The New York herald., 1870-01-02
At TINE CITY HALL

The day was celebrated with much OF the old-time
democratic whole-souledness. Early in the morn
ing the flags raised the City Hall stars and
the gates were thrown open. No previous notice
OF any public reception had been given, but from
results il may be judged that no such notice was
needed. HAD such notice been made there might
have been an immense crowd OF idle, careless ana
curious "callers;" but, as 1t was, those who came
were impeed by admiration Of the clsy's chief ex.
ecutve and the hope that he might renew the good
old-time custom and give them an opportunity to
pay their respects.
In days 'lang syne" the head Burgomaster OF New
Amsterdam would sit on his "stoep'' (sroop). and
gave to the children New Years cakes. The burgo-
masters began to vie with each other in the size II
not in the substantial quality and distinguishing
beauty Of the cakes until the custom grew to be
almost obnoxious. The good nature which prompted
the custom was lost sight Of and abuse crept III
until In some cases the burgomasters, in putting
forth extraordinary efforts and giving out extraordi
nary "cakes," became insolvent and the practice
was stopped In later years the Mayors held "open
house." and received the calls OF the citizens
New Years Day. Immediately after taking
the oath Of ONCE. Last year there was change
and no public reception was given. Yesterday.
however, Mayor Hall received numerous crowd OF
happy hearty callers During couple OF hours they
main hah by way Of what might be called the
Mayors bOud0ir, the ''ca!lers' passed through to
the other exqnisitely furnished room and here the
Mayor stood to receive them. smile, shake by
the hand and pleasant word for each one made
the entire party happy. Indeed, SO numerous, so
quick, varied anC yet so apr0pOs were the TtOts
dispensed by Mr.. Hall that 1t might have been sup
posed he had been feeding on swapping mot-toes"
Had jenkins been around lie would have observed
that Mr.. Hall was dressed in blue coat and vest,
cut low not quite "a Pompadour, for there was no
Od0r Of pomp about him. He wore black and
White check neckerchcf, typical, no doubt, OF the
check ne intends TO place on the usurpers Of the
buttons ornamented his pure white linen, to give the
pure lovers Of the green who might call upon him
somc reason to recall
Whom Malachi wore the collar of gold
The indispensable eyeglasses were In their accus-
@ ana 20 n M
the public than one Of his illuarlous predecessors
Dragged Of The gent last referred to had "a single
eye TO the public good" but Mayor Hall has four
But to the reception.
There were hundreds OF old and young. and
among others the "BOotblack Brigade, and humber
Of small but evidently strong young females. Among
me latter was one CARVING 2 baby, which greeted
ing its young nurse. The embarrassmens and an.
noyance was allevlated by the Mayor who came to
"Ah, 1--we dolly That's very nice" This brought
smile TO the faces Of all who were In the room,
and they passed on to the large room where the
License BureauE sign is conspicuous. The nr8
was burning brightly IN the crate, and made the
room a. cheerful looking as one might wish; but
cheerful and grateful" as the fire seemed,
there was good cheer OF another kind to make
the "callers" grateful There were stacks
Of sandwiches, pleth0ric and wholesome
piles OF the traditional Knlckerbocker New Years
cake keys OF lager and gallons OF lemonade. The
visitors marshaled along In front or the tables,
although the Marshal was not present. and each or
the young females took her share Notwithstanding
the absence OF TO0ker.
II might be questioned whether the Excise Board
has not right to haul Mayor Hall lover the coals''
Tor publicly giving away lager beer ana having
no license therefor, although the giving awayu was
done on the premises OF the License bureau. But
leave that question to the wseacres Of the Ex-
else Board to exercise their blisslul minds
upon. The scallerst at the hall cared not
Tor them, their powers, their practices or their
pretensions yesterday they enjoyed the honey fare
which although Knckerbockerish was not too tonic
and some OF the urchins were as we'll pleased with
It that they commenced then and there practising
for the repeater's repertoire. But aside IRON sucn
little incidents the compliment to the Mayor was an
undoubtedly spontaneous one, devoid OF anything
ike shoddy or the associations OF those who
Crook the pregnant hinges of the knee
That thrift may follow fawnng.
In another part Of the City Hail building the
tsous and almost ubiquitous Keeper Mr q. W..
k0One with his obllginU and universally respected
family received during the day hundreds ofvisors,
embracing representatives OF ell grades OF of1cial
life and good social circles, and maintained In an
eminent degree their cnaracteristic Kindness and
hospitAiks.