The New York Herald Newspaper, January 2, 1874, Page 3

NEW YEAR'S DAY. How the Festival Was Observed in Private Dwellings, at the City Hall and in the Public Institutions, THE SERVICES IN THE CHURCHES. A Feast of Fat Things on the ¥slands. The Day in the Park and on the Road. Fifth avenue, about noon time yesterday, was to the thoughtiul man who looked around with re- fective vision a sermon, @ poem, & homily and a novel all im one. Male society inits best clotues Milled the sidewalks, and was pursuing its way with dignity of mien and with pleasurable expec- tation imprinted on its brow to pay its respects and offer New Year greetings to the other and more lovely half of society that was ‘“‘receiving”’ at the brown stone and marile palaces on either tide. It is on such @ day as this that we see the benefits of civilization. We are all so accustomed to look at one another as Ishmaels, that when we do find that the hands of our (eliows are not against us, but within our own, held firmly, ana some- times tenderly, and we hear one cheery voice after another wishing us “A happy New Year, and many of them,” we readily resign ourselves to the pre- vailing sentiment and let the best side of our soul Gower and turn itself toward the sunlight of good mature, The distinguishing characteristic of a New Year’s Day in New York is “calling” and “receiy- Ing.” The men ‘‘call” and “the women” receive, It is an old Knickerbocker custom that has sur- vived the decadence of social and political life in eur midst, It is one of the few things that neither “ghoddy,” “Tweed thdeving” nor “vulgar wealth’? could kill, and so it has lived among us and thrived with each year of its growth. The men pay & tribute to beauty by dressing well; they go gene- rally in carriages to make their calls; they are faultlessly appointed; they have neat glossy boots and WHITE GLOVES, ‘They ally themselves with innocence by wear- ing a bouquet of fowers in the buttonholes of their poat, and if there should be a bar sinister in their reputation these flowers snggest to those who might be cynical that humanity, like the earth, may have a chemistry of nature that has the power of transformation, It is not the young men alone who “call.” Men in the sere and yellow leay pf time, with a bearing that is both polite and prosy, On this day mount brown stone stoops, firop cards in baskets, and, where a table is laid, frink to the hea:th and happiness of the ladies of the house, and smile a benediction on femininity in a dazzling array of dry goods, Man thus shows his best side on thisday. Plutarch tells us that “3oc- rates was born avery satyr; but within and without he so transformed himself by this sculpture of reason, of virtue and devotion, he so improved his face, thabat last a god looked through it, by whom ‘he Phiedon is illumed.”? Our New York men don’t tarn to gods by New Year’s celebrations and calling, Unfortunately some of them, belore the @ay closes, become in form and feature something that resembles that which is generally regarded as the opposite of the godlike. But the love of beauty is indigenous to woman, and when she sees man at his best, as she does on “New Year,’ is it any marvel that she falls into captivity? Frequently this captivity is mutual; a bond has been formed on “New Year” that compasses botn time and eternity. Woman in her youthful and maiden loveliness and man tn the glery and fulness of his youthful strength are ina state of susceptibility on these occasions, that ultimate in benefactions ‘bo the race, and so the New Year receives a bap- tism of 3 BEAUTY AND LOVE bn its natal day that will survive al! the mutations of time. We begin the new year by striking a shord so harmonious and so inspiring that its echoes linger with us all the year through. The day is not allowed to be a day merely of senti- ment; it would be a very strange thing for New York if it were. A city that has a world-wide Feputation for its hospitality keeps up its reputa- tion on a day like yesterday. So at all the houses that the men made formal calls at there was pro- vision made for the lower wants of man’s bature. Beauty, in elaborate evening dress, Was surveyed by towering masculinity through the sparkles of a glass of bubbiing cham- pagne, and words that had something More than compliment in them were uttered in the intervals of the strengthening additions of cake and sandwiches. All this went on in Fifth avenue and the uptown fashionable districts. With a bal- ance at your banker's and unlimited credit with our tradesmen it is easy to be hospitable and hionable. Even if the wine mercnant’s bill is not paid, and the proiessional ‘caterer’ has yet to re- Cetve that over-due bill that -nas been running up to such @ formidable array of figures, we, who drink the wine and eat the cake, know nothing about it, and the wine and the cake are just as pleasant to our palate as if we did pay for teem, Why should we pry into people’s private affairs? How many of us can the flattering unction to our souls that our bills are all et and that we owe a ae en) ig but love al sores Why, 4 7 yen fe shales Is t- tio! iO Eouie tO ad ene Tl rine 80 we ude that ‘where ignorance is bliss ‘tis folly to wise.” “New Year's” was kept at THE FIVE POINTS 48 well as at Fifth avenue. The substantial dinners of ‘‘Thanksgiving” and Christmas were omitted at the House of Industry and the Howard Mission ; but the inmates, and the children especially, had an opportunity of enjoying the festivities of the day in a quiet manner, The trail of economy, a consequence of the panic, re- Siraing any undue outburet of generosity towards the unlortunate poor. The result Of this was that, more or less, all the charitable institutions were yesterday partially bereft of their joyous aspect. There Was a notable excep- tou at the institutions on the nd, The &dmonition given by the HERALD to the Commis- Gigners of Charities and Correction at Christmas has nad the desired erfect, and # parsimonious economy has been cast aside and a generous, Whole-souled liberality substituted tn its stead. ‘The prisoners and the poor under their care were made as happy a8 @ wise liberality could make - them, aud they had reason to bless the dawning of ® Dew year upon their captivity. ~ fe ell ‘Were not popular insti sntions yet ira i Institutions yesterda i was given the cold shoulder ay as eeerene at church was concerned, Practical godliness manifested itself in social pleasures and in the ‘hearty handgrip of inan with man. It was in iull accordance with the reform movement at the City Hall that Mayor Havemeyer should continue the Knickerbocker custom of receiving the citizens on New Year's Day. His Honor was gratified with tue attendance of @ large number oi citizens, whom maa anes in the Governor’s Room, a room as been utilized by the’ city in. foo much of a 8 of vandalism, Sherif Vonner revived tne “old-time” hospitaity of the City Hall by @ generous and elegant luncheon, Which was fully, preciated bye hls friends and tne crowd of “hangers-on” of the Hall. Thus the day was passed pleasantiy and memorably, and when evening came thousands of —— inthe city were made radiant by social stivals, and the first day of the new year became pg 1 joy and happiness to thousands of our ns. NEW YEAR'S IN THE CHURCHES, New Year's festival was observed in most of the Protestant Episcopal and Catholic churches yester- Gay as a holiday, In the Catholic churches the day Was celebrated as the Feast of the Nativity, and the Protestant churches algo observed the day for a Gimilar reason. It was noticeable tn the churches of both denominations that the congregations ‘were not nearly up to the usual average, especially Qt the half-past ten services, Titis fact, in itself, ‘Was strangely significant of the resolutions which might have been expected to have been formed for New Year's Every emblem of the Christmas time Still adorned the altar; every beautitul device that Bad been used to remind the worshipper of the nativity of the Saviour still was apparent, and yet there seemed something wanting in every church if comparison were drawn between the Feast of the Epiphany and recent festivals. ‘There was no exculpation yesterGay on», ac Count of the weather for churchgoers, Spring NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 1874, scarcely could pring more pleasant weather, and | The destitute women who are tamen care of there it is to be presumed that the absentees from church feit that they were performing some glori- ous or national or most responsible auty in look- ing out for New Year’s festivities instead of heark- ening to Holy Mother Church’s voice and observ- ing the holiday as Sunday is generally observed. At the Cathedral masses were celebrated the same a8 on Sundays, and in the afternoon vespers were sung the same as 18 usnal on Sundays. At St. Stephen’s church the high mass was cele- brated by the Rev. Father McCready, who, after the second Gcspel, delivered a short discourse on the festival of the day. The year has passed, he said, with all tts P oa eyed trials, dangers, woes and vicissitudes. Not one of us but has seen some- thing to remind him how brief iifeisand how sud- den may be tne termination to the ideal projects and Flas we may form as to the future. A kind Providence preserves our lives at many dangerous times, In our negiectiuiness of God’s providence and of his great good nature to us we continue to lead lives offensive to Him, showing in every par- ticular action a defiance of our dependence upon our Lord and our God, We can look back at the past year and there is not one of us but can see lark and black deeds beiore the sight of God which we have committed, The tender heart will feel the record of many unkind things said about a neighbor which are displeasing to God. Each and every one of us has something or other to accuse ourselves of. God speaks to our hearts in myste- rious Ways—sometimes in tribulations, sometimes in joys. Yet if we look back at the past year we shali tind the heavy clouds of our indi- vigaal Iie with thick silver linings, bearing in their brightness hopeful and cheering signs of the Saviour’s mercy, We have all had something to be thanktul for. The Creator’s mercy to the crea- ture has everywhere so abounded that it must strike the most obdurate heart in its efficacy, It is a mistake to think that hard hearts do not ac- maoveadge the goodness of God. Christ is 80 good, so kind, 80 senile, 80 loving, £0 inviting that His sufferings, not His voice, appeal even uncon- sclouats 50 the greatest unbeilever, And on a day like this we cannot wish better than to ask of God to give to those who are separated from Him in faith the grace of faith, that they may know Him and love Him, and, in knowing Him and loving Him, serve Him as the honest servant Serves the master, For all of us, the best as well as the worst, have to-day to kneel in humble supplication on the beginning of this New Year— first, thanking God for His mercies of the past year, and, secondly, beseeching of Him to pour down upon us such graces as may enable us to overcome temptation in the year to come. This is for us a time Clara, gathered as we are here to- gether on this New Year’s Day. There are periods in our lives which seem to strike us as apt and good to make resolutions, and surely the beginning of the new year ought to be of all times the choicest on which to begin to repair defects and to do deeds which aim at perfection. We never seek God’s aid but He gives it, We cannot ask it now, but He ‘will give it, There ought to be the more reasun for thinking that He will give it now, because with the beginning of the New Year we are more, or ought to be, earnest in our prayers, ‘Let us pray that God may biess us in the iuture with special javors; that He shall not withdraw ire us His mercy and His love, but that He snail continue, day after day, to bless us and insth into our hearts the graces that Will lead us to salvation. THE EPISCOPAL CHURCHES, At old Trinity goargreny, the day was observed with all the religious solemnity which the Epis- copalian service so admirably makes pertinent to festival occasions, ‘The chimes rang out, as usual, calling tne people to church, and, in their joyous tones, telling of a general holiday. ‘At Grace church and at all the other Protestant Episcopal churches,in the city services appro- priate to the occasion were held. AT THE CITY HALL. Ree ebeeieoee rennet THE MAYOR’S OFFICE, Iffor no other reason than to keep up the time- honored Knickerbocker custom of interchanging the compliments of the season on the first day of the year, His Honor Mayor Havemeyer devoted one hour, between twelve and one o'clock, to receiving the oMcials and such of the citizens as had any desire to pay their respects tothe honored Chief Magistrate of the metropolis. Punctually at twelve o’clock the genial Mayor left his private office and proceeded to the Gover- nor’s Room—stopping on the way to pay his dévoirs to Mr. Charles E. Sutton, the keeper of the hall, and Mrs, Sutton—chaperoned by Captain James Leary, of the TfWenty-sixth precinct, and Messrs. Wendel, Queen and Halloran, of his office, and a number of citizens, among them Mr, Havemeyer, Jr. In the Governor’s Room the Mayor took up his position on the east side, facing the door. All the visitors were introduced by Captain Leary. The first to call were the Board of Police Justices, namely, Mr. Justice Bankson T. Morgan, President; Judges Butler H. Bixby, Marcus Utterbourg, Charlies A. Flammer, Thomas D. Sherwood, James F, Kil- breth, Benjamin C. Wandtll, F. S. Smith and George E, Kasmire; President of Police Commis- sioners Henry Smith, Superintendent of Police Maisell, the members of the Sommen Couuchl and heads of departments, Sherif William C. Contier; County Clerk Waish and hosts of citizens, At one o’clock the reception ceased, but a number of people were still in line, waiting to shake the honest hand of Mayor Havemeyer. It must have been a sad reflection to the many taxpayers who contribute towards the mainte- nance of our municipal government on viewing the once elegant Governor’s Room, to witness its pres- ent demoralized aspect. Rows of dirty, impro- vised desks on either side of the room half hide the valuable oil paintings of our ex Governors, The ‘ink slingers” occupying these desks are by no means particular how they splatter the writing fluid around. Itis hoped, for the good name of our city, that tne Common Council will provide bead for the accommodation of the Taxes and ssessments, aud take this Bureau out of the Governor’s Room. This apartment has been kept exclusively for the accommodation of the Governor of the State when 1 the city officially trom its in- ception, and it is only a little short of sacrilege to allow a row of vulgar writing desks to mar its ap- pearance. THE DAY AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. Mr. William ©. Conner, the new sheriff, sig- nalized nis assumption of his new position by ving an elegant “layout” in the Sheriff's office. fhe Oath of oMice had been administered to nim during the latter part of December, and all he had to do pastetoat. was to Eelteve ex-Sheriff Brennan, which he did at about fen d'clock. Mr. Cummings, the new Under Sherit, who relieved Mr. Joel Stevens, peld the same office undér ex-Sheriff Kelly, and cbfigequently understands his business thoroughly. The newly appointed deputies are not allsworn in; the majority of them have not filed their bonds thus far. The Sheriff hopes to have his office in complete running order by Mon- day. As soon as the offic serene ‘Wert concluded Sheriff Conner had tl loors of his oftices panes to the public, hundreds of whom Were in the hall of the new Court House awaiting the Point of event. Three huge tables, nso many offices, groaning under the delicacies of thefseason, not for- getting a full supply of wines and liquors, were the point of attack by the hungry crowd. As the vuiture pounces upon his prey so did hundreds of hungry Statesmen (?) dive into the good cheer thus offered by a liberal oMcial. Mr. Alfred Storms, of ett & Storms who furnished the tables, superin' the aan ot the hungry and thirsty. Sheriff Conner and Captain Joe Toe, his deputy while County Clerk, did the honors. Mr. Conner may safely say that hg nad more callers yesterday than ‘ny other man if'New York city. A large number of distinguished offictals and citizens paid their re- spects to the Sherig gud were kindly received by Pen a: oe eae AP THR COUNTY CLERK’s OFFICE the new incumbent, Mr. William Waish, relieved the genfal ex-County Clerk, Charles E. Loew, about the same time Sheriff Conner assumed his mmne- tions. The new County Clerk had good cheer for the numerous friends who called upon him, and dispensed his hospitality with no chary hand. Tne magnates of the Tammany party were among the callers upon the new County Clerk, as well as & number of the leading members of the Bar. Mr. Henry A. Gumbleton, the efficient Deputy County Clerk under Mr. Loew, has been retained in office, as well as Major Edward H. Kent and the main portion of the old employés. Mr. Walsh has evidently the good name of his office in view by re- taining the old and experienced attachés ef the es- tablishment, which 1s of such vast ‘impertance to the welfare of the city, This oMce was open until alter two o’cloek yesterday afternoon, and shorty after the now ourt House was deserted by all save the janitors and those elearing away the débris of the New Year's feast, THE CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. Ea Girls’ Uhadging House. The Giris’ Lodgifig House in St, Mark’s place had no particular festivities yesterday for its Inmates. The day was one of quiet leisure and repose, the women who find a place of refuge here occupying thémselves with reading, &c, In the evening there was a cosey entertainment, quite impromptu in its charadter, and the younger girls danced until a latéhonr, ‘There was also music, and some of the patrohs As the institution dropped in to see how the inmates were enjoying themselves on this happy day.’ There was no turkey dinner, as on Christmas and Thanksgiving day’, but there was roast chicken, and in the evening there were cake id cheese fortea, Although of not 0 ay, @ char- aeter as Christmas and Thankgiving, New Year's Day passed off very happily, and many of the poor women Were thankful for the good home which the charity and kindness of the public had provided them. ‘Ihe resuits achieved pend the past year in this Institution reflect the greatest credit upon the matron, Mrs. E. 8. Burley, St. Barnabas Home. The day at St. Barnabas Home; 304 Mulberry atreet, was only observed by the special New Year's service at the chaveL beginning at nine g’clogk, by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd spent the day Working a8 usual, and no merry feast gladdened their hearts, There were 54 inmates in the in- stitution yesterday, all women and girls. This number is comparatively small to what it was a few weeks ago, There are 32 beds for women in the Home and 10 for children, but sometimes there are 20 more inmates than can be accommodated in the beds. Before Christmas there was much greater aimoniay in obtaining smaploxmans for the women in the Home, but during the last week the Sisters succeeded in getting work for @ great many, This institution, is certainly one oi the best in tne city, and it 14 to be hoped thatit will accomplish this year as Wuch good as it has during the past. Howard Mission, There was no special celebration of the day in the Howard Mission and Home for Little Wander- ers, New Bowery. There was no school, and the larger children in the institution went to the Park, where they enjoyed themselves greatly. The din- ner was as usual. The inants in the nursery Played all day long. The exercises during the Week at this Mission are as follows:—Day school from nine to three o’clock, general prayer meeting on Tuesday evening, 7oans people’s meeting on Wednesday evening, mothers’ bible class on Thursday evening, sewing school on Benersny, irom ten to twelve o'clock; singing exercises daily from halt-past eleven to twelve o'clock; Sunday school irom hal{-past two to hulf-past three o'clock, followed by addresses and singing. Over 300 chil- dren are daily in attendance in the schools, and about 500 are enrolled. Most of these look to the Mission for clothing and many ior food, and 30 little infants find shelter in the nursery. ‘The chil- dren who attend the schools receive one good meal daily, In one month alone during the past year the Mission furnished over 10,000 meals, besides: Supplying several hundred loaves of bread and other provisions to families where sickness or widowhood had rendered it necessary. Five Points House of Industry. There was no special dinner at the Five Points House of Industry yesterday, tne holiday festivities being generally confined to Thanksgiving Day ana Christmas, The little children, however, had a “party” at one o’clock in the afternoon, being fur- ished with candy and fruits by their friends and protectors, The scene was a very animated one, some 60 or 60 children playing and romping with the greatest glee. There was no school, 80 that all the children had New Year’s Day co themselves. Superintendent Barnard went to visit a number of poor famiies in the neighborhood to relieve their sufferings. He had received money from the hu- mane and kindly patrons of the mission for this purpose. These were the only New Year’s calls he paid, he said, and he certainly could not have made & better and nobler use of the time which others might have devoted to the Irivolities of fashionable society. Mr, Barnard thinks the prospect for the poor this year very sad, indeed, a8 wages were being reducea everywhere. Newsboys’ Lodging House. The Newsboys’ Lodging House was very quiet yesterday, all the boys being out during the greater part of the day and going to the theatres and other places ef amusement in the evening. They drew some of their money the day before from their “bank”? in the institution, to be able to have @ jolly time yesterday. The dinner was as usual, and there was no merrymaking of any sort at the Lodging House. The newsboys wiil soon move into their new building, where they will have the most comlortable quarters, THE DAY AT LUDLOW STREET JAIL. ™ accordance with the usual custom the prison, ers at the Ludlow Street Jail were treated to a first class dinner yesterday. They were allowed the privilege of the prison from the top tier to the yard. They walked around, smoked, played at cards, billiards or dominoes, and enjoyed them- selves generally, Warden Tracy, as 1s his wont, moved freely among his temporary boarders, wish- ing them a “Happy New Yeur,” and telling them that for that day at least they must consider them- selves mis guests, The prisoner: one and all, thanked the Warden eartily for his kindness and expressed many kind wishes toward him. About eleven o'clock Sheriff William C. Conner called, and was duly in- troduced to all the inmates, He also bade them es cheer and made himself generally eable, O moving among the inmates of the institution he noted the arrangements of the interior and accom- modations of the iiouse, The guests of the day seemed to experience a favorable impression of the new Sherif, and though many were inclined to discuss their cases with him, they refrained from ee ment, Aiter dinner the evening amusements set in, and all gave themselves up to the enjoyment of the hour without reaerve, ‘The solemn and taci- turn man smiled upon his neighbor for the first time, and the joyous-hearted man was doubly lively. When night set in each went to his humble cot with as much content as could be expected from men in their positions, NEW YEAR'S DAY AT THE TOMBS. Contrary to all custom the prisoners incarce- rated in this mansion received no extra attention yesterday. They passed their New Year’s Day as they passed their Christmas, without any sign of recognition from without or within. It possibly may be owing to the parsimony of the Commis- sioners of Charities and Correction; but it was generally thought that Warden Johnson, who had profited so much during his term of office trom the Offerings of the prisoners under his care, would, m a_ spirit of genial liberality, do something ior those unfortunates who were obliged to spend the New Yeai’s Day inside the walis of @ city prison, Many articles of 1ood and comfort were sent to the gate, but under the pres- ent rules, instituted by the all-wise Commissioners since the escape of Sharkey, nothing except a few articles of clothing were allowed into the prison. Yestesday, theretore, was one of the gloomiest days ever known within the walls of the Tombs, ‘The reflection naturally strikes one, Why should 500 men suffer because, through the ignorance of @ iresh set of Commissioners in Spo aaas, keepers or the criminal carelessness of a warden who knows too much, a prisoner of note escaped, and thus made it imperative om the authorities in charge to make New Year’s Dey a day of lamenta- tion instead of rejoicing? THE DAY ON THE ISLANDS. A Glorious New Year for the Poor. The Commissioners of Charities and Correction, Mr. William Laimbeer, General James Bowen and Mr. Meyer Stern, imitating the example of their predecessors, yesterday liberally provided for all the inmates of the institutions under their charge. It was a New Year’s that will long be remembered, and, for a year at least, many poor, lame, sick and blind will offer up prayers for the noble charity Spat yesterday did pot torget them im the distribu. tion of the good things of this life, Many of our philanthropic ladies and gentlemen, in anticipation of the “probability” that the Commissioners might be so financially situated that they could not bring the usual New Year's cheer to the inmates, sent parcels and boxes to the various institutions, the contents of whieh were added to the generous supplies furnished by the above named gentlemen. a BELLEVUE HOSPITAL. At tMa stitution there were yesterday over 800 inmates under the superintendence of Warden QWomas Brennan, sometimes cailed (on account ‘of his diminutive size and largeness of heart) the “Little Giant of New York.” There, at one o'clock, the Commissioners of Charities, at an expense of $150, supplied a superb dinner to the inmates, consisting of, beside the asual fare of turkey, chicken, pies, pudding and cakes. The supplies furnished by the Commissioners were so abundant that the physicians in charge of the various wards did not deem it necessary to contribute out of their own pockets, This evening the Warden will entertain the convalescents with a concert, THE PENITENTIARY, Warden Liscomb, supplied with the generous contributions of the Commissioners, shortly alter noon served the “hardened class’ with turkey, chicken, ducks, pies and all the etcatera, The inmates ate ravenously and had ocular evidence of the tact that there were some who still remem- bered them, and the fact that the hearts of the chaingang of the stone quarry are capable of once @ year being softened by a littie kindness, THE CHARITY HOSPITAL, Here the same fare, varied by religious services, ‘Was served to the inmates, under the superintend- ence or Dr. Macdonald, chief of staff, who has ac- complished so much by his Friday evening enter- taimments to relieve the convalescents 0: the dull Monotony of enforced imprisonment, such as they must submit to until effectually cured, OTHER INSTITUTIONS. The bounty of the Commissioaers was distributed over the other institutions, where all were served with roast turkey, chicken and pudding. In the children’s nursery, on Randail’s Isiand, Warden Stephens distinguished himself by impromptu business upon so festive a mo- amusements that delighted the dear little children o1 the city’s charge. ‘The jollowing are the insti- tutions that yesterday received the bounty of the ,Commissioners, consisting of turkey, chicken, pies and cakes, 1n addition to the usual fare :-— ¥ BLACKWBLL'S ISLAND. Smallpox Hospital, Superintendent Macdonald, chief of medteat statt; Charity Hospital, Dr. Mac: donald, chief of stad; Fever Hospital, the Peniten- tiary, the Almshouse, the Hospital for Incurabies, the Blind Asylum, the Workhouse, the Lunatic lum, the Lodge, the Retreat, the Epileptic and Paratytie Hospital and the Hospital for Barmiess Insane, WARD'S ISLAND. Inebriate Asylum and insane Asylum, KANDALL’S ISLAND. Nurseries, Nursery Hospital, Idiotic Asylum. HART'S ISLAND. Boys’ Reformatory. RBCRPTION HOSPITALS. City Hall Park, Reception Hospital, Ninety-pinth street; Bellevue Hospital. THE PARK AND THE ROAD. There was much disappointment among the lit- Ue folks of New York yesterday morning that they could not indulve in a “grand, good skate” at the Park. For days the junior members of the com- munity had anticipated such a treat, and in hun- dreds of family circles parties had been made up “to go to the Lake’ on New Year’s bright and early, and there have a jolly, good time, while their bigger brothers ‘did the calling” or their elder sisters received their friends. But it was not tobe, and the scoresof youngsters, though the “ball” was not displayed on the street cars that journeyed to the Park, hoping to find that the Ice king had espoused their cause, turned upon their heels out of humor when the officers at the en- trance gates told them there was “no skat- ing; the snow had made tne ice rotten,” Really, it was a sad blow to the Juveniles, and none knew it so 8 =Wwelll as the officials in charge of the matter, for inquiry established the fact that during the past three or four days it had been confidently expected that the ice would be in a condition to permit the in- auguration of the exhilarating pastime, but Wednesday evening it was decided there would be too much danger attending it, as the ice had be- come rotten. “And so one pleasant way e/ passing the first day of the year by a portion of Gotham’s Muititude was lost, and the sight an assem- blage where thorough and legitima njoyment in its suliees sense is ound cannot be hoped ior yet @ while, Yet while the good humor ana kindly feeling Which mark a gathering of skavers was not ob- served at the Park, the old resort was visited by hundreds in sleighs, who, breathing the pure oxy- ee of the morning, bade the biues to get ehind them, and merry laughter from fair faces and pink-tipped cheeks accorded sweetly with the music of the silvery bells in clusters about speedy roadsters. A8 early as nine o’clock those hunting for a pleasant ride over the snow slowly made thetr way to the upper epd of Manhattan Island, and when the Park was reached their hearts were glad, for the snow was arg hard and firm, giving them an opportunity ior a lengthy spin, Many atime and oft has the famous drive there been the scene of imposing turnouts, but, though the crowd was not great, there was hardly one that equalled yesterday's in leasantness and real downright jollity. Kind earted papas in scores of instances had made it an occasion to give their jittle ones a ride, and almost every other sleigh contained one or more tiny faces, the youngest of the household, and the ‘lee of these as they dashed by the trees, beautiful in their lacework of ice and snow, was contagious. Littlearms would come itom beneath tie warm robes, and in spite of gentle chiding they would be whirled around and around, and then, full of joy, their Owners would cry out witn delight. Towards noon the number of sleighing parties increased.| Some were New Yorkers and recog- nized as old drivers on the road, but others were strangers, who, with guides good and true, adopted this plan of having a “high oid time” and passing the day. Hilarity was rife as the alter- noon advarced, and, spiuning through the Park, they continued their way out on the roads beyona, stopping now and then at friends’ or at established places, where they found 1t easy to obtain a “ttle suthin” that would keep the cold out and increase the pressure of boisterousness. ‘The road was quite crowded as evening approached with all sorts of vehicles, and all were comfortably filled, From all these there arose the hum of enjoyment and sometimes bursts of rousing cheers. The stranger to such a spectacle would say without doubt, “What a happy lot of mortals!” And per- haps they were. At least let it be hoped that each and all passed the day to their satislaction, NEW YEAR’S DAY IN BROOKLYN. The time honored custom of celebrating the inaugural day of the new year by making calls and renewing acquaintanceship was never more generally observed by all classes than it was in Brooklyn yesterday. The streets were filled with pedestrians the livelong day, while vehicles freighted with gay gallants rolled over the snowy roads in every direction. Ladies were “at ome,” it 18 safe to say, in two-thirds of the houses of the churchly city, and right hospitably did they re- ceive and entertain their gentlemen friends, There was very little intoxication apparent upon the streets, though it cannot be denied that a goodly percentage of the ‘visitors’? were lightly ‘“‘how-come-you-s0” ere the shades of évening fell. ‘The temperance tables were more numerous than heretotore, lemonade and coffee taking the places of spirituous liquors as per pious advice of the ministry to the ladies, Rev. H. W. Beecher was the recipient of fully 1,000 visits from the people, all of whom were entertained and shaken by the hand by the genial proprietor of Piymouth’s parocial mausion. Enter- tainments were given at all the theatres, after- noon and evening. Mayor Hunter and ex-Mayor Powell were at the City Hall during the forenoon and shook hands with several hundred men and boys who called to wisn the new Mayor a “happy new year.” There was luncheon spread at the Hall, frugality and economy in all things being the motto of the newly inaugura‘ed municipal govern- ment officials. Services were held in the Catholic churches the same as on Sunday, it being the Feast of the Cir- cumcision. The masses were all numerously at- tended. and thousands began the new year by Srerceching, the tribunal of penance and receiving the holy eucharist, ‘There were services held also im the Protestant Episcopal churches, But few breaches of the peace occurred during the day, so that the reserve platoon of the police enjoyed a respite from ay. This evening there will be a caucus of the Alder- men, held for the purpose of selecting a President for the new Board, which will organize on Monday. On the republican side Alderman F, B. Fisher, of the Twenty-third ward, a gentleman who is repre- sented as being eminently qualified for the posi- tion, being an excellent parlamentarian, is urged for President of the Common Council. Alderman Robert Hill, of the Twenty-fifth ward, haa also been mentioned as a candidate for the office. The democrats urge John M. Clancy and Ripley Ropes. Either one would be acceptable to the party. Sev- eral minor positions will also be disposed of by the caucus. THE DAY IN In Westchester county New Year's Day, with its time-honored and chééring concomitants, was WESTCHESTER. Pee ent te = at THE WELSH EISTEDDFOD, The Cimbri at Their New Year's Rites. Urica, Jan. 1, 1874, the Welsh people of this city beld their annual Ristedd{fod to-day, The Opera House was crowded all day, people coming from all the surrounding country and from other States, All the exercises were conducted in Welsh, and the greatest enthu- siasm prevaile¢. ‘The subjects for competition are given out @ year in advance, and prizes are awarded for the pest poems, songs, glees, an- thems, recitations and addresses. They excite great interest among this people, and to win a prize at any of them is considered a great honor. Three sessions were held to-day a8 well as a con- cert last night. The morning’s proceedings were preliminary, and the smaller prizes are generally awarded at this session, In the alternoon the cere- mony of inducting the successful was performed and a prize in money and @ silver medal were given to the best choir in the singing of a glee, “The Death of Picton,” which won the prize here last last year. Short addresses were made, among others, one by the Hon. John J. Parry, of Kome. FATAL BARROOM APFRAY. Arrrest of the Barkeeper. At an early pour yesterday morning William Banta, @ man about 38 years of age, entered the barroom of the Warren House, 163 and 165 Canal street, and, according to accounts, soon became in- volved ip @ quarrel with Henry Hughes, the bar- tender, about some drinks, during which, it is sup- posed, Banta either fell or was knocked down a flight of stairs. About seven o’clock Officer Mc- Kinley, of the Fourteenth precinct, in going his rounds saw Banta lying on the walk outside the house, aud upon making an examination found that he was dead. The officer then arrested Hughes, who confessed that after having a diill- culty with Banta he shoved him outside the door, A man named Murdock _ liv- ing in the Warren House, is said to have witnessed the trouble which resulted in Banta’s death, Join Nolan, of No. 134 Division street, and ‘Thomas C. Malloy, of Washington street, Hobo: ken, who were in the barroom, stated that they saw no fighting, but heard a fail when Hughes was at the bar, whereupon the latter ran and picked deceased up. Coroner Eickhoff took charge of the case, and Deputy Coroner Marsh in examining the body found blood issuing irom the mouth, ears aud nose, indicating that deceased had received a iracture of the skull. ‘he body was sent to the Mory tor post-mortem examination, and Coroner Hickhoit committed Hughes to the Tombs, while the wit- nesses were sent to the House of Detention. Banta had no permanent residence im this city, He has a brother on the police force of Jersey City, who Was notified, TOMBS POLICE COURT. Struggle tor Liberty, Before Judge Bixby. A woman, named Emma Snow, alias Mollie Sut- tle, Was arraigned yesterday, charged with steal- ing a gold watcn and chain, valued at $235, from Edwin E. Snow, Edwin went to see Emma on Monday last, and then lost his property. He tried to discover it, but without success. Detective Ciapp was called in, and on Tuesday evening he visited Miss Snow, alias Suttle, at her residence, No. 55 Great Jones street. The detective told ner he had 4 warrant lor her arrest, and she asked per- Mission to go into another room and dress herself, Permission was accordingly granted by the officer; but, thinking she was too long abouv getting ready, he looked into the room and found the lady gone. She had actually jumped out of a second story window aud was making her way across the fences, The detective foliowed her to No. 341 Bewery, where she jumped out of a third story window and returned to No. 55 Great Jones street, where she was finally arrested. Her appearance yesterday morning showed signs of her herculean exertions m trying to make her escape. Her nose was broken and her whole face was badly bruised. She claimed that she was the wile of the complainant, but was held by Judge Bixby in $1,000 bail to an- swer. Assault on an Officer. Officer James Devin, of the Third precinct, made acomplaint of felonious assault and battery against Francis Reynolds, of No, 121 Mulberry street, John Doyle and James Gillespie, Oilicer Devin said he wentinto No, 121 Mulberry street on Wednesday, and was there struck with a billy, knocked down and kicked. The deiendants claimed that the oficer had ordered two bottles of wine and refused to pay for them, and was merely quietly ejected, Tuey were held in $1,000 bail each to answer. YORKVILLE POLICE COURT. New Year’s Morning and the Victims of Bacchus. The crowd that was rapped to order yesterday morning in this Court, when Justice Wandell took his seat, was one that could be found only in a police court. They were of all classes, the well- to-do pre goon the forlorn and the wretched. As t be éxpedted, mit e SOME SERIOUS ASSAULTS, nearly all of them having their origin in the exces- sive ase of liquor, were disposed of. One of these was that of William 8B, Finley, @ politician of the Twenty-second ward, who was so badly beaten by Morris Leahy, of No. 442 West Fifty-tourth street, and Henry Kolf, of Fiity-fourth street, near Ninth avenue, that he was unable to appear in court. The aepners were remanded to the station house until to-day. A Desperate Case of Shooting. Joseph Isaacs, who owns a butcher shop at No. 338 East Sixty-third street, was charged with shooting a boy named Michael Murphy in the head with a revoiver, loaded, as the physician who at- tends the boy thinks, with shot as well as a bullet. He expiained to the Court that he had been robbed by boys before, and though it was in the middle of the day and he was present himself in the store, he was unabie to catch the thieves because he was Jame and could not chase them or go after a po- liceman. He knew the crowd, o! which the boy Murphy was one, when they came to his door on Wednesday, and though he cautioned them to go away they refused, being bent on stealing some- thing. He then drew his revolver and fired among them, not being very particular which he hit. He fired to protect his property, and he thought he had done only his duty. Justice Wandell decidedly differed with the pris- oner, and gave it as his opinion that, ere Mr. Isaacs was through with the case, he would be taught to have more respect tor the law which pro- tects poor, fatherless boys as well as brutal butch. ers. le was committed to await the result of the injurie, which a consultation of three eminens physiclans of the Ninteenth ward has decided to be very serious and probably fatal. Cut with a Piteher. Thomas and Michael Kiernan, brothers, were held to bail in $2,000 each for a serious assault com- mitted by them on the husband of a relative of theirs, named Michael Flynn. ‘The latter keeps a liquor store at No. 870 Seventh avenue, and the prisonere went to see him on Wednesday night. A row occurred, when Michael Kiernan struck Flyon with a@ stone pitcher and cut him terribly on the scrupulously observed. During the forenoon the various places of worship were filled with atten- tive audiences, intent on rendering thanks for Divine mercies during the past year, and, doubt- less, anxious to solicit @ continuance of the same. The pulpit utteratices were appropriate to the joyous Beason, and in some instances did not {gnore the destitute condition of the local poor, whose claims for assistance from their more fortunate brethren and sisters were touciingly set forth. At Yonkers the day was made memorable by the turning on of water conveyed through pipes, just laid, irom a neighboring aqueduct to many portions 0: the city. This achievement was witnessed by the city ofi- clals and hundreds of delighted spectators who had assembled on Getty square for that purpose. ‘The couvicts in Sing Sing Prison were treated to an “extra” dinner by the Warden, and at the County Jail, although exchanging custodians in the Sherit!’s ofice, the inmates were not forgotten. NEW YEAR'S DAY IN TRENTON. New Year's Day in Trenton was observed by nearly all of the inhabitants as a general holiday. Special services were held in the Catholic and Episcopal churches, which were attended by large congregations, On the night before the various Methodist churches were thronged by people of divers religious beliefs, most of whom were attracted out of curiosity to witness the unique services attendant on the ola time- honored custom of Watch Night, or what is called by many, ww Year's Eve Meet ing.” The services were of a very interesting character and lasted till midnight, when the in- ception of the New Lear was the signal for the dis- persion of the nocturnal worshippers to their homes, Instructive discourses were delivered by the respective pastors on subjects appropriate to the occasion—tne sermon of the Kev. Mr. Vansant, in the State street Methodist Episcopal church, being particularly edifying. Nothing transpired throughout the day to mar the harmony ana fes- tivity of the auspicious event, although the beer and rum venders were well patronized, as is cus- tomary on all such holiday Oovasions. A NEW YEAR'S NEMESIS, Paterson, N. J., Jan, 1, 1874, About eighto'clock this morning John Regner, a mouler, living tn River street, near the Erie Rall- way dopot, attempted to fire @ salute from an im- perfect cannon of his own make, touching it off Higebattenay nee, The cannon exploded and fragments of tt tore through bis Jnguiar veiw aud carotid ajery. killing him inatanfly, head. This is not the only quarrel the parties have BA BSSEX MARKET PO! OOURT. Ushering in the New Year. Before Justice Flammer. ‘The court room was crowded yesterday morning with prisoners, mostly charged with befng drank and disorderly the previous night. The Justice, with only a few exceptions, discharged them, in consideration of the day and their promises never to appear before him again. They all pleaded a su- perabundance of aqua vite, preparatory to a long “swear off.’’ One olu fellow said :—‘Judge, if you let me go I will never trouble you again, never, so help me, until next year.” One gaunt and theatrical looking fellow on being asked his name replied, with evident applejack teeling:—‘My name! name 'tis Murphy, and on the Gramption hills’—— Justice Fiam- mer—“That will do. Ten dollars or ten days.’ Mr. Murphy again, dramatically—“Thanks, most generous Judge, [accept the $10, and will ever cherish’——, + Judge—“OmMcer, take that man down stairs.” When Mr. Murphy was being taken below he was heard to sadly remark, “Well, well, it did not work this time.” Tracing Up a Thief. Henry Weber was arrested yesterday by Officer Dyer, of the Tenth precinct, ona charge of grand larceny, committed last August. It appears he pawned a watch at that time with a Mr. Cohen, and the latter had afterwards to surrender the watch, it having been stolen, On Wednesday Weber offered Soe eres oe pawn to Mr. Cohen, and he remembering him had him arrested. The com- plainant in the watch case 1s now being hunted up, and in the meantime Weber was locked up. An Alleged Burglar, Joseph Henderson was remanded for examina- tion on a charge of burglary preferred against him by Sebastian Michello, COURT CALENDARS—THIS DAY, SurreEME CovurT—Cuampers—Held by Judge Brady.—Nos, 56, 242, SUPREME COURT—SPECIAL TERM—Held by Jadge Davis, Jr.—Case on for argument—No. 76. SuPREM@# CoURT—CinouiT—Par. 2— Regular Term—Adjourned for the term, SUPREME COURT—ADJOURNED TeRM—Adjourned for the term. SUPERIOR Arete Trera.—Part 1—Ad- Journed tor the term. fart 2—Adjourned for the term. COURT OF COMMON PLEAS -TRrAL TERM.—Part 1— Adjourned for the term. Part 2—Adjoarned for the term, MARINE COURT—TRIAL TERM.—Part 1—Adjourned jor ‘the term. Part 2—Adjourned for the term. Part 3—Adiourned for the term, et QUAKER CITY. Circles=The Work To Be Done—Posi< tion of the Union League Club. PHILADELPHIA, Dec, $1, 1873. We are still rejoicing over our disenthralment, The better portion of the press that opposed the new constitution graceiully acquiesces in the wis+ dom and the sovereignty of the people. The more intelligent and least seifish of those who voted aguinst adoption begin to appreciate the merits of the new instrument. But for the cursing and ghashing of the Ring—we have scotcb’d the snake, not killed it—one might think, so jocund is the air, that the primal virtues of the fathers lived again ag In the brave days of old, When none was for a party, When all were for the State. We can allow but a brief period for congratulae tion over our transcendent triumph, for there is much work tobedone. A Legisiature of unquese tioned incompetency, nominated and elected under the debased condition of public morals Which has prevailed for years, is to be watched, True, itis shorn of much of its power todo evil, but it is made up of such men that but little good may be expected from it, Un‘ortunately, the ar- rangements for giving effect to the benefits of the new constitution necessarily had to be left with this body. The Governor largely possesses the confidence of the people, and his hearty co-opera- tion in setting the new government in action is confidently relied upon. CITY OPFICIALS. Jt will be necessary for us to hold our municipal election in February next, eight months eariies than we expected, and, as the Mayor then tobe elected will be in office during the centennial year, the subject of candidates 18 becoming excit« ing and engrossing. The present incumbeng can hardly expect to be renominated, Ha 1s not acceptable to any party or to any faction, and scarcely to the smallest frace tion of either. His strength and his boast, hitherto, has been that ne was one of the founder and ruling managers of the Ring; its favoured nom- inee and successful candidate; its most cherished champion; its most unscrupulous adviser and abettor, and, by means of his police, its all- powerlul protector, Dazed by the mighty up- rising of the people—a fact patent and posi- tive as midday—conscious of the frauds that had been committed during the morning, of those then being perpetrated and of others yet more stupen- dous to be committed before night by his follow« ers and friends; aware that the people knew of these atrocious acts and schemes; terrified at the imminent prospect of the summary vengeance of an outraged community, at one o’clock, in despair, he calied off his imported gang o1 repeaters, and Suddenly retused to longer connive at the ex- treme villanies of his confederates. His own language to the reporters of the press was “he Would not be putina hole.” The rufflans of the Ring and their leaders and employers say he ‘wend back on them,” for which they curse bim and give him up. We speak of what is averred and kuown; “for this thing was not done in a corner,” but im the Mayor's Office, in the presence of the report- ers of tne daily press. The Mayor will be left se« verely aione, to be punished by what has been considered as the most pain{ul of all reflections. IMMEDIATE WORK. Much work is to be done forthwith, There is the jJarge class of unsuspecting citizens to console, which has for years allowed itself to be the dupe of the Ring and to vote for all its men and sanction all its measures, under tue belief that party fealty was a higher duty than independent action. These gentiemen have awakened from their stupor and are dismaily contemplating their involuntary complicity with crait and crime. They need comfort in their affliction, and doubtiess hey will be early cared for and consoled. THE FOSSILS, The revivification of the fossils of all strata, from the mtocene to the very latest pleistocene, and theic very remarkable nervous energy against new. ideas and reform, which astonished everyvody, is. @ more difficult matter to understand and manages But these antique representatives of long deiunct species best Know how they crawled out of their petriuactions, and they may saiely be allowed to get back to their shelis by their own process, with- out assistance, let-or hindrance from any ot the presentage. Had we a politico-scientific demy and museum we might lodge a iew choice speci- eine ey it Jor the instruction of posterity. vhem there is THE UNION LEAGUE IMPERILLED. The recent tornado swept with raging force through, over and around this special pet and pride o! Philadelphia, Shaken, shattered some- what by the fury of the blast, the League is still, perchance, sound enough in the main to justify ex- tensive repairs and alterations. The instituuon must not be suffered to languish and perish. It can be purited and restored to usefuiness and respect despite the cynical ogee of Talleyrand that a blunder 1s wo.se than acr@he. The people charitably conclude that it has not been so much the coniederate of the Ring as the victup, and thus their sympathtes are excited. Our affections linger around the League's days of giory and ber heroic resolves in times iong gone. We never tire—and we trust we never shall—o/ the eloquence of the annual report of 1870, irom the pen of its giited Secretary. We read and reread that marvelious production, and fondiy awell on its beauty and wisdom; nor do we ever fail to gently reprehend the directors for their strange lorgetiulness of those loity ethics and noble recom- mendawons, approved as they were by an enthusi- astic and unanimous vote. It is meet that this precious counsel and admonition should be re- vived. We humbly submit it now, in the present lamentable prostration of the League, and we argo upon the members o1 the irfstitution the “serious ponderings”’ it enjoins, in the conviction that they will find in the glowing periods a solace fer them- selves in these days of their deleat and humilia- tion; though it 1s barely possible, however, that the keen remembrance thus awakened of those days ol purity, so early lost, may add to their iction, and, with anguish like that of the be- reaved mother gazing on the garments of her lost one, exclaim with her, ©, hide them away! 0, hide them away! Anathema maranatha on the wretches who se- duced the League from the paths of virtue! Alas that, like Haidee in the day of her temptation, She forgot, Just in the very crisis. she should not Let the League return to its principles of 1870, purge itself, forswear rings, live cleanly, and 1¢ may be saved, The efforts of its best members for mutual refinement and elevation through exhi- bitions of the fine arts, angmentation of the library, musical soirées and other wsthetic and in- tellectual ncies may yet be realized. By relin- quishing fel lowsyP aud alliance with “The Mys- terious Pilgrims,” the “Old Rellables” and other litical clubs, Whose ardent zeal so often violates law, Order and decency, the League may be reha- biljtated, “Tis @ consummation devoutly to be wished.” We dwell on the past character and present condition of this institution because for the last ten years it has been our most important factor (especially in the estimation of tne respect- able and wealthy classes) in the solution of po- teal 4 social problems, whether iocal or jational, ~ PURIFICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT. The gre: of Hercules’ iabors, we believe, was the eine aed the Augean stables. The most dificult task beiore the now unfettered citizen is the purification of the city government, Under the new constitution our city debt cannot be in- creased, but taxes may be piled on monntal high. Now that convictions for bribery and mal feasance in ofice—crimes which hitherto have been committed almost daily with impunity and deflance—are made attainable, and now that the oath of office 18 made a solemn and significant act, we may expect that a better class of men will be willing to become members of councils than those who now defile our municipal halls, to the loss of the taxpayer and the detriment of public morals. ‘The election to be held in February will be a partial test of our expectations, Mere party nominations and the election of heated partisans of either side will not bring about much improvement, AD inde- pendent movement, irrespective of party, 18 being organized. ‘True eT ES green | F -ag pn be obtained by no other process, transier of power from republicans to democrats will not, cannot change the debated system which prevails but little, tfatall. The correction of the chronic abuses under which we suffer can-come only from inteliigent men, who must be ufted above the dwarfing influence of party spirit, LIGHT. Iution startles the most apathetic. Never was ‘there a time 80 propitious for the inauguration of aD independent movement of the liberal, the intelligent, the fearless, the moral and ‘the patriotic element of society to yf the despotl ‘Sian of such @ movement. Already the fir: streakings of the aaa light and parplings of a clear dawn have dispelled the long dark night of despair; 800n the day of regeneration will shed its efulgence and warmth on agpeople redeemed and disenthralled, . FELONIOUS ASSAULT IN BROOKLYN. Andrew Hanion, ® stone cutter by trade, way arrested at anearly hour yesterday morning, om complaint of Mrs. Ellen Welch, reefding corner of Degraw and Hicks strects. The prisoner, who it appears was drinking “the old year out and new year in,’ fired the contents of a loaded revolver at Mrs. Welch without any provocation on her part. ‘The charge took effect in the wall, passing in close roximity to the head 9{ complainant. Jon ig Bera for examination.