New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-12-04

n o'clock returns had been received from all the
Wards except four, and Opdyke was in the advance
nearly 600 votes AS the returns came in, district
by district first encouraging and then Encouraging
the suspense became almost painful. AT this time il
was announced that in consequence of the great
mass of people assembled in the room, the floor was
sinking, and a request was made that some OF the
gentlemen would retire. The excitement was so III
tense, however that scarcely one left the room for
few. moments, but being treasured OF the danger q
portion of them reluctantly went out They did not
leave, the neighborhood, however, but gathered In
front of the building, where their ranks soon sweed
to nearly thoufand.
At 8 o'clock it became apparent that the figures
favored beyond reasonable doubt the election Of
Mr. Opdyke. Concurrent testimony was presented
in further returns from the Police Headquarters and
tie newspapers which had issued extras announcing
the result. Immediately followed scene of the
widest excitement. In the inner room cheer upon
cheer was given; a host OF friends pressed around
Mr. Opdyke rendering him their congratulations, and
loud cries were made for speech. In the main
room brief remarks were made Of the situation, and
the same enthusiasm was exhibited.
llr. Spencer went to the balcony and announced
the joyful intelligence to the crowd in the street,
which by this time numbered over thousand, and a
whirlwind of applause followed, which echoed and
reGchoed far aud wide in the cold clear air.
Ia response to the numerous calls upon Mr. OPP
dyke for speech, that gentleman stepped gracefully
upon chair, and modestly bowling before the storm
Of applause that greeted his appearance, made the
following remarks:
SPEECH OF MAYOR oPDYKE.
Ny FRrEyDs: do not much fancy this early re-
icicing. lest i may be premature. II Is very I'M
pleasant indeed 70 shout before we get out OF the
woods. But we will, Tor the moment, assume II 10
be so. II il always pleasant TO meet our friends
when their faces are smiling, and when their hearts
are rejoicing. BIT il is such a novelty to noe, that
eearcely know IN what words to thank you for your
congratulation. 1 have teen heretofore, as YOU
know, accustomed to defeat. Laughter and ap-
pause.l Two years ago, we had very different
scene on q similar ;n"rlsi0n. The sriEt was damp
ened by defeat. but can say that went home on
that evening and slept more PROFOUNDLY ana more
more than shall tonight, II your present impress
sion should be confirmed. Now, i feel that am
cbap0ed with more grave responsibilities, and sln-
ceIely distrust my ability TO meet the expectations
of nv friends The duties are entirely new
to me; am entirely antried IN execu-
Sreyou. history of the city ta. nueb is e. e sc'ed
from me. know, beside-cs, With the limited powers
Of the office but lltte can be accomplished by the
Mayor |" The D@.1t Legislature will remedy that J;
but shall look to you for aid in giviog powers 10
that Off &c which shall render il Efficient Cheers.
A FEW words more The honor which my fellow
citizens have conferred me, appreciate very
bigbly. To gil an Office that has been graced aud
adorned BIZ such men az DE Witt Clinton ana I'd
ward Livingston, and many other men OF hiBh
esteem who nave filled the Office, ID worthy the am
biton of any man. l can only say that Al our pres
emf Impression should be realized, and that II am
10 be indicted into that Office whatever powers 1
have shall be exeed for the best interests Of the
and It's honor, and 10 nghten It's burdens; and VIII
do everything m my power TO meet the expectations
OF those who have elected me. Now, my friends,
have one word 10 gay; IL ia more perhonal. III
il 10 refer TO few Of the incidents of the canvass
think no man has ever been blessed with truer'
more Jealous, and more iair-mlnded friends. chal'
lenge the world 10 show anything that mas Deen
done In this canvass but what Ia IN strict accord
anoe with fairness. i wish l could say AS much
for our opponents. In one instance they came out
with flaming handbil, using the names OF large
number Of Republicans who, 1t would appear, IN
tended 10 vote for Mr.. Gunther. This turned ont TO
be a forgery. They very unfairly fsisihed my po-
Etical opinions and haze doubt ost NE thousands
OF votes that / would otherwise have had. They
raised the cowardly cry of shoddy," no. daring TO
charge me with corruption, for they knew that
Was not guilty Of it, They knew it would be
belous; they knew, in fact, that my hands were as
clean as theirs. In that transaction all that did
WAS 10 chow that some others had committed a
wrong. and not myself Now have nothing more
to say at present but thank you for your seadiast
support and friendship, and shall do everything IN
my power to render myself worthy Of such friends
Mr. Oliver proposed Three cheers for George
Opdyke, Mayor elect of the City OF New-fork'
which were heartily given.
Another gentleman proposed Three cheers for
the redemption of the City OF New.York from cor
ruption and robbery"
A VoIcE--" Since 1856
The cheers were given with great gusto.
The transparency in front of the building was then
brilliantly lighted, and Mr. Opdyke was conducted
to the balcony, where he briefly rendered Ills thanks
and apologzcd for not making a speech. His ap-
pearance was hailed with uproarious shouts OF APP
plause Shortly afterward he withdrew and retired
In company with few friends. The assemblage
still lingering aronnd the building, several gentlemen
briefly addressed them congrstulating them on the
success of the Republican candidate. 1t was not till
very late hour that the street assumed it's usual APP
pearance.
Late in tho evening some two thousand Of Mr..
Opdykes friends formed into a procession, and,
handed by band proceeded to his residence on the
Fifth avenue, but owing to the iatiguing exertions
of the day he unable to appear. The audience
were addressed by Mr.. Frank Shepherd, who stated
that Mr.. Opdyke regretted his inability to thank
them again for this additional mark of their generous
esteem, as the canvass had somewhat impaired his
strength, and he felt the need of quiet and repose
but he should be ever grateful for the warm support
of those who had rallied around the standard which
bad survived the contest and tonight stood around
with the laurels of triumph.
TAHNANY tDQIARTERS