The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-01-02

New YORK. IN whom 80 many hopes are centred
and from whom so much IL expected In the way
OF sound government as the chief executive of.
fcer OF the metropolis, was yesterday vested with
authority which he is destined henceforth to sway
for the good or evil OF the city. And it may not
be in0pportuue in this connection to recte, briefly,
few facts relative to
THE CAREER OF THE NEW MAYOR.
Although Mr.. Wickham has never held any
public position or been candidate for any office,
he has always been identified with the democratic
party. In 1864 he was a member Of Tammgny
Hail General Committee but being somewhat In
dependence IN his views he left that organization
and reinqushed politics altogether. When the
universal cry Of reform was raised he promptly
came to the front and became leader Of the
Apollo Hall organization. being at the same time a
very active member of the famous Committee OF
Seventy. 1t Is generally admitted that the COM
pete roSt Of the corrupt ring was in great meas;
ability he exhibited in the carrying out
S sa psys be Ssg0ttn
Seventy nominated the late Mr.. Havemeyer Mr..
Wickham dlssented. but was strong in his oppos-
When both seemed inevitable he again retired
Meanwhile Tammany had been purged OF its un-
eeeas ana me on invraso3 ne
mlttee and Committee on Organization. So
far his career has peen characterized py integrity
and an earnest desire to benent the community.
He received his reward in November last, when
by the voice Of the people, he was elected to NIL
the office OF Chief Magistrate of New York. 1t may
be added that Mr.. Wickham has always been en-
gagged in active business; Lnat after having grad
came connected with the Pacific Mail steamship
Company during It's early organization, ana that
1850 MIR Wickham joined the old Volunteer Fire
Department and for two years oficlated as It's
President. He was also an active member OF the
Mercantile Library Association and for five years
was one of its prominent officers. Mr.. Wlckham's
grandfather came to this city from Long Island IN
the New ns CT ne 81 Mr.
ham has been engaged in business in Maiden lane
chant The Mayor Is forty-twO years old.
THE MAYORS RECEPTION.
In view OF the Mayors arrival at the City Hall
dense throng assembled In the vicinity OF that
classic building. The comments OF the crowd were
suggestive; iOr, with that dStntereStednesS which
some aspiring mortals display when speaking OF
the powers that be- showers OF commendatiOn fell
upon the unconscious shoulders OF the coming
man. 1t was about ten minutes to twelve O'Clock
when Mayor Vance assembled with alacrity The
steps of the City Hall He awaited with pleasur
able anxiety the last stroke OF the old clock. pro.
claiming that his BRIEF but brilliant reign had
ceased, and hurried to the civic chair to welcome
the peoples choice and say,
lie Marie est mort; vive le Marie.
He had not long been cogitating on the cares Of
upon when for Time he had been cast,
to congratulate himself upon the skiiul
way IN which he mad guided the municipal
ship when the new helmsman, fresh and full OF
confidence, appeared upon deck. There was no
Formally. Immediately upon the arrival of Mr.
Wickham he was most cOurteously received ny
Mayors office, when Mr.. Wlckham was installed
as the Chief Magistrate OF the city. This done,
Mayor Wicknam accompanied by Mr.. Vance, pro-
ceeded TO the Governors room TO hold the recep.
ton.
tribute o. respect to the new Mayor Indeed, the
tnrOng was denser than on. many previous in
m cay o %n IN May5
o. stevens, assembled the steps leading to the Gov
ernors room Captain Leary and his force from the
City Hall had enough to DO TO make the passage
clear. But there was no confusion. Mayor Wick
ham, Mr. Vance and the City Marshal promptly
took q position at the head OF the antiquated
chamber, and Captain Leary having arranged that
all should pass in Indian fle the reception COM
to 7 anS M BY Se
shall Stevens. and then went down and out.
Thousands thus paid hurried compliments
in turn was genial and modest, yet
dignifed and graceful. At hali-past twelve O'Clock
represented, from the princely merchant to the
tolling workman. and all were welcomed with
true earnestness and friendly feeling.
The heads OF departments were earliest in at
tendance, including Sheriff Conner, commissioner
Van Mort, Commissioner Green. County Clerk
Walsh, the Commissioners OF Police and the Com
missioners oil EXCISE. Then the old and new Al
dermen put in an appearance, among them being
Aldermen Lysaght, Morris, Flanagan Van SchalcK
ana Others Then came many members of Assem-
bly,, including Messrs. DAILY. Costlgan, Nicholas
tives from the city. The TAX Commission was
represented by Mr.. Wheeler There were also
present Postmaster James. Professor Glaubens-
klee, Judge G. NJ. Clancy, COlOnel Dunlap. MIR. G.
U. OCOnnen, Augustus Schell and host Of pri-
vate citlzens. But It would be idle to endeavor to
give at length one 1.-THE of bhe names which rang
upon the ears OF the Mayor. Tine Bench, the Bar,
and. indeed, all the professions, as well as the
mercantile interest Of the city, were largely and
prominently represented, while politics seemed to
have little TO do with the character OF the recep-
ton. 1t was altogether one OF the most harmonious
social events, blending, as 1t did. every element
that could contribute to its success, that ever
marked the inaugural Of CHIEF executive officer
OF New ork. And If Mayor Wickham and his able
marshal underwent trying ordeal the reward
must be found IN the thousand hopeful express
sions which the occasion gave rise to. After ALL it
was gratifying spectacle-she democrat ana the
republican standing side by side and alike receiv-
ing the friendly greetings OF their fellow citizens.
The reception closed at one O'Clock, wnen Mayor
Wickham proceeded to bis ONCE. where he re-
NAMED coseted with ex-MayOr Vance lor some
time, being afterward visited by several prOmi-
nent officials. Mayor WiCkham did not Transact
any public business yesterday, but Will formally
enter on his duties to-day.