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

THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 8188. MORNING EDITION—FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, — —- HIGHLY IMPORTANT REPORT. SANITARY CONDITION OF NEW YORK CITY. ALARMING MORTALITY. THE CAUSES, PREVENTION AND CURE. New York is the Most Unhealthy of Cities, while : it Might be the Most Healthy. EE WAS CHANGED PLACES WITH LONDON. The United States the Most Healthy Country in the World, Reey kee, &e ‘The select committee appointed under the amended re- gelation of the Senate of the 3d of April, 1868, in the fol- lowing words, to wit:— areas bereas, tions have been made to the Leg's- PR sicotanndh pebedoigmrnntregr ey eon daeate exh and Be piex en te Bt New York Werelorey aw of the ci ; SMpewolved, Thar a comm tee, couaati of the NepAtors fom fhe cit. of New York [and Mr. Brandreth] be appointed to make ‘am exemination of the Health Department of the cy of New York, and report the same to the (next| Legisiature, an also if apy, and what, Jegislation is requisite and necessary to increase the eficiency 1 such department f —ask leave to submit the following report and bill:— ‘Me commitice entered upon the duty confided to them with a full knowledge of the Jabor it imposed and the con- sequences which would attach to apy action they might deem it advisable to recommend to the Legisiature. ‘As the result to be attained must necessarily affect the general welfare of a largo community, irrespective of in- dividual interests, the committee determined to make their investigation as free and broad as possible. It was, therefore, not deemed expedient to issue eubpcenas or to administer oaths to the persons called upon to make state- ments or togive testimony. Printed notices were issued fo all who were supposed to possess information which eeuld be useful to the committee, and the time antl place fer holding their sittings were made known through the public prints, to the end that all partieg feeling an interest fm the subject under examination might voluntarily ap- pear and freely submit their views. To secure an accurately detailed account of their pro- evedings the committee, at their first session, appointed a secretary to act as clerk, a sergeant-atarms and a pho- megrapher. ‘The public sessions of the committee were held in the yoom at the City Mall appropriated to the library of the @orporation. E Of the large number of persons invited to give informa- ton eilber orally or in writing, twenty eight respond of whom twenty are members of the medical profession, comprising some of our most eminent and respected physicians and surgeons in active practice and of large experience. It was not the purpose of the commitice In the course of their examination to impeach the conduct of any functionary ef the city government; their object was to deal with sysiems and the operations under them, in the hope that existing errors might be discovered aad cor- ected, and imperfections removed. Portions of the testi- mony , however, pointed,so directly to the City Inspector’s Gepariment, that the committee felt it incumbent ow them to allow the fullest range to Mr. Morton, the incumbent of that oflice, in the explanations and statements submitted by bim. The testimony on this branch of the subject is very fuil,and will convey to the Legislature all that can be aid for and against the existing organization and ement of that aepartmect of the city government. ‘At an early day after the commencement of the investi- gation the Committee invited a conference with the expe- Fienced chief magistrate of the city, and frequent inter- views were had with that officer on the various questions before them. The recorded testimony wis placed in the hands of Mayor Tiemann for examination, aud the Com- mittee have the satisfaction of beiieving that the views expressed in fas report are in accordance with those en- tertaned by him. ‘To give pee form and method to the information sought to he elicited from competent witnesses, the ques- thong were propounded under three general heads :— 1 As to the alleged fact that the city of New York in rtion to its population has a larger ratio of mortality other large cities 10 this country or in Europe. ‘2. If the alleged fact be established, to what general causes is the excess of mortality to be ascribed?—and ‘3. What remedies can be suggested for the removal of eat an evil? a re can be no question that under the first head the affirmative is fuily established. The testimony is elear ‘and conclusive, verified by statistics tnat bave not been successfully invalidated. Under the second head the causes of excessive mortality are mainly attributed to the overcrowded condition of tene- ‘ment houses, the want of practical knowledge of the pro- mode of Covstructing such houses, deficiency of light, fect ventilation, impurities in domestic econom; uawholesome food, insufficient sewerage, and want of eleanliness in the streets and atthe wharves and piel and, finally, to a general disregard of sanitary precai fiona, the imperfect execution of existing ordinances, and the total absence of. a regularly organized efficient sani- tary police. Under the third heaa many valuable su 's will be found in the testimony, and such as were d judicious and feasible are embraced in the recom- mendations of this report. Notwithstanding the alarming facts stated in the testi- mony, and which would almost sanction the tdea that the city Was universally in an unhealthy condition, yet the committee have ascertained from reliable evidence that there are several remarkable exceptions to what might be deemed the general rule. There are localities in the city im which the sanitary fSondition of the inhabitants is not surpassed by the hea: thiest portions of avy other city. In support of this opinion the following tabie 18 given in the testimony of the Gry Inspector, to whose general views on tus brauch of the subject the Committee desire spectily tw refer, While they substantiate the leading positions assumed in this report, they show cooclusively that under proper managent New part, one of the healthiest cities ‘ork may become, in whole as well as in in the world:— tiom, Deaths, Deaths, . 1856. 1857, 41 614 130 160 178 29 762 n2 804 968 1,089 866 1,266 1 1038 yoa ‘931 ‘962 832 871 1,536 1,447 ‘951 1,023 1,056 aE ‘881 436 845 1,163 1,225 1/987 1,998 1,197 1,246 ‘901 1}280 Toe are Ai ‘910 1,208 Total...... 21,658 = 28,833 ‘These taples, by a careful analysis, exhibit the following ‘comparative ratio of mortality between the most salubri- ous and the most unhealthy wards of the city:— Mortauty, Mortals, My 5 . 1856.) 1857, 21.04 21.96 23.47 2.89 42.94 41.56 34.42 36.61 25.20 22.36 5.12 69.68 ie results some aliowance must be made for fluctuations in the amount of population, but in the main they are believed to be suificiontly reliable asa Dasie for calculation, The contrast of mortality which they present must arrest public attention, Of those above selected for comparigon, in the most unhealthy ward, in the year 1857 one person died in every 21.96, while in the ‘most healthy ward in that year only one died ia every 69.68, Tho reason for this striking coutrast will be found Tally stated in the testimony. Tn determining the ratio of mortality to the population fn the various wards, there is one clement affecting \t which, if overlooked, would lead to a serious error: that is, thar from several of the wards, and these the most insaln brious, large numbers’of persons who are taken sick in their homes are removed to hospitals and infirmaries in other wards, of which, in case of death, they unduly swell tho mortality, while they apparently diminish that of the ‘wards from which they had been removed. This remark pin cage lag apply to those which are above enume- ‘as the most unhealthy, viz. the First, Sixth and ‘Thirteenth. It is but just aisoto obeerve that the wards ‘which suffor most in their reputation for health from this consideration are the Twoilfth, Nineteenth and Twenty- ‘Drst, within which are embraced most of tho class of instl- ‘tations referred to. In the Ninth, Elevemth and Fifteonth wards the inhabi- fants mostly live in comfortable and airy dwellings; there ‘aro vei w tenement houses, aud families are not erowded togethor as in othor less favored distriets, Tho collars are generally dry and well sewored, and even the domestics bg 4 comfortable sicepin eaeeat ore ound. In short, the falobrit and conseq vantages for private residences of some of the wards of the city, and especially where the marcel of improvement is most’ rapid, are onsurpassed in any city on this continont, and aro in perfect accordanoe with the general healthfulness of our climate, and the meteoro: Jogical character of that happy portion of the world’s gur- face wo inhabit, in which we find the greatest amount of health, the greatest success of induowy, and the Jargest area of coustautioual livorty, ‘What the Committee then desire to accomplish by their recommendations to the Legislature ts, that thec'y « New York shail be secured im every part alike it means of Peeerrns, the public health; and that the b'ess- ings of light and sunsbine, and pure air shall be equi |; enjoyed by all its people ‘under the wise provision. «f suitable laws. The fact cannot becontroverted that many bondreds of thousands of dollars are annually bestowed Aes on voluntary bumane associations for the cure of disease in the city of New York, the existence of which could be entirely prevented by proper sanitary regula tiore. The excessive mortality which we seek to remedy, unless some effectual action takes place speedily, m continue steadily to increase, and for natural reasons \nei- dent to the position of the city, which is limited in acoom- modation, while the population is constantly enlarging in its numbers. A seaport open to every breeze from the waters, wel- coming ebips from every clime, the city of New York is the key of the greatest inland trade inthe world. But ite superficial extent is limited. It is nevertheless destined © contain mijhovs of inbabitanta, and it becomes therefore an imperative question for its rulers to determine how and where its peopie ure to find dwellings within its bounds. Its population, under existing regulations, must crowd each other far move than at present, where may be found thousands of pereons crammed into a single biock of tene- ment houses. How important it is, then, that due pro- weion should be made in seagon to guard against the farther inroads of disease and death resulting from cause within our control! The present isthe time, while at leaet one-half the island remains to be upon, to accomplish this beneficent work, and to secure beyond doubt or accident the perma- nent reduction of the mortality which is now so startling. Wise sanitary regulations may, under Providence, change the whole character of the future of New York? and the legislative bodies which deliberate so earnestly over immaterial issues should reflect on the serious re- sponsibilities which attach to them, when such astate of things as is presented in this report’ calls upon them for prompt, wike, and active interposition, ‘The importance of whatever aflects the sanitary condi- tion of a community bambering thre tourths of a mil- lion of souls wiil readily be admitted, and the urgent ne- cessity for such au invertigation asthe Senate entrusted vo this committee is fully established by the testimony herewith submitted, itis demonstrated beyond al! rea- sonable question that in tbe great city whose ress iD the matesial ciements of yrosperity astonishes not only ourselves but the, world, death is making an alarming inroad upon ite population, and that the average yearly mortality is far beyond its due proportion. There are an- pualiy cut off from it by disease and death enough bu- man beings to people ® city, and enough of human labor to sustain it. Individual resistance to this mortal foe is entirely in vain. Hospita’s, institutions of charity and benevolence, dispensaries and relief societies abound in the community; but they exert themselves hopelessly to arrest (ue evil, Bice Lue maladies for which they offer as- sistance arse fiom causes over which they have no control, Great cities are certainly the pride of nations, but they require paternal control, and all Christian and civilized Cormmunities recognise the duty of exercising it. The difficulty has mainly been in deviewg the mode of using this power judiciously, £0 ag Not needlessly to place restraints upon personai free- dom. The aid of science must sometimes be invoked to strengthen and direct the band of government, and to guide legislation in the duty of providing remodies for ex- igting evile, A due regard to the poe heaith of popu- lous and growing eities calls loudly for the practical appli- cation of scientific principles, resulting from investigation into the causes of increased mortality and of the best medes of prevention, Such investigations are constantly in progrese, and it is not the part of wisdom to reject the counseis which they offer. It is but recently that public attention has been drawn to the direct effects of light, the true character of the solar ray, and its chemical and healthful action apart from its sensible heat. So also in regard to ventilation and the introduction and diffusion of heat in dwellings: great progress has been made df late years in reference to these subjects, and the skilfal archi- lect of the present day readily avails himself of theknow- ledge which was denied to his predecessors. A vast debt is Gue to science for such digcoveries, Humanity finds in thera practical and reliable agents for good. Rot nature is full of remedial measures of its own, if we were ready and disposed to take advantage of them. ‘The chemist, the pbarmacentist and the surgeou would be spared much of their most painful duty i we could be Drought to rely more por wholesome wir, direct sunlight and pure water. The city of New York, thanks t some of its intelligent, energetic and philanthropic citizens, en- joys the advantages of the latter blessing in bountiful pro- tusion, A healtutul river flows beneath its streets and avenues, supplying every habitation with sutticient water to ailay thirst, to prepare tood and to promote The island on which it stands is y two noble rivers, whose tides uplift and cleanse the respective streams. Its sewerage 18 advancing with rapid stretches from street to street, and the fresh breezes from the ocean temper the coldness and moderate the heat of its climate, And yet, notwithstanding all these advantages, the mor- tality of the city is far beyond its proper ratio, and is rapidly increasing. The rate of deatbs, as appears from carefully prepared statistics for the last seven years, is greatly in advance of former stated periods. The causes Jor this excessive mortality are mainly attributable to the rapid and steady increase of the population, without a proportionate advance in the scientific application of sani- tary precautions and remedies. Among the causes are the imperfect cleaning of the strects, the rapid increase of teuement houses, badly constructed, imperfectly ven- tilated, insufliciently drained into sewers, aud impervious to the light and heat of day. It will appear from the evidence that the most glaring nuisances are permitted to remain unabated during the hottest months of summer, embracing large deposits of festering excremental matter in close proxiqity with the pubhe markets, and that the public health is constantiy endangered by the condition and inadequacy of the water Closets in the houses of the poor, the fitn of the gutters the stagnation of water in vacant lots, and the crowded condition Of the dwellings occupied by the laboring cla! Whatever local regulations exist in regard to these sub- jects they are but imperfectly enforced, and it is unques- Uonably toe duty of tue State, which is the competent authority, to adopt without delay some change of system which will meet the exigeucy of the case. The Health Department, at present organized as a branch of the City Inspector's office, does not accomplish the object for which it Was established. Tbe committee recommend, there- fore, that the present organization under that pame be abolished. In devising a suitable and eflicient substitute they have kept in view what they regard as properly the distinctive features of this branch of the city govern- menti— First. Whatever relates to the sanitary affairs of the city the causes, prevention and cure of diseases in all person brought under the public care, and the protection of th community at large trem the effects of digease resulting from Violation of sanitary laws; and Second. All duties which now are, or may hereafter be, devolved on the City Inepector ofa character dilferent from those before stated. br The duties under the first ch they propose to confide to a new Board, to be al the “Board of Health,” with av execative officer under the title of “Superintentent of the Public Health,” With a subordinate sanitary officer in each ward of the city. ‘The Boura of Health is to be composed in part of members of the medical profession; the Superintendent and hisassistants to be qualified practitioners of medicine, competent to detect disease and to apply the remedies. The duties comprised under the second branch it is pro- posed to leave iu charge ot the City Inspector. A glance at the details of this subject wil! at once show ‘the propriety of the conclusions to which the commitiee have arrived, The City Inspector's Department now embraces within its functions four several and distinct spires of duty:— First. It has the care and supervision of the public heaith, including the inepection and removal of nuisances, the control and prevention of diseases, the registration of births, marriages and deaths; and its chief officer is, more- over, one of the Commissioners of Health, aad an official bt ag of that body in all matters pertainiug to the public beait Second, It has the charge of the cleaning of the streets of the city, including the employment of laborers, the selection and supervision of dumping grounds, the sale of manure, and other matters ‘pertaining (hereto of a (inan- cial chatucter, to the extent of from $000,000 to $400,000 annually. Third, It has the regulation and management of the public markets, eleven in number; and Fourth, It is charged with the duty of the inspection of weights and measures, It ia plain that the first of these multifarious obliga- tions—the supervision of the public bealih, involving the preservation of the people’s lives by the discovery and suppression of preventable diseases—is the most impor- tant and serious that can engage the attention of the offl- cers of the department in question. Embracing, as it does, the great subject of public hygiene or sanitory science, in view of the health and liver not only of the 750,000 persons which constitute the probable’ present population of New York city, but also the future miltions by whom the isiand of Mantiattan is destined to be inhabi ted, making it the chief city of tho world, this sub- Jeet is too grand, too far reaching, too vital, to be eubject ed to any diversion, or to be choumbered with any extra. neous mawer whatever. The evidence adduced before the committee has con- vinced them, as they think it will convince avy oue who reaug it, that preventive medicine, rising rapidly to the perfection da science, is capable of exerting vast initu ence over the welfare, physical and moral, of the human race; and the committee ure alse well convinoed that, for want of the application of the precepts of this science to the local mavagement of the city of New York, it has suf. fered iyealeulably in these respects ‘The duties of a health departinemt in euch a cyy as New York, if properly constituted and arranged, woeld pos fess a magnitude and importance sufficient to occupy the time and talents af the best educated men to ye found in the ranks of the medical profession. None other than such should be entrusted with go delicate and respensibic a service—none other can perform it with proper efficien cy; and when gelected they should be relieved of every extrancous duty ‘The public health department of such a community should stand alone—it must stand alone—in its responsi- bilities and Jabors; and it i# a manifest absurdity, wrong in principle as it will always prove injurious in practice, to place in the same hand@ such an incongruous variety of ocerpations, all or vet 7 all of an erroncous character, as we find combined in this one department as now consti- tuted. It is impozsible that duties so incompatible with each other and 80 extensive can be effiviently supervised and dirécted by asingle head, for the first one enume. rated above requires the study of years so to inform and perfeet the mind as to enable it thoroughly and perfectly to understand and appreciate the multifarious features and bearings of 80 vast a subject. ‘Such is the practical oxperionas of many large citios of the world whose condition has been brought to our at- tontion, Indewd, we are unable to point to a einglo ex- ception r the rule, In Londoa, Liverpool, Rdinborg, Paris, and other European gitia, at woil as in Boston, Previdence, Philadelphia, and other places in the United States, the health departments are #0 constructed as vo be entirely separate and distinct in their functions from all other branches of government, and they are 80 arrauged 8 to call into the public bg yg haar ekerenered talent of that pee ety which alone takes cognizance the science of public health. ‘The wisdom of this arrangement is not only apparent at first sight, but is made evident by its resuits. The com- mittee find, from documentary and other reliable sources, that the mortality of London daring the last ten yeare has aversged 1 in 40 of the population. Jo 1856 it was 1 in 45. ia Fhhadelphia, im the same year, it was }in 44.05. lo Providence, R. 1, it was A in 66.07 in 1867, and 1 in 50 ia In Boston, 1 in 40. In all these cities the best medical talent is employed to protect the public health, while in New York city, where ‘Unis idea is practicaliy discarded, the result is exhibited by the following statistics, showing the ratio of its mor tality to the population at each cengus period for the las: fifty years:— Ratio of deaths to Years. Deaths. Population. “the poputation. 06,397 Vin 46.49 100,619 1 in 41.83 1235706 1 in 87.19 166,086 1 in 34.78 Mi 1 im 88.97 270,089 1 im 40.87 842)710 Vin 3974 371,223, 1 in 37.55 515,394 lin 33.62 — 7 in 22.05, 629,810 Jin 27.33 — 1 in 28.67 - 1 in 27.15 examples of the influ- ence of sanitary écience in advancing the health and gay- ing the lives of the people, and of the destruction of both Dy its neglect; but a single one will suffice: So great was the degradation, filth and pollution of London Jers lian two hundred years ago. (1608), when its population wae no larger than that of New York at’ the present time, that Tesldes tweuty-elght thousand deaths by ordinary diseases in one year (one im twenty four of the population, and five thou- sand more in New York last year), there were also jost rizty-cight ousand lives by the plague. 'Vhe proportionate mor tality of London now is one in iorty-five, whie thatof New York is pearly as great as that of London two centuries since, being one in twenty seven in the year 1867; whereas, tity years ago it was better than that of London now—viz: one in torty seven and ® ball, Thus the coadition of these two cities is completely reversed, and we are ut no loss for the reason. The document from which the preceding paragraph is taken (Report to the Board of Supervisors of New York, March 80, 1858) concludes with the following resolution, which was subsequently adopted and ordered to be trans- mitted to the Legis!ature:— Resolved, Thstin the opinion of this Board an imperative necessity exisis tor such improvements in the details of the City Inspector's Vepartment, and in the qualifications of its execu, sanitary ofticers, ns are dictated by the modern progress of science; aud thata ‘legislative enactment vo this ellect would aod greatly to its usefulness andefiiciency, and meet wit the appreval of the great body of our fellow citizens. As a further expression of the sentiment of the public authorities of the city of New York—those who best know its wants in this respect—we quotethe following para- graph from the published “Report of the proceedings of the Sanitary Committee of the Board of Health in relation to the cholera as it prevailed in New York in 1849,” of which committee his excellency E. D. Morgan, the present Governor of the State, was an active and eilicient member, and is among the signersof the report:— ‘The labors of your committee during the past appalling sea- son of sickness and death, and the awiul scenes of degrada. ‘and filth: to them by their researches, 8 i oa ee the fact that we have no sanitary police worth name, ‘tect Jratehtut regard over the Pablic heaith ‘which common seuse dictates 10 be vecessary for the security of our lives, the main- tenance of the city’s reputation, apd the preservation of the In teresta of its inhabitants. Cholera may again assail us before we know it, ana itis the dictate of (rue policy to be prepared iw aéuson 4 meet it, and uot ekolera wlone, but any and every malacy which may be produced or aggravated by local causes. ‘lo no other work alone should the authorities addreas them: selves more earnestly than the «tablishment of a thoroughly organized medical police, at whose head should be an cctive and experienced medical man. The advantages of such measure ‘would be incaiculable. With these facts before them your committee have no hesitation in expressing the opinion that the department which has the supervision of the public beaith in the city of New York sbouid be entirely separate from all others, and unencumbered with irrelevant duties and reepoasi- bilities; that it should be placed on a more solid and inde- pendent basis than the ordinary divisions of the govern. ment; that, ag far as legislative enactment can accomplish the object, its head should be a thoroughly competent sanitaiian, and the tenure and emoluments of office such ag to insure the greatest skill, devotion and efficiency, Under such arrangements ag these, the committee are of opinion that the most salutary resuits would foliow; that the estimate which bas been made of $13,000,000, is the cost of avoidable sickness and death, aud the unneces- sary loss of 5,000 lives per annum might be prevented, with an eflect Upon the happiness and morals of the people which can ueither be reckoned in igures nor expressed in words. The next important consideration relates to the con- struction of houses intended for the aweilings of the indus- trial classes, and the necessity for securing, as far as practicable, the following results:— A direct communication with every inhabited room, with a chimney connected with each’ by means of fire: places or ventilating wheels; windows directly admitting the light and heat of the sun; laundry utensils and water closets connected with pipes draining into the sewers; cal- lars admitting light, and being free frem dampness; economical ranges er stoves for cooking; and, as far as practicable, a flat set apart for each family, distinct and separate from others, and a given space to be appropriated to each inhabitant. It is betieved that the prevalence of these features in the class of houses mentioned would be found as bene- te to the landlords as to the tenants; for experience has shown that in consequence of the present defective arrangements in all these iculars m most of these houses in the city of New York, the tenants, or a large portion of them, are go constantly in ill health as to be unable to perform the labor they are qualified for and willing to undertake. Disabled as they are by disease produced by a poisonous atmosphere, the want of light and air, and the too frequent contact with filth, their re- duced ¢arnings are absorbed by medical expenses, the landiord loses his rent, and, too often, the Almshouse and Potter's Field become their last homes. The committee trust that these considerations, addreseed even tothe cupt- dity of speculators in dwellings for the poor, will not be overlooked for it is clear that a large portion of the pauper ism as well as the mortality of the city must be attributed tothe wretched manner in which its poor are lodged. The crowded apartment, the want of ligbtand air, the identity of the kitchen and the sleeping room, the datmp and dark eellars, all unite in depriving such a residence of ali the elements ot domestic comfort or happiness; and when to them is superadded the inroads of pestilential disease, it can scarcely occasion surprise that the inoral character of the tenants gives way under the pressure of want and misery; that some yield to intemperance, and others to crime, or that the children of parents thus situated are driven to the streets for an ill-gotten livelihood, It is maintained, however, by some practical observers , that no sanitary regulations will have effect with a large class of poor tenants, and that in the city of New York there are benevolent societies which furnish constant re- lief to their dependents upon the consideration, mainly, that they will keep their apartments and their persons in a cleanly condition; while it is well known that even this requisition is carried out with the greatest difliculty. Yet notwithstanding these views, the community have the un- doubted right of self-protection agaiust diseases superin- duced by unbeaithiness; for it is undeniable tbat an im- pure atmosphere and a local malaria convey their mischief on the wings of the wind. It is due, therefore, to every consideration of public health and the general welfare, that the dweiling*houses erected for the poor shail not in crease and disseminate the evils attending the condition in life of that unfortunate class of our people who occupy em. ‘The startling facta elicited on this latter subject in the course of the examination, are not new te those who have heretofore given it their attention; nor bave they been withheld from the notice of the public authorities. In ad- dition to the extracts already given from public documents on the first bfanch of the question under discussion, the committee deem it advisable to extract the following pas- sages froma report made tothe “Association for im proving the Condition of the Poor’’ in the year 1863, and which forcibly illustrate and sustain their views in re- gard to the class of buildings known as tenement houses— ‘The subject, though specially referring to the laboring class- es, deeply concerns our citizens generally. For aside from the Bimpathy which the sufferings of our Tellow: cluzensand neigh hould excite, all, whatever be their social position, have 4 personal interest in the morals ‘ot the community in which they live. the laboring PL ee classes with better tenements, improved ventilation and healthy and cleanly arrangements fn respeet to yards, sinks and sew erage, they will certainly suffer lees from sickhess and prema. ture mortality, and & vast amount of pauperism, crime and wretchedness be prevented, On the other hand, it fs ® well established tact that diseases are not contined to’ the localities in which they originate, but widely diffuse thetr poisonous mi nema. Hence, though the poor may fall in greater numbers, because of their grenter proximity io the cause of disease, y the rich, who inhabit the splendid equares and spactous stre Of this metropolis, often Lecome the victimaor the same «disor ders which aiilict their poorer brethren. Nor should the mo: mentous fact be overlooked that the same causes which oocasion & great amount of physical suffering to the Inborer, and a high rate of mortality at the same time impeir his abitlty (or self Support, Increase taxation and present almost iusuperadie ob- atucles tO bis rocial elevation And moral end religious improve ment. Tt would appear, therefore, that to place witnin the reach of the,hum)zest ia the community the elevating hutluence + of healthy wnd attractive homes, is an object not only deserving tae special attention of our city government, but which shoul be regarded as one of the most interesting aiid usef ol etlorts 0: benevolence. . . . . The resident poor in the First ward have doubled since 1846, and, according to the estimate of the mixalonary, there are now witliin ite limtis of that clags needing relief noi less than fileen thousand persons, Yet it has pot been fonnd that any special provision of tenements bas Leen mone for thie mame oF indigent population, 1n the upper wards there are some hablgtions forthe labor ng classes, where their wanty and comforts have been regard and in which it is porsible to meet the requirements of Life. Generaily, however, they are inferior in size and struc tare to those alreaay considered, Cragy old buildings, crowd ed rear tenemenia, in filthy yards, dark, damp basements, yeaky garret, shops, out houses, and stibles converted into dwel Pie searcely fit to shelter brates, are the habite Hons of thousands of our fellow beings in this wealthy Chris Man city, . . . eicce Bat the most objectionable hubitations are the cellars—in some instances six feet under ground—which have to be Datied out aiter every rain storm, and ¥ , #0 ‘48 & prevent industry, aud so low that ventilation ik impoesible. Thoagh utterly unavailable for any other fo, they are rented at rates which ought to procure com. fortable dwellings, to persons who ave iveomo se devaaed in character ns the condition is degeading in which they live. The peace extract from the annual report of the same society for the year 1867 will show that inthe four years wiich had elapsed since the former report was rendered, the evils referred to had not been removed:— But in some, if the numerous causes of poverty and wreth: ‘edness are fairly attributable to the follies or vires of the poor, there are others of a diiferent nature, whieh from the tanye deserve special consideration, Of tila glass aro— are so damp ns to de- fapor 1. Defective dwellings, Fe eo naviicient se wel 2, dud utters which ae fo tia work. —and otbers w! eanpot io thie work. ‘Toe Board being preteunaly: mnpreseod ‘with the truth that no real oF permanent ame! oration of he condiioa of the poor witb the removal of the above- to give them greater promi- io received. These evils ms tua a4: formivable, and of = kind which it wi clas z fi ‘bd labor them- tna’'an, fs wil’ subesquenty OOF selves to remove; an i that they seriously impair not only the comfort, heal! morals of the poor, but to « morals rye tears interests of the efforts to effect their removal fe too obvious to be ‘The Hoard, therefore, offer no apology for introducing thems into this report, as they come directly In the ing of ite chartered ‘objects, which are to improve fhe moral and physical condition of the poor. From the same report of the gociety for the year 1857, the commitwee extract the following passage, for the pur pose of preserving an interesting table which illustrate: in an international aspect the subject under discussion. It presents the question which so deeply affects the welfare and the reputation of the city of New York in a potnt of view that ought to fix the attention of every mteliigent citizen, While a8 @ nation we rank first in regard to health among nime of the great nations of the earth, yet aga city Our vaunted metropolis stands Jast in thie rea- pect among cight of the populous cities of the world :— ‘The people of the United States are probably the healthiest im the World The annual deaths are one and a halt per cent of the population, whilst the average of deaths in this city is above the average of most Kuropean cities. ‘The foliowing tabular exnibit of the annual mortality in some of the principal countries and cities of Europe will illustrate and confirm this stat The mortality of different cities is— London, 25 in 1,000 Genoa, 25 ‘Lyons. 26 Hawvurg. 28K New York The mortality of different countries is— United States... 8 in 1,000 Sweden, tog” It, the , the ratio of mortality is any criterion of the condition of the laboring clazses, which constitute a large proportion ef the population, tuen our tables of mortality show that there are few ‘cities where the im- provement of the physical state of the inhabitants is more needed than in our own. We have no statistice of wretch- edness such as have been officially gathered up in some European cities; yet it is not the jess certain that New York suffers a8 much, if not more, from a disregard of fanitary economy, and what may be termed the science of common iife, than probably most European cities. The whole of this question was presented to the Legiela- ture at great iepgth, aud with marked ability, in the re- port of a select committee of the Assembly. (Document 205, March 9, 1867.) The facts and arguments which it contains are well deserving of a careful consideration, The committee extract the foliowing passages from that report, for the pnrpose of showing \ what a magnitude this evil bas grown:— Now, in the building heretofore mentioned, there are ninety- six apartments, and they were inhabited, when visited, by one hundred and sorty-siz jamilies, numbering i Bll five thousand and seventy seven persons. Computing this aggregate of tenant- ry by the area of space ocoupleu, we find an uverage of siz persons to a room of twelve by ten feet in dimensions. Out of seventy-six houses examined in one district, the average num- ber of persons occupying them was seventy toa house, or eight to a room t fourteen feet aquare. In one block, or series of buildings visited, tio hundred families. (averaging five yersons to # family) were confined without ventilation, proper Hight, or copvenience for obtainiog water. In another buil ng examined, righty five apartments contained three hundred ai ten pereona, and all the rooms were not rented. If such ag ‘gregations of human life and Sith, vermin, disease and destitu- tion may not be apuy termed “laboratories of poison,” there is no fitting term whereby to designate them. Hundreds ofthe miserable occupants of these establishments weil in celinrs, over five feet below the street level. In many parts of the city, on sunken iands, and where the sewerage is incomplete, these underground ‘rooms are sometimes sub- merged by dramage of beavy rains. in some this anoyance is constant, and the bricks or wooden are continually oozing with mouldy damp. Constant rheuma- tic affections, hip complain's and affections of the bowels are prevalent along the occupants, Instances have been known of the confinement ot semales dn beds raised by a few bricks from the water which flooded the floor beneath. Is it surpris- ing that thousands of children die at the earliest period ws such ‘Wretched boles and burrowing places? ‘ube quantity of air consumed by the lungs of a huyaan aduke ina minute fs balf a cubic foot, atleast a dozen times this amount is required at the same time to permeate the aystem, after performing Which function ft becomes corrupt and is emitted in the torm of carbonic acid gas—a poison. How lon; will itrequire tor five or six persons, in a room twelve feel square, to copaume all tbe vitality of the afr within It, sup) ing that vital air had ever entered such a place? Not more: balf an hour And all the air breathed after that time by the five or six persops while they remained in the room, with doors closed and without ventuation, would be what they baa previously exhaled; in other words, they would brewthe poisoned air over and over again.’ Apply this computation to a tenant house containing from two hundred to atbousand persons—with exhalations from sinks, decaying matter and diseased bodies all around bim—the whole hemmed in on allsides by high walls of a narrow court, in a sultry summer’s day, and can we won- der if typhus or yellow fevers, cholera or small pox should visit the Jaboratory in search of ammuni:ion? The following passage appears as a note in the same re- port, and it is introduced here for the purpose of showing ‘that in the judgment of a public officer well qualified by position and experince to ascertain and deciare the truth, ‘the evils complained of do exist, involving imminent dan- ger to the public health, ana asa consequence that a remedy ought to be provided: — vigilant City In- is from the nar. row streets, ‘ways and courts that the poisonous gases— creations arising from accumulated fith and, decaying Vegeta bie and animal matter—are sent forth, and it is in Jocali- ies that death reaps his most abundant harvest.” tis in such localities that the cholera originated in this city, and where ex- perience has warned us every epidemic finds its grealest num- er of victims. In referénce to the tenant houses them- selves, the Ctiy Ini or expresses hope that the lavors of this dnvestigatios Committee and their results ‘will present such saggoeonh ee will prove of uiility to remedy the defects now existing.” The committee are of opinion that the reforms necce- sary onder this branch of the subject refered to them may be eilected by a judiciously framed code of city or- dinances, imposing restrictions on the manner of con- structing dwelling houses, providing also for a salutary supervision of the conduct of occupants; and they pro- poze, therefore, to confer on the city government ade quate powers to accomplish those objects. While the investigations of the committee have been mainly directed to that class of persons mostly endan- gered in health by the crowded condition of cities, they cannot overlock the fact that there arc other serious ey!!s of similar character requiring immediate remedy, and to which other classes better situated in life are also con- etantly exposed. It is the want of ventilation in those public buildings in which assemblages of people con- stantly convene in the performance of their civil, reli- gious and political duties. The court rooms of the city are proverbially uphealihy, and many valuable lives have been sacrificed in consequence of the bad air which prevails im them during the transaction of public business. The offices attached w them are equaily liable to objec- tion, and even the churches during a crowded ser- vice are aimost insufferable from the heat and im- purity of the internal air. These remarks are also especially applicable to many of the school houses of re- cent construction in cities, in which, from the neglect of the known principles of sanitary science, neither good air nor a proper degree of beat can ever be preserved; and ag a neceteary consequence, the health of tho teach: ers and pupiis is Constantly endangered, if not permanent- ly injured. The committee might go further, and state itas their opinion that many of the finest mansions of modern date in the most admired avenues of the metropolis are con- structed without regard to scientific ventilation and the proper introduction of light and heat, Thus the subtle poison of decomposed and unwholesome air is continu- aliy doing its work in the crowded city, characteriziag the generality of its diseases, and piainly Togistering its effects ip our bills of mortality. How far legislation can reach these cases must be left to the wisdom of the Le- gisiature; but there can be no doubt that its action is uot only desirable but necessary in regulating the con- struction of those edifices which are erected for public purposes and at the public expense. Every life that lost in these places is a reproach to a humane and enlightened community, and as science was never more active or certain than now in pointing out what are the demands of health, and what laws affect the prolongation of life and the decrease of human physical intirmilies, We are not left without the requisite knowledge ot the proper measures to be taken to add to the sum of human bappiness. ‘The testimony and appendix to this report will be found to embrace facts and opinions from the most reliable sources open to the committee, and they desire that it should be carefully read and considered. In addition to the professional opinions and intelligent views of the most eminent of the medical practitioners, residing New York, there will be found many valuable suggestions from men distinguished in other branches of knowledge. The vies presented by Dr. D, B. Reid, of Edinburg, tormer! a member of the Health of Towns Commission in Kogiand, are deserving of the highest consideration. In all that re ates to the connection of the physical sciences with civil rcbitecture, there is no higher authority than Ur. Reid, whote lite has been devoted wo the practioal adaptation of the principles of science to the useful arte, and especially to those which affect health and human life. Mr. Egbert L. Viele, a civil aud topographical ongineor of skill and experience, has submitted an interesting statement in regard (0 thé original topographieal forma. von of the island of Manhattan, in view of what he deems the urgent necessity of preserving a system of under draipage 12 connection with the natural water courses, ‘The map which Mr. Viele bas prepared in illustration of these views is admirably designed and executed, and adds force and effect to his suggestions. The committee trust that ‘tatemente of this competent engineer will ro- ceive attention due to the important and little under. stood branch of the subject under notioe. The bill which accompanies this report embraces the general provisions ‘which seem to be rendered necessary to enable the authorities of the city of New York to cor- ie hema evil. Much of their success under any legislation will depend on the spirit in which the daty devolved on them is discharged, and on the vigilauce, ca- pacity and fidelty of the functionaries employed in the work of reform. This subject now deeply agitates the minds of the le of that city, aod public sentiment calis loudly for the adoption of some active and eflicient remedial measures. The committee have discharged their duty in presenting as cancisoly as possiblerthoir views as to the extent of the evil complained of, aud the measures which promise the most immediate and effectual relief. oIt remains for the Legisiature to take such action thereon as in their judgment is demanded by a duo re: gard for the public good. ALBANY, Feb. 3, 1860 AN ACT IN REGARD TO THR PURLIC HRALTM OF TH NEW YORK. The people of the State of New York, roprese tod in Senate and Ansembly, do enact aa follows: — Svotion 1. powers, dulies aad privlleges, except legisla ery oF uve powers, heretofore vested by any existing law of the State of New York in the Board of Heatth in the city of New York, aba’ be verted in the following persons, to wit.— ievt of the Croton eqneduct soard; ith Officer of the port af New York; ‘Abe Commissioner of Health; Resient Physician: Fhe Comptroller of the olty of New York; ‘The Ciry Yuxpector, and ji ‘The Blreet Commissioner; , together. shall be known as the Board of Health of the city ot New York, six of whom shal! be necessary to onnstitnte orum. ee. 2, In addition to the powers and duties now by iaw con ferred upon the Hoard of Health, said Board, sa constituted ip the preceding section, mbail have the general charge vision and administration of the laws reiting to Denith of the city of New York, and duties of Commissioners of Health, f who do Bot receive any compenantidn for otber duties from che city treseury or from the State. or fers for pubile aerviers, shill each receivé the sum of two bucdred and fifty dollars anaual ly, to be paid out of the moneys to be raised ws hereinafter pro vided. bee 3, The Board of Health shall appoint as their chief exe cutive oflcer a mediesl practitioner of akiil_and exporience ‘who shall be the muperinteudent of Public Heaith, who sbali perform aii the duties and possess a)! the authority now pertaining to the (ity Inspeetor, relating to the public bexith and snch other dulles as may te lawfully required of bic b the Board of Health. Said superictendeat of thx Public Healt shaly appotot the health wardens and other sauttary ofeer® and clerks in the burean of Kecords amd Statistica as are now or may hereafter be authorized by law Bec 4. The moneys required for the ordinary expenses and support of the board of Health, and for the aluuinoteatioa of the lawa relating to the public bealth, shall. be Brocited by the Board of Supervisors of the county of New York, upon ext mate and requisition of the Ksourd of nealth, in the manaern provided by law for she raising of funds for the other branches and objects of the city expenditure; and in care the funds 80 raised should be inadequate to meet the exiraoruinary expen- dluresrendered necessary by the prevalence of any epidemic, or infectious disease, or by any other emergency which may threaten the public health, such detictency shall be anpplied dy tbe Common Council of’ said city and they are bereby an Ahorived and directed to ralae \y loun, ip anticipation of the annual tax, such sum or sums as shall be deemed necessary vy the Board of Health to meet such deticlencies under such re gulations and resolutions as apply to the deficiencies contem lated for the support ef schools contsined in gestion 19 ef the tive to Public Bebools in the city of New York ES Bec. 5. The Mayor, Aldermen and Commonaity of the City of New York are hereby authorized and empowered to enact ordinaners for the proper asnitary supervi control of all buildings now or hereafter to be erected Sec. 6. ‘The Superintendent of Pubitc Hea! salary of thousand dollars per annum and such the registration of births and marringes as the Board of Super visors may authorize, and sbali bold his oflice during the plea- sure of the Board of Heaith Sec. 7. The Mayor shall be President of the Board of Health, but in case of bls absence from any regular or adjourn meeting, the Board may choose any sther member to act aa President for the time belng. ‘The soard of Health shail meet at least once a month, and as much ofvener as the sanitary in lereais of the city may require. batra meetings may be called time by the President or by any three members of the ard; but every member must, fn case of such meetings, be personally served with a notice the: absent from the city. Rec. 8. All acts, or parts of acta, fnconsistent with the provi- sions of this act are hereby repealed. Sec. 9, This act ahall take effect immedia American Guard. MASS MEETING OF THE SEVENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. Pursuant to a notification published yesterday morning, the members of the above named regiment congregated en masse in their armory, at the corner of Grand and Centre streets. Every member had been particularly re_ quested to be present, for the discussion of the best means and adoption of resolutions to avert a troubie in the camp that appeared ‘looming in the distance.” The members complain that the original principle of their regiment has been invaded, and desire to maintain the principle upon which they first formed themselves into a military body intact and inviolate. By what follows, it will be seen that the indiscriminate amalgamation of foreign citizens with native born Americans, in the classi- fication of the regiment, is the main subject in dispute— the members of the regiment holding the opinion that the Seventy-first is an American corps, and ought to continue 80. The American Guard was organized about five or six years ago, as an “exclusively” American regiment, in principle and membership, and that principle has been carried out, until afew mouths ago, when one of the flank companies (A) was disbanded, and the New York Light Guard—then of the Fifty-fith regiment—trausferred to fill the vacancy. The Light Guard—contrary to the principle of the organization of the regiment, but not of the State law—brought in several foreigners.’ The ma- jority of the regiment regard the innovation ina very inimical light. ‘The meeting was called to order by the nomination of J. W. T. Van Riper to the chair. The CuarRMaN briefly rewurned thanks for the honor which had been done him in calling him to the chair, ‘They had met there that evening with different views and feelings, but he knew that there was one subject on which they were all agreed, and that was a desire for the pro- frees and advancement of the Seventy first regiment. it would depend entirely upon their own actions Whe ther the regiment should go forward or ina retrograde movement. Union was necessary if they intended to preserve the American character of the regiment. Tneir enemies—and their name is legion—had thought that their meeting together ‘would tend to injure their organization ; but he believed that the effect would be exactly contrary, and that their future would be made harmonious from the fact of their meeting and exchanging their ideas. Mr. A. S. Bodine was elected Secretary; and Messrs. Tompkins, Bogert, Wilson, Wallace, Naylor, Post, and Hall, Vice Presidents. Mr. Patrey wished know if the Chairman was a mem- ber of Company B? Coarmmax—Yes, PaTrEN—An active member ? CuairMax—None of your business. (Cheers.) Mr. Patten said he was as good a member of the Seven- ty-first as any man, and thought he had a right to put the question. The matter, which caused a little excitement, passed off quietly. The following preample and resolutions were then read, and adopted by acclamation :-— Whereas, foreign born citizens have been recently admitted into the ranks of our regiment, wwereby destroying the nation- ality of the American Guard, and feeling desirous of presery- ing the same In its pristine vigor and purity; therefore, esolved, ‘Ibat we, the members’ of the regiment bere as. todo everstning within sembied, do bereby pledge oursely our power to preserve the American nationality of the regi- ment. Resolved, That we, members of the regiment, will net belong to the regiment any longer than circumstances will compel us to, unless some measures are taken by those fa authority to prevent the admission of foreign born citizens in our ranks. + “Resolved, That understanding as we did from Col. Voabur thatthe company recently admitted into the regiment would admit none but native born Americans, the members of the regiment have beeu deceived in this 3 esolved, That we would desire a statement ‘rom Captain Gariand in regard to whether Col. Vosburgh stated anything to him before his company was admitied in the regiment wu re gard to the nationality of the regiment, aud whether there was any understanding that he was{o sdmit none but native bora mericans. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be signed by the chairman and secretary of this meeting, and sent to the soard of Gilicers of the regiment, and also a copy to each company in the regiment. Several of the members were then loudly called on to address the meeting. ‘ Private WaLLack offered afew remarks, professing his determination to maintain the American character of the regiment. Lieut. Stong followed in the same strain, observing that an effort was’being made to break down the American character of the regiment, but he hoped that every mem- ‘ber would be firm to the backbone in keeping up the na- tionality of the corps. Lieut. TRAFFORD did not intend to speak much, but he was ready toact. ‘Tbe regiment was American, and one thing + they could rely on—an American ‘eeling still exist- ed in the eountry. A Voicr—Thank God for that. Lieut. Trarrorp—A feeling and union still sufficient to maintain an American regiment— A Voice—That’s 80, Lieut. Trarroxp—And if not, at least in having our first division exclusively American. (Cheers.) Capt. Mrscuort had little toadd. He would remain with the regiment go long as it continued American, and no longer. When it lost that principle, it would sink to tae lowest depth. He offered the following resolutions, which were adopted, nemine 2 ‘Whereas, the Seventy first regiment of the New York State militia was formed with the express purpose of baving an_en Urely American military corps tn the First division of the New York Sate militia; aad whereas, we have chosen a8 our re- ut hone but ame or ; ser nner to the breeze with no feelings of disrespect 10 thoes of our fellow soldiers who may happen to be of foreign birtn, dnt ina spirit of generous rivalry—baving emerged trom ob | gcurity and achieved a name in the annals of our military his the consciousness of Witch glows brighter and warmer ia Our bosoms from the pasi—nos that we ave betier, but ameri- can soldiers; be it thereiore Resolved, That we do pot deem it proseriptive | to adhere tenactously to the spirit’ and —fondamental nization, but an aggravated tnsnit tof tbat moto, so full of ui “tied men's soul4,” and of hm whose Farewell Address contirmed the seatinent as his own; and that we denounce with the highest indignation the efforts of any individual or combination of incividuals among us who, for their own selfish advancement, seek 1 mieapply the influence they bave obtained at our hans, Kesolved. That the several companies of the Seventy-first regiment do not admit hereaiter aby memoers in their cox. pany but native born citizens. Capt. Marzuer had seen the rise of the regiment, aud was ready to fall with it, if it must fall, It could be no- thing else than American. Staff Officer Caxson mado a lengthy speech, epholding the American character of the regiment, but deprecating too hasty proceedings. Mr. De Noyes went hand and goul in the matter, and to BURR! the ‘nevoctations, of would support nething but the origuiai organization, Private Wattace made an ultra Awerican speech, a which Col. Vosburgh was not over leaiently bandied. He also read a lengthy protest against the admission of io- reigners. cut. Moor® would stand by the regiment as an Ameri- can organization and no longer. He was about one of tie oldest members in the corps. He disapproved of the su- perior officers trying to beard the privates, Mr, Jxvaincs, of company A, was loudly called for, and on appearing, said tbat his company had already been condemned without a hearing, and feeling that he stood before the meeting as & condemned man, be could not al. dress them, though he had enough to say to ovcupy thom an hour, Tie thought the proceedings bad been too hasty , and thai meeting should have been first called by ue proper authorities. Three cheers and a tiger wore given for company A, after which several other addreaves wore delivered. ‘The meeting separated with the hope that harmony wiil svon be restored, PRICE TWO CENTS. THE USURY LAWS—NEW OBSERVATORY, ETC., BTC. The Chamber held their regular monthly - esting yes- terday afternoon—Peletiah Perit in the chair, Mr. Joun H. BrowxR moved a suspension of the rules, toenabie him to introduce an amendment to the by-laws of the Chamber. The motion prevailed. He proposed to strike out the word ‘‘ ballot,” and insert ‘ voted for” — the vote to be viva voce, unless the person nominated is objected to, and then the vote shall be by ballot. Drrvystex Ocpon opposed the adoption of the amend- ment, for various reagong. The ballot viea voce would be weil enough under some circumstances, but got in the Chamber. The Present suggested that the phraseology be changed so as to read by “viva voce, unless a should be called for.” C. H. Mansmatt favored the President’s . After alengtby and unimportant discussion the subject woe laid over until the next meeting. The Chamber went into an elecuoa for new members, when the following named gentlemen were eiecied:— Edward G. Howe, W. H. Merrill, Cornelius S. Jobnson Jobo W. Brown, James B. Johnson, James Mclean Widiam P. Hall,’ Abram J. Dovale, Ehott C. Cowdin, W B. Barber, D. Golden Murray, Thomas Sparr Whitman Stewart Biown was unanimously elected a member 0° the Committee on arbitration. the Commnttee on Collisions at Sea reported progress. CaLep Baksrow, from the Commitvee on the Usary Lawa, staied that the Chamber regarded as important a re- pealof the Usury laws, 80 a8 to remove the unnecessary restraints upon the babks, and read a copy of the memo- rial tobe sent to the Legislature, asking for their repeal. He said the merchants of New York bad two representa- lives in the Senate and two in the Assembly, who were Sanguine of prosecuting the case to @ success. They were anxious to bear from the Chamber. Dervyetek OkDEN thougbt that if a modification was all that was asked they could get what they wanted, ve- cause be understood from authority tbat the bouds and mortgages Were SO intimately connected with the usury Jaws that a modification not to include them was all tat could be expected from the Legisiature. Mr. Barstow thougut Mr. Ogden very mach mistaken in bis coucturion, but he was entitled to bis opin Ho ved the merchants of New York were in fuvor of a ing and total repeai of the existing usury laws, Ha Was in the Senate when Governor Morgan was there, who. asked for a bill to in Paper etsix months, and shu out bapks entirely, and this should be re-enacted after a short time. The report was adopted, and the memorial was ordered to be sent to both branches of the Legislature. Martuew F, Mackay, Chairman of the Committee on the Observatory, said, that his ittee was appointed two years go, aud were not discharged yet, The question is eball there be an Observatory? It was originally proposed that the new building sbould be erected ou the Battery, proviced the money could be obtained by the Chamber. ‘That matter was laid before the Committee on Arta and Sciences of the Common Council in 1857. Nothing has been heard from that committee since, and from that ume he was unable to give any further consi- deration to the subject, in cousequence of an injury to one of his hands. The crisis came; in consequence of that, and alsofrom the fact that the work of enlarging the Battery was suspenced, and the site for the observa- tory Lot being flied up, bis committee did not renew their petition to the Common Council. He believed, however, thatthe Common Council and others were in favor of locating the observatory in the Central Park, to be placed under the control of the cily authorities. This mode of disposing of its governmeut the committee did not ap- prove of, they deemed it inexpedient. The institution was especially designed for the benefit of underwriters and merchants, and should be under their control. It is deemed inexpedient to locate the observatory in the Cen- tral Park; this is the opinion of those who have considered the subject. He therefore offered the following resolu- thon Resolved, That a committee of nine be appointed to institute the question, and thst they be authorized, if they thins it ex- Pedlent 0 nominate trustees, to be coxtirined vy the Chem- r, to Cratt an act of incorporation to the aeneral law, to be submitted to the « amber for their approval, apd algo, if they think deairabie, to open books for subscriptions not wo exceed ‘$40,000, to erect an observatory, upon conaition that they ob- tain from the Common Council a lease of @ suitable site on the Battery at a nominal rent. Davip Osprey eaid that the Common Council bad no right to make the proposed graut. The Battery wae a gilt from the State to the city, to be used for the benetit of the citizens forever. He, a8 « property holder on State Street, Would oppose the erection of anything that would obstruct the river view. Mr. Macny thought the question as to right or title was a subject for the Common Council to dispose of, and not the Chamber. D. H. MARSHALL said the object desired in the erection of an observatory, is to have a place to rate chronometers. ‘There was bo way of ascertaining the longitude of ships except by these instruments, on a plan similar to the observatory in Liverpool. He’ was in favor of locating it on the Battery, because they could not do any better. He was in favor of the proposed Central Park observatory, but did not think that object could be reached. New York, as the great commerciai mart of the United States, should bave #n institution unsurpassed by any in the world; for by it Bavigation could be improved. That beautiful stu¢y of astronomy, which ,was taught to him in early life, has been aimast’ abandoned; and he did not know a captain of a merchant vessel that could determine the longituce of a ship by the stars—that was not the case in bis day. Indeed, Commodore Perry had told him that not a single lunar observation had been taken on bis way to Japan. Heconsidered that nautical science had deterio- rated yery much within the last twenty-five years. This interesting science should be more earnestly cultivated, and made as perfect as possible. 1 PRESIDENT stated that $17,000 had been raised towards the desired object. The report was accepted, the resointion adopted, and the following named gentlemen 4) inted on the commit- twe:—Matthew Mauray, R. L. Taylor, A. A. Low, T. M. FrencbyL. Burwith, Royal Phelps, f. Dehon, €. i! Mar- shail and A. Norrie. ProsreR M. Werworr brought up the subject of the condition of the resources of the Chamber, and introduced a resolution authorizing the Executive Committe, if they deemed it expedient, to employ an agent to solicit mer- chants to become members of the Chamber. After a lengthy discussion the res»lution was adopted. The Board then adjourned. . . Board of Aldermen, This Board met last evening, President McSpedon in the chair. COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR ON CITY RAILROADS, The Mayor sent in a communication on the subject of the bills lately introduced into the Legislature in relation to the construction of various railroads in the city of New York. The Mayor considers the passage ef bile of this kind, without the consent or request of the Common Council, exceedingly objectionable, as they affect local in- terests and confer valuable privileges without an oppor- tunity for competition. The Mayor is of opinion that the Common Council are better judges of the expediency and desirability of such roads than the Legislature can be. The right of constructing and running city raiiroads should be advertised and sold at auction, in the same manner that the ferry grants are now disposed of, The grants now before the Legislature are valuable, and if sold at auction would yield @ large revenue w the city. The Mayor also thinks that if the contracts for the ferries and the franchises thereof ure watched with such jealous care by the city authorities, the city railroads should receive the same care and lation. The Mayor suggests that the Board of Aldermen instruct the Corporation Counsel to memoralize the Legislature re- spectfully, protesting in bebaif of the municipal authorities of this city against the passage of any laws authorizing grants for the construction of railroads through any of the streets or avenues of the city, unless the Common Council shall first ask for the passage of such laws. fhe communication was referred to the Committee on Rail- roade. VETO FROM THE MAYOR ON PAYMENT OF THR MEMBERS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL. Another message was received, vetoing the resohition of the Common Council calling on the Counsel to the Cor- poration to memorialise the Legislature for an amendment to the charter so a8 to enable the members of the Com- mon Council to receive salaries. The paper was read and iaid on the table. Abother message was received, vetoing the resolution to fitup the Comptrolier’s office without a contract. The Mayor objects to such work at present, as illegal, on count of the tax levy not baviog passed, Laid oa the table and ordered to be printed. ‘THR CITY ENSPECTOR’S DEPARTMENT. Alderman Bote presented a regolution, to the effect that the City luspector be directed to advertise for contracts for cleaning streets, Alderman ADAMS opposed the resolution. They bad no City Inapector, thoagh there was a man wbo usurped that The committee who bac the question of the office of the City lespector had re fo report, and he in- tended to-night to resign from that committee, Alderman PECK said that an office aever dies, and he re- cognized Mr. Morton ax City Inspector until another is le- gnily appented. This position Was sustained by the Cor poration Counsel. ‘Tne rerolution was adopted,by a voto of 10 to 3. Alderman Apams asked to be excused from attending the epecial comm Mee on the City Lespectorsbip. His re- signation was accepted, and Alderman Taomey was ap pointed in his place. WASHINGTON’S RIRTHDAY. A resolution to appropriate $2,100 for the eelebration of Washington's birthday, wag lost for want of a constitu ional vote, 7 to 6. matter will be bronght up as the majority of the members voted against it as thought the eum too email for the occasion. THK TAX LEVY AM AMENDED. The tax levy, as amended by the Board of Councilmen, was called up, Ahterman Peck moved that this Board adhere to their former action, and that a committee of conferences he ap- pointed to meet the Committee of the Board of Councilmen on the matter. Alderman Beavy moved to lay it on the table and print it, Alderman Owxw said that the Couneiimen had rome very great alterations, and he seconded the for an appointment of a committes of conferencs. Alderman Boos and Alderman Tvommy were in favor of having it printed in the minutes. Alderman Apams moved that the amendments made by the Councilmen be read. Carried, The amendments (as already published) were then avout to be read, when, On motion of Aldertian Peek, the bed was suapend- ed and the printing of the minutes ordccad, Adjourned W dimuay,