New-York tribune., 1903-08-23

first church erected within her walls and is
garded as having especial charge of the des-
TIMES of the city.
In social affairs some of the spirit of the
cient Knickerbocker remains, though the quilt
ing bees apple bees" and "husking bees
have passed away. giving place to musicals.
pink teas and kaffee-klatches. Late hours
and dissipation were wholly unknown in
the olden times. and those who Joined in the So
ciaI affairs of the colony partook of chocolate
and waftles. instead OF the dyspepsia breeding
concoctions of the French. Italian or German
cook After Il dance. which generally terminated
the evenings amusement, the women. in their
cloth jackets and short quilted skirts, and
tn men. in their long waisted coats. knee
breeches and low crowned hats of beaver. wend-
cd their way home 10 o'clock as beftted the
staid decorum of the city. Now to the chronol-
ogy:
In 7s}3. by an act of the legislature the Quak-
ers had restored 10 them the right to vote.
This right had been taken from them early in
IIO0. when intolerance was rampant in the col
oI.y In 1874. the number of paupers having
increased to an extent which warranted i'm
me0iate action by the authorities for their sup
port the first poorhOuse erected ON the
Commons. 1t two story building. a part
OF which was given over later 10 the cOnf1ne-
ment of unruly slaves. The church wardens
were appointed overseers with authority TO pun
ish the recalctrant Woodworking pauper. Chill
dren were taught to read snd write here. and in
structon given TO them in some sort OF en-
ployment which would be future benefit TO
them The inmates assisted in cultvating a
large garden surrounding the building. the prod
ucts of which were used by the institution
Here are two simple items which show the
care exercised by our forefathers in the conduct
of affairs of the city: The Treasurer is ordered
to provide a suitable cloth TO cover the table
in the courtroom, of blew or green cloth. not
over 12s per yard" and John Peter zenger is
: TO print the charter for a." With eye TO
business the authorities sold copies Of this
charter at three shillings each.
Robert Lurting. who had served as Mayor for
nine years died in 173J and was succeeded by
Paul Richard a merchant OF French extraction.
who retained office for three years During the
latter's term Governor Cosby made further at
tempts against the liberties of the people He
refused to dissolve the Assembly. and, contrary
TO their own wishes and the petition of the Citi
zens he ordered resurvey of the old grants
and patents in the hope OF deriving revenue
from the fees He also destroyed valuable docu-
1nents which had been intrusted TO him by the
| corpora ton of Albany and which were obsta-
Cles in the way of his acquisitions" His schemes
| I. 1876. and George Clarke. the second eldest
member in the Council. succeeded him. Van
Dam. who was legally Cosbys successor. being
/ the oldest member of the Council. having
| been removed by the Governor at meeting OF the
| Council held in his chamber prior 10 his death.
Events leading up to The trial OF John Peter
Zengler for libel related in previous article viii
| explain this action of the Governor. Clarke's
| appointment to the Governorship caused new
dissensions among the people, and they rallied
| around Van Dam. 1t was confirmed however.
| in dispatches from England on October IA. and
| the signs of hostility 10 him ceased.
| The aim of this Lieutenant GOyeTnor-fOr such
was his COMMISSIONERS the securing Of
princely fortune hurriedly. knowing that mis-
appointment would last only until the arrival of
| a new Governor With this end in view. he in
gratiated himself with both parties. but
successful in obtaining from the representatives
| of the people a greater revenue than any of the
| other representatives Of the crown During his
incunbeney an act disfranchisns the Jews was
passed by the Assembly. and met with his ap
| provaI
Ordered that ServOs N!ierboOm. Jacob Pitt
and Abram Blanck three ancient and inhrm
| cartmen be licensed TO sit upon the shafts Of
| their carts. and drive the same for their ease
and relief and better support of themselves and
| family provided they drive not their carts
| faster than a walk or foot pace and not trot
| but slowly ana patiently" This in 1885
| 4 law had been passed March :, 16S3 10
| this effect: No cartman allowed 10 ride on his
! cart and enjOined TO behave civilly 20 all. What
| relief from excessive burdens could be given TO
| the patient beasts of 1908 by our aldermen. II
| they would take pattern after our forefathers'
| Gaming houses were denounced by law this yea''
| so that .he enterprising Yankee had besuh %
operate among the Diedrich kniekeroOcAefs'
In 1731 the Town of Brooklyn disputed tue
! Corporation right to the ferry. and the city re-
| ,ainsa the Recorder. Daniel Horsmander. and