The New York Herald Newspaper, May 9, 1849, Page 2

ORGANIZATION OF THE NEW COMMON COUNCIL. Message of the Mayor, &e. Ke. Bee ‘The members of the old Board of Aldermen were called together in their chamber at ten minutes before 12 o'clock, Alderman Crolius in the chair, The y ceedings of the last meeting were read and approv after which the Board retired. At five minutes before twelve o'clock, M entered the chamber, accompanied by meyer, who took the chair and read th announcing the election of Caleb S. We Mayoralty of the city of New York Mr, Woodhull then stepped forward, when the oath of offiee was ‘administered. He was next introduced to the members of the Common Council as the Mayor of New York, and took his seat beside Mr. Have- eyer, ag i minutes past twelve o'clock, the members efect of the Board of Aldermen arrived, and took their places ition within the circle, and opposite to their respective seats. The venerable Jacob Hayes, Ser- geant-at-Arms of the Board, stood immediately before the chair, with the Bible in his hand, and upon the call of the Clerk, the oath of office was administered by his Honor the Mayor, The following are the names of the Aldermen and their places of residence :— Wards. Names 1, Joseph Jamison. , James Kelly. . +4 Woodhull Have- ficial return, dhull to the Residences. +«+.T Greenwich street. .19 Beckman street, 3. James B. V -289 Washington street \4. D, Mullins, (contested,)13 Cherry street. 5. Alexander H. 29 Harrison strect 6, Patrick Kelly. . ‘or, Mott and Bayard st. 7. Morgan Morgans. . .. ..125 Madison streot. 8. Jonathan W. Allen... . .13 9. Silas ©. Herring. . . 10. Robert T. Haws... . . D1. A. F. Hatfield, (contest.)277 1 street. 12. George F. Clark, .... .Fiftieth at., near Eighth. 18. Chandler L, Ingersoll. .236 Delancy street. 14 James M. Bard. . ... ..201 Hester’street. 15. Joseph Britton Wooster street. 415. Charles Web! 210 West Fifteenth street 17. George H. Franklin, ; .52 First street 18. Moses W. 8. Jackson. . .859 Broadway After the installation of the Aldermen, Mr. Sherm: the contestant of the Eleventh ward against thetak of the seat by Mr. Hatfield, appeared before the and entered his protest, ‘The Mayor told him ki convictions were that Mr. Hatficld was elected, but that would be for the consideration of the Board of Alder- men, On motion, Ald. Harri from the certificate of the County Clerk, Mr. Surnaan, from without, protested. The whole su was laid on the table. On motion, the roll of the Board was then called, seventeen members answering to their nam Ald. Woop inquired to know if Mr. Hatfield would be allowed to vote? Ald. Wenn stated that Mr. Hatfield had been sworn into office, and would, of course, be entitled to his seat for the present, or until otherwise considered. On motion of Ald. Scnvirz, Ald. Jawes Keuty was elected President of the Board of Aldermen, the result of the poll being— seeld Webb... fet Kelly. . ‘ 1 Blank. eseeeek ¥ was then announced President of the Ald. Wenn was elected chairman, pro tem. Al Board. On motion, Aldermen Hennine and Barp conducted Ald. Kei.y to the Chair, who returned thanks for the honor conferred upon him, to preside over this Board. He entered upon the duties with great embarrassment, and especially so, as he was to fellow the eloquent Frank- lin. He was fully aware that it was more from a spirit of courtesy than any merit of his own. He would howev- er endeavor to discharge the duties of the office faith- fully and impartially, and he had no doubt but he would have the co-operation of the Board. Under the new constitution, the organization of the Departments would be necessary, previous to the first of June next, He hoped the blessings of a benign Providence would superintend their delibera- tions. The rules of the late Board were then adopted for the time being. On motion, David Valentine was unanimously re- elected Clerk of this Board. ‘ On motion, Jacob Hayes, was appointed Sergeant-at- Arms of the Board. S On motion, Ald, Hawes and Barp were appointed a committee to wait upon his Honor the Mayor, and in- form him that this Board was ready to proceed to bu- Finess, On motion, Ald. Wenn and Woop were appointed a committee to wait on the Board of Assistant Aldermen, and inform that body that this Board was ready to pro- ceed to business; who retired and in a few minutes re- turned, and reported that they had performed the duty assigned them. ‘Astistant Ald. Mercen and Sanps appeared and stated that the Board of Assistent Aldermen were ready to proceed to business. fhe committee to the Mayor returned, and ted that the Mayor would communicate with the Board in @ few minutes. Mr. Bunperre, the messenger to the Mayor, then ap- peared with the message of his Honor, which, on motion, ‘was read Message of the Mayor. With becoming gratitude for the confidence reposed nme by my fellow. citizens, and with « profound sense f the responsibillity cast upon me, as the Chief Magis- irate of this metropolis, I enter upon the duties which Dave been devolved upon me, distrustful of my ability to meet all the exigencies of so elevated a position, but, nevertheless, with a firm and settled purpose to employ, under the solemnity of my official oath, my best efforts in a faithful administration of the duties of the office. ‘The finances of the city will first demand our atten- tion; the general condition of which will appear, by the following ttatements, brought up to the first inst. ‘The permanent city debt redeemable from the Sink- ing Fund, May 1, 1849, was as follows : Five per cent City Stocks, of 1820 and 1929, redeemable in 1860... 250,000 Loan Stocks, re- Five per cent Fi deemable in 1851... . 500,000 Five'per cent Public Buil redeemable in 1856. ......+ 515,000 Five per cent,Fire Indemnity Stoc + redeemable’ in 1868 aie 375,088 ‘Water debt in various stocks, aggregate. . $14,646,783 Less Amount of Stocks and Bonds held by the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, for the redemption of the city debt $2,951,001 00 Balance in the Treasury, to Cr. of Water Fund... .. Balance in Bank, to Cr. ot Commissioners’ Fund... . 27,553 31 88,866 48 Nett amount of city debt, to be redeemed fi by the Sinking Fund... . ++ + $11,599,362 21 Besides the assets above mentioned, the Commission- | ers hold real estate, and bonds and mortgages belong- ing to the “Fire Loan Account. mortgages taken for sales of real ¢ all to $458,169 32, which are to be applied in redemp- tion of the City Debt Amount of appropriations on account city government, for the current year. . . .. .$2,165,989 Of which there was expended and paid out, between Jan, Ist and the Ist inst. . + 794,705 25 Leaving for expenditures during the remain- der of the year, and to meet existing liabi- lities. . : wees seseee cls By an act of the Legislature, which goes in on the 8th May, instant, the Alms House Department, including the Alms House Proper, and the support and relief of the poor, the County Lunatic Asylum, and the nurseries for poor and destitute children, the pe- nitentiary, the city prison and bridewell, and the other prisons and houses of ntion in the city, with the ospitals connected therewith, except the sheriff's jail in Eldridge street and the House of Refuge, are placed under the exclusive control and management of a board of governors, styled “ the Governors of the Alms House,” and is no longer subject to the government of the Common Council; except that it is made their duty by the 7th seetion of that act, by committees to be appointed by them for that purpose, to visit and in- id department, and all of said institutions, n each year, and they have power con- n by this section of the act to impeach the Supreme Court, any of the said Board of Governors, or connected with any of the institutions—and the court may remove them for due eause shown. Such sum of money as shall be requ Tor the purposes of the said Board of Governors, is di- rected by the wet to be annually raised and col- lected by tax by the Board of Supervisors of the this department, there 1 Education and Free Academy, amount required for the payment nption ot the Floutin are not under the the responsibi In relation to ll including, lke wise, the appropriations which come within the juris. dictfon of the Common Council) the recent amend ments to the charter have made some essential, and { thing very wise provisions, to which I desire to call your special attention, The seventh section provides thut “No money eball be drawn from the city treasuPy except the sanie shall have been previously appropri ted rpose for which itis di Lap detailed fie 3 heads of the de. to the , ull be based upon spe iting. of the several h the Comptroller, By the ith section, itis further provided that “no acurred by any of the departments, f whether the Object of expenditure Common Couneil or not, » been previously expense sh the chief safe gant and improvident expendi- legivlative and executive branehy And I trust you will not only exer- ling against their iu it that you will also lend your atail times, in all eases, and by luty it is to observe them, to b muly complied with expe “1 arded a By are 3 lature, entitled “An act tocreate the Croton Aqueduct Department.’ in th city of New York. the first section of the act for the ap- pointment of Water Commissioners by the Governor and Benate, for the city of New York. passed May Jd, , is repented, and all the remaining powers and au of the commiss}c « transferred to the Croton Aqueduct Department, as constituted by the act first above mentioned. : are thus reminded that a period of fifteon you ha dl ine passage of the set auth the first appointment of commissi structio: the Croton Aqueduct, t work, the boldest enterprise of the kind in thi «ther age, is, with the exception of the Jigh bridge, completed In view of thie, it would seem proper to remark the stupendous aghivyement, ideutified us isi bp rose and claimed his right to the seat, |! $1,640,088 | 13,006,695 | and also bonds and | their arduous and self-imposed duties. ate, amounting in | force cor | fect | the fir ore, ns also, | 5 | rience, guards of the | ‘The great the health, comfort, convenience, and it may be added the pride and glory of the city, will in all coming time demand from its constituted authorities, the most vi- gilant attention. ‘The line of work traversing a bold fnd irregular country, in part along precipitous side hill grounds—tunnelling through hills, and sometimes ‘nto cighty feet above the natural sur- treams, which flow at times with torrent d channels, must ever require a vision to maintain in of the work, and the face, passing power down 11 watebful and ¢ proper conditi | important structures in hydraulic architecture, which constitute this great improvement. The consequence of apy material failure by whieh the supply of water to the city would be cut off. even fora short time, will impress every one with the calamitous nature of such aneyent, ‘Thus far the work has proved competent to furnish an uninterrupted supply from its first intro- duction in July, 1842; and there is no reason to doubt | that the same Vigilant and competent management will perpetuate for ages Lo come this rich blessing to the ei- ty. It ix believed that no heavy expenditures will in future be required for its maintenance, but generally uch only as may be necessary for its competent and faithful supervision, rom statements furnished to me, | learn that the receiptsof the department from water rents for the year ending May Ist. were—$255,053 09, against $2 085 10 for the year 1547, showing an incrcase over the previous year of 17 99. The same, or nearly the same rate of inc ins through the ‘past five years, from which the anticipation may safely be indulged that the predictions concerning this great work will be abundantly verified, and that the rents at no yery distant period of time will be sufficient to meet the ai nual interest on the entire debt, This constant ann al increase of receipts added to an economical and pru- dent expenditure, has reduced the tax on the water from 20 cents in 1842 to 11 90-100 in 1849, and there is son to doubt that this tax will be still further re- a The Street Commissioner's Department, whieh in- volves such vast interests, demands attention at your hands, with « view of effecting such changes in thé ad- i irs ax shall be deemed proper By existing ordinances, the duty of y assessments devolves upon the Street Com- issioner, in conjunction with his assistant and the first clerk, and has grown into one of no inconsiderable magnitude, [am informed that, at no period within the past two years, has the first clerk, (apon whom the calculations are mainly imposed.) been able to keep up with the return of work to the office. I would, there- fore, suggest, for the consideration of your honorable body, the propriety of transferring this duty to a per- t hoard of assessors, to be hercafter organized and whose compensation therefor shall be included expenses of the assessments; all of which be trust account, the expenses’ should be borne by the persons or property for whose benefit the duty is per- forme ‘The copying of the assessment lists, after confirma- tion, now entrusted to the second clerk, should also be imposed on the Board of Assessors. By this arrange- ment, I am confident that this work would be as well, if not better done, than at present, and the department would be enabled to dispense with the services of the first clerk, while the second clerk would deyote more of his time to other important duties in the office Assessment sales and the preparation for them, (the details of which require great experience and a careful examination of the proceedings, in order to insure full notice and entire fairness to owners of + as well as security to purchasers at such light perhaps also be referred with advantage to this Board. The act in relation to the Croton Aqueduct Depart- ment will relieve the Street Commissioner from an oner- ous duty now imposed upon him, in the construction, irimg, and cleaning of sewers; these being, by the 4th eectlon of the act, transferred to the Croton Aque- duet Department. remaining duties of the Street P Commissioner, in relation to wharves and piers, lands street regulating and paving, the redemp- erty sold for assessments, with various other mutters, will however still continue to render this de- partment one of leading importance in the administra- tion of the city government. 4 I haye been favorably impressed with the superiority of the recent payement in Broadway in the vicinity of the Park, over that of the cobble stone pavement in ordinary use, It presents a much cleaner, smoother, and more durable surface, and promises greater exemp- tion from constant derangement, and consequently less frequent interruption to the public travel. ‘The annual expense for repairs, as well as that for cleaning the sur- face, must be very considerably decreased. It is be- lieved that it will also essentially diminish the wear of vehicles, produce less fatigue to horses, and add much to the comfort of passengers. It must also save from greater wear the fire engines and other apparatus, whose cost constitutes no inconsiderable item in the annual expenditures of the Fire Department. The time con- sumed in reaching the fire will of course be lessened, and the water sooner and more effectually applied for its extinguishment. There are other obvious adyan- tages in this mode of pavement, to which it is not ne- cessary at present to advert. 1 deem the subject of sufficient interest to the public, to submit to your judgment, whether along the throng- ed thoroughfares of the city, this, or some other similar mode pavement, might not, if the public treasury will permit, be advantageously extended. The Department of Lamps and Gas is one of great and growing importance, and from the report made to me by the present superintendent, it would appear that his aim has been to substitute, as rapidly as has been possible, gas lamps instead of oil lamps through- out the lamp district. From the numerous petitions constantly presented to the Common Council for light- ing streets with gas, the conclusion is irresistible that the inhabitants, from their experience in both modes of lighting streets, have shown a decided preference for gas light over that of oil. The course of the de- partment, therefore, is in. my judgment in accordance with the wishes of the citizens generally, and so long as the expense is confined to the amount appropriated, the change should be continued, and gas substituted for oil wherever it can effected. The number of gas lamps required to light all the streets below 42d street, now ‘lighted with oil, would involve only the additional expense of the gas posts and fixtures for them, ‘Whe whole number of oll lamps at present in use is 6,720, and of gas lamps, 4,519, besides about four hundred which will be — for use about the first of June. Another reason which seems to me to justify the speedy substitution of gas for oil, is the reduction which it would effect in the annual expenses of the department, by dispensing with the servic number of lamplighters, whose di 8 are confined to lighting the oil lamps, as the contracts with the gas companies includes the lighting and cleaning the gas lamps. ‘The statistical report of the condition of the Police Department has been so recently presented by my pre- decessor, that | need not repeat it here, but would refer you tothat report for the necessary information to en- able you to judge of its condition, Several amend- ments to the act organizing the department were pass- ed at the last session of the Legislature, which, how- ever.do not go into operation until June nex am therefore unable at present to state how far they may be beneficial to the interests or efficiency of the department. The Fire Department continues to receive, as it emi- | nently merits, the confidence of the authoriries and of the community at large. Its condition, at present, for | efficienoy, has never been excelled, and I am happy to add my ‘tribute of merited praise for the promptness, veal and fidelity with which the members discharge ‘The present sists of about 1,600 men ; there are three first- class engines, six second-class, twenty-four small, nine hook and ladder trucks, eighteen four-wheeled car- rages, twenty-five two wheels, and fifty thousand feet of hose The city is now divided into three districts, the lower one containing the greatest amount of valuable property, covering comparatively a small space of ground, while the limit of the other districts is bound only by the extent of the island. ‘This imposes in the upper districts an unusual and oppr nt of labor, and I think the interests o! 2 ding int consulted by the of a new district, compri sing all that part of the city north of 2 t the location at convenient distances o! apparatus Thave received from the Superintendent of Streets the following statements of expenditures and receipts sive amo necessi for the year ending 15th May, 1848 Expended for sweeping. ..+. +. $55.798 82 a carting manur 48,356 67 Carting ashes and garbage, loading vessels, freighting. salaries of manure inspectors, clerks and ticket men, laborers’ wag and general contingent expenses. ... . ere cipts for the sal of manure, . Net expenditure... .. ‘There were removed f the above period:— rubbish &e From this statement, it is evident that this branch of bl nditure has been alto; that a very conside’ with a more thoro ther too large, and ble reduction is compatible, even formance of the work, Am the modes of retrenchment, | would particulariz of enjoining on the proper officers the necessity quiring contractors for sewering, laying pipes, &e. clear up and remoye the materials and rubbish remain- ing in the streets, immediately after the completion of their work. Thousands of loads are sometimes left, until removed by the Superintendent of Streets, at a heavy expense to the city. The Superintendent esti- mates that the city pays more than $20,000 annually for this service, which ought to be borne by contractors and tndivia . ML to of cleaning the streets by contract, has 1 of fulfilling publie expectation, and I itis no longer entitled to public favor. At 1 to promise important advantages, both y; but in its operation it rely inadequate to accomplish cither of wits, ‘The interests of the diffe too much at variance to ine atifaction to both—for while one party seeks to V streets, the other, according to past expe been morc intent on obtaining clean profits ia more int ncbtaining clean profits. ent embrac lifficulty of the work wre de parties to the contraet ele etry with ficatio amorous detail will ever be @ fruity of divagreement and eon: troversy between the seiherts Under the most guarded and skilfuily drawn ¢ ers, instead of proceeding in gangs of tens or twenties, as has heretofore been the practice, should be separa- ted. and assigned to certain streets or parts of streets, to be swept by them respectively Each should bo re: quired to clean and k an the particular portion of street assigned to him, ond be: ubject, on complaint, to dismisral for every neglect of duty, In this way, I think the public would Le better served, and tho ex- penses of this sery tinlly reduced. It should also be required that the work li be done in the evenings and mornings, and not during the business hours of the day But while greater car the cfllcers of the Corpor ploy, it will be comparati aid and co-operation of the and vigilance are urged upon ion and those in their em- f little avail without the » who are more immediate- t ly interested. and whore st and duty il is to w in accomplishing and securing the objcet to be at- tained I therefore appeal directly and earnestly to the pri of our us, and especially to that ofall good house- keepers, not to suffer their domesties, immediately after the sweepers aud carts have passed, to throw out mass- ¢s Of filth and garbage into the streets, there to remain an offence to Uhamselyes and neighbors, filling the at- mosphere with noxious exbalations highly prejudicial te the comfort and health of the neighborhood; and if, while the Corporation agents are required to perform their duty, the citi can be persuaded to aid and with them in the manner and to the extent ans just and reasonable, | feel confident that we ure for ourselves clean streets, and at the sane flectually nevil that has long been a re- proach to eur ¢ also remove from among us, what may be the incipient or inducing cause of sick- ness and disease. 1 would further suggest that the manure should bo put, in all cases, aiter being taken up, directly into cars or boats, and not again deposited in the streets in large masses, as is and has been the practice for many years, thus removing a just cause of complaint and ibating u positive nuisance to the residents of these Jocahties, I would propose also, that the ears or boats designed to transport the manure, be provided with large boxes, in which to receive it, and that sueh mechanical ar- rangements, as may be suitable for the purpose, be prepared at’ the place of deposit, to take it out, with- out the further use of carts or shovels—so that there will be no additional expense for shovelling or carting the same, Various other changes and reforms in detail may be introduced. which ought to insure greater cleanliness to the strects, and relieve the city from more than one- half of the expenses formerly incurred, and at the same time ess ly increase the utility of this De- partment 1 am not aware that the Corporation have yet st- tempted to the manure in the streets to be taken up and removed by the purchasers; yet I am persuaded that it should be its settled policy to effect this object. 1 have no doubt adequate arrangements for its colle tion and removal in this manner, at least in the lower wards, may be effected at no distant period. I th fore commend the suggestion to your serious consid ration, but owing to the present exigencies of the ¢ do not recommend it for immediate adoption. _ Improvements that would ornament the city, at- tract the visits of strangers, promote the comfort and advance the interests of eur citizens, and thereby con tribute to the growth and prosperity of the city, are. all times, worthy of your attention; but when th seem to be immediate! manded by the wants the public, and ean be ried into offect without ultimate cost to the treasury, they deserve the earliest consideration, With this view, the re-building of Washington Market, which has been repeatedly called for by the public, as well as by those more immediately il sted in its business, is a measure which, in my judgment, is entitled to your favor. The present struc- yy ture is in a very dilapidated condition, and will require frequent and lirge expenditures to keep it in repair, Being also insuflicient toaccommodate those doing busi- ness there, the contiguous streets are occupied bj ers, and the public thereby incommoded, I would, therefore, suggest that, on the site of the present mar- ket, a now and substantial building, of several stories in height, be erected, which will afford to vendors more ample accommodations, and at the same time contain rooms for both public and private use, that would yield to the city a profitable revenue, It'is be- lieved that « building thus constructed, so far from increasing, would tend to reduce the taxes of the city. In connection with this subject, 1 would also suggest that the wants of the rapidly increasing population in the upper part of the city, may require, at no distant day, the erection of a commodious market more im- mediately in their neighborhood, than any now exist- ing. The opening of extensiye railway communica- tions with the surrounding country, will render such a market the more necessary ns a depot, for produce; while, as an improvement tending to invite the resi- dence of persons within the city, it should receive am- ple encouragement. ‘The great number of emigrant boarding houses, and the condition in which many of them have been kept, are subjects worthy of careful consideration, with a view of promoting the public health, and placing the city, in regard to its sanitary condition, in position to avert any threatened pestilence, by removing those causes which at once tend to generate and nourish it. I would, therefore, earnestly recommend the adoption of such measures as will insure a rigorous examination of emigrant boarding houses, especially those most crowded with inmates, and a thorough cleansing of the yards, cellars, cespools, and all offensive localities throughout the city. The experience of the past two seasons abundantly justifies the exercise of the utmost care in this regard, for, by caution only can we secure exemption from ‘those diseases which so recently threatened such desolation. Every precautionary mea- sure which prudence, and a proper regard for the great interests entrusted to our charge, can suggest, should therefore be promptly adopted, and every facility af- forded to thoxe officers who are more immediately charged with the cleanliness of the city, and for the enforcing faithful and rigid observance of all the grdinances and regulations enacted for that purpose. Should the aid of the Police department become neces- sary, orders will be issued to the proper officers to ren- der such assistance as may be required by the exigency of the case. In this conneetion, I deem it my duty to suggest for your consideration the expediency of providing, by or- dinances, to take effect as early as may be practicable, consistent with existing rights and interests, for the establishment of abatteirs, or slaughter houses, to be located on the margin of either river, and probibiting the driving and slaughtering of cate within the crowded limits of the city, Suitable buildings may be erected on the banks of the two rivers, with every arrangement for cleanliness and convenience, together with such mechanical aid as may be found necessary; so that offal, and all other offensive matter may be thrown into these rivers, aud. carried away by the action of the tides, By an ar- rangement of this kind, which, it is believed, would not only be attended with no detriment, but rather with great advantage both to the convenience and in- terests of those now owning and using the slaughter- houses throughout the city, our citizens might be re- lieved from the danger and annoyance attendant on the driving of cattle through the streets, and from the offensive inconveniences resulting from their slaughte in the densely populated localities of the city. on the number of oxen, sheep, calves, and hogs annually slaughtered in this city is taken into consideration, it will be generally conceded. that the further continu- ance of the present system must be attended with serious inconvenience, if not with actual detriment to the public health, The establishment of abattons in the suburbs of the city, would entirely abate an evil which has long been a subject of complaint—contribute entially to the health and comfort of the inhabi- nd while it would, as is confi highly acceptable to’ that very r of our citizens into whose hands the correction of the evil would omitted, would greatly hance the value of property in thove localities where the slaughter houses are now located, and which, it is well known, they have tended greatly to depreciate, ‘The most prominent among the subjects to which I deem it my duty to invite your early consideration, ix the action which may be necessary to conform the ad- ministration of the ba government to the require hi tracts, the remedy for alleged violation hi gether too dilatory and uncertain ; and the provi- sion usually relied upon to insure their prompt fulfil. nent, wuthorizing the Corporation, in case of defwutt on the part of the contractor, to cause the work to be done at his expense, has been proved to be of little avail, Ly veason of Che great delay in determi precive state of facts and the exact time wi contract Was violated, and by reason also of th ther delay and embarre penton the part of th je poration in making the neeessary preparation for the P iformanee of the work would, therefore, recommend an abandonment, as on oe practicable, of the contract system, and the en- (rustingef the entire business to the Superintendent © Svects under the supervision of the proper depart. ment. wh'eh shenld be h for ite falthfal excent on, “Lo ingore of cleantiness in the stre ts, v avously demanded by all Cleese ent Would alvo suggest (awt the sweep: EE Ee ments of the amended charter, recently adopted by thi gislature, and sanct by the suffrages of a large jority of the people. ‘The last section of that in- strument provides that if it should be approved by a majority of the electors of the city. and become a law, it will go into effeet on the first day of June next, It therefore becomes the duty of those who are to ad- minister the government of the city, and especially of those who are required cither to recommend or to en- act suitable laws for its better administration, to turn their attention to the subject at the earliest moment— to inquire what action on their part is necessary to give immediate and full effect to the fundamental law, und to legislateas promptly with reference to that cb- ject as due and careful examination and reflection wil permit This duty becomes the more apparent when we re- fleet that the charter is in its very nature designed to embrace only an outline of the new system of adminis. tering the affairs of t leaving the details to be retully digested by others, in harmony with its spi- rit; and for this purpose conferring upon’ the Ce Council t n nts and prohibi- ner asin th t . requires. relation to as does the constitution to that of phere of thei operation, the functions of the government, as well as the general powers and duties of those by whom it is to be administered, and the mode of their election or appointment; but leave the details by which these ge juirements are to be carried out, to b islation, Without this, both would b sand the were intended to secure, ‘The leading principle which distinguishes the amend- cd charter from those under which the affairs of oure have been heretofore administered, consists in the separation of the exceutive from the legislativ functions of the government, The legislative power js Vested, as form nm Council, while the executi Mayor, the’ heads of departments, and such exeeutive oificers as shall he frem time to time ercated by law :-to which is added the emphatic provision contained inthe ninth scetion. that neither the Common Couneil nor any con mittee or member thercof shall perform any execu- tive business whatever, except such as ix or shall be specially imposed on them by the laws of the State, and except Uhat the Board of Aldermen may approve or re- nominations made to them as provided in the h sect Phis power of approval or rejec- fore appointment, upon the nomi- the of the Chamberlain of the city, chiet offic n Aqueduct Department, and the iver of 4 to Nila vacaney ; Isof bureaux and th xs and of the head of a de- » appointment of the tments, upon rtments; and to upon the nomi with clerks of De olntinent of clerks of bu ‘on of the heads of the respective bureaux these exceptions, the new charter restricts the mon Connell to the performance of le cisiat! exclusively; thus placing that body in th tion to the government of the city whi ture ocecuples to that of the State various Dep: assigning to cach ite gonerwd to cach. and the creation of additional departments and burcaux, if deemed necessary, to be prescribed by the Ccmmon Couneil, es of a system like this, cannot, in my too highly estimated. Instead of the ir- ity which isinseperable from the course now conducting the affuirs of the city, partly by f departments, and partly through exeeutive 7 smmon Council, the yarious duties ernment will now be placed in the nsible departments, accountable to the Corperation for all their acts, and subject to the con- stant supervision of the Common Couneil—a supervi- sion which it cannot be doubted, when it is remembered it constitutes their chief duty, will be faithfully and Vigiluntly exercised. The duty of organ the city government in ter, will ‘necessarily devolve upon you, partments must necessarily be organized immedi- ately. inasmuch as provision is made for the appoint- ment of their chiet officers by the Mayor, with the udviee and consent of the Board of Aldermen; while cmaindcr must be organized, at the furthest, b; the next ai election, inasmuch as their chief ofli- cers are to be then elected, and must enter upon their dutivs on the first of January following. ‘Fo prevent a conflict between these departments of the elty government, which must be immediately or- ed, and those which must be orgwnized before the November elcetion, it seems to ime that they should all be erganized and put in operation at the same time, in conformity with the principles prescribed by the new charter, I am aware that a doubt has been express- ed how far the Common Council is required by the charter toenter upon the immediate organization of these departments. ‘This doubt is based upon a strict construction of that portion of the charter which post- poues the first election of the heads of the principal departments by the people, until the general election ember next, krom ‘this mode of construction, gument is drawn that until those officers shall cted, the government of the city must remain as itis, there being no power conferred upon the Com- mon Council to fill the new departments, in the mean- time, should they be created, ‘The practical result of thix argument is, that the benefits which are anticipa- ted from the new order of things are to be withheld from the people for nearly, if not quite. a year; and that during the interval, a state of affairs condemned in the most emphatic manner, by the public voice is to be allowed to continue, If such a result should fairly flow from the require- ments or restrictions of laws, much as we might de- plore the necessity, we would be bound to yield it our obedience, But in my opiniog it does not. Until the first of June next, the existing charter re- mains in force, and | refer especially to the charter of She adyant reeponeib’ adopted, of means cone ng the several departments of ynformity with the new char- Some of those 1830. By the 21st section of that instrument, it is pro- vided that “the executive business of the Corporation of New York shall hereafter be performed by distinct departments, which it shall be the duty of the Common Couneil to organize and appoint for that purpose.”” Under this provision, it is clear that it is not only the right but the duty of the Common Council to organize departments; to appoint their chief and subordinate ofticers; und to prescribe their accountability, and the manner in which their duties arc to be performed. This power they may undeniably exercise, until the first of June. If they should do so, in such a manner ‘as that all the departments of the city government are rendered conformable to the new charter, it will be per- ceived, not only that the objection to the power or duty of the Common Council in this respect is obviated, but that the people will at once derive, by the voluntary action of the Common Council, all the benefits designed by the charter. In this event. also, when the officers to be elected in November go into office, they will do so with the routine of their duties fully prescribed, and with the departments upon which they enter in full, and, it is to be hoped, successful operation, On the other hand, should the action of the Common Council be postponed. until after the first of June, and the departments be left until that time, as ‘they now are, it is manifest that great embarrassments must be the result. ‘The powers of the excoutive committees of the Com- mon Council will then have ceased, and the transfer of those powers to the existing departments will bo a work. of no ensy accomplishment, for the reason that in many instances neither the officers nor the bureau within whose appropriate sphere they might fall, will have a legal existenee; and should the attempt then be made to remedy the defect by creating those bu- reaux and appointing the proper officers to fill them, the question may well arise whether the power to do 80 is possessed by the Common Couneil, y exereising the powers in this respect now vested in the Common Council, so that the departments and bureaux can be created and filled by them before the first of June, these difficulties will be readily removed, and all questions or criticism as to the powers or du- ties under the new charter will be set at rest. ‘To accomplish this result within the time which re- mains before the new charter takes effect, is, | am well aware, a work of great labor, but it is one which I have no doubt can be wccomplished. It will require a careful revision of the ordinances now in force in reference to the existing departments, and their adaptation to the principles of the new char: ter, with the addition of ordinances defining the powers and duties of the new departments and bureaux as created by that act. To insure the efficient perform- ance of this duty, it would be well to assign it to some suitable person familiar by experience with the ma- chinery of our municipal government, and who will bring to the task a thorough conversance with the principles of the new charter as well as of the existing charter of the city, and his exclusive devotion to the performance of the task which the shortness of the time allowed him will necessarily require. The necessary ordinances can in this manner be re- ported to the Common Council, and passed by them luring the present month, so that before the first of June all the departments and bureaux can be filled, and their duties performed in strict consonance with the amended charter. Deeply impressed with the practicability and wisdom of this course, I have no hesitation in recommending it to your favorable censideration. ‘The public voice has, ina tone not to be mistaken or misunderstood, con: demned the system now in operation, and substituted, in its stead, one based upon the separation of legisla: tive and executive functions, and upon the strictest accountability of the administrative branch of our city government, - For one, I am unwilling, even if the duty of carrying this system into immediate practice be not expressly imposed, to withhold the effort, if the power to do so, be clearly shown to exist. Entertaining no doubt that it does exist, I feel impelled’ by every con- sideration of what is due to the interests ef our consti- tuents, to urge upon yeu its prompt and efficient ex- ercise, It is made the duty of the Mayor, by the provisions of the charter, among other things, to communicate to the Common Council, at least once in each year, and oftener if necessary, such measures connected with the police, security. health and eleantiness ot the city, as shall deem expedient. Not being at present possessed of as full information as I hope shortly to obtain, of the laws and ordinances relating to the city government and their practical beating upon its interests, I shall avail myself of this provision to make such further communications here- after to your honorable body as the condition of the city and its good government may seem to require. CALEB 8. WOODHULL. After the reading of the message, the Board voted that the usual number of cepies of the same be printed. On motion of Ald. Ingersoll, it was determined to meet on Monday evening next. The following standing committees were then an- nounced :— sAssessments.—Ingersoll, Jamieson, Kelly. Arts and Sciences.—Allen, Hawes, Webb. Applications for Offce.—Ingersoll, Kelly, Bard. Ferries. —Wood, Schultz, Jackson, Finance,—Jamieson, Britton, Webb. Fire Department.—Franklin, Jamieson, Webb. Lamps and Gas.—Allen, Franklin, Mullins. Laws and Applications to the ”Legislature.—Wood, Schultz, Webb. Lands and Places.—Franklin, Britton, Bard, Croton Aqueduct.—Alien, Schultz, Hatfield. Cleaning Streets.—Britton, Morgans, Webb. Markets.—Morgans, Schultz, Bard. Ordinances.—laws, Herring, Kelly, Police, Watch and Prisons.—Haws, Clark, Jackson 's.—Clark, ANen, Hatfield, ‘itton, Clark, Mullins, , Allen, Jackson. . Piers, and Slips.—Schultz, Wood, Bard. Joint Committee on Public Buildings en Blackwell's Island, Randait’s Istand, Long Island Farms, and Bellevue Establishment.—Schuitz, Ingersoll, Hatfield. - Petition of Peter G. Sherman, for his seat as Alder man of the Eleventh ward, and from Archibald Hall, for his seat as Alderman of the Fourth ward, Referred to Special Committees. the first to Aldermen Allen, Wood and Webb; and the latter to Morgans, Haws and Petition from Hiram Fuller, for a share of the public printing, | Latd on the table, The Board after some other business, of minor tm- portance, adjourned, Board of Assistant Aldermen—Organization of the New Board, Turspay, May 8, 1849. The new Board of Assistants were, accoraing to law, and in due form, sworn into office at a little past 12 ties, and leaving the detulud reguliious Lu aeepoo o'clock to-day. At a quarter past 12. his Honor, Caleb $. Woodhull, the Mayor, came into the Cham corted by the Chief of Volice, and a posse of o' The May took his seat in the chair usually occupied by th Chairman of the Board. ¥ he direction of the Mayor, the Assistant Alder- took thelr p by turns, in front of the Clork’s desk, and assumed thejfollowing oath, as dic «i by the Mayor :— “1 (name of the candidate) do solomnly swear that I will support the constitution of the United States, the at ew York, and faithfully disebarge the datics of Assistant Alderman of the Hard, wecording to the best of my abilities, so help me Gad ‘The oath monba ven administered to the Mayor left the cham- ber, and th h Ato call th . to which 17 me the s and resi- denees of the new Assistaut Aldermen Wards, Names, Residence 1. Edmund Griffin... 54 Greenwich street Edwin J, Mercer. Ann, cor. Nassau street, W. Sturtevent.. . Astor House, et 1 Kast Broadway ‘Thompeon street 6 Washington street Allen street, Charles Crane. . David Miller, (Contested.) Warren Brody. John Pearsall Ronny A. San . Edwin D. Mer . Arahel Denma 65 id and 4tha Ot et, btw. ‘ 6 Delancy st .. Cor, Spring st, and Bowory . 68 Front street Y West 10ths «treet t G. Dean Fast 1th street, Caneklir 302 Third avenue, Whigs in italics ; democratic in roman ; free soil in small capitals.) ‘The imembers above named are for the most part ‘ igent and respecta looking gent Lucy preeceded to bust the fact. that none of them were ever before in a legis- lntive body. and want a little practice before they can become expert in the mechanical part of their dutic On motion, Mr. Denman, of the 16th ward, was ap jointed President pro tem., for the purpose of oonduct- ug the business of more perfect organization. t was moved that this Board now go into un election for® permanent chairman, Carried. Edwin D. Morgans, of the 16th ward, was the only nominee, Mesers. Griffin and Sande were appointed tellers; and on counting the ballots, announced that the vote stood :—For Edwin D. Morgans, 14; for ——, 1. ‘Assistant Alderman Morgans was therefore formally pounced as President of the Board of Assistants for ensuing term, Merers, Conklin and Crane we mittee to escort the President ¢ formed this duty in n handsome ma The President in his place returne honor conferred upon hit, in the followi Grxtiemen or THe Boa ov Assistant AL Before entering upon the performance of dui which we have this day taken the ath of oflice, | de- sire to present to you my grateful acknowled, for the distinguished honor confe whieh bas just been announced. whereby you have as- signed to ne the presidency of this Board, the duties of which | shall endeavor to perform faithfully, impar- tially, and to the best of wy ability. At the same time, it is preper to say, that they are duties with which | am not familiar, aud I might well hesitate in accepting the same, did I not believe | should receive much in- dulgence at yeur hands, Yes, gentlemen, I shall rely with confidence upon the same partiality which sum- moned me to the oceupancy of this chair, to overlook the errors from which I by no means claim to be ex- empt. No Common Council, gentlemen, bas ever be- fore been elected for as short a term, and seldom, if has there devolved upon any greater responsi- In addition tothe ordinary and extraordinary ircments of this commercial city, rapidly increas- population, in wealth, and in all the elements of greatness, numbering near half a million of souls, and requiring #n annual disbursement of little less than three millions of dollars, all needing your care and closest serutiny, there are new and responsible duties growing out of the late amendments to the charter, which this Common Council may not avoid. Our citizens had so long and urgently demanded a change in the laws governing the eity, that, when made and submitted to them, as it has recently been, less than eighteen hun- dred Of the electors saw fit to recerd their yotes against it, So clear a manifestation of the public willis not to be mistaken ordisregarded; nor any the less so our duties under it, Gentlemen—This branch of the Common Council may be said, ina pre-eminent degree, to be fresh from the people—every member composing it having, for the first time, the honor of a seat in either board,and, as far as | know, of holding any offiee within the gift’ of thecity, With some, this may be deemed a misfor- tune; with others, the reverse, However this may be, is it not tobe supposed that, to a great degree, you re- ficet the sentiments and understand the wishes of our citizens? And are you not ready, as far as in your power, during your brief career, to embody and carry them ‘into effect? I anticipate your response, Yes, gentlemen, a faithful discharge of our duties, under whatever circumstances, at all times and on all ocea- sions—one that our own’eonsciences will approve, even though we may fail fully to satisfy all, whose good opi- nions we value, is the paramount obligation incum- bent upon us, and which | believe we have brought with us here'a determination to perform. ‘Thanking you for this indulgence, I am ready to proceed to the further organization of ‘this Board. Moved, that Richard Scott be and is hereby appoint- ed clerk ‘of this Board for the ensuing term. The mo- tion was carried, and the president announced Mr. Scott as clerk of the Board. ‘A committee from the Board of Aldermen here came into the room, and announced that the Board of Alder- men had organized and were ready to proceed to busi- ness, Moved, that Mr. John J. Doane be and is hereby ap- ointed assistant clerk to this Board—carried ; and Mr. oane announced assistant clerk. ‘A committee of two, consisting of Messrs. Mercer and Sands, was appointed to wait upon the Board of Alder- men, and inform them that this Board was organized and ‘ready to proceed to business, The committee re- tired to perform their duty. Messrs. Dean and Onkley were appointed a commit- tee to wait upon the Mayor, and inform him of the or- ganization of this Board and of its readiness to re- ceive from him any communication whieh he might have to make. This committee soon returned, and re- ported that they had performed the duty assigned to them, and that the Mayor would shortly send in a communication. ‘The rules of the last Board of Assistant Aldermen were adopted, for the government of the present Board. The Mayor sent in’ his inaugural message, and the elerk proceeded to a reading of the document.’ He had read but a few lines, when a motion was made to dis- pense with the farther reading for the present, and that the message be entered on the minutes and print- cd. The motion was adopted. Mr Dean, of the 17th ward, moved that a committee of five be appointed by the president to investigate the subject of the claim of Samuel P. Patterson to a seat in this Board as assistant alderman from the 11th ward, ‘The petition and claim of Mr. Patterson was read, and the president appointed Messrs. Dean, Sturtevant, Denman, Pearsall, and Sands, to act as said committee ‘The president announced the following standing committees for the ensuing year :— 1, Finance.—Assistant Aldermen Smith, Griffin, and Denman, 2. Police. Bean, and Oakley. ets, —Assistant Aldermen Pearsall, Sturtevant, appointed a com- Watch, and Prisons.—Assistant Aldermen 4. Charity and Alms House.—Assistant Aldermen Webb, Crane, and Sands, 5. Assessments,—Assistant Aldermen Crane, Mercer, and Dean. 6. Roads and Canals.—Assistant Aldermen Brady, Conklin, and Oakley. 7. Ferries.—Assistant Aldermen Dean, Pearsall, and Sands. 8. Streets.—Assistant Aldermen Webb, Dean, and Department.—Assistant nd Oakley, 10. Applications for Office.—Assistant AldermenMer- cer, Miller, and Ferris, 11. Arts, Sciences, and Schools.—Assistant Aldermen Sturtevant, Chapman, and Sands, 12 Lamps and Gas.—Assistant Aldermen Corcklin, Chapman and Denman. 13. Laws and Application to the Legislature. —Assistant Aldermen Mercer, Sturtevant and Sands. 14. Public Offices and Repairs.—Assistant Aldermen Smith, Brady and Ferris 5. Wharves, Piers and Crane, Webb and Oakley. 16. Salaries.—Assistant Aldermen Miller, Pearsall and Denman. 17_ Ordinances,—Assistant Griffin and Oakley. 18. Public Lands and Places,—Assistant Aldermen Miller, Sturtevant and Sands. 19. Joint Committee on Croton .Aqueduct.—Assistant Aldermen Dean, Brady and Denman. 20. Joint Committee on Public Buildings on Blackwell's Island, Randall's Island, Long Island Forms, and Bellevue Establishment.—Assistant Aldermen Chapman, Smith and Sands. 21. Cleaning Streets.—Assistant Aldermen Griffin, Crane and Ferris, ps ‘The subject of cleaning and repairing “ this room’? was on motion brought up and referred to the commit- tee on Public Offices and Repairs, and the Board ad- journed to meet on Monday evening next at 5 o'clock. Alderman Griffin, Slips.—Assistapt Aldermen Aldermen Sturtevant, Brooklyn City Intelligence. Covnt or Arrears, May 8.—No, 15. The case of Ed- ward W. Leggett and Wife, plaintiffs in error, vs. Eras- tus G. Perkins, defendant in error, which was partly ar- gucd on Monday, was concluded to-day. No. 1. Clarke, et al.. vs, Sawyer, et al.--This cause is now on argument. The bill was filed 21 years ago last March, to set aside the last will of John Fisher, on the ground of incapacity, He was the owner of'a very large property in Brooklyn, which he willed to his wife, and it is alleged that he was induced to do so by per- suasion; but the wife’s answer denies that, P. ¥. Cut- ler, Esq., opened the cause for the appellants; W. B. Silliman, Esq , is to argue for the respondents, ‘The case was still on argument when the Court adjourned. Arrowrment or City Crenk.—The Common Council last night appointed M nes C, Watts, who has for a long time been the rep of the Brooklyn Daily .4d- vertiser, appointment is a very good one—probably ood as could have been made, and will doubtless with the approbation of the citizens of Brooklyn. Pour —Mr, Birch, a promising young was nominated last night for the Nr ‘ lawyer of this city, office of Police Clerk, under the new Court law, by whieh the judiciary in this city is now governed. Mr, Birch has been acting in that capacity during the past week, y lemanly dvportinent, and attention to tblic. and expecially the press, wins the regard of all who are brought in contact by business or otherwise with him, Portce Covnts.—Before Justice King. —Four boys, named Richard Meadows, William Phompson, Robert Thompson and Edward A. Birch, were arrested yi day by officer Higgins, on a charge of having on Sunday last pam port Mm the store on the corner of State and Columbia streets, South Brooklyn, belonging to Messrs, Fitz & Davis, and stolen therefrom about $20 in silver and a pistol worth abowt $5. Upon hearing the evidence in the case, the Justice discharged Bireh from custedy, there being no evidence against him ‘The others were committed for trial at the Court of Oyer and Terminer, ‘These yonng depredators are not yet six ars of age—the youngest is but eleven— but they sem to be old in si sinother Young Thicf.—A little girl apparently about 13 yenrs old was arrested in New York yesterday by ofticor William White, of the Eleventh Ward Poli a charge of stealing a gold pencil, ring, bracelet, ax pair of steel spectacles, worth about $10, from a Mrs, Henrietta Funk, residing at No. 169 Gold street, Brooklyn, ‘The girl stated that she had recently came from Albany, and that she stole the articles from her aunt, who lives in that place, ‘The property was i tified by Mrs. Funk, and Justice ‘Truman Smith the girl to the Houre of Refuge. Court of Common Plens, Betore Judge Ulshoeffer, May 8.—Mar tine vs. tyne and others. —This cause was summed up to-day, and the jury found a verdict for plaintiff, assessing the damages at $650 Timothy H. Maire vs. David Kadly.—Vhis was an ac- tion on two cheeks, one for 200, and the other for $8659, ‘The defence is that the checks were paid, Ad- journed, Before Judge Ingrakam, Catharine Surve vs. Chrisi’y Kussenbiook an action of trespass on the case to recover damages for an ableged forcible entry. The parties owned two houses in Orange street, adjoining exch other, between which there is un alley way; the plaintiff claims the exclusive ownership of the ‘Y; the defendant claim it to belong to him in common ‘with the plaintiif; the question, theretere, was, does it belong exclusively to plnintifl, or fas the defendant a right; in common toit with her, Scaled verdict to-morrow (this) morning. This was Inquest on the Body of Mrs. Dr. Harden- brook Coroner Walters held, yesterday, an inquest at St. Paul's church. on the body of Aun M. hardeabrook, late wife of Dr. Hardenbrook, who ix now on his trial at the city of Rochester, ona charge of poisoning & Mr. Nott. ‘The following is the testimony taken on the inquest, and the verdict of the jury :— JamesS. Mantix, residingat 23 Barclay strect, being sworn, says that he is Sexton of St. Paul's chureh; Ana M. Hardenbrook. the deceased, was interred in Capt. Kooke’s family vault between the 21st and 28th of Oe- tober, 1548, the yault has not been opened since that time until it was opened by direetion of the Coroner; found the coffin in the sanie place in the vault, and in the same position as it was left when the de interred, the body was brought to this city from Re chester in # coffin; was opened in the lobby, and sey ral of the family saw the deceased previous to her in- terment. Jon A. Hanvenunoox, residing at No. 15 Centre being sworn, rays, that he is ason of the de- ceused; the deceased died Sept. 26, 1848, in the city of Rochester, und was brought to this city for burial; 1 wus presentand saw the deceased after she had been taken trom the vault by direction of the corouer; I re- cognied her; her features were,pot much changed; the deceased had, for many years, been very fevble and complained of rheumatism, pain inher limbs; ter moving to the city of Rochester, her health was ra- i saw her several times since she left the ; Ldid not sce her during her illness which result- ed in death; I heard that she died of an affeetion of the heart, produeed by rheumatism; this was my own opiu- jon as tothe cause of death. Joux H. Wirrtaxen, physician, residing at No. 510 Broadway, being sworn, says, that’ he made a post mer- tem examination of the deceased, May 1st, 1849; the ex- ternal surface of the body wasa little darkened in ma- ny places, and did not present but very little appear- ance of decomposition; on opening the abdomen, the muselesforming the parutus were found healthy and but slightly “decomposed; the lining memvrane of the abdomen was healthy; on examining the stomach it was found to contain’ a small quantity of fluid; the mucous membrane of the stomach was more vascular, redder than natural and slightly softened ; there was no more evidence of decomposition than is usually scen in persons recently dead; the intestines also presented a healthy appearance, and no evidence of decomposition; the kidneys were perfectly healthy, except the left kidney was a little the largest; the other organs of the abdomen, liver, spleen, and the rectum and its appendages were healthy; there was seen on the lining membrane of the stomach and peri- conium small bodies haying a chrystalized appearance; onexamining the chest, both lungs presented n per- tly healthy appearance, and no evidence of decom- position; the pending part of each lung was congested with blood; this congested state is universally seen after death} on opening into the pericardium, I found it healthy, and the heart also presented a healthy appear- ance; Lexamincd the heart; there was not as much blood in the eavities as is-usually seen after death; the substance of the heart was healthy; there was no evi- dence of disease cither in the thorax or abdomen; in fact, in no part of the body, except the lining mem- brane of the stomach; the brain was in a state of com- plete decomposition; from the examination I made, I am unable to come to any conclusion as to the cause of dvath; I did not find any appearance which could ae- ant for death except the condition of the stomach, after examining the viscera of the abdomen and chest, I handed portions of them to Professor Reid to undergo ananalysis; I would not say that the condition of the stomach was sufficient to cause death. Lexsamin R, Ronsox, physician, residing at No, 22 Fourthstreet, sworn, says—That he knew tho deceased during his life time; 1 did not seo the deceased after dcath until her body was taken from the vault, for the purpose of a post morten examination; | recognised the deceased; the features appeared to have undergone but Ute change; I was presentat the post mortem examina- tion made by Dr. Whittaker; the gencral appearance of the internal organs of the body presented a healthy appearance, except the stomach appeared to be un- usually yarcular, and had a redder color than is seen in health; from the post mortem appearances, I did not sce evidences of discase sufficient to uccount for death; there was very little decomposition except of the ain, Lawnencr: Resp, residing at 42 Tenth avenue, sworn, rays, that he isa practical chemist; my laboratory is the City Hospital; ‘as present at the post mortem e: amination of the deceased, and received from Dr. Whit- taker the stomach, a portion of the intestines, the liver, the spleen, the kidneys, one lung, the heart, the riterus, and its appendages, and the rectum; I subjected the ts named to a thorough examination, the parts Were examined soparately ; the liver, stomach, and rectum I was directed to examine for the purpose of de- tecting the existence of a mineral or vegetable poiso the result of my analysis was, that I was unable to di tect the existence of either; there is more difficulty in detecting the existence of vegetable poisons than mineral. Atthe conclusion of Mr, Reid's evidence the case was submitted to the jury, who rendered the following verdict :—That the deceased, Ann M, Hardenbrook, came to her death by causes unknown to the jury. he deceased was forty-cight years ef age, born in New York. Cireult Court. Before Justice Hurlbut. Mav 8,.—Breach of Promise.—Benjamin Wood and Maria his Wife rs, Benjamin Haz zerd.—This isan action for a breach of promise of marriage; the damages are laid at $5,000. The plaintiff is a resident of this city, and the defendant resides in Orange county. The action was originally brought by Mrs. Wood, by her mai name of Maria Sutherland. Subsequently she became of Mr. Wood, and he was, by an order of court, made a party to the suit. It appeared in evidence, that in August, 1 Mrs. Wood went on a visit to some friends in Oraxge county, and there met the de- fendant. A mutual yttachment was the result. He afterwards accompaiifed her home on her return to this city, and was introduced by her to her father, mother, and other friends, as her professed lover, and was by them received as le made several visits to her father’s house afterwards in that character, and con- tinued the courtship until 1844, when he broke it off, and became the husband of another lady. The plain- Uff felt the disappointment so keenly that her mother testified that her nerves became seriously affected, dys- pepsia set in, and she has since, notwithstanding her marriage, continued in a_yery precarious state, The suit was commenced in 1846 Two or three witnesses were examined, one of whom was the mother of Mrs. Wood. She testified to her daughter having gone on a visit to Orange county; that defendant came back with her; that atterwards he made several visits to this city; stopped at witness's house and was received there a3 the suitor of her daughter; that Mrs. Wood, after hearing of defendant’s marriage, became very ill and continued so for over a year. The other witness wroved the marriage of the defendant to Miss Ryder. ‘he counsel for the plaintiff then rested. The de- fendant’s counsel opened the case for the defence, and said he would rely on the fact, that no promise of mar- ringe, either express or implied, was ever made by the defendant; he would also show, that the defendant was, at the time, a very young man, and that his father ¢ pressed his decided disapprobation of the connection. The plaintiff had got a husband, the loss of whom could alone entitle her to come into this court; that excuse was taken away. He would, therefore, under all the circumstances, call on the jury to render a verdict for the defendant, Adjourned, a Superior Court. May 8,—Samucl Brooks vs. Wm. Judson, Win, Rider, et. al.—This was an action on the case to recover damages foran allegbd trespass. ‘The plaintiff was éngaged in the manufacture and sale of India rubber goods, at 100 Broadway; the defendant Judson was in the store in some capacity, but the plaintiff alleges that he was not there as a partner; Mr. Judson, however, as_ plaintiff's partner, executed a bond and ‘warrant to the Riders, upon which they entered a judgment, issued an exe- cution, and caused the Sheriff to levy on the plaintiff's goods, and sell them. The plaintiff insists, that as Judson was not his partner he had no right to execute the bond and warrant upon which the execution is- sued—that, therefore, the execution and levy were illegal and void, and that defendants are bound to re- spond in damages fer the trespass. Adjourned. Supreme Court, Present—Justices Jones, Edmonds and Edwards, May 8--The presiding justice announced that the court weuld transfer to the Superior Court, under the recent. act in regard to that court, those causes on its present calendar, in which the issue was joined before the Ist of July, 1847, where both parties should request such t Enmonvs, Justice, dissented, for the reason that those causes being by the constitution yested in this court he doubted the power of the Legislature to divest the constitutional tribunals of the State of their business, and vest itin tribunals of their own creation. The calendar was taken up and cause No. 5, John J. Palmer, special receiver vs. Obedinh Platt, was called and argued. No, 9, Powell, et. al, vs. Striker, was then called andthe argument concluded as the court ad- ourned, Court Calendar for This Day, Civevir Count.—Nos, 6, 7, 19, 20,21, 24, 26, 43, inclusive. Scurenion Court.— 7,9, £6, 58, 62, 66, 6, 69, 70 to 77 105 to 124 Common Preas, Ist part.—Nos, 19, 25,83, 35, 90, 41 43, 7, 51. 2d part.—Nos, 66, 58,60, 62, 64, 66, f ee 6 62, 64, 66, 68 a ereereenccenomaniann 7,29 to 1, 28,32, 44, 46, 51, , 50, 81, 82,84 to 104, 365, =.—The Debats gives an returns, which is worthy of 1 ceeipt for the first quarter ix Mf. Ww hile for the corre: ponding quarter of 184% £64.000f., making a difference of. 9.620,000F. ; made tor the reduction of the sait euce would, in reality, be reduced to therefi but little differe tween the two 4 Is. upon the two first months, a surplas show, not- 5.003 000 has lost 691,000f 8.657.008. ; potabl 4, 58,000f.; and the post-ofle «, SAIS GOOF. “It is to be hoped, however, that the advan tages pained hy the country. by the reduction of the port-oftice tax. will atone for the Loss ineurred by th revemme, On the other hand, the customs show ent. linport duties give an inereass o the «ide of exports there is an any aging for commerce and 1 An un‘ayorab of th i tional in picture is that e remains to he A sum of 11.5 ‘ing that itis an 1 ides that on the ordi nary taxes, a stim of 19.862.000f, not yet ecollecte! ‘These sins make nearly 30 millions due on the ye 1848 ; no great burden, if business should resun wonted activity Court of Oyer and Terminer, Before Judge Hurlbut, Alderwen Wood and Mu'lens May S-ahe Court #96 formally opeped, and ian mediate Forarny.—A young man in the Ban wis arresed to-day for forging « houswnds of dull ”