The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-07-22
Sketches Of Brooklyn.


The present structure, which was commenced in
February, 1916, and finished in May, 1919, is To-
Gated in the most central part of the city, at the
junction of Joralemon, Court, and Fulton streets
and viewed from whatever direction it may be APP
preached, presents a g-and and beautiful appear
The building is three stories in height, and is
throughout of the Grecian Ionic order of architec-
ture-the regularity and general effect of which,
however, is somewhat marred, we are constrained
to say, by the windows of the upper floor being
considerably less than those on the others. 1t i
ls2 feet frontage los feet Deep and 81 feet high to
the plate.
A cupola, raised over the front CENTRE is sur
mounted by a sculptured figure Of the Goddess Of
Justice, to the top of which, from the ground is l33
eet-the whole, including the entire outer WALL,
being formed of pure and brilliantly white marble,
from the Westchester quarry.
From the portico in 'front.' which is supported by
six handsome Ionic cnlumns, a fine flight of steps
(also of marble) descends to the City Hall Park,
which spreads its green grass plot each side of
the building, extending on the front in a triangular
form, to the junction of Court, Fulton, and
Washington streets, Montague place and Myrtle
avenue.
This park, enclosed by iron fence in addition
to the relief afforded by its verdure, by presers ing
vacant space about the edfce secures to the spec
tator a comprehensive view of it in all its beauty
uninterrupted by the interposition Of bricks and
mortar, encroaehments which are springing up on
all sides, with seemingly magic rapidity.
The Hall itself is thoroughly fire proof, the
partition walls being entirely constructed of brick
and substantial iron beams supporting the floor,
with brick arches sprung between them, which
form the floor. These arches are laid over with
marrow Georgia pine planks, IN aking it solid and
enduring.
The cost of the erection was about $4,000,
and the ground about $4,000. The internal
arrangements are of the most complete and con-
venient nature containing as described in detail be-
low, Offices and rooms for all the principal city and
county officers; and every thing appears to combine
the centre of attraction.
1t is the property Of the city, rent being paid to
the Corporation for those portions Of il occupied by
the county officers, courts, SC.
BASEMENT
is principally occupied by the "polce department"
IleIe are the Police and Justice Courts. presided
over BY Justices Truman Smith, John .. Smith
and John Il Hing.
The first named gentleman is termed by the
statute constituting his Office the Police Justice
and has no civil jurisdiction, except in the case Of
proceedings under city ordinances, where the
claimed does not exceed ~ 80. The other two
gentlemen, in addition to exercising in the absence
Of the Police Justice during his sickness or inabi-
lily to attend, all his functions, sit District Jus
tcc Courts taking cognizance of civil causes where
the subject matter does not exceed one hundred
dollars. On the same footing the ward courts in
New YoIk city.
They each si- also, as Courts Of Special Ses-
stns, for the disposal of all cases triable ut
Cert of Srecial Sessions, and for the trial of all
tases Of malicious mis- ,hief, or riot within the
county of krgs. Defendants have the option OF
demanding a jury in these courts-a privilege,
however, Of which they rarely avail themselves
a room on this floor. formerly used as the dspen-
sary, has lately been fitted up Office for the
clerk Of these courts, Major Thos J.. Tcae. Here is.
also the Office Of the Chief of Police, Mr.. John
Folk. The Station House of the First district is
adjoining and to this is attached set of cells, aad
logging rooms. that it is said, cannot be surpassed
by any in the | MON, in strength, convenience and
cleanliness. man is kept continually employed
for the purpose, and each is lime washed daily;
OF Is never allowed to be occupied by two success
sive tenants without undergoing that purifying
process. Endeavors are made to supply each prison
with n bed, but they are constantly up and
destroyed, nor do the walls themselves escape the
wanton malgnity of the persons usually confined
in such receptacle.
The lodging rooms arc spacious, and provided
with iron b,dsteads Tor the accommodation of such
o., may. by accident, misfortune, or some venal
folly, be driven To seek temporary asylum there,
Which is always afforded with co.siderate humanity
~ captains Joel Smith and George Brown, OF the
First, to whom all such applicants well ms prison
ers are sentfrom other districts; the temporary sta
tons elsewhere throughout the city not being pro-
yided with such appurteDanccs. In these rooms
fiom twelve to twenty persons nightly lodged.
The re naming rooms in the basement are occupied
as offices for the Superntendents Of the Poor
Messrs. James &. Rhodes and William Rushmorc,
and the Commissioner of Repairs and supplies
Mr. j. Cochran, and some few store and lunbee
rooms. Before leaving this portion of the building
we must remark, that an oversight appears to have