The New York Herald Newspaper, January 8, 1856, Page 2

NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1856. fldlment with « due sense of its magnitude, and a frm determination to discharge tt with fidelity and usefulness. ‘To make laws for and properly govern a city like this, fe a duty as responsible and onerous in its performance, as it is bigh and honorable in character, ‘Fhe extending area and the increasing population of Wew York have already surpassed the ability of the law making power to provide for their interests. Oar pros. perity has been so rapid that local legislation has hitherto Deen unable to keep pace with its progress. The many and varied interests—the vast and complicated conne:- ‘fiona existing between ourselves, and every other section of our own, as well as of most fe ‘countries—the po- eulisr character of the population, and the new resources whieh are continually developed, demand of us to exert every effort to make the provision umperatively demanded ‘by our present position as well as our ve great- mess. I fear, however, we do not ise even our pre- sent greatners, much less that so plainly indicated in the future, as the mighty metropolis of a confederation num- Dering » bund ed millions of American freemen. Upon a careful review of the munisipal history of this eity, it dees not appear to me that the same energy and imteltigent forethought have been displayed in its public in trade and affairs as have characterized our ryople in eommerce, science and education. Whilst within about a delf century, New York, with its immediate dependen- ies, from a population of 60,000 in 1800, has arisen to Be she third city in the workd in 1855; and in all the en- nobling attributes of religion, private and public bene- ‘educational advantages, commercial wealth and ent ‘toa position second to none; yet, in its form << eee its intermal regala.ions, the integcity which its public affairs are managed, and in the ‘edaptation of its municipal administra:ion to its public wants, it 1s to-day far to. dozen other cities in ‘he Union of hall its populat importance. Whilst we have progressed in the accumulation of the elements of prosperity, we have retrograded in the means to pre- werve our power and provide for the necessities of our condition. ‘The idea of government, whether national, Slate or ‘mwanicipal, is very simple. “It is merely goverament. It fa the care of the public interest—a provision for the general welfare—the enacting and exacting of such rules and regulations as will best protect the rights and in- ‘terests of all, without discrimination us to class or sect. ‘The federal gv vernment is restricted to the exercise of such powers as have been directly delegated by the States, aad to such subjects of legislation as are specifically emumerated in tie constitution. The powers of the State goversment extend to all that appertaias to the ‘Commonwealth, not coaferred upon the towns, eount &e., and cf the city government to everything cor with local matters under its charter of incorporation. The government of the city is far more utilitarian and pras- ly perceptible than ¢ither of the other governments. Kt cirectly involves and affects the com’ort, interest or of every citizen. It is a living, ever present fact; ‘we see and feel it daily. There are none so humble or @bsoure, or so powerful and rich, as to be exempt from ats operations. Every man, woman and child ot our reei- dent population is dependent upon government as ad- ministered in this city. Nor is its intluence confiaed to ‘the narrow jimits of its own jurisdiction. It is wide apread throoghout the land, Tse tens of thousancs of iters from other cities and States witness its opera- tien, and cariy home its impressions, which in turn affect their own localities for weal or woe Therefore, Dew York and the couduct of our corporate allairs are not alone for ourselves; and though wa cannot say—und I hope may never be able with truth to say—that New York is politically what Paris is to France still the fact 4a, that, in the influence of its prosperity or adversity, wo wuch dependent upon its local government, New York affects a wider extent of territory, involving ‘more vital, social interests and considerations than the capitals of Lonis Napoleon and Queen Victoria together. Am I not therefore justified in declaring that our local tion and te management of our executive ofices ‘have rot fulfilled the requirements of our present wan's, to say novhing of our future destiny? Itappears to me ‘hat temporary expedients and feebie ciforts, seldom sue- eeustul—schen c's of private advantage, ox well as of par- tisan interest, costing millions to the people—compri-e about alt that has been done for this great clty, by its public authorities; aud that, with all our reform agitation fand assumed close attention to local politics, we are stangtly deficient in the grasp of intellect and breadth of cumprenension necessary to. aevise proper provision for ew York as it is, wuch less for New York as it wiil be. ‘The introduction of the waters of the Croton river, and the projection of the Central Park are about all tha! has Deen done in keeping with a lloeral policy. But it may be asked whether it is too late to recover ourseives in there respects. I think not; though we hare attained the dimensions of advanced maturity, we are still poung in years. Jt is not too late to remedy the errers and omissions of the past, by the adoption of measures correspending with the prospects before us. It is true we cannot, nor is it important that we should modernize the vidth and regula ity of the streets of old New York, new its extreme southern border; nor ean we now, nor is it desirable that we shoald attempt to imitate the great cities of Europe, fm the ornaments! grandeur of our public build: ings, or the magnificence of our public squares and parks; but in all that is essential to the physical ‘well being, to the full development of the trade aul com- merce, and to the preservation of property and the pro- motion of the general weltare, it is not tou late to devise aad adopt permanent measures in keeping with our Present as well as future condition. Having in view another communication more detailed tp lite ‘suggestions, and more recommendatory in its eharacter, [do not propose now to go into a discussi ot the improvements required to remedy the defects ana supply the omissions cf the past; i> is sufficient for the resent occasion to revert to the source whence we have Prosperity, and generally to the leading measures Becessary to preserve, maintain and increase it. rs oe. therefore, to consider now, the ques- tome ty what ts New York the most indebted > ani in what is it that she fs mom usticient’ If, in d'scassing these questions, 1t seems that an {andya;lon has been made in the peculiarly lucal’ tenor of documents w tits Kind, by tbe introduction of matioual topics, 1 beg you to | yemember that our city is of national interest, it# Success of pational importance, and that jts ilse or dow! fall is peg 6 connegted wih and more directly de- pendent upon the ‘gisiation and policy of the general ~~ rnmei. than that of any commonwealth in the Unton. Therefore, if for the first time an attempt 1s mace to bring the power of this city, through its corpo- rave authorities, to bear upon the general goverament by an official cemand for a recognition of our weight, Jet me ask that the magnitude of the interests invoive! may be deemed a Fufficient warrant for the in'roduc- ‘tion of topics apparently foreign to this occasion. FOREIGN COMMERCE ¢ concomitant, domestic commerce, is the germ whence bas sprung our ae To that interest, the first acd most lastingly bene- ficial of all departments of incustry—ihe richest in its result and ‘he most ennobling sits character, as spread fog the mantle of civilization, cisseminating peace aad fmelligence, and good will from man to man; as ania strument in the hands of Almighty God, by which bis word iy carried to the furthermost ends of the earth; we are indebted for the foundation upon which reste the erner stone of all our prosperity : Our power is derived from commerce. (ur geographi- eal povition, together with the energy, industry, ubiltty, and capital of our people, has enabled us to outstrip our adster cit‘es in the struggle for commercial mastery. and bas placed us among the first cities of the world, ‘ With- out commerce we could not have accomplished this: it hhas added to our population a half million ina quarer @f a centary—has drawn to us the capital and enter- of every quarter of the earth—has enabled us to ang in works of bevevolence, philan hropy and re Yigion; to aid our sister cities and States in building up their own localities and has developed the agri:al- tural, mineral and manufacturing resources of the whole oun’ Without commerce, the With its ww York of to-d would have been but lictle more populous than the Ne: York of the last century. It is commerce that has made us what we are, and to it_we must look to maintein the wal ey we possess. Therefore it is important to re- this great element of power unimpaired. With it we ean be everything—without it, aothing. Now, as this in- verest, like ‘all othere, flourishes mst when least sub d to goverrmental interference, undoubtedly, ia a consideration of the question presented, we cannot overlook the restrictions which have been imposed upon the federal government. sf my opinion the mode of collecting revenue by im- posts retofore adopted, has been detrimental not only our own ixterests, but to those of the whole country. ‘The levyirg of imposts upon importatins is to the ex- tent of the impost, hindrance to commerce, acd any- thing that is » hindrance to sommerce is adverse to every other cepartment of industry. To declare that every argo or article of merchancise brought vo our port, from fe foreign country, shall be subjected to duty, viz: tax, Defcre it be allowed to come on shore for sule or consump- tion, is, tothe extent of the sum demanded, together with its mode of collection, an obs‘ruction to imports tions, and thus far injurious to commercial intercourse with foreign vations It matters little to the industry and capital ot Now York in what form and by what mode or pretex taxation fe exac'ed. Every operation of government, the objact of which is to raise revenue, imposes a burden upon the Pee endure taxa:ion from three several sources to aid in the support of three independent governments. The city Corporation «pends its millions per annum, and makes its Jevies upon our property for reimbursement; the State re- Bee opon us for jarge contributions to its school aad other fands, and the genera] government louks to New York tor two-thirds of its whole revenue. It is of Hitle concern whether these some are required in the aggregate, or whether thus separated into three distinct. demands. There ix no difference in the effect, whether the draag’t be made by a levy upon our property, as in the cae of the qty and State, or whether upon our consumption and ‘teade, as in the case of the general government. The mode varies, but the results are the same, Tt is no answer to say that we have prospered, not- wi these restrietions. That we have flourished even under these burdens is the greater wonder and the higher compliment to our enterprise. What would New York not have been if left to the laws of trade and of mature, free to the interchange of commodities with all other countries? If our had been lot: open:to friendly ingress, and if our affairs had been freed from the interference of the thowent ogee fhreost whom the government appropriates a portion of the earn- ings of our trade, with ‘which to fill the national coffers, we should have now stood, not the third, bat the first ity of the world. New York, and, indeed, the whole requires unlimited free trade; exemption from or apecial tion, and 4 severe exactions upon the industry of the people, which follow. {a train. Wo may Bet always possess the inherent vigor required to surmount the obstacles in our way arising from this cause. Spain was once foremost among the nations, and Cadiz among the first of Luropean porte ‘They have rallen # fallen ® sacrifice to a mistaken com- wercial policy, not unlike that of oar own government. Spain hae long since ceased to hold a place among really independent nations, and now lies a victim to her own euicidal system. Her neighbors but await the day for her partition, and her island colonies the dominion of a freer and more enlightened government. Or look to Mexico! She followed the commercial ex- ample of her ancient mother, adhering to error with Spanish tenacity. Upon this’ rock she, too, became a wreck. I know that public opinion in this country traces to other influences her degraded downfall; bat whatever a conten the of the red man. The influences which control rise fall of exp) find no truer illustration than in the history of dominion in America. The end of what is left of it is obvious. It must soon be oblitera- ted. us ‘to fill the vacancy, which, in spite of occupation. The rame destiny which first sent the sons of Spain to debauch and conquer the Indian; and then the more hardy sons of Britato in turn ‘to suoceed them, with liberal institutions upon which t> erect a migh'y sel!-controliing political power, will direct the further progress of the republican principle under the stars and stripes, until not only Mexico, but, in the not distant future, the whole of Central America, will acknowledge our sway, and become a portion of this con- federation of independent States. Tn this march of empire our own emporium is to hold no insigniticant position of com- mand. Our capital and navigation, together with the indomitable spirit of adventure, and bold, hardy en- terprise of the West and South, will head this army of territorial acquisition. If it is to be a peaceful conquest, the commerce of New York must lead the van; if ic be by force of arms, New York must supply the sinews of war. In any form by which this great drama is to be played out, through the inscrutaple mystery of destiny we are to be the main actors, and our resources existing only through and by commerce, are to be the i nmediave nts. ‘Lberefore let it be said to the whole country that our increase is their gain; our onward progress their ad- vancement; our weltare to be secured by ihe sbseace of all governmental restrictions upcn the sourcas of our strength, the reewiity of their own present prosperity, an@the means by which their futuce is io be made more brilliant. In this advocacy of freedom from governmental re- straints, wish to be understood as declaring a prin- ciple equally advantageous to every section of the country and to every branch of industry. I do not recommend this policy for ihe exclusive benefit of our city, even were it possible to separate its interests from those of the rest of the Union. It requires Do argumeyt to prove that Just as the p-osperity of New York is of advantage to every State in the Union, so the general internal thiift arising from ths successful prose- cution of every branch of trade, and manufactures, and of agriculture, throughout the length and breadth of the land, is indispensable to the prosperity of New York. But independent of this consection and idenutcation of in- terests, the pclicy I advoeate is not adverse to the true policy of apy ctber section. The whole eountry will advance as government interference with private in- dustry is withd:awo. Freedom is the theory upon which our institutions are founded; and freedom in the exercise of opinion, wuether political or religivus, and in tke pursuit of gair—whether by manufactures, com- merce, or agiiculture—freedom in the full deve opement of the immence resources of our noble lead, securing to all the enjoyment of the largest liberty compativle with equal justice, subjected only to the fmmutable laws of nature, and the preservation of the individual ri of all—freedom thus illustrated, is the great principle of American progress. THE CITY GOVERNMENT. Having thus briefly directed attention to the source of our present strength and future relianse, and pointed out the principal difficulty in the way of a full develope- ment ot our elements of growth, it ts now proper to refer to what in my judgment are the leading internal defects. ‘These I propose to consider in a gene:ai manner. Next to commerce, the principal, and it may be said with truth, the vital, internal element upon which the sity of New York depends, is i government—its government in form ‘and its goveromert in execulion. The form of government is of incalculable moment; for though it is true that the incumbents of the several offices, constituting as they do the body which is to carry out the government, of whatever kind it may be, can co much to impair ite efficacy and subvert its iniention, still they are accountable to legal tribanals, and can be periodically changed. Nct so with the fan- damental charter or law of government itself. This is or should be permanent ia its duration, and if possible per- fect in its systero, It is not extravaant to say that this city, for a century, has not had « charter adepted to its wants, and in all respects adequate to its reqzuire- ments. Our corporate history will show that go far as organic law was concerned, the municipal franchise, as well as the rights of the people, were better protected when the form of government was constructed by foreign hauds, than since we have been exercising these functions for ourselves through our State authority. It is singular that these charters when emanating from “the one man power” afforced more security for the corporate rights of the city, aud @ more cer‘ain protec- ‘ion for the proper'y of the citizens, than the p pular ones of late years, which have been the creation of the vor populi. The Dopgan charter of 1686, or that of Montgomery of 1730, would be better adapted to New York now than the hybrid, incongruous, and inadequate nencments of our own adoption. It is quite certain though the former furnishes the toundation upon ynich these amendments have been made, and upon whirh we have been continually assuming'to improve, that the improvements really not improvements in fact, If ever the history of the charters, and of their times, sha)! be carefully written, it will be seen that with all oar advancement we are behind our ancestors in knowledce of true municipal government. As New Amsterdam and as New York, we have had the Dutch charter, emovating Loi tae the home govern- ment in 1657; the Nicholl, or firs: Phglish charter, of 1665; the Dongan charter, of 1686; the Montgomery charter, of 1780; the amended charter, of 1830, with the resent amendments of 1849, 1851 and 1853. It is true that some of these may be called merely grants from the home go- vernment, but they are still interesting from c ntainiog ine idea of their times as to what constitute corpyrate Nights and municipal government, aad as contrasting very favorably with the supposed saperior intelligence of the present day. The chief merit of these ancient con- stitution contis’ed in the concentration of power; ani as we have strayed from this essential ele nent of munici- pal goverpment as applied to this city, wich ics tens of thousanes of the dissolute and lawless, we have, in my juégment, departed from the true pasta and introduced turcamental eriors, productive of the present anarchy, which is almost the absence of any government whatever. It is in this great cifference between the se- ries cf amendments of 1849, 1851 anc 1853, and the more compact, solid features of the charter of 1830, that much of the present discontent arises. That there must be power all wil admit, and thet this power mast be sufli- cient to recure control none can ceny; and that execu- tive authorily, equally dissemina.ed among several heads, each separate in action and independent in pre- rogative, wita but partial check or hindrarce in any quarter, is not such a one as can govern New York must be spparent toall. This is not government—it is litte better than legalized anarchy. The cistribution of equal power in the executive departwents, without one head, is subversive of true government. This is pecuiarly soamong a people wh» have learaed to look upon these beads as places of large pecuniary gain, the value of which is imzreased as the rigat to contiol them is decreased, When the law itgelf frees a pubtie of- ficer having the disbursement of large suras of money, from accountability, or when accountabie, the responsi- bility is fixed ina vague, insppdcable manner, it is difti- cult to ree how the intero-ts of the treasa-y are to be protected, in times of such lax integrity as now pervades the office secking and the office holding part of the com- munity; for although there are exceptions, few mea of stern integrity and high-tone’. honorable principles, are to be found canvassing for the support of the corrapt interests in soclety, now almost indispensable to secure these places of trust. Ilook upon the want of concen tra‘ion of power and absence of suffizient check to the action of the several depariments, together with the weak and almost powerless condition of the miscalicd chief executive officer, as the main defects in the present overnment of the city. In my judgment, we can never fave improvement without ao entire change of the present system in these respects. The administration must bea unit, There must be one head to which the other functionaries should be subordizate, all acting in harmony and concert. The Mayor should be to the ci'y what the President of the United States is to the general goverument, and the several heads of the departments rhould be his eabluet, appointed by him, gathering their dicections from his will, if needs be, after proper consultation, and be ltabie, for cause, to removal by him. Tae Mayor having ample power over every municipal wrong, should be held to the most severe and rigid accountability to the people and to the courts, not only for his own acts, but the conduct of the subordinates, who hold thefe pli by hie appointment: and they in tarn should be as countasle to bim, holding their offices during his own term or for a shorter period, if in bis judgment the publieY interests demand a change.tg3These checks and sa’egaards would create # solid yet trely republican government: the people would know where to go for re- dress of grievances, if, indeed, under this system, any s9- rious grievances ‘would exixt; every wrong could be promptly removed, for each official would feel the 1e:es- sity cf compliance and of general good bebavior, as the tenure by which his office is he'd. Ido not mean to as vert that even this form of organization would be perfect; for nothing is perfect that the eye of man conceives or the act of man performs, but #o far as the wante of the people of this great ciiy wre concerned, I mean to assert that without these principles iacorporated in our organic law, we shall never have a government, which ia its execnvive departinent, can yield present ratisfaction, much less prepare the way for that bright future, to which in, spite of ourselves, we are rapidly tending, as the first of mod- ern cities, similar views on this «nbject were presented by me in a somewhat different form, im my firs: message to your predeces-ors. Like the other recommendations made to thoxe bodies, they fuiled to elicit action. Subsequent ex- perience in the office of Mayor has fully confirmod them, and I repeat them now with less hevitaucy, as it is quite Smprobable they will be adopted ani take'eifect daring 7 term; thus rendering me exempt from tne suspicion ‘4 desire to increase the patronage of the office for per- sonal objects. The want of power bas been the main difficulty thus far in the way of my administration. The improve- ments made by me, if any, have been accompuished more through the exercise of ‘will and energy, taan by the legal prerogatives attached to the Mayoralty. The absence of that moral force, which niatatory rotection will always throw around the duings of a pub ic officer, when acting in purauaace of undoubted legal authority, has weakened my influence and impaired the efficiency of my action. Tho vicious element in our midet, cuslescing with corruptiommts who have s9 long depended upon the treasury, together with antagonist cal partisan interesta ever ready to deory any public man of opposite political affinities, even though he be unex. ceptiomable in personal character andfpfficial action, soon discovered my want of jurisdiction over many abuses ex- isting among us; and by concert and coalition sought to sabvert and destroy the «trength of my position, and ren. der futile my efforta towards reform. It has been the policy of this combination to declare me responsible for numerous abuses, whilst denying my right to abate taem, and as soon as the effort to remove them was made, to de: nounce me for illegal arsumption gator and the ox. ereise of the ‘one man power.” With these intercats and their mercenary derignsand subtle devices I have had to contend,and shall continue to contend to thela:t, The re sult of the contest will decide the vital question to New Yerk, whether those who are acverse to government are paramount; and whether the people are worthy of and capable of appreciating an honest and feariess dis charge of official trust. Whilst thus freely denouncing the interests opposed to the right, and to myselt as ics atvocate and sdmiaistra- tor, let me not be thought unmindful of the noble sup- port which has been given to me by those who have fa- vored my efforts. All classes but reterred to bave rallied to the defence of my exertions, and given to me such port as no other public officer of the present day has received. Surely if encouragement were needed to"ccutinued fidelity, public opinion which has been ex- pressed in my bebalf with so much enthusiasm and una- Rimity would keep me steadfast in the course | have pur- sued. Noman covla falter, however arduous the duty or however perilous the hazard, when backed up 40 vigor- oul by all thove in our midst whose good opinion is wor! wing, Ihave now discuseed briefly and in general terms the two requirements essential to the present prosperity and continued growth of this metropo!is, viz.: the pre- servation and further developement of tts commerce, and the proper government of its people. It may be said with truth, when these are cared for, New York is placed upon a darts as firm as the rock upon the borders of her noble Hudson. With these secured, she is placed beyond the throes of politcal revolution in either hemisphere. Wars upon the continent of Wa Ay soe poe ph ye ther ald ber navigation. wr financial position will soon command the exchanges of the world, and as her Bourse vibrates, the changers of Europe will respond to the Movement. First in arts, as first in commerce ana wealth, she will then represent American superiority in every departient of knowledge and in all the noble at. tributes of our nat so pre-eminent in the present century. Then will a New Yorker be proud of his citizen- ship in tbia metropolis ; it will bear him honorable re- ception throughout sli civilized lands, for he can say with Pau) of Tarsur, ‘I am a cttizen of no mean city.” Tshall submit to’ you soon another m asking practical recomendations for your own iogfation, and which, in advance. permit me to express the hope, may ecmmsnd your early attention. In that communication I sball endeavor to point ont many sudjects comprehending abuses and wrongs entire- ly within your power to remedy, and to reform wi I cannot coubt, you will heartily co-operate with me in de. vising suitable measures. FERNANDO WOOD, Mayor. ‘The following nominations were received from Joseph 8. Taylor, the new Street Commiasioner:— For Deputy Street Commissioner—Charles S. Turner. For Collector of Assessmenti—Joseph R. ‘laylor, The following resoluvion was adopted :— Resolved, That when this Board adjourn it adjoura to Thursday next, and that the mectings be held hereafter on Mondays and Thursdays. On motion, the nomination of Charles Turner was con- firmed, the votes being 15 in the affirmative to bim the negative. ‘A similar motion in regard to the nomination for Col lector ot Asressments was defeated, and a motion of Alderman Fulx er, that each member be furnished with the pames of all nominees, adopted. Alderman Hrrnick denied that any right existed in the heads of Departments to remove their subordinates with- out the consent of tue Mayor and the Board of Aider- men. Alderman Former said that in all cases of aj it ments he should look to the character and capability of the persons alone, and that he shou d not be influenced in giving his vote by party considerations. It was for the purpose of having none but honest and capable men appointed to office that he had made tue motion just adopted. ‘The following nominations were received from the new Commissioner of Repairs and Supplies, Natbaciel 8. 5 , after which the Board adjourned to Thursday nex", without taking any ac:ion upon them :— Orricy OF THE CoMMISEIONER OF REPAIRS AND) Surrims, 3 CiTy Hatt. New Yor, Jan. 7, 1356. 5 To ThE HONCRABLE THE BOARD OF ALDARMEN:— GgnTLEMEN—I have the honor to present for confirma- tion by your Honorable Board the fvllowing list of ap- pointments which I found it necessary to make in this Department, and I affix opposite each name the name of the person removed:— Jobn 0. Toole, Clerk to the Commissioner, in place of James 8, Halstead. Isaac G. Seixas, Assistant Clerk, re-appointed. James Irving,’ Superintendent’ of Repairs and Public Buildings, in place of Elijah H. Purdy, Henry ¢. Wooley, Superintendent of Pavements, in place of Sumuel Radcliffe. Alexander Ward, Superintendent of Roads, in place of Thomas Starr. All which is respectfully submitted. NATHL. 8. SELAH, Commissioner of Repairs and Suppties. BOARD OF COUNCILMEN. The Board of Councilmen elect assembled in their chamber in the City Hall, yesterday. at 12 M.—the Clerk of the last year’s Board, C. Tf. McClenachan, acting as presiding officer, in the absence of a regalar President. Shortly after 12 o’clock, Mayor Wood, accompanied by his private Cleik, entered the chamber,jand swore in the following named persons, who willconstitute the Board of Counci'men for this yea Dist. Names. 1—Henry Smith, 2.—Jacob L. Smith, ve Names. . 3 jeorge H. Raymond, 32—Johu Hart, i 3.—Gideon Clifton, William Fioyd, 4.—Amos I. Gavitt, wd, C. McConnell, 5,—Jobn Baulch, Ephriaim Reed, 6.—James Reilly, ancis O’Keilly, 7.—George P. Bickford, 37.—Thomas Farren, 8. —James L. Waugh, 98 —Michael Smith, 9 —GcorgeA, Barner, $0.—Jobn H. Brady, 10.—Wi lism H. Cran 40. is D. Swan. 41.—Charles E. Appleby, 11.—Mathew Mun 12. —-Seorge McKin A ndre# Leary, james E. Kerrigan, B.—. 43.—George Merritt, 14.—George W. Warner, 44 —Samuel Hopper, 15,—Michael Barry, 45.—Charles 3. Watrous, 16.--Oriando al J. T. Van Riper. 17.—Jonas N. Phillips, '. Pinckney,* 18.-—James E. Colgrave, : 4 19.—Joseph D. Martin 49.—Andrew J. Odell, 20,--Ladyard K. Avery, 60,—Bernard Reilly, ‘21.--Jobn Kennard, James W. }, Ite, Dennir kyer, 58,—Thomas A. Dunn, 54.—John L. Noyes, 55 —Wam. H. Taylor, 58.—Wm. N. Bax'er, 57.—John J. Bradley, 68.—Giram A. Maynard, 69.—Henry A. Cargill. 2. 26.—John Roebner, 46 --Jchn Van Tine, After the Mayor bad retired, Councilman Coormr moved that George A. Barney, of the Niath district, Cfliciate as Presicent pro tem. Wo. H. Crasr, ci the Tenth moved to amend by uticg the name of Jonas N. Philips, of the Seven- teenth, which was lost by vote of 31 to 28, The ori- ina) motion was then carried by a vote of 21 to 27. Frese were text votes, and showed the whigs and Know Nothings combined to havea small msjortty in the Board. Mr. Parney was conducted to the chair by Messrs. Wavgh and Reymond. Oris D, SWAN moved that the Board go into elec‘ion of officers, ‘and that 31 votes be considered sufficieat to elect, whicn was carried. Mersrs. Henry Smith, Thomas Fazran and J. W. T. Van Riper were appointed Teilere, The first ballot was then taken, but was de formal, as €O votes were poled and there were but 9 Couneilmen present. ‘At this state of the pzcceedings there was considerable confusion, a8 a number of persons were crowding around the P.esident’s chair. Councilman KimriGay avowed he wished ta eee fair play, and moved that the intruders be cailed upon to retire, whick they cid after some conversation. The second ballot was then takea with no result, as 6: votes were polled, 50 persons being present. ‘At ten minutes of one, a committee from the Board of Aldermen was announced, when Alderman Voornis, their chairman, informed the Board that the Aldermen were organized. The third ballot was then taken wich the following result :— Ben F, Pinckney, 47th district... Orlando Gray, 1éth district... Mr. Pincuney having received the ‘requisite numer of yotes, was declared duly elected. Win. H. Crane, of the ‘Tenth, ard G, H. Raymond, of the Thirty firat distriet, conducted the newly elected President to the chair, upon taking which he adcressed the Board as follows :— GENTLEMEN OF THE BoaRD OF COUNCILAIEN : In accepting the honorable position to which your kind- ness has called me, I beg to express to you my sincere thanks for so great a mack of your confidence and esteem. Selected to preside over a body having charge “f the interests ot the first commercial city ia Amerfca——a cr'y destined, doubtless, to become the first in the w rld— the more popular of its legislative branches, and the one in which, uncer its charter, ail bills iring an exyen- diture of the pub ic money must originate, I sensibly rea- lize the great responsibility resting upon me a: your pre- siding oflicer. We are, emen, the representatives of varions aad widely sepa sections of the city—sections having, it may be supposed, diverse interests. Let us, at the threshold of our labors, divest ourselves of all rectional spirit or partizan feeling, and, as the re- preventatives of the citizens of this great metrop.ii-, en- ter upon cur duties In a spirit of concor In the performance cf these duties, differences of opin per will, as in all deliberative assemblies, necessarily arise. Let us implore you that in all there diccusaions you exhibit calmness, anda desire only to protect and ‘ad- vance the interests of the great constituency which you represent—that you exercise ® care‘ul guard over ian guage, that nothing may be uttered calculated to create acrimony, or mar harmony which should ever exist among members of @ legislative body, and as you have confidence in jour own integrity, so confide in the integ- rity cf each other. In the discharge of the duties npon which Iam about to enter, I shail need your generous assistance and sup- rt. Governed by such rules as you in your wisdom may adopt, I shali expect and endeavor to enforce a strict com- pliance therewith, to the end that system may goverm in all our action, expedition be ensured, and dignity and decorum preserved. And now, gentlemen, let me solicit you to enter upon your duties with zeal and energy, exercising such eam mendable judgment in their harge a4 to secure to yourselves the confidence and the approval cf au en- lightened constituency. C. T. MoClenachan, Clerk of the last Board, was then imously re-t 27 Sacha to the same position. Nicholas M. Stidell was then unanimously re-appointed Sergeant-at- Arms. Ons D, Swax moved that the rules of the last Board te also the rules of the one for the present year, which was carried. Otis D. Swan, Orlando ( K. Avery, John Baulch and F. J. Miller were then a ited a committee to wait on the Mayor, and {inform him that the Board was organized. G. H. Barney, Henry Smith, W, Floyd, D. Ryer and Henry A. Cargill were also appointed to no- tify the Aldermen—after having done which duty, they were discharged. John A Towle was then appointed Deputy erk unani- wg A message from the Mayor was here announced and read, Votes. 1 (it yi be found in the proceedings of the Board of Al- dermen, Ordered that a thousand copies be of the Board, and a thousand for distribu A rallot for First Assistant Clerk was then gone into, which resulted in the choice of C. A. 8. Holder, who held the same position last year. For Messenger, Joha E Green was choren. Joseph E, Hamblin was appointed reader. Up to this time the prozeedings were harmo- ited for the use ion. vious enough, but the Board get into trouble cn the Doorkeeper, and finally adjourned until Wednesday even WE ng. The fourth baliot stood as follo William H. Peabody. J. K. Fagan J, H. Hoyt . iM 4 Affairs in Austria. BANK MOVEMENTS—SHARES IN THE MOBILIER—FREE TRADE—TARIFF RULES—RAIL- ROADS—MILITARY SERVICE—MARRIAGE LAW— TBE EMPRESS IN DANGER. ‘Vienna (Dec. 16) Correspondence of London Times.} condust of the Governcr of the National Bank, of CREDIT MO- which mention was made yesterday, was #o generally and loudly reprobated, that fanct in question has constaered it Acviuble to make the fl ‘apology to ublic 1 ener Zidung morning ‘At is known, the National Back undertook to receive the subscristions for shares in the Imperiat Royal Privi- Jeged Austrian Credit Institution for Commerce and Trade. In order that this might be done without interruption to the usual businers of the bank, vious ari ments were necessary, and some before the 10th of Decem- ber, on which date the public subseriptions were to com. ier weil known trades people snd firms were por- mitted to make their subscriptions and deposits, In consequence of this arrangement. all classes of peo- le were able to share treely in the subscription on the Oth of December and following days. The crowd of applicants for shares was extremely great, and surpassed all expectations, A proper feeling for peace and order was exhibited by people, and tke police and military force displayed jadg- ment, firmness and calmness. . Although thousands of ersops were waiting in the stree’s, there was neither jorder nor improper behavior. In order, however, to be able to receive the gabeeelpuioak of those larger houses which had been put off until the last day, in order that they might be able to transact their business with more comfort to themselves, it was by higher orders made known, by means ot & placard, that the subserip- tion, which haa during fivo oon been open to all classes of people, would be closed on Saturday, the 15th Decem- r The results of the subscription are beyond all expecta. ticn, and they clearly show that the object of tue fund- cra of the institution, which was that all classes of peo- should participate in it, has been completely attained. om the ing of the public subscription to its close on Saturday, at 6 o'clock, a sum of about 644,066, - 00Cf. was subscribed by 25,076 persons. JOSEPH PIPICZ, Governor of the Bank. Vnovna, Dee. 15, 1895. About 7,060 or 8,000 persons subscribed for one sbare, but it is not yet known whether they will obtain a vuole one. The founders are greatly inclined to take into con- sideration the trouble and loss of time of the one share subscribers, many of whom were half frozen before they succeeded in placing their deposits in the hands of the bank clerks; but the Vienna bankers, many of whoca have subscribed large sums tor foreign firms, are op- pored to the fdea. If the 15,000 florins should be equal i divided among the 25,076 subseribers, each of them will rective about 23; per cent of his subscription. Such of your readers as have seen the crowds which used to as- semble in the precincts of the theatre when the late Mr. Kean was about to tuke one of his numerous farewell be- nefits, will be able to torm a corrext idea ef the appear- anoe that ® part of this city presented from Monday morning until Friday night. It is related that full three fourths of the sum subseribed is for foreign houses. The Duke of Nassau, the Prince of Thurn and faxis, and many other great German fumiles, have epptied to the founders for shares. If they obtain them, it will probably be on <oncition that they shal’ not be at liberty to bring them iuto the market until a certain time has elapsed About a month or six weeks since you learned trom me that the right to cut a canal from to Kostendje had been ceded by the Porte to Mr. Wilson, for England; to M. de Morny, for France; and to Count Breda, for Aus- tria.” My information was acquired from one of the par- tors mentioned, but the Ost-Deutsche Post, a few dye since, stated that the plan had been relinquished, “us there were difficulties which could not be overcome.’’ ‘the Kostenéje canal is a matter of European inuportanse, and, therefore, some reliable information fren by the lung Paris correspondext of the Ocsterreichische on the subject can hardly fail to be acceptable to your readers. ‘the late Baron Kubeck was the first person who pro- pored to escape the control of Russia br cutting a canal rom the Danute to the Plack Sea. Plans and sdm-a- surements were wade, which are now deposited in the archives of the Ministry tor Public Worke, Last year Mr. Wilson seat two first rate engineers—an Englishman and Dutchmar—to Kostendje; and their report wax at the canal wight be completed for a sumof from £1,000,000 to £1,600,000. Having satisfied himself that the canal could be cut, Mr. Wilson made i! an interna- tional affair, and M. de Morpy was appointed for France, avd Count Breca for Austria. The firman gianted by tne Forte empowers the company “to construct a railroad or to cut a canal.” Last spring the French government set M. Lalapne, a tkiltul engineer, to the Dobrudscha, and he bas constructed a military road, which is a>vut seventy-five kilometres jin length, between the Danube and the ccast of the Bixok Sea. On the 24th of last month the Minister of Commerc» forwarded to the different chambers of commerce m3 trace the draft of the proposed law tor doing away win the restraint hi herto impcsed by the ¢ifferent guilds or coporaticns; so that if no unforeseen difliculties ari.0, free competition will soon be the orcer of the day throughout the empire. It cannot have fai'ed to strike your reacers that there is just now a tendency towards emancipation in Austria, ‘The prohibitive customs tariff bas been abolished, very extensive privileges have beeo anted to private companies, and toe traderman will in Fiduie te able to open his shep without previonsly o> taining the permission of the authorities of the ites at cities ard tewns. Tre Roman Catholic eburch has also becn emancipated, but there are ill-conditioned persons who obstinately 1¢fuse to admi: that this measure is aa improvement. Some cf the ower clergy have within tue last few days given me their opinion on the subject, and it is evident to me that the bishops will mee: with a dogged resistance, which they will find it difficult, may, almost impor:ible, to overeume. The cirection of the Northern Railroad has preser.ted a plan for the proposed Viena Salzburg railway, which is said to have found favor in the right of the Slinisters for Commerce and tor the Interior. 2 Those Austrians who, being of an age to render mili- tary service, intentionally maim themselves, are to be revcrely punished, and then employed in the baggage tain or in the military hospitals. Tre Archbishop of Vienna, assisted by four priests, Las draft of a law relative to marriages, but no lawyer was consulted on the matter. The raft must be sub- mitted to the imperial goverpment before it can bec: the law of the land, but no one doubts that it will be.) roved. Plane Empress Elizabeth was in some danger on the 1th ult, Asher Majesty the Emp:ess, accompanied by one of her ing from the Beliaria (a part of the }) towards Schonbrunn, the ays before been yery steady accelerated’ their pace as they reached the Mariaholf road. ‘The coachman, whore hards migat have been be numbed by the cold, drove against a port, and was thrown by the shock from the bo: e horses, on findiog themselves free, tured into a side street, where the between two wagons, which were coming towards them, and were stopped. The Empress, who was not terrified, nor even frightened, did not quit ber carrlage until the horses were standing perfectly still Her Majesty re turned in srother carrizge t palace in the city. a} Trade of Puris. Paris (Dec. 11) Correspondence of London Times.) ‘The trade of Pasis continues in the same state of svug- nation, owing to the difficulty experienced by merchants since September last, to negotiate their bilis, There is however, a probability that mat‘ers will improve ux: week, as the Bank ot France coneented, on Friday and Saturday last, to discount a considerable quantity of commercial paper, which will enable many estat ish. ments in Paris to commence their preparations for the Jour de V’An. The shops have exhausted the greates* pert of their supply of goods, and the manufactusers «rv not overstocked, having during the last six weeke sol largely for exportation. The question of the trans-At- lentie packets 19 still under exainination before a special commission, appointed to that effect by the goveru- ment. It is not believed, however, that the four lines will be adjudged to rue of the four or five companies Wadding for their concession. A fucion among the com- petitors is talked of, and will, no doubt, be stem sly re- commended by the Minister of Finance in the interest ot the enterprise. ‘The price of grain has again declined, jownward tendency appears to be general. The rivals of wheat and flour from the United States ready considerable, and farmers, who had hitherto refuo- ed to serd their produce to market in the hope of obtsin- hig: er rater, begin to be alarmed, for many yersoas are still of opinion that the insog§clency of the crop, which was the pretext of the rise in the vibe) of bore, wns It greatly exaggeratod. The superior quality of flour soid with diffieuity in Paris, at the beginning of the week, fo: 104f. per rack of 157 kilogrammes: but on Wednesday soles took place at 106f. 50c. and 107f. Since then, how- ever, yates again declined. Crrminar Statistics or MinwauKie—INncrrAsz or Cxiwe.—The following is the annus] jail report of ttil- waukie county, Wisconsin, embracing the number of per- sens committed for the year 1855, with the several c:imes with which they were cl ue poe sani aieenie Keeping house iflfame.. 1 Asault with int. to kill. 20 Passing altered bk notes 1 Aresult and battery.... 62 Obtaining money under Diunkenners and breach false pretences . 6 ‘of the peace..........228 Aiding escape of wlave.. 2 Making threats of vio- Civil prozess.. : 6 Tence ....-+6+ +» 8 Contempt of court. » 4 Resisting officer... 4 pets J stolen prop’y. 3 ‘Arson. 3 Attempting to commit Bastardy. 5 suicide, 1 eduction. ; 1 Adultery 5 Sodemy...... 1 Wilful tres; ‘c . Taking letters from P.O. 2 Assault with intent to Robbing U. S. mail, 1 ee Bui ” ‘ 8 + 8 Re 1 » & Tarceny. 128 Pass. counterfeit money. 1 Vegrancy 36 Frandulently converting Insanity ieeiy 10 4 Vi ping arti- rtd é Total increase.. Fienery Sratistios.—The Salem Observer lishes statistics of the firhing business of Marblehead for the year 1855, from which we learn that 44 vessels, manned by 312 seamen, caught for their eammer fare 20,- 658 quintals of fish, and for their fall fare 12,077 quin- tale. A large tenement on ‘olden, BI” Bridg Cons., A ‘8 number of I milion, was destroyed by So dariog ‘the anew etorm Saturday night. the duty ot killing or Our Boston Correspondence. Bosroy, Jan. 5, 1856. The Bnd of the Municipal Government—The three Bostons— The Massachusetts Legislature—Macaulay’s History of England—Decrease in the Number of Marriages awl Deaths—New Rooms of the Mercantile Library Associa- tion— Murders— Russia Salue—The Suxpa¥ Henatw—The Weather. ‘The Common Couneil held its last meeting on Thursday evening, and the new municipal government will com- mence its existence on Monday, 7th inst.; and, as it came into existence on a reform “cry,” it will be unpopular enough before it shall have become six months old. At the meeting on Thursday evening Mr. Story, the Presi- dent, in course of his reply to a vote of thanks for his conduet in the chair, gave an interesting account of a visit he recently made to the borough of Boston, in Lin colnthire, England, from which our city was named. He was invited to a public entertainment by the Mayor ané Burgeeses of that ancient place, which was given in the vame Guildhall where its business had been transacted for three centuries before our Boston was founded, There have been other interchanges of civiiities between the \wo corporations in times past. The English Boston is thirty-six miles from Lincola, and one hundred and thirty-six from London by the rail, It iv quite a famous place, and dates from the reventh century. Its popula- tion is about fifteen thousand. There is 2 hamlet of the same name in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Our Legislature met on the 24, and organized prompt- y. Mr. Phelps, of Boston, was chosen Speaker of the House, by seventeen mejority, whichf is the number that Dr. Stone allowed to the Know Nothings. It was not deemed advisable by{the larger part of the victors to risk anything by runnivg Mr. Deverewx. sir. Buker, one of the Mid- diesex members, was elected President of the Senate, re- ceiving three-fourths cf the votes cast. Toe Governor was sworn in on the 3d, and gave his ad- dress that day. It is a plain document, having no very striking points. He condemns the personal liberty sta- tute, which be says is unconstitutional, and calls for its repeal; suggests further amendments of the constitution, so that the district system shall be applied to the legisla- tive elections; points out the large deficit in the treasury, (he states it at $825,000,) and thinks that means should be adopted to extinguish this floating deot; recommends a Jaw to punish over issues of st.ck in corporations, and sets bis face decidedly against granting avy new bank charters. On the law against the sale of liquor he says enough to show that he is ready to go with the Legiala- ture, upon which body he is clearly disposed to saddle earns tt. It will not be touched. | The cia in aed ‘few exceptions are 0) the Duriness. ihe State has already paid. almost ten thousand dollars on account of (this law, in indemnifying officers or refunding fines. ‘he new kxecutive Councillors will be chosen on Mon- day next. It is supposed that none ot the old members wi be 1e'ained, but 1 hardly think this will be tne case. Mr. Ransom. the Norfolk Coumeilior, takes the Auditor- ship, for which place he has the very highest qualifica- m8. One of cur first bookselling houses has received a large number of the Englith edition of the third and fourth volumes of Macaulay’s History of England, which are sold so low aa to cause a great many copies to be disposed of. These volumes cover almost eignt years of time. They open in February, 1689, and close in December, 1697. This perio dembraces the whole time from the ac- cession of William and to the Treaty of Ryswick, which was signed in the fatter part of the last named year. In reality, however, they cover not much mcre time than is embraced in the first and second volumes. Two-thirds of the interest of those vo- fumes were introductory in thelr character, and the history does not commence until! the page of ‘the first volume is reached. The re. mainder of the first volum2, and the whole of the seccnd, 802 pages in all, are devoted to the history ot the four years tbat elapeed’ between the death of Charlea If, and the proclamation of Willivm and Mary. This allows 260 pages to @ year. The new volumes contain 1,537 pages, exclusive of tables of contents of chapters and in- cexes, ard cover seven yeas and ten months of time. ‘The difference, therefore, is scarcely perotpttole, There is no falling off in vigor, ond the style of the work is as flowing, musical and majestic as in the opening portion of it. “Ibe tame iron logic and magnificent rhetoric that were employed in the first portion are to be found in the last. There are some people who cannot understand that Macaulay can be a truthful writer, because he 1s not a duil writer. 1 cannot understand why it is that trath and stupidity should be considered sister and brother, un- less it is intended that the brother’s lustishness should @irgust us with the sister’s cha'ms. John Wesley, when censuree for wedding his hymns to profane tunes, sensi- bly answered that tae devil ought not to be allowed to hive sli the good music. ulay is acing on the sume principle in bringiog wit and vigor, the graces of style and the power of animated nar- rative, to the cause of historical truth. strictly impartial is not to be supposed, for it is not in the nature of man to be #0, if he have any me as stiff parti- li sonal part but he is as impartial as the dullest boor that ever wro a bietory— heavy a8 kad, and as instructive as an Etrus- cap inscriy ticm. Stupidity is by no means # quality cal- culated te develope impartiality in narrative, as he who Jabors under it is incapabl of seeing the merits of tho vo tious Parties in @ controversy. An ecition of Macaulay’s work is to be issued here at 40 cen’ vilume. Iam informed that half a million copies of the first gand second volumes have already been sold iu this country, exclusive ot those im ported. Pecple seem to be getting rather cautious in the matter of wedlok. Thenumber ot ce. tificates of intention of mar- riage issued from our city Registrar’s office for the year ending Dec. 3:1, 1855, was 3,061, or some 200 less than wercissued in 1854. Whether It was increate of sense or in- crease of poverty that caused this falling away in the Hy- menial line of business, I know not; but such is the fact. Tam no Malthusian, but impradent marriages in these cays of high prices cause a great deal of misery and en- courege divorces. ‘There was also a decreace in the number of deaths in Boston. In 1855 the number was 4,075, or 366 less than in 1854. The sextons will begin to look b ue if this state of things sbali continue, and will be kept in counte- nance by the regrets cf the parsons over the declive in the article of marriages. The Mercantile Library Association opened their new reoms on Tuesday (New Year’s) evening. They are on the corser of Summer and He vley streets, They consist of a réadirg row, a conversation room, a periodical rom, and a ball lafge enough to seat 600 persons, and are all on the came floor, and communicate with each other. ‘The Presideni of the Association on this interesting occa- sion made a skoit speech, in the course of which he stated that tae namter of volumes in the library is 17,00, ond that the increase is at the rate ot 2,000 voy jumes per annum. The circulation of the library is at the high igure of 86,000 volumes a year. or about 260 a day, excluding Sundeys snd holideys, which is a larger cirenlation than is hed by any other library in the United States. The value of the other property ot the assocta- tien is $20,000, All this progress has been made in twenty-one years, asia 1834 the acseciation was actually in debt, though only to the amount of $20, Singe the pew yocms were engaged six hundred additional memb 14 Dave joined the association, which does no! insist upon its wembers being of the mercantile profession, though that wes the old practice. Any man or woman can have the advantege ot the library by paying $2 year. Uf the new memberr, six‘y-four jo'ned on the last day of the lost year. Avery able uddreas was delivered by Mr. G. X. Sampson, from which I have obtained most of there facts. er person has been committed to our jail on the charge of murcer. His e is Michael Gallavin, and be is char aving caured the death of his daughter, Joanna Gallavin, by striking her several blows, from the effect whereof she died. The girl was in feeble health at the time, from which the difendant’s couns-l contended that she died not of the blows, but this seems rather an af vation of the offence, for none bu! a brute would have struck a sick child. A person was murdered at Watertown last Sunday, and a man has been arrested on suspicion of having struck the fatal blow, which was given in a sort of street fight. At this rate, our jails will soon have to be enlar Our mu-ders are not \al'c #0 astounding in their ebaracter as thoss of Connecticut, but they make up in quantity what they lack in quality. My friend Red is about to issue a volume contain- ing the bistory of the ‘amous Russia salve. It deservor the honor of a book for itself, for nothing has done more to alleviate human suffering, in rome of its severest forms. No one who bas ever had occasion to make use of this ar- ticle but must feel grateful to the benevolent and ingent- ous person to whom the world owes it. The rapicity with which it operates, and the extreme simplicity of its modes of application, render It one of the most valuable curative agents that ever was made use of. It works al- most like a miracle, and has command over a great num- ber of those complaints to which flesh is beir—its power being especially noticeable in all cases of inflammation. The tale of it is itamense, whi is the surest and the most signal proof that ite excellence is thoroughly appre- ciated. Tam requested to state that the Suvpay Heras is re- ceived here very irregularly—often not coming until ‘Tuesday morning. This renders it bad for all parties, and fs especialy vexatious at this time, when readers look for that particular paper for their Congressional and ot news. It is hoped that some arrangement can be made which will remove the caus , and enable the public to procure with punctuality a paper which the se much desire, and the presence of whieu, at the earli- et possible moment, is absolutely necessary to keep up the chain of intelligence. ‘The weather is very cold. The lowest range of the thermometer that I have heard of was in the northern port of Leominster, where it was at 18 degrees below zero, this morning. The average range in the country towns I have heard from is 10 de- grees below that entative of nothing. There is an immense bedy of solid snew, or rather ice, I should call it, that would January thaw defiance to the Leia bf that ever wes heard of. The snow that fell on Wednes- dey ight, and on Thursday, found bed of other frow Tepore on, and was followed by rain, and then came cold, freezing weather, which made all hard. Last a was bens we ek this bet There A ve attempt ‘on to get up an: storm, anc fe alr ie full of rnow, but the cold ls so intense that this attempt may net Should it develope itsoif, we thall have seen ‘‘the last of earth” for some months, the foundation that is now afforded being too grand in itself not to import length of days to another layer of the white gift of oie which ea #0 mach desiderate, ey saying that a wer. Te Cankia’s non-arrtval 1s a8 remarkable ag that of the America in the c pert ot 1854. The Amorics lett Liverpool on the 9th of December, 1854, and did not reach Halifax _ IB ea mpi fy Pen! oe responding trip in was made by in ten days, We had the severe weather earlier then than now. Although we bave bad so severe og weather for apme extra ice crop this year. The anow fell at the same time that the water froze, which was very late, and that is a combination which works badly. But, often as I have heard a prediction of the failure of this silver harvest, I bave never known the prognostication to come true. I suppose ppp tbo only meant that we _ not have rr) Lose @ si on an we might had, if the cold had set in caer aa the snow not accompanied it. Last year immense quantities ad been housed before this date, we had best cold some weeks later. I auj Rtvosry utes dest month for the busimess, but I have known splendid ice to be taken in January, and in quantities, tov, large evough to have forever relieved Dives and all hi» legiom of ngncciates, ALGOMA. Our Rich mond Correspondence. Ricuwoyp, Jan, 1, 1856. Inauguration of Governor Wise—His Communication to the Leyislature—Grand Banquet at the Governor's Mansion— Probable Result of the Action of the House of Delegatesyin Regard to the Kansas Dificultics—The Presidency—Re- grets on the Part of Hunter's Friends for their Exertions in Behalf of Wise—The Bank Question—The Usury Laws, e., dc. Henry A. Wise took the ogth of office before John A. Meredith, Judge of the Circuit Cgurt of this city, to-day’ in the room of the Secretary of State, at the Capital, and thereupon addressed the following communication to the members of the Gereral Assembly :— To THE SENATE AND House or DELEGATES OF THB GEYERAL ASBEMBLY OF THE State or ViRGINiA:— GentieMEN—Notified by the two Houses of the General Assembly that I have been elected by the people Gover- nor of the State tor the term of four years, commen the lst day of tansy: inst., 1 have Ssapeared atthe executive chamter in the Capitol, taken the oaths pre- serted by law, ani have euteret! uyion the duties of the office. I beg leave to assure the Legisiature of my most anxious with to co-operate with thei in devoted efforts to sustain the honor and to promote the prosperily of the commonwealtn. With my congratulations upon the happy season of a new year, and with best wishes for you collectively and individually; [ have the honor to be, with the highest. respect, your obedient servant, HENRY A. Ricumoyp, Va., Jan. 1, 1856. This communication was ordered to be laid on the table in both Houses, and printed. Hardly worth the cost of so doing. To render the first part of this communication more intelligible, it would be weil to sta‘e that on yesterday® joint committee, consisting of three membersof the Senate and five of the Honre of Delegates, was appointed under a joint resolution, offered in the latter branch of the General Ascembly, to inform Mr. Wise and Mr. Elisha W. McComas of their election, as Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the State respectively. It was in obedience to this noti- WISE, little time past, we have not very good prospect of am fication, as he says, that he appeared in the executive chamber and took the oaths of office, . Before announcing the result of « motion to adjourn, made after an hour’s session of the House of Delegates, the Speaker informed the House that he received an oral communication from the Governor, to the effect that the m members, with the other appendages, Sergeant-at-aruts, | dcorkeepers, reporters, &2., would assemble at his man- sion immediately after the adjournment, I doubt if, dur- ing his term in office, any communication of his will find such general favor, or meet with so hearty s response, In less than five minntes from the time of this announce- ment, every individual embraced in this invitation, and hundreés of outsicers who were not, assembled at the mansion, and partook of a magnificent banquet, servgl out for the occasion. The Governor stood in one of the Jarge reception rooms, receiving the congcatulations of the hundreds who passed te and fro. He seemed to be in excellent spirits, though very much emaciated. Several of the beta of the city turned this occasion to capital account. They feasted and drank heartily, and many of them who entered the dining-room anti-Wise men, returned Wire men in truth. “fhey’d be d—-d if he wae'’nt the greatest mau living.”’ There was one, how- ever, who seemed too pertinacious of his Know Nothi: peneizles to be rwayed by such influences. He avowe imself an out-and-out hnow Nothing, but nevertheless be be d—d if he wouldn’t drink at Wise’s expense. In all, I might say it was @ capital frolic, and afforded to some of our city boys a bappy opportunity for an appro- priate commencement of the New Year. Col. August, commander of the First Regiment of Vir- ginia Volunteers, with the other officers of the regiment, Greed in uniform, called upon the Governor, and ten- dered him their congratulations. Col. August acted as spokesman, and in a brief but happy address, welcomed him to the seat of Government, and offered in behalf of himself and the other officers of the regiment, hit warmest congratulations upon his elevanon to the important position into which he had been just iustailed. Atter a short reply from te Governor, party by invitation retired to the aining hall and there celebrated the occasion in a more substantial manner. They left, 1 have no doubt, far better pleased than when they entered; so at least the happy cbange“in ibeir countepupees would indicate. They ure a happy set of fellows anyhow, naturally gay, and that amiable uality becomes theretore easily devéloped in a marked jegrce under a slight stimulating influence. [Le resolution offered scme time by Mr. Wellman, in the House of Delegates, autherizing the Governor to raise a regiment of volunteers, and tender the same to the Presiaent as an ald te maintain law and order in Kansas, is now before the Special Committee having un- der contideration the subject of retaliation upon the Northern States, and the more effectual prevention of slaves from escaping, tegether with a more aggravati punishment of persons detected in their abiuv- tion than is now provided by law. I am in- formed by some metubers who have had an oppor- tunity of ascertaining the general sentiments upon the subject, that a report adverse to any action will be mace. ‘Lhe pacific aspect which matters are now assuming in the Territory will, no doubt, influence this reeult, though I should think the issue would, under any circumstances, be the same. Not because of an indisposi- tion to render afd, but from an idea that such action would be to some extent s usury ym of the federal wer. ‘The question was peculiarly perplexing to mem- 1s. While they deemed it imprur ent to act upomthe matter for the reascn incicated, they were nevertheless unwilling to treat the subject lightly, fearing the public my construe such action into a disregard of what so ma- teriully concerned the interests of the South. They sin- cerely wished that they had been saved such embarrass- ment, and secretly condemced this ill advised proceeding on the of the gentleman who intreduced the resolu- tion. It will tend materially to their peave of mind that @ pretext will Le afforded by the present pacific tendency of things in Kansas, to dispose of the matter in some summary form. 1 sm almost certain that nothing more will be hieardor it, at least tor the pre-ent session, unless perhaps in the shape of a report upon the inexpedienoy of any legislation upon the wanbee 7 There are decided symptoms of jealousy on the part of Hunter’s friends at the favor into which Wine seems each Gay to be growing with the people. They find, to their utter digsppointment, that the very position into which the; helped to exalt him. in the hope of gratifying his ambi- tion and sileneirg his pretenstons for the Presidency, is but the stepping stone to that proud eminence. It sas throwing ‘a sop to Cerberur,”’ but they totally miscalou- lated the range of bis ambition in supposing that he Would be content with the mere position of successor to Governor Joe. He appreciates it merely to the extent i it i je ai) his elevation to the Presi- jency. rings him within perspective range of the White House, but that will get’ there at the next chance is doubtful. But what has cecasioned the great- est chagrin to Hunter’s friends, is the conureriou which ia said to have beem made by him in tavor of Buchanan. They fully comprehend the adverse influence which his opinion—that @ Northern man should be chosen as the candidate, and that Buchanan was the most suitable— must in reference to thc ir favorite, , Fefore this sentiment was cicculated, the strongest hopes were entertained that Hunter would be the ch of the party. Since, hawever, the feeling is much 4l- tered. The election of Buchanan now would strengthen the claim of the South to have her President next time; meantime Wise will improve his chances by all the means which bis present position will afford. ‘The bank question in this State will prove a source of considerable embarrassment to the Legislature. The charter ot #ix of the old banks will expire in May, 1857, end they are now applying for a renewal thereof. A very general sentiment exists in favor of the New York system of Independent banking, making State stock the basis of circulation. Several arguments pro and con have been advanced; the friends of the present ero Css ee! experience proves the latter as unsafe and unreliable, referring to New Jersey, Connectieut, Illinois and Indiena for examples, while on the other hand they point to the proofs of reliability furnished by the operations of the preeut banking system, during the last fifty yoarss The advocates of the independent banks deduce thefr chief arguments from the operation of that system in New York, while it is argued on the other side that it worked badly even then before held personally responsible (or the liabilities of the banks, as security in aid of the State bonds, @ur members seem two systems, any information hitherte ol seeme they uphold, The strong influence in favor Works, with a view to faciliiate the sale of State bonds, and thereby fu Joan upon the recurity ot there bonds have failed, and this is su, ‘means to the wind. order to attract oapital more effeetually, the q' ion of a repeal of the usury Jaws is now under consideration, in conformity with @ recommendation of the Governor in his moseage. fveling in favor of their repeal is very gen Taz Suave Laws or MaryLanp—Thi Harvey, & colored man, well known to the citizens Baltimore as a waiter and barber, was arrested on & charge of violating the ions of the second section an act ‘fm 1881, which prohibita negroes from moving into this State to remain, on the r week while #0 Femaining, one half to informer, Harvey admitted to the officers who arrested him vhat he had months, which was the only evidence was alao found that Ha: the whole time. Mr, Prester, the objected to his admission bets ived in evidence. want of jurisdietion.— Baltimore Patriot, Tro$. He will proba nd executed, unless terpore bis prerogati the stockholders were sadly in want of light opon the relative merits of these btained be had from persons personally interested in whatever’ of the independent bank system is, perhaps, a recommen: Gatien of fe, inva recent report. ofthe. Board of Pablic ish the means to prosecute the State improvements. Thus far all efforta to negotiate for » ested by the Board as the most avaible ity of $50. to the absent from Baltimore about three against him. rvey had absented himself only temporarily—that his family resided in Baltimore daring counsel for Harvey, recei Justice Mearis, after consideration, dismissed the for The Supreme Court has refused a néw trial to McMa- hon, who was some time since convicted of murder in be sentenced at the next term, Executive gan be jaduced to in- 4