New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-06

WAS called 10 order by Alderman Clancy Dem), who
nominated Alderman Howell tDem) for temporary
Chairman The motion was carried, and Alderman
Howell took the chair. Alderman Strong (Rep) then
moved that when the election for the Office OF President
should take place each member should rise and declare
his choice The motion was carried by vote OF II TO
Alderman Clancy nominated Peter l. Bergen, Al
dermen from the Tenth Ward, for President
Alderman Doren RepJ nominated william
Richardson, Alderman from the Twentieth Wsrd'
the Office. An almost breathless silence was
maintained by all present unt the first name ON the list
had been caed-that OF Alderman Ropes-and the re-
Spouse had heard The clerk had no sooner called
his name than Alderman Ropes replied; 81 shall vote
for Jacob Bergen for President of TINS Board Inc
spectators in the room loudly applauded upon nearing
Alderman Ropes reply. and again when Aldermen Doho-
van. DObbiD and OConnell voted for Their party
candidate. Alderman Bergen was elected President by
vote of II to 10 Aldermen Richardson and Bergen not
voting.
Committee OF two consisting OF Aldermen Clancy and
Richardson conducted the President elect to his chair
President Bergen then thanked the Board for the honor
they had conferred upon him. W. q. Bishop was re-
elected Clerk OF the Common Council The following
officers were then elected: W. Mcclure, Assistant
Keeper OF tho City Hall; James Bridges Messenger;
Timothy Hall, Engineer; Peter Fitzgerald John Gull
hane. Thomas Bowers and Patrick Monaghan, Seaers OF
Weights and Measures. President Bergen then ap
pointed Aldermen Strong and Nolan to wait on Mayor
Hunter and inform him OF the organization OF the Board
and to ascertain If he had anything TO communicate.
Mayor Hunter returned with the Committee and deliv
cred message, for the main points OF which alone I'M
fortunately is there in this of THE TRIBUNE:
ABSTRACT OF THE MESSAGE.
The Mayors message begins with reference 10 the
important changes which have been wrought by the
passage of the hew Charter aud TO the circumstances OF
the last election, at which the voters pronounced in
plain terms, according TO his Interpretation. for re-
government TO sound business principles in
the administration of local affairs, and TO those whch
insured in the past and winch give nope OF con
tnued and substantial prosperity IN the future re
lays down the fundamental prluclpe, PUBIC laitn
should be rgidy guarded as private obilghtlOhs,
and adds: "At the let bear in mind that we
pledged efforts 10 erect greater SIM
pcity in the form of Government greater econ
its administration the cutting OIL OF useless cN-
peDditures in all directions stop OF all projects nV0y-
little or no public benefit moneys 10 be paid with
out q fair equivalent received; no salaries with
out services rendered; all slnecnres and useless
places 10 be abolished; a thorough accountability
for every cent rlChtfuliy belonging 10 the
city and scrupuous that it reaches the city treas
ury. No one he Indifferent To these trusts and
duties without sinking to the level OF unfaithfuncSs
The public moneys be protected from pecuiatlon
and wastefu expenditure Let us realize that the city
great corporation, and that we have sworn 10 guard
the interests of the people aud responsible ana ac
countabe to Notwithstanding also that govern
ment is organized for the benefit OF the governed aud
not for the special benefit OF those VINO happen To adj
minister it,"
He passes a consideration OF the finances Of the
city The debt OF the city has been Increased daring the
year by little = 10000 TINS Is due TO tue legsia-
ton OF former years and TO public Improvement, as
shown by the following statement OF increase: