THIS E(G-RA VOL. XV. NO. 1. PHILA I)KLII1L, MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1871 DOUBLE SHEET THREE CENTS. FIRST EDITION THE NEW CITY GOVERNMENT. Comioilw for 1871 ftZeetisg of Both Branches. Presidents Cattell and Hiihn. Their Congratulatory A.Mresses. Etc. Etc. Etc.. Etc. EtO CITY COUNCILS. AftftcmbllBff of the New Jlualclpn.1 Lefflnlnture irr animation of Beth ISranrhea fur the Vear 171. Both branches of City Councils assembled at 10 o'clock this morning, in ttieir respective chamber, for the purpose of organizing for the year 1871, according to the requirements of law. On Wednesday last we published complete lists of the members of each branch, and it is unne cessary to repeat the names to-day. Releet Council. This morning, in accordance with the law, 'which iu substance says ''Councils shall uiact in the State House on the first Monday in Janu ary," the members of Select Council assembled at 10 o'clock in their chamber, for the purpose of organizing for the labors of 1871. Every thing had been cut aud dried fur the formalities of the occasion. The all-powerfcil caucus had appointed the candidates, the addressee rrnd all been carefully conned over, and the list of com mittees lay snugly in the President's edacious pocket, to be auuounccda prudence might dic tate. When the hour appointed arrived the Presi dent, Samuel W. Cattell, arose and said: This being the day appointed by law tor the meeting of Council, and there being present a su'llclent number of gentlemen elected members to .:ou Etitnte a quorum, the Chamber will come to order. Proper decorum being observed, the Chiet Clerk, Beujainlu H. Haines, then called the roll of the members holding over and read the cre dentials of the following new members: lst-Ward William K. Park. 10th 12th 14ih lfith 17th 10th 22d With William li. Haunt. " Wiliiain E. Llulcton. " II. W. Downing. ' T. J. Smith. ' T. II. Sponco. " William F. Miller. " Jmes R. Gates. " J. li. Alexaudcr. Mr. llauna I move that Select Council now proceed to the election of a President. Agn en to, 111-11 IU. Ibe Chief Clerk then appointed Messrs. Mar s. Fourth ward, aud Lutletou, Twelfth ward, cus, as telltrs, Mr. Uauna I respectfully nominate M amnel W. Cattell. Mr. Mrvi-'.all i move the nominations a!o3ft. eeVto. Kin!:, from the Eleventh ward I move the ?enilenian nominated be declared 3 by acclamation. Agreed U, la ntwu. Ijfpixme gentleman (vir. King), the oldest -vUu luumbur if tbe phamrier. tLtn ud- f itered the oath of otlice to the new Presi dent, and the latter then delivered this address: PRESIDENT CATTEI.L'6 A0DK!:53. . fJentlemeu of Select Council: I thank you lor tlie fBor wblch you nave just conferred upon me, ar.il promise that 1 will to the best of my ability eu- i-avor efllcieutly and iinntrtially to dischard the liifli duties which your favor lias nlaoed uimii me. Among these duties Is that of now calling attention to some or the many important mat ter vuicn will claim our careful cousiderai Ion during the coaling year. A brief review ol the past year ma; not be un profitable as a guide for the future. r.Itny uuder- takmitd were begun, contluued, or untuned by t'le Councils of last year. Among thein we And the completion of a "Morgue," whure the dlbtreud, ttie unfortunate, and the unknown who have met deatti by accident, self-destruction, or otherwise, can be plMcd lor recognition. The cort of rub s and regulations provides that an accurate de-tcriptlon cf the body, its clothing aud effects, shall b kept, so that even after decom position aud burial the lost may be found azaiu. Through the proper committee add oilicsra a large ami well-sliuattd tract of land has been purchased aud a coutiact made for the erection of a Hone of C'omctiou. The wont of construction Is already commenced. Kules aud regulations for Its gjveru nietit have been approved, aud a ooard of managers elccUd, so that all necessary arrangements may be nioiie to receive Inmates as soon as the llrst wings of flie building are ready. The interests of the city deniaud that, while closely scrutinizing everv pa'-t ol tins work, we should to the utmost of our ability aid and forward its progress. There are at this time a greater number of works of engineering iu progress under tht direction of the city lhau at any previous time, nil of which will iu their completion so add to the general benefit of the city that their cost wdl be more than repaid in Increased liealihfuiuess, aud In tne greater facilities of communication between now distant potato. 1 allude particularly to the sewers and midge now under construction. The enhanced value of pro perty iu consequence of these improvement will undoubtedly so increase the revenue as not uuly to pay the Interest upon the loans contracted theref v, but to create a sinking fund fur their aual liquida tion. Notwlitsuudiug the many dimculties en countered p the shape of quicksands and freshens, the Cohocksink sewer is nearly llulshed, ano ttie early summer will enable us t-i opuii acojimodlous Street upon w hat is now a repulsive open dit-:h. The amount thus far expended on this wtirk is klou.Otiu. The Mill creek sewer, also, has been moressiug rapidly, and is so far avrfuced as to jusUJ'y the hope that before next autumn thi valley ol Mill creek, which has heretofore beoii a barrier to the advance of improvements beyond Forty-third s'.roet, may be so improved as to furnish a thoroughfare of Importance from Chsnut fcireet to Balti-nore avenue, and permit the extension westward ol the lnUM venlug streets. Both of l nest) sewers drain very large ar a: they are the largest within tlie city limits. '1 he latter Is probably tue iu"?ebt sewer iu tbe world. Two hundred thousaud uu.ujo) (jjiari have now been expended upon it. Tbe bridge over toe river nenuyiKiu at ";outu atreet, which is being constructed under the super virion of oommisslonew appointed by the Legisla ture, and under the direction of our Engineer, is progressing satisfactorily. The contract was exe cuted iu la arch last, and already the abutineuts aud pleis ui on the meadows of tne Almshouse grounds are well advanced. It is hoped tiiat it may b ready for use during the summer of 1872. Its completion will open a new era foi the southern section of the City, heretofore cut oif .Torn anv eo.jimui.ioaUon weht of the river, except at great loss of time and labor. The advantages to this section will be felt by tbe city at large. The amount of loau created for the work Is feoo.ooo, and the amount expended la l3 ,000. Our C hief Engineer and Surveyor is now prepar ing for another great hi rue turf, the bririye at Kair tnount, intended to replace the Wire Bridge, and to furnish a safe crossing over the 1'eunsylvania Kali road at Bridge street Th' brldgu will probaUy be one of the largest in the country, it will have a width of IU feet between curfra, with an S-feet footway on each side and a clrar spn over the river of mo feet Jt will have two roadways, one above the othtr, the lower one to connect t'allowhlll street with BrWgewater and Havwforrt streets, aud the npper odb to connect Kprlng Garden street, at Twenty-fifth, with lirldge street, westward of the J'enucylvanla Railroad. All authority for the erec tion of this bring has been granted by t'oun:lls, by sppiovsi of a general piau therefor, and the crea tion of a loan. 'I lie plan of bridge submitted ti roiiM.-iU, and tvi: Wli.il. JCl. U had, rtuJi ii. ...t-. ..,' -j.J $, fcctraJ cue, Xte labojr tuX stud upizrj jgr the i roportlonmg and working out of the important details of so treat a stru-ture require time Mu.h energy hss already tx-en expended upon It, and there has b?en no unnecessary dclnv. From personal ex amlnatlon I am eratlfled In being able to say that the work of construction will begin In the coning spring. Much dim"nlty has been met with iu ob taining informal ion as ;o what there was or is to build upon, no plans of the masonry of the Wire Bridge being in existence. The Importance of this btldje as a means of protection to oar cttizi-ns nsing Bridge street, from the Wire Bridge westward Is beyond measure: for the want of it the lives of many are in dally perU. The councils of last year by ordinance created a Talrt Fire Department and elected a Board of Com missioners. To organize and arrange this depart ment will require time, energy, and judgment. We have yet to learn whether the hopes entertained by Its filenrtswlll be realized-hopes not only of de creased destruction of pronertv, It- 'sencd rales of Insurance, less dlsMirhanee of the public peace, but hopes that our youth and yonug men may escape the contaminating Influ'mces thut for years past have emanated from the engine anA hose bouses, despite the Influence of many good and tie men connecte! with the volunteer -department. The experiment is a new one m oor city, and to succeed will rqulre fostering care and support. Let the effort have a fair trial. Let it stand or fall upon Its own merl's. our citizens were authorized to vote at the Octo Ver election npou a site for the pnbltc buildings. A vtry larse majority voud in favor of locating them at renn Square, because of the urgent necessity for these buildings, it Is to b) regretted that the lasr. SeleeCounell refused to authorize the special tax for the amount required by the Commissioners. I nless this neglect be speedily remedied by the pre sent Councils, their den tnds must be paid from the funds raised for the annual appropriations, and at tlie end of the yesr we Khali find a deficiency to the amount used by them. We should do oar part In executing the expresed will of the people. The law may net suit our views and wishes, but while we live nudcr It we must obey It. In the ttrort of procuring a better supply of water much progress has been made during the pnst yaar. One of the rerervoirs sr Belmont has been partly completed, so as to enable a supply to be rtrawn, sod water is now distributed from it. One of ths pump ing cngiL2B of the Worthington patent contracted for Is in operation and has proved a coiaplete sac cess, fulfilling in every particular all that was cla med for it by Its builder. T he connecting main from this palr.t to supply the T .veutleth and Twenty eighth wards will soon be completed, and wlU give them much needed relief. A'ter much delay, in con sequence cf leaks which were dlfllemt to find, water is now being pumped iuto the Koxborough Reser voir, and tue mains connecting that with tae Mount Airy Reservoir have been completed, assui lug to Gevmantown and its vicinity an Increased sunplyof water. The eroiiunkmeuts for the new reservoir ut Kensington aie llulshed to the required height, ready for lln'ug next summer. More than one-half of the 3J-lneh ascending main for this work hap been laid. Other work, cither finished or in progress, will be detailed more fully in llie annual report from the Water Department. 1 regret that no system of street-paving better than the cobble-stones has yet been determined upon. Many experiments are on trl-!, and Iu course of time results may be obtained that wih justify tne Highway Department in reporrlug favorably upon something better, more convenient and economical. The commission charged with the purchase of and maintaining our beautiful park are progressing cprefully with their work, ana as expeditiously as circumstances will permit. An examination of their bunual report, whU.li will In a short time be submitted to you, will give you a better idea of the magnhude ana Importance ut their work than 1 can here. It must not be forgotten that we have a far more useful purpose in the purchase of so large a tractof land and devoting it Jo publ'c uses than mere pleasure. The $8,oon,00o heretofore aporo prlated, twice told, if so m iert shouli be req,iirel, would be a trifle compared with the nreservaUon of the p-irlty of the present source for supplying the city with water, an 1 the cost of proourlug it lrom pry other soutce yet known, and 1 submit to you tlut every dollar expended for the purchase of ground for our park, whereby vo preserve the purity of the SchuyKili water, is just that much more money expended fertile health mid well-beli.g of t jr constituents, even of thOEe who may never bo wltnl.i I ne park limits. An appropriation has been made for lighting the .amps of our city all and avcry night this year, iu addition lo the eonvenie'ic, it inthougut t.iis mea sure will be equal to en additional police for'c. I trust It may be so, jet with tVi continually expand ing limits of our growing city, I respectfully sug gest that mere men fire needed, aud that an lncrs of cur police force is an absolute necessity which we cannot ignore without great lnjurv to the Inter ests entrusted to us. I ask your csreful considera tion of ihe matter, that you may by your own euact UiC'.t make a judicious tneroase of the preseut force, or seek such other legislative aid as shall seem best to 5011. The constant growth of onr city retires ' In creasing expenditures for tlie opening, gradim.?. and llghtiDg of oar streets, the building of school houses, the construction of vater works, anl a pro per s.Vbtem of drainage. These and many other im provements that our citizens everywhere petition for demand inquiry aa to how, when, and where we are, to obtain the means required for these purposes. Upon all sides wo hear complaints of hlghuxes, and 1 respectfully submit thiit. It is our duty to care fully examine this subject, liy a comparison of our fjstem of assessing property, real aud personal, with that iu use elsewhere, it may be found that we can from the same resources raise a revenue suili cient to meet all onr expenditures witn a much less tax raie and without resorting to the present me'hod of creating loans, and a. cumulating a debt burden some to posterity, liy ihe general law a great amount of personal property cau be and Is taxed in ail the elttes, to a us, and villages outside of Phila delphia. Why should It not be so here? I caunot think that any community can bo prosperous or satisfied where taxation is partial and the burdens unequally divided. Is it right that ( apltal, whether Invested In houses or lands, machinery, goods, v ares, merchandise, or stocks, should '.e unwiMi-ig to boar its proper share of the expense of that protection; and fosUrlng can which it requires and should alwavs receive ? In 'he cities of Pittsburg, Ne wark, New York and Roston. and elsewiiere, every kind of property, whether real or personal, including debts due, are subject to ami i mnveikn to p'ty a proportion of the annua' tax. We consequently find that New York, wltii its immensa expenditures for lsG', required a tax levy or only wit upon ue (Fiiof valuation; Roston but ll'iiT upcnthefloO; while the owners of real estate in Philadelphia were compelled, to pny fl-ni upon tue f loo. On examination us to tbe cause of the great dlileicnce, we ilnd by a comparison of the asMarment returos of the two cities with our own tsf here personal property pays little or no tax, while with the others It bears its equal share. Ko the year isoo the returns of taxable property In N'e York were as follows:-- Reel estate IdS.H:i,9t3 Personal 12,090 1905,323,014 Tax, WW upon lloo valuation. For tbe same year In Boston: Real estate Personal Tax rate, $l";7 upon $ito valuation. For tbe s uue year in i'hiladelphta: Real estate Person :4. .8!W,0M,0O . 17,4511, TOO $f,49,t)ll,6t) .U0,51.80ij . 8,lbb,6T3 4T9,040,0T3 Tax rale, f 1 -SO upon lloo valuation. Can it be possible that fs,iss,s;a is the sum total of the whole personal properly of all Philadelphia, witn its warehouses aud its stores, its foundries and lis factories, Its mills and its workshops, and the machinery tnerein, its merchandise, stocks, bunas, and ! other investments, including furniture, nor si- :.ui carriages1: It has been said that these returus are uoi, more complete because our State laws are defective. Purely this caunot be so. The same lavs onerale in Pittsburg. There and througu out the Slate, even on our borders, we Und the laws strong enough uud good erough to procure a return surttclent to justify a tax levy very much below our own. Cannot wo, 1 .en, without retarding either enter prise or industry, find some revenue from one or all of these sources, aud so relieve tlu heavy burdens borne now by house owners aud tenants? By thus sharing our responsiblity one with the other, we would encourage tbe mechanic and worklngmau as we" as the capitalist to invest In building enter prists, aud make our city iu reality, as well as iu name, a city of homes. Gentlemen, much more might be said on this sub. ject, but tlds, I trusi, is enough to attract your at tention. 1 ask joii, for ths best interests Ol all, to give the subject a careful consideration. Mj fellow memoers of Select Couucii, your confi dence has again promoted me te the highest oiilce in your gift. 1 would not be a mun tf I did not feel deeply sensible of this hlgu honor, this one more act of courtesy added to the many already bestowed upon me during my membership. Words cannot express how deeply I feel your kindness. Seusible of my Inability to do all I -vould do, I ask your indul gence fcr errors ell her of omission or commission 11.: L.L x '.. . J .i'.-l.-."j .. ii-i da'd J urn suic tf f cur help la jrouctl:; the U'uo lute- rests of onr city. As representatives from different portions we must, remember that general as well an local interests are to engsge onr attention. While not forg ttleg the less, let us attend to the greater of onr duties. A kindly feeling and a proper under standing of the rulos will greatly assist us. Let ns so ork together "that, having a good conscience, we msy with well-doing put to silence the Ignorance of foolish men.'' And may He who Is God over all direct us end guide ns in all our doings. Ucntlemen, I wish yon all a happy and prosperous new year. The new members then formed in a semi circle iiefore the President's desk and were qualliicd according to law. .Mr. Fareira, Ninth ward, moved to go into an electit n for subordinate officers. Agreed to. Mr. Pumrn, Eighteenth ward, nominated for Chief Clerk Benjamin II. Haines. Nominations closed. Mi. ITanna, Tenth ward, nominated Robert H. Ilethcll as Assistant Clerk. Nominations closed. Mr. Downing, Fourteenth waid, nominated Mortimer L. Johnson as Messenger. Nomina tions closed. Mr. Marcns moved that these gentlemen be elected by acclamation. Agreed to. The sub ordinate ofBcors were then sworn In. The President then appointed George Moser as Page of the chamber and Thomas Hamilton as D001 keeper. Rev. Dr. Rudder, rector of 8t. Stephen's Church, was then Invited to invoke the Divine blcEsingnpon the new Council. Prior to this lie read from the Gospol according to St. Luke, 28th verse, 0th chapter. Mr. Hanna oflered a resolution to appoint a committee of two members to inform Common Council that Select Council is organized and ready to proceed to business. Adopted. The President appointed Messrs. Hanna and King ns that committee. Mr. Harkncss (Twentieth ward) offered a resolution for the appointment of a joint com mittee of three members from each chamber to inform the Mayor that Councils are ready to re ceive any business he may wish to communicate. Adopted. The President appointed to represent Select Council on this committee Messrs. Marcus, Lit tleton, nndllarknees. Mr. Shoemaker offered a resolution accepting the rules and regulations of the late Council for the guidance cf the new. Adopted. Also, a resolution continuing the Joint Special Committee on Centennial Celebration. Adopted. Mr. Marcus olfcred a resolution ordering that all unfinished business with the old louncil be referred to the appropriate committees of the new. Adopted. Mr. Fareira offered in place and had read an ordinance for the regulation of all standing committees, which requires that each of said committees ehall holt? at least one stated meeting in each month and as many more as may be deemed necessary. Passed. Mr. Hanna, chairman of the committee to visit Common Council, reported that they had performed the dut' assigned ihcin. Mr. Marcus moved that the members now proceed to the drawing of seats. Agreed to. The members then vacated their seats, and a scene of considerable confusion ensued. The frlips with the names written on them were well shaken up iu General Charles Thompson's new ard rakish-lookiug felt, and then came the drawing. The first mime drawn was that of the sprightly and loquacious member from the Second ward, Dr. C. li. Kamerly; as he was not present. Mr. Shermcr moved that he be permitted to retain his old fccnt. Mr. Mcllvain hero interposed an objection. Mr. Karnerlv, in his opinion, was a very pleasant member to be associated with, but, nevertheless, should take the seat that was left, inasmuch nsho was not here to make the selection now. Tbe motion was disagreed to. Mr. Mcllvain, Twcuty-sevcntu ward, moved that Mr. Hodgdon, of the Eighth ward, beinf the oldest member in tho chamber, be permitted to retain his old seat. Agreed to. Mr. Fareira. of Eleventh ward, made the same motion regarding Mr. Kiag, but the latter gen tleman, who regarded the honor of being the next eldest man in the chamber as questionable, declined in litely style. llie scats being all drawn. Mr. George A. Smith, Twenty-eighth ward, oflered the following- liesolred, By tho Select and Common Council of the city of.PhlludelpUia, that, until otherwise directed, the Fire Commissioners be autho rized to meet in the Police Committee rooms, southwest corner Fifth and Chesnut streets, and that they be requested to meet for organisation nt PJ A. M., Jan. li, aud Clerks of Councils are hereby directed to notify said commissioners of the passage of this resolution. Adopted. Mr. Hanna offered a resolution of thanks to Iiev. Dr. Rudder for his services. Adopted. The chamber thou took a recess of twenty minutes. After the recess, when the chamber had re assembled, a committee froia Common Council, headed by Mr. John Martin, reported that their chamber had organized. Mr. Harkncss, chairman of the committee to visit the Mayor, reported that his Honor had nuthicg to formally communicate, but he pre sented to tho members the compliments of the Et-aHin. Bills from Common Council were then re ceived. One fixlDg a special tax rate for public build ing purposes. Mr. King hoped that this bill would be post poned, from the fact thut it was not ciutomarv to present such business at a meeting for organi zation. Mr. McC'all thought that it was folly to show such captiousness whenever the matter was brought up. The buildings should go up, and the levy ought to be ordered at once. Mr. King did not wish the gentleman who had just spoken (Mr. McCall) to interrupt him w hile on the floor. He thought that It was not proper to spring this discussion on the members who had just necn sworn ln. Mr. Shoemaker hoped that the matter would be postponed, from no other reason than that the Supreme Court would on tho 4th instant render n final decision on the questions at issue relative to the public buildings. When this de cision was rendered, it would jbc a proper time to pass this levy. The ordinance was postponed. 'Ihe chamber then adjourned until Thursday next at 3 o'clock. Common Council. The new members of Common Council, and those whose term of oDice did not expire at the eud of the year, met at 10 o'clock this morning in Common Council Chamber for the purpose 01 organization. John Eckstein, Chief Clerk, called the Cham ber to order, and read from the roll the names ol the members holding over. The certificates of the newly-eleoted members were then received. Mr. John C. Martin moved that the Chamber proceed to an election for President. The same gentleman nominated Mr. Henry Huhu, from the Fifteenth ward, for that oflice. Mr. Gill nominated George W. Nickels, from the Third ward. The Clerk then appointed as tellers of the election Messrs. Walker and Gill, who, after a vote bad been taken, announced that there had been 57 votes cast, of which Mr. Hrhn received 4(3 votes and Mr. Nickels 11 votes. Mr. Uuhn was thereupon declared elected President of Common Council, and was escorted to the chair by Mr. Nickels, w ho administered to him the oath of omce. The newly elected members were now sworu into t illce by the Chair and required to sign the constitution. This done, the Chair addressed the members of Couucil as follows: rillMUENT HIUN'B ADDKISS. Gentlemen of Common Council : In assuming tbe honorable position of President of Common Council, I am fully conscious of tue important duties aud prent ropenslb lity It devolves upon me. The wm- c 1. , Lt tt.lj d ' ' l '. 1 , ' 1 1 i- ; .i.-r. I lzvd ito aemUiUtf aien of aiaij of cy piedcxssors, lesd ni to approach the perforraanci of the duties or tiieoftlce with a dis'iimt of my own abilities, yet with a firm reliance utxiu yonr active and effective co- 'pcrailon and assistance, it shall be my study andlfttwr, everywhere, at all times, and by every pioper means, to advance the Interest! ai d promote ti e prosperity of the whole people of our great cty. To the Councils of Philadelphia, by the act of Consolidation and the supplements thereto, have been delegated and entrusted many varied and Im portant duties, trostw, and powers. Our population at the present time numbers nearly "on.soo pennanent residents, and for this vast num ber we are called upon to enact sncli laws and or dlraneeB the wisdom and justice whereof may best protect and secure life aud property and subserve the true interests of everv citizen and tax-payer. All are interested, property owner and creditor alike, in an honest administration of the 0 nances; thut every appropriation of the people's money fhtnld he faithfully expended for their entire bene fit, and with a due ree-ard to that true economy which consists not in withholding the means neces sary to accomplish needful and Important objects, bnt requires a striot accountability for the faithful and frugal expenditure of the moneys so appro pr aUd. To the more Important improvements projected or already In course of construction, permit me brtt fly 10 invite your earnest and careful attention. Of these Falrmount Park and the new public build ings (to ihe extent of the powers vested in the mu nlc'ral government by the Legislature), the House of Correction, an abundant supply of water, Ihe I roper lighting and efficient cleansing of our stretts, the improved paving of our great central avenue, Vrosd street, the prompt collection of taxts, and the important and radical changes la the manner of extinguishing fires, are earnestly com ment. cd to onr serious and careful consideration. An honest and determined effort to accomplish pro gress and reform In these all-important public ne cessities will inspire confidence in our municipal government, ami secure the approval of the popular will, which always, sooner or later, enforce obe dience to Its behests. onr highways will require constant, care and at tention, not only in necessary repairs to those already paved, but as well In the opening and ex tension of streets In the more recently buildup and rapidly improving portions or the city. 1 Experience, economy, and comfort have demon strated the absolute necessity for the Introduction and speedy adoption of a system of Improved pave ment In Hen of the "cobble-stones" at present In nse. A result so desirable is demanded by the highest public considerations, and, I am confidently persuaded, would meet with the cordial and hearty approval of the entire community. In conclusion, gentlemen, let us bring to the dis cbarge of our duties an enlarged and enlightened comprehension of the true wants of the people we. represent, and a stern determination that the work allotted to us shall bo performed in such manner as will best promote the welfare, greatness, and prosperity of this "the city of our affections, and the home of our business." As your presiding officer, I promise a strict impar tiality and a preservation of that order and decorum which should always attend wise counsel and care ful legislation. Gentlemen, 1 thank you sincerely, earnestly, and cordially for the distinguished honor yon have conferred upon me, and, invoking the guidance end assistance of the Divine Father upon nil onr efforts, I enter upon the performance of the duties which your kindness and partiality have as signed me. Mr. Martin then meved that an election be held for clerks ncd messengers, and the follow ing r.amed gentlemen were elected: Chief Cltrk John Eckstein. Assistant Clerk Abraham Stewart. Messengers Gav;t Neilson and George W. JohDton. On motion of Mr. Gill, the gentlemen named were elected by acclamation, after which they were duly qtianueu. The Cbair then introduced the Rev. Dr Beadle, who read passages from the 1st Epistle ol Timothy, and oflered up a lervcnt prayer, invoking tho blessings of (iod upon the Presi dent of tho United States, Congress, Chief Ma ttatecf tbe State, the municipal bends of our city, and Councils, that Ihey may bo enabled to discbarge their duties to the best interests of the reoide. Messrs. Hanna and King, of .Select Couucil, at this time appeared in the chamber and notified Ccmmon Council that Select was duly orgauized and ready tor business. Tho Clerk f Select Council also appeared, and informeu common council mat a commit tec bad been appointed on the part of Select Council to wait upon the Mayor and ascertain if he had anything to communicate. Mr. Hall offered the followlnj;: liesolrrrt, Thut the rules and regulations of the late Common Council be adopted by this C ouncil. Agreed to. Mr. Nickels moved to proceed to the drawing 01 seats. Agreed to. Messrs. Martin and Oram were, on motion, allowed the privilege 01 selecting their seats The drawing then took place, and as the names were called the members advanced and took their scats. On motion, the Chair appointed on the part of Common Council Messrs. Hall, Greer, and Stock- dale to wait upon the .Mayor. Mr. Morton moved that a committee of two be ariDointcd to notify Soloct Council that Com moii Council was duly organized and ready for business. Agreea 10. The Chair appointed Messrs. Martin and McAleer on this committee. A resolution of thanks tojthc Rev. Dr. Beadle for services in opening Councils was offered and adopted. Mr. Allison made a motion to continue the joint special committees of the Chamber. Agreed to. Mr. Wagner offered an ordinance requiring the Board of Revision to levy a special tax of six cents on the hundred dollars for the erection of the new public buildings. Mr. Martin moved to refer to the Committee on 1 inance. Lost. The bill then passed. The ordinance from Select Council regulating the time of meeting of the dillcrent standing committees was caiica up ana slightly amended, alter which It passed. The resolution from the other Chamber rcla the t unfinished business was concurred in The resolution from Select Council relative to the meeting of the Fire Commissioners to morrow was concurred in. A resolution continuing the Joint Special Committee on the Centennial Celebration of the Anniversary of American independence was passed. Mr. Bardsley oflered a resolution requestin the Mavor to cause diligent search to be made for Henry Einecher,whoe mind is affected, aud who has been missing since the !7ih Instant. Aereed to. Mr. Hall, from tho committee to wait upon the Mayor, reported that his Honor bad nothing to communicate at present, but extended the compliments of the season to the members of Councils. Mr. AVagner offered a resolution directing the Clerk of Council to refrain from presenting re solutions or ordinances concerning the appoint ment of committees to tne aiayor tor approval. Mr. Wuguer thought the present mode of do ing business was irregular and contrary to law. On motion, the resolution was referred to the Committee on Law, when appointed. Mr. Wnirner offered a resolution rrovIdlii2r for a joint convention of Councils on Thursday next, to elect a transcribing cleric, iteierreu to Committee cn Law. Mr. John McGralh and Mr. C. P. McGrath asked leave to record their votes tor President of Common Council. Leave was granted, and thev voted for Mr. George . Nickels. On motiou, the Chamber adjourned. DisnoKEST Domestic A colored female servant emoloved in tho house of Mr. C. W. Matthew, No. iO'J North Seventh street, yester day decamped, carrying witn ner ciotniug, jewelry, etc., to the value 01 OfEKiKO ok a Boui 80c 1 et v. To-morrow mornim? at 10 80 o'clock the Hprlng Garden Soup Society will commence the distribution of Eoup to tne poor 01 tne ncignoonng districts. Daily NooMur M. l emu. Union prayer-meetings are . "'.u' rce, lrom l i l 1 I . SECOND EDITION I WAR NEWS BY CABLE. The Bombardment of Paris The Terrible German Batteries. French Forts. Fiio from tho TO-DAYS WASHINGTON NEWS. New Year's Celebrations BtC.s Etc. SStC. Etc.. IStC. FROM WMSI1INGTOJV. Klr Mtattatlcs. DttpatcX to the Associated Prtsn. Washington, Jan. 2. Fire statistics show that the total amonnt of property reported destroyed during the year 1870 was $200,000. One-half of this sum was by tbe burning of the Centre Market and dealers' supplies. Four persons were burned to death. New Year's Celebration. ITnndreds of persons are keeping open house to-day. Nearly all business is suspended, and the weather is bright and calm. Indian A flairs. The sub-committee of the Committee on Ap propriations has summoned numerous wit nesses, preliminary to an examination of the alleged frauds In purchases of Indian goods. The examination, however, win not be com menced until the return of Commissioner Parker, who Is dally expected, as it is consi dered but fair that he should have full know lefie of all the proceedings. Representative Sargent, of Committee on Ap propriations, will, on the reassembling of Con gress, report the Indian appropriation bill. Tbe amonnt will be one million dollars less than the bill of last session. FROM THE WEST. Wild Weather In lllnnenola.-Grnnd Regatta in vmutu tiaroor. Dclcth, Minn., Dec. 31. A grand regatta came off this afternoon iu Duluth harbor, from the Grain Elevator to the Citizen's Dock, and return, the distance of the round trip being one and a quarter miles. Nineteen boats and three birch-bark canoes were entered for the race, which was witnessed by over one thousand spectators. The time occupied by the race was from nine to twenty minutes. A schooner has just arrived from Bayfield, and reports Lake Superior entirely free of ice. The thermometer here is forty degrees above zero. FROM EUROPE. The Rambarduient ef Pari. London. Jan. 1. I have received from the New York Herald correspondent at Versailles a letter dated December 27. giving an account of the operations before Paris to that date. Your correspondent writes: SEVERE FIRE FROM THE FRENCH FORTS. Christmas Eve was rendered memorable by one of tbe severest bombardments from the French forts winch tbe German investing army has been called upon to sustain since the siege began. Ihe trench opened a veritable feu a'tiiftr about midnight. It soon after ceased. however, and the remainder of the utght was undisturbed save by an occasional shot only. Christmas day was passed in quiet till about 2 o'clock in tbe afternoon, when tbe French forts suddenly fired a volley and then relapsed into silence. On tbe part of the uormans mere was no reply to the cannonade. The investing army preserved its wonted silence, and made no siun w hicn coma indicate wuere tne neavy cuds are. X would st-te, nowever, mat tne dertuan siege guns are now fully In position and pre pared to atlacK tne iorts. RANGE OF THE FRENCfl GUNS. The weather is and has been so Intensely cold that it makes the sound of the French guns tbarper and more distinct than usual. This Hate of the atmosphere also aids in creating the belief that tbe guus have a longer range than they have yet reached, nut such is not tue case nltouetber. It is certain, however, that the guns of Fort Mont Valerlen have thrown solid shot into the banK 01 the Heine oeiow the ter race of St. Germain, west of tbe fort, and a dis tance of over six miles. EVERYTHING READY FOR THE BOMBARDMENT I mav now state, without fear of tbe iu forma tion being regarded as premature, that every thing is in readiness for tbe bombardment of Paris on the niot terrific scale conceivable. All the German batteries are complete, guns mounted, and ammunition ia sutneient quan tity. They will pen simultaneously upou the devoted city from the following points, the whole length of the lines forming a semicircle. THE GERMAN SEMICIRCLE OF BATTERIES. Beeir ning at a point on tbe heights above St. Denis, and consequently north of Paris, the German semicircle of batteries extend in a south- western direction to the town of Argenteuil, on the! northern bank of the river onoosite the ue- nicsula on which Fort Mont Valerien tani.Tbe lice then coniinius across tbe river loColombes, nearly opposite tieuuevuiiers, whence it con tinues in a southerly direction to Garches (?), opposite rort Mont valerien. It then take a southeast course, passing between St. Cloud and Versailles to the heights of Meudou. where it faces the southern fortresses of Paris. The bat teries have now a shorter ranue. irom Meudon, which is opposite Fort Issy, the line extends eastward to Clamart. opposite Fort Vanvres, thence to Fontenay aux Hoses, opposite rort Montronge, and continues eastward opposite Forts Bicetre, Ivry, and Charenton, turning at the peninsula of St. Maur, the scene of Ducrot's late sortie, and runs in a nounwara direction, opposite Forts Nogeut and Kosny, Freedmen's Anniversary This afternoon nud eveninir there will be interesting exercises commemorative of the great day "upon which the shackles were struck from four million lM.n.lmen." in Odd Fellows' Hall. Fraukford. tinder the ausoiues of the African Methodist Kpiscopal Church of that place. Mr. isilih C. Wear and Professor W. 11. Day will speak on the occasion. Organization or the Board of Trusts. The Board of City 1 rusts win meet at 3 o clock this afternoon for the purpose of organization, The only change in the membership U Mr. Henry H. Huhn. the President of Common tV'iiM-ll. uho Im-coiiic a iiMniMr ff t'le 1! .i'il 1 e t j)u w tu iIm;v 01 jar. Viiicr. THIRD EDITION AFFAIRS AT THE CAPITAL Tlie 0nln in '" " sPecial Presidential Message. Ano,llr Proposed New State. The San Domingo Question. Etc., Etc., V 5., Etc.. Etc. FROM WASHIJVGTOJV. Southern Oatrnjres. Washington, Jan. 2. It is reported here that tbe President will send a special message, as soon as Congress reassembles, relating to the condition of the Southern States. Accompany ing the message will be a considerable amonnt of testimony in the shape of reports, etc., from military and other officers, which, In the judg ment of the President, show that a ve. bad state of affairs exists in many sections of the Sonth. It is believed that he will recommend that Congress appoint a committee of its members t3 thoroughly investigate the condition of affairs. It is represented that the President's views are very decided as to the need "f action by Con gress. Proposed Admission of Indian Territory aa n Plate. Mr. Van Horn, of the House Ind'in Com mittee, has been authorized to report a bill orga nizing the Indian Territory under the name of "Okahama." The bill carries out tht principal provisions of the treaties of 1800. It provides for the appointment by the President of a Gov ernor and Secretary, Su , sme Court nd Dis trict Judge and a Mars. 1, all of whom may be white, iiere is to be a legislative council. with one branch only, the members to be com posed of the various tribes. Provision is made for an Indian delegate in Congress, end for six interpreters, who are to prepare the pro ceedings of the Legislature for publication In the English language. Mr. Armstrong, of the House Indian Committee, Is preparing a ma jority report upon the validity of the Joy title to the Cherokee neutral lands. The report will hold that tho question Is not one to be decide J by legislation, but by the courts. General Shanks has a minority repor t, favoring the setting asiCe of tbe Joy purchase as Illegal. The Man Domingo (ue.tlan. Mr. Sumner Is understood to have prepared an article in support of his position on the San Domingo question, as shown in the recent debate, which will be published in a weekly New York paper. General Logan has written a letter to the President denying that he is op posed to the San Domingo resolution of Senator Morton. Havtian Aflalr.. A number of merchants and others interested in Haytien affairs have forwarded a letter here, which is to be presented to the President, urgently asking that the San Domingo Commission shall consist of gentlemen who are known not to have committed themselves de cidedly in favor of annexation. It is supposed that special objection is felt toward Fiederick Douglass, who, it is asserted, is an active par tisan of the policy. The Philadelphia Dispensary. The an nual meeting of the contributors to the Phila delphia Dispensary was held this day at loon at the institution, No. 127 South Fifth street. M. L. Dawson occupied the chair, and Dr. Thomas Wis tar acted as Secretary. From the Treasurer s report it appeared that the receipts amounted to ftM'J.Vcj'j, including the balance from last year, and the payments were ob73 co. The annual report of the managers, lncludicg reports of the house and district physicians, ob stetrical physicians, aud the surgions of the Eye and Ear Department, was submitted, which showed satisfactory results. The following board of managers was elected for the ensuing year: Wm. F. GrilHtts, Henry J. Morton, John Farnum, George B. Wood, D. Claik Wharton, 1. Wis tar lirown, John N. Whitall, John C. Browne, Charles Ellis. Joseph P. Smith, Thomas Wistar, William Hacker. Inocebt in the Ca9e of tue Lad George H. Fuhey. Deputy Goroner cees to-day noon held an luuucbt in the case of the IV George H. Furey, who was killed on Christmas . day at Dlckersou street wharf, by a shot from a pistol alleged to be in the hands of Frank Gangbran. The testimony was in no way different irom that already published, aud the jury reudere-' the following verdict: That tbe deceased, George H. Furey, came to his death oubaturday, December HI, 1H70, irom a gun shot wound In tbe head, received ,,t the hands of Frank Uauitnran, on hunday afternoon, Decemiei SB, lb70, near Dlckerson atreet wharf. The prisoner was committed for trial. Vvm nimii rtv Clia T asr. lii?ht about S o'clock an explosion of gas occurred in a room in the house of H. Kretchmar, No. ltil North Second streetf Mr. Henry Krouser, a boarder in tha Hmnllmir was badlv burned about the face. He is now in the St. Mary's Hospital. Di .-UT ITiun A tririlnir fir m-pnr-Bil tit. half. Ui.lUUt ' " - t-, w clock this momiukr in a shed on Second street, below Tasker. Tl, San Vranot.on Unllnlln AktinlAH t!. value of the yearly !ruit crop of California at 5,0C0,000. In MllwauKce, on tnursaay ni;;ui la-ii, twin infants froze to death in their crib in the tame room in which their parents slept. in:n. (Ar additional VUKm m Fifth page.) Bklu On the 1st instant, Samuel Bull, son of the late John and Julia A. Bell. The relatives aud friends of the family are respect fully Invited to attend bis funeral, from the res. dem a or bis mother-in-law, Mrs. Jane Agnew, No. 103 South Fuurth street, on Tuesday afternoon, a: J o'clock. Interment at Houalclson's Cemetery. GIHARD FIRB INSURANCE COMPANY. N. K. Corner CHEdNUT - and BiLVfc.ViJJ (street. pnti.ADii.rurA, Jan. S, 1871. I)IV1DKN1 No. no. A dividend Of F1VK DoLLAhS per share has thia day been declared by the directors of tins company Datable, to the Mockbolders on and a'ter una date, ",r . f '. A!.r"IL. 5s '' ' ' r. imwin ireur.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers