The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-02-18

ALBANY LEGISLATION FOR NEW YORK Cry
Both houses of the State Legislature have had
their hands full during the present session with
the local affairs of this city. Many people are
unaware of the extent to which we are dependent
upon the wiseacres Of the Legislature and smart
agents of the lobby in the management of our
municipal concerns, from the regulation Of our
| governmental departments down to our city rail-
roads. Let us take q glance at some of the
measures which have occupied tho attention of
the Legislature for some time past First we
have
A bill to amend the charter of the city of New
| York, and authorizing Henry r. Selden, Charles
| O'COnor and Hamilton Fish, or in their places,
respectively, VIM. c. Bryant, Robert J. Dillon
and VIM. F. Havemeyer, to prepare a new
charter.
Bills to amend the law relating to New York
city banks, requiring the capital to be paid in
full before commencing business, and forbid
ding loans on their own stock.
To amend the Central Park act by putting the
Park and entire property under the control of
eleven commissioners, as an Incorporated COM
pany, with power to hold real estate.
A bill to legalize the resolutions of the New
York Common Council of May 16, 1853, giving
permission to widen q pier.
Another for q railroad through Fourteenth
street, Hudson, Troy Fourth, Blocker, Crosby
and other streets in New York
A bill regulating the salaries of the County
Clerk, Surrogate &C., of New York; also, to
authorize the appointment of additional Notaries
Public in New York
A bill to regulate the bringing of suits in the
Marine Court.
To repeal the act recognizing the Port War
dens' office.
Another railroad bill to authorize Oscar Mar
shall, George Cornell, Charles Smith and associ-
ates to lay railroad in New York from the
Thirty fourth street ferry through Thirty fourth
street, First avenue, Tenth street, Stuyvesant
street, Third avenue, Bowery and Canal street.
to the east side Of Broadway, returning by the
same route.
A bill to appropriate the unclaimed deposits
Of savings banks to canal purposes, and another
appropriating the proceeds of West Washington
Market to the same use.
A bill to authorize the Board of Supervisors
in New York to sell the site adjoining the City
Hall to the United States for Post Office, and
increasing the City Hall fund to one million of
dollars.
| A bill to amend the laws in relation to taxes
and assessments in this city.
A bill to provide against unsafe buildings in
New York. This is voluminous bill, carefully
prepared. 1t requires more care in the erection
of party walls, exterior walls, &c.
Abill to amend the assessment for opening and
widening the streets Of New York 1t provides
that it shall not be lawful for the Commissioners
to alter any award for damages, or any estimates
for the benefit of contractors, without previous
public notice. The bill is designed to meet the
alleged frauds in opening William street and
widening Beekman street.
A bill to change the plans of the streets and
avenues of New York north of l25th street and
west of Eighth avenue.
And still later, bill abolishing the Office Of
Corporation Attorney, and providing in his place
Solicitor Of the City Treasury, to be appointed
by the Comptroller and confirmed by the Mayor
The specific duties of this officer are to defend
all actions at law or suits in equity prosecuted
against the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty
Of the city of New York: provided always, that
no such action or suit shall be defended by him
at any stage thereof save upon the written con-
sent and retainer Of the Comptroller. This bill
also provides that the salary Of the Corporation
Counsel shall be fixed at $4,000, and all fees and
compensations cut of. Should this bill become
law IL will reduce to proper standard the
emoluments Of one Of the richest Offices in The
Qity. The appointment Of the Solicitor OF