The New York Herald Newspaper, April 19, 1872, Page 5

—— ‘with station nouses or barracks, and n every way to maintain {t, thereby leaving the or and the Ohief of Police responsible exclusively for the good order and service of the entire force whenever called into active duty, REPORTER—Should not the Finance Department of the city adjust, settle and pay the bills of every department and have custody of the vouchers be- Jonging. to each department? YOR HaLL—Certainly, The system of having several treasuries and ‘places for keeping city vouchers is a confusing one and unbusinesslike. RErORTER—Should not each department be bound by the opinion of the Corporation Counsel ¢ Mayor Hatt—Clearly in no other way can homo- gencity of legal action be obtained. As the system Dow exists several departments employ separate counsel, and instances are daily presented to the Mayor of departments ditfering from each other be- cause they are diversely advised by such separate counsel. The opinion of the Law Department should be ordained to control every other one Whenever conflicts arise. RTER—Should not the auditors in the Finance Departinent hold oftice by some other tenure than one derived from the Comptroller ? Mayor Hati—Certainly, and then there could not be collusions easily. REPORTER—Is not the Chamberlain as necessary sanetiose to the city as the Treasurer is to the Mayor Haui—Yes, but he should become some- thing more than a@ mere ministerial paymaster. Every warrant on the city treasury should be drawn to his order, and by him endorsed over after re-examination of vouchers to the order of the per- g0n entitled to it. Such practical countersiguing by the Chamberlain of the warrant drawn by the iptrolier to ay @ bill that has been audited by | Saheiee independent of either Chamberlain or mptrolier would surround the treasury with suiticient Leclg ae Reronver—How about the existing practice of making the Mayor and the clerk of a Board counter- m Warrants ? or HALL—It has been proved to be practically useless. A Mayor who is compelled to sign his name one or two hundred times @ day to warrants pos- Beases time for very little else, and is thereby re- duced to the position of a Comptroller's clerk. In- deed, none of the minor details of city government should be placed upon the Mayor. This officer ought to be left tree to give his whole time and attention to guarding and guiding the general and larger in- terests of the city, and to directing and making Seaeene upon management of details by subor- eB. Piece suggestions about the Board of ei Mayor Har1—It ought to appoint the Health Oficer of the Port and regulate the duties of his ofiice by its proper ordinances, Rerorrer—Docks? Mayor HaLt—The Board of Docks should appoint the Harbor Masters and Port Wardens and regulate wharfages, REPoRTER—Any general ones? Mayor Haui—The Mayor should receive a salary of $25,000 per annum. His oficial and social ex- enses are large. As the salary now exists the ead of the city government must either be a man of large private fortune (as inany incumbents have been) or necessarily sacrifice public time and conus iad ep DTRTaG te ee Let ex: 1 alry by attending hi! ‘sion or falling, ~~ a rarer, pes om ~ Henry Clews, Having galled on Mr. Henry Clews, “the reporter of tho HERALD plunged at &%ice in medias res by ae es Z “What Alo veri think of the passage of the charter through both houses, Mr. Clews ?” Mr, OLEWS—Its first effect will be to restore con- fidence in the men elected on the reform ticket last fall. The purpose for which they were given their seats was unmistakable, but when so much time was wasted in doing nothing of any substantial importance a great many citizens became impa- Ment, and even suspicious, Not a few Guestloned the influenced at work to bring about this long delay, and some even thought, nat the new Legislature was of tatich the fimo charactor &s its predecessor, But now the triumph of the charter restores confidence in the two houses. Reporrer—What will be the effect of the charter ‘upon the reform party ? Mr. CLews—Undoubtedly to strengthen and con- Solidate it. We can now point to an achieved re- sult, and the people, conscious that they have mot given their votes for nothing, and that they have not once again been betrayed, as they were so often in the past, will be animated with new earnestness to carry the victory to its furthest legitimate results and give the city a better government than it has ever had before, and a better one even than any other city in the world now enjoys. REPORTER—You, of course, believe thoroughly in the merits of the charter ? Mr, CLEws—Of course. It may need some mod- ifications, perhaps, to remedy certain defects at resent unforeseen, but substantially I believe it is il of the brightest promise. way ot the REPORTER—And not a violation in an; @emocratic theory of the rule of the majority Mr. CLews—Certainly not. How can it be? The majority will still rule; but the minority will sceure @ just voice in the discussion of affairs, and will not be compelled to go unrepresented altogether. In my opinion the present charter is more in aceord- ance with the republican theory of government than its predecessor. Under the old system it was not the people, but a part of the people, that gov- erned—not even a majority, but a domt- mant faction in a majority. Filty thousand republicans were without any representation what- ever, while 90,000 democrats monopolized all_the representation. That was clearly unfair. Now, under the new régime, if there be only one repull- can to three democrats, corruption will be exposed and denounced, and the people will have a chance to know what is going on. That one republican will act as an honest watchdog over the majority, and no measure can be passed without being ex- poset to the fire of a constant and vigilant criti- m. RerorTeR—It is an interesting experiment, at any rate. ir, CLEws—Yes, and it is an experiment which {gs attracting the attention of the whole world. 1 have no doubt that should this plan succeed, it will soon be adopted in London aud many other large cities, as a satisfactory solution of what has lon; been recognized by statesmen as a very diMcul roblem. I know from private sources the laterest felt in the experiment, in England especially. ReporteR—But was the old charter so very bad? Could not it have been amended so as to run along until the people could demand the present charter? Mr. CLEWs—Perhaps it might have been, but the mere fact that it was passed by the influence of the Ring, and had been the means for covering such an dmmense amount of public villany was enough to oondemn It in the eyes of the people. ReEPoRTER—How about the coming election on the Bist of May ? Mr. CLEws—The reform party have already begun to work hard, andI think we shall again be dect- sively victorious. I, for one, am opposed to the question of party being greatly considered so far as our municipal politics are converned, and would at any time rather vote for a democratic Alderman whom I knew to be honest and true to the interests of the city than for a doubtful republican, And so with the reform party. We shall put out, I hope, a mixed ticket, giving most of the places to demo- crats, as is only just and proper in a democratic city, but taking care that our candidates are men ofthe right stamp. That is the way the Committee of Seventy was made up, and it has beena eee success, Why, there were ouly two dissentients among sixty-cight of us about the charter, and that was in the face of a careful discussion of the instru- ment, section by section, without any hurry or ‘undue haste, so as to make itrepresent the matured sense of the committee. RePoRTER—What will be the effect of the charter financially ? Mr. CLEws—It will at once improve the value of New York city securities and will attract capital to ae a People in Europe will send their mone; here, ifthey can only be sure that it will be well protected by an honest government. Capital, like water, seeks its level, and while it commands six r cent here and four per cent in London it must jow here until the rates are equalized. I look for- ward with confidence to the time when New York will be the financial centre of the world—the safe deposit oa as it were, of the capital of Europe. ’e want =oall the capital we can fet to develop our resources, and there will be no diMficulty about getting it if the work of re- formation is steadily carried through. See how the Erle coup d'état has raised the value of our stocks. And this passage of the charter which invoives, as I believe, the handing over the city formally to an honest government is another step in the same di- rection, REPorTER—But suppose the Governor should veto the bill? Mr. CLEWws—I am not by any means sure that he will do so. I should think not, The volce of the people has been too decided in its favor, Ishould agine, for him to venture to do so, Thope that bo ee hot, and that he will respect the popular ‘What Mr. Simon Sterne Thinks. Certainly no man in this city is better capable of expressing an opinion on the charter and its effect upon the future government of our city than is Mr. Simon Sterne, He has made political economy his life study, and has written extensively and lectured not a little upon the subject, and, moreover, he has had a very large hand in drafting the new charter and in procuring {ts passage by the Legislature, As soon as he had seen it fairly on its passage yes- terday morning he left Albany for his home in this city, and before he had had time to rest a HERALD representative was on his track seeking informa- tion concerning the now engrossing subject in the mind of this community. Mr. Sterne appeared to be very sanguine of the success of the principles in- volved in this charter. The great point rained by it will be the breaking up of rings of all sortg which may now exist for the purpose of defrauding the people and spending the public money and for Een the organization. of such rings in the ure, It docs away with the culling of the pro- NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 1872.—rRIPLE SHEET. fessional politician, and gives the humblest citizen an equal Rhance with his more astute neighbor in electing our municipal rulers. THE PRINCIPLE OF CUMULATIVE VOTING has been tried in England, and found to work very satisfactorily. It has been opposed there as well as here by the politicians, who saw and realized that it wrested power from them and gave it to the people to whom it belonged. There will be no more chance for repwating or false counting under it than has existed under the present and former charters, and lessifa strict registry law is passed and enforced. It must insure an honest city government be- cause there will be too many honest and good men in the Board of Aldermen and in the several depart- ments to admit of a diiierent result. The charter has passed the Legislature substantially as it was presented by the Committee of Seventy. They fa- vored the appointment of THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY by the Mayor and Aldermen rather than by the Marine Court Judges, and this provision has been retained, They did not asx for the retention of Mr. Green or Mr, Van Nort nor of any other man now in office, and every city official, from the highest to the lowest, must go out under the new charter and take his chance of are-vlection, It is not deemed probable that many, if any, of the pre- Seng sideumanio incumbents Will be’ returned to jee. In regard to the short time which must elapse between this and the date fixed for the election under the new charter, Mr. Stein thonght that the citizens and the Seventy had the advantage over the politicians in thelr superior knowledge of the workings of the new system. Although the Committee of Seventy have not yet decided what course to pursue to se the fruits of the election next month, it is bel that they will work through the ward councils of political reform and the different German reform organizations in the city. It is believed that a con- vention of those organizations will be called within @ week to nominate candidates for tle several city offices and to take such other action in the pre- mises as may be desirable. Thomas ©. Acton’s Views. No public man in this city, perhaps, has done so much to procure an honest and eilicient adminis- tration of government among us as Thomas 0. Acton, ex-Police Commissioner. He has been ac- tively, though quietly, engaged in city reform dur- ing the past year and has hailed with supreme sat- isfaction the overthrow of the Tammany Ring. His views, therefore, deserve weight. Speaking, of course, from imperfect information in regard to the city charter passed yesterday by the Legis- lature, he expressed himself satisfied in some sense with the charter. He considers it at best but an experiment. The principle involved has worked well in other places, and may also answer for this city, 4 Will not this enmulative voting clause give ample COpaRFULALY, for fraud in the country? the reporter ked, Mr, Actox—I don’t know; we can’t be worse off in this regard than we were before. They always counted to suit themselves, And this wil give a chance to some minorities to be represented. Being questioned in regard to Messrs. Green and 1 a Nort standing a chance among the candidates fcp yaalection “Cr stwotntment to thelr Tespective oMices, Mr. Acton thought it was perhaps wid best thing that could be done to help the passage of the charter. The abolishment of the Departinent of Docks he did not deem to be of any particular importance at present, and the appointment of the Committee of Public Safety by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen he thought was preferable to having them appointed by the courts, as at first suggested. But, of couise, in an experiment lke this experi- ence Will suggést modifications, improvements and amendments, which can be made gr added at ua future time. The charter as passed allows & Com- paratively brief period for preparation before the election, and the rival parties and organizations will Lye to set themselves at work immediately. ThE Union League Club on the Charter. The Union League Club presented last evening an animated appearance, as various groups scattered around its spacious reading room and parlors dis, cussed the new charter and the future candidates for Mayor. Opinions were 8 numerous as the members. As an_ entirety the char- ter gave general satisfaction, but in its details no man accepted it unconditionally The Heratp reporter found a general expression of disappointment at the police clause, as the re- publicans seemed as though they would rather have had it remain as in the original draft of the charter, Then Judge Sedgwick, who is a republican, and Judge Curtis, who is a moderate democrat, would have nominated, whereas in the appointment by the Board of Aldermen of the commissioners, by the cumulative system of voting, the republicans cannot expect to have more than two out ofsix, With this exception there was a general sense of gratification at the happy passage of the charter, but a8 the contest was not close with the opponents, of course no great exultation was felt, and the “Union League” could afford to take the matter as calmly as if the passage had been a fore- gone conclusion. The subject that most interested the quidnuncs and politicians were the probable CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR. This is a question on which there 1s a considera- ble difference of opinion. ‘The older members are ia faypr of having as their candidate Mr. Have- meyef, whose wealth, experience and public spirit- edness were thought to render him peculiarly adapted for so ee and honorable a position as that of Chief Magistrate of a great commercial metropolis, which many think should have more of its public offices filled by merchants, who under- stand the requirements of the he and having lary interests at stake, would naturally be assiduous in advocating and projecting schemes for its political purity, commercial and social welfare. Business men brought up and accustomed to exact habits would make better executive officers. On the other hand, Mr. Havemeyer was objected to on account of his being chairman of the Committee of Seventy, and if he were nominated for Mayor it would look ts the committee meant to monopolize all the oilices. A COMPROMISE CANDIDATE, The liberals were in favor of discarding Mr. Haye- meyer for Colonel Stebbins, as they thought the former gentleman was somewhat supcranuated for an ofice ba hnelat | considerable physical exertion, and, in reorganizing a demoralized city gov- ernment, much unremitting attention. “Again, Colonel Stebbins represents both sides, and is an ecclectic in politics, not being trammelled by party ties. He is not holding an office in the Committee of Seventy, and the objection to Mr. Havemeyer, in his case would not prevail. The Colonel understands the charter, having suggested many of its clauses, and would be able to carry it out thoroughly, whereas a person not familiar with its intentions would come into the pean, chair as an appren- tice, and while he is learning the business of adapt- ing the new regulations to the departments much valuable time would necessarily be lost. The Colo- nel was personally very popular and his record clear and public spirited. These are the qualifications of the rival candi- dates of the Union League Club as expressed by the surface babbling element, But underneath this froth there i3 a strong, deep undercurrent for a gentleman, whose name at present is only whia- pered. Some of the strongest men of this divided litical element would like to have Mr. William E. odge as their candidate should he consent to run, and there is considerable caucussing to induce him tocome to the front, but the shrewder members deein it advisable to keep him in the background for the present. Little interest is taken in the elec- tion for Aldermen as yet, but during the Madge | Mr. Jackson Schultz's name was mentioned, and that gentleman is considered to be a republican candidate for the office. At the Blossom Club. There was a small attendance at the Blossom Club, in Fifth avenue, last evening, on account of the inclemency of the weather, but a number of the most active and earnest of the politicians of the democratic party assembled to discuss the probable effect the passage of the char- ter would heve upon the future of the party in the city. Ex-Speaker Hitchman, Guy Schaeffer, T. Goldin and a number of other ofMiccholders and ex-ofilecholders freely expressed their opinions, which, ina great measure, reflectet the feeling of their section of the party. Instead of the despondency which would natur- ally be expected to prevail with men who are about to be OUSTED FROM OFFICE, those present manifested the greatest good humor, joking each other about packing up their baggage and departing to regions unknown after the elec- tions In May, provided they take place. The ab- sorbing tople in the minds of all was the probable course the Governor would take with regard to the measure, Mr. Hitchman said that in view of THE GOVERNOR BEING A LIFELONG DEMOCRAT and stanch supporter of his party, he could not pos- sibly sanction a bill which was in dead antagonism with the principles which all true members of the democratic party hold so dear. By doing so he would forfeit the esteem of his strongest supporters and seriously damage his future prospects in the State if ever he should again appear as"a candidate for office, when the excitement that has prevailed since the November election has blown over and the demo- cratic party has become thoroughly reorganized and reformed. Mr. Shaeffer took a different view. He main- tained that every provision of the bill just passed was foreshadowed in the annual message of the Governor at the opening of the Legislature, and that a careful observer wonld detect the same hand as having drawn up both measures; that he has worked with the Comuittve of Seventy all through, and there ts not the slightest possibility of him vetoing a we which fe has tacitly sup- ported all THE GENERAL FEELING in the clubs was that he would not hazard his reputation by sanctioning the measure and that Mr. Schaefer's views were erroneous. The provisions of the bill were one by one dis- sected and commented upon, and some of them were strongly disapproved of, particularly the clause providi for a. committee of five to control the finances of the city, which was pronounced to eo 8 glaring anomaly, unparaiieled in the history of civilized nations and municipal govern- ment. The United States has its Secretary of the Treasury, Great Britain its @hancelior of the Ex- cheque; but here the power was vested in the hands of ® number of men who could not be supposed to ree on all points, and their disagreement would be fraught with the gravest consequences to the welfare and prosperity of the city, Then there is no mention of a supreme head which is to sanction their acts— everything is left in the loosest and most irrepres- sible manner, THE POOR ALDERMEN. The Board of Aldermen are to be rendered almost owerless; a ton of coal or a ball of twine cannot purchased without the sanction of this board of five, a procedure which must cause a vast amount red,tapeism and delay, and the interests of the city must inevitably suffer while the Board makes up its mind whether it will sanction or disapprove the resolutions of the Aldermen. ‘The Sppelatment to ollices in the city govern- ment and the removal of the patronage in a great measure from the Mayor and its bestowal upon the Board of Aldermen ts not looked upon with disfavor by the club, as it will afford an equal chance to both republicans and democrats to get a fair share of the power and ofices of the city. The ofice- holders present at the Club last night expressed their perfect confidence in the result, and said they had not the slightest fear but it would be all right with them when the verdict of the people had been rendered at the next election. CUMULATIVE VOTING UNCONSTITUTIONAL, The principle of cumulative voting is looked upon as unconstitutional according to the laws of 1846, and doubts were expressed how the Governor can sanction, in the face of his great ability and emin- ence as a lawyer and his thorough knowledge of the constitution of the State. So fur as the democratic party is concerned; however, it is per- fectly willing to accept minority representation, a8 it cannot fall to be beneficial to its future. ‘Tho democrats, they it though defeated at the last election, have still a vast majority of the voters of the city, and with the reorganization of Tammany and its purification from the slum which has proved so fruitful a source of discontent, the party can easily sweep the city at the May elec- tion. The Fourth Senatorial district was cited as an instance of the advantages the democrats would gain by cumulative voting, and, as in the Fourth, 80) they Bay, i wot be fn other districts. wh" TAMMANY 16 ‘nth RERCUR, Tammany Is now almost completely reorgap ed, and the democrats will still find it imposing in thé | struggle it will show. ‘The party will come to- gether as a unit, and the short-lived triumph of the fepublican party will be at an end. The reformers will comé back to a party they have purified. The charter, notwithstanding asser- tions to the contrary, 1s looked upon as a party measure, for though the republicans cand. not openly een it so in the face of the support they received from democrats at the election, yet every in the power, of the majority of the a effort Legislature, the machinery at its disposal was used, i troduce clauses which would tend to perpetuate thé influence the republi- cans have gained, h. Le Vast Ne THE DEMO ang SEVENTYITES “TOODWINKED."? a 4 caisé his bec marked by deccit; they oodwinked the democratic members of tue Committee of Seventy, who will find out too late how completely they have been sold. ‘The republicans can now turn round to the dem crats of the city and say to them, “We have given ou a charter which secures to you all the - jeges you desire, have been supported LY the tried members of arty, wha cat is not satis- factory to youl In every Partlow lar we are not to be blamed. It is thé best measure that could have been passed to remedy extsting evils.” 5 nee “(RUSTING IN THE PEOPLE,” This, Mr. Hitchman says, {8 all iy plausible but it cannot stand the test of investization, the measure being really @ party measure, The re- publican caucus which met at ae last night, ostensibly to take into consideration the adjournment of the Legislature, but which in reality the members of the club believed was a mutual glorification meeting at the result of their labors. Confidence was expressed in the Governor that he would faithfuily adhere to his principles and his party and would not sanction a measure which, though good in some of its details, was in others fraught with grave evil If, however, he does violate his pledges and sanc- tion it, the democrats will have no fear of the re- sult, Confident in their winning strength, they are perfectly willing to abide by the decision of the people. Great unanimity prevailed, almost every one present concurring in this view. Judges Brady and Barrett on the Charter. A HERALD reporter paid a visit yesterday after- noon to the Judges’ private room in the new Court House, and there found Judges Brady and Barrett, who were on the point of leaving. Both these gentlemen, having just heard that the charter had passed, were making com ments on. certain clauses, The reporter opened the interview by asking their opinion concerning the taking of the appointment of the Commissioners of the Board of Public Safety from Judges Sedgwick and Curtis, and leaving the appoimtment with the Board of Aldermen. They, however, declined to express an opinion on a matter which might be brought before them omctally, | and confined the conversation to the clauses affecting the administration of law in the city. Both Judges were — especially anxious that there should be some legislation on the subject of reference cases, as the appointinent of referees was an unpleasant task, and laid them open to the charge of partiality. Judge Brady re- marked that he had letters every day from impov- erished lawyers Gig: him to throw something in their way, and it required a considera- ble portion of his time to ascertain whether the applicant was a man of suficient legal ability and moral character to entrust with so im- portant a matter, Judge Barrett wishes to have no appointment to make in which there was any money, but thought the oMcers of the Court should be chosen by the presiding Justice, as it would be more agreeable to have around those whom they knew. Judge Brady was indignant on the question of the Mayor's 5: and thought it should be increased to 000, as it was impos- sible to keep up the requisite establishment and to entertain prominent citizens on the present allowance. The reporter suggested that, A. T. Stewart should leave his residence to ti y as the Mayoralty mansion, and the expense of keeping it up should come out of the city treasury. The Judge thought the idea a good one, but insinuated that if some of the gentlemen who had filled the Mayoralty chair had such an establishment they ‘would be likely to parloin the furniture, “Let me be Mayor of New York for a month,’ | said Judge Brady, enthusiastically, “and I coald | make this city a municipal paradise compared witit what is now. I have watched the growth of the Metropolis from boyhood, and from loug experience know where reforms are needed. ” Rerorter—Speaking of the Mayoralty, who do Mranios will be the next incumbent of the civic chair Judge Brany- is my opinion that if Jol is nominated by Tammany Hall he will be § The present Sachems of that organization are solid | men of repute and carry great weight wii 2 community, and therefore their nominee 1s of success, The Charter Among the Workingmen. The announcement of the passage of the new charter created considerable comment and some excitement among the workingien In the city yes- terday afternoon, and many and various were the gentlemen who “rose to explain” their views on the now decided question. This sudden interest in the matter arose from the fact that most pcople had somehow got impressed with the bellef that the Legislature, at least during its present session, would fail to pass the charter. Why such a belief existed it is not diMcult to determine. Many there were who repeatedly declared that the lead- ers of the party now in power were little better than their immediate predecessors; that, tn fact, they were considerably worse in some respects; that, with the same inierent willingness to gorge themselves with the rich meats of political life in New York, they came newly to the feast with the rapacious and ALL CAPACIOUS HUNGER of a long and enforced fast, and that it was neither their interest nor their inciination to destroy the old machinery which they saw was about the most perfect in the world for providing prey and increas- ing the power to keep it perpetually. Be all this asit may, the passage of the charter surprised most people, The matter was discussed with more or less ear- nestness by several groups of workingmen whom the HERALD reporter intercepted last evening on their way to their homes from the scenes of their dally labor, and none were more busy with it than -. did employed on the public works and else- e “Well, what do you think of the news from Albany?” asked the reporter of a sturdy-looking Irishman, Who sat quietly smoking his old briar- wood pipe, while awaiting the arrival of a comrade, at the City Hall side of the new Post Office build- ing. fine news about the new charter, eh? Well, I don't know meself what to think about it yet, “What do you think of this principle of cumuia- tive voting?’ “Principle of what?’ roared the orator. “Of cnmulative voting,” repeated the reporter more loudly and as distinctly as he could, “Did ye come here to make fun o’ yer betthers, me man?” asked the oracle very grimly, “Guess he not want to get little more I. meer remarked a burly putenman, = “Ye see the gintleman has been accumulatin’ a ret ine ©’ somethin’,” observed a stout Eme- “Yer a lookin’ fur an introduction ter YER OLD FRIEND JOR DOWLING, young fellor,” insinuated a native Fourth warder, The advisability of seeking his information else- Where had just begun to dawn on the HERALD man when an old Irishman, who was sitting ona stoop quietly Shoking his dudeen, broke in with “Aisey, Voys, aisey a little. The giutleman manes right and well, Ye see, according to this new charther, we're to have anew city clection some time next month, and the way ‘tis to be done, I’m tould, Is by accumilatin’ votes. Now, I don't onderstand that myself, and I think neither do auy ef ye; but maybe, sir'’—to the reporter—“as you happened to min* tion the thing, you'd be so kind as to explain it, sir, av you plase,”? ‘the reporter explained the principles and man- ner of cumulative voting, and respectfully solicited the opinions of his audience as to how the new thing might work; upon which each delivered his opinion on the fresh and dititeult tapis, and all the opinions, though differently expressed and intended to be various, amounted to the fact that each man individually thought he could give no positive opinion at all on the new plan until he witnessed its working aud beheld its results, THE OLD MAN ON THE STOOP, however, was an exception, and he held forth as follows :— “I think, in the first place,” said he, “that. there will be » power 0? countin’ to be done when the election is over, and Lalways suspected that soart of thing. ‘Then there'll be @ good many chaps, handy at figures, who will be apt to fall in for jobs at this countin’ that will last them from one clection to an- other and a good while afther. And, with all that, I think it will make little difference in the choice of men—the result will be the same.” ‘The reporter here tricd to show that one differ- ence between the new system and the old would be the ensuring of a representation to the minority party. “in afraid, sir,’ said the old man, “I'll have to differ with you there. I think the same men would be elected under one system as under ove system as under the other. I know that would be the case if the voters were all like me; because if, for instance, we had to egect twenty-one Aldermen and Thad TWENTY-ONE VOTES TO SCATTHER among ’em, I’m sure I'd give my whole twenty-one to my fovarite man from my own ward, and I think every other voter would do the saine, That would have just the same effect as if each person cast one vote instead of twenty-one, only that there would be twenty-one times as many ballots to be counted as there used to be. How many men do you think will take away five or six or ten votes rom a good man that he knows in his own ward to give them to men he knows nothing about in other wards? Very few, in my opinion; so ‘twill be all the same 4 se way you fix a ti Cit sesy in spel yard, you may jure, will get i the votes fea at ‘ward pres 2 The reporter next called his hearers’ attention to the stringent precantions that would new be taken against repeating and false yy, and alied for volunteer opinions a3 beforé. They all hoped those bad old practices at elections would be put an end to, but most of them inclined to the opinion that, even under the best regulated system, REPEATING AND FALSE COUNTING would still be practiced to a greater or less extent. “DIL be very glad,’ sald the old man, who first doubted the reporter's insanity or inebricty on the cumulative question—“ll be very glad, though I know a good many who'll be very ‘sorry, if some- thing is done to put a stop to those villanies; for, until the last Tammany primary, I don't think t}, for the past seven years my vote ever ones went to the man Tgave it for. Ifthe new charrnay relieves to recommind us fa this respect It will hay¢ m6) it than even ab removal Gf Green,” “What party will You vote for at the next election in Ma Hsked the report “POF the new Tammany party,” replied the old gentleman, very determinedly, and his companions miuttered their assent, “You see,” he continued, ‘I voted with the reformers last time; but I’m not going to trust, THOSE FALLOWS THAT CRY REFORM any more, It was only a dodge to hand us over to the republicans, and I won't help it again, espe- clally as the honest men of our ward have. a ‘say in ‘Tammany now, instead of Dowling’s roughs.”’ But it was the r rs who gave you this new ‘0 like so well.” pubdlicans passed It, because they hope to carry the city again by it. They were neve so mistaken. I’m surprised they risk another election.”” After some further conversation the reporter moved away and conversed with other and similar groups in different parts of the city, but he gives the above as fair samples of all the interviews he held with the working classes of New York on the subject of our new city charter, . Around the City Hall. Both Boards of Aldermen held their semi-weekly meetings yesterday. The business was of a routine character, and was conducted in a somewhat list- less manner, consequent upon the news from Albany, the passing of the charter legislating both boards out of oMce at an early date. Among the non-professional politicians, such as Aldermen Van Schaick, Gilsey and Vance, there was evidently a feeling of great satigfaction that the charter had got so far on the way of becoming law. ‘This feel- ing was also shared by President Cochrane. Several of these members said that under the present constitution of the Board they were unable todo more than prevent jobbery and corruption ; positive work, such ‘a8 bringing about municipal reforms, they were utterly unable to accomplish. In support of this it was. in- stanced that the necessary number of votes to pave South Fifth avenue could not be obtained at a recent meeting. A similar expression of sentiment pervaded in the Board of Assistant Aldermen, many of the members of which said it was far better to be wiped out of official existence by the charter than be organized for the pe Uhdedehoil of the many flagrant jobs that had already been ran through the oard. FREE SCHOOLS. i eabthigtnakccni Art as Taught at Night in the Cooper Institute=—Kxamination of the Classes Their Nobie Success. If the hundreds of poor people who with false pride stand aloofand sneer at the schools estab- lished by Peter Cooper for the elevation and development of their sons and daugh- ters were to visit the class rooms in the Cooper Institute where the work of learning is intently progressing a good deal of their scepti- cixm and prejudice against the acquirement of scien- tific and artistic knowledge would be very quickly dissipated, They would have to acknowledge the nobility of tiat benevolence which has provided = munificent means of dis- covering and training individual talent when found in the rouher moulds that fate has apportioned to some of mankind, The es for Woinen which are conducted during the day time, of course, are very successful, becange of the tact, versatility’ aud per- ception of the female mind;’but it is ‘something more remarkable that THE STUDY OF ART at night has attracted together a very large num- ber of young men, whose progress 14a matter of curious interest. We too often associate our ideas of culture and taste with those of luxury and elegance, so that it seems strange that fingers used to prosaic mercenary toil and minds that one couki fancy to think more of bread and butter than of the perfection of art should be found so gifted by nature that they are easily trained into such delicate consciousness as to startle one who is used to see persons with better facilities and opportunities creeping slowly 4 ed hill of knowledge and skill over @ footpath of velvet. In the art department of the night school there are eighteen classes. The highest and graduating section is engaged in DRAWING FROM LIFT, under the instruction of Mr. Balling. The subjects are mostly figures; sometimes faces, In copying the latter from life Master A. EK. Emslee slows talent that is something like real genius, One head of an old woman, drawn by him, is very well done, the outlines and muscles being strong and the poise apparently true to nature. Another face of an old, wrinkled, good natured, contented mau ex- hibits still more strikingly a power of PORTRAYING EXPRESSIONS and of using the effects of light to the best advant- age. It reminds one of sone of the sketches of Meyer Van Bremen. Other students who have dis- tinguished themselves by special signs of talent in this class are Masters J. C. Collins and C, Sladky. ‘The other classes, especially those which draw from casts of FIGURES AND ARCIITRCTURF, are also worthy of commendation. The examina- tion last evening was of seven classes, as follows :— 1. The class drawing from life, Mr. Balling instruct- or; 2% Cast B 1, Mr. Scott; 3 Form, © 1, Mr. Hammer; 4 Copy, © 4 — (fig- ure), Magrath; 5 Copy, © 1. (ornamental), Egian; 6. Copy, D1 (elementary), Wassersheld; 7. Modelling in clay, 01, Muller. In tiese classes there are about two hondred and fifty scholars, the whole number in the art department being about eight hundred, The examination last evening was very sutisfactory. Another portion of the art students are examined this and to-morrow evenings. The scientific classes are examined next week. Professor Tisdall, Jr., the director, ex- pects to grant about one hundred diplomas this year. The annual exhibition of all the classes oc- curs May 30 and the commencement May 31. THE WILLIAMSBURG PERRYBOAT SUICIDE, The woman in widow's weeds who jumped off the Williamsburg ferryboat Commodore Perry on Monday night last and was drowned, is believed to be Mrs. Emma Mendohn, a native of London, fifty-two years of C The unfortunate lady had lost her jusband = in London fifteen months ago, and three months thereafter emigrated to America, and took up her reside at 234 Rast Twenty-first street, New York city. had @ brother living in Williamsburg during time, and on the nigitt of her suicide she attempted V9 cross the river vo see him, THE COURTS. Interesting Proceedings in the United States Supreme and New York Courts. pe SAE Violation of the Internal Revenue Law—Tho Jay Gould-“Lord” Gordon Oase—The Convictions in the Spocial Sessions—Breach of Promise of Marriage Caso—Verdict Against an Exprets Company—Business of the Gencral Sessions. WAITED STATES SUPREME COURT. A Suit to Recover on the Old Toxas In- demnity Bonds, Wasuineros, April 18, 1872, No. 523, First National Bank of Washington and Huntington, Cashier, va. State of Tex Appeal from the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia.— | In this case tho State of Texas filed a bill against the appellants and Secretary McCullough and others, seeklug to recover the amount of certain bonds known as ‘Texas Indemnity Bonds,” issued by the United States to the State under the act of September 9, 1850, and alleged to have been a por- tion of the bonds transferred to certain parties by the rebel Military Board of the State in pursuance of contracts made with such partics. ‘The partles who came into possession of the bonds obtained their redemption by the Treasury Department through the bank, upon the deposit by the latter of certain securities, and the State clalmed that these securi- ties became a trust for its benefit, and that they should be turned over accordingly. The decree was for the State, and the appeal insists that a Court of Equity has no jurisdiction of the case, and that it is not suMciently shown that the bonds were a por- tion of the bonds paid out to satisfy its contracts by the rebel board of the State. Two other cases, growing out of the same matter, are heard with this, and will be decided with it. Ashton and Cox for appellants; Merrick, Taylor and Durant for appellees, UNIITED STATES COMMISSIONER'S COURT. Alleged Violation of the Revenue Law. Before Conimissioner Shields, The United States vs, Willlam Kraemer.—The de- fendant, who is proprietor of the Atlantic Garden, in the Bowery, is charged with compounding liquors without a license. A motion was made by counsel evithnan Gli Sa on re ground tad the evidence ¢ ‘oF support it, She Coimissioner re- served his declaloit? “ WY" SUPREME. COURT—CHAMBERS. Jay Gould After the Gordon of Many Alinses. Before Judge Brady. Jay Gould vs, George F, Gordon, alias Gordon Gordon, alias Earl of Aberdeen.—Some interesting developments Were expected in this ¢ase,, the points “of jyblic interest not being so much tie Amount of money Mr. Gould may have been swin- died out of by the defendant, if he has been swindled at all, or his chances of getting the money back, but an expected inquiry into the pedigree of the defendant. ‘The court room was crowded in consequen nnd the defendant, who was present, very natu ly was the cynosure of every eye, each querying to himself? ‘whether he Was’ g: upon the lineaments of areal live lord or a simple common Britisher playing the réle of a boldly auda- clous adventurer, He endured the general gaze with cool indifference. Excepting his iskers, cut a la English, there was little in his appearance Indicating him as an Englishinan, He was plainly dressed, the only mark of extravagant display being a dia- mond pin of unique setting flashing from a blue scarf, He was well represented by counscl—M Straban and ex-Judge Porter acting as his legal representative The opposing counsel appeartug for Mr. Gould were David Dudley jd, ex-Judge Fullerton, Henry 8. Knox and Mr. Rook. Mr. Gould sets forth in his afidavit that ti fendant obtained from him, through fal p tations $500,000 in bonds, of which he still re- tains, $293,000. In the first place applica- tion was made on behalf of Mr. Gould for an order to examine the defendant in order to complete his complaint, which order was granted. In opposition to this an order was applied for on an order to show cause containing an intermediate stay to vacate the order for examina- tion. The plaintiff applied to vacate the stay and have the examination go on at once. The question ‘was raised as to the power of the Court under a recent decision of the General Term to grant a gen- eral examination, Mr. Fullerton claimed that the Court had the right. The Judge expressed a dout, tures, and after some little delay Mr. Howe indnced the defendants to plead guilty, and then madea lengthy statement in mitigation of punishment, promising. the Court if sentence were postponed to nrnish afidavits of the previous good character of the defendants, Mr. Sullivan strenuously opposed leniency to Charles Brooks, who was exten- y engaged in circulating obscene books, which were ruining the mora!s of the young. The City Judge said he would unite with the proseenting oMe ng up this nefarious tame. 118 Honor soutenced Charles Brooks to the Peultentiary for one year, and ordered him to pay a fine of ‘iiliam, who was only a clerk, was Sont tot vee months Killing of “Jack” Glass. te in the afternoon James Costello was place& rial charged with manslaughter in causing the Heath of John Glass, at MeKiroy’s eating saloon, in an street, on the night of the 2ist of January. It will be remembered that the accused was in charge of the saloon at midnight, and that angry words passed between him aud Glass, which led to a fight, and that as soon as Glass called Costello's mother an opprobrious naine the defendant struck hin with alarge carving knile, inflicting several biows that resulted fatally. A few eye-witneases were examined for the prosecution, lowe waa permitted to call Judge Dowling out of the order of pioggto show that he arrested “Jack” Glass, and t hat he was convicted of murder and sentenced to he State Prison for twenty years. The Justice Said that Glags was a large man and that he was a disturber of the public peace. ‘The Court adjourned at @ late hour till this (Fri- day) morning, when the trial will be concluded. COURT CALENDARS—THIS DAY. Surreme Courr—GeneraL TERM—No calendar, Applicants for admission to the bar are requested o be present at ten A. M. to slgn the roll. _ SUPREME CourtT—Cincuir—Part 1.—Short causes, Nos, 2203, 2497, 2525, 2: 3, 725, 1969, 2743, 2943, 2009, 1557, 1921, '2%: 9, 1928, 2471, W 87, 3069, 3181, 2 b t causes, Nos 2082, 026, 1628, 2608, 2 2454, 145614, 154614. SurreMe Cour Monday. _Surreme Covrt—CHampers—Reserved cases.— Nos, 4s, A, 48, 40, 50, 5, 52, 53, 64, 55, 56, Sr, 58, 59, , G1, 62, 03, 64, 65, 6, 67, 68, 69, 75, , 114, 135,” Call 145, ailed sea Superror Court—Part 1—Held by Judge Monell. Nos. 1391, 157, 1643, 1577, 1547, 1850, 1067, 1619, 1515, 1625, 1627, 1629, 1647, 1619, i651. "Part’2—Held by Judge Curtis.—Nos, 88, 610, 124, 200, 762, 1086, 950, 1780, 160, 54 300, COMMON 1—One Hour Causes—O? Term Causes—March Term,—Nos, 1712, 1428, 1935, 1966, 1509, 1561, 1326, 1585, 1851, 2116, 2000, 1775 2250, 2140, 2181. 1594, 19368, New 08, 2182, 2340, 2% 2089, 2099, 2398, 2016, rt 2—One Hour Causes.—Nos, 1708, 2122, 20 4 ; 161, 2082, 2042, a4, oe one 1779, 53, 4 5, 2150, 2224, 2258, 2333, 2402, 2336, 2229, 2302, 2127, 2387, 2889, 2384, 2371, 2341, COURT OF APPEALS CALENDAR. 0% Atuany, N. ¥., April 18, 1872. The following is the Court Of Appeals day calen- Gar for April 19:—Nos, 246, 249, 250, 262, 257, 261, 240, THE GREAT HUBBELL-FINCH CASE. Charge of Attempting to Garrote a Weat- choestee Lawyer—Amusing Incidents ot the Trial—A Paul Pry in Court—Tho Village of Mount Kisco and Its Inhab- iiants from Grave to Gay. The greater part of the session of the General Sessions yesterday, Judge Bedford presiding, was occupied in trying an indictment for attempt at robbery preferred against Thomas Pinch and a man named Collins, on the complaint of Ellas Hubbell, who is an attorney at law in the picturesque vil- lage of Mount Kisco, Westchester county. Mr. Hubbell is undoubtedly a character humor- ous, ready at retort and endowed with a shrewd cunning which enables him to set a suitable value on his utterances before they are made. In an adjacent town to that in which lawyer Hubbell has his habitation there resided for ten or fifteen years f tolerable decent young man named Thomas Finch, not in the remotest degree related to “Poor Miss Finch.” Finch was a bartender in the village referred to, but for the past year has existed as & permanent citizen of this metropolis. On the 20th of March Hubbell cam * to this city for the purpose of collecting some $70 , more or less, and upon his arrival PUT UP AT TIE PUTNAM HOUSE, on Fourth avenue, The same evening Hubbell ene and in order to remove this doubt adjourned th matter till ten o’clock this morning. And so ends the first lesson, The Legality of Convictions by One Judge of the Special Sessions, Before Judge Brady, The case of the 263 habeas-corpns-granted prison- ers, convicted by one Judge of the Special Sessions and undergoing their terms of imprisonment on Blackwell's Island and in the House of Refuge, caine up yesterday for a hearing in this Court, District Attorney Garvin said that the case was a most important one, and he wished an opportunity to make a thorough examination into its merits. He had been too iil, however, to make such exami, nation, and was compelled to ask the tndulgence of the Court till he should be able to attend to it. Mr. William F, Howe said that, anxious as he was, in behalf of the numerous clients here represented, to have the matter brought to a speedy decision, hé could not do otherwise than express his willingness to have the request of the District Attorney, who had always been exceedingly kind and courtcous to him, complied with. He would leave {t to the Dis- trict Attorney to name the day for the arguinents to be heard. Mr. Garvin stated that he was satisfied the pris- oners ought not to be discharged ; of course, this was a matter for the Court to cecide after hearing the arguineut. The Judge asked him what day he would be ready to appear on, Mr. Garvin, whose looks give unmistakable tndi- cations of his illness, said his physician had ordered him to take a few days’ rest, but he thought he would be ready on next Tuesday, Counsel for one of the prisoners a latter be given his liberty on farnis security, which he was prepared to giv ae judge said he had no authority to take se- curity. Counsel insisted that he had been convicted by one Judge which the Conrt of Appeals had decided to be illegal, and that he was clearly en- | titled to his liberty. The Judge replied that the same principle was in- | volved in all the cases, and he could not entertain such application ted ‘esent. After other remarks, during which another legal gentle: undertook to elicit sympathy for the | parties holding the prisoners in confinement on the | ground of their liability for false imprisonment, the farther hearing of the case was adjourned till next Tuesday. SUPERIOR COURT—SPECIAL TERM. Alleged Breach of Promise of Marriage. Before Jndge Barbour. Flora Beck vs. Simeon Morritz.—The plaintitt charges the defendant with breach of promise of marriage. She says that the day of the wedding ‘was set, and that a week before he married another lady. Upon this charge he was arrested and his bail fixed at $700, The matter came up on a motion to vacate the order of arrest, Court denied the | motion, but reduced the bail to $600, ‘The platutit sues for $5,000 damages. He denies her entive uar- rative. SUPERIOR COURT—TRIAL TERM—PANT 2. Verdict Against an Express Compa Before Judge Curtis. ‘The Gorham Manufacturing Company ys. William G, Fargo, President.—In. 1869 the plaintii? shipped from this city to Providence, R. I., by the express company of which the defendant is President, a box containing $345 in silver coin, which never was delivered. The defence was that it was shipped as ordinary freight and that shipping it as such was a fraud on the company. The Judge instructed the jury to give a verdict for the plaintiffs for the full anount chilmed, the exceptions to be heard at the General Yerm and meantime any stay to be denied, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS—TMIAL TERM—PART 2. Verdict in a Life Insurance Case, Before Judge ©. P. Daly. Wilhelmina Schott vs. Albert D. Wright.—In this se, which was a suit for $10,000 on a policy of life insurance, the facts of which have been published, t verdict was rendered for the plaintiff. COURT OF GENERAL SESSIONS. A Housebreaker Sent to Sing Sing. Before City Judge Gunning 8. Bedford, Edward Cotter, indicted for burglariously enter- ing the dwelling house of Leser J. Cohn, 49 Henry street, on the 27th of March, and stealing $3 worth of property, pleaded guilty fo burglary i the third degree, and Was sentenced to the StitedPrison for tive years. John Proctor, charged with stealing a set of har- ness, Valued at $36, the property of Robert Halsey, by whom he wax employed, pleaded guilty to petit larceny. He was sent to the Penitentiary for six months. Obscene Litereture Venders Sent to the Penitentiary. Charles and Wiliam Brooks were placed at the bar charged with veuding obscyne books and pic | seven and cight o'clock at night. | a village countered his old acquaintance, Finch, at the cane hotel, and the two shook hands heartily at the un- expected rencontre. Finch invited Hubbell to drink at the bay of the hotel, and also extended a like courtesy to another man named Collins, Finch invited the barkeeper to “hang” up the ainount of the beverages; but that disagreeable personage refused flatly #0 to do, and removed the liquids from sight. Finch had no monoy; he was in that IMPECUNIOUS STATE which is very unple nt when it becomes neces- sary to extend certain courtesics to a stranger, Finch though, nothing daunted, invited his friend Hubbell to go to some theatre near Fourteenth street. The two started, chatting ou vartous topics ou the, way. Finch, every littles while, would turn akd look back’ as if expecting some one. When they reached Twenty-third street, and while midway between Third and Fourth avenues in that sireet, Hubbell felt himself suddenly seized by the throat by some person behiud, who PRESSED HIS THUMBS TIGHTLY under Hubbell’s ears. At the same instant his old friend Finch caught him by the collar and elbow and a desperate struggle ensued. Hubbell yelled watch, murder and fire. The conflict lasted some time; ‘but, as Hubbell is of Herculean build, he succeeded in throwing off his assailants, |} and then turned and pursued the strange one, whom he recognized subsequently ag the man Collins, who was in the act of drinkging with Finch and himself, COLLINS ESCAPED, but Finch was arrested, and was arraigned before Judge Bedford for attempted robbery. ‘The assault Was alleged to have been committed between ‘The complainant went on the stand, and told substantially the above story, with the most ludicrous elaboration, making of ‘the case the imost enjoyable trial that has been held in the General Sessions Court for @ long time past. Tewyers: loungers and reporters were convulsed with laughter at the replics and queries and yolun- remarks of the coinplainant. Anumber of jdeits of Kisco were put on the stand, and swore the GENERAL CHARACTER OF THE COMPLAINANT was bad, and they would not believe him under outh. bach witness seemed to have a well- grounded grudge against the other, and all the troubl disputes, lawsuits, election wrangles, &ec., were fally ventilated by winesses. From all accounts, Hubbell was a modern Paul Pry, a pest in King his nose in everybody's business, and a target, [n consequence, of his neighbors’ yenom. Hubbell also is a great temperance advyo- cute, and keeps A STRICT SURV#ILLANOB over the ginmills in his village, thus incurring the emuity ofa very ntunerous fraternity in any place— the tipplers, The greatest lot of antediiuvians went on the stand, and all agreed the complainant was a nuisance. Finch was given a good general character. This case oceupled the greater portion of the day, as the proceedings were repeatedly interrupted by bursts of uncontrollable laughter, which the efforts of His Honor could but inettectually suppress. Mr. C, H. Brooks addressed the jury, pointing out the improbable story of the complainant, who swore that on the night of the alleged robbery he was kr -d down in Twenty-third street, between ‘Third and Fourth avenues, between seven and eight o'clock in the evening, and that, although he cried “Police! murder!” no human being in that crowded thoroughfare responded. The counsel facetiously said that Hubbell vegetated in court rooms, and had admitted that he brought similar charges against other people. That fact, coupled with te testlmony adduced showing the question- able character of Hubbell for truth and veracity, ougitt to lead the jury to doubt his story and render a verdict of acquittal. Assistant District Attorney Sullivan spoke briefly in behalfof the prosecution. He maintained that notwithstandin: the trying ordeal through which Mr, Hubbell passed, his character as # truthful man was not’ impeached. There cl tain was not legal testimony sufticiont to sus chary robbery, and he (the prosecuting hy Mr of La ae ae branch of the ease ‘ nant fact that the defen d avon tae stad to contradict the statement of the complainant was allnded to, and there was nothing in the testimony whlchgsustalned the insinuation bell compromised previ iy iT, as-, sult Mand batter for money. Me aaitae obi: mnded that the then from Mount Kisco who swore lorie questionable character of the complaining witnesses were habitués of the drinking saloon in that village, who {titel th atoms he gir ctivity in the tem; be C: o alter brief and Folent charge by Judge Bedford the jury retired to deliberate upon thetr verdict, and returned in two hours and a half with @ verdict of guilty of a it and bi 0 and in view of the de- Tendant’s i charaeter they recommended a sus- pension of sentence, Counsel for the defendant said a suspended jndg- me roa Pee er Cee RS 1a pe over his client's head, and suggested the yn of nominal fine of Bix conte raat & Mr, Sullivan earnestly contended that no further leniency should be shown to the defendant, for he, througit his counsel, had endeavored to blacken the character of Hubbell by the gang of enemies who came from Westchester county, Judo Bedford said that he thought the line of de- fonce pursued hy the counsel was perfectly justitia- ble, He could rot, however, interfere with the ver- dict of the jury, At their request he would suspend Judgment. abandoned