New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-30
LITTLE OLD NETWORK.
Some Odd Phases of Her March to
Greatness.

The variability OF the weather in and around
New-York Of late years occasions much COM
rnent from the strangers within her gates, and |
frequently causes wonder among many Of her
citizens Were it not for the intense curiosity
of the New Yorker. the weathers fretful moods
would pass unnoticed. But when any unusual
condition prevails he must have the opinions OF
the weather "sharps," the meteOrologists and
the oldest inhabtant," and the relation il any,
of seismic conditions in TimbuctOo with Old
SOILS prank He is catered to by the newspapers
every day, and yet is apparently not satisfied.
For his further interest here is a history of
weather conditions in New-YOrk over one hun
dred years ago from old manuscript. by
which he may draw as many comparisons as
his years permit:
The average temperature of our atmosphere
throughout the year is 90 degrees Of Fahren-
heit's thermometer; and that is also the tenn
perature of the deepest wells. The greatest de-
gree Of cold ever experienced is six or ten de-
grees below Zero but that is very rare, only one
or two instances having occurred within CEN
fury. when the bay and harbOr were partially
closed with ice for few days. In winter the
thermometer rarely sinks lower than ten or
twenty degrees below the freezing point and
In a few hours the cold always moderates. The
vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf
Stream produces a perceptible influence our
OF the winter. Th7 seldom continues
longer than two or three weeks in january or
February, and early in March the winter breaks
up. The highest temperature in summer is sell
dom more than so or 90 degrees and is never
of long continuance. The sultriness is frequent
ly relieved by refreshing showers and winds
from the north and west, accompanied by vivid
lightning and loud peals Of thunder. From the
middle of September to about the last of Octo-
in the world for serenity and beauty: indeed.
that period is by far the pleasantest of any sea-
son Of the year in this climate.
winter usually sets in about Christmas and
continues for about two months. The first
frosts appear about the middle Of October, and
the last are usually seen in April. and very
rarely in May. Gardening in the vicinity be-
gins in March, and the forests are in full leaf
! in the latter part of April the beginning of
May. Sudden changes Of temperature occur in
| summer and winter which will cause colds and
| its conComitants, consumption and other dis
| cases. but New-York generally speaking, ia as
| healthy a spot any city in the world"
In 1745 Lady Murray was the possessor Of the
only coach in New-York 1t had been imported
| a short time before, and had caused much COM
| ment among the citizens On July 10 OF this
year news arrived, and was communicated to
the Mayor and Corporation by the Governor
| that H MS forces had captured Cape Breton
and ordered in consequence that a great bonfire
be made at Spring Garden. and twenty gallons
| be sent there and be given to the people," As
the chronicler failed to tell the important thing
| in this item, being ashamed, perhaps, we viii
| pass it on" like the Sunshiners.
| The markets in 1745 were hourishing From
| their old position under the trees in front Of
the fort" near the corner Of Water and White
| hall SITS, they were moved. the city enlarged
east and north. first to the foot of Broad-st
then to Coenties Slip. and subsequently to Old
| Slip. 1t was necessary at this time to speak
| the Dutch language when marketing In them.
Few people are aware of the part the lottery
system played in the old days of New-Yorx and
in her upbulding. Here is a memorandum of
August %. 1746: Resolved, mem. con. dis
That this board attend the drawing OF the gov
eminent lottery in their turns, viz. the Mayor
| and Recorder the first day. and the next the
! senior Aldermen and Councilman, and so on
At this date the drawings took place at irregu-
lar intervals, but after 1921, when the new con-
stitution OF the State prohibited the granting of
new lotteries after the previous ones were full
| filed, they were drawn once in two OF three
/ weeks. At the time of their prohibition there
were enough still undrawn to continue the bust
| ness for many years Lottery dealers were
| licensed by the Mayor at $3.50 year. and this
| money was turned over in 1929 to the Orphan
Asylum and the Institution for the Deaf and
Dumb. within ten years." said an authority
in 1928, 'the number of ticket vendors has null
tiplied to great extent. and they display great
ingenuity in their puffs, advertisements and
| other expedients to extend the sale Of their
| tickets, and In coaxing the ignorant and care
less out OF their hard-earned money and to
dupe the credulous purchaser, by which i'm
| mense sums are yearly sported with by the
American public, to the great advantage OF a
few cunning individuals, but at a dreadful sac
rincs OF the morality and resources Of the peo-
pie"
To go back to our events in sequence. On
january IA, 1747. a fire occurred at the City
Hall. and ''the sum of rs was voted to be given
to two hremen. Duncan Brown and James
| Evetts. for their activity and exertions in ex-
| tinguishing the fire" This is the first recogni-
ton of acts of bravery by fire fighters.
In 1748 the scheme OF making the Governor
| independent OF the Assembly by a permanent
| revenue was revived by Governor Clinton \
| five years appropriation urged by him
without result, though the vengeance OF the
King threatened in case of non-compIi-
| ance This, with his refusal to punish the cap
tam OF one OF His NIajesty's warships who had
| fired party OF coonists returning to Eliza
BEETHOVEN from New-York. killing one OF their
number exasperated the people and caused
| powerful opposition to rise against him. The
Assembly grew more refractory and was pro-
rogued, and Clinton, with the unsuccess-
! full struggle to obtain his demands. asked Eng
| land TO accept his resignation. Sir Danvers Os-
borne succeeded him.
On February 10 Of this year its was Ordered
That every Common Councilman. on being sum-