 25 Net expenditure for tho year. ...66 44 s+++112,599 35 sent the full Although this statement does not pi comparative results of the different modes of cleaning atrects, it does show that, in tho years in which work was in part done by’ contract, the expenditure was much loss than in the yoars in which it was don: entirely by agents of the corporation. ‘The differenc would undoubtedly have been moro clearly exhibited if the contract had continued during an entire year, but, as it is, the net expenditure for 1843, during seven months of which the work was done by contract, was little more than two-fifths of that of 1847, when it was done in the other mode. ‘The expenditure for cleaning atreets by day work during tho Inst year has alarmingly increased; its augmentation in the period of a single yeur from 1846 to 1847. being greater than in the period of four years from 1842 to 1846. This difforonce docs not occur to any oxtent in the sweeping of the streets and carting the manure, which is done under the su- pervision of the street inspectors, but arises princi- pally from the increased payments for collecting and transporting coal ashes and garbage and heaping mn- nure, and from horn blowers and. manure inspector and from decreased receipts from the sale of manure, all of which aro under the charge of the superintendent of streets. These facts require that. if the present mode of cleaning streets should be adhered to, mea- sures should be taken to enforce a more thorough re- sponsibility in this department. But in my judgment we ought not to rest satisfled with the prosent system, ‘The health of the city and tLe comfort of its inhabitants are so de went upon t cleanliness of the streets, and the failure to attain this important object has been so long the subject of eneral and just complaint, that we ought not to tire in the effort to devise a better aystom, I recommend ng the day, under the «up. inpetent superior, in prenery- ividuala, and in ‘discovering snd should be eapable of being vontrated in any emergency vision and control o: ing order, protectin and preventing off: easily and romptly which might arise. The superior efficiency of this system is shown b; the mero statement of its nature as compared wit! that by which It was preceded, and has been abun- dantly illustrated by experience, From a statement furnished me by the chief of po- lice, i rs that from July 8th, 1845, to April 15th, 1848, 67.971 arrests were made ; of which 1,779 were for felonies; 7.743 for petit larceny; 42,820 for intoxication and disorderly conduct; 5,945 for assault and battery; and 6,175 for vagrancy. It appears, also, that between the same dates, 6.078 test were restored their parents; that from May Ist, 1847, to April 15th, 1848, 149 fires were discovered and extinguished by Policemen, and that from May Ist, 1846, to April 154, 848, 222 persons were rescued from drowning. The benefits of the change are felt also in tho exem tion of our city from serious riots; in the comparative infrequency of gross outrages on individuals, and of vxtensive robberies; in the preservation of goods at fires; in greater order and decorum in public celebra- tions and on occasions of public alarm, and generally in an increased security of the rights ‘of person and property. So fully are these benefits recognised by the whole community, that the complaints of the inefficiency of the police, which were formerly so in- cew#ant and universal, are now seldom if ever heard. The cost of the system, which is the main objection urged against it, need not, in my opinion, largely ex- coed that of the former system. The policeman is paid about twelve cents per day more than the watch- man; and a numlftr of policemen equal to one half that of the necessary watchmen—with the addition of 4 number.whose compensation would equal that of the other officers dispensed with, ought to be suffi fulfil all the requisite duties. The number of police- men generally on duty at night is larger than that of the watchmen formerly on such duty, and even if the number of watchmen was sufficient four years ago, it would probably have now become inadequate and been increased. If. on the other hand, the additional ser- vice aa watchmen, now rendered by the policemen. more than would be necessary if the old system were restored, a reduction of the service and of the numbers would be equally practicable under the present system, In one respect there is a material difference un- favorable to the economy of the present system. The numbers of the watchmen were kept full by the em- ployment of chancemen in the place of those who for any cause were absent from duty, and compensation was withheld from those who were thus absent ‘The number of policomen not on duty has formed one of j the main grounds of impeaching the efficiency of the system. This number was stated by my predecessor to average 67 a day for 3 months, and it ‘appears for the month ending on the lth March, owing to causes peculiar to the season, to have been considerably larger. When the addition of one hundred policemen was made, it was intended to supply the place of the ave- rage number absent by such increase, rather than by the employment of chancemen, but the provi thorizing compensation to be withheld from thi were absent, was omitted. I then regarded such pr vision as a necessary incentive to fidelity, and as a measure of just economy. The subsequent growth of this evil, until it threat seriously to impair the offciency of the system, W! increasing its expense, and thus to weaken public fidence in its operation, hax confirmed that opinion, and I recommend that. a provision be adopted withold- ing pay from those who are not on actual duty, unless it shall be xpecially allowed by tho Mayor in cases in which the absence was consequent upon disease or jury contracted in the public service. Tuggest al4o that the law be amended so that a sus- pension, while it works a forfeiture of pay. shall not in- clude exemption from dut _ | desire again to call your attention to the a sion I expressed on the establishment of the Tm of office would be likely nt atrifes of parties, and preclude ity agents from the oxperience and independence which are indispensable to their usefulness. Although the term was subsequently extonded, [ still think the mis- chief has not been entirely obviated, and I recom- mend that application be made to tho Legislature for such amendments aa will remedy this and the other defects to which | have adverted. The law establishing the police makes it the duty of the policemen to report, through the captains and as- sistant captains to the chief of police all violations of the corporation ordinances, In accordance with this requirement, it appears by » statement furnished by that officer that since Ist Jul 1845, 14,491 complaints have been reported, whic with the exception of m few dismissed by the Mayor, have been sent to the Corporation attorney for prose- cution, The facility with which these complaints dismissed, or settled by this officer, in t ‘cise of his own discretion, or at the instance of the Alderman and Assistant Alderman, leads to a continuance or re- petition of the violation of the ordinances, and thus dis- courages the policemen from fulfilling an unpleasant duty in which they are not sustained by their superiors. One of the most frequent subjects of complaint is the ineumbrances of the streets, wharves and piers. ‘The ordinance confers on the Aldermen and Assistant A’ dermen, as well as on the Mayor and Street Commi sioner, the power to give written permits for such in- brances ; and although these permits were in- ended only to subserve an immediate necessity, they have grown to be generally regarded as conferring a right to the permanent occupation of the public pro- porty, causing great inconvenience to the citizens and njury of the public interest, The change in the Police systom has rendered the exercise of this power py tho Aldermen and Assistant Aldermen unnecessary and improper. The Provision, of the onlinanes con- forring it ought to be repealed; and this authority, exeept in eases falling properly under the supervision of the Street Commissioner, confined to the Mayor and Chief of Police, who under the present system, fare responsible for @ faithful execution of the law, and who are better able to judge of the circum- the unsatisfactory manner in which the work has been performed, render it imperative that means should be devised to secure greater eMfciency and cconomy in this branch of the public rervice. Tu the years, 1842, 1846 and 1847, the cleaning of the streets was done by day work under the supervision of officers of the city. In the years 1843, 1844 and 1845 it was done for y-/3 of cach of these years in the same manner and for 9 - ~ that proposals be immediately issued for separate ¢ tracts to clean tho streets in cach ward, with prov sion that payments from time to time shall not be made, unless the bills for the work shall haye been countersigned by the alderman and assistant of the ward. ‘The object of dividing the contracts is to allow & more peneral competition—to render unnecessar; the investment of large sums in conducting the busi- such asseskment, ‘This law passed one branch of the gislature, but was not brought up for consideratic the other branch till the Inst day o en it failed t ceive the necessary vol ww of the thin attend » of the mem! It will be necessary. in accordance with the © tion of the sale of such property, to return the pur chase money with interost, im order to avoid suits which might otherwise be’ brought for its recovery; und to renew the application to the legislature at an curly day of the ensuing session 6 property, on which these assessments aro still a lien, has received the benefit of these improvements, and it is proper that the expense should be paid. by it, and not by a general tax upon other property, which has already paid its nssexsmente for the samo or similar Improvements, ‘The present modo of assessing personal property is partial in its operation—while some of our citizens aro assessed for the full amount of their raonal estate, others, Tesiding here the greater part of the year, and ongaged in active business, excape taxation by residing in the country during the summer months, That such persons, in common with their fellow citizens, may bear thelr proportion of the expenses from which they derive equal benefit, it is recommended that measures be taken to change the time of assessing from May to January—and also to consider the whole subject with a view of securing greater equality in the burdens of taxation, ‘The third section of the “Act for the collection of taxes In the city of New York,” passed by the Legislature April 18th, 1843, provides for ntment by the Common Counell of a receiver and deputy recelver of taxes at yearly salaries not to exceed respectively the sum of two thousand and fifteen hundred dollars, to hold these offices during the pleasure of the Common Couneil. By an ordinance of the Common Council passed June 17, 1843, the salary of the receiver was fixed at two thousand dollars, and that of the deputy at twelvo hundred dollars, An act passed by the Legislature April 11th, 1848, amendatory of the act of April 18, 1843, makes it the duty of the Board of Supervisors within twenty days theroafter, to appoint a receiver and deputy recoiver of taxex to hold their offices for four years unless ro- moved for cause, and fixes the salary of the former at two thousand dollars, and of the latter at fifteen hun- dred dollars, This change, by which the terms of these officers, and the compensation of one of them, is materially increas- ed, was not applied for by the Common ( does it appear to be justified by any pul Under sttch circumstances the increase of the burdens of our tax-payers to compensate an officer purely local, seems to me au unwarrantable interference by the Le- gislature, with the proper discretion of our immediate representatives, in @ matter in which our citizens are alone interested. Trecommend that an application bo made for a re- peal of the law, so far at least as it withdraws from the Common Council # discretion as to the amount of compensation. Thaye reocived a communication from the Judges of the Supreme Court, in reference ty the accommodation required by that court in this city. Under the new constitution the number of terms held by it in this city is largely increased, for the benefit of our citizens, and additional rooms are necessary for the transaction of business. [ understand that the attention of your predecessors was called to this subject, but no detinite action was taken by them, under the idea, as [ am in- formed, that the expense of the new arrangements ought not to be thrown upon the city. ‘The Legisla- ture, howeyer, have recently passed a law which tak offect on the Ist July next, making it the duty of the Supervisors to provide such accommodations, and if they neglect to do xo, authorizing the sheriff to make the necessary provision at the expense of the city.— ‘This consideration, ax well as the great importance of the business pending in that court, will, I trust, induce you to remove the reproach upon your eity.of refusing to provide rooms for the sittings of additional tribu- nals, instituted in consequence of our own complaints of the inadequacy of former ones to the administration of justice between our citizens, ‘Tho immigration from the over populated countries of Europe, which our free institutions and our fertile and unoccupied soils had invited, has received & new impulse from the famine which has been recently add- ed to the evils of mixgovernm ‘The number who have within the last year sought here a new home and a refuge from want and oppression, is scare than 250,000, of which about 160,000 persons arrive this port. The regulations recently projected in Ca- nada will, if adopted, discourage direct immigration to that country and increase the resort to this city, and ness—and to bring the contracts within the means of a large number of persons. We have no power, according to the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of the Mayor, $c. ads. Jo- seph Britton and others, to make a contract of a per- manent, character, and a contract extending over the entire city reyuires preparations disproportionate to #0 ‘short ‘Sprriod ts a single year; while a contract for a ward could be undertaken by many persons without any material increase of their present facilities for tho business, The division of the contracts would also tend to generate a salutary competition among th large number who should enter the business, both as efficieny and the economy with which it ‘should be done, and the authority which the alderman and as- sistant would have to withhold their signature to the bills, on well founded complaint of the neglect of the Contractors, would be calculated to secure the faithful erformance of the work, and would bring the respon- sibility for it home to the immediate representatives of those who most observe the neglect and feel its conse- quence, The expenditure, during the year 1847, for lighting the streets and public buildings, was $162,815; 3,089 lamps were supplied with gas and’ 7,700 with oil. ‘The average cost of supplying oil and lighting, exclusive of other expenses, has been for the year past, $12 19 for cach lamp, while for 1846 it was but $10 43. The gas lights below Grand street are 1495 in number, which are furnished by contract at a price fixed by the cost to the city of supplying and lighting the oil lamps, and those above Grand street are also furnished by cou- tract at $15 cach, From inquiry of persons aequaint- ed with the business, 1 am satisfid that the oil lamps could be better lighted by contract, and at an annual saving of at least thirty thousand dollars # year; and [ recommend that provision be immediately made for ining proposals for furnishing and lightiog the oil lamps by contract. ‘The Croton aqueduct department, its present efficient management, ix in a co wteadily in- creasing prosperity. ‘The revenue from the Ist of May, 1847, to the Ist of May, 1848, was $226,661 83, being an excess over that of the previous year of $32,000 49. ‘There are now in use one hundred and seventy-five miles of water pipes, with thoir numorous and necessary appendages. ‘The introduction of the Croton water has attracted much attention to the construction of sewers, both from the increased necessity which it creates for drainage, and the increased facility which it gives for adapting them to the health and comfort of our citizens. There are now in use forty miles of xewers, ten of which have been built during the past year. Tho commixsion appointed to investigate the sub- ject of sewerage, and to prepare a detailed and uniform plan, are, as I am informed, nearly ready to report. Tho condition of the pavements in our principal thoroughfares bas been the subject of much complaint. Experiments have been made of various inventions de- signed to sveure greater durability and uniformity of surface, but hitherto without success, except perhaps in the case of the Russ pavement, lately introduced This pavement scems at the outset to present an eve and permanent surface. and a contract hax been re- cently made with the patentee to lay it down in Broad. way between Chambers and Vesey streets, at an pense to the city of about thirty thousand dollars. ‘T streets are underlaid by xowers, gas piper, water pipes and their connections, It is frequently necessary to take up portions of the pavements in order to establish connections with theso, or to repair or refit them, and facility and economy in doing #0 are estential, and in case of the bursting of a water pipe would be impor- tant, My observation of this pavement, now in process of construction, docs not lead me to think that this dif- ficulty has been obviated by tho provision made for that purpose, It seems to me, therefore, most wise not to extend the present experiment at the expenso of the city, until experience shall xatiafy us of the durabili- ty and economy of this kind of pavement, and of ita adaptation to the necessities to which [ have alluded. Upon enquiring into the character of the contracts in the city inspector's office, | found a considerable number for filling up lots in the suburbs of the city, which appeared to involve large expenditures. It is the practice of the Common Council to refer petitions for filling up sunkenflots to the city inspector, by whom tl are Investigated ; if he approves them he presenta or nuances for the performance of the work, which, wi out notice to the owners or farther examination, are passed, Contracts are subsequently made, in which he expense of the improvements is anumed by the ity in behalf the owners, and is afterwards collected from them. So large a dixeretion should not be vested in any office. ‘The practice is liable to abure, and may not only involve heavy advances from the city treasu- ry, but also subject the owners to unnecessary and op- pressive expense, recommend, therefore, that a rulo be adopted requiring such ordinances, before their pas. sage, to be referred to a committee for examination and report he great expenses and delays which havo] attended the legal business of the corporation render it highly desirable that such amendment should be made in the ordinance relating to “the counsel.” as shall effectu- ally exelude the large claims for extra charges which have recently been presented, and shall ensure greater promptitude in its transaction. It is also desirable that rooms should be provided for this offeer in the public buildings, where he may be conveniently acces- sible to those whom it is his duty to advise. Your predecessors having adopted a resolution au- thorizing the comptroller to advertise for proposnis to execute the printing and binding, and to furnish the stationery for both boards of the Common Couneil, and for the departments of the city government, it may be reasonably expected that the expense for these accounts will be hereafter materially diminished The title to the property sold for the payment of assesaments having been declared invalid by a recent decision of the Court of Appeals, giving to the pro- vision of the law, which requires notice to owners to redeem their property, a different construction from that under which the executive officers both of the city and State had acted during a long series of years, it cannot be doubted that the annual accession to our population of such persona is destined rapidly and largely to increase, and to form one of the most re- markable characteristics of the age in which we live. Aside from the vast increase of the productive power of the country thus created, and the considerable ad- ditions tosteeupitat trom those who bring with them the accumulations of their former industry, the effect upon our foreign commterce, although leas observed. ix by no means unimportant.’ The passage money re- ceived from immigrants during the past year has con- tributed more to the prosperity of our navigation than the freight from all our commerce with Europe. With a sagacious regard to an aspect of the times so peculiar, and #0 important as well to our citizens as to the immigrants, the Legislature of last year instituted a commissioner, whose duty it should be, by a proper application of the commutation and hospital moneys collected from immigrants, to protect them against the frauds to which they were exposed, and the citizens of the various localities in our State, against the charge to which they might be subjected for the support of the sick or destitute. It cannot be doubted that the wise provision thus made for the efficient application of these funds to the objects for which they were received, has not only effected a humane purposo, but has ro- lieved this city from great inconvenience and expen! In view of the importance of this great and growing in- terest, and its relations to the prosperity of our city. it cannot be doubted that the Commissioners of = gration will, in the discharge of their arduous and re- sponsible duties, receive as they deserve your cordial and efficient co-operation, ‘The succession of changes which has occurred in the administration of the city government, affords sufficient indication of the dissatisfaction of the people with the result of its action. ‘The calls for reform and retrench- mont, which have accompanied these frequent changes, have geuerally been anawered by an increase of the expenditure, and an extension of the abuses, until the taxes imposed upon our citizens have become opprer- sively burdensome. ‘There is fault somewhere. It is in the administration, or in the government itself, or in the citizons upon whom it operates, In my judgment the evil is to be ascribed to all these sources." So far ns I have been able to discover abuses of a merely admin- istrative nature, | have endeavored to point th and I do not doubt that a firm and faithful app to them of the remedies suggested, would make portant reduction in our municipal expenditures. that a farther investigation on your part would enal you to discover and remedy others. ‘The defects in the structure of the municipal govern- ment are radical. They consist in the absence of all those divisions and limitations of power which expe- rience has shown to be absolutely indispensable to a wise and honest administration, In my message of May 13, 1845, to which I beg leave to refer you, | took ocension to discuss these defects, and recommended a revision of the city charter; a convention for that pur- pose was afterwards held; but the instrument which it framed was rejected by the people, partly becnuse its provisions were not approved, and partly because of the short period afforded for its examination before the election at which it was subinitted. All. necessary reforms in the chart ed by an act of the legislature, approved and adopted by the people of this city, and one of the most impor- tant of these reforme, is, to a considerable extent, with- in your control While the charter enjoined upon the Common Coun- cil the establishment of exceutive desartments, it did not’ as it should have de application was made by your predecessors to. the gislature for the passage of a law authorizing the ev poration to fund an amount sufficient to repay the purchase money, and also to revell the property for partments. And although” if they derive their exix- tenee from an ordinance which the Common Council may at any time repeal, they cannot have dence and permanency which they shoul be efficient check upon the Common Council itself, yet they may in other respects realize the objects for which they were designed, and they ought without un- necessary delay to be organized. It may well be doubted whether a potential cause of unwise and extravagant expenditure does not lie still deeper than the abuses of administration, or the de- fects in the structure of the government. The dispen- sation of the enormous patronage consequent upon the expenditure of a million and « half of dollara, and the maintenance of a very large number of officers and di pendents, subject to the arbitrary will of the Com Couneil for the time being, distributed anew aln every year in the incesennt fluctuations of party axce! dancy, and attracting as well the future expectants as the present possessor, creato} an interest in favor of expenditure, which i very powerful, and far more ac- tive than the interest in favor of economy. Although the influence of this interest in our municipal affairs would be much weakened by proper modifications of the charter, such an interest must, to some extent, al- ways exist, and it is a misfortune peculiar to this city, that this interest is fur less here, than in other parts of the State, counteracted by the interest in favor of eco- nomy Nearly four-fifths of our taxes are le’ estate, of which a vast majority of t none. ‘They pay their taxes in the form of rent, but without ascribing that portion of the rent whieh is adil- ed to cover taxation, and the pressure of which they feel, to its real source. ‘The consequence is that they are not so sensitive to extravagance in expenditure, as they would be, if they realized the mischiof which it in- m them, It is in vain to expect effectual reforms so long as from superior activity. or any other cause, the interest in favor of expenditure is stronger than the interest in favor ofeconomy. And the truth cannot be too fr: quently or too strongly inculeated that taxation, in whatever form it is apparently collected, must ulti- mately fall upon labor, and that, earried to the degree to which we seem to be rapidly approaching, it iss blight upon the industry of a people. If we would have effectual reform and practical economy. those who nominally pay the taxes must learn to acknowledge, and those from whom they are really derived must learn to realize, this important and fundamental truth W. F. HAVEMEYER upon real tors own visa : ——4 Board of Assistant Aldermen—No Organtea- tion—A Disgraceful Scene. Shortly after or Mayor Havemoyer ber of this Board, ‘0 the following m eutered the ely the outh of offlee Wards Wards. lL Joseph Jamison, dv. Wilson Small, 2—'Timothy R. Hibbard, 11. —Jedediah Miller, 3.—James E. Wood, 12.—Goorge F. Clark, 4—Nathan A. Sutton, 13.—Wm. W. Fream, 5.—Alexr. H. Sebul 14—Johu R. Paxton, 6.—-Patrick Brena: 15 —Joseph Britton 7.—Morgan Morgans, jun. 16,—Charles Wel 8.—Robert P. Getty, 17 —George H. Franklia, 9.—Silas ©. Herring, 18.-Georgo W. Allerton. The Mayor having retired, the Clerk having called the roll, the member of the 3d ward instantly rose and moved that Mr. Morgans (of the 7th ward) take the chair pro tem. Almost simultaneously Mr. Webb moved that Wilson Small take (he chair At the samo —— as it wero, Mr. Franklin, of the 17th ward, seco: the motion of Mr. Wood, and the Clerk ealled Mr, Morgans to the chair; when Mr. Fream, of the 18th ward, called for the = and nays. The and no-0-0-0-4 were accordingly given. In the mean time Mr. Morgans had taken possession of the chair, sad the Clerk decided in his favor. Mr. Hiavanp protested against the decision of the clork, and called for the yeas and nays. Mr. Wreu seconded the motion. Mesars. Wood, Clark and Jamison contended in favor of the decision. of the clerk; amd Mr. Mi attempted to afew words relative to the peculiar position in which he waa placed, when Mr. Hibbard, sai *Teannot recognise that gentleman in the chair, ae chairman pro tem, until the vote has been taken.’’ At this stage of the proceedings, a committee, eon- sisting of Aldermen Crolius and Fitagerald, ontered the room, when some of the members told them to go back; that they had not got ready for them, and other similar expressions; and before the committee from the Board of Alderman had well left the chamber, & Hong stove pipe, which stretches across the room, and been tottering for some time, at last came dowm upon the heads of tho crowded masa of spectators, covering their finely starched linen with » profusion of soot ; which circumstance created the utmost dis- order for some time. The democratic members of the board again protested against Mr. Morgans officiating ag chairman pro. tem., and insisted upon the clork ing the yeas and nays, and denied his right to make any decision in the e that ho was not yet an officer of the Board ; that it was his duty to call the yeas aud nays at the request of any member of the Board, Mr. Woon moved that the rules of the last Board be adopted for the present. Mr. Weae replied that the motion was out of order. Mr. Hisnann called upon Mr. Morgans to vacate the After the reading of the communication. it was re- forred to the appropriate committee, after that commit- shall have been organized. ‘The Board then adjourned until Monday evening next, at 0 o'clock, chair and tako his own seat. ‘This not boing done, Mr. Hibbard said, “do I understand that the clerk refuses to call the yous and nays!” Mr. Monaans—If that gontleman (alluding to the member from the 2d ward) will put the motion, f will Mr. Hinsanp—You havo nothing to do with It. Mr. Frxam—I call upon Richard Scott to call the ayes and noes. Mr. Hippanv—If the clerk does not call the yeas and noes, I shall do it myself. After some further parleying, Mr. Hibbard left his seat, and walked behind the clerk's desk, when the room was thrown into the utmost possible confusion — hisses on one side, and cheers, and waving of hats on the other, im which some of the ex-officials participated. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn, and Mr. Morgans declared the Board to be adjourned. Tho whig mem- bers sloped, and left the room without a quorum, when Mr. Webb proceeded to take the question on a motion no- minating Wilson Small to take the chair. Ninemem- bers only answered, and consequently the farce termi- nated for the present. ‘THE CLOSING SCENES. After the organization of the new Common Coun- cil, or at least partial organization, five stages, with four superbly caparisoned horses attached to each, appeared in front of the City Hall, to convey the members of the old and new Common Council om an excursion to Randall's Island, to visit the mur- sery department of the Alms House. At 2 o'clock tha line of procession moved off, and reached the island at three o'clock, where they were received with threo cheers by the children. After taking a general survey of the new buildings, they took their leave for Burn- ham’s Mansion House, where, as had been arranged, a dinner was in waiting for them. ‘The roads were in fine order, and at quarter-past four o'clock the stages wero drawn up in front of the Mansion House. A general brushing of coats then followed, when suddenly the bell snnonneed the good things of life ready to be dis- cusse Ald. Maynard, tho chairman of the committee of ar- rangements, stood at the door of the dining Foam, to pre- vent the ingress of those who had not been invited, and there were not a few, who wishedto participate, with- out having been thought of in the general arrangement. At five o'clock the company was seated, and « gene- ral clattering of knives, forks and spoons commenced, and the soupe a ta tortue was most voraciously devour- ed,. Scarce had that dish disappeared, when six other magnificent courses followed; to all of which ample justice was donc—besides which a dessert of fruits, icea, &e., of the finest quality. The stomachs having been satisfied, no far as the eatables were concerned, the bot~ tle made Its appearance, and from the quick succession of the popping of t! orks, a goodly quantity was dis- pensed, and disappeared, appeared, and in disap- peard, until some dosens of empty bottles gave evi~ dence of a degree of mirth raroly enjoyed by the sage fathers of the eity, who indulged in sentiment aud joke until the night came on. Tho affair passed off handsomely, and the émute in the Board of Assistants seemed entirely forgotton in the general hilarity. Then would have been the time for the settlement of the difficulties of that body—the contentions drowned { champay dn president pro tem chosen. At half past six o'clock, the table was desorted both: by members and luxuries, the former seeking their homes, to slumber, and dream of the pleasures of being aldermen. Theatrical and Musical. Bowrny Tuxatne.— Jacob Leisler” was repeated last evening to a tolerably well filled house, This play was well performed, and the various parts were well filled. Dyott, Marshall, Tilton, Clarke, Burke, Bellamy, all have prominent parts hero, and, as we vo the lai recision,and received eon plause, The plot of this piece may be briefly summed up as follows:—Leisler was a leading mam ng the people of New York in the latter end of the 17th century, when the colony was ruled by officers ap~ i by the English government, and who held om rins In no sinck manner, Leinier’s spirit revolted, against this treatment of his countrymen, and taking advantage of James I1.’« fall, he seized the government of New York and held the loyalists at bay. Finally, after # struggle, he was obliged to give in, Connected with this plot there is love s and a comic character or two, and the dialogu patriotic, sentimental, and Jocular by turns, tt well conceived piece, and the way in which it is got up by Mr. Hamblin is magnificent. ‘The scenery, the tab- leaux of Indian seonery. fighting, &e., are all excellent; and were there but a little more interest in the story beyoud the patriotism of Letsler, we think it would be As it is, however, it ins creditable tion, and was wellacted, It will be re- ig, and we trust to see the house crowded. In these piping times of republican fervor, auch a piece ix quite congenial to the feelings of the many Cuatnam: Tuxatee,—Another immense house last night ; really we do not see how Mose can ever get away from New York, aa has been hipted In some of the papers, ‘The complimentary benefit which has been mentioned, will ec off soon, we trust, We think that Mose must a urn to the Park on that evening. ‘There will be audience enough to fill it, To-night, « moxt capital bill, for which, see the advertisement. the colebrated Irish comedian, and excel- ixt, is @ great curd at the Broadway theatre. houses are every night crammed, and the audience tentify their appreciation of his great abilities by reiter- ated cheers. His songs of the “Widow Machreo,” and “Bould Soldier Boy,” would in themselves command a full house. tReLs.—The same story here—erowd laughter and spplaure, and all the usual accompaniments of the Christy cone They are the Napoleons of negro minstrelly. To-night they i Ws usual, Mrtopxon.—Tho genteel performances at this house are bringing in quite a harvest to the enterprising manager and proprietor. It is just the place for family parties Patmos Orena Housy.—Tho “ Illustrated Picture are still the attraction here. Tur Sapte Brotuers, under the direction of G. Bancker, open to-night at V . and intend to of their popular Ft concerts, The Brothers will open at the Melodeon in Boston, om Monday next, under an engagement of two weeks. AFFAIRS oN THE CoasT OF AFRIC n der Hope, of H. B, M. sloop “ Bittern,” at Prince’s Island last March. in company with the U. 8. bi “ Boxer,” reported that a short time previous he was Lagos in the Bight of Berien with am American bai at anchor there—name unknown As soon as he (Capt. Hope) sailed in the “ Bittern,® the bark was sold, her crew sent on shore and ‘aped from the coast with a large cai of slaves, ‘w of the bark were landed on the beach im ing at Lagos. That same night » marauding ive blacks, came down from Bidagry, for attacking Lagos, but falling in with the crew of the said bark, on the beach, and not know- ing them to be white men, they murdered every soul save one, who was providentially knocked down, any escaped in the darkness. He got on board a canoe at + was taken to Bidagry, and fed and clothed by the Eng~ lish merchants there This man stated, that soon after he had landed with his shipmates from the bark, and before they had time to leave the beach, the natives attacked them, and alk he recollects afterwards, was, hearing them ery for mer- cy, when he was himself knocked down senseless, in the darkness was loft by the blacks unnoticed, alderman, in Bog Moses Gaavr, whig, was elected al on, om the Sth iustant, ~