8 jirsNAUi: or ms jioxoh TIIK MAYO IS. Whon Conncils assembled last January, a Committee then waited upon bis Honor Mayor McMichael, to know whether he had any mes sage t D(1 then, lie said that he htul not, hut he would have one reader to send in at some future day. In pursuance of that promise he prepared the following able and carefully digested document. It was presented To the Select and Common Conncils of the City of Philadelphia. By the act of consolidation it Is made the doty Of the Mayor "to communicate to Council at Scant once a year a general statement of the condition of the city, In regard to its government, finances and improvement!,' and "to recommend the adop tion of all such measure aa he may deem expo dient for the security, health, cleanliness, improve merit and welfare of the city." The most suitable period for the presentation of ench a message as la here contemplated would seem to be the beginning of the legislative year. As the law now stands, (lounclls are organized on the first Monday of January, when the olflcers and committees of the two branches are appointed. As many of the members then take their seats for the first time, "a general statement of the condi tion of the city," In the particulars specified, would undoubtedly be valuable and appropriate. But ench a statement cannot then be accurately made. The fiscal year closes on the 31st of December, and as this kllects to a greater or les3 degree the action of all the departments, the reports of their beads cannot be got ready for use at the date mentioned. For example, several oi the reports on which the Mayor must necessarily found bis statements, and out of which any recommendation he might desire to make would naturally grow, did not reach me until the clot e of February, and s jme of tbeia not until within a day or two. The result is certainly in some respects Inconvenient. How far this in convenience Is obviated by the practice which pre vails, of putting these documents into print and communicating their substantial contents to the public before they are sent to this ollice at all, I shall not undertake to determine. I have to congratnln'e you, gentlemen, on the state of our municipal affairs. Though daring the past year there has been very considerable depres sion in the commercial and manufacturing In terests of the country at large, and Philadelphia has had to take Its share of the consequences, the finances of the city have Improved, and its pro frees, so far as it Is dependent on the authorities, has been satisfactory. If our material growth has rot been so rapid as in some years before the war, It contrasts very favorably with the years imme diately preceding the present: and all the indica tions point to still larger movement in the early jatnre. It Is at least certain that we have not only cot retrograded, bat that, in comparison with other great cities, our advance is most gratifying. The funded debt of the city on the 1st day of January, 1866, amounted to .13,837,793 96. which was increased by the issue of city loans, as follows: Expenses incident to the war, $1,013,400 00 cmer expenses, 1,488,685 fcl 82,532,085 81 From which deduct Loans redeemed by (Jity Treasurer, - - 8193,091 72 Xoans cancelled by Com missioners ot Sinking luud, - - 1,009,163 70 1,204,258 48 Actual increaee of the funded debt during the year, ... 81,327,327 38 Total fnnded debt of the city, Jan. 1, 1867, (including cash balance on band Jan. 1, 18(10 ) - - 835,105,621 35 The entire receipts of the city trea sury during the past year were 9,42",802 64 The total expondltures ol the city for the same period were - . $8,392,379 02 From -which deduct Amount of temporary loan jtnd interest paid, 1, CGI, 001 6 yVTrants of previous jears, - 2,043,414 24 83,108,016 10 And the amounts paid for the actual expenses of the Departments are shown to be - - - - 5,257,362 92 To which add the outstanding war- rants of lbOO, .... i,ao4,84i 95 And it res nits that the total cost ot the Departments for the year was 86,492,204 87 The receipts for taxes of 1866 amounted to 4,. 1 10,751 82, after allowances of 9127,563 59 lor prompt payments, as authorized by law. The total amount of taxes outstanding, as ap pears by the Controller's statement, is $3,359,815 49. In addition to the above, there was collected by the Receiver during the past year, for taxes of 1805 and preceding years, the sum of $273,767 87. The Sinking Funds now form an important de partment of the finances of Philadelphia. One Xund was created, when the old city and districts were consolidated, to cover all the loans which had been previously made by them, and were then un- J, aid. Thirty-one funds have been added as new oans were made, each being designed by its own operation to provide for the payment at maturity of the loan it represents. As the loans run lor thirty years from date, the effect Is to distribute their burden by taxation through that period. No debt is new created without a provision for its payment at maturity, and thus such a connection Is formed between a debt and its discharge tisouiht to cause the most serious consideration before it Is contracted. The taxation required for the annual appropriation to the present Sinking Funds is 26 30-100 per cent, on the value of the property as sessed, or 431,445; to which add 1 37-100 per c?nt. for the annual Interest on the loans, or 2,-i 50,000, and the total Is 1 63-1000 per cent., or 2,0l,ll5 tor 1867. A sufficient burden of the kind 10 satiety every one that only improvidence could have al lowed its accumulation, and that nothing but very extraordinary causes will justify its increase. The statementof the funded debt, presented by the Commissioners of the Staking Funds, and the docu ments connected with it, will be read with inter, est. The property held by the city la of great value, and, were It not for the eleven millions of debt created for war purposes, would represent a total exceeding the whole debt. The revenue from this property, if directly appropriated to it, would contribute largely towards paying the interest on the debt. The control of its finances is one of the most se rinnm n i m rn 1 1 i encountered in the administration of a city like Philadelphia. With a population of over seven nonarea mousana peupie, uicu pldly increasing, and with an area of one hundred and forty. four square miles, a constant pressure on the treasury, lrom the circumference even to the centre, arising out of the need of essential im provements which must keep pace with the growth of the city, Is inevitable; and beyond that class ot demands which can be anticipated and provided for, others continually occur which no foresight can prevent. Still, experience ought to determine with sufficient accuracy an approxt mate amount, which should be raised at the be ginning ot each year, to cover boto the certuin and uncertain requirements. Unfortunately, how ever, from causes which are easily understood, inn ratm have been often levied, with a conscious ness of their insufficiency, and thus deficiencies from year to year nave occurred, 10 00 cuvmeu uj innn. The representatives of an Intelligent com munity should be governed by fixed principles, and it is due both to themselves and their constltu. .n. that ti,a r,rnrintnn bv taxation, with the reve nue from other sources, should be always equal to the expenditure for the year. The title 01 Con troller would impiy uu wnnum tn th. uri.notment. nt the exDenditure to the in come; but no such authority has been conferred on ttat offlpur. nnd his recent exhibit of the finances of the city shows an existing deficiency of about l,6oo,O0U, which it is proposed 10 ciency In the treasury prevents the prompt pay ment of warrant! drawn ution it. That depre r.iatea thalr value, and the extent of their depre ciation is a loss to the city in the Increased cost ot labor and materials. Motives of eoonomy alone hould Induce more careful management, even If the dishonor, which la inseparable from unpaid obligations, were not a conseauence. The finances of several of the other large cities in the United States are more systematically man aged than our own in the adjustment of their re venue and expenses, by which funding to cover current exnenses Is avoided. The advantage pos sessed by them over ns by which lower rates of taxation produce larger results, is a relatively larger basis tor taxation, in which is included both personal and real estate, arising from the care with which their assessment are made, and which will be apparent from contrasting their returns of the value uf real estate with the returns made here: In Philadelphia, in 1855, the assessed value of Teal estate waa uk,0O0,uuo: iw, iou,wv,vw, m 1 Kit in f,n In' Ilr,'lrn In IB, tha UHMMd Value Of Teal SS. tate waa f 139,iiit,0W, XW5, 9201,690,900; if7, 9225,. 20,000. TOE DAILY EVENING TELEGRAPH. PHILADELPHIA, THURSDAY, In New York, in IRls.the assessed value of real estate was 9337,000,000; 1865, 9127,400,100; 1867, 9179,(100,000. ' The assessment In real estate has increased In New York In twelve years SMi.noo.ooo: in Bostin 0,500,ooo; in Philadelphia 928,350,000. During this period the growth of Philadelphia has been very great, and the whole increase in the twelve years, as represented by the assessment, is not more than the Increase of one prosperous year taken out of the twelve. , Although our system of assessment Is expensive, it Is very defective. Sixty.four assessors, with a salary of 9750 each, elected by the voters of the se. veral wards, are now charged with the duty. Be log responsible , only to their immediate constltu ente, their popularity Is dependent on their libe rality, and their neglect of duty Is In many cases the assurance of their continuance in office, lie. cent legislation has given a limited supervision to two superior officers, and in some other partlou. lars aimed at an improvement; but had an entire new department been created, under the supervi sion of the two very competent and respectable gentlemen who now fill the two superior offices just alluded to, with power to appoint an adequate number of subordinates, responsible to them and qualified for their posts, a thorough and system atic assessment, with detailed plans and particu lars of all the real estate of the city, with properly equalized values, might have been made and kept up for one-halt the cost which Is now lncnrred for the unreliable and unsatisfactory returns of the present system. But the Inference Is not to be drawn from the criticism which has been made upon Improvident expenditure and Insufficient and unreliable as sessments that the annual expenses of Philadel phia contrast unfavorably with either Boston or New ork, for on a careful examination It appears that the tax per capita was, In 1805, 922 in New York, 934 in Boston; while In Philadelphia, in I860, when the tax was greater than in 1805, It was only 911. It Is true that the wealth both of New iork and Boston relatively to the population Is greater than that of Philadelphia, and that in botn places the taxation, with the revenue, coverei their whole expenses, whilst in Philadelphia It fell materially short of them; but making due allowance for these differences, the comparison reeults very favorably for our own city. Our landed debt, although large, ought not to b the cause of embtirras-ment, nor is there anything diecourapii'g in our financial position. Improvi dence in the past is to be regretted; but by Us avoid ance in the lirnre, with our daily Increase of population and wealth, every obligation may be readily met as it matures, without increasing the burden of taxation. The sanitary condition of Philadelphia dnring the past year has been snch as to demand thank fulness to the Great Disposer of all things. A pestilence which at one time threatened to extend over the whole of this continent, and which in some portions of the United States was felt with great severity, touched our city gently. For this blessing, undoubtedly, we are primarily indebted to the Almighty, who has kindly shielded us from the impending danger; but much is due, also, to the wise precautions and the energetic means era ployed to avert and subdue the calamity. As soon as the cholera made its appearance on shipboard In the harbor of New York, our Board of Health adopted vigorous sanatory regulations, and, with the tud of the authorities having charge of the Street Cleaning Department, secured, so far as it was possihte to do so, a wholesome state of cleanliness and freedom from disease-breeding Im purities. And in this connection I may say that the system ot cleaning the streets by contract, inaugurated in April last under the sanction of Councils, has worked admirably. It will be conceded by all, 1 think, that at no period since consolidation have the streets of Philadelphia been in so good a condi tion as during the latter half of the year 1800: and, taking into view theextraordinary character of the recent winter, the same may be claimed for so much of the year 1867 as has already passed. Occupying as Philadelphia does an almost level surface, and, (partly owing to this cause, and partly to tbe tmper lect sy stem ot re wage entailed upon us by previous generations,) unving Insufficient drainage, it offers unusual obstacles to thorough cleansing. And when in addition to these difficulties we bear in mind that our cobble-stone pavements gather and preserve the debris of the carriage ways, and that our horse railways accumulate a large amount of filth, it is creditable to the contractor, Mr. Henry Bickley, that Le has performed his arduous under taking so much to the general satisfaction. The operations of the Police Department, the only one of all the executive departments over which any direct control Is exercised by the Mayor, have, In the main, been satisfactory. As a rule the men composing the force are orderly, attentlveand efficient, and on several occasions during the past year, when tney have been called upon to perform extraordinary and delicate duties, they have shown such courage, endurance and forbearance as entitle them to high commendation. Since January 1, 1866, a harbor police, consist, ing of ten persons, specially appointed for the pur pobe, has been organized for the river Schuylkill and its vicinity. The concurrent testimony of the officers ol the Schuylkill Navigation Company, and of the property owners generally near the banks of the stream, as well as thobe whose business requires them to occupy its waters, In addition to the increaeed security given to the public work and grounds, sufficiently attest the value of this organ ization. Besides these ten, two telegraph opera tors, one in the Twenty-second ancf one in the Twenty. third wards, making in the whole twelve men, have been added to the force since the date last mentioned. As now constituted, the Police Department comprises: 1 Chief of Police. 1 Fire Marshal. 1 Chief of Detectives. 8 Detectives. 7 High Constables. 18 Lieutenants of Police. 32 Sergeants 8 Day Sergeunts. 30 Telegraph Operators. 8 Park Policemen. 20 Harbor . 688 Patrol mer. 15 Turnkeys. making a total of 813. When It is considered that the closely-built por- tlons of Philadelphia cover a vastly larger terrl- 101 lai area, and embrace some thirty mousana more neuses, than the corresponding portions or inecity 01 new York, the statement or tne tact tnat in tne latter city there are eighteen hundred patrolmen, while in the former there are only seven hundred, carries with it its own commen tary. As it is not pretended that the patrol force of New York is beyond the needs of that great city, 11 cunnoi De uounted that the patrol rorce 01 Philadelphia is fur below the needs of our own great city. It is, indeed, wholly inadequate to meet the requirements made upon it, and while this is true 01 tue imckiy-seuied wards, It is espe cially true of the semi-rural districts, In which, owing to the necessities of the case, officers are assigned to beats which take them hours to pass over in a single direction. 1 am aulte aware that it is undesirable to add to the heavy burdens already imposed upon the citi zens. But as uraple protection to persons and pro perty Is a principal element of good government, the cost 01 ODtaiuing tins is among tne most eco nomical of all expenditures. Indeed, as I have upon former occasions submitted to yoar consider ation, projected improvements nave been sus- neuded, if not nbaudoned, by reason OI apprehen sions on the Bcore of Insufficient security, which Improvements, ll curried to completion, would have largely augmented the public revenues, la view of the lues presented, I reuew the recom mendation heretofore made, both by myself and my predecessor, that such an increase of the police force shall De uiiionu wm 01 nui inriinuy meet the existing wants of this prosperous metro polis. J5Ut DOl Vlllj IO lUPHHtwuu. v. iua,ui,Q iiiaua- quate. In muuy respects the present geographical urrangement of the ponce jjutincts is objection able. It WOUICi US supernuuuo ,u mani fest proposition that a Siation-houBe should be as nearly as possible in the centre of the area tra versed by the officers for whose accommodation it is Intended. Every motive of convenience, econo my and efficiency requires this. There are reasons whv such a desirable end cannot be more than ap. proximated here; but there is no reason why the Station-houses should be, as, in several eases, in the distant corners, and, in one c ase, on 1 be ex treme border, of the districts to which they belong. The public Interests suffer from this cause, and It ought to be removed. How shall it be done I In a matter of detail like this, that so closely concerns the proper discharge of hi. partlcu lar. dut e. the Mayor should have positive control; but if it be necessary to circumscribe his action In the pre muest surely nothing more than the previous sanction of the Police Committee ought to be re quired; and I ask that such authority, so restricted, if you prefer it, be conferred on him. ... And here I am Rlad to .ay that in J.me"uFe connected with the administration of the Police Department, .0 far a. it wai proper to invoke tneir aid?! h?v found willing and judicious coadjutor. In the Police Committee, of your bodies. What ever legislation was needed to enhance the com. fort, aid .0 promote the value of the force, they have lreeiy assisted me In procuring; and the Improved condition of the station-houses, and other beneficial changes, have been In no lncon. siderable degree owing to their ready personal co- 0PT'aih0.n,vear 186. H,6i4 warrant were Usued Uvn ths) offitf Ol U HJt lor U ntrtM of 9914.P33 69, of which 9697,679 09 were charge able to the Police Department, the balance having been disbursed for public lights, defence of the City, cleansing streets, and other speoific purpose.. The arrests In the various police districts lor the year were reported to be 43,2Vfl, besides 505 made by the detectives, and 194 by the high constable. in all 43,686, or 6741 more than were returned In the year 1864, and 4197 more than were returned in 1865. The most important cases of arrest compare with similar return, of lt64 and 1865 a. follow.: 1864. 1865. 1866. Breach of reace, - 4,792 6.60ft ,oo6 intoxication, - - 8,972 8,809 9,732 Intoxication and dls. orderly conduct, . 11,528 14.4RI 16,347 Assault and battery, . 2,305 2.418 2,264 Larceny and suspicion of the same, . . 9,189 2,533 8,62-2 Vagrancy, ... 756 071 1,3m Misdemeanors, - - 1,078 1,338 1,259 Passing of counterfeit money, ... 73 1sa 73 Disorderly houses, . 254 2S 135 Corner lonnglng, . 20 1 362 715 Interference with offi cers, ... 107 fin 170 Beating wives, - 65 50 40 Kiot, and Inciting thereto, 114 km 271 Picking pockets, . 131 104 P7 Burglsry and attempts, 75 82 61 Murder, ... 1.) at 29 Arson, ... 22 61 31 Breaches of ordinances, 629 451 fi.')7 Other crimes, . . 2,237 1,534 1.473 35,244 39,315 43,226 By the preceding table It will be seen that while the increase in most offences, as compared with 1864 and 1865, corresponds to the growth of the po pulation, there is an excess In what is technically termed "corner lounging." This is due to the fact that unusual efforts have been made to disperse the crowds of Idle men and boys who gather at street corners, and other places on the public highways, and insult and annoy the neighbors and passers by. In all large towns this Is a common nuisance, but in some parts of Philadelphia It had assumed such proportions that I determined, at least, to try to abate it. For this purpose I issued stringent or ders not to permit its continuance, and where par ties were Indttpo'ed to yield they were arrested and punished. To some extent, notwithstanding all efforts to suppress It, the evil etlll exists, but it shall not be my fanlt if this and other practices that mar the enjoyment of our public thorough lures rre not effectually put a stop to. The arrests made by the patrol force were clas sified as follows: White males, .... 34,027 White females, .... 6,477 Colored males, .... 2,019 Colored lamales, .... 671 Single 24,610 Under twenty years of age, - 3,056 Natives of Ireland, ... 20,949 " United States, - - 18,842 ' Germany, ... 2,130 England, ... 870 " Scotland, ... 227 " France, ... 03 other conntries, - - 14 1 Accommodations in the station-houses at night during the year tor sleep and shelter were fur. Dished to 46,250 persons, classified as follows: White males, .... 29,710 White females, .... 10,654 Colored males, .... 4,277 Colored females, .... 1,(173 Born in foreign countries, - . 27,178 The detective officers recovered, during the year, stolen property vulued in the aggregate at 964, 291 85. And upon this subject I desire to state that, having entered npon the duties of my office with many doubts as to the efficacy of the detective sys tem, and with strong prejudices a. to the manner of its execution, I have observed it. workings as closely as my opportunities would permit, aud I am now satisfied that it is a most valuable agency in preventing, discovering and punishing crime, and that the clamor which is occasionally raised agalnBt those who compose the detective force In this city is the result of misapprehension or mis representation. The officers specially detailed for the preven tion of street begging and vagrancy arrested 378 adults and 178 children. From the latter class, 35 were sent to the House of Refuge, 19 to the Northern Home, 1 to the Sontbern Home, 16 to St. John's Orphan Asylum, 1 to St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum, 3 to the House of the Good Shepherd, 20 to the Almshouse, and 12 were returned to their homes. The following is an abstract ot the work per formed by the High Constable, daring the year: Number of violation, of ordinance, abated on notice given, .... 1,382 Number of violation, of ordinance, reported to proper departments, ... 322 The number ot arrests aa shown previously was 194, as follows: For violations of ordinances, . - .145 Other causes, ..... 49 Of the number arrested for violation, ot ordi nance. 98 were fined and 47 were discharged on their promises to obey the law and abate the cause of complaint. There were also taken up under the immediate supervision of the High Constables, during the months of May, June and July, 1592 dogs, which were disposed of in the following manner: Redeemed, 3S9 Keturued to owners without charge, - 25 Killed, 1,178 Alderman Beltler, sitting at the Central Station, by appointment of the Mayor, has disposed of 2063 cases. In 179 of these, embracing the most im portant arrest, made by the officers, the parties chaiged were convicted and sentenced to various terms ot imprisonment. The report of the Fire Marshal .how. the num. ber of fire, occurring within the limit, of the city of Philadelphia to have been 594. The value of the property destroyed waa e.ti mated at 93,192,997, of which 81,975,855 were co vered by insurance. The Police and Fire Alarm Telegraph trans mined 59,556 messages during the year lbCti. In addition to Its inestimable value as a means of communication for purposes strictly belonzing to the depar'ment, the telegraph was Instrumental lu restoring 3181 lost children to their homes, 2lt-7 mi-nug adults to their fiiends, 356 vehicles and 8,-7 struyed or stolen animal, to their owners, be sides notifying the Coroner 571 times that his pre sence v as required In eases of suspected violent death. The mount expended during the year for the maintenance of this branch of the department (exclusive of salaries) was $5701 16. The report of the late Chief Engineer of the Water Department, which has for some time been in possebsiou. of your honorable bodies, is au Inter esting document. From this It appears that the income from all sources during the year i?ut amounted to 9670,220 13, whilst the expenses were e,iuo 17, showing the net profit of tne Depart ment to be 392,106 06. The length ot pipes con nected with the various works is about 408 miles, of which 12 miles were laid during the past year. "ine amount of water furnished this year," says the report, "was 430,220,720 gallons less than last year, while the number of new attachments made was 1318, and the revenue from water was 930,614 more than In 1865. This has been the result of re pairing the numerous leak. In the main, and the prevention ot useless waste of water, in which the police have rendered valuable assistauce. By stopping this useless waste $5829 00 has been saved In pumping expenses. "several times during the summer the demands upon the work, exceeued their utmost capacity, and the reservoirs were almost exhausted. One of the day. when the largest demand, were mde upon the works was the 9th of July, when 46.408, 817 gallon, were furnished from the dittrent works and resorvolrs. At Fairmount 38,491,997 gallons were pumped; at the Schuylkill works 2,6e9,920 gallons; at the Delaware works 6,279,000 gallons; at the Twenty. fourth ward works, 2,692, 000 gallons, and at the Qermantown works 650,000 gallons. From the reservoirs at Fairmount 1,500,000 gallons were drawn; from Corinthian avenue 2,000,000 gallons; from Spring Garden 1,000,000 gal lons; from Kensington 1,000,000; from Mount Airy 200,1 .Ml. 'ii "These reservoir, are all in a satisfactory condi tion. "In introducing the water from the forty-eight inch main Into the Corinthian avenue reservoir, the water was taken over the top, Instead of into the bottom of the reservoir, a has been the case In all the other connections. This wa done In order to avoid the risk of disturbing the embankment. 1 ne connection between thl. reservoir and Ken sington is also completed, and answet. perfectly. wor" now more deficient in reservoir capacity than in any other feature; the reservoirs, a. compared with the amount of water furnished, ?J - ,q?M 10 lWo aay' .apply. Last summer i-ZV""1?81111' lmost exhausted, and the ivh.,H.Ke"' tne wora. would doubtles. have mcm euureiy. "The Koxborough rei use in June. reservoir -ri be ready for "Work has been commenc- , the Twenty. nnlrlt-anr.r.,!lr, but " c-unot be finished under two year.. Your action, Increasing it. ca- w,n Jriww ?i,H!iKBaUo,n- to 200,WH.,000Igallon., w 11 greatly benefit the enure city. The water in thl. reservoir will be at an elevaUon superior to that in any other, except th. one at Boxborough, and by connecting it with the other reMrvolr., de' nclency can be .oppiied. it can also b made to "rnifl I,'" i'MU 01 Twentieth ward, at "The present works reqoire reservoir capacity to store at least 6(,0OO,00o gallon., and even with the new reservoir we .bail .till be deficient In .to rare capacity." In the facts here stated there I. matter for serious reflection. No topio Is more Intimately conneoted with the prosperity, the comfort, nay, even the ex istence, of a large city than tha quantity and qna llty of the water famished to It inhabitants. For year past the annual message, of my predecessor have directed attention to the pressing neoessity for some decisive action In regard to the future supply of this city. The report, of the Chief En. glneer have constantly urged the same necessity, and I have myself, on more occasion, than one, presented it for consideration. The Intelligent g.utlemen who composed the former committees, as well as those who compose the present Commit tee on Water, have been and are Impressed with a conviction of its vital importance; and I am sure the member, of Council, at laage are not les. sen sible of It. exceeding gravity, in addition to this, the publio pres. ha. earnestly Insisted on a prac tical recognition of the publio demand that some thing effective .hall be done; and yet we do not seem to be any nearer a positive result than we were when the subject waa first agitated. Why this I. I do not pretend to explain, but it I. a .late ot thing, that ought not to continue. The people have a right to the best and wisest and most deter, mined action of their representatives in this behalf, and hesitation will certainly be culpable, and may possibly prove disastrous. It Is admitted on all hand, that, In the present condition of the Schuylkill, the works at and ad. jacent to Fairmount cannot much longer be made available for the supply or even that portion of the city which Is now dependent on them. Supposing their capacity to be sufficient, which we know it I. not, the steadily increasing impurities thrown into the stream along both Its banks, and espe cially the eastern, between Flat Rock and Fair mount, afford reasonable ground for apprehension that the water may become permanently unwhole some, as it Is now frequently unpalatable. Huge establishments of various descriptions, which constantly discbarge offensive refuse, already exist In large number, and are multiplying In the vicinity referred to; and the question is forced upon us whether these shall bs per mitted to go on unmolested, or such measures shall be adopted as will secure the Schuylkill from further pollution. And this question Involves grave considerations. Philadelphia owes much of her unexampled growth and prosperity to the facilities she has furnished for manufacturing under favorable conditions, and her progress here after will be materially influenced by similar causes. How far it may be expedient to Interfere with this growth and prosperity, and to limit this progress, l a pregnant inquiry; but at the same time no commercial sacrifice can be equal to the want of pure and healthful water. Happily, how ever, we need not be embarrassed by either alter native. If it be desirable to seek other sources of supply than the Schuylkill, they can be found within convenient distance and under favorable auspices; or if It be more desirable to continue the use of that stream, means of purification and en largement can be employed which will enable us to do so without harsh disturbance of vested rights, or damaging interposition against promised advan tages. But measures must bo immediately adopted to solve these problems, and provide a remedy for the threatened evil. As a first step In the right direction, I renew the recommendation so often made, and so generally concurred in, but hitherto never reduced to suitable action, that acommis. slon of scientific and mechanical experrs, clothed with ample powers and provided with ample means, shall be organized, with Instructions to proceed at once to examine the whole subject, in all its aspects and bearings. When such a com mission shall have faithfully performed the duties confided to it, and the results of its Investi gations are laid before Councils, prompt and con clusive action will certniuly follow, and our citi zens will be relieved of anxiety In a matter which affects alike all classes. The total amount appropriated during the past year for the support of the School department was 9894,303 97, of which there was expended the sum of 9877,757 93, leaving a balance to merge of 810, S46 04. Of the "Million Loan" authorized by Conncils in 1864, there had been expended on the lstof January, 1867, the sum of 8137,529 09, as follows: Fornew.choolhouBes, . . 9119,362 42 For lots, .... 18,160 07 leaving yet to ba expended the sum of 9S82,97u 91. There are 374 schools In active operation, con. tainiug 77,164 scholars. The cost of educating each child per annum is 911 19, which is less than in any other large city In the United States. Philadelphia Is justly proud of her public schools. In the character and attainments of the teachers, In the numbers, discipline and progress of the pupils, as well a. In the moral tone that pervades them, these Institutions will compare fa vorably with any to be found elsewhere. With the expansion of the city, and the more advanced standards of education, tne cost of maintaining onr schools has neceesurily lucreased ; but rela tively we are in this respect lar below any other great city. Our school edifices, with a few distin guished exceptions, have not, heretofore, been so complete In their appointments as was desirable ; but with the liberal appropriation, recently made for this object it is believed that Philadelphia will soon possess grammar schools as nearly perfect In their detfgn and construction as the existing con dition, will allow. In the report hereto appended, Mr. Shippen, the energetic President of the Board of Controllers, makes special allusion to the merits and the warts of the Girls' High and Normal School. To the merit, of this school I can bear personal witness. The brightness, the vivacity, the thoroughness that characterize its operations, both among in structors and Instructed, I have never seen sur passed, and it would not be easy to overestimate the beneficial results which it help, to ac complish. A. a mean, of preparing a large number of boy. for pursuits requiring a closer Intellectual training than can be supplied in the Grammar Schools, the Boys' High School, under the able administration of Professor Biche, Is effecting much good in the community; bat the Girls' High School, a. the source from which our ablest female teachers are supplied, is indispensa ble to the successful working of our whole sys tem. Gentlemen of the highest culture and wide.it experience, representing the most famous public school, of the land, have in my hearing pro claimed its superiority, and I trust that whatever may be required to enable it to sustain it. reputa tion and usefulness will be accorded. The expenses ot the Department of City Property for 1868 were 9153,487 81, and the revenue derived therefrom amounted to 911,215 29. The real estate of the city under the control of the Commissioner has been well cared for dnring the year, although many of the buildings are reported by him to be very much In need of repair. The subjoined extract from the report of the Commissioner Is particularly recommended to the attention of Councils: "1 beg leave especially to recommend to your Honor and City Councils the sale of all publio properties that are not available for police or tchool purposes, most of which do not pay a revenue to the city sufficient for their support. These structures are by no mean, desirable pro perties. None of them are substantially built, and the constant necessity for repairs upon them must continue to involve unceasing and annoying ex pense. The rental derived from them has never been sufficient to keep them even in tenantable re pair, and 1 earnestly recommend that every build ing not kept in pertect repair be disposed ot, and the sooner this is done the belter." The improvements at Fairmount Park have steadily Increased under the supervision ol the Commissioner, and during the past year several LttritfUinns have been added. The recent purehose by Council, of the pro perty known as the Lansdowne estate, on the west bank of the Schuylkill, accompanied as it was by legislation which looks beyond the present hoar, may be regarded as the Inauguration ol a ne w era in regard to oar public parks. Until now the ous tody and management of the grounds set apart for these uses have been confided to the Commissioner of City Property. The report of that offiaer show, that he has not been unmindful of his duties. But while cheerfully acknowledging his oapaolty aud diligence, It Is clear, from his own statements, that with a large amount of property In various and remote places requiring his care, he cannot bestow that attention and thought on the cultivation and Improvement ot the parks which are indispensable to their proper development. If thl. be so now, when onr public ground are few and small, how much more will it be .0 when, they nave been multiplied and enlarged so as to meet the need, and satisfy the tastes of a great metropolis! A commission chosen with reference to the fit ness of it. members for the work they are to per form, and .0 guarded a to prevent whatever pa tronage it may have to dispense from beoomlng an element ot disturbance, must in the nature of things be better qualified tor such service than any in dividual who ha no special training for it, and who can only give to it an inconsiderable frag, ment of his time. In the .election of these commissioner, it I. not to be doubted that the oourt will scrupulously examine Into the competence of those whose name, may be Presented to them. A failure to do .0 might, from the outset, embarrass a movement which, if fairly and wisely carried out, will ultl. matclv prove of Immense benefit. Destined as, In mv judgment, Philadelphia 1 to become the Sarcest city on thl continent in number, and ter. ritorlal extent, and occupied aa her countless miles ot street will be by an eager, busy and trlTUC population) sanitary precautious ue.m,aBd. MARCH 28, 1867. that provision should be made, while It can bs done on reasonable terms, for extended open spaces, In different part, of tbe town, tbrongh which fresh air can circulate, and In which men, women and children can enjoy out-dour relaxa tion or rest. And while In this way they contri bute to the health and recreation of th clttsena, the elegant aspect, they may be made to aseome and the Inviting drive, and walks they will afford, will attract and detain stranger, from all quar ters. At tbe same time, the vast Impulse they will communicate to Improvement in their respective vicinities will so enhance the price of real estate, that the outlay for their original acquisition aud maintenance will be more than repaid by contribu tions to the publio treasury. The admissions to the Blockley Almshouse dnr Ing tbe year 1800, Inclusive of 232 births, were 59-6, and the discharge, during the .ame period 3676, leaving a population of 33u9 In the house on the 1st day of January, 1867. The aversge number of In mates was 3075. The Children's Asylum received 267, and retained 171; of 63 foundlings received In tbe Institution, 51 died whilst there. The Insane Department had 971 under treatment, of whom 505 remained on the 31st of December, 1866; and as compared with 1865, the admissions during the year I860 were 44 more, the discharge 53 more, and the total Increase for the year 3. In the Hospital, 5910 case, were treated, of whloh 4103 were cured, 714 died, and 672 were left In the wards; the other, being relieved and discharged. The mortality during 1800 wa. 58 greater than in 1865, and 182 more lhan In the year 1861 The ex. pendltnre. for bouse purposes were 9331,368 49, and for ont-of-door demands 992,091 77, which, with 91B.861 60 expended for Improvement, and repairs, amounted to 9412,312 06. The receipts during the year amounted to 915,614 39. Tbe whole number of person, receiving out-door relief from tbe 1st day of January, 1866, to the 31st of Decern ber, I860, was 69,398, classified a. follows: Ameri cans, 13,091; foreigners, 17,588; children, 38,719. The Steward reports that the health of tbe institu tion compares favorably with the previous year. The commitments to the Philadelphia Count? Prison for the past year were 19,618, being an In crease of 3000 over the year 1865. The cost of maintaining this institution was 9121.617 41 an lncreaseover tbe previous year of 918,215 32. Tbe cry for a House of Correction, so frequently raised In former years, has again been renewed, and, let us hope, with some substantial rei'oa for believing that It will be beard. It Is difficult to understand how, with the universally admitted necessity lor such an Institution, and the efforts which philanthropic citizens have .0 often made to secure It, it ba. never until now seemed to be more than a subject for fruitless disputes. Even yet there is a disposition manifested to defer It. organization rather than surrender some favored location for it site; but the vigorous action of the committee appointed by Council., and the hearty co-operation of the Prison Inspector, and the Guardians ot the Poor, are likely to accomplish an actual beginning of the work. I trnst that thl. may speedily prove to be tbe case, for almost every day's experience In thl. office brings to my notice some urgent reason why it should be no longer delayed. The amount collected and paid Into the city treasury by tbe Daw Department for municipal claims was 917,345 76. There ha. also been col lected by this department the sum of 910.311 75 In suit, against the various passenger railroad com panies for the tax upon their dividends, and 9895 6 38 from other suits and awards of damages. Besides the above, 99000 wa. obtained from the executors of the estate of Lawrence Todd, late of Carltnvllle, Macoupin county, Illinois, which, with the sum of 97000 previously collected, makes a total of 916,000 received from this legacy, which sum was Invested in city loan, by the Superin tendent of Ulrard Estate, agroeably to a resolution of Councils of May .5, 1866. Tbe report of the Chief Engineer of the Survey Department shows that duriug the year I860, b3 sewers were authorized by the Board; and nume rous grades and lines in the Fifteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-first and Twenty. second wards were ad justed, and much other work performed. It re presents all the bridges belonging to tbe city as be ing in good repair. Chesnut street bridge, one of the finest structures of its kind extant, was opened to the public on the lstof September, 1850, and has proved of Immense value to resident, in aud be yOLd West Philadelphia. The expenditure, npon Ohesnut Street Bridge up to tbe date of the report were 9474,576. The ex penses of the Survey Department for the year were 928,741 79. There are various subjects connected with the Improvement of tbe city, discussed at considerable length and with great fullness of Information by Mr. Kneasa In this able and elaborate paper. I recommend these to the careful consideration of Councils, especially In reference to the remedies which are suggested for the correction of existing evils. For the Girard Estate, during the year 18 16, in cluding a balance of 930,881 99 from 1865, the whole sum received was 9369,481 48, and the ex penses were 9336,032 79. The cost of maintaining Girard College was 9115,826 19, and there were ap. plied as damages for widening Girard avenue 955,632 05. It is gratifying to know that the income of the estate has lucreased very considerably during tbe past three years, and that a still larger increase is anticipated. The quantity of gaa manufactured during the year 1866 was 915,950,000 cubic feet, which is a large increase over the production of 1865. The total quantity of gas manufactured from the erection of tbe work, to tbe beginning oi the present year Is 9,460,399,000 cublo feet. The public lamp, of the city number at the present time 7022, ol which 427 are supplied from the Northern Liberties Gas Works, anu 15 are supplied with fluid. 53,945 feet of main pipe were laid during the year, which, with that laid previously, makes a total ot 2,566,612 feet, or over 4b0 miles. The expenses of the Fire Department during the past year were 9112,635 86, which waa mostly die. bursed In the maintenance of 47 steam fire engines, 13 hand engines (used in the outer districts only ), 107 hose carriages and 9 hook and ladder trucks. The number of tires occurring during the year was 594. The loss occasioned by these fires is esti mated in the aggregate to be about 93,192,177, of which 91,975,855 was covered by Insurance show ing the loss over the amount insured to be 81,- 217,142. The ambulances, 33 in nnmber, belonging to va rious companies (which during the war were used for the conveyance of sick and wounded soldier, and sailors), were used during the year 1860 for charitable purposes only. While it i. pleasant to note that valuable eer. vices have continued to be rendered by the Fire Department at large, it is not to be denied that some of tbe companies belonging to it have evinced a disposition to renew those scenes of tumult and disorder which in former year, too frequently brought disgrace upon the city. In the present state of the organization the remedies for these trouble, cannot be applied as promptly and effec tually aa a proper regard to the publio peace and security demands, and it is much to be regretted that the salutary measures of restraint and redress proposed in Conncils were not matured and adopted. The subject is worthy of early attea tion. The amount paid into the city Treasury a. the receipts of the Department ot Highways tor the year 1866 waa 920,301 25, being an Increase over the receipt, of the previous year of 91,797 37. The amount expended during the same period was 9375,033 67, being a considerable decrease from that expended in 1865. The Commissioner reports that 9132,170 01-100 square yards of streets were newly paved during the year, making In all about 9,1,' miles; and thai there were 20,949 square yards of repaying. The bridge, over tbe Wissahickon creek, which were swept away by tbe flood of July, 105, have been reconstructed, at a cost of 923,4b5 91. The Penrose Ferry bridge, part ot whicn was carried away by the same flood, has also been rebuilt, at a cost of 956,140. The Wire bridge has been repaired, and is reported to be In good condition. The total receipts of tbe Department of Market Houses for the year 1866 amouuted to 989,487 44, of which 914,237 were from reuts of markets, being an Increase of 9795 over the year 1865 for the same item. The receipts for rents of Wharves and Landing, during the same period were 915,250 44, being an Increase over the year 1805 for the same item of 96549. The amounts appropriated for tbe year sum up 936,582 01; and the expense, were 930,242 83, showing a balance at the end of the year Of 9339 18. The Building Inspectors report the erection, during tbe year 1806, of 2570 buildings, of which 1913 were dwellings, and for other purpose. 657. Tbe Increase In the number of new dwellings over tbe previous year wa 747. The receipt, of thi. Department for tbe year 1866 were 910,102 28, and the expenditures 97,5e4 9U. During the past year the Inspector, ordered the removal of 63 wooden structures, and condemned 96 dangerous walla and building.. The City Ice Boat was placed in service ou the 6th of January, 1866, from which time she wa ac. tively employed until the 29th of the same month, when a notice waa received from the "United State. Inspector of Steamboats" that until she wa. Inspected she mnst not to w any vessel, except those in distress. She then went out of service, except for the purpose of keeping the channel clear, which materially lessened her revenue. She towed and rendered service to 19 vessel, earning 92215 31 The boat was laid np and her crew discharged on the 28th of February, 1866. A new Iron Ice boat has since been built by authority of City Councils The contract wa. given to W. Cramp & Son. an tbe 1st of June, 1866, for the sum of 992,600. Thta oatwat Munched on the 3a of NeTtmbe- .rti 1, rl.VJ ?n tnei"t ot iMcember, when .he made her trial trip. The truetee. do not feel In. wJm yKet lo0,r',r T "P'nlon in regard to mTI kJlIi .J . Ir tr,R " "M m bt they eprVS ;V" " T . BU" y .ucceea to their satisfaction. Councils spproprlawd 917,350 for the ordinary eiT. u. vum trail ior ineyear IROfl, of wtaleh 910.6HI the report of the Superintendent, wa 138 886 and ViuVV'o0' r"clTe1 therefrom amounted to 917,694 62. The expense, of the road for thai same period were 97.254 77; showing a net profit for one year of 910,339 63. p out The report of the Board of Health .how. the number of death, for 1806 was 18,803, being a de crease of 366 as compared with those of 1805. and 779 with those of 1804. The report of the Health Officer shows 7,087 mar. rlnges and 17,437 birth, during tbe year, being au Increase as compared with the year 1865 of 22J, for the former, and 2009 ot the latter. It also appears that 801 vest-els were examined by the proper officers, and 3807 foreign passenger were permitted to come to the city, being an in. crease of 76 vessel, and 1103 passenger, compared with the year 1865. The report of the Physician of the Municipal Hospital show, that during the year 192 patient were admitted: of whom 45 died, 133 were dls. charged, Bnd U remained In the Institution on the Slst of December, 1866. . The appropriation made for tbe year 1-6 was 990,647 69. The expenses of this department were 988,542 45, leaving a balance of 92,005 44 nnex. pended. The business of the Committee on Defence and I rotectlon duriug tbe year 1866, was mainly to keep In proper condition all property in their pos. session belonging to the city, and to be prepared for any emergency which might arise. The amount disbursed during tbe year was 918,222 99, chiefly for expenses Incident to military purposes. The amount remaining In the treasury to the credit of this commission on the 1st day of January, 1667. was 9148,471 15. ' These details of the different departments for the most part are grattlylng. Let me offer, in closing, a word of comment in another relation. Of late year it has become too much the custom to settle at Harrlsburg the affairs of Philadelphia. I do not speak ot such legislation aa is beyond the scope of our chartered powers; for that we have often occasion to seek, and when it is graciously granted we are tbanklul for It. But aa to thing, that are purely municipal In their character for example, the supervision ot our thoroughfares and kindred local matters the Councils of the city, and not the General Assembly of the State, are the proper law-makers. Whether a street should be opened nnd paved; whether a sewer should be built; whether a main of go or of water should be laid, are questions not for the commonwealth, but the corporation. And I go further, and aver that in whatever concern, the city alone, and doe. not involve principles of general application, before a final decision i. reached, the city, through it. rec ognized organs, should ba consulted. If it I. pro. posed to occupy our highway.; to regulate the disposition ol our finances or the method, of our taxation, or to do any act of exclusive local inte rest, a decent respect for propriety would seem t require that the people most directly involved ebonld be considered, and at least allowed an op portunity to be beard. I know that the city has a large delegation at Harrieburg, whose business it partly is to pro. tect her rights, and I concede that in the main tbia service is well performed. But these representa tives are chosen to fill a wider sphere of duties. They have to participate in all the great move menu that agitate the commonwealth, and to assist In determining Issues which are equally im portant ou the banks of the Delaware and Lake Erie. They are by the very nature of their posi tion, therefore, disqualified to prononnce a. judi ciously on the smaller aud peculiar topic, referred to as those to whom such topic, are a constant study. And even were it otherwise, their own ao tion i. modified, and not unfreqnently controlled, by associate, who know little and care less about onr policy or our progress. It 1. my wish, as I am confident It la yours, that between the Council, of the city and the Legisla ture of the State there should be entire harmony. We have such frequent occasion, for aid from the latter, that It would be folly to do anything likely to interfere with our obtaining It. Nor are wa .0 Inclined. On the contrary, for the readiness with, which requests for tbe passage of enabling bill have been complied with, even during toe present session, we are sincerely grateful. But when onr functions are usurped or disre garded; when measure, affecting the city and the city only are adopted without our sanction, or in despite of our remonstrances, we are constrained to protest against conduct, which we cannot but re. gard a. dlscourteou. to the offices we have been called to fill, and inimical to the interests we are sworn to sustain. MORTON McMIOHAEL, Mayor. -Office of the Mayor of the city of Philadelphia, March 25, 1867. WATCHES, JEWELRY, ETC. 1028 CHESNUT. I. J. TAYLOR, J E W 13 L, DL, E JZ. The attention of the public is Invited to my Stock, comprising FINE WATCHES, DIAMONDS, SILVER-WAKE, ELEOANT JEWELRY, CLOCKS, Ml SIC BOXES, And all articles appertaining to tbe trade offered at reduced prices. WATCHES REPAIRED AND WARRANTED. 1028. 3 26tutus3m8p FOR SALE. GERMANTOWN RESIDENCE ON TDL- peliocken titreet FOR SALE, containing 2 acres. House supplied with all City conveniences, stable, and currinue-house. Lot laid out lu luwu. venet&tila garden, and amply supplied with trull, shade trees, and Hhruliliery. Inquire al No, 16 PIILLADKLPIIIA EXCHANGE. 8 24 61 PERSONAL. Oil OH B O U N T Y LAST WEEK. Zpl.JJ Boldlers, bring 111 your discharges before luo late, to the oldest Army and Savy Anency. Bounty for Lost Liiscliurges, lucre i.secl Pensions, Katlou Money for 1'rlsouers who died In Rebel Prisons, Puneral i-ipenuea lor Pennsylvania boldlers, col lected by JOITN IT. FRTCK, Notary Public, Commissioner lor ull tne States, No. 'tlA DOCK titreet: Residence, No. 14 HA'DEX Street. Gennftnlown. PABWPOUTti PROCURED. 8 6 t CLOTHING. CHILDREN'S "C L O T II I N G. 91. SIIOE3IAKEU & CO. Respectfully Inform their friends and the public that they have removed to NO. 10it4 CIIESXCT STREET, (Lately occupied by E. M. Needles), where tbey are now opening au elegant assortment of goods tor BOYS. OIRLB, INFANTS, and MISSES, In the latest Paris and London styles. Tbe public Is Invited to call and examine. S 262w CONSUMPTION CURED. USE IIASTINQ'S COMPOUND SYRUP OP NAPTHA BOLD BY DTOTT A CO., AGENTS, No. SS North SECOND Btree pET THE BEHT-THE HOLY BIBLE HARD . w ...... -r. .11.. T.. . ,..(. m tt K. u.lu. U I hIM vji ina s juiHious runiiiy, -ui,u. in beautiful styles of Turkey Moropeo and anilaiia bindings. A new edition, xraued lu photcifrapult raiwaf families. wnTWfl. p,,hh.- K0. tt9 CUjpKV? fcure btdoirJ'tfUilW
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