Morning journal and courier., 1880-01-13

Council. Upon this matter we are progress ing but not as fast as could be wished. Con- Rress at it's last session, voted $45, 900 for the erection of brea1water and the deepening of the channel and the preliminary steps for the work have already been taken. The sur yeys have been re-examined, proposals and estimates have been advertised for, and committee of competent engineers, consisting of Generals Towers, Newton and Abbott, have been instructed to report upon the loca- tion best suited for the breakwater. The committee reported in favor of the two exte- rior lines on the map showing the location of the proposed breakwater. As an alternative, however, they favor one of the interior lines. It is to be hoped that the exterior lines will be adopted for the erection of the structure, because it would answer not only for to-day, but for future generations. This subject will require constant urging and pressure, from time to time, in order to secure it's eomple- tion. To this end earnestly recommend the appointment of 8 committee to press upon the Government authorities the consumma- ton of the project. Without some special urging, fear years may pass before this ob- feet of our desires is obtained.
 THE DERBY RAILROAD.
 This enterprise was also mentioned byme g year ago, and was recommended to the care and encouragement of the Council, because Of it's possession of an important key to our de- velopment. I am now happy to say that the road is in fair way to accomplish all that it's friends and supporters could wish. A con- tract has of late been entered into by the New Haven and Derby and Naugatuek railroads, sanctioned by the Conrt of Common Council of New Haven and signed by myself asMayor. The contract will tend to harmonize the two companies and to add 8 considerable sum to the receipts of the Derby, while the latter Is free to connect with any line that may join it with the West or South. I wish to congrat- ulate you on this most desirable result, which will give in addition to what I have already stated direct passenger and freight commun1- cation between New Haven and the Nauga- tuck valley, so long desired and now SO hap oily attained.
 DAVID J. PECK.
 Among the numerous officers of our mu- nfcipal government, only one has been re- moved by death during the past year. In the death of Judge David J. Peck, however, ws have sustained loss which I cannot pass over without especial notice, and of which I can neither think nor speak without sincere sorrow. The preservation of order, tha re- pression of crime, the protection of the citizen In all his rights of person and property in this community, depends greatly upon the faith full, intelligent and almost incsssant action of the City Court. The efficiency of that court depends largely upon the personal character and intellectual capacities of it's presiding judge. It is not enough for him that he should be 8 man of talent. Attractive qual- ities of disposition and manners are not of themselves sufficient to fit him for his office. In order to discharge his duties in the best possible way, he must be endowed with rare com bination of intellectual and moral gifts. I think am pronouncing your judgment and that of all other men who have had sufficient opportunities for forming correct opinion on the subject when say that in Judge Peck those gifts were manifested in 8 remarkable degree. His perceptions were quick and penetrating. His common sense was broad and steady. He wRs gentle. He wss patient and courteous. With great industry and per severance he devoted himself to the duties of his laborious and responsible office, and he has left behind him the memory of g good and faithful public servant.
 CONCLUSION.
 Before parting allow me to hope that VIC shsli all discharge our duties in manner ac- csptable both to the community and ourselves, and that He whose will Accomplishes all things may strengthen us in our efforts. and permit us to meet nt the close of the year to lay aside the functions which we now assume.
 HOBART B. BIaELow, Mayor.