The New York Herald Newspaper, February 16, 1853, Page 2

THE PROPOSED POLICE LAW. ‘Act In Relation to the Police Department - in the City and County of New York. ARTICLE L. SS 3 Section 1. The police department of the city of | New York shall consist of the following named | officers: chief of pelice, captains of poli nants of police, sergeants of police, polic doorme! Bee Each ward in the city of New York « be a patrol district. The Common C provide in eae h patrol district suitable tion for the patrol of such distriet, to be “police station house.” The patrel all consist of one copiein oF pe cond lieutenant of pelice, two police, and such number of policemen as as shall be apportioned ty the district. a \ Sec. 3. The chief of police, captains, lieutenants and sergeants of police and policemen, inj for the city and county of shall possess the power now possessed by the constabies of city and county, except they shal! not be entitled to execute civil e538. Sec. 4. The captains, lieutenants and sergean’ police, policemen and doormen, in accordance rules and regulations preseribed b; ayor in con- formity to the laws of the Unitec 8, of th tate, and the ordinances of the Common Council, shall watch and guard the city day and night, and protect the polls at elections. ji Bec. 5. The chief of police, captains, lieutenants, sergeants of police, policemen and doormen, shall wear a suitable emblem or device by which they may be known. os a | Sec. 6. Captains of police shall be dockmasters | within their respective districts, and, aided and as- sisted by the lieutenants of police nd polivemen, | shall do and perform all the duties heretofore per- | formed by dockmasters. ‘ ec. 7. It shall be the duty of sergeants, police- | men and doormen, to obey such orders as they may from time to time receive from the chief of police, captaius and lieutenants of police, respecting their | duty; to report, through the captain and lieutenants, | to the chief of police, all violations of the corporation | ordinances; to preserve the public peace; to render | every assistance and facility to ministers and officers | of justice; to report all suspicious persons, bawdy j houses, receiving shops, pawnbrokers’s sale, junk shops, second hand dealers’ shops, gaming houses, es where idlers, tipplers, gamblers, and oti lac eootean and suspicious persons congregate; to caution strangers and others against going into such | 8, and against pickpockets, watch stuff ppers, mock auctioneers, burt and othe: | cious persons; to direct strangers others to the | nearest and saiest way to their places of destination, | and when necessary, to cause them to be accom- panied to their destination by one of the police, and | wm all other duties which shall be prescribed to | m by the mayor or chief of police. C ae Sec.8. Punctual attendance shall be requ'red of | every officer, sergeant, policeman and doorman con- nected with the department, on all occasions: but nothing herein contained shall be construed to pre- | vent the mayor from relieving captains, lieutenants, | sergeants, policemen and doormen from duty for a | limited time. No compensation shall be allowed | such officers, sergeants, policemen and doormen for | any period during which they may be absent from | ly without permission, except in case of absence | ty upon disease or injury contracted in the public servi Sec. 9. In case of the absence of the captain of lice, the duties required of him shall be performed | y a first lieutenant of police, and, in his absence, by | a second lieutenant, who, while acting in such capa- city, shall possess and exercise the powers and | vanes of such captain. In case of the absence of a | lieutenant, by reason of sickness or Sepia the | tain may, with the consent of the Chief of Police, | Atute a sergeant, who shall, for the time being, | all the powers of a lieutenant of police. Sec. 10. Any person or persons who shall falsely | represent any of the members of the police depart- ment of the city of New York, or who shall, with in- tent to deceive, use or imitate any of the signs, sig- nals or devices adopted and used by the police de- | partment, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, | and shall be punished bya fine not more than tive | nor less than two hundred and fifty dollars, or by im prisonment for a term not exceeding three months. Sec. 11. At any alarm of fire, it shall be the duty | of the captains of police nearest the scene of confla- gration forthwith to proceed to the same with oie | Pepe of their command, to be diligent in preserv- | ing order and protecting property. In case of riot or any sudden emergency requiring the services of | the police, the captains of the police shall forthwith proceed to the scene of the riot with the whole police off duty, or any part thereof, and be vigilant in s»p- pressing the same. | Sec. 12. The Mayor shall detail from the police- men a sufficient number to attend upon and to serve the process of criminal courts in said city and | county. Bee. 1. The Chief of Police shall be appointed by ‘the Mayor, with the approval of the Board of Alder- | men. He must be a citizen of the United States, a | citizen of the State of New York, and an actual resi- | dent of the city and county of New York. His re- moval from the city and county shall vacate his | ARTICLE II. Sec. 2. The chief of police shall possess the pow- | ers of a police justice to entertain complaints in all | when crimes have been committed, and to is- gue a precept for the arrest of the persons charged | with having committed a crime, and to examine | such person orpersons. In all such cases he shall | d in the same manner, and be governed by al! | we relating to police justices In like casos, eacent that the Mayor of said city shall carefully review the affidavits made inthe case, and also the ex- amination of the | epee and if it shall appear that there is probable cause to believe that the of- | fence stated-in said affidavit was committed by said person or persons, the Mayor shall, by mittimus, eommit to the city prison, or take bail for his or their appearance at the next court having jurisdic- | tion over the case. Sec. 3. He shall (subordinate to the Mayor) be the ehbief executive of the police department, and shall obey, and cause the B geen department under him to dey, the rules and re; ions prescribed by the Mayor in accordance with the provisions of this act. Sec. 4. He shall repair to the scenes of fires, and with the avsistance of the police force use every exertion to save and protect .property, and remove, or cause to be removed, all idle and suspicious per- sons from the vicinity of the fire. | Sec. 5. He shall repair to the scenes of riots, and ali tumultuous or unlawful assemblages, and, with the aid of the police force, use every exertion to dis- nd or arrest such persons as he may find engaged poy ad the peace, or who may aid or abet others 20 to do. Sec. 6. He shall direct any or all of the police Seco to — such duties a may deem ne vt sary for the ration of the public peace, the ention cl critne, and the discipline and efficien- cy of the department. Sec. 7. He shall be aided and assisted by the members of the poliee department, be the superin tendent ofcabs and cabmen, hackney coaches and hackney coachmen, stages, and accommodation coaches, or omnibnses and their drivers; carts and cartmen, and all persons employed to drive carts through the streets and lanes of the city of New York; public porters, hand-cartmen, venders of harcoal, firewood, hard coal, an@ boats and boat- men. He shall also be inspector of pawnbrokers’ pap second hand dealers’ shops, junk shops, and intelligence offices, and also keeper of lands and places. Sec. 8. He shall, with the approval of the Board of en ,,appoint a clerk, who shall be known and Genipaies as ‘‘clerk to the chief of police,” and who shall perform all wach dutics the chief of police shall direct. ' Bec. 9. All vacancies in the office of chief of police shall be filled in the same manner as prescribed in section first of article second of this act. ARTICLE 111. Sec. 1. The Aldermen and Assistant Aldermen of each ward shall nominate to the Mayor, one captain, one first lientenant, one second lieutenant of po- lice, and as mayen olicemen and doormen as the * ward may be ,entitled to by ordinance of the Com- mon Council. The Mayor may appoint all or any ot the persons thus nominated. Skould the Mayor re- geot any snch nomination, other persons shall in line gnanner be nominated for such places. Each of said | ns 30 nominated must be a citizen of the United , of the State of New York, anda resident of the ward for which he may be nominated; at t! when he presents t the Mayor the certi nomination, shall ‘also Crgeert @ certificate sign twenty-five reputable citizens, (two-thirds of must reside in the ward at the time of <izn- ing the certificate,) gee that they have been Fei 4 arquainted wi! e applicant for five years past, and that during that time said ap- plicant has borne a good character for honesty, m»- rality and sobriety. He must alao present to th inayor a certificate from a surgeon of the police | department, certifying that he has professionally | examined said ene and that he is @ man of | sound body and of a robust constitution, and is able | to sustain the usnal labors and ge of a pa- | teolman. He must also present to the mayor a cer- tifleate from the chief of the police, certifying that the said applicant can read with ease, and write legi- bly the Englieh language, that he well understands the first four rules of arithmetic, and that he isa proper person to appoint to said office. All vacan- | ies in any of said offices shall be filled in like raan- ger. Removal from the ward shall @aid offices. The members of the police departinent inted after this act shall have gone into effect, hold their offices during good beliavior, and | shall only be removed for cause, as hereinafter pro- | 2. In if appointment under section first | article, the Aiderman and Assistant Alderman transmit to the Mayor, as hereinbefore pro- |, @ certificate of their nomination, which certifi- , With the determiuagion of the Mayor endorsed it: | thereon, shell be filed in the office of the Clerk of the | | lice in | approved by the Mayor and allowed by the Board of | shal | and criminal courts of said city,” ae Janua | that such expe cate either of | fi Jommon Council. Sec. 3. In case of the refusabor neglect, from any cause, of the Alderman and Assistant Alderman to nominate the officers for said ward, as hereinbefore provided, within twenty days after notice of any vacancy or vacancies ee in either or all of said off then it shall be the duty of the Mayor to | proceed forthwith to make said appointinest to {ill said vac or vacancies, in dhe same manner as if | suid Alderman and Assistant Alderman such nomination, and under the same re icle third. nd r to suspend se n for cause,and juéges and j power in reference ‘to po e courte, In allsuch cases of suspension the vificer making the suspension éball notity the Mayor or Chief ch seapension in writing; Police of which notice eal! specify the grounds for sech ae 0 the names of the witne The Mayor may receive n com nts for cause aguinst the Ch ce, captains, lieutenants, nts, police- nd doormen. In each case of suspension and int, notice to the accused shall be given, to opportunity to be beard in bis de- fayor or Chief of Police, exoapt in r inst himself, shall examine wit- I or affirmation, upon the ckarges and in defence, and may for cause continue the sus- yension, remove the accused from office, or restore nim to duty. In ail cases in whieh the suspersion is cominued, the pasty suspended shall be deprived ot his pay from the date of his euspension, and during the continuance of the same; but he shall not at any time be exempted from the per- formance of duty, unlees the officer making such svs- pension shal! so expressly order, and-anti! such ar- ler bemade, a suspension under this section shall only mean a suspension from pay. The testimony in each case of suspension shall be reduced to wrti- ing; andy the same, together with the decision there- on, shall be filed in the aifice of the Clerk of the Common Council. The Mayor and Chief of Police shall have power to issue subpcnas to require the attendance of witnesses on the trial of such cases; and disobedience thereof shall render pazties liable td the penalties provided by law in courts ef record. Sec. 5. The chief of Re ice shall at least every six months report to the Mayor the state of the po- practical operation, with such other 3vforma- tion in te possession. as may promote the welfare and efficiency of the department, with such suggestions ashe may deem proper. The Mayor shall transmit the said report to the Common Council withia five days thereafter, should the Common Council be the. i nd if not, at the first meeting of the nex ion, accompanying the same with remarks and suggestions as he may deem proper. Sec. 6. There shall be kept in the office of the chief of police a book, in which shall be entered the names of each and every officer, sergeant, policeman, and doorman connected with the police department, as hereinbefore mentioned, the time of appointments in each case, and the time of any removal from office or the recurring of any vacancy. ARTICLE IV. See. 1. The compensation of all officers, policemen and doormen shall be fixed by the Common Council. Police officers, when sent out of the county on pub- lic business, shal! be allowed all necessary expenses upon the same, being sworn to by said officers and pension, and contain establish the ehar: him au; The act, in the sum of three thousand dollars each, to be approved of by the Mayor and Comptroller. Sec. 3. All officers, policemen and doormen here- inbefore mentioned, shall subscribe and take, before the Mayor, the constitutional oath of office, which oath shall be filed in the office of the Clerk of the Common Council. i Sec. 4. Nomember of the police department, no magistrate, clerk of police, nor any person au- thorized by law to arrest persons charged with crimi- nal offences, shall demand or receive any present or reward for services rendered, or to be rendered, un- less with the knowledge and approbation of the Mayor ; such srr openod to be given in writing, and to be entered in a book to be kept in the Mayor's office ; any such officer who shall demand or receive any po or reward in violation of this section, be guilty of a misdemeanor ; and on complaint being made to the Mayor, he shall forthwith sum- mon the accused, together with the witnesses to establish the charge, to appear before him, and on the charge being established by the testimony of competent witnesses, the Mayor shall immediately Temove the accused from office. Sec. 5. Sections twenty and twenty-one of an act entitled “An act relative to the powers of the Com- mon Council of the city of New York, and the poli e 23, 1833, shall apply to all penal or ices passed by the Common Council of said city. Sec. 6. No person connected with the police ere ll be liable to military, fire or jury futy. Sec. 7. All ordinances, parts of ordinances, re- solutions and acts, now in force and inconsistent with this act, shall be, and the same are hereby, re- | pealed. Sec. 8. This act. ull take effect immediately. RIVER POLICE. | The Committee on Police of the Board of Assistant | Aldermen, have reported an ordinance providing for | the establishment of a river police—an organization | very much abe cig for the protection of life and property—and on Thursday night, the 10th inst., it was adopted by the above body, unanimously. The | following is a copy of the document:— An ordinance relative to the establishment of a | river police. The Mayor, Aldermen and Common- alty of the city of New York, in Common Conacil convened, do ordain as follows: Sec. 1. A Byer ice, to watch, guard and pro- tect, by day and night, all persons and property afloat on the waters adjacent to and within the juris- diction and on the piers of the city and county of New York, is hereby established. Sec. 2. The chief of policeinand for the city and county of New York, shall be the chief officer of the river police, hereby created, and shall have power t» direct any or all of the members of said river police to do aud perform all such duties as he may, from time to time,deem necessary for the protection of persons and property on the rivers adjacent to, and on the piers of the city and county of New York. Sec. 3. He shall proceed, immediately after the passage of this ordinance, toselect from ‘among the members of the police department, so many police- men as, in his judgment, may be necessary, who shall constitute the river police hereby created, and who shall obey and be suiject to the rules and regu- lations prescribed by the Mayor for the gove t of the police department, the laws of the { New York, and the erdinances of the Common Sec. 5. He shall purehase one or more such boats (not to exceed six) as may be best adapted for the purposes herein intended, and provide them with such appurtenances a3 may be necessary to enable the ver police to effectually protect persons and pro- perty, and to pursue and arrest persons engaged in depredating upon property, or otherwise viol 4 th | laws of the State on said waters and pie » Exch boat shall be manned by one nd three or more men, aud said Boats shall suated by separate alphabetical letters, a= lect one person, who shall be designated and known as Sergeant of River Poli whose duty it shall be to superintend the operatioas of the river police, and to obey, and cause the men under him to obey, all such orders as he may receive from the Chief of Police. Sec. 7. The Comptroller is hereby auth directed to pay ali such expenses us m time to time incurred by the chiet of pol purchase of boate and the necessary appurte provided for in section four of this ordinan the expenses of erecting boat houses, and k the boats and b houres in repair, ¢ of the chief of e that such i iny into effect t The sum of two thousand dollars is hereby riated to defray the expenses of carrying into the provisions of this ordinance. This ce shall take effect immedi- Fatan AvTEMPT URGLA ‘ that on Friday mnlght, last wee ade to rob the h ovse ofa Mr. Niash © was Swept were presen Q him s cy Was awa in’ a lower room oing down, heard, a thought Taking nd called out se ig there to ce ing, Le f & » mortally wo y for a physcian, t the negro was dead. He was found to be one of the sweeps who had been there during the day, and was | armed with a loaded pistol, a large butcher knife, and ahatehet. both newly sharpened.—Hurrisy.urg Telegraph, Feb. U1. A woman named Norah G hoe was burned to death at Pittsburg, on the 7th instant, by falling into the fire while in a state of intoxication. AT We leara attempt wa c ing of a stove pipe und ) | ' | department. Anaual Repor: of the Commissioners of Emt- gration to the ure, The annual report of the Commissioners of Emi- eration has been forwarded tothe Legislature, and having had an opportunity to exarnine it, we present the following anad ysis :— The report opens with the declaration that “ the year 1852 has beew the most important in the history | of the-Commission, for the number of diseased and | destitate emigrants chrown under dhe charge of the Commigsioners, during a winter of uncommon seve- | rity aul duration.” All the buildings at the Marine Hospital, and at Ward's Island, were filled to oyer- | flowing, and it was aiso for a long time necessary to provide shelter and partial support da the city fora greater avmber than ever before of accently arrived foreigners. Typhus fever, of the most malignant kind, prevailed extensively, and cholera and small- pox also made their appearance at the Quarantine | and Ward's Island, ané continued dasing the sum- mer, after the ravages ef typhus fever. had ceased. It is stated that “all the aneans at the diaposal of the Commissioners, as well pecuniary as in buildings and supplies for the sick and destitute, were insuffi- cient to meet these emergencies, without the aid of such credit ae could be obtained for theime, and such buildings 3s could be procured on leage or oth- erwise.” The.epproach of eummer gradually lessen- ed the demande upon the Cemmission, and the pre. sent year has opened under much more favorable auspices. The total number of vessels employed in conveying paseengers during the year 1862 was 2,198. The whole number of, ngers landed was 340,144. Of these 39,152 were citizens, and 300,992 alieps, The emigration from Germany was the largest, and embraced the unprecedented number of 118,611 From Ireland there were..... 118,331 And from other countries 64,250 300, Total 992 The number received into the Marine Hospitas was, (including those remaining on the 1ss of poe 88 156,182 ary,).. HE hee We ves Tote number cared for at Ward's Is! Sent to New York City Hospital and Vincent's Hospital . HARE Lunatics cared for ; Number supplied with board and lodging. . Buried in the city ‘ily accommodated at Ini Temporar: aftice... ‘St telligence 97,229 Sent back to Europe.... 433 Forwarded inland.......... 4,163 Provided with employment. . cess 14,971 Relieved in the several counties of the State 18,432 Grand total relieved, forwarded, and pro- vided with employment in the city and State 181,005 Total days in both institutions ital, in causing an increase in the number of pa- tients who were received there. Whe number remaining on the 31st De: 851, was. Received during 1552 5 oo Me Total number under treatinent during the meamr....... This is any preceding year, and exceeds that of 1851 by ‘The number at one time was as great as 1,409. Ou cember, | the Ist of July it was reduced to about 500, and in the last week of the year it was only 313. Ship fever was the prevailing disease during the winter, and the .geregate number of cases is put down at 3,040. The disease is stated to have been very seve | was accompanied by an augmented mortality, 51: having died from it. Allusion is made to the death of the late Dr. Doane, Mr. Butler, the steward, and | Dr. Kingsbury, one of the physicians. The numbers | were so great that recourse was had to the use of , the United States public stores for hospital purposes. | The cholera visited the institution during the sum- mer, and carried off 131 inmates. At different pe- riods smallpox also prevailed extensively among emi- grants from the continent of Europe.” There were 678 cases of variola. The whole number of deaths in 1852, at the Marine Hospital, was 1,561. fhe Commissioners ha wired the health of- ficer:to perform the duties of p! melas in chief’, and also those of superintendent, up to the period of the death of Dr. Doane, on the 27th January. Since then they have placed the medical treatment of the sick under‘the charge of a chief physician and other sa- laried physicians, with additional temporary medical aid when required. They have also established a se- parate office of superintendent. The Commissioners Lighlyeulogize their own subordinates, and attest to the faithful manner in which they have discharged their duties. During the year considerable repairs and improvements have been made; and having ob- tained a lease from the Secretary of the Treasury, they have converted one of the public stores into a washhouse. ‘They think they have been justified in COE ans although the property does not belong to ny 5 | The Quarantine dock has also been repaired, at a cost of about $2;000. The whole number of patients treated at the Ma- rine Hospital, (including those remaining, both at the commencement and close of the year,) was, as already stated, 8,887. The disbursements on account of the Marine Hos- pital and Quarantine, for the year, were :— Classified expenditures ». $107,187 55 Unclassified do 19,122 09 6t + $126, FIN. . The aggregate receipts of the Commis- sicners of Emigration, from all sources, during the year 1852, amounted to. . $572,529 59 The total expenditure of the year was 569,516 74 Balance in bank $2,812 85 During the year, a mortgage of $80,000 was paid off, and another mortgage was obtained for $150,000 from the Mutual Life Insurance Company. The annexed is an abstract statement of the com- mutation fund for 1853 :— RECEIPTS. Balance of fund on the Ist of January, BBGD os: Sre.scuce cts ics weclaginies 4" Amount of commutation money re- ceived for aliens. ! $16,417 30 455,236 50 Supervisors. _ The past year’s returns exhibit the largest emigra- | Commutation of special bonds 10,965 80 Sec. 2. The salaries of captains, lieutenants, ser- | tion that has ever yet oceurred, and it exceeds that | From owners of peas for violations o! geants, policemen, and doormen, shall be paid by the | Of 1851 by 11,319. as 275 00 Comptroller, by warrant, semi-monthly, on the same The German emigration has more than doubled | For mortgage of real estate. .. nh 80,000 00 being} endorsed as correct by the clerk to the chief | the average of preceding years, and embraces | From trustees of Seamen’s Fund and of police. The captains of police, and in their ab- | 48,728 more than in 1851, while the Irish emigration | " Retreat . . 689 56 sence theieutcnants of police, shall receive the pay | a8 fallen off 45,119, and is nearly one quarter less | Advances to emigrants for transporta- of the sergeants, policemen and doormen, and pay | than in 1851. tion inland, refunded . a 264 64 the same over to them as often as received, and im- The emigration from England bo ra to sk | From Irish Emigrant Soc mediately on receipt thereof, and shall account | dually on the increase, and forms about one tenth of | " purpose ..... 0.0.0.0... eee ees a 236 78 therefor, under oath, as shall be prescribed by ordi- | the whole. Amount for support of illegitima' nance of the Common Council. The captains and The whole number of emigrants who have paid AIUIQERDS re fee ete Gates ae ty 383 00 lieutenants of police shall give bonds for the faithful | commutation in the port of New York, since the From insurance for damage by fire... . 4,750 55 | performance of all duties enjoined on them by this | Organization of the commission, in 1347, is 1,643,222. | For sundries, (as in appendix,).... 3,105 46 INTELLIGENCE OFFICE, ETC. The intelligence office in Canal street, a large | church on Duane street, and a spacious brick building on Third avenue, were all used as tem- porary boarding-houses at some time during the ear. Physicians were appointed to attend the inmates ag vgie! their services. Every exertion was made preserve cleanliness and to prevent annoyances, yet this could only be partially effected. As many as 117,500 received temporary relief of food and shelter, or other aid, in the city, and nearly all in the earlier months of the year. | The Commissioners are fully sensible of the evils likely to result from BUY, extensive indiscriminate assistance afforded in this manner, or in similar ways, if habitually provided. It was resorted to Ci unavoidable necessity, and the several buildings used for the purpose were closed as soon | as practicable. e system of the intelligence office has been con- | tinued with many beneficial results. Through its | means 14,571 persons have been provided with , places or employment. REFUGE AND HOSPITAL ON WARD'S ISLAND. The property purchased at various times on | Ward's Island, and held by the Commissioners in trust, is stated to be over ninety-five acres, the cost | of which was $63,818 83. This land, independently of the improvements, is said to be now worth 100,000, and might even be estimated at $150,000. | leven acres, in addition, are also held on lease, and some of the moet lnportaut buildings have becn | erected upon the leased property. Seeing the im- | portance of procuring the fee of this leased land, the | ommissioners have treated with Mr. R. B. Minturn, the owner, and agreed to give him $14,000; but owing to the present pecuniary embarrassment of the fand, the payment has not been made, and the titie conse- quently has not been perfected. An account of the buildings on Ward's Island hav- | ing been given in the last annual report, they are not | now described. A long wooden edifice was destroyed ty fire in August last, together with its furniture. The sum of $4,750 55 was recovered from insurance; and although this sum was less than the original cost, the Commissioners have erected with it a more com- modious building in another location. The addi- tional wooden hospitals, mentioned in the last report as under contract, have been completed, after | an unexpected delay, and are found to be highly serviceable. “Experience having convinc- ed the Commissioners of the necessity for some hospitals of a ne class, a premium was offered for a plan for a single large hospital. Various plans were submitted, of great merit, but the deficiency of their means, with other considerations of expediency, | induced the Commissioners to lay them aside, and to substitute several separate brick hospitals, lel to each other, each being 150 feet long by 2 width, of one lofty story above a high basement. Four of these have been contracted for, at an expense £ $4,221 each, and they are now in process of erec- ion. The supply of Croton water, by means feet under the bed of the river, has ample and regular; but apprehending that serious inconvenience would result from any é ental in- terruption of the supply from this source, it was de- termined to construct a reservcir on the island, to be kept constantly filled. This work has been accom- plished by Mr. B. M. Clark. The estimated cost about $2,600, and itis computed to hold 1,099,583 gallons of water. The same plan of instruction for the children on the has been continued, and with excellent effect as to their order, di: ine, and morals. MEDICAL AND SURGICAL DEPARTMENT ON WARD'S ISLAND. The med ‘al service on Ward's Island continues t at the date of the 1 It is condueted by t ing phys and 8 dent medic deparume: 1891 bj were treated in the refuge Circumstances compelled the reception of many | cases of contagious and infectious disease at Ward's Island, and 1,203 of typhus fever came under the hospital treatment. Asiatic cholera also made | its app nce on the island during the summer; but | the i red after a few weeks, as unac- red, but not until it had of whom seventy-one die hospital department proper attacked’ 132 The statistics ¢ 1852 are as follows Whole number cared for in the he ring the year Of wiom there died Discharged, cured, or relieved 2 Remaining at end of year . 3 10,966, The mortality was avout 10 9-10 per cent, or half | per cent less than during the preceding year, and the deaths include those from cholera, typhus fever, | and 211 from consumption. Many capital and diffi. | cult operations were performed with gratifying suc- | cess, The average time spent in the hospital by pa- wents who died was 33 45 days. The Commis | sioners think that many advantages would arise from | having a separate hospital of their own for insane | emigrants, who now number $53, and the expenses | of whove care and treatment has to be paid to other | justitutions. Their means, however, do not at pre. | vent justify their incurring the additional expense | which would be necessary for that purpose. | The total number of persons cared for in both de- | partunents on Ward's Jaland during the year, includ- | ing i a remaining on the first of January, 1852, | 15,182, isbursements on account of ihe re- _ luge and hospital, as classified, were. $236,545 20 | classified expenditures, on account of me, (stated in another part of th» report, to be for “ contingencies on account of commntation fund."’) Total ania MARINE HOSPITAL at QUARA! ” ISLAND, The effecta of the long passages of voxels, last | wintes, is stated ta Bave Leen felt ut the Marine Ho y ospital da- . 10,956 | 64,373 19 | oetieneed $301,219 39 NTINE, ON STATEN | ' | Court, Superior Court and | tived by a large majority | for the purpose of delay. | negatived, by a majority of 16 to 3. $572,329 59 SES. For erection of buildings, improvements, and repairs....... $26,576 43 Reimbursements to counties .......... 64,763 90 Do. to Governors of Almshouse. 10,912 97 Do. to institutions 12,755 08 For Commissioners’ office, wages, &. 15,428 52 Salaries of agents in Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany .........s.scsscseses . 5,420 41 For intelligence office in Canal street. 21,000 89 For temporary refuge in Third avenue. 6,857 50 For temporary refuge in Duane and Church streets... .........s0seseees 6,249 44 For support of Emigrant Refuge and Hospital on Ward’s Island........ 210,268 77 | For contingencies on account of com- mutation fund i 64,373 19 For support of Marine 4 AQUOPETIATC so a.o.sn.s aiesnsonin + rasvennnya 40 107,187 55 For contingencies on account of Marine Hospital IDO iste cis twas Cec vends caves. BORDA Te Balance in bank, January 1,1853,.... $2,812 85 The debts of the Commissioners are stated to be as follows :— To countie?.....5.,.ceesseeeseceseeee $55,104 94 Ta the Governors of the Almshouse. 19,200 63 | Loan on bond and mortgage .......... 130,000 00 Aggregate debt on 31st Dec., 1852,.. $204,304 62 And this they expect to be increased by April to $225,000. Since the Commission was organized, in May, 1847, as much as $300,000 is asserted to have been spent in the purchase of lands, erection of buildings, wharves, &c. In view of the present embarrassed condition of the fund, and the claims upon it, the Commissioners think it evident, that without some additional in- | come the actual debt must continue to augment each reat—‘‘ slowly, it may be hoped, but inevitably.’ They, therefore, pee that an addition of fifty cents a head be made to the present rate of commutation. They also request certain other amendments to the | emigrant laws, which they deem of importance, but which it is not pee to particularize here. The report closes with some general remarks as to the management of the business of the Commission, and is signed by all the Commissioners except Mr. Dillop, the President of the Irish Emigrant Society. This gentleman signs the affidavit required by law, but “ further saith not.”” We have endeavored to give above a fair and straightforward synopsis of their report, as made by the Commissioners themselves. The attention of the Legislatare is anxiously directed to the subject, and we believe that there are several propositions befo: that body for introducing important and radic: changes in the laws relating to emigrants. Board of Supervisors. Fes. 14.—His Honor the Recoréer in the chair. The minutes of the last proseedings were read and approved. R. H. Bishop for forty-three days work in copying ele n returns; W. P. Brennan, $129 e kame; Be ste Willis, i , by order of Committee on to Jobn KR. Lyndecker, $313 for similar servic to George P. Bickford, $285 for the same; to Johu Ahern, $140 for the same; bill of H. Vandervoort, Clerk of Se: , $120 for i DOCTOR'S BILL FOR AT’ N The bill of Dr. Lidell, for $1,110 for at inquests, was ordered to be paid. OFFICERS OF THF COURTS.—THE BOARD CONSUMING TIMB. A discussion arose on a re Recorder, empowering the BILLS PAID. $ ra es Common nate to this Board the officers of the several courts. After about a dozen amendments having pecn offered by Alderman Tweed, and negatived by the Board, the same Alderman (Tweed) moved that the Board take a recess for ten minutes. This was also nega- nd it was then moved to lay the resolution on the table. This was also lost. Alderman Twe@d moved that its consideration be jostponed until the next meeting of the Board. Alderman Denman opposed this conduct of Alder- man Tweed, which was but a waste of time, and done The motion was put and This ‘twas then moved that the Board adjourn. ‘was negatived by a vote of 13 to 6. The resolution was ultimately referred to the Com- mittee on County Offices, and the Board shortly after adjourned to the first Monday in March. Brooklyn Post Office. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD. Sin—Perhaps through your columns I may be able to rouse the citizens of Brooklyn to take some steps for the redress of a grievance which very seri- ously affects their interest. It relates to the Post Office, and nay be briefly stated thus: Suppose two letters ure posted on Monday from Boston—the one directed to New York, the other to Brooklyn—that for New York w. a on Tuesday morning; whereas tl ha expedition, may be delivered about noon on Wed- nesday. If—as is my own case—the person to whom the Brooklyn letter is directed, sould be engaged at his daily occupation in New York, he wili not receive his letter till after post hour on Wednesday, so that no answer can be sent till Thursday—a delay equally prejudicial to the interest and temper of the parties writing. Why should not the Brooklyn and New York let- ters be delivered on the same day? If the Fulton ferry steamers are not sufficient, what forbids a con- tract with the Exicason? 30. BROOKLYN. C.M. Ballard, Baq., died at La Grange, Ky., on the 3d instant, 50 years. ‘The decensod ‘had bee! Flybe ee ee a of the pie tue) Avislatare, ant ways enjoyed a large wae of public confidence and esteem. | Poetry Looking Up—A Financier Com! y Sn sag x Coming to FIVER HUNDRED DOLLARS REWABD, Impressed as! am with the controlling infuence which is exercised by the fine arts upon the direec- tion and destiny of human affairs, it has given me infinite pleasure to witness the bountiful manner in which, from time to time, painting and statuary has been encouraged and réWarded by the councils of the nation. - But while this acknowledgment is due to the dis- cerning and worthy patrons of these noble arts, it is an equal source of humiliation and sorrow to bebold the apparent apathy and indi e with which they seem to regard the incomparably more valuable creations of poetry. ; To see them adorn the walls of the Capitol with the glowing revelations of the pencil, and decorate the public grounds with the costly chéf d’@uvres of the chisel, is an omen of good which will be hailed and applauded by all as a cheer! pledge of the rogress of refinement. isut, whilst they lavish th Thousands upon these immobile products of cany and marble, and bronze, they offer no reward for the more exalted, more enduring and renowned ovations of the pen. No fostering hand from these high places has ever yet invited the Promethean fire of poetr: to animate the history of our country, which, wit all its harmony of form and wonder of _proporti: lies asleep around the humble vault of Mount Vi non, rea ae spring’ into lite and beauty at the first kindling touch of this Bere! inspiration, It surely were a work of supererogation to intro- duce the proofs that crowd the records of the past to | show how for above all others stands the ‘‘divine art’’ of poesy. What are the all paintings, statues, | and regalia of Versailles, of Fontainbleau, and the Tuileries, compared with the ‘Marseilles Hymn?" What the kingly panoply of gol up in the Tower of London; wie the collections of the Royal Academy, or even the time-hallowed shrines of Westminster Abbey, when compared with the songs of Burns, and Dibde what has the world that we would take in exchange for “Hail Columbia” and the “Star-Spangled Ba ner?’ Well might the British statesman ex “Let me but write the ballads of a nation, and J not who makes its laws.” As far as the living, breathing man is above the cold, insensate marble that is made to represent him; as far as the radiant skies of summer are above the perishable canvas to which the painter has transfer- red their feeble resemblance, so far is poetry above all other arts that have their mission to console and elevate and inspire the immortal mind of man, In view of these facts, and considering the lamen- table paucity of patriotic songs in my distinguished and beloved country, and with the hope of by the humble means of arousing a proper public ting upon this interesting subject, I have been induced to offer, and do hereby offer, the sum of five hundred dollars as a prize for the best National Poem, Ode, or Epic. The rules which will govern the payment of this sum are as follows : Ist. I have selected (without consulting them) the following persons to act aa judges oy arbiters of the ad thus offered, namely : The President of the United States. Hon. A. O. P. Nicholson, of Tennessee. Hon Charles Sumner, of U. 8. Senate. Hon. R. Hunter, do Hon James C. Jones, do Hon. J. R. Chandler, of U.S. House of Repre- | sentatives. Hon. Addison White, do do Hon. Thomas H. Bayly, do do Hon. D. T. Disney, do do Hon. John P. Kennedy, Secretary of the Navy. Dr. Jno. W. C. Evans, of New Jersey. Dr. Thos. Saunders. ecg en. rmstrong, Dr. G. Bailey, S| of the Press. W. W. Seaton, we? Professor Henry, of the Smithsonian Institution. Wm. Selden, late Treasurer of the United States. Rey. C. M. Butler, Episcopal Church. Rev. R. R. nee Presbyterian Church. Rev. 8. 8. Rozsell, Methodist Episcopal Church. Rey. Mr. Donelan, Catholic Church. 2d. These gentlemen, or any three of them, are hereby authorized to meet at the Smithsonian Insti- tute, on the second Monday of December next, at such hour as they may appoint, and there proceed to read and examine the various poems which may have been received, and to determine which of them is most meritorious and deserving of the prize. And T hereby bind myself to pay the sum aforementioned forthwith, to whoever they shall present to me as the erson who has written within the time prescribed the Pest national patriotic poem, and upon their repre- sentation that he or she is an American citizen. 8d. All communications must be sent to me at Washington (post-paid), before the first Monday in | December next, with a full and complete convey- ance of the copyright to me and my heirs and assigns forever. 4th. I hereby bind and obligate myself to sell the ms thus sent to me as soon as practicable, for the Pighest price, and to give the proceeds to the poor of the city of Washington. ‘ ‘ 5th. No poem will be considered as subject to this ize which shall not have been written subsequent this date, and received before the first Monday in December next. R. W. Latin. WasuinoTon, Feb. 10, 1853. Affairs in Central America. [From the Gaceta de Costa Rica, Jan. 22] GUATEMALA. We yesterday received our files from Guatemala. In a number of the Gaceta, (Dec. 10,) we notice a most excellent article on commercial and political affairs, Sinica to all the States. We regret that our limited space will not allow us to insert it, hut we will do so at the first opportunity. The Guatemala government appears very little concerned about the preparations now being made by General Cabanas, who is about demanding satis- faction, and requiring it by force of arms. The Gaceta preserves, in this respect, the most complete silence; and it is only from private letters that we learn that there is a probability of war between the two States. In the expectation of a declaration of hos- tilities, some eminent citizens of both countries have appealed to the personal mediation of Preabyter Don Jesus Maria Gutierrez, Curate of Esquipulas. This gentleman is called to this important and delicate negetiation not so much by reason of the sacred character with which he is vested, as by reason of the esteem and regard which he has deserved by his merits and virtues. HONDURAS. If we are to judge by the course adopted by the General President, by the dispositions taken with re- gard to the security of the frontiers, and by the re- cruiting of the troops of the State, the situation can- not but appear critical in the extreme; but, as we have already seid, the immobility of the Guatemala forces would induce the belief that matters will not take this extreme course. General Cabanas, we think, has too much experience to jeopardise the fate of the Assembly and of the future constitution. SAN SALVADOR. : We have panes from this State up to the 24th De- cember. We see that the ideas of nationality, as they are understood by the representatives at the General Constit.ent Assembly, and that, the princi- ples proclaised by the administration of Mr. Duenos, are now predominant. On the other hand, the na- tional statute has been vigorously attacked in divers publications, signed by ‘‘Several Salvadorians.”” The elections for Senators and Representatives have been effected with the utmost tranquillity—the result is entirely favorable to the government. If Mr. Duenos can couxt upon the decided co-operation of the legislative power, the future tranquillity of San Salvador will be insured, and the intrigues which we pointed out in a former number completely fras- trated. We were right in attributing a political tion to the reception of Mr. Hesse, charge d’ Prussia, for we learn that the President of the State gave a magnificent ball in his honor, at which the British vice consul was present. We have long since noticed in the Nicaragua Gazcte certain North American eu ie | which, however, we never deemed worthy of serious attention, much less of refutation, although the name of Costa Rica is occasionally mentioned with disre- spect, yet we have always thought it most expedient to answer such charges with contempt—a happy course. Order and tranquillity are the best answer to the outpourings of disappointment and envy. We were perfectly aware that the indefatigable Squier, tated at his former defeat, had become the er of a coalition against Great Britain, Costa Mr. Crampton, and every one else who may diplomat. Aiming, perhaps, at the Secretaryship of State, under the administration of General Pierce, he is virulent in his attacks upon Mr. Fillmore’s ad- ministration, and is, perhaps, the author of an arti- cle in the Gaceta which we commend to the peru- sal of onr readers. It contains the following re- markable judgment on Costa Rica:— Costa Rica it nothing more nor less than a ort of Mosquito No. 2—practically a British colony, wherein a handful of petty dictators, exalted or reduced to nothingness by British agents, play a part similar to that of hiv Majesty Quago I. No commentaries. we think, are needed, and the best answer we can give to all such insults is merely to reproduce them, and to let the shame fall upon those who publish them. Texecrarn C1ioskp.— The Mew Bedford | Mercury says that the telegraph office in that cit; was closed on the 9th instant, the lines being a tached on mesne process. The Rhode Islaud Tele- | graph Company, the owners of the line, were to have @ meeting in Providence, to vote on a proposition to | sell all is offer wroetninhgeitg oy Presipent Pierce's First APPoINTMRNT.— The Portland Advertiser states that President Pierce i a property, $6,000 being the amount which red. “ bes appointed Mr.Wm. R. Mitchell, of that his coachman. Me isa food whig, and as fine a how as ever snapped a whip.” The whigs call this a for- tunate beettatar, although the rtiser does not say whether Mr. Mafchell is a “hard” or @ ‘‘soft”’ shell whig, Id and gems heaped | n, and Campbell? Or | pe of an opinion different from that of the illustrious | The Plague in the West Indices. IMPORTANT ADVICE TO SHIPMASTERS. TO THE EDITOR OF TIE MERALD. A malignant and fatal fever having prevailed as an epidemic throughout the West Indies, during the past summer, and still continuing its ravages in | many places, I consider it a partof my public duty | to make known such remedies as have proved high- ly successful here, trusting that, through the exten- culation of your journal, they may reach ed districts, and, in some measure, al leviate the evil. I make no pretension whateve medical knowledge, all my experience having been acquired at the sick bed, and from the perusal of such medical books as Have fallen in my way. emetic and purge [have found most beneficial in this tever, are those recommended in a work o! Dr. W. Beach, of New York, on family medicine. Ag soon as the symptoms of the fever appear, such ag headache, nausea, lassitude, pains in the limbs or back, &c., a powerful emetic should be immediately administered, followed, as soon as practicable, by arm active purge, soaking the feet frequently in hot mus- tard or ley water. If the relief be not’ speedy, and the bloed'tends to the head or bowels, causing in- t 1 heat or irritation, particularly in the latter, | with coolness or unequal lation in the ex- | tremities, there is danger of congestion, and recourse must be had at once to mustard poultices, commen- cing on the inside of the legs at both aneles, and re- moving them upwards, as the burning becomes in- supportable, to the calves, the thighs, then to the wrists, middle and upper parts of the arms, and, should there be much pain in the head, to the tems ples, behind the ears, and on the back of the neck, thing the head frequently with diluted camphor- ated spirits or new rum id during these applica- tions, acidulated mueilaginous drinks should be free« ly given, and cooling applications, wet cloths, &c., applied to the bowels. Stronger mustard poultices | should be repeated on the outside of the legs and arms, if all danger of congestion be not removed, and any symptoms of fever still remain. The pa- tient should be again freely purged with a mixture ' of olive and castor oils, with the addition of a little lime juice. When the fever breaks, quinine or some other tonic may be given ; there is, however, little danger of remission. Bleeding may be neces- sary in extreme cases, and must be left to the dis- cretion of the physician, although in most that have come under my notice, it has had no good effect. This fever seems to act like a poison, received from the atmosphere into the system, and should be expelled as such, from the stomach and intestines, before it has time to corrupt the blood, a few hours delay often proving fatal. Those who fall victims to this disease, usually become putrid and discolored. as soon as dea By the above course of treatment, i have seen eens to health many patients who had already vomited black ; and in the first stages, the timely application of the emetic and purge has frequently eflected a cure. This fever rans from three to five days, and is so treacherous as often scarcely to declare itself on the surface, and requires the utmost vigilance and attention on the part of the nurse as well as the physician. Joun L. Wirson, United States Commercial Agent. Carr Haytign, January, 1853. Two Weeks Later from Chill. & OUR VALPARAISO CORRESPONDENCE. VaLraralso, Dec. 31, 1852. | The Release of the American Imprisoned for Killing a Chilian—The British Mail Steamship Line— Markets—The Clipper Grey Hound. Christmas passed over in the most stupid, dull, | and unentertaining manner. Some of the popula- | tion went to church, some into the country, some (Anglo-Saxons) got comfortably tight; the Frencl and native aristocracy gave their moustaches anextra twist, and swelled through the magnificent thorough-- fares of this elegant city with an air of fashion and ajenesais quoi style of puppyism which would have driven Brummell into fits, could he have seen it, and caused George IV. to hide himself in the nearest rat hole. A stranger landing in this city is generally be- | wildered with admiration, when he contemplates the stern simplicity of the peons, clad in an antique | flowing drapery, (a ragged blanket, and a pair of | breeches without any seat,) the haughty, majestic | “eaballeros,” (or, rather, different styles of mous- taches, with men appended to them,) the soldier, ferocious in aspect, but commercially inclinea— lion in war,” when he can’t ran—‘‘in peace a lamb,” | when he can make a rial or a glass of brandy; and last, but not least, the glorious “senoritas,” with , cheeks whose hue exceeds a baked apple, hair like the tail of the steed of Arabia, eyes melting | like a liquid tallow candle, and a majestic gait | which rivals the possum and beats the coon considere | ably. But, after residing here a shcrt time, he finds | that this apparently beautiful social fabric is a mere | aoe SebtaeRed ape corona and their lependents play the gral Cy and exten- | sively; the priests, being religiously inclined, can’t | ste: , but t ey bully and cajole the people, and write | historical and scientific articles which would puzzle | @ Philadelphia lawyer, or the devil, tor the purpose of raising the wind; and the lower classes steal, rob, swindle and cleat whenever they get a chance; and considering the remarkably ll chance they | Beye po make) an honest living, you cannot blame em. | I have but little local news to give you. The | American who has been in prison so long, on suspi- | cion of having killed a Chileno in self-defence, has at length been released, a formal demand having been made by our most excellent minister, Mr. Pey- ton. Nothing but his firmness and the warm inte- rest which he takes in everything concerning his own countrymen, prevented the man being shot without the form of atrial. As a contrast to this, the chief officer of the British steamer Lima, when | she was last here, struck a Chileno over the head | with a lanthorn. (The thickness of the skall pre- vented any material injury.) The Chileno was mutinous, and had just struck thethird mate. Well, for this the mate was arrested, on board the steamer, | by the Chilean authorities, went through the farce of a trial, and was sentenced to twelve months in the chain gang. The English here say “its a | shame;” but no steps, I believe, have been taken to | procure his release. I fear that 1 shall have to weary you by a longer letter than usual; but before closing I wish to call pha attention to the outrageous management of the Poglish steam line between here and Panama. The enormous price of passage, the overbearing, and unaccommodating spirit displayed by the com- pany’s agents, deserve the severest reprobation, and are felt by every resident of this place. John Bull has a complete monopoly on this coast, and you well know what engaging sweetness and charm of manner, profuse liberality aud eager anxiety to ac- | Commodate, characterisé that worthy personage | when he has no competition. I might mention nu- | merous instances of this, but time will not permit; 80 I will merely state one. A Lge American captain, who had lost his ship off Oape Horn, being much engaged, seat a boy to the steam agency to buy a ticket; the boy, when asked the name, gave his own by mistake, purchased the. ticket, and gave it to the ebed Thelatter went on board and presented his ticket, the clerk told him it was not his name, aid that he must go on shore. He appealed to the agent, explaining the circumstances; but although his friends offered that petty ntate $100 bonus it was too tempting an op ity for him to display his authority, and he compelled the ; Captain to go on shore, and he went to Callaoin arailing vesscl. The uncertainty and irregularity of receiving American letters and pay have caused some Americans to get up a pee offering $25,- 000 per annum to the Engli oy, for car- | tying the American mails. This petition has been signed by numbers of foreigners here; but I cangee no reason why this money, and a liberal appropriation Lesides, should not be given to an American line of steamers running between hereand Panama. Let. rome enterprising American capitalists ta&e hold of, the thing, and our government give it the encourage- ment which they are in duty bound to give, and there is no doubt that in twoycars the American tine would run the English off the track, pay the owners a large rofit, and cause proper respect to be paid to our which now is almost daily insulted by these semi-barbarous ‘brothers of the sun and moon.” I would say, in jastice to the captains and officers | of the English boats, that none of my previous re- | marks are intended to apply to them; they are gene- rally courteous and attentive to pas ; but they are completely under the control of the company’s agents, and many of them complain bitterly of the manner in which they aretreated. As an instance of” this, a shori time ago the Captain of one of the boats. remonstrated with the steward about some derelic- tion of duty, when the latter coolly told him that he knew his business and would not be interfered with; the captain pocketed the insult, knowing that if he | punished the fellow, his “high migh /” the | agent, would come down on him. With regard to business matters, freights are firm at $21 a $22 to San Francisco, and $17 25 to the | States. Flour has gone up to $9, and some parties are asking $10; it is quite possible that sales may be effected gt that rate within the comiag week. We have but few American vessels in port; among others is the beautiful clipper Greyhound, Captain Pickett, which excites the admiration of all who be- hold her. Censor. Inptana Universiry.—By the late decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, the State University at bgt a is divested of one-half of her endowment. If this decision {s sustained, we | regard the University as gre age With the re- mainder it must drag out a sickly and unprofitable — Indianapolis Sentinel, Feb. 5: