The New York Herald Newspaper, January 6, 1862, Page 2

6 2 WEW YORK STATE GOVERNMENT. The Executive, Judicial and Legislative We 1—Geor, |. Taylor, U. D. oH. Nober, U. B. Officers of the _ State. 2—Pbilp H, Neder, 5 Ww . Political Glasnieation of the nt ee iter oth wp wmaker Thinphins: tt Depew, U. ode Bara Cornell, U. R. son a. y Legislation Proposed for the Bailroads, Canals, Banks, Insurance Companies and the Militia. Sifu raps bicae s luis of repubiican ‘antecedon =x Three Million Loan and the waa arepenie Antecedents a « National Crisis. i : re wected oa di ‘or AMENDMENTS T0 THE STATE CONSTITUTION. Commander indie aga see Adie dena ian Scot, Danan Campbel Our Municipal A@airs to be Turned Upside Connmisenry Genera General —Brg, Gan. Ben H. Wels, J Down—Amendment of the City Charter— Sale of West Washington Harket, Hamil- ton Square and Water Street Preper- City. Ghamberiain—Opening of Aids-de. ot. & D, pa» Streete—Swill Milk, Baggage Military Secretary. A ‘Bis and Other Jobs. THE FUDICTARY. Northern Diatriot— i. Hal, Amerioaa. Southern District Semel Nelson,’ democrat. ANTICIPATED. BROADWAY RAILROAD EXCITEMENT. sume. Selden, deer emer c. Dat Wis, republican. William B. Wright, Caion and republicag. In addition to the above there are four side judges chosen from those who hold positions as judges of the OUR ANNUAL MESSA é E,, | Supreme Court. Tho judges who will ovenpy that position pss ae a this your are the four judges in the odd numbered judi- ) Comey eg - -cial districts whose term of office has drawn nearest to its close, as follows -— ‘The Legislature of the State of New York, by virtue of | First District—Josiah bp ached democrat. constitutional provision, assembles in Albany on the ove Stopes tk id, American. fest Tosnday in daouary cf ach yar. The inmmnakers | EAU DSle Willan ¥en: democrat this year will, ‘therefore, moet to-morrow, the Tth Pit Me toy Soe ee ae Ruceday inthe month. | the Siato is divided into eight Judicial districts. ‘The pon see maneh, foclieg ie ccttata {0 | Now York City district has five judges, and the balance praises much feeling is exhibited by | four each. One justice is elecied in each district every ‘the conservative men of: the State in regard to the alfernate year—i863, 1865, 1867, &c. Sit , 1867, oourse that the leading republicans will take. It will be | District 4.——Josiah Sutherland, democrat remembered that the republicans, during the last canvass, Daniel P. In; rabaun , democrat dvooated dropping'’all party questions and rallying upon Witltam H. Leonard, democrat. tbe issue" of sustaining the administration. Under this Seman JE ean Seemann ‘wppeal they succeeded in securing the election of a ma” } pistrict 2—James Emott, republican. jority, in both branches, of republican antecedents; but | John W. Brown, democrat. ‘an effort is now being made to foree them {nto a straight xaos WY, Scream, democrat. copublican caucus, and drive ‘off tho thirty.odd mem- ge D wers elected as Union men having democratic ante- REVIVAL OF THE QUARANTINE WARFARE. Jo District 8. — Sets Gould, Americap. cédents, the object being to commit those of repub- Halas W. Theodore Miller, democrat. figan autecedents to an ant!-administration Policy, | District 4—Enoch H. Rosekrana, American, eal in favor of the Fremont, Sumner & Company emanct: pe erg Rea erelll of the eteves “programme, ta ope ‘Anaziah B. James, republican. thereby of forcing the President and his advisers from | pistrict 5. .— William F. Atien, democrat. tho conservative and constitutional stand that he has 90 i — Mullin, republican. smanfully taken‘and has thus far held out to the bitter ROY, , Fepablicas. oh. “Thé‘organization of the Legislature of this State, | pistrict a tein Ban ropa therefore, has become an important and vital question. m. W. !, republican, ‘The following is the list of the ofciats of the State go- snes eam Ca erpeeewrem: District 1.—E. Darwin Stnith, democrat. A. aeeeee republican, Addison 8. Kune, republican. |, Henry Woile:, Ls yy po District 8.—Richard-P. Marvin, American. ‘Noah Davis, Jr., ropubiican. Martin Grover, fopublican James G. Hoyt, republican. THE CANALS. «THR CANAL ROARD AND 108 DUTIRS. This Board consisis of the Lieutenant Governor, Sec state i State Prison Inspectors... David P. Forest, republican. retary of State, Comptroller, Treasucer, Attorney fren ‘3 Tarn gd Genera}, State Engineer and Surveyor, together with Superinten’t Bank’g Dept Seay HV van ipdanenina: the three Canal Commissioners, as follows Superinten’t Pub. Instruc. Vs vert Campbell. Superinten’t Ins. Dept. Horatio Ballard see wanat Appr: Lacius Robinson Williata B. Lewit » Tepublican. Thomas B. Carroll, Tepublican. | Daniel S.-Dickinsou. THR LEGISLATURE. William B. Taylor. William J. Ski William W. Wright. FA. Alborger.... ‘DITOR CANAL DEPARTMENT. al Nathaniel 8. Benton.......... Ropfblican. CONTRACTING BOARD. ‘The State Engineer, Auditor of the Canal Department and the three Canal Commissioners comprise this Board, as follows:— William B - Union. (2 —Ralph Richards Uehan eane wien wae “Democrat.” i crat. (3—John ¥. L. Prayn.. Denmocreee Hea: | Wittam W. Wright. Democrat, \4—Joseph H. Ramsey. Union Republican. | F. A. Aiberger.... see eeUnion. .5—John Willard... -Union Democrat. SHE COMMISSIONERS OF THE CANAL FUND a ~~ open +-Cnlon Republican. | consist of the Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of States {$—James A. Bell... Comptroller, Treasurer aud Attorney General as follows: 9—Alecunder B. Baile; - Republican: n—Richara K. = 3—Henry A. Clark. Danie! S. Dickinson. They beve ful! contro! of the canal fundand cana} ’6—Charies J. debt. pose an ‘The Canal Board ta in session during the sitting of the Legislature, and such other periods he year us they W—Wilkes Angell may decide upow themselves. This Board establishes the 1—John rate of toll, appoints (he censi officers, regulates the ca- ac aomy nals, remits penalties, hears and determines appeals from | Straight Repub the awards of the cans appraisers, and numerous other | Juion Republi duties. public works of the State, the construction of new canals, and the superinteadence of the repairs of the completed canals. The duties of the Commissioners are mainly di vided in sections. Commissioner Skinner has charge of the eastern division of the Erie Canal, from Albany to the Oneida Lake Cana), the Champlain Canal andthe oa vt Ae re and "en is sei Black River Canal. Commissioner Wright, elected 1—t 1a, recone R, last fall for the short term, will have charge of the middle division, comprising all that portion of the Frie Canal from Oneida Lake to the eastern boundary of Wayne county, also the Owego, Cayuga, Seneca and Che. pavgo Canals, while Commissioner Alberger, who was also elected last November, wil) have charge of the western division of the Erie Canal, extending from the east line of Wayne county to Lake Erie, together with the Gene- see Valley Canal, The two new Commissioners take ebarge of their respective divisiong on the first day of January, the day that all,the State officers elected at the last November election take charge of their different de. partments Shenk, Walls OR Nicholas Newkirk, D: THE LEGISLATURE. It will be seen by a reference to our classitication of the menibers of the Assembly ¢lect that those chosen on 12—Andrew 81 3 sacra G.haee,- oe sinacer Wa ie Union tickets, pledged by the Courentions that nominated 1—Wi idee my Me 15—David £. coogton,D them to support the policy of President Liucoin, com- 2—Smith an 16Dennis MeCabe,U.B. | pose a majority of the House, and can have the organi- aes ‘ry ene uf R. Vi—Pdmand Jones, W. vation their own way, if the divieion is made im that 2—Hen: UR. 1—Chas. M. Schofield,U.R, | form; and should the support of the conservative policy 2-H Avery, U. R. of the President be the test in the organization and the 3—Thos. D. Feniteld, U. D. Tracy Beadle, U. BR. ‘Delaware 4—Jeremiah Sweet, UR. 4 divisjon of the parties, which is the only practical igsue 1—Nelson K. Whoeler, R. of the day, they will, besites their own sixty seven mem- 2—Daniei Waterbury, 8 bers elected on that issue, have the aswivtance and co-ope- 1—Jobn B. Dutcher R. ration of at least one-half of the straight democrats, who 2—Bamund Groen, k. | have already deciared themselves in fator of that policy os well as a number of the conservative etraight repnbli- 1 pane = IS D. ph | ane. On the other hand there « ty six members: P. Gealin, UR 1—Denia thas, n | of republicnn antecedents, or one more (han & majority John ee a dr. D. Nieb. i Dartow, 1, D, of the Honse; and if the effert of the abolition wing of the republican perty i# fuceeseful im getting all of these into # caucus, and driving off the Uniou democrats, they will Owego, 1—Elias Root, R. probably nee the majority obtained under Union professions aw ot bows a D. i to build up the republican party es an emancipation Ben). and arming of the slaves organization—a scheme deplored 1—Leroy F. wo, UD. by all conservative men and every true Union mam. The 2—ComelingA.Chorch U.D. | organization of the Legislature, therefore, becomes aques. Meet” | Sn peue mewenene o coy peadamnanake with grent ®t any period sisce the 1=Ieaag rye * tion of tho ne ecnelietton of ths ieee agen th tests pe A AAS Reheert Seige ef noone in ferer of she suet petit Geo. WH a U. D. weight of ite i vor of the abolit! 3—Wm ver i i en zi A condneting the war, Shall those thirt cae dealin 1a, J. Fnac iv D. id G. Maxon, U. R. | Members elected on the distinet pledge to support the rd ; vent. Waterbury, D. odministration be influenced to yo into a straight repub- q licam caucns, and thus become the medium through which a La 1D, the rabid and anti.administration republicans of the State md P. Jo will build up ® party opposed to the conservative Policy <5 Rega a aa of thePresident? is a question that, in the present cond). be Be HR. | tiom’ of the country, may well attract tho attention 1—Jonn Fatt DL” of every voter of the Siate. aN. M. of UR. The great mass of the people of the State are reposing aa a wp. more confidence in the honor and integrity of the inenm ‘Schoharie. ing Leogisiature than for many yoars; but os far oe the Win, 0, Lamont, 0, | lower house if congerned we fear that this will prove an. ‘The Canal Commissioners have (be genera! charge of the | ttiuston. Several members elected from this oun bon ‘been daily in the habit of boasting, about the Boe, tov ot tey wor ging to man onthe ote and such peraons to come down to keep them still, This does not look very encouraging for the status of our law- makers. There are, however,a number of members of Assembly who are known to be men of marked ability, men of experience and integrity. Such men ag Pringle, Stetson, Ogden, Phelps, Coddington, Bartlett, Emory Da- vis, Waterbury, Andras, Porter, Johnson, Ely, Hulburd, and others that we might mention, will hardly be found giving aid to any of the corrupt schemes, aud will not fail ‘o wield an important influence upon the legislation of the session. But no person conversant with Albany mat- ‘era cam look over the list of members eloct without recognizing @ large number of active lobbymea— men who have had a hand in anything that the could make pay—and if they are actuated by the same motives as members, as it is (ir to suppose from their antecedents that they will, we can have but little hope of honest legislation as far as the lower house is concerned. Of the Senate we have a bet- ter opinion. It is unquestionably compozed of more ability than any Senate that has met in Albany fora number of years. There are men electe’ to that body who have distinguished themselves and earned a good name on the judicial bench, as lawyers, as Congressmen and diplomats, as merchants, and in other businers pur- suits, and cannot fail to wield an important influence in that body, and bring {t nearer to ita true standard, and change that branch of the Legislature from the bear garden that it was during the term of the last Senators: to a dignified body. Of some of the New York Sonators probably the least said the better; but fortunately for the interests of the State there is every prospect of their being ciphers around the Senatorial desk. ‘The public are, however, looking upon those members of both houses who have, through tha earnest solicitations of the masses, entered the legislative arena, to assist im once more placing the wheels of our State government in order, hoping that they will succeed in bringing about a marked change in jogislation at Albany. These members have heretofore belonged to different parties, but have now thrown aside all party predilections, abandoned every partisan preju- dico, ignored the mere politician, and it is to be hoped they will'devote their energics to the best interests of the State and country. We trust that their influence and patriotism will be the means of removing from the Legis- lature the lobby corruption that has go long disgraced the action of both houses. : The heavy taxation that exists now, and stil! heavier ia anticipation, must }evont the Legislature from making any largo donations (6 any of the institutions (hat. under the name of benevolence or charity, ask for asaisiance, or for aiding railroad ©: »rises or onlarging and extend- ing the Stato canais. Tho people will hardiy sanction the imposition of any further burthen other than what is necessary to carry on the State government and assist the nation in putting down the rebellion or demolishing any foreign enemy that may, through our troubles at home, take it into its head to commence » war upon us. The State beggars had better prepare themselves for short allowances this year. THE STATE CANALS. - ‘Tho general supervision of those great State works, the capals, originated by De Witt Clinton, as well as the ma- nagement and disposition of the canal funds, is placed by the constitution under the control of a body of State offi. cers designated as the Canal Board. The law imposes upon the Auditor very important duties and immense fespoasibilities. All the regulations and resolutions adopted by the Canal Board are entristed to this officer, upon whom the greatest responsibility resis, in dealing with forwarders and canal men during the season of navi. gation. All complaints relating Lo tolls, loading. of boate and obstruction of navigation=as far.as avy neglect or witful transaction—are settled by the Auditor. The only place, however, that it isnot judicious for him to occupy— having this duty to perform—is that of a member of th® Contracting Board, which should covaist simply of the Sutveyor and Engineer and Canal Commissioners, whose, _ duties along the lines of the canals give them facilities to know tho wants of the public and the interests of the canals, and render (hem fully competent (o manage and let contracts. The Auditor bas no special canab duties outside of his office in the State Hall, aud the Legislature. j should relieve him from the duties of « member of the | Contracting Board. Now that the enlargement of the Erie Canal is about completed, the Canal Board should commence econemiz- ing the expenses, and thus enable the Siate to receive that benedt which the political advocates of the caual have always told the public they would receive. The greai revenue has been so long coming that there is ® general belief that it will never come. Thereare now a large number of subordinate engineers, clerks and chain dearors under pay whe can be discharged at ouce without apy detriment to the public gatcrests, and if the Board having the power do not exercise it, tliere should be some law passed by the Legislature abolishing al} such super- bumerary offices, in order to siep the immense drain upon the State treasury. : ‘The Frie Canal has brought iu a revenue this s@ason fay beyond that of any previous year since its construction, amounting to about four millions of dollars, or a quarter of a million more ihan ‘has been re- ceived during any other sipgie season of capa! navi tion. The closing of navigation on the Mississipp; by the rebellion go doubt bas had a great deal to do with this, driving, agit bas, the products of the Mississippi valley to the lakes and Atlantic const for a market, as well ag the transport in return of the merchandise and luxu- vies of the far West, that heretofore were brought up the Mississippi from New Orleans. Should the rebellion be ernehed ont this winter, and the father of rivers opened to its legitimate trade, there can be but litle hope of the vame return ip revenue another season from the Evie | Canal; bat, rightly and honestly managed the canals would bring in 4 handsome revenue, vven with the Misnie@ippi opened | to the commerce of the valley. Extensive preparations have been made by (he re- tiring members of the Canal Board in laying out work on the Chenango Canal; but we learn iLat the newly chosen officials have already made their nrrangements to put a apply to the Legislature, and wo shall no doubt see the bill providing for the extension of the Chenango Canal to | the Meyneylvan ia line brought in at an early day of the i LONG 10CKs. | A bul bas twice passed gthe state Senate providing fo, the beilding of what is termed “Long Locks’’ on the Erie stop to the work, and those interested are expected to | Of the country. It is therefore probable that a fear of the Pope veto will prevent thetr making application winter. ‘The directors of the Harlem Railroad, we understand, haye settled the difficulty between them and the milk Producers along the line of this road, by giving them ad- ditional facilities or rather better rates of transportation, which will prevent that measure, eo strenuously urged during the last two sessions, from being again brought up. In adopting that course the managers of the road have given evidence of good sense—for under the old rates a large number of the milk producers were preparing to abandon’ that business, and turn their attention to other departments of agriculture, depriving the railroad of much of its profits on the trans- portation of milk. , PROHIBITING TRAFFIC LN LIQUOK. Tho last Legislature passed @ resolution to submit to ‘he people the question of amending the constitution of the State 20 as to prohibit, by constitutional provision, the salo or use of ali intoxicating liquors. Under the pro- vision of the constitution this bas to be adopted by the Present Legislature before it can be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection. Should a majority Of both houses endorse the resolution of the last session, it will go to the people for their rejection or approval at thé next State election in November next. The liquor dealers Of the State are thoroughly organized, and will resist at every stepevery attempt to secure its endorsement by this Legislature. On the other hand, the temperance ad: vocaies and Maine lawites, encouraged by its adoption by the last Legislature, will meet the agents of the liquor dealers on the threshold of the Capitol, assisted by the strong minded women aud reformers generaliy, and will zealous!y labor to counteract anything that may be done by the friends of the traffic. Backed with criminal sta- tiatics; which they havo been collecting, and with long and romantic stories of the evil and suffering-arising from intemperance, they will battle for the passage of the resolution on the ground that it will’ put am end to drunkenness and imtemperance, and consequently reduce crime and evils im theState. In fact, the same ‘line of ar- gument that was used to secure the passage of the Maine law will be used in favor of this resolution. With the friends of the traffic on the one side, the temperance advo- cates, Maine lawites and strong minded women on the other, we may look for an interesting contest on the liquor question this session: if not in the Legislature, There will be in the lobby and av the hotels. If the con- troversy ends in the adoption of some equitable ex- cise law which can be enforced and will be respected by | those in the trade, the public maybe the gainers. ‘the Tollor is the joint resolution adopted at the tast session — Resolved, That the constitution of the Stale be ameuded aa follows: cathe s fale of intaxtonting liquors as a beverage is be enacted or be in red, and no law ater, ae adoption of this erseodinantysanthorize sock malee nd the Legisiature shall by law presoribe the necessary ives and L penalties for Holation of this provision. foregoing amendment be referred lo the igi to 5 chosen al the general election of Senators, and that, in conformity to section os of article thitteea, of tue constitution, it be published for three montis previone to the time of such election. UNCLAIMED DEPOSITS IN SAVINGS BANKS. The question of unclaimed deposits in savings banks bas been regularly discussed at every session of the Le gislature in Albany fora number of years, and astre- | nuovs effort made to transfer them to the State treasury for the benefit of the State, There are at this moment several millions remaining in those institutions which have for years been there, accumulating interest, and no person calling for the monsy. Theadvocates of the transfer of this fund to the State treasyry urge it upon the ground that the State is the only true guardian, and that ihe fund becomes escheated, the same as real estatefor which there can be found noowner. Heretofore all such ville have been defeated by the savings banks and public, opinion. We learn that the subject will again be brought up during this winter, backed by the argument that the transfer at this time will be agreat advantage to the State, and relieve to agreatextent the burdeus of the tax- payers during the present crisis. The measure under ‘that feature will doubtless have more strongth than it ever vefore porseseed, and there is a fair prospect of its success. 2 EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT. ‘The Legislature will be called upon at an early day of ils session (o choose a pergon to discharge the duties of Superintenceut of Public Instruction, in the place of Mr. Van Dyck, appointed by the Governor Superintendent of the Banking Department. Ever since the adjournment | Of theiast session the Depu‘y Superintendent, Emerson W, Keyes, lias discharged the dutics of Superintendent to the geuéral satisfaction of the friends of common schools throughout the State. He is now strongly urged, by ali who are desirous that the department should be kept out of politics, for the position of Superintendent. But little legislation is expected for that department further than the correction of some apparent inconsistency in the school laws, and condensing and systematizing the differ ent acts in such a manner as to bring them within the comprehension of school trustees and ail connected with the administration of the schoo! laws, from the highest to the lowest officials, There are many conflicting points which can be remedied with littlé trouble, which should be done at an early day, and much of the unnecessary matter should be stricken out, and the Jaws arranged in # simple and comprehensive form. BANKING DEPARTMENT. The suspension of specie payment on the part of the city hanke will make it necesaay y for some legislation fo, the banks of the State, The svspension will no doubt be legalized, and’ a law be passed, authorizing the banks (0 do likewise in @ similar case doring owe national troubles. The present indications are that there will be little or no other legislation asked for by the Banking Depariment. Unless it is the divcovery of some technical obstacle in closing up in- solvent banks, discovered by virtue of the failure of seve- | ral banks in Albany, which it is necessary to have reme- | died to give to the Dillholders, stockholders and de- positors greater security, there will hardly be any other } question demanding degislative action, INSURANCE DEPARTMENT. artment appears to be working tc the general fon of the public and the insurance companies, and no chenge will Ve asked for as far as wecen learn, Several bills were passed at the last session affecting foreign and other insurance companies, and an attempt Will donbiless be made to repeal someof them. There will algo be another eflort made to prevent the organization of apy bow companies with a capital less than a balfa mit. | ion, and giso several other bills willbe urged by special insnrance companies on pointe affecting their individuel interests. Canal, providing that the present Jocks shail be widened and extended go as to admit of the passage of boats of nearly double the length of the present locks. It is urged on the ground that the traffic of the canal will be increas- ed by the admission of a larger ciass of boats, This measure will again be urged this session, accompanied with propositions of private indiyiduals to do the work at their own expense, with the permission of levying cer- tain amounts of tolls on all boats locked through, What its {ate will be time alone can tell. RAILROADS. There is every indication of a lurge wmount of general railroad legislation during (ie sesrion, affecting more or jess every railroad in the State. The warfare on the rail roads bids fair to be renewed with ali (he fiercenens of the famous Pro Rata session of 1500. First and foremost is the scheme to levy tolls on a!) the railroads competing with the canals, This project will be urged on the ground that the expenditure and expenses of conducting the war have and will increase the taxes and burden of the | people to such an extent that it will be uecessary to re- | lieve them, and the advocates of the tol! bill will etrenu- ously urge that measuy@ 8 one to reduce tho taxes of the people. It remains to be seen what strength they will | gather on that plan, which they term a popular policy The contest, look at it in any way, assumes an interest ing ond spicy feature, and we can safely predict that a large portion of the time of the session will be taken up de. baiting apd considering the Dill. ‘Ihe friends of the Sus quehanna Railroad and Chenango Canal extension will doubtless be brought into its support, under the idea of its passage helping their particular measure. THY THREK MILLION WAR APPROPRIATION. We understand that @ porfion of the three millions appropriated by the last Legislature to arm avd oquip thirfy-eight regiments, and placed under the control of the ‘amous Military Board, remains unexpended. The precise amount, however, that remains unexpended we are un’ able to state. It is owing to the constant cave and watch- fulness of: Secretary of State D. . Floyd Jones, Lieuten- ant Governor Campbell, and Comptroller Denniston, that the entire amount, and as much more as could have been obtained, were not absorbéd and turned over to the mercy of the shoddy speoulators. It is reported that Comptro!- Jer Denniston has been preparing a schedule of the expen* ditures for the information of the United States Secretary of the Treasury, who, as soon ag it is made satisfrotory to him, has promised to advance forty per cent of the amount expended. “This will relieve the anxiety of the peoplo, a yotge portion of whom lave had fears that the Legisia. ture would be compelled to levy a tax for the payment of the three millions. The excitement, however) created by sowe of the shoddy contracts of the board has not entirely died out, and we are informed thet a joint fhvestigating committee will Ye proposed at an early day of tho session, to see if {hore really was any fire where (here was eo much amoke. Some rich devel. opements are expected THE STAUR AITO, ® | This will be one of the most important questions of the coming session, aud vue that will need a great deal of Jndgment on the part of the legisiators to secure the paw. sage of proper laws, Our State militia for a numiver of years hos been sadly on tue decline, and, if we ex. -been a regular and systematic remoyalcf power from ments Of militia be formed in thoir place. It would be mant- featly unjust that thoi® regimental districts should be taken from them while they are fighting the battles of Our coumtry; but, ip of rupture with England, it would be necessary “every district should be occu- Pied. . What shall be done in this case will, therefore, be ‘@ question of no minor importance; and it is to be hoped that, if anything is dome, every precaution will be taken to prevent the speculators and eelfiah politicians from converting the militia into @ tool for their special ends, or, in other words, that our militia will be placed on'such a footing that we shall not be called upon to say, as the Canadian preas have of their militia, that its officers ‘are politicians, ignorant of their duty, and the militia @ sedentary organization.” FORTIFICATIONS. It is yet uncertain whether the Legislature will be culled upon to take any action in regard to the fortification of our froutierand harbor. . Congress having that question before them, all depends upon what will be done in the councils at Washington. There are, however, some points which ] will naturally fall under the province of the State authori- ties 60 provide for. ‘We may, therefore, expect some action ou the part of the Legislature upon this now important ‘question. In fact, the great change that the rebellion has brought over this country, turning us from a nation of peace, that knew comparatively little about war, to a warlike Power, will change the whole aspect of logisla- tion, and cango a great dea! of attention to be paid by the Legislature to the sword and bayonet as well as to the more peaceful pursuits of the plough. REDISTRICTING THE STATE IN CONGRESSIONAL DIS- ‘TRICTS. ‘The failure of the last Legislature (o redistrict the State in Congressional districts places that important duty up- on the Legislature of 1862, Thiv will be one of their first duties, and the public may expect the ball to be opened atan carly day of the session. It being a question that every aspirant for Congress is interested in, each being desirous to have his own district aatigfactory, there will be | grand rush to Albany, and all manner of combinations made to secure the prizes. This will prove one of tho most important political questions of the session. RELIGIOUS AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. It has been customary for the State Legislature, when the State finances were in a good condition, to appropri- ate targe sums for institutions under this head, such as the People’s College, Asylum for the Dronkards, religious colleges, &c.; and we dare say that applications will be again made at this session, but will, we imagine, owing to the heavy drains on account of the war, meet with but little encouragement, although pressed. with great pertinacity. LEGISLATION FOR THE CUrY OF NEW YORK. As usual, a large portion of the time of the lawmakers will be taken up on matters relating to the city of New York. The rich placers discovered by past legislative bodies have led to a general crusade against the rights and franchises of the city, and all mannor of jobs gre being cooked vy to be legalized by the Legislature for the bene- ‘At of the speculators, aud, as in the past, there is littie doubt but that our citizens will have great reason to re- joice when the tidings reach them that the one hundred days are up aud the Legislature bas adjourned sine die. ‘The most important legislation for the city will bo the amendment of ; THE CITY CHARTER. . For several years past, and especially during the period that Mayor Wood has been the city executive, there has the hands of the Mayor, and the appointment of special comuissionors, until we are now almost entirely governed by commiscioners. Metropelitan districts are increasing our expenses; complicating the machinery of the city gov- ernment and causing the temoval of responsibility, unti! (the most loose system prevails everywhere, corruption bas become rampant, and thére is nobody to be held responsi- ble. ‘The last Legislature appointed a charter commission todraft and submit to the people an entire new chartor. Only a few of the members appointed ever attended to their duties, leaving the Board almost the entire summer with. outa quorum. Consequently no charter was proposed, and the commission proved ahumbug. A few of the members who were appointed on committee zealously examined tho different departments of the ety governmont for the pur- pose of ascertaining where the defects were and what mid be done to remedy them. They have in this way ob- tained niuch valuable information that will be of great importance to any person er committee that contemplates proposing a charter to be adopted by the ialatuee, A portion of the charter commission will insist%upon the | extension of Lime to another year, for them to prepare a charter, and the lopping off of those members who have not attended to their duty, while others connected with it‘are for preparing a charter to be submitted to the Le- gislature. The latter clags, we understana, are already at work, assisted by persons not connected with the com- mission, preparing a charter to be acted upon at Albany this winter. This charter will-be in the interest of the Mayor elect, and will have in its several provisions some radical chavges, making the Mayor ip reality the head of the government and placing the respon- sibility at bis door, It will either provide for the abolishment ‘of the special commigsions, or else the chairmen or presidents of the boards of commis- signers will form acabinet council for the Mayor, where all their budgets shall be made up. If the Mayor is given sufficient power over this cabinet, them the change will be an improvement over the present system. What the | Legislature will doin the premises, a8 @ matter of course it ts impossible to predict; but one thing may be relied upon—there will be strong lobby in altendance upon this question, affecting, as it will, every department of the cily government. CITY RAILROADS. First and foremost under this Lead comes the famous Broadway Railroad. A desperate effort wili be made to secure the passage of a bill granting the privilege of lay- ing a double track in Broadway. Ever since the attempt of Jacob Sharp and associates to secure the passoge of this grant there has been ® determined and persistent eflort toseegure this prize. The scheme has been aban- doned by Sharp and his associates, and has now been taken up bya new party under the lead of Mr. Ward,a real estate dealer, with the Tribune as his organ, The meastire, under these auspices, has been twice presented to the Legislature and defeated. A groat effort 1s being made to secure its passage during this ses- sion, but with what success time alone cif tell, although tho (viends of the scheme are sanguine that it willbe carried through overall opposition. They will havethis year two other Broadway Railroad bills to contend with— one-eontempilating laying o single track in Broadway, and the return track in Fifth ayenue and along Washington parade ground to Wooster or Sullivan street, and thence to the Battery in some of the streets west of Broadway, ‘The parties interested in this projeot have been at work all summer, and will, it is said, presenta formidable front. The third scheme for a Broadway Railroad is being propared in the shape of an amendment to the charter of one of the present roads. to be presented as a compromise measure, after the fever has reached its height in the controversy between the other two projects, The probabilities are that the contest will rage so bard that eneh will find that bis game is blocked by the other, whereupon a compromise will be effected, and all will unite in one grand effort for the prize, as was the case dur- ing the Gridiron excitement of the session of 1860. The property boiders along Broadway, on (he other band, are Preparing to resist its paseage at every step, and we shall probably have an interesting struggle. ‘There will alo be anotbor effort made to secure the pessage of the bill providing for a railroad in Spring street, over the jine at present run by the omnibuses on that street, croesing the elty nearly at right angles. The pro- perty holders have petitioned for this bill, and it will probably meet with but little opposition, except by the jobbers who desire a fingor in the pie. The Fourth Avenue Railroad parties will also ask forthe orrbction of the error in the bill to open Madison avenue, in order that they may extend their railroad, as provided. by their charter, to the Central Park and other points ap town WEALTH BILL. ‘The eombjnalionof individamls who have fora qumber seni tet conten ‘the City Jnspect- under @ new ame. BEDUCTION OF FEES. ‘There will be a desperate effort made to reduce the foes of the Sheriff, County Clerk and Register. Extensive combinations have aiready been formed both for and against it. Votes have been promised on the election of Speaker to candidates, with the express understanding ‘nat they will oppose the measure. Both Raymond and Alvord are im that category, Genet having formed an ar- rangement with Raymond, and the friends of the now Sheriff elect with Alvord. This bids fair to be an inter- estipg question of theseasion. “SALE OF PROPERTY BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF THR SINKING FUND. There is a large amount of property in this city that was leased during the colonial days, before our Revolu- tionary fathers had cut loose (rom British rule, and at the period when New York was part and parcel of the British dominions, by the authorities of England, to indi. viduals, the leases running ninety-nine and one hundred years, Those leases provided that at the expiration of the term named the title should revert to the Crown of England or its successor, Most of this property is in the lower portion of the city--in Water, South, Fulton and ad- Jacent streets. The leases have now nearly all expired; some of them ran out several years since, one or two ox: pired during 1860; but in the meantime the property has changed bands, been sold and resold, and deeds given at each sale, as though there wae no fault in the title. ‘The leases laying back of all these deeds, the transfers are worthless, for the reason that the original partios holding by virtue of the leases had no right to transfer only their interest in the leases, and not to sell and deed the entire property. A Dill was introduced at the iast session, and passed the lower house, empowering the Commissioners @ the,Sink- ing Fund in all instances.of that kind to settle and.com- pound with amy person or porgons claiming an interest 'n the lands by virtue of purchase upon such terms,aa they (toe commissioners) should deem proper, and trans- fer all the right and interest the Corporation has in the property by virtue of the original leases to the claimants, aud the money received on auch settlement and convey- ance to be placed to the credit of the sinking fund. It also provided for a compensation to any person who would: furnish information in regard to that kind of property’ ‘The bill was defeated in the Senate through the interven- tion of some person interested in the Trinity church pro- porly. There is more property in this city that comes under Liat clasa than is generally supposed. We are in- formed that one lease contains one hundred and eighty lots, now entirely covered with atores, wholesale and re. tail; and, in fact, but few of the old estates of tho city are free from this trregularity of title. Since that period it has Seen ascertained that conside- rable property further up town is in reality held by the city which has been for @ long time held by different in- dividuals, who took possession of it when the old post roads, provided for in the original charter of the city, were closed. This property was taken possession of by persons owning proporty-acjoining the post roads. ‘When tho latter were closed they took possession, and have received rents for it ever since. In. some localities iz is stated that whole blocks are held in that way,which in reality belong to the Corporation. It is reported that thore is in the Aaron Burr estates large amount of: pro perty that belongs to the city, either through the pos ronds or leages, and that the extensive estates of the. As- tore are in the same cate,o:y. . The same may begald o¢ other large estates. Wo understand that @, bill will bs presented this year to cover all these «¢ to take pus” session and dispose of the property. for. }benoftof the sinking fund, Tt will bo seen that this is # ‘big thing”? of itseif. SALE OF HAMILTON SQUARE. ‘Tho heavy expenditure of the city on account of the. war ‘has resulted in a gonoral looking over the property of the city, for the purpose of seeing what canbe sold, under the pretence of rolioving the tax. payers of 8 Portion of their burdens. . There will be bills introduced providing for the sale of Hamilton square and Beyeral other pieces of property, the titles of which yest in the city. Aga general thing it will be fair to suppose that the jobbers will in reality receive more benefit from such transactions than the city; at least that is the result of past transactions, and recent events do not signify any change in that respect. THE WEST WASHINGTON MARKET Property will again be up for Jegislation, This time, how. ever, it will befor the sale of all of that property and for applying the proceeds to the purchase of a market further up town—in reality a sort of preliminary arrangement to the scheme for the city to purchase the Gansevoort pro. perty. The failure of those interested in the latter job to socure its passage th:ough the Common Council wilt doubtless regult in taking the affhir to Albany, at Joast so far as making an effort to secure the passage of a bill au- thorizing the gjty to issue bonds for its purchase CENTRAL PARK RXTENSION. ‘The old scheme for assessing and taking possession of property on the north end ofthe Central Park having been set one sido, another attempt will be made to secure the passage of a bill appointing new commissioners to re- value the property and effect its transfer to the Central “Park. Another effort will be made to abolish the present Board of Central Park Commissioners, and appoint a new Beard, consisting of four pereons. MADE LANDS. ‘There is considerable excitement among property holders along the East river over the land that has been made by the natural filling up and the falling back of the water line, similar to that which took piace at the West Washington market property. A general law will be proposed extending the line of the city to coverall these points, about which conflicting interest between the State and city and property holders wil turn up, CiTY TAX LEVY. This important document, after being arranged by the municipal boards, is sent to Albany for the endorsement of the Legislature, amd it is tho general custom of the jobbers who have been unsuccessful here to make their appearance in the Albany lobby, some for en inur aout items especially in their interest, while o.iers favored by the Ring at the City Hall secure the passage of their special budget at the largest. margin possible, and then go to Albany to have it all rotained. Tuere is oftentimes a gi@at coalest over the items, and requent’y thou: nds cf doilars go into the hands of lobvy- meu who preten! t> rep-esent certain membors for thei® influence. An important item this year will bo that of Corporation printi g and stationery, and it remains to bo seen whether the Legis!atare will logalize the loose mode by which the items under this head are swelled ap by officials sending blanks already signet and allowing the dealer im stationery to fll them up to syit his own taste. OPENING OF STREETS. ‘The last Lagislature appointed committe to infestigate the mode of opening streets in the city. Their investiga- tions, alttough they have not been as thorough as was expocted, yet have discoverod some enormous profits, and ‘will probably result in the introduction of a bill appoint. ing & commiasion to immediately doclare all the streets Rot yet opened as being open. INSPECTORS OF BOILERS, Another effort will be made to secure the, pas, sago of this bili for the official oxamination. of aly steam apparatus used tn the cities of New York and Brooklyn. ‘The bill passed tho Lagisiature of 1960, but was not signod by the Governor, au failed to pagent the last session. CITY CHAMBER. AIN. ‘This question, that formed ono of tho big jobs of the last sovsion, will be again ® subject of «ontro- versy in the legislitive hells, ‘thie time, however, is will be brought pin a vew shape, nd « bill introdaced making tho City Chamberlain a salaried officer, @xing hit salary at $5,000 per avunm, and requiring lim to divide his deposits ant only leave # certain amount in any one ‘venk at a time; also requiring the banks thay receive we deporits to pay interest upon them. ‘This meagure will maize quite ir in some localitios. ‘ BAGGAGE AND CAB BALL, ‘The bills ineorporating the passenger an | baggage cou panies to receive passengers at the railroad depots and ‘The Pro Rata Freight bill will again be revived; but we | cept the city of New York, the organization, such as it presume that the friends of that measure will Gnally has been at the mercy of the speculators and politi. settle down or compromise the matter by urging the Toll eians, and used by them to advance their own ends, La view bill. The pro rata a@vocates are principaily canal for- | of the signe of the timés, and the indications of an out- warders, and any measure that will tend to divert the | break, ® number of~bills wore presented and urged business from the railroads to the canals will be accepta- | during the lat session; Dut most of them bore upon their Die to them, and they will gladly accept the Toll bill asa | (ace an impracticability, and only the bill apprapriating step in that direction if they can do no better, five hundred thousand dollars, to be used im case of ‘The national crisis and the consequent impossibility to | threatened invasion, was passed. ‘The events of the past raise money for new enterprises will cause anothor ap- | nine monthe have shown (ke necessity “of being plication to be made to extend the time forthe comple. | prepared for any emergency, ond it is altogether tion of several ninfinished railroads which have become | probable that Adjutant General Millhovse will recommend, regular visiters at Albany, such as the Lake Ontario and | jo his report, 9, ‘aysicm of thorough reorganization of, Hadson, Aul and Lake, Ontario, and others. the militia, Aoyhtloss of 8 plan combining tho French a0 Wo are unable to say whether the friondg of the Al- | Prussian sysyems. A serious question will ariso at, Dany and Susquehanna Railroad will again ly for aid or | outset a4 whether those regiments of State ¢nilitia fot, Sut Inasmiieh as Governor Morgen has vetoed it on | which have enlisted for the present war, «04 944 now in ert occasions, it cat har’ly be expected that ho wil! | Camp (ermings portion of our grand YA shall lose | We any rote CAPONE fo It OyMer the brasent cond | (hesregimontat d'striote by their absen ml new rewi steamboat andings, also the famous Mptropolitan Cab bill of tho last session, are prepared, to be introdnoed fnto both houses ai tn early hour of the session, aud;will again call to Albany quite a lobby working forand agains» of years past applied regularly to the islagure for tae passage of a bul creating a metropolitan health district of the cities of New York amd Brooklyn are again propar. ing to make another ottempt to secure the passage of “favorive my , Making a general and sweeping them. in the of the sanitary deparimept 6f our CONCERT BALOONS. city gor ‘This dill has been end is Still pushed There has boon of late considerable exciiement over the by republicayy, and there scems to ben beiéf among the | cles of amunements known as the ecm nnn sa. democrat it Will be successful rhis 74ar, anda com. | Hons, apd an effort Will be mare to nboliah them by am bin pu ft democrats has been furefd to present a | st of the areas oi sk ilar in some rr a, ' Wot 80 oxténs } ’ its general palm in pet of foxting | againat false weights and heavy wooden a the Legislature to comprénisn pon Alueir | will azo bo again urged by consumers in this city, we wilt ill if they pass any, ‘This ‘will materially change the | niyo the gonerai fentures of the contest on dhe matfer hom ad | . SWI1, MILK BILL, rect pall for its passage OF its defeat toyé content be. | To prevent tho sale of impure, wlulterated aud Aatanp-tai; jweon two competipa mehsures, The fir.4 named places | 008" milk. BKOISE COMMISSION. Tho failons of this commission to ‘yOSmptien anything ho duties of the City Inspe tor’s “Mice, as woll as | several othet oMe!ale, undar (ho chat te of the now hoaleh