The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-12-09

|
tered by particular individuals; but there Is no
question in our mind that this wonderful discovery
in California, the means OF transportation now
possessed, combined with the energy, the enter
prise and the skill of our young adventurers, will
soon make San Francisco one OF the largest cities
on the Pacific; and, in fact, the New York OF
California That country is healthy IN an extraor-
binary degree. San F ranclsco one of the finest
harbors IN the world-ca pable OF containing, Sc
cure fro all storms and all winds, the navles OF
all Europe. The back country, to the pinnacies
Of the Snowy Mountains, is beautiful, and ex'
teedlngly rich in vegetable productions, TO say
nothing of the riches under the soil, which nave
caused such great sensation here and elsewhere
This mania or madness is only in its commence
ment
HEALTH OF THE CTY-DRTY STREETS -IHE
PRESENT Conference.-The presence of a ma |
Ipnant disc se, generally reputed to be the |
Asiauc cholera, at Staten Island, and the pro-
liability of ITS reaching Ihis city, have created
good deal of excitement among all circles OF
! society, and this excitement has been lmmea-
suraby increased by the extremely filthy cnnd-
ton of our Streets the extreme neglect of the pub
lie contractors, and the gross misconduct OF the
existing Corporation in attending to their public
duties and performing their obligations to the CON-
| munly.
The condition of the streets requires only to be
pointed at, to be known and execrated by every
| inhabtant of this metropolis. What Is the reason
that such want of public duty-such an absence
of municipal acknowledgements to such an ex-
tent IN this otherwise energetic, stirring, business
metropolis In every department of the city 60
vernmen mt there seems to be screw loose; but the
principal evils are manifested In the manner In
which contracts are made, framed, and gwen out,
for cleaning our principal thoroughfares. For
| thirty years past We do not think the streets OF
| New York have been in such filthy, dirty, and
disgraceful condition; and what increases the dan
ger and excitement now, is the probable approach
Of an infectious and contiguous disease, during
the present deplorably dirty condition OF the city
What is the reason Of all this How is it that
New York is so ably governed and go shocking
y kept IN order! The system of cleaning the
streets has been changed IN every change OF party,
and at every local revolution that takes place
The causes which have for so many years kept
New York in its filthy condition, at the very
times when 1t ought to be clean, must be look
ed for beyo the mere system OF cleaning
the streets, either by contract under authority
; of the Corporation, or in any other mode
1t must arse from the defective organization of the
city government tself-the want OF all RESPONSE
bility in the mel elected Office, and the absence
t of those checks and balances which make it the
I interest, as well as the duty, of men in power to
attend to those matters that entrusted to their
charge. Our city government is species OF close
corporation. 1t is divided into two branches; but
e the organization of both springs from the same
u pnncipes and the defects peryade the whole mu-
i nlcipallty. the members Of both bodies are appa-
s renty voluntary public servants; and yet, from
the passion exhibited and the desire manifested to
'e reach those unsaaried Offices, it is very evident
that there must be some indirect, some secre
~ mode by WIN CHI they can remunerate themselves
othe rwise, there would n ot be such scramble to-
d the offices of Alderman and Assistant Alderman
D. While therefore, public opinion should be dlrecee
ID to tie immediate necessity Of cleaning the streets
OF putting stop to the progress OF the gsSHe r I'm
8, mspasssteinedy the defects of city government
n which has never shown itself to be equal to an
lie important emergency, and which has for years and
It years beer under the influence OF miserable low
spectators, pary ofice-seekers, corrupt men, and
party hacks OF the most detestabe and unprnciped
;, description. The city of New York is, in point
+, OF wealth, influence, and population, equal to a
State OF the Union. Its government should be
organized us State governments are, or on the plan
OF that of the general government with President,
Senate, and House Of Repre- sentatlves all pro.
pery paid for the performance of their public duties
t and all responsible in proper way to their con-
stl'uents. The different departments OF the city
, administration should be distributed in the same
t order in which we find them in the State or
Union-the members responsible In proper way,
and properly paid, to prevent corruption ne
gect and piliering.
| kol,a TO bao
those constantly occurring emergencies, and the
utter neglect and corruption which eat like
csnker into the city government and which will,
probably, at the present time, be exemplifed by
fatal maady being allowed to make progress In
dirty and inviting city. Let us, therefore, prepare
Tor reform-for radical reform-a positive re-
vouuon In our municipal government The spring
elections are just ahead; let us prepare.
JIM GRANT Going TO CALIFoRNIA.-Jim Grant
the popular hair. dresser of Ann street. and well
known throughout this country, sails to-day for
California, and the "gold digglngs'' in that re-
gion. For many years past he has occupied
Place In Ann street, where he shaved with much
! skill, uEd talked politics with equal wit and
sense. He has resisted all sorts OF temptations
hitherto, but the California gold fever has carried
hun OIL, as one OF Its first victims He goes from
this city to Chagres, thence crosses the isthmus
10 Panama, from which port he will proceed to
Monterey and San Francisco. Jim has saved a
little money during the last few years, which he
has laid cut in merchandise. suitable for Cafor-
MA and we should not be at all surprised, Judging
from his energy, skill, and adroitness 10 see him
return In few years millionaire and perhaps
mandarin. Success to him. He is one of the
most honest, trustworthy, we'll dong, and good