The New York Herald Newspaper, January 4, 1859, Page 1

THE NEW.YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 8157. IMPORTANT FROM MEXICO. Capture of Guadalajara by the Conservatives. Silver Found at Mr. Forsyth’s Residence. A CONSPIRACY SUPPRESSED IN THE CAPITAL, Bamored Disagreement Between the French Minister and Admiral Penand, &., do, &o. ‘The steamship Tennessee, from Vera Cruz, arrived at New Orleans on the 25th ult. She left Vera Cruz on the 22d ult., with dates to the 20th from the city of Mexico, brought the following passengers:— sayEST de In Feea an brother, Messrs Woulswick ‘Loustalot, and fourteen in the steerage, French barks and one English brig were discharging port of Vera Cruz. Five French and three Spanish war vessels were at Sac- rificios, also the United States sloop-of-wag Saratoga—her officers and crew all well. Off Vera Cruz, on the 22d, the Tennessee saw a United ‘States sloop-of-war, supposed to be the St. Louis, bound in. @UR CITY OF MEXICO CORRESPONDENCE. Crry or Mexico, Dec. 14, 1858. ‘The Pintos in the Cold Region—Their Retreat and Insubor- dination—The Expected Battle at Guadalajara—Question of French Intervention—Feasts in the Capital, dc. Since the date of my last to you (on the 6th) we have received advices of one battle between the forces of the government and the enemy, which took place at Cuantla de Morelos. Tho government forces under Echeagaray, nd the Pinto Indians under the command of Villalva, were engaged, and, ag usual, the opposition were the stronger in numbers. The battle was a long and noisy ‘one, but not of a highly sanguinary character. According to the governmental reports of this encounter there were 3,000 discharges of artillery and a countless discharge of musketry, with a final result of twenty men killed on both sides. The enemy lost sixteen men and the government forces four. I will not go into the details of the many valorous acts perpetrated on both sides in the battle of Cuantla de Morelos. The government claims it as a victo- ry—a complete annihilation of the enemy—and Echeagaray is crowned with another laurel equal to that he gained by taking the castle of San Carlos of Perote after the enemy had retired. Think of it: 3,600 shots fired and only twenty men killed. At this rate how long will it take the Mexican people to destroy themselves? Some of your politicians who are waiting to see this event brought about may be capable of making a computation. ‘The Pintos have fallen back—a thing they would have Deen fo:ced to do at any rate, owing to the pinching cold Of tho tierra fria, which ig altogether too sovere at this season for them to endure with their thin clothing. They ‘will turn their attention to plundering the hot country for a time, and if the liberals from the north do not come upon this capital before long, they will disband and re- turn to their homes in the warm lowlands of Guerrero. ‘The Pintos cannot do anything upon the high table lands. Besides, the present force of those who have come up from Guerrero are badly officered and disciplined. It feems that no one can direct them but old Alvarez him- self. I learn from pergons who came part of the way up with the Pintos, that young Diego Alvarez, has very little command over his men; in fact, that his meanest soldier will dispute with him, and even refuse to obey his orders, Old Alvarez is too old to command them, and this people, I consider, have therefore ceased to be formidabte, at least until some other pergon can lead them and manage them as the old “Panther” has in times past. ‘We are now hourly expecting important news from Guadalajara. The great battle between the two large forces in that quarter ere this should bave been Jost and ‘won. The government, the church and all the church people in this capital, have been devoutly at work for the paet week invoking Supreme aid for their army in it contlicts with the liberals at Guadalajara. Thousand upon thousands of masres have been said in aid of this cause, and it appears that nothing bas been ieft undone which could have & done in a praying way to bring down Supreme vengeance upon the heads of those hordes who are Jaboring professediy to destroy the monster church of Mexico and give to their country a constitu- tional government and liberty of worship. Five days hence I trust to be able to give you the net result of the prayers in this capital and the eflorts of the government forces acting against Guadalajara. ‘The liberals have at that point the stronger force. According to the best data Tcan get, the government has about 6,000 men to operate against 8,000 or more of the liberals, The liberals have the advantage of strong fortitications, but the governmen has the most daring general (Miramon), aud, I think, the best troops. For the past week we have received nothing of impor- tance from Vera Cruz, and are as yet in the dark as to the objects of the French and Spanish fleets. The French Minister still contioues to repeat that France intends inter- vention, and the French red republicans here, aithough for the most part exiles from their country, have national vanity enough to gay that Napoleon III. cannot be such a fool. Reports are therefore contradictory. and with all due deference to diplomatic personages, I must say that I give ag much credit to the one reportas to the other. The jards, by themselves, can do nothing, and will not, I ink. attempt intervention on their own account. The government of Mexico, by the last mail, sent powerful | petitions to both Spain and France to go ahead and inter- ' -vene here to keep out the great northern aggressor. Local news is scarce—never more so. This city has Deen #0 completely given up to prayer for the past week that people have talked of little else than the feasts and the attending illuminations, concerts, dances, &c. The feast of Guadalupe took piace two days ago, and the pa- dres made the most of it to enlist the sympathies of the people with their cause. ¢ wiege of Vera Craz has not yet commenced. By letters of a late date from Orizava I learn that Cobos, the general in command of the expedition against Vera Cruz, ‘was at Orizava making forced loans, and that he was always threatening to go against Vera Cruz, but had not started in person. The outposts of the government are now at the Chiquibuite, and most of the soldiers sick. At last advices the le of Vera Cruz were in good spirits and anxious to see their enemy; but this is no evidence that they will not bolt when their enemy does come. T send you this letter now for fear that mine of the 19th may not reach. You cannot imagine tho trouble of getting correspondence out of the country at this time. A letter addressed to you would never reach the coast, and it is therefore that I enclose my letters to you to persons who are not known. I dare noteven put letters in the Post Office oy age ‘but have always to get somebody to do this service for me. Of late I have managed to get letters to you forwarded under the seals of different foreign legations, and it js because I now have an opportunity to write you in this way that I send you this so much in advance of mail day, the 19%b. My letter of the 19th sould have interesting news. \ { Cry oF Mux1co, Dec. 15, 1858. Alatriste’s Attack on Puebla—Aid Sent to the Garrison Srom Mexico—Lerdo at Guadalajare—No Conducta from “Mexico— Disagreement between the French Minister and Admiral, de., &e. I wrote you at some length yesterday morning, and for- ‘warded by private exproes to Vera Cruz. Soarcely had "my letter left this before we learned that Alatriste had ‘taken the village of Amozoc, had stopped the diligences ’ }ween Puebla and Orizava, and was marching on Pue- la. Tater in the day we learned that Alatristo’s forces, ,000 strong, had actually commenced an attack upon \ebla on the previous day, and that they had cbtained a pra position near the city. Last evening I endea- , to possess myself of the facts, but there were so “many reports in circulation that it was impossible to make janything definite out of them. Somo said that Ala- ‘triste had been beaten and his forces dispersed. The next report was that he held a point inside the city and i ‘would soon have the place. Every one tells the news to suit his own political wishes, What are facts I consider / are ; Alatriste took Amozac,a miserable village of robbers near Puebla, on the road to Orizava, Ho has threatened Puebla with some 2,000 men, and soared tho inhabitants pretty well out of their wits. ‘The commander | of the government forces that first attacked Alatriste was seriously if not mortally wounded. Alatriste has not taken ® commanding position as yet inside Puebla, nor has be been eaten, for the government has not five hun- dred good troops. in Puebla to operate against him, The ernment sent yesterday some five hundred mento Frebla from here, and Echragaray \s to leave this morning to take command inst Alatr’ but if the latter's troops be worth anything they should have the place be- foro mundown way. ‘They are, imagine, Indiads from voricst riff-ralf, Lerdo is now in Guadalajara, He will be able to give cn moral strength to his bab we in that city; and as ey have now several excellent foreign officers I consider ‘they will be able to hold themselves good there; but with the retiring of the r——— forces they will be calied upon to pursue, an in this way become weakened and defeated. It is difficult to make conjectures as to what will happen. To me the end does not appear near, ‘The government, after announcing several times the de- re of. & from here, has finally abandoned this mode Of raising the wind—ne’ one having offered any money to be shi for the coast. In the last official an- nouncement of the departure of the conducta it was suid: «The road having been cleared of los bandidos (the robbers, constitutionalists), the conducta will positively depart,” Ac. Just as this convey should haye been put on the road we receive ws that one of tho first cities in the republic, ‘and one that this conducta must have pasyed through, is Desieged by 2,090 of the bandits referred to, This isa MORNING EDITION—TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1859. fair specimen of the veracity of the governmentand of our current street reports. Nothing new has within the last twenty-four hours in relation to the of the French and Spanish fleets. The French Minister y despatched an ex- {raordinary for the French Admiral at Vera Cruz, but I ave no idea of the purport of the junications sent. It is said, on what authority I cannot say, that a misun- Crry or Mexico, Dec. 18, 1858. Ihe Silver Found in Mr. Foreyth’s House—How it was Found and What it Was—serest of Dr. Sontag, dc. ‘The departure of an extraordmary to-day, with des- Patches for the commander of the United States ship Sara- toga, now at Vera Cruz, affords me abopportunity to drop you a few lines, which I do with the greater readi- ness a8 the mail to leave here day after to-morrow may not reach the coast. It is with feelings of the deepest mortification that 1 have to record ascanda! now fastened upon the ex-Minis- ter of the United States to Mexico. You will recollect that in former letters I have spoken at length of the sack- ing of the cathedral at Morelia; of the reduction of the candlesticks, bannisters, &c., of that rich establishment into bars of silver; of the bringing of those bars of silver here, and of a report that Mr. Forsyth, late American Minister, had bought some of those bars, && In previous letters I havo treated this report against Mr. Forsyth as a piece of malice on the part of the government, and had hoped, for our own good name, that history would give Mr. F. the benelilt of this interpretation of a grave charge. But unfortunately yesterday the a4 took possession of the late resi- dence of Mr. F. in Tacubaya, aud after a lengthened search at last discovered a number of the bars of silver in queen in the vault of the privy. @ bars of silver were conveyed in three carts to this city by the police, and the scandal at once was spread, and bas been cause for anything but pride amongst the Americans here. ‘The government have certain persons marked who were Mr. F.’s particular friends here, and who are suspected of having had something to do with’ the negocio, Sontag, who left here with Mr. Forsyth in the capacity of secretary, and who retarned by last steamer, was riding by the house in Tacubaya at the time the police commenced their searches, and having spoken to one of the servants of the house, thereby created suspicions against himselt, and was arrested by the police and brought to this city” He was, however, liberated in a short time. Several other persons are regarded with suspicion, and if the go- vernment obtains any proofs against them they will as- suredly be thrown in prison. On the 11th instant Miramon had not moved to the at- tack of Guadalajara, He was still at Tepatiilan, and I be- believe has now asked that the government reinforce him with money that he may buy a victory. ‘The arrival of the Saratoga at Vera Cruz has created some little goseip here. Her visit, unquestionably, is merely to keep a look out over the Spanish and French movements, ‘The attack on Puebla on the 18th by 2,000 liberals has failed. The first report was that Alatriste was their com- mander, but it afterwards turned out that a brigand by the name of Carvajal was attheir head. The attack was a weak one and but few lives were lost. ‘The liberals went off, no one knew where, ¢n the 14th. Crry oF Mexico, Dec. 20, 1858. More about the Hidden Silver—How it was Found—Capture Y Guadalajara by Miramon—Conspiracy in the Capital— Arrest of Gen. Corono and Others—Pronouncing at Cuantla—Ravages of the Pintos, dc. Since the date of my letter to you on the 18th we have had a large increase in our stock of news, and further de- velopements, and an intensifying of the scandal about the discoveries in Mr. Forgyth’s late residence at Tacubaya. ‘The police still have jossession of the premises. During the 17th and 18th they were digging up the garden and opening walls, in addition to the regular work of bringing up the precious metal from the dirty place where it was thrown, Yeeterday being Sunday, work was suspended; but I suppose it will be resumed this morning. On Satur- day, when work was over, ingots to the value of $50,000 had been brought to light. Thave it from the best authority that the government has been thoroughly informed, by an acquaintance of Mr. For- syth, of the whole story concerning this deposit of silver ba That a person who had Mr. Forsyth’s confidence has denounced him there can be little doubt of. The police ex- amined the premises in the most rigid manner just after Mr. Forsyth left here two months ago. Soon after the examination of the police, two persons (one of whom has ntly been ecen with Mr. Forsyth, and who was in bis house when the bars were brought there, on the night previous to their burisl), visited the house, and under falee pretences got permission to examine the premises, ‘They spent several hours in their examination, but failed to find the object of their affections. The servants of the houge did not know where the treasure was, for the pre- caution had been taken to send several away, and the one ‘eft to guard the door—like all good watchmen—fell asleep, and saw or heard nothing of the business. He has expressed his belief that the bars of silver had been carried to the top of the house and from thence let down into the street and carried off. On the night the bars of silver were hidden—which was the night after they bad been brought to the house of Mr. Forsyth—the number of persons who remained with Mr. Forsyth is known to have been very small, and all persons regarded by himas frie <a least treated so in public and in his family circle. ‘The discovery now, after the lapse of two months, and after the police, those who almost knew the silver must have remained in the house, and the persons who now occupy the house, have searched in vain, looks very strange. The government acknowledges a foreigner did denounce Mr. Forsyth, and that he was not an American or Englishman. The person who went with the police and pointed with his forefinger to the very spot where the sil- ver was isa German by the name of Arnold, a poor man who has been a servant here, but bears the name of an honest man, although a stupid fellow. He never was in Mr. Forsyth’s service, and was never seen in the house before he appeared there with the police. It is, there- fore, inferred that he had been instructed by some person in the part he had to play in the de- houncement. 1 learn that the government has documents proving the complicity of certain persons in this silver bar business, but has failed as yet to obtain any proof against the Eng- lishman, Mr. Perry, who was banished the country on suspicion of having had to do with it. From what I can learn, Mr. Perry will be relieved from all censure in con- ‘nection with this business, although as yet the govern- ment has not manifested its wish to relieve him from the charge of complicity. It is to be hoped that now the whole facts will come out and innocent parties be relieved from ali odjum. ‘The great news of the hour is the taking of Guadalajara by the forces of the government under Miramon. Ac- cording to a telegraphic despatch received here from Queretaro, the government forces attacked Guadalajara on the 14th inst., and on the 15th entered the plaza. As yet these are all the particulars we have. To-day sometime ‘we should have the particulars. The —— on the street, last night were that the liberals in Guadalajara had suffered a severe defeat, that they had lost 3,000 in killed and prisoners, and that Miramon had loet‘five hundred in killed in taking the place. Ican see no cause for these reports to be true or false. As yet suflicient time has not elapsed for the despatches with particulars toarrive. As I have told you before, every one here tells the political news o! the day to suit bis own fancy. I think, however, thht the taking of Guadalajara may be relied on as a fact, but I doubt very much if Were bas been a serious battle, ‘The probabilities in my mind are that the liberals have run away, as they have great faith in the old saying, He who fights and runs away, ‘May live to fight another day. ‘The probabilities are that Degollado, fearing to maintain a siege that was carried on. with ounces of gold and silver, has packed his traps and moved off, to return again when the attention of Miramon will be cailed to some other quarter. In this way Guadalajaragbas changed hands four times in the past year. ‘The only results of these changes are the entire destruction of all business and the reduc- tion of a fine city of 100,000 inhabitants into a ruined mili- tary caravansary. In the past forty-eight hours we have had a slight fer- mentation in this capital, growing out of fears of a , ciamiento, the exact objects which are not known, Gen, Corona and others of the Santa Anna stripe, were thrown in prison the night before last; but it is said that Santa Anna was not the favorite of the conspirators. ‘Who was is not 80 clear, for the names of Miramon, Ech- aegaray and Robles are jumbled up in the most confused manner. Judging.from certain circumstances, [ conclude that Robles was the object of this proposed ‘movement. At any rate the government was badly scared. The troops were ordered to their quarters early, and the closest guard kept over them by the trusty friends of the church and government. The police have been active, and the fever of excitement seems passed. On the 17th the government garrison at Cuantia, amounting to nearly 600 men, pronounced against the ernment, with gritas for the constitution of 1867, &o. first act of the soldiers was to shoot their officers, only persons who got any of the money destined for the oy bry of the garrison. This iento appears: 3 ve been ted financial movement. From San Luis Potosi, Zacatecas, Oajaca, Guerrero, Co lima, Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango and the , learn "The success of the liberals in To. my letters, in all Thave already spoken of it in other letters, it was 4 harmless revolution. Tho last news from Vera Cruz was favorable to the determination of the liberals in that quarter holding out. The government forces bave moved from Orizava, but it is not known if for Vera Cruz. The Pintos are committing many depredations in the valley of Cuenavaca. It is now quite likely that they will again return to Cuantla to join those there who have pro- nounced for their side of the great political dispute of the day. General Kchacgaray has been ordered to go against Cnantla, and if he show himself there the place will no doubt again be restored to the government. The news from Mexico ty this mail must be encourag- ing to those in the United tates who are waiting to see this country organized, That plelusion must be given up by American politiciang. ‘The is the telegraphic despatch the fall of Gi from the official Gaceta of yeater- day. Nothing later has appeared at the hour! close up, and the express leaves in an hour:— ELECTRO-MAGNETIO TELEGRAPH LINE OF THE INTR- RIOR—RECEIVED FROM SALAMANCA ON THE 18TH DECEMBER, 1858, aT 10 O'CLOCK AND 47 MINUTES IN THE MORNING. To Hw Excetxncy Tas Monsrer or War:—Colonel D. Antonio Ayestaran charges me to transmit to your Excel- lency by the telegraph, at 6 o’clock and 6 minutes, the following message:— To his the Minister of War:—His Excellency the General-in-Chief of the first corps of the army has or- dered me to communicate to your Excellency the ped ‘routed on. news of the factious lo hay been 4th of December, a gerget — having occupied on the 15th the important place of Gi ANTONIO AYESTARAN. I cordially congratulate your Excellency on such a hap- RB event, praying you to be pleased to make it known to is Excellency the President of the republic in my name, FRANCISCO DE BR LICEAGA. Gvanasvaro, Dec. 17, 1858. We congratulate oureelyes, with the friends of order and guarantees, on this pleasant event, and we felicitate the valiant and loyal army for the new and important service it hax just rendered to its country, whose tirmest apport it is, ‘¢ shall publish the details of the triumph alluded to 28 s00n ag we shall have received them. CASE OF AINSA, WHY H# WAS LIBERATED, AND WOW IT WAS DONE. Say Francisvo, Oct. 20, 1858, Hon. Jonn Forsym:— Daan Sm—On account of very recent illness in my Tami- ly Iam unable at the last moment to write you more than a hasty note to inform you that Jesus Ainsa arrived here from Mazatlan on the Mexican brig General Yanez, on the 17th inst., after an imprisonment of sixteen months; and the family, under a deep sense of their obligations to you, desire that I should write you, and express—as I am hot able to do—their gratitude for your active interference on his behalf, without which they feel assured he would have lingered for many years the prisoner and victim of of his and his country’s enemies in Sonora. About the time I received your last letter informing me that ‘‘a portion of the Pacific squadron had been ordered mas for the purpose of compelling his liberation,” ved news from that quarter that a French war ves- sel had arrived in Guaymas, and stated that the United States frigate Saranac was on her way to Guaymas for the purpose of inquiring into the case of Jesus Ainsa. They immediately became alarmed, and the Governor feeling it would be well to be rid of his presence on the arrival of such a visiter, and desiring to appear consistent with the policy heretofore pursued in his case, directed that his cause should be sent to Mazatlan. After Ainsa had refused to give bail in a very moderate sum for his appearance at that place, they put him aboard of a vessel, with no guard but himself, and ordered that he present bimseif to the au- thorities at Sinaloa for judgment. This you will, doubtless, perceive to have been the more contemptible and ridicn- Jous expedient to shift the responsibility of his person unto the shoulders of Mazatlan, fearing to meet it themselves, when they saw that our government was decided at last to protect one of its citizens. nm route he had some inter- views with Mr. Smith, late Consul at Mazatlan, which, perhaps, you have heard through himself. Thence he went to Mazatian and did, in the presence of witnesses, ‘else it would have been denied) present himself to the sovernor of Sinaloa, who declined to take any notice of him as a prisoner, but threatened to hold the Governor of Sonora to a strict accountability for sending him in such manuer away from their custody You thus have the finale of this troullesome affair, and pity it is that our government could not see in this’ con- duct of the Mexicans the resuits of a prompt, decided and energetic policy with this proud and gasconading people whenever the safety of an American citizen or the honor of the American name is inyolyed in the meshes of their miserable policy. 1. W. TALIAFIERO. The Brutal Murder in Washington Street. The investigation in the case of John Brusinhan, who died in Jersey City on Saturday morning last from the the effects of a dreadful beating at the hands of a runner, named George Carter, arising from a quarrel while gam- bling at the Ohio House, was concluded before Coroner Morris, of Jersey City, yesterday afternoon. The follow- ing additional evidence was taken:— Hugh McGuire sworn—I reside at No. 240 Bay street, Jersey Cig, and am fourth assistant engineer on tho Em. pire City; I knew Jobn H. L. Brusiuhan; have known him about two years; was with him last Tuesday night; | left the ship with him and we went to the Ohio House, corner of Washington and Warren streets, New York; we wok acouple of drinks and deceased then asked me to play a few games of cards; we played a couple of games and 1 got up to go on board ship; Carter asked him and myself to play with him and his friends; Lobjected, and said to Brusinban, “I don’t want to ha anything todo with that man playing cards,” and pro- posed to go on board; he was not satistied, and I sat down and played two games of cards with them, whea I got-up aud would not piay any more; Carter then proposed that the three sit down and play a game of seven-up for twe: ty-five cents each; they played two or three games, w they fell out about the gamé and both jumped up toge and Carter struck Brusinhan on the ‘left eye; Brusinh: tola Carter that he was a big man aud that if he (B.) was sober he could lick him; they then clenched, when Carter struck him twice or three when Brusinhan was down; Carter’s friend and elf pulled Carter oi, and as we did eo C r kicked Brusinhan in the sto saw him kick but once; think I drank four times; we went to the Ohio House about half past twelve, and the disturbance occurred abont three o'clock; I was sober; Brusinban. made resistance to the attack by catching hold of Carter, but did not strike him; they both clenched ut the same time; Brusinhan was alittle drank; I did not know Carter; I did not like the « appearance of Carter, which was thereasonT did not want to play with him: Carter fell upon Brusinhan; I went down to the ship about three o'clock to stand watch for him; deceased complained of pain in the stomach after he was kicked, and was troubled to speak; he had previously beg good health; he vomited after he came on board ie ship. Wm. Linden, sworn—I reside at No. 290 Washington street; Iwas in the Ohio House last Tuesday night at the time of the disturbance; Iknow Carter by sight; when I came in they were disputing about cards, and Brusinhan accused Carter of cheating; Carter struck Brusinhan; they then clinched and fell, Carter on top, with his knee on Brusinhan’s breast; Carter seized Brusinhan by the throat with his left hand and struck him with his right; he then dragged deceased on the floor and struck at him several times; an officer came in and separated them; eaw Carter raise his knee two or three times, and force it down on his stomach; after Brusinhan got up from the floor he called Carter a son of a b—h; that he was too big for him, but he would fight him at seven o’clock the next morning; deceased did not appear to be hurt much until after he sat down in a chair; do not think Carter was drunk. Dr, George Wilson sworn—I was called to see Brusinhan on Wednesday evening, about six o'clock; found him sit- ting in achair, ina bent over position, with his hands supporting his abdomen; I removed his’ shirt, and found his abdomen pwd much distended over the region of the bladder; the slightest movement gave him excruciating agony; with considerable difficulty I got him on the bed: T introduced a tube into his bladder, and drew from him nearly a gallon of bloody fluid.’ [The Doctor then described the mode of treatment.) On Friday night he was sinking very rapidly, and died about twelve o'clock; Dr. Reeves and myself made a post mortem examination on Saturday afternoon; we found the intestines largely extended with gas, the lining membrane of the in- ternal cavity of the stomach highly inflamed, par- ticularly at the right side, where he had complained of pain, more or less inflammation, extending through the mtestines; the intestines were bound down by the in{lam- mation; there was an effusion also in the cavity, and tho intestines contained some fetid matter; gall, bladder and liver healthy; in examining in the region of the blader wo found it collapsed, with a rupture of about two inches in uth; as that was suflicient to produce death, we did not go any further. Dr. Reeves corroborated the evidence of Dr, Wilson in reference to the post mortem examination, aud added that a bladder in a distended condition could be ruptured by such treatment as Brusinhan received. ‘The jury after afew moments returned a verdict that Jobn Bruginban came to his death by being wilfully pounded and kicked by Georgo Carter. Upon the rendition of the verdict Corover Morris took tho necessary steps to Frosure requisition for the sur- render of Carter, to be brought to Hudson county for trial. Brooklyn City News. Tar Gas ContRact.—At a meeting of the Common Coun- cil last night, a communication from the President of the Brooklyn Gas Light Company was submitted by the Mayor, in which it appears that the company decline to enter into contract on the terms proposed, being at the rate of $2 per 1,000 cubic fect for the city, and $2 60 per 1,000 cubic feet for private consumers. ‘he following letter from the President was read:— To How 8. 8. Powstn, Mayor: — T have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of a resolution of the Common Council, adopted Dec. 20, 1858, with the form of a contract to be made between the city of Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Gas Light Company. ‘The company Lg meek decline to accept the contract proposed oy ‘the Common Council at their meeting on the of December. The company have examined the con- tracts proposed by the Gas Committees of your honorable body, on the 12th of April last, and also that of the ma- jority of nt committee, reported on the 13th of ber, 1868, and they are willing to accept of either of these contracts as reported. Yours, tp acts President Brooislyn Gas Light Company. The subject was referred to the Gas Committee, to report at the next meeting. ELRCTION FOR ALDRKMAN.—The Common Council havo or dered an election in the Fourteenth ward for Alderman, to fill a vacancy—to take place on Tuesday, the 1th of Ja huary, inst. No Satanme ror Crry Orvrciats,—The Comptroller sub- mitted a communication to the Common Council, at a meeting held last night, to the effect that the appropria- tions for salaries ‘been exhausted, and that a deficiency existed of $1,930 60. In consequence of this deficiency, the salaries of the Mayor, Comptroller, City Treasurer, Counsellor, Street Commissioner, Collector of Taxes, Com missioners of Supplies and proprietors of Corporation newspapers, have witbhe!d,” The subject was pod to Committee. ‘The Game Laws of New York MERTING OF @AME DEALERS, EXPRESS MEN OTHERS, TO PROTEST AGAINST THE PRESENT GAME LAWS—UNCONSTITUTIONAL, RIDICULOUS AND UN- JUST ENACTMENTS 3Y THE BOARD OF SUPERV1S0R8— REDRESS TO BE PETITIONED FOR, ETC., BTC. A large and influential meeting of game dealers, express men and others, was beld in the new building of the Ame- rican Expreas Company, corner of Hudson and Jay streets, yesterday morning, for the purpose of considering the pre- sent game laws, which are considered unjust. The points of complaint are that the law provides that certain kinds of game, which do not now and never did exist in the county, shall not be killed in the county at certain por- tions of the year, and that the posscasion of such game is considered prima facie evidence that it was killed in the county, and the possessor is liable to fine and imprison- ment for its possession, on the supposition that he killed it, he not being allowed to prove to the contrary. ‘The meeting was organized by the selection of John J. ir. i French being called Bren dain is cbtaca ob the meeting and bi of the law, made the following dress, wi sets forth in‘k clear and concise manner all the points of complaint and the arguments adduced in their favor :— ‘Mr. Prestent—The object of this meeting of persons connected with and interested in the game trade, is to con- sider the bearings and probable effect of the present 8 Jaws, and of a certain ordinance recently soma by the of Supervisors of this city and county, with the Mayor's approval, and to determine upon some line of policy for mutual safety and defence. This is an ordinance of a most extraordinary character, arbitrary in its pro- visions, extravagant in its penalties, inconsistent, and, we believe, unconstitutional. With the ostensible and unob- jectionable object of preserving certain kins of game and fish in the county of New York, it seems w entirely transcend soa pomere of local legislation, and to interdict the established and constitutional r! of commerce. It makes the taking or killing of certain kinds of game or fish in this city and county—some of which never existed, and most of which have long since disappeared from this pala ge offence, It further provides that the pos- session apy of the inhibited game or fish shall be deemed by the courts conclusive proof that the pos- sessor bas himself killed or taken the said gamo or fish, and subjects him to the extravagant penalties of this extraordinary law, without in any way allowing the accused to prove himself innocent of the alleged mis- demeanor. For instance, our friends here, Messrs. Ro- Dins, receive a small consignment of 1,000 prairie fowls from the West. One of the informers of that respectable body of game conservators, the New York Sportsmen’s Club, spies them out, and forthwith reports. @ posses- sion of the 1,000 birds is duly proven, and hence, in the Jan e of the law, Messrs. Robins “are deemed, held and taken to be the persons killing and destroying, or taking the game,” and they must pay a fine of $25 for each bird, or the snug sum of $25,000, for having killed 1,000 prairie fowls in the city or county of New York, when, in fact,no bird of that species ever existed ina wild state within the said county. The ition of the express companies is still more serious. ¢ penalty of $25 per head upon a car load of small birds, deemed by this law to have been killed by the express company in the city or county of New York, would make a bs ol in the profits of a year’s business. ‘The absurdity of the law is equally obvious in the case of venison. The killing of wild deer is, no doubt, very pro- perly prohibited from the first of January to the first of August, but the possession of fresh venison or green deer- skin on and after the first of January is constituted the same offence as killing the deer. Thus it is lawful for the huntsman to pursue his yocation up to the first day of January, but if the hunt of the last day of December prove successful, and he brings the carcases of deer to his but or camp, lawfully killed, the jon of it the next morning will subject him to the rigors of the law. De- cember is the best month of the lawful season for taking deer, and in usual winter weather the meat may be kept in the fresh state for weeks, or even months, but accord- ing to the law all the venison of the season must be sent to market, sold, and consumed prior to the first of Janu- ary. Thus quantities of venison taken in proper scason, and shipped with law abiding intentions, but detained through stress of weather or casualty, so a8 to reach the market after the first of January, must be at once de- stroyed. At all events it is a penal offence to have it in possession for a moment, and the law neither con- templates or will allow of any justification whatever. The sportsmen may pursue and Kil! deer for their own samusement, leaving the carcass to rot in the’woods, up to the last hour of the seagon,'while the poor hunter must give up his vocation during an important part of the lawful geason, or what is the same thing, lose all that he may have taken too late to reach the distant market and be sold before the commencement of the inhibited period. The apparent incongruity and injustice of this ordinance sug- gested the idea that the letter of the law did not truly re- present its spirit, or properly convey the intentions of the Jaw makers, and the Mayor's opinion was sought in rela- tion thereto: His Honor frankly took the ground that the Jaw was not intended for this city and county alone, but for the whole count: The New York Sportsmen's Club is the appointed executive power for the enforcement of th d it is no doubt through t! influence that the nee was passed. The officers of this club ame opinions as the Mayor in regard to the ob- jects of the law, viz:—To prevent the sale of, and thus preserve the game of the whole country. We do not question the laudable motives of these gen- uemen, and the Board of Supervisors have pro. vided for the due reward of their magnanimity and perseverance by appropriating to the club one-half the amount of the penalties they may be able to collect; but we do think they assume too much in thus attempting to control and abolish the large and important trade ingame, centreing in this metropolis from ali parts of the country. Suitable laws for the preservation of game and fish, contin ed iu their action to the judicial territory of the legislative bodies from which they emanate, must be approved by all provident and intelligent men, and none are more in terested in the efficient application of such laws than the dealers and conveyers of game themselves. But for local supervisors, under cover of protecting the game and trout ‘of a county where the location of a great city has of ne- cessity nearly extinguished both, to prohibit trade with distant counties and States in these important delicacies of the table—many times received in such abundance as to become economical articles of food—seems a stretch of power truly surprising. Other counties and other States may be presumed competent to legislate for them- selves in this matter, understanding, no doubt, their own local necessities and policy quite as well as the Su- pervisors of New York. It is a noteworthy fact, that while the loca: game law of this city and county, passed nearly nine years ago, with provisions nearly the same as the recent ordinance, has virtually remained a dead letter, the supply of venison and other kinds of game has constantly increased, even faster than the largely increas- ing demand, showing pretty clearly that the sources of supply bave' remained unimpaired, notwithstanding the inefficiency heretofore of the Sportsmen’s Clab or the city authorities. It seems, however, that these conserva- tors of the game of the entire country have suddenly ‘become conscious of their past remissness, and are now determined to rigidly enforce these remarkable laws of their own procurement—laws interdicting a le- timate line of trade between the the free- om of which is constitutionally guaranteed, cutting off a large source of remittance from Western merchants to their creditors in this emporium, and depriving our citizens of a much desired and wholesome article of food. It becomes necessary, therefore, for those interested in this matter, who deem it proper to carry, and buy, and sell, and eat whatever of wholesome food other States or jurisdictions may choose to send us, to combine for the ‘maintenance and protection of our just and constitutional . D. Van Schaick, the attorney employed by the ead the law and a petition embodying the views of those present. The petition was unanimously adopted desiring the repeal or amendment of the obnoxious por- Lous of the law, 80 a8 to save the trouble of contesting it. Messrs, Van Schaick, A.M. C. Smith, Clark, Miller and French, were appointed a committee to present the petition, collect funds for defraying all expeuses, and impress upon the Board of Supervisors the injustice of the law, when the meeting adjourned to a week from noxt Wednesday, After the adjournment the company was detained a few moments to discuss some excellent ale which lias been to the Crimea and back, and which had fortunately come into ihe possession of Mr. Daniel Butterfield and A. M. C. pith. Personal Intelligence. Hon, William Preston, Minister Plenipotentiary to Spain, with his family and attachés, aro at the Brevoort House. Also Dr. Rae, of the Arctic expedition; Hon. Amacs Walker, Mass.; 8. Nordheimer, Toronto, C. W.; A. Odiers and family, New Orleans. Rey. Themas K, Beecher, of Elmira, N. Y., has been appointed captain of militia. Captain B. juite an original pulpit orator, though his reputation is not quite 80 large as that of his brother of Brooklyn, ARRIVALS. From 8a in the steamship Star of the South—Capt T Stone and lady, F 7 Stone sg dads Aims, lady ‘and daughter, Capt, Richart Wi vannah, B © On H win, Arnold, LG Hilderbrantz, H Colcord, 0 H Btoores, '¥ Wildman, D) Laboucetta, M Parods, Clark, G M Hoffman, J Buftington, Mrs Ann eerage. ee Pagsett, and 13 in ‘ow Btokes, 8 Vendeer ¥, Miss E R Drake, Miss Leaucns, W Pope Woodward, Fraiche, WW Loundes, Wm O Anderson, aW TM Beawnot, child; aB arty, Prank arin gd el eta Ca a y Byrne, Mise A Flere @ ‘23 in the steerage. in. For N in John. ee po) Pn ithe steamahip, Roancke-—G on itrmuo'and indy,d P'Phivene, @ i soll John Oey ad 19 inte G d Gray, Ww ‘Tue OPERA AT THE ACADEMY.—Tho season announced by Mr. Ullman to open on Wednesday next will not be com meneod until Thursday evening, when “La Zingara’” will be given by Piccolomini, Brignoli, Florenza and others. 4 Season in Boston will close with a matinée on Wednes- PRICE TWO CENTS. OF EENATOR DOUGLAS FOR WASH- 4 IN@TON. ‘The committee appointed by the citizens of Philadelphia to visit New York and escort Senator Douglas to that city, met yesterday morning at ten o’clock at the Everett ‘Houge, New York, where the Senator was introduced to the members of the committee by Col. Forney. Alderman Brapury, on behalf of the New York authori- ties, made the following address:— Savator Dova1ss AND GENTLEMEN OF THR PHILADELPHIA De. LnGanion:—The present is to me a moment of pleasure and of leasure at the knowledge that you are about be over to some gentlemen who will give you amore flattering r ion than that which you have received at the hands of the civic authorities of New York— regret at the fact that your stay with us has been so short a, the Poonsands of your Slee who have ¢ Gad 6 ir acquaintance have not been perm todoee, The inclement state of the weather for tho last few days has prevented thousands of your fellow citizens from becoming acquainted with you, 80 that they might Jearn to love and appreciate you. I take great pleasure in handing you over to Mr. Lehman, chairman of the Philadelphia delegation, and I trust that your stay in Philadelphia will be fraught with more pleasure than you have enjoyed during your brief sojourn with the civic authorities of New York. Mr, Wiuam E. Laman, chairman of the Philadelphia committee, then said:— Sxvator Dovetss—The citizens of Philadelphia have de- puted this committee to extend to you a cordial invitation to visit their city on your way to Washington. It is their purpose to welcome you in such a manner as will mark their senge of the important services which you have rendered to our tei country. The Councils of Phila- delphia, without distinction of party, emulating the action of the authorities of this metropolis, have unanimously tendered You the use of Inde nce Hall, and it is the intention of the Mayor of the city to receive you asa distinguished Senator entitled to this high honor. But those whom we particularly represent are your per- sopal and political friends, who wish to offer some suitable recognition of yeur noble course in the United States Senate in vindication of the doctrine of Popular sovereignty, a doctrine essentially de- mocratic and constitutional, without which our institu- Uions cannot exist and self government is at an end. We degire to congratulate you upon your brilliant triumph in your own State, and to assure you that in the late struggle which terminated go gloriously you had the warm sym- pathy of many of our best citizens. Your victory has been complete. You have humbled your enemies and re- « inetated the principle of free government to its proper place in the democratic faith; and we desire to unite with the general fecling everywhere manifested to applaud your gallant Kapton to render signal homage to you as the hero of a grett political victory. We trust, there- fore, that you will favorably regard our invitation, and consent to receive the earnest greeting that Philadelphia is anxious to extend to you. Senator Dovc1as, in response to these addresses, turned to Alderman Bradley and said :— ‘Mr. Cuarman or THe New York Comurrree—It affords me pleasure to renew to you my grateful acknowledge- ments for the reception which I have received at the hands of the authorities and citizens of New York, and for the generous manner in which you have performed those duties which have especially devolved upon your- self. Everything side my arrival has been such as to impress me with the conviction that I was truly the city’s guest. I now take my leave of you, with the assurance that I will carry the recollections of this visit to New York always fresh in memory. ‘Then, addressing himself to Mr. Lehman, he said:— Mr, CuarnMAN OF THE PRILADELPHIA CommiTTER—I desire to ray, in acknowledgement of the tender you have made on bebalf of those you represent, that I am truly grateful to you and to those for whom you speak. To be met here by eo large a committee from Philadelphia, with the assurance that they speak for so iarge a portion of its citi- zens, for its corporate authorities, and carry with them the tender of Independence Hall, is a compliment seldom ifever conferred upon a public ‘man in this country. I do not feel myself at liberty to deciine availing myself of this offer. It was my anxious desire to leave New York this morning and proceed at once to Washington, and nothing Dut a demonstration of the nature of the present could have changed this purpose. Ireturn you my thanks for the kind terms in which you have expressed “_v sense of the committee, and shall consider myself from this time in your hands, GEN. SAM HOUSTON DECLINES THE HOSPITALITIES OF THE CITY. Gen. Sam Houston left New York yesterday morning for Washington. In consequence of pressing business he was. compelled to decline the hospitalities tendered him by the Common Council, which he did in the following letter:— Merropourran Hoter, Dec. 31, 1858. S. A. Boyce, Esq. , Chairman of thg Committee of the Com- mou Counoil of the city of New York:— Deak Sm—I have had the honor to receive your note of this date, tendering to me on behalf of the Common Coun- ci! the hogpitalities of the city of New York, and request. ing me to mention what day and hour will be convenient for me to receive the visits and congratulations of your fellow citizens. sensible of the honor tendered me, and gr: ing as it would be to my feelings to meet the citizens of New York generally, Iam, nevertheless, reluctantly com- pelled to forego the pleasure, my present visit being en- tirely on private business, and for the purpose of meeting a few personal friends, added to which my duties in the Senate require that I should leave the city on my return to Washington on Monday morning next. Be pleased to convey to the gentlemen of the Common Council my warmest acknowledgments for their proffered courtesy, and for yourself the assurance of regard with which Tam your very obedient servant, §. HOUSTON. End of the Quarantine War. GOVERNOR MORGAN SIGNALIZES HIS ADVENT TO POWER BY AN ACT OF AMNESTY—THE TROOPS WITHDRAWN FROM THE QUARANTINE STATION. The Quarantine war is at an end, for the present at least, and the good people of Staten Island can rest in peace, provided they will behave themselves, and make no more bonfires of government or State property. ‘The following are the orders on the subject issued: by Governor Morgan and Adjutant General Townsend :— Execunve Cuamprr, Aunany, Jan. 1, 1859. AbsvTANT GENERAL FREDERICK TOWNSEND:— Gxnxrat—I feel confident that, as the immediate danger of contagion has passed away, reason has resumed the seat which impulse usurped for a time, and that the peo- ple of Richmond county will hence! respect the laws and property of the State, and will seek redress for any wrongs they may suffer. by peacefull measures ouly. You will, therefore, issue the proper orders for the with- drawal of the troops detailed and stationed at Staten Island for the protection of the Quarantine buildings. In so doing you will express to the troops my high sense of their Zoldierly conduct in the unusual situation in which they have been placed. They have entitled themselves to the gratitude of the people of the State, and have shown that they well deserve the confidence which New York has ever reposed in her citizen soldiery. I am, sir, yours, &e., E. D. MORGAN. ‘SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 1. * GENERAL HRADQUARERS, STATE OF New York, ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, ALBANY, Jan. 1, 1859. 1. The Commander-in-Chief is pleased to direct the withdrawal of ‘the troops which have been garrisoned at Quarantine for the protection of the property of the State located there. To this end, therefore, Major General Sandford will countermand the order for the detachment detailed in relief ot the Mleventh regiment, now on .ser- vice at Quarantine. 2. The Eleventh regiment will, as already ordered from the First Division Headquarters, be discharged from fur- ther service at Quarantine on Monday next, Jan. 3, 8. General Sandford wili direct that on the aban- donment of the post by the Eleventh rag ment, its Quartermaster will turn over to *the proper officer of the Commissary General's De- partment all the public property for which he may be responsible. 4. The Commander-in-Chief is pleased to recognise the valuable “ervices which the troops of the First division have performed so satisfactorily at Quarantine. In every vieiseitade they have borne all the exposures and priva- tions incident to the soldier's life without a murmur, and bave fully proved that the contidence so generally reposed in them has not been misplaced. By order of the Commander -in-Chief. FRED’K. TOWNSAND, Adjutant General. Throvgh some neglect on the part of the military offi- cial of this city Col. Duryea, of the National Guards—a detachment of which was to have relieved the left wing of the Eleventh regiment, recently on duty—was not notified in time, and the Guard mustered pursuant to or- ders in Lafayette place, at 11 o’clock A. M. There wero 128 men in all, consisting of details from Company H, Capt. Shamway; Company B, Capt. Shaler; Company D, Lieut. Com'dt Harrison, and’Company Millard. The uniform was full winter sack and overcoat. The troops took up their line of march down Broadway, for the purpose of taking the one o’clock boat, When opposite Trinity church, however, Sergeant Allen, the drill officer of the police force, Handed Col. Duryea a telegraphic despatch from Albany, countermanding the order. It was signed by Adjutant General Townsend, and addressed to Commissary General Ward. . a however, doubting the authority of the order, sent to. Major General Sandford to see if it was correct, from whom an affirmative answer was given. Notwithstanding this confirmation, however, the Colonel determined to pro- ceed to the Is! a8 he was not notified to dismiss his men by jadier General Hall, who alone had authority to do 80. they accordingly went down In the one o'clock boat. ‘The left wing of the Eleventh regiment came up from Quarantine at two o'clock, and were received by the left wing of the Sixty-ninth regiment. erate day Brigadier General Hall issued the neces. sary a f the National Guard returned to the city by the five o’clock boat. They attracted much attention 8 they marched up Broadway. Political Intelligence, Iuuvorm.—Mr, James C. Conkling bas been put in nomi- nation by the republicans of the Sixth district of Ilinois as a candidate ( the present Congress, to fill the vacan- ey caused by the death of Major Harris. ‘Texwesces. —Hon. Felix K. Zollicoffer has declined a re lection to Congress in the Eighth district of Tennessee, James M. Quarles bas announced himself as the American wean ip the August election, to succeed Mr, Zolli- jer. MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS, Organization of the New City Government. MEETING OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, MESSAGE OF THE MAYOR, &o., &e., &e. THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN FOR 1859, ELECTION OF A NEW PRESIDENT, CLERK, ETC.—RE- SIGNATION OF ALDERMAN CLANCY—MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR. At twelve o’clock M. yesterday the Board of Aldermen for 1859 was organized. On motion of Alderman TuoMEY, Alderman Adams was called to the chair. On motion of Alderman Brapury, the Board proceeded to the election of a permanent President for the ensuing year. Aldermen Smith (First ward) and Bradley were appointed tellers. Fourteen votes were taken, which resulted thus:— Thomas McSpedon. Alderman Apams declared that Alderman McSpedon, having received the highest number of votes, waa President of the Board for the ensuing year. Alderman Owens then moved that this Board vote unanimously on the nomination of Alderman McSpedon for President. Carried. (Applause.) Alderman Owens and Alderman Boole were appointed to conduct the new President to the chair. Alderman McSrepon then returned thanks for the honor conferred on him. He said:-— Gexriemey oF Tae Boanp or Atprrwrx—I most tefully the you have assigned me, and for this kind mark of confidence on your part permit me’ to return my ain- cere thanks. I hope be cousidered pi when E ‘say that I feel proud of the position in which you have placed me. It is at ‘and with all ry ambition to be deserving of the good ‘and. con- fidence of those with whom may be as- am feet thatl know there are Smong thoee wo hive seen Bt to elevate the to the’ posion of pre officer 1 - pany. are Serer, for mn than myself. Yet as your votes, Placed me here, I shall ik. from the dios or re: onaibilities to the office, but shall endeavor, by » riet sense of justice ‘of ruling on all q nese é gs 5 af 38 # Ec i £ 3 gasual observer ; consequently it ful guardians of the iy every Fy 5 g 8 & S 2 5 and scrutinize carefull, body; for it is with ua in ef which the people and spent by special commission, yet there over which “we have a direct " control marked difference in favor of those for whom we fo legislate. 1 shall hope, gentlemen, tha‘ every this isons 4 will exert himself to win the confidence the approbation of theentire community. Gentlemen, if this can be brought about then will I feel truly proud of the post- tion you have just placed me in. Jook for support tn the at ‘an impartiality that will carry conviction; and that you will at Teast do me the credit ever at times to believe it was an error of judgment, and not a disposition to do wrong. Alderman Brapy (republican and new member) moved that David T. Valentine be unanimously re-appointed Clerk of the Board. Carried. (Applause. ) ‘The Pxeswxxt announced—aud he knew it would be received with satisfaction by the members of the Board—that he re-appointed Mr. Henry Morford as reader of the Board. Patrick Gallagher, Sergeant-at-Arms, was re-elected. The Pxaxupext announced Aldermen Genet, Seagrist ‘aud Lynes as a committee to wait on his Honor the Mayor and inform him that the Board was organized. The committee returned in a ghort time and said that the Mayor would communicate with the Board in a few minutes. RESIGNATION OF PRESIDENT CLANCY. Alderman Boous presented the following :— County Cune’s Orrice, Jan. 3, 1899, How. Taos, MoSreD0x, ‘Pussipext or Tue Boann or ALDERMEN:— Dean Sim—I hereby resign as a member of the Board of Aldermen fromthe Seeoud Aidermanie distret: Very truly yours, JOHN CLANCY, After some time had elapsed, Alderman Beapy moved that the Board adjourn. Alderman Booix informed him that the Mayor’s mes- gage would be ready in afew minutes, and he withdrew his motion. In reply toa question from Alderman Starr, the Prasi- pext said that it as not his intention to name the several committees to-day. ‘Alderman Srark then moved that the tax levy be refer- red to a committee of three, and the President named Al- dermen Starr, Bradley and Boole as such committee. A committee from the Board of Councilmen announced that that Board had organized. ANNUAL MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR. ‘The following communication was received from the Mayor, partly read, and ordered to be printed in pam- pblet form:— Mayor's Orrice, New York, Jan. 3, 1859. To THe HonorabLe Tux Common CoUNCIL:— Gextizmen—The charter of the city imposes on the ‘Mayor the duty of communicating to the Common Council, at least once a year, a general statement of the situation and condition of the city, in relation to its government, finances and improvements; and general custom has pre- scribed the day of your annual organization as the time. when such communication shall be made. Many of you, called for the first time to participate in the duties of municipal legislation, may, in common with no small portion of your fellow citizens, be impressed with the belief thatthe powers of the Common Council greater than they actually are, especially in regard © uo disposition of the large sums which are annually raised by taxation, nominally for the support of the city govern- ment, while in fact the larger part of these revenues are entirely beyond the legislative interference or control of your honorable body. It is true that your dutie? are highly responsible—that. many interests connected with the good government, and the general health, comfort and ornament of the city are still under your supervision, and that ample opportunity is afforded in the proper performance of these duties to engage much of your time and attention. Other bodies have, however, been vested by the Legislature with tho power of entirely controlling the larger part of the public funds, while the cutire responsibility of increased expen- diture and augmented taxation is generally piaced upon the Common Council. In former years such responsibility might justly have been attributed to them, as nearly all the expenditures connected with the city government were then under their control or management, but gradually they have been shorn by the Legislature of powers viously possessed, which have been conferred aga com: and other public bodies, over whose ex- penditures you possess no control whatever. Itis in tho increase of expenditure under the control of theso other bodies, as well as in other matters beyond the direct con- trol of the Common Council, such as interest on bonds and redemption of stocks, that we can trace, in a great degree, the largely increased taxation of our city within the last six years. This will be evident on referring to the following comparative financial statistics of 1863 and 1858 :-— In 1858 the amount authorized to be raised by tax for objects within the control of the Common Council was $2,799,826. In this sum was included the expenses of the police, amounting to $615,000, and which, if deducted therefrom, would leave the balance of $2,184,825. In 1898 the amount levied tobe expended under the control of the Common Council was $2,688,625, being an excess of $804,800, or 18 por cent more in 1868 than in 1863, Tt must ne in mind, wi considering this state- ment, that the population of the city has been oa creasing, and increaged expenses have therefore re- quired for the purposes which are still under the control of the Common Council, and that various sums were raised the Common Counct!, under acts of the ing the same, thus obliging the Common priate them, while the @m increase of $160,634 over 1853. As stated above, the expenses for police in 1863 ‘The amount raised for the same purpose in ii Being an increase of.... tees Or 47 per cent, notwithstanding all the ‘viding the station houses—furni with fuel, — and other necessary articles—are re ne be goverfment, under the direction of ine Almshouse was In 1868 the sum raised by tax for the Gavernors of the Im 1868 it was, “08