The New York herald., 1844-12-20
Annual Pictorial TIeraId.


prominent part. Price st cents.
Annual Pictorial Herald
This splendid illustrated sheet is going off like
wid6re. II is the most beautiful, varied, and va
luable publication Of the kind ever issued in this
country. Price only 81 cents.
STEAM SzIp AoADrA.-Gales of wind are proba-
bly, keeping her back day or two.
The Recent Democratic Meetings I'm the
City-The Texas Question.
Some interest has been felt in the recent meet
ings held in all the wards by the Democratic party,
and at which some general indications were given
OF popular feeling and sentiment, particularly grow
ing out OF the Texas question at Washington, and
the meaning which has been attempted to be af-
fixed to the popular voice in the late presidential
election. We have received the returns from the
various wards, containing the names of the men,
bers Of the general committee OF the old and
young mems and OF the ward committees for the
ensuing year. The elections were warmly con-
tested-much more so than many had reason 10
expect. This warmth, no doubt, arose from the
fact that position in the General Committee
will be OF some considerable importance in giving
direction to the division Of the spells under the
presidency Of Mr.. Polk Men, who want office.for
themselves or friends, can much more effectualy
create political influence, by holding such po-
sition, than by remaining mere private members Of
the party.
Another feature attending these elections, has
been the passing of resolutions in several OF the
wards. relative to the annexation Of Texas, which
now threatens to divide the democracy inCongress,
between the proposition of Mr.. McDuffie, and that
of Mr.. Benton. Thus far we have seen
in only one Of the wards-the fifth
strong resolutions in favor Of Mr.. McDufie's
proposition, approbatory of the policy of the pre-
sent administration, and denuncatory of the move
ments of Senator Benton in relation to the same
question. Possibly some resolutions Of similar
character may have been passed in other wards,
but strict adherence to truth, compes US to say,
that generally throughout the wards in these meet
ings the democrats seem to have studousy avoided
the expression of any opinion on the SUBJ
ject of the policy of the present administration
annexation, reserving probably their opinions un-
til Mr.. Polk reaches the White House. We are
given to understand, however, that Immediately
on the reorganization of the General Committee,
and also Of the old and young mems committees,
resolutions will be introduced approving Of MIR.
Calhoun's policy and disapproving Of tina: Of Mr..
will be watched with great deal Of interest, as
indicating the sentiments Of the democracy Of this
city in reference to the two propositions which are
now dstracting the party at Washington.
We have no doubt that this question will soon
be agitated throughout the country in the same
way. In this city, there are four democratic pa
pers. Two are in favor of Mr.. Calhoun's policy,
and two are in favor ofMr Bentons. In Albany the
Atlas is denouncng Mr.. Calhoun in most violent
manner whilst the Argus, more wary and saga
cious, is high and dry on the fence, choosing ra-
ther TO wait patiently until the new administration
comes IN. There is every reasen to believe, how
ever, that this Texas annexation question is going
to distract the party throughout the country. And
yet it should not do SO. Without reference to
party opinion or party action, but looking at the
question in all its bearings, from some of the
prominent outposts of human nature and human
judgment, we have been decidedly in favor OF the
annexation Of Texas from the commencement,
and we believe that vast majority Of the people
of this country, if their minds could be properly
reached by argument, would be Of the same way
Of thinking-the declarations Of the whig leaders
the aborionists, and other philosophers in this
region, to the contrary Notwithstanding.
NEXT LEoIsLATuRE.-In few weeks the State
Legislature will be in session. There are num-
ber Of highly important public measures which
ought TO engage its attention at an early period.
Amongst them we may mention reform Of the
militia lava reform Of the jury law-and the Gre
alton Of registry law to prevent frauds at elec-
tiOns.
reform of the militia law is absolutely neces-
sary. The gross abuses which have been accumu.
L. IL, ell.
ridicule and adherence. But very little reflec-
ton will convince every one Of the importance and
absolute necessity Of a well organized militia 1t
is our only means Of national military defence
We do trust that this reform will be introduced
during the next session. The members Of the Le-
gisIature who carries il through will earn the gra
titude Of the whole country.
The jury law also requires TO be reviewed and
modified. At present the burden OF jury duty falls
almost wholly on the middling classes and those
who really cannot afford to loose any portion OF
their time. Jurors ought to be paid. II is unjust
to tax the working men and middling classes to the
great extent which they are subjected at present,
The present system is species Of legalzed ROBBIE
ry Of the poor. Let this matter be attended TO
at once. These are the measures which are Of
real interest to the people. A movement in their
favor Is what we want-not clustering about the
Pope OF Rome, or scrambling for "the spoils''
COMMON PLEAS va. COMMON COUNCIL. was
not an action brought against the Board by their
Honors OF the Common Pleas, but on reference to
our law reports, il will be observed that Judge
DAILY has been compelled to adjourn the court, in
consequence of the prevalence Of noxous gas in
the court room, which his honor has pronounced
both dangerous to the health of the members Of
the bench and the bar, well to the public II is
to be hopedthat city fathers will extend imme-
diate relief in this case, and not impede the pub.
lie business by any delay in the premises, as many
important cases have been thus postponed