The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 2

Of this roadHancock got possession, and tho brigado or Miles ana Hroofc nrttmlli, sfMi.l. THE CITY GOVERNMENT. iV? by tax aod In the treasury for suoh treasury (oxcep! such fhn ouslr raised by tax. and in ul of h0munon Council.) CouS rWa JSEfST is modified by McttenTSfita ticm, I conclude thBt in. 'metSi be legahy increased, uBlesa moneya prevlouBlyratacdbr tax is is in the treasury to pay them, aa maShat ifttewisin th.

treasury of the city fundsp1i0 tho payment of the increased salaries, thtf scSSSm 'tlm Common Council creates a valid liability acafa city, and vice ww. uio ohn Q. ScnuMAKim, Atfy and Counsel. On a careful reading of tho statute iti meaatmr is too plain to admit of much doobt: 100 First By section 20 of title 3, it is made to duty of the Common Council to grant and pay tho aalarie of tbo city 'officers. These arc to bo stated salaries, and bo.

as the Common Council from inw to tm may dfcm trrrt ifrand ey 7 be Increased except in the case erf elective officers. 7 Second For tho purpose of creating a fond to ray these salaries and other expenses of the city. the Mavoe and Comptroller are required to present to tife joint Board, consisting of the Common Council and ttiSuner of tho city, a statement of the sums necessanrto bf fffd by tax for city purposes, and these sumarn to raised by an assessment on property owners. Tit sections 21 to 24. joint Board to teke such action as win" ensure So xSLto! of the amount of them by the annual tax and tWt.S omisionof this duty cannot affectThe right of officers to payment, or limit tho quantum of cornVntilw previously determined by the Common CounST I am of opinion, therefore, that the Common CbtmHI may inciese the ealarios although tteSESlffnSt been previously raised for tho purpose.

The contrarv SSfif10? weffectaal, nnlfifyffieir power WtiS br tt? Prions of the Statute referred to the salaries cannot Be put in the tax roll until aftertbo Common Council have determined them, and ofcooso. queuce, when tho determination is made there canbe no money in the treasury applicable to the payment of TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 7. This Paper ha the Largest Circulation ttl aof Evening Paper published in the United States. Its valneas an Advertising Medium, is therelorc apparent. The Expenses of the City Gorernment.

We need hardly ask the attention of all who tire in nny way interested in the future prosperity of the City of BroolUyn, to the estimate made by the Mayor of the amount required to carry on the city government for the in cominft fiscal year. To sum up the result in a few words, the expenses of the city government have been increased about ninety per cent, within a einyle year. The officials of Now York are accounted to bo extravagant and corrupt, but we have beaten them upon 'their own ground. The following comparison of the amounts required for carrying on the city government this year compared with last tells its own story 18M. 18G3.

Increase penses of the Berrloe to the sum of $300,000 per annum I bavo concluded to base my estimate upon the old system. I have been compelled to this conoluaion by a desire to restrain the taxes to aslow rate as Is possible, tho Increase of expenditure required for other branches of the public service admonishing me that with all our efforts the increase must be onerous enough. With tho improvement in tho condition of tbe lamps which has been achieved, we must endeavor to get along nndor tho present system, until an amelioration in our financial condition enables us to adopt a better one. The other items in the estimate aro placed at sums as low aa it is beliovod the necessities of tho public Bervlco will justify. Some of them show an increaso as compared with tho amounts raisod for tho same purpose for 1864, and which ia the result of the enhancement of prices.

Others are for objects not heretofore tho subject of action, but for which the public wants seem to require that provision should be made. Tho whole are based upon results developed by the experience of tho past year. Statement No. 10 is an estimate of the amount required for cleaning the streets and repairing the wells and pumps of the city for tho ensuing year. The amount, though much larger than was estimated as required for the present year, is deemed to be not greater than will be indisponsabla to eoouro a proper porformj ance of the work The public demand that the streets shall be dean, and are willing to pay any reasonable sum that will ensure them being kept so.

At prosent prices of labor the experience of tho paBt year has demonstrated that this cannot be done for any less sum than tbat estimated in the statement. Recapitulated, the estimate for 1865 is as follows: Am't to be raised for principal of city bonds. 46 Interest on do 116,127 97 44 Principal on 159,764 06 IntcrcBt on do 15,101 57 Board of Education 304,900 00 PolicoForce 428,843 88 Salaries of City Officers 168,000 00 Fire Department 50,000 00 General purposes 371,000 00 Cleaning sts. and repairing Wells and Pumpa 57,300 00 Total $1,933,758 94 Respectfully submited, Alfred M. Wood, Mayor.

Aid. Wallace moved that the budget be referred to a joint committee of five Aldermen and five Supervisors. Carried. Aid. E.

Murphy moved that 600 copies of tho report be printed. Aid. Taylor moved to amend by making the number 250, as usual. Accepted. The report, as amended, was adopted.

Aid. Van Buren presented a communication from tho Chief Engineer of the Fire W. for reference to the joint committee. Aid. Taylor objected to tho reception of the communication by the Board aa being out of order.

The Board, he contended, was organized for a special purpose, tho reception of the Mayor's budget, and, therefore had no right to consider any other business. Aid. Van Buren and Sup. Osborne contended that tho Board was entitled to receivo all petitions and communications in connection with the subject matter of tho budget. Aid.

Von Buren moved that the communication bo received and referred to tho committee. Adopted. The Mayor appointed the following committee to consider and report upon the budget: Aldermen Whitney, Newman, Kalbfleisch, Fisher, and Wallace. Supervisors Studwcll, Ford, Osborne, Herman, and Talbot The board then adjourned, An Assault Upon the Whole Rebel lane Grant Attempts to Drive tho Rebels Across the Chickahominv Some of the Rebel Entrenchments Carried and Afterwards Abandoned Our Losses Estimated as High as Between Fire and Six Thousand The Battle Determined in Ten Minutes The Rebel Works Found to be too Strong: to be Attacked in Front What is the Next More At last we have details of the groat conflict on Friday, of winch but few and unsatisfactory details have been received tbxouifb tho official communications bj which the Secretary of War has undertaken to supply intelligence of the operations of our armies. Tho hotly contested battlo of Wednesday last resulted in our forces oc upyinf Cold Harbor, fl point essential importanca to us from the fact that tho several roads leading to oar base of supplies meet at this point.

Tho position was gained after a desperate struggle in which our losses are estimated as high as two thousand. That of tho enemy is supposed to be at least as great; five or six hundred rcbel prisoners fell into our hands. Grant having made good his connection with his base of supplies, determined to offer battle on Thursday, with tho inton tion of forcing the enemy across tho Chickahominv. Owing to the resistance offered by tho rebels, Hancock, on the lelt of our line, was unablo to get iut0 position until late in tho afternoon, a violent thunder storm coming up at five o'clock, the intended attack was necessarily postponed until Friday morning. The rebe force, it will be understood, was all on this side of tho Chickahoininy.

Grant's object wa3 to drive the enoray across, and force him to take refuge in what may bo regarded as the real defensive works beforo Richmond The disposition of our troops on early dawn of Friday is thus feircn by a correspondent of the New York Timei: There is but time to take a glanco at the line3. Here on the left wing of the army ia the corps of Uancook, (tho Second;) eouuectmg with him on the right, and formin thoteft centre, is (Wright's, the (Siito;) then Smith's" (the Eighteenth,) which holds the centre; next comes Warren's, (the Fifth,) which forms tha right centre and then Bumside's, (the Ninth,) which holds tho extreme right. Our line rims almost parallel with tae Chicka homminy and from one and a half to two and a half miles north of it. On tho left wing we approach nearost the river, on the right we are somewhat refused, Hancock, holding the left wing, rests across the Dispatch Station road, (that is, the road leading from Cold Harbor to Dispatch Station;) our right is across tho Totapamoy. The rebel front is formed immediately in front of tho Chickchomiuy, hi thtee lines, (two lines of battlo and a skirmish line,) on an irregular line to conform with the woods and ridges and swamps of tho ground.

Hotwoon thetwoaimieB is a low, swampy region, whose dark hollows will soon he lit up with tbo flres of death. At a quarter before ho our whole lino advanced; tho BlnoMhcfrturn from tho National Capitis, prtnMfci. on, dtfiexingfroin all others, has boon agreed (noama forwarded to Washington. It is not deemed prudent, at this tii Se, to discloso the sanlc xnurt bo apparent that to bo succcaafol all Bucb negotiations should be carried on without unncces LXSI Md erkunly without the interference of unainnorued persons. "suits may be arrived at, no agreement can be consummated by either party without legislative aid on the part of the general government No officer can CX? 0 PP" nd m4kc tt legal transfer without on the Igature la necessary to legally dis pose of Clinton avnne and Vanderbflt ave.

lTe caused 5 form of an act of Oon prcBs to be prepared, authorizing tho Head of tho De rentorCldefofBureauto ratify and confirm any ITSS1 my.b tatoVeect ng tffi TO0 exccut0 ftnd deliver the necesfary deeds to complete the same, and have forwarded it to our representative in Congresa The following resolutions are offered for adoption Kesolved, That the acts of the committre on the exchange of pertain lands in Wallabout Bay, so far aa tho and Resolved, That our representatives In Congress be and hereby arc rcBpectfully requested to secure the passaee of the proposed act conferring upon tho proper Fedora! officer tno necessary Ipowors to make and camploto a transfer or certain lands in tho Wallabout Biy to tho dty of Brooklyn. DAHXEXi McIiAUOHUW, Edwautj Mubput, Committee RuFca B. Belknap, RESOLTJTTON8. By AJd. Buhner, directing block bounded by FluBhimr avenue, Cumberland street, Park av.

ond Oxford at to bo fenced. Adopted, By Baroe, providing for a now pump in well corner of Park and Clermont ava. Adopted by unanimous consent By Aid. Fiflher, directing sidewalks on Flushing av north sido, between Marcy and Nostrand avs. to be repaired.

To Grading and Paving Com. By same, that south sido of Flushing botwoon Noa AdSpted. LrCy a' 10 4110 erad0 of th0 street By Aid. Saal, grantng permission to Mathias Schulster to dig well and erect pump corner of Broadway and Fur uaan st, at his own expense. Apopted, THE "WATER EXPENSES.

Alderman Whitney moved to reconsider the action had at the previous meeting or the Board relativo to tho increase in the expenses of tho Water Department He said the Water Commissioners, in their budget had asked for $116,000 as the amount necessary to defray tha expenses of that department during the year. Tho budget was referred to a committee, and the committee reported in favor of mcreasing it in the first place over a hundred per tut the increase had been reduced by the Board $20,000. Since that timo ho (Aid. had bod a conference with the President of tho Board of Water Commissioners, and that gentleman said that tho Water Commissioners didn't want a cent of increaso over the amount asked for by them, and that if any suoh increase were made ii would only be squandered. Now if the Water Commissioners could get along with $20,000 less than the amount appropriated, the Board certainly did not wish to force it on them.

Alderman Kimball wanted to know why tho Alderman oi the First Ward did not find out what particular Items in the increase the Water Commissioners could have dispensed with. Alderman Taylor remarked that tho Secretary of tho Board of Water Commissioners had likewise told him (AH. that tho increase made to the budgot of tho Water Commissioners was not wanted at all and would most certainly be squandered, and the Board could not spend it legitimately, having asked for all the money that was necessary to carry on the work. Alfl. Belknap explained that the increase was all for the raising of Balariee, which was actually necessary, and furnishing drinking hydrants and hydrant connections, which had already been purchased and wero now in use, but the Board of Water CommissJonors had to put the amount necessary to pay for them in their budget Aid.

Wallace said tho explanation of the Alderman of the 7th (Belknap) seemed to be reasonable enough, but at the same time the Water Commissioners and not the Board of Aldermen were responsible for the manner in which tho business of that department was conducted. These gentlemen had sent in a budgot, and it was fair to suppose they knew what they wanted, and the Board was perfectly safo in not voting them more than they liskedfor. If they for too much, it m' sht be a proper BUbjcct for inquiry by the Board, but tha Board had no business to assume tbat they asked for too little to carry on the buBUiess of the department Aid. E. Murphy said the employees of the department had.

been asking for an increase for some time, but the Water Commissioners always told them that thero was not money enough appropriated for that purpose, and now the Board wanted to put the responsibility where it belonged. The motion to reconsider was put and lost. THE POLICE FOKCE AGAIK. Aid. Whitney moved to reconsider the action taken by the Board at tbo previous meet, in regard to tho matter of increasing the police force of the city by the addition of 100 men.

He remarked that at the former meeting be aud some others of the Aldermen while favoring an increaso of tho police force in the city, had been of the opinion and had so stated, that an increase of 50 would be as muih as would be proper at the present time, and his reason for offering the resolution was. that sinco that maetln of the Board he had been confirmed in bis opinion byin tcrviews which he had bad with a number of citizens outside of the Board. It was conceded by all the Aldermen around the Board that au increase of tho police force was necessary, but be (AJd. thought tho addition of fifty per cent toirgreat a burden to bear. Tho Board had heard this afternoon tho statement of the Mayor in regard to the cost of supporting the city government, witf they all knew what a fearful one it was.

It is nearly double what it was last year and therefore every dollar that the Beard could save they should do eo. We had got along up to this time with 200 patrolmen, and he thought that GO additional now would ba sufficient and the ptople would be better satisfied with that increase than with the increase of 100. AW. Taylor ImuI the Boortl tli4b the Muyur'a budget would be a fearful one, and they now saw it for themselves. Last year the taxation in his (Aid.

ward was at the rate of $1.70 on every hundred dollars. This year it will be $3.10. Ha (Aid. did not know how tie people In other wards fdt about it but th. directly on the client Had "we he1othi8UptS1t So would have had a posiHon whence tho entire rebol lino might havo been enfiladed; and I think it is not too much to soy that tho day would havo boen ours and Lee puahod across tho Chiokahomlny.

Had wo Tovon known fn advance its commanding importance, very different dispositions for attack would havo boen made wo would havornasBcd on theleft, and made the victory a certainty, peso considerations certainly inspire bitter regrets; but who doca not know that it is on procisoly such contingencies that the fate ot battles often hang WHAT NEXT. Speculation on this quostlon Is ldlo, but tho oorrea. pondent whose graphic account wo have availed our. selves, indulges in tho following comments with regard to theiaturo: The object of the action was to foroo tho passage of th CWckahominy, on tho north Bide of which, and covcrinit the roads to Hlchmona, the rebels hod planted themselves in a fortified line. What we have done is to reel this line by a vigoroos attack, in which, though gaining some temporary successes, and at ons or two points actually carrying tho enemy's works, we havo, on tho whole, reached tho conclusion that any victory that could hero be won must cost too much in its purchase.

I do not say this as speaking with any authority, but only as recording the general conviction of tho army Such conviction, however, when the common judgment of such men as havo to day led their lines against tho enemy, is apt to be of itself authority, and hence I think I may safely predict that there will bo no renewal of the assault on the lines of the Chickahominy; that we must look to the resources of strategy to plant this army in a position where, being at less ol a disad vantage, its valor will have a better promise of adequate reward. Foxton Stkeet Cobiteb Loafeb Nuisance Poxjce Attention! A short time since, the attention of the Police Department of this city was directed to the gangs of well dressed rowdies who, on fine evenings, congregate on the corners of the principal thoroughfares and conduct themselves in such a manner as to prevent respectable women from travelling the streets without a male protector. Sometimes it is not safe to walk the streets, and gentlemen who do not wish to have the ears of their female companions polluted by the hearing of filthy and beastly conversation, uttered pur osely in tones loud enough to bo heard by them ns they pass, aro compelled to avoid the public thoroughfares and take side streets. For a short time tho nuisance was stopped by the energy of tho police, but within a few weeks it has again broke oat worse than ever, and all the way down Fulton street crowds of these well dressed loafers may be seen on every corner. Last evening about 20 of them got into an argument on Fulton street, near the junction of Washington, and for about ten minutes completely blocked up the thoroughfare, compelling ladies and others to take the opposite side of the street.

Further down the street, in front of a board ing house, between JNassau and Concord, the name of which wo may feel compelled to publish if the nuisance continues, one of our reporters, in passing down Fulton street 'ast evening, saw no less than three respectable women grossly insulted by a crowd of rowdy boarders, who make a practice of standing on the sidewalk in front of the house for that purpose every evening, and when a lady who is insulted seeks for an officer, the ruffians retreat into the house. Mayor Wood, a short time since, called public attention to this matter, and if our public thoroughfares are not to be entirely abandoned to the use of these loafers, we osk that Inspector Folk and the officers under him will take immediate measures to remedy this evil, which is growing to be intolerable. The Dakgeeous Classes in New York. An increase of the police force in this city has been urged upon the ground that if it took eighteen hundred policemen to protect New York, Brooklyn must need more than two hundred. "We have more than once replied to this argument by citing the fact that New York contains a vicious population, not to be found in Brooklyn, and with all the disparity in our police force, property and person were safer in Brooklyn than they over have been in New York.

"Within the past few weeks there has been a series of outrages and murders committed in New York, including the shooting of two policemen, and the beating of two or tbree more; while tue police rucurda Brooklyn show but a few unimportant arrests. The Journal of Commerce thus depicts the situation in New York, and we ask the advocates of an increase of our police force to look on this picture, and on the peaceful condition of Brooklyn, and answer whether peace and security depend solely upon the numerical strength ot the police force: We understand thaf the police commission era are by no means neglectful ol the complaints, which are mado on every side, of an alarming increase in the hirbnleut and riotous element of New York and that vigorous measure 9 are now preparing which will he sprung upon the rowdies at a time and in a manner that will astonish them. The infliction of the blow, we trust, will mako this an uncomfortable residence for the hordes of scoundrels who now prowl through its principal streets day and night, on their reckless crusade against lite and pro perty. Since we first called attention to this subject two weeks ago, things have been Roing on from bad to worse. The repressive measures, whatever they may bo, roust be adopted atonce, and carried out with an iron hand.

Among the plans which havo been suggested for crushing out the rowdy clement, the one which meets universal favor with the ladies and with all respectable persons, is tho breakin" up of knots of dissolute loafers who infest Broadway. No lady can walk from 10th street to Canal street without being subjected at every corner to inBult ing looks and gestures, and not nnfrequently to impudent remarks. The precise "business" of these vagabonds is koiowm only to the police; but they are popularly supposed to be decoys put out by traders in every species of inJuray to entrap the innocent and unsuspecting. Ihicving, highway rolbory, murder, are all in their lino, no doubt, if the temptation is strong enough. The police ought to terminate this nuisance at all hoards.

It is a great pity that we havo not a 90 day's vagrant ast, like that ia Philadelphia, by which this sc jm of society could be raked off and dumped on lilackwell's Island aJl together. But we have not, and cannot wait for the Legislature to pans one. The police muat the best uce ol" tbo laivs that they have; and in so doing they will be sustained by all tho people iu thin city whose good opinion is worth having. The Democratic Primaries. The primary elections of the Kegular Union Democrats will be held this evening to select delegates to the General Committee.

If tho voters dosire this Committee to exert any influence in the coining campaign, the musi select competent men to re present them. The Inspectors will greatly oblige us if they will send a copy of the successful ticket to the Eagle oflice in the morn The Mercantile Library Asiociation Tae Proposed New Building meeting of members and frieads of the Mercantile Library Association was hold, last cvenin. at the Atheneum, to consider the proposition for erecting a building for the use of the Association. Owing to the very brief notice given of the meeting, or the unpleasant Btate of the weather, tho attendance was not very lirge. Franklin Woodruff, president of the Association, took the chair.

Mr. Van Sinderen, Chairman of the Committee on Building, made a brief statement of the progress mitdc. The lots in Montague street, opposite the Aca of Music had been purchased lor It waa roughly estimated that the entire cost of building and ground would be about $125,000. Thero were some important details to be discussed, but in view of tbe small attend unco, he thought it would bo better to adjourn until Home uvening this week, when ample notice could be given and fuller attendance insured. The object of calling public meeting was to bring this matter proini nenlly befmctlio public; and interest them iu the project.

Among other things it would be necessary to vyst tbe title to the propoity in some person until an act of tho Legislature could be procured, empowering the Associated to hold the projiurty. (The Assiciution is iu corporated, but the act limits its capital to 3IUU.0UI).) Home gentleman Bbould bo selected wbosa character and position would unsure universal confidence. In conclusion Mr. Van Sinderen moved that the ineotia" adjourn to Thursday evening. Mr.

Frothuigham wished to wry a few words, an there might be some persons here who would not bo at the m. xfc meeting. Tbo Director of tho Association had fully appreciated the difllcultics of this enterprise, and had evinced a resolution to meet tlnmi. They had purchased the lots and had subscribed $70,000, which miht be regarded as an evidenco to the public that it is seriously proponed to carry out this work. So far they hud met with universal encouragement.

It was proposed that when thin work was completed thero shall be no debt. They expect to huvo a building that shall be au ornament to the city and a pride to the Association. lucre waw roiuc conversation as to what time tho meeting should be called, aod it was finally set down for Monday evening next at the name place. The meeting then adjourned. "Welcome Back.

Rev. W. B. Lee of this city, arrived home, last Saturday evening, in the brig Princess Alico, (Captain It. C.

Hears) from Sicily! Ho bos boen on a tour through Southern Europe, and returns with improved health. His Sabbath School gave him a welcome in the afternoon and his church and congregation in the evening, on which occasion be extended to them all his own groot ing, and nddresHed them briefly upon the religious con dition of the countries which he has visited. His new church, corner of Gates avenue and Ilunter Btrcot, is floou to bo dedicated, having been finished, free of nil debt during hiB abeence. MEETDfG OP THE JOINT BOARD. CITV EXPENSES FOR THE YE.R MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR.

A "FEARFUL," BUDGET. THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN. The Increase of the Police Force. THE WATER DEPARTMENT. The Mayor Vetoes the Increase of the Salaries.

OPINIONS ON THE SUBJECT. Sleeting of the Joint Hoard The Joint Board, consisting of the Boards of Aldermen and Supervisors of the several wards in the city, mot yesterday afternoon for tho purposo of receiving tho annual estimate of the Mayor of the amount necessary to be raised to defray the current expenses of tho city government for the year 18G5. Mayor "Wood presided. The message ol the Mayor was read, as follows: To the Joint Board of Aldermen and Supervisors: Gentlemen As required by the Charter, I herewith submit to you an estimate prepared by the Comptroller and myself of the amount of money necessary to bo raised by tax fcr the purposes of the City govermment for the year 1865, including the liquidation of the bonds falling due, the interest on the city debt, and certificates issued and payable during the next fiscal year. You will find that the aggregate shows a very considerable increase over the amount raised by tax for 18G4.

This renult is produced by various causes, most if not all of them beyond the control of the municipal authorities. The increased cost of labor and of material, results incidental to the prosecution of the war. of coursn bears as heavily upon the corporation as upon individuals, and thus even with the most rigid frugality in incurring expenditure, an increase of disbursement is impossible to be avoided. Buildings which the city had erected or work it caused to be done two years ago, would at the present time cost almost if not quite fif ty per cent more A large share of the increase is thus caused but almost as much is the result of the legislature action at Albany over which the city authorities have no control and the consequences of which it is not in their power to avoid recalling your attention to the various estimates embraced in tho Schedule attached I shall take occasion to point out tho items of increase. In tho statement of the amount to be raised forpriucipal of city bonds, is the sum of $115,000 to redeem the loan oi May 15th, 1862, to that amount authorized to fit out troops in 1861, This is a loan authorized under the impression that tbo general government would ere the period for its liquidation make provision for its reimbursement to the city.

ThiB, however, it baa not yet done, and the bonds becoming due in 1865, the city is thus called upon to provide for their payment. The amount estimated in statement No. 2 for interest on city bonds does not vary materially in tne aggregato from the sum raised last year for the same purpose. In statement No. 3.

the estimate of the amount to be raised tor principal on certificates is swollen by the addition ot 06 for the redemption of certificates issued on account of the regrading, of Fiatbuah avenue. This charge falls upon the firat twelve "Wards oi the city. Tbe amount should have been raised in tho tax levy of last year, but for Borne reason or other was omitted. It is therefore more properly to bo regarded as a deficiency of 1804 than as a legitimate item of the expenses of 18C5. Statement No.

4 ia an estimate of the amount required to be raised for interest on certificates, and is swollen Irom the same cuuee tho amount accessary to do raised on account of Flatbush avenue Implement. Statement No. 5 is the estimate furnished by the Board of tducation of the amount required for purposes of the public schools. It is in excess of their estimate of last year to the amount of $79,900. Their estimate for 1864 was some $03,000 in excess of what was raised for their purposes in 1863; and thus for 1865 their estimate ia nearly $173,000 more than was expended in 1863.

The increase within the two years is more than doable. I am aware that the advance in prices operates as powerfully in increasing the expenses of the lioard ofEducition an it does those of every other department of tho city government, and also that the increase of the population oi the city, and consequent addition to the attendance at the schools, necessarily adds proportionally to the expenses oi our school system; and therefore havo not undertaken myself to reduce tie estimate submitted by the Board. Following the example of my predecessor in oilice, 1 havo embraced in this statement the full amount estimated by them, leaving it to your wisdom and judgment to make a proper disposition of the subject. I cannot forbear succestinff. howevor.

that white nn mn. ney requisite for maintaining the schools to the highest degree of efficiency should be withheld, caro should bo had that no expense be indulged in not absolutely necessary to tbat end. Frugality and economy in expenditure, no matter how laudable the object, is in tbdso times lully us incumbent on the part of those entrusted with the public interests, as it is necessary and enforced on individuals. 'With labor aud material at their present rates, the building of new schools, unless it cm be Bkown that the necessity for them is absolute, might wisely be deferred for a year or two, when, it may reasonably be hoped, lower prices will rule. Statement N'o.

6 is an estimate of tho amount required for police purposes. It will be seen that as compared with the suih eatimatod for 18C4, the amount is nearly double. The increase has been caused by tJie action of the Legislature advancing the rate ot compensation paid to the force and directing tho addition of one hundred men to its numerical strength. I have long felt convinced, and 1 believe that such is tho conviction of tho majority of our citizens, that some increase of tho poh'co force was indispensable to niakc it as efficient as is needed, aud have urged action, having in viow the accomplishment of that end. 1 confess, however, that in view of tho unavoidable additions to our heavy burthen of taxation from various causes, I havo lately ielt some misgiving aa to the propriety of incurring the great exponue which an immediate increase of the force would entail upon the city, I had hoped, at least, that the addition of a less number than one hundred would suffice, but tho Board of Aldermen havo voted that number.

Tho Police Commission erg also dosiro it, and as the law authorizes them to add thorn, whothor tbe Common Council agree to it or not, there was no room for an appeal irom tho decision. Tho increase, however, will not be mado oeforo the 1st of January 1865 and will add to the amount necessary to bo raised by tax lor police purposes for that. year, as compared with the snm of of $167,776,22. La addition there is to be raised the sum of $36,066,66 to provide for tho payment of the increased compensation voted by tho legis tiue to the present force, and lor which, not beinj con tt niplatcd at the time, there was no provision made when tho taxes for 1864 were levied. It must cow be ruieed to supply a deficiency in the appropriations for the present year.

This will mako the aggiegate tax for police purposes in 1865, $423,842,38. Statement No. 7 is an cstimato of the amount necessary to be raised for salaries of city officers Bnd employees, and shows an in of 40,000 as compared with the amount raised in 1864. This increase has been caused by the action of the legislature in some cases, und of the Board of Aldermen in others, in raising the compensation of the city officials and employees to an amount which is regarded as, in Bomo degree, approximating to the enhanced coBt of living. In moat oi' this action I concur, though I havo been compelled to differ with the Board of AJdermon as to tho legality of attempting to authorize the increaso of the salaries taking effect the present year, inasmuch as no provision bad previously been made, as, it seems to mo, is required by Jaw lor the raising of money to pay tho samo.

Behoving, however, tbat the proposed increase is for tho most part just aud proper, and fearing that the causes which have warranted it, are likely to continue in force during the coming year, 1 have Included in the estimate of tho amount required for salaries a sum deemed sufficient to pay tbcm at the increased rates. To tho thus estimated must bo added the sum ol eighteen thouiiand dollars to defray the salaries of the various officers and employees connected with the Fire Department, heretofore included in the estimate lor the jiurposes of that Department, but which by an act of the Legislature has been eliminated iVom tbat account and transferred to tho Salary accounts. This makes the estimate for salaries amount in the aggregate to the sum of 3So. 8 is an estimate of the amount required for Fire Department purposes, and is placed at tlw nam fixed by Uie Legislature as the limit of expondit.iro authorised thorelor. By the action of tho Laglslituro last winter, making the item of salarica of oilicials connected with the Fire Deparimcnt a charge upon thw appropriation forfljdarics of city oificci, tho sum of has virtually been added to tho amount heretofore authorized by law, to bo raised annually for Fire Department purposes.

Ffty thousand dollars is the sum now available lor objecta other than tho payment or theso salaries. Statement No. 0 is an estimate of the amount necessary to be raised lor tho general purposea of the city government. By includiug under this head tbo sum necessary for lighting the streets an increase to ibat amount, as compared with tho same statement last year, is seemingly apparent, which, in reality, doca not exist. The expenses or gas lighting lor 1865 aro eatimatod at an amount which is in excess of the sum raisud for that purpose for 1864.

This has been caused, $18,800 of it, by the demand of tho gas companies under tho new contract entered into with them the present year, that the city should pay tbe government tax imposed upon them. The Internal Revenue law empowers them to charge this tax upon the consumers, and as there was no competition for tho contract tho city was forced to yield to their demand. Tho sum of $7,000 is added to tho item of expense of repairing i it Kpintr doomed necessary in order to ensure their being kept in proper repair. The estimate is for rartial uguung, uh umiw juvhcui djowiu. j.

uuto by no means relinquished my preference (which I bc liuvoft majority of our citizens also ontcrtuin), that the ptreets sb.iuhl bt linhti all night, but in view ot the fact that to carry it into effect would increase, the ex Principal of city debt Interest 110.VJ7 Princij a of certificutce. Interest 1.1,101 SAlariefl lCH.uoO Police Department Public Schools Clearing Stmt 57,300 General Purposes, inlud vng lightine Blree.ts 3T.fi, 000 Fire Department 50,000 136,051 117,37 27.743 131,011 G.315 100.000 225,000 203,000 225,186 79,714 lS.uoO 30,250 211,800 121,200 60.000 In all, an increase of eight hundred thousand dollars. The Mayor, in his message, attributes the increase iu to the troubled conditions of the times, and in part to the action of the Legislature which has monopolized tho management of so much of tho local business of tliis city and Xuw York, in the interest of one political party. Our readers will bear us witness that we have steadily resisted the interference of the politicians who meet annually at Albany, in our local concerns. Wo de.

sired to the officials which we can reach responsible, depriving them of the opportunity of which they now take advantage, to shift the responsibility upon a body whicli we cannot hold to account ability. The exuonses of tho Police Department have been doubled in one year. It is conceded by everybody except the Aldermen who arG to be "consulted" iu the appointment of the addition proposed to be made to the force that this increase is unnecessary, and that it is greater than the resources of our citv can support, and maintain that relation with respect to the rate of taxation in tho city of New York, which is essential to our growth and prosperity. When this measure was before the Legislatuie we did all we could to unite our representatives iu opposition to it, but wc do not now remember that we receeived tho slightest assistance from Mayor Wood or from any representative of the party which elected him to office. There never was any necessity for taking the control of our domestic concerns out of our hands.

It was done to bolster up a political party, and now the taxpayers see to their sorrow the result Tho Mayor of this city ought to be capable of judging whether or not the police force now employed is sufficient for our protection. For our part, we believe wu have all the policemen required. We are told that the Police Commissioners insist upon an increase in the force greater than Mayor Wood deems necessary. Now wc take it for granted that llayor Wood has strenuously endeavored to impress upon the minds of the Police Commissioners, that they are placing upon us unnecessary burthens. It is due to the tax payers that Mayor Wood should show that he has remonstrated in becoming terms against whit we cannot but regard as au outrage.

Has he done this? Does the responsibility rest entirely upon the Police Commissioners? Are there more police to bo quartered upon us than the chief executive of the city believes to be necessary in the face of his strenuous opposition? Tho Mayor tells us that even with the most rigid frugality in incurring expenditure, an increase of disbursement is impossible to be We concede this; but has the outlay of any individual been doubled in a single year? There is nothing to justify the fearful increase in carrying on the government of this city, and there is no evidence before us of any attempt since Mayor Wood came into office, to enibrco "rigid trugality." We have been anxious to show Mayor Wood that he should have our cordial support in any attempt he might make to break up the corrupt clique which has obtained control of the city government, but we are Ire, say that llu'vor Wood never required our tiwMancc. for he has never made the attempt. We relic 1 upon him to do what, he has no; done in up bis estimates for the present year. We are now compelled to seel: fur relief in other quarters. It is time that the tax payers of tio several wards should organiz: in 'enec.

If they do not do so at they deserve tj be plundered. Wo nu it that be' tor men represent us. We mUst ulli tho gnp upon us of the Albany trickers. We have paid too much for the itthn.pt to bolster np a party in tho minority in this city and York" The whistle of our Kopablic friends has proved to be too costly. The need not bo made a party one.

It is a question for the tax pnyers. Ail who are interested in the prosperity of Brooklyn are interested. The probabilities are that the rate of taxation will be increased under the lirst year of Mivor Wood's administration from fifty to enty fivo per cent. Brooklyn cannot stand this. Capitalists irom New York bavo hitherto settled among us, in.

iiod'ov moderate taxation. We fear we cannot next vear offer any such attraction, and advantage which Brooklyn possesses is sufficient to counkaW ance the evils inseparable from an extravagant local government. We have space to day only to refer to the report published elsewhere. No tax payer can read it and believe that he can bo faithful to his own interest by supinely waitiu" forrelief from the politicians. The St.

Locis Sanitaby Fair. The city of St. Louis has done better than Brooklyn in its Sanitary Fair, the proceeds footing up to nearly $000,000. This in proportion to wealth and population beats New Y'ork, and every other city where Fairs have been held. The St.

Louis sword goes to General Hancock It now appears that these great Fairs have really been but little benefit to the Sanitary Commission. La. year the Commission was in receipt of contributions which poured in a steady stream. Since the Fairs have been going on these contributions have ceased, the supposition being that the Fairs were designed to furnish all the required. The receipts from tho Fairs, however, have barely exceeded the amount previously received through less ostentatious sources.

What the Wae Costs. Owing to the largely increased expenses of the government, officially announced by Mr. Chase in his proposal for the new loan, it is estimated that 000 a day will hardly be sufficient to meet the accumulating requisitions upon the Treasury. The total number of men called out for the army under the various proclamations up to this time is 2,130,000. Added to this is the navy, including vessels and 43,000 seamen.

The loans and liabilities authorized by acts of Congress, which arc now nearly all exhausted, amount to $2,77 818. We are compelled, by the pressure upon our space, to defer communicasions, intended for to day'g issue, The result is that tho city becomes liable to paw and the Mayor and Comptroller and the Joint Board must Increase their respective statements thereafter mado accordingly; and if they fail to do bo, the Oourts.wiU enforce the performance of their duty. 5id Prohibition contained in section a of title 6 of the amended Charter relates only to tho actual ex pendvttirc of money not previousiy'ied andS treasury, and wbb obviously intended as a restriction upon drafta on too treasury other than for salaries. lta Wbcation to the subject, it does not rcBtrict thepower ol tho Common Council bo imZn nn the city a liability for increased sahuS? On th contrary, the last clause of that section, in connection with ecfaon 8, by necessary implication, recognizes tho power of tho Common Council to create such liability It has been suggested that Section 3 ot tho Act of 1868 supplemental to the charter, operates to take away the powtr of the Common Council to create a new liabihtiv ior salaries. There are, I think, several conclusive answers to this view of tho subject First Bepeals by implication are not favored, and will not bo allowed when, upon any reasonable construction both Statutes can have effect Here the charter makes it the duty of the Common Council to determine tha salaries, from tune to time, as they deem proper The act of 1861 makes it unlawful for any Alderman to vote for creating any liability, when there is no money In tho Treasury, to pay tho same.

I think it very plain, that the intention of the Legislature was to restrict the power of the Common Council to create debta under the general and incidental power conferred upon them, and not to make it illegal to exercise the specific powers expressly Rranted. Any other construction might effectually jeopard the public interests, for it would deprive tho Common Council of the power to increase the force employed in tho city government or create an extra clerk ehip, however necessary such action might become. Second, The act of 18G2 expressly re enacts the statute confer ing power to determine and pay salaries, and in addition provides that the Common Council shall not be able to bind or render liable the city to pay any moneys other titan for salaries, he, except through the Board of Contracts. Lib. Sec.

2. It further expressly expepts salaries from tho provision requiring all agreements, to be made by the Board of Contracta. lit. Lib 3. The eole purpose of this Legislation was to establish a new system prescribing and restricting the means by which liabilities might legally be incurred in behalf of the city.

Upon settled principles' of tbe construdfion of ihe Btatutes, the exceptions above referred to are significant, and elecrly recognize tho existence in tho Common Council ot a powor to create liabilities in respect to salaries, and being the latest expression of the legislative will, must prevail, and operato to limit the act of 1801, accordingly. Third, The d8tb section of the act of 18C2 expressly repeals all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with it Having as I think shown that the provision of Sec 3 of the Act of 1861, is inconsistent with the general purpose, and the specific provisions of tho act of 1882 before referred to the former is repealed. j. yf, Gilbeti, Bbookl'zn, Juno 6, 2864. IhavecaroftiDyreadUie foregoing opinion and fully agree to tho meoninp; and' conolusion, G.

Jesks Board of Relief. The folloving were relieved from tlte draft: William Koch. 62 Wyckoff street. James Doyle, Bond near Butler Btreet James McCann, 138 Wyckoff Btreet Daniel Mrhony, 82 East Baltic street George Bergen street Thcs McKamara, 9G Eegraw street John Young, 61 Douglas street Jas Wight, Bond botween Butler and Douglas street John Kcenon, 134 Butler street. Thos Combs, 6th av between 17th and 18th streets, Wm Firth, 2lBt street between 3d and 4th ava Wm It Clayton, 114 9th street.

Joseph Huter, Sumter Bt near Saratoga av. Fwnry I'ortier, Van Brunt bet Ewen and Fremont Jas Mackey, Wolcott near Richards street Michael Hughes, 6 Church street A ex leadens, corner King and Van Brunt Christian Albert, 28 fouth 5th street John Meyer, 49 Varet street Louis Fiitz, 125 Leonard street Muiy, rronklin eireot. Vlnocnt Masting, Union avenue. Isaac Scndrickson, 118 Broadway. Charles Balcomb, 1 Front street Adjourned.

The Gallant lUh at Hooley's Opera Houw. The veterans of the gallant 14th Begirnent attended Hoolcy's Opera Hou se last evening on invitation of the popular manager. It surprised the audionce Eomewhat to see the war worn veterans enter, with mu Bic playing and accompanied by the bullet riddled flags, which they have carried through their long term of service with credit to themselves and the city which sent them to do battle for their country. On entering they were received with deaiening applause, in fact they received at the hands ol those present a reception which musthave niede every member of tho regiment feel that our citizens appreciated their services and their glorious record to the fullest extent. The hall was tendsomely decoiatcd with the national colors, Btream crc, in honor of the occasion, and presented to tho eye an attractiv scene on entering.

Mr. Hooley saw fit not to annoence beforeban the intention of the 14th to attend his popular placp of amusoment Character isticelly he avoided notoriety, and therefore he deserves the greatest credit for his action iu ouducting tho affair in the manner ho did. He dcsLrcd the regiment to be present and enjoy his entertainment in a quiet manner, ard in this he was successful. That Col. Fowler aud his entire command appreciated the spirit in which tho invitation was extended must bo apparent to everyone on reeding the following correspondence: Boouy'u Opeba House, June 2, 18BJ.

Col. Fowler. Dear Sir: Do you think the rcturnod veterans of the 14th Regiment would like to visit my opera house en masse. If eo, I shall be happy to tender tbcm, through you, an invitation to witness one of our entertainments on any night you may decide upon. Tho private boxes will be net apart for the accommodation of yourseKand broiher officers.

Should tho invitation bo accepted, you will oblige by letting me know what night you decide upon und the number of men likely to bo prei ent, so I can reserve seats for them. I wish it distinctly understood that I have no desire whatever to make capital out of this invitation, aa thero will be no publicity given to tbe matter through tho pre pn or olberwiee by me. I simply tender it as an acknowledgement or recognition of un humble individual of the valor and rMsni displayed on tho field of battlo by the gallant Kth during their term of service, hoping tho invitation may meet with your approval. I am very respectfully, R. M.

Head quarters 34th Reot. N. Y. S. M.

Ajimout, Brooklyn, June 4, 1864. R. M. Hooley, Esq. Dear Sib Your note of tho 2nd inst, tendering an invitation to the Fourteenth Regiment to attend a performance at your Opera House, ha3 been received.

I submitted the matter to the officers, and they unanimously resolved to accept your kind invitation, and proposed Monday evening next, if it be suitable to you. Permit me to say that tbe Regiment fully appreciates the spirit in which the invitation is extended, and to thank you in their behalf for your very flattering remarks. With great respect, I remain yours truly, E. B. Fowtjjb, Col.

Commanding. P. S. About one hundred officers aud men will bo present. Seats were reserved for tho regiment iu tho centre of the hall, and long beforo their arrival the remaining portion of the houEC was occupied to such an extent that many wero unablo to obtain standing room even.

CoL Fowler and officers occupied the private boxos. The performance was excollent tho great burletquo on tho Davenport's being introduced especially in honor of tho 14th. Among other things which wero thrown from tho aperture ol tbe mysterious wrrdrobo waB a long bctoO on which were inscribed the namc3 of the battles in which the 14th were engaged. This was another signal for the outburst of applause which greeted the regiment on its entrance. Tho ladies presont joined in tho enthu siuni, and the waving of handkerchiefs was profuso.

The regjment will not soon forget their reception at "Our Opera House' and it will hereafter call back pleasant memories. Casualties in Brooklyn Regiments The folio wing casualties are reported iu Brooklyn regiments in the Eighteenth Army Core, (Qon. Buldy Smith,) which participated in the groat battle of tho Chickahominy, on Friday last: Forty Seventh Regisckxt Cahill, foot; Rosen burr, lace: Wright, foot; DSmith. side; JaBlIuglicn, hand; Sergt A Mackey, arm fractured: Corporal ItM Healing, arm; ACuiroU, leg. FunTT Eieiirxn Regiment.

Col Barton, (commanding second brigade of Devon's division,) thigh; Capt Miller, ankle; Adj JaB Taylor, arm. slight; 1st LreutJaa A Bar o.i iuni i yido: SerctJ Feavv. lee: Ideu, Bido; Brookbauk, foot; Georgo Martin, Ivp Wisdom, neck; MoDouald, bowels; Dowers, hand; Towles, thigh; inem, leg. One Hundkfd and Thirty Ninth Bkqiment. I Way, bead; Lieut Wm McCormick, hip; McCarty, arm.

IrtoN Feioiy. Houses. In our issue of yesterday an error was acddcntly oommittod in naming tho officers of tho meeting. They were, John Rankin as Cbauman, Ira Smith aa Secretary. Tbo committco of Rcvon appointed by the Chairman consisted of Arthur Benson, Wm.

A. Fowler, Ira Smith, Wm. B. Baxter W. Gilbert, H.

V. Jouracay, DoDglass, enemy's pickets were engaged, our artillery oponodimmo diatc ly thereafter, and tho battle of the Chickahominy, os it is destined to be known, opened. The result of tho attack upon tho enemy's works is thus givon by the cor respondent irom whem wo havo quoted: TEK MINUTES OF Trrsmiiy "Tho metaphysicians say that time ia naught, is but a ccteovy of thought; and 1 think it must be so. for into ten mortal minutes this morning was crowded au aire of Ten minutes of the iigrocnt men call yet that scant decided a battle. There are a thousand details, ten thousand episodes, but tho essential matter is this, that that firbi rush of advance carried our whole ont butt up against a line of works, which wo were unable to break through, were unable to hold Conceive or this in the large tho fierce onslau ht amid dealeuiuy volleys of musketry and tho thuuder or artillery, and the wild, mad yell of buttle, and see tho ranks mown down, and the hues break hero and there, and the ullea, obstinate retreat, eveiy Inch contested, and wo shall then be able to deccend to some of tho points Of acticn as they individualize themselves along the Our losces in this aw ful charge is ostiraatod at between five and six thousand in killed aud wounded.

The rebels fought behind their entrenchments, and of course their loss is not so great. Though the wholo movement fail, ed, in different parts of our line temporary success was achieved at different points. In Hancock's Corps on tho lelt, Barlow and Brooks' DlvisiooH advanced a half a mile on tkc works, captured and temporarily held Borne of them. "These troops," (we quote from the Times,) "got ever and into tho enemy's parapet, capturing hiSHuns, (four light li pounders,) his colors and Ave or six hundred prisoners, about SU0 of whom were secured by promptly passing them t3 tho rear. Tho storming column, in fact, were just turning tho enemy's guns ou the retreating rebels, when powerful reinforcements from the second rebel line appuarod advancing The first rebel line was held by Breckinridge's troopsj and was carried, but Leo was too ood a General to leave a joint so important thus weakly defended.

Breckinridge's men were placed in the foro l'ront to receive tho baptism of lire, but behind these lay tho veteraus of Hill's corxis, aud it is these we now see dashing forward to retrieve tho honors we had snatched, liorloiv's brigadesstout hearts not used to beforo the greatest odds could have held their own under conditions the least short of desperation, but tho situation in which they now found themselves, o'erieapod its limits. It was not merely the overwhelming front that came prcsslug don upon tUoin, of that they had no fear, but tho position they had gamed placed them in advance of the wholo line el battle, aud gave the rebel artillery tho opportunity lot a deadly enfilading fire. Beside this, they had lost the directing heads of two of the chief coannanfers. Brooks and Byrnes, "souls of courage all compact," leil mortally wounded, and all the organizations had suffered fearfully from an unparalleled loss of officers In this slate of lacts they fell back, bringing with them the prisoners they had taken and a captured color but not the guns. They fell buck, but not to their original potation; to a position far in advance of that they had held, and at diltereut points not more thin fifty yards fiom the enemy.

Gibbons' advance was simultaneous with Barlow's, but in moving forward he came upon one of the swamps of the Chickahoininy Inch hau to be turned or overpassed, in the process ol which it became very difficult to establish tho eo. nection between different parts of his line This overcome, however, his troops pressed forward with the same vigor that marked the conduct of their ccmpauion division on the loth Parts of tho brigados of 1 yler and Owen gained the rebel works, but for reasons luentieal with those that forced Barlow's troops they also were eompeUed to give up what they had won. Gib bc uiviaiou, too, lost very heavily. Gen. Tyler, be lore reaching the works, was carried off the field, shot in the ankle.

One of his regimental commanders, Colonel Porter, ol the Eighth Now York Heavy Artillery was killeu: immediately alter, tho Ueut. Colonel (Bates) fell dead. Another ol his regimental commanders, Co'onel Mcllahon, ot the One Hundred and Sixty fourth New lork, was struck while planting hiB colors on the rebel works, and was left a prisoner in tho enemy's bands his trooi not supporting him alter he was wounded. Ow en's brigaiie lost two entire companies taken prisoners inside of the enemy's intieuchments. In givin" way Gibbon's division olao was far from losing all the ground it had gained.

It took up an advanced position close to the cuuny, and just over the crest, tho roar wurd rlope of which was held by tho rebels. This position it lias retained during tho day, and ilcKeau's brigade held all day a position within fifteen yards of the eneinj wurks. 1 Lin about to narrate an incident which will mako a di ait on the laith of the reader even greater than did the asseniou that portions of our line held tlieir position wiihin Ally yards of the rebel works and that is that oi.e portion ol our line retained all day a position within UK on yards of the rebel works. This heroic baud was the bngaue ol Col. MeKe au, a brigade of Gibbons' division ol Hancock's corps, and numbering about hundred men.

The conduct of those hundred is us splendid a stroke of heroism as ever lit up tho story ol "the giory we call Greece and the graudour we cill la.iiie." Ihrough the live long day these men held their line, within nltecu yards of the enemy, and all liis I. rce could not dislodge them. Kepeate Uy, durin" the day the rebels form douole columns of attack lo come over the work and them, and tho officers could bo In anl ei.com aij.mg their troops by telling them "there are only lour or five hundred of them come on." But the moment the rebels showed themselves above their parapet a hue or fire Hashed out from behind tho earthen mound where those eight hundred heroes stood in anow '1 hcrmopylie, and many a rebel tLrew up his arms aud lell prone under their swift avenguig buUets. Tho sequel of this bit of history is as curious as tho deed itsell tor while the rebels dared not venture out to assail McKeau's men, neither could ho nor his command recede Irom the perilous position. He could not get back to us we could not go forward to him.

Iu tbis dilemma the ingenious device was hit upon of running a "sap," or zig zag trench, up from our line to his. In this way a working party wero able to dig their way up to where they lay, begrimed with powder and woru down with fatigue, and a few hours ago they were brought safely away. "All that wero left of them, left or eiuht hundred!" But JIcKean, their gallaut leader, he came not away alive. Since cloven in the morning he had lain behind tho bulwark his valor defended a e.orppo. While standing up preparing to resist a rebel as siiult, he lell, pierced by the outlet of a sharpshooter, and alter living for au hour or two in an agonizing death in life, begging his stiff officers to put on end his misery, his heroic soul forsook the turmoil of this weary, warring world.

Thero were other scenes along those lines drawn so close up to the enemy not so grave, and othors ofa grim kind or jollify. I 'or example, a man would siu out irom behind our breastworks the signal of attack, "Forward, guide centre," whereupon the rebels, plainly hearing all that was said, would start up from behind their parapot, and our men, just peeling above their pits, and "drawing a bead" on tho uprising rebels, would bring many one down with a bloody gilt, dispatched with unerring aim. Or, again, one of the rebels, calling a parley, would cry nut: "Yanks, ain't it about your time to cook colfeeV" "Yes," replies Yank. "Then," rejoins Mr. ltobel, "if you won't shoot while I make my johnny cake, I won't shoot while you make" your coffee." Whereupon tho culinary truce was observed with scrupulous fidelity.

It is in such ways that grhn visaged war, ofa time, smooth i his wrinkled face. There was nearly equal bravery displayed on the p. 'rts of our line, but no substantial success was achieved and at eight o'clock there was a pause in tho bloiUy work. The question was whether in the face or the strength of the rebel position another attack should b3 made Whether it was that Ooneral Grant himself was in doubt us to the path winch slnmld be pursued, or that he felt the need of seeing for himself tho actual situation for from our pcint ot vision everything was hid by a veil of woods 1 know not, but ho suddenly mounted his horse, and rode rapidly down (au occasional shot or slu passing over his head and falling around us at headquarters) to the headquarters of Gen. Hancock, a id afterwards to those or Gen.

Wright; and when ho caioo back it was plain there would be no renewal of th bat. tie, for wo all rode leisurely back to tho old camp occa 1UVU Ui iS OVEItSICSHT. Xot until the splendid attack ot Hancock's Corps ha 1 been made, not until alter its blood bought victorv had been wrested from our hands, was he or any man iii this army aware of the supreme importance or the position this morningcarricd and lost The key point in tho battle of Gaines' MiBs, two years ago, it is strange and mortifying thatno one should have npprec'at" its value. This position Is a bald hill, named "Watts' Hill," dominating the whole battle ground, and covering tho angle of tuo "Dispatch rood." Along this ridge the rebel works formed a salient, and in front of it was. a 0014011 road.

BOARD OF ALDERMEJV. The Board met at tho usual hour last evening, Aid. Talmage in the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved, PETITIONS AKD CDMlTUNICATIOifg. Of citizens of Cranberry street for a lamp between Columbia and Willow streets.

To Gas Com. Of John H. Martin, for permission to move a frame building. To Alderman of Ward with power. Bemonetrance against fencing block of land bounded by Pacific, Dean and Powers streets, and 4th avenue, and lots on Bouth sido of Atlantic street, and 4th avenue.

To Alderman of the Ward. Petition of Robert Gilmoro and others for a well and pump, corner oi Madison street and Marcy avenue, with resolution in favor of directing work to be done. Adopted. Of Sebastian Schnaderbrch to remove a small frame house from ItemKcn to Wyckoff street. To Alderman of 15th Ward with power.

Communication from J. B. Wyckoff on the subject of grading and paving Middle street irom 5th to 9th avs. To grading and paving com. Petition of E.

H. Quinn to abate a nuisance. To Board of Health Com. The Grading and Paving Committee reported in favor of grading and paving South 5th street from 7th to 8th street Adopted. Same in favor of grading and paving Carroll street from 3d avenue to tbe canal.

Adopted. Same, adverse to petition of Edward Byrne and othors to grade and pave Carroll street from the bridge to 5th avenue. Adopted. Same, in favor of grading and paving India street from Union avenue to Washington street Adopted, Same, in favor ot grading and paving Waterbury street from em sen to Grand street Adopted. Same in favor of grajing and paving Madison Btreet, between Franklin and Bedford avenues.

Adopted. Same, in favor of grading and paving Java street from Frankbn street to Union avenue. Adopted. Same in favor of erading and paving Hamilton street, between Fulton and Atlantic avenues. Adopted.

Same in favor cf grading and paving Grand street, from BuBbwicK to Union avenues. Adopted. THE COXFEBENCE COMMITTEE. The Committee on Conference with the Board of Supervisors, report that tboy have conferred with the Bounty Committee, who will report dally to the comptroller of the city the name of parties paid by them for substitutes furnished to drafted men. that no conflict for payment may be made with this Board, and therefore approve the action of tho committco on the subject Adopted.

COMMITTEES OP THE 3J0ASD. Of Committee on Eules, recommending that the following named committees be stricken Irom the list of regular standing committees, viz: Supplies and ExpoiuWof Departments, as all subjects coming before that committee can be acted upon by tho Committee on Publio lands and Places; on Williamsburg Chims, as the Assessment Committee can attend to such business Committee on Conference with Supervisors and County officers as special committees can attend to that business; on Salaries, a the Board fixed that business at its last meet ins; and on Washington Park, as all such business ran be done by the Committee on Public Parks. That tho Assessment Committee meet on Tuesday, instead of Wednesday, at half past seven; tho Committee on Public Docks to meet on special call; on War and Military, the fame; on Harbor Defence, the same; and the Committee on ltules, the same. Laid on the table till next Monday night, and ordered to be printed in tho minutes. THE STBEHTS OF TUE EASTEBN DISTRICT.

The special committee on the Bubject of grading and paving streets in the Eastern District the inannor in which the contractors were performing their work, and the character of the materials used in the same, report that the work on Sbilluian, Item sen, Devoa'and Walton streets, to be progressing according to specifications, and satisfactory to the property ownisrs along the lines of said streets. In regard to Walton street tiieo has been a remonstrance in relation to the stone usil made by persons who do not live on the lino; but citizens in front of whose property the pavements havo been laid are entirely satisfied, Ac. The committee conclude by offering the following: Kesolved, That we bcliuvo John Timmes has faithful in the discharge of his duties as Inspector" of pavements of the Eastern District. Referred to the committee for further examination. THE WAIiABOTJT BAY OltOTJKDS.

Mayor's Of ice, June 3, 13C4. To the Hen. Common Council: Gentlemen Herewith I transmit to you a letter which I have received Irom the chief ol" the Bureau of Yurdsand DcckB of tbe is'ayy Department. The subject of a speedy and final adjustmont of all the questions connected with the Wallabout lands is one of very great consequence to the city. Di their present condition these lands aro an incubus upon the growth and prosperity oi tho section in which they aro located and operate as a moHtir.couvenient barrier to the intercourse between the Eastern aud Western Districts the removal of which would do more to promote humo 'e nity ofleeling and interest between the two sectionsof the city than anything of which I can conceive.

The proposition of the Naval Bureau is based upon fioine mlormal negotiations had some time between the U. S. Engineer at tbe Navy Yard ond the Comptroller and myself, to ascertain the views of the general government on the subject, with some modifications that will restore it to what was informally asr oed upon at tbat time. Theproposition is one that meets my ho irly approval, and which I think would be exceedingly desirable for the city to accept The government should give to the city 200 feet more of front on tho Wallabout aud agree to put Washington avenue in as good condition as is Clinton avenue at the present time. Thus modified, theproposition from the Department is one which i havo no doubt it would be greatly for the interest of tho city to accept.

As action is desirable ere the present session of Congress shall terminate, I invoke tbo earliest attention of your honorable body to the subject This is tho moro necespary oh I am awaiting your action to guide mo in reply to the communication irom tho Navy Department Kespcctiully, AxiiED M. Wood, Mayor. The following report, in connection with tho subject above referred to in the Mayor's message, was submitted: Tho committee appointed to confer with tho general government for the extensitn of Washington avpimo, and exchange of certain lands in Wallabout Bay, report, that in accordance with tho direction of tho Board, they proceeded to Washington and laid their plans, partially, before the Bureau having the matter in charge Tho Chief thereof, Admiral Smith, roceivod your conimittjo eoii'tf ounly, and expressed himself gratified with their visit, hoping that the negotiation would end in the early transfer ol the property. After some time spent in discus Sing the subject, your committee offered, in behalf of tho city, to relinquish Vandcrbilt and Clinton uvenuos, north of Flushing avenue, and tako in lieu thereof all the land lying east of Clinton avenue, exclusive of the U. S.

Hospital grounds; nud provided that the Federal government should build and extend Washington avenue its full width, and in a straight lino and equal diatauce with the present extension of Clinton avenue. Upon this proposition discussion cnaued, in which, it came out that some one else had been making a proposition in behalf of the city much more advauaageous to the general government. ThiB ofler, it appears, proposed to give up all the city's right aud property in Clinton and Yanderbllt avenues, and accept in full satisfaction thereof the right to continue Washington avenue in au oblique line to the canal or river street nt a point opposito westerly termination of Taylor street including a frout along tho lino of the canal or river street, about GOO feet; and extending in depth about U00 feet. Your committeo were not officially informed by whom this offer as made, but it is certain that whoever did make it was unmindful of tho citizen's interest; ond furthermore, was acting without any authority whatever; oi course it was immediately repudiated. Tho difference between the proposition of your committee and the offer which the Admiral claimed to havo been made, was so great that it was thought advisable to take further time for consideration, and it was agreed between tho Chief of the Department aud you, committee that any further proposition should bo reduced to writing.

The right of the general government of tho State of New York and of this city, as well as certain supposed private rights, in and to the lands covered by water in Wallabout Bay, are not as fully known and understood as is generally supposed, and no negotiation con bo brought to a final conclusion with safety to tho oitlaons interest without that knowlodge, your committco have caused to bo instituted tho necessary inquiries upon this point pie lb Lib ward felt very sore over it and, if the matter were put to a public vote to day, he (Aid. did not think that the people were willing to saddle themselves with another hundred thousand dollars a year. Aid. Hathaway said that, although he should vote for a reconsideration of the question, yet he thought the number by which it was proposed to increase tho force not any too large. Tho outer wards of the city were very sparsely guarded indeed, and in his (Aid.

Hs; ward some of the patrolmen have beats as much as four miles long, and it is aa much as they can do to got over it once in the day. He (Aid. had not met with the first taxpayer who objected to the increaso since the resolution was passed, because it was lelt generally that there was a necessity for the lull number proposed by the committee, and the tax payers are willing to pay for that number of nien. Aid. Kimball bad not been present at tho previous meeting of the Board, but he was glad to see that the Board had decided to increase the police force.

No man who was in the habit of reading the papers in this 3lty could fail to have observed that this city has bicu the scene of an unusual number of daring burglaries and assassinations during the past year. Hardly a day passed but there were articles in tbe papers about this waiter, and he (Aid. believed that many persons who would otherwise settle in this city are prevented from doing so because they find property not properly protected this city. The condition oi the street lamps, which woro broken by gangs of boys, because not properly watched was a proof of this. There was LOthing of this kind seen in New York, because there was hardly a block iu that city on which you would not find a policeman, while in the 11th ward in this city, irom Hudson avenue, away up Myrtle and Fulton avenues, to Cumberland street, thero was only one policeman, and none on the side streets at all, and Irom the City Hall to Clagsun avenue there wero (uly tbree policemen on Myrtio avenue.

Tho interest of the city demanded an increaso of the force. New York had a force nine times as large as ours, whilo tho popu. lation of Brooklyn is more than a third as largo as New York, ond its area coLS.derably larger. Aid. E.

Murphy remarked that his Ward (the 14th) had a population oi over 3.U00 people, and contained property to tbe amount of over three millions of dollars, and yet to fiuurd all those lives and property there wore only some three or four men night and day, and it was just tbe name in most of the other Wards in the at jrn District. The 13th Ward had only four men to guard it night and day. He hoped the resolution to reconsider would not bo adopttd. Aid. Van Buren remarked that if the Board dd not provide for cue hundred policemen at this meeting, it could not be done again for eighteen Of course the design of reconsidering the matter was to cut down tbe budget, but the Board of Aldermen uh he (Aid.

VanB,) understood it, were not tbe proper parties to do that There was nothing which tbo public neoded eo much at ilia present timo as an increase of tho police force, and he (Aid. VanB.) trusted that there would be to reconsideration of the resolution. Aid. McLaughlin paid it made no dIfieron whothor the Board cf Aldermen increased the torcc or not If the Board didn't do it tho Police Commissioners would, pud the Common council would be compelled anyhow to raice mo iey enough to pay tor them. The motion to reconsider was lost.

Ayee Aid. Whitney. Taylor, Fisher, Hathaway, Bul mtr. VETO OF SAXABIES. The following from the Mayor was submitted; Gentlemen I return to you without my approval tho ariouB resolutions adopted by your honorable body at your meeting on the 27th and Udth of May, directing an increaso in the salaries of various city officers and employees, to commence from tho 1st of January, 1881.

My objection to their taking effect is that the action adopting them is in violation of the provisions of the Charter, which prohibits the Common Council trom undertaking any expenditure or invulviug the city in any liability in nny case where money lias not been previously raised by tax and is in the treasury applicable to the purpose. So stringent is the Charter on this subject that tho amendment of 1HG1 goes to the length of dcclariug vacant tho seat of any and every Alderman who shall give a vote to incur any expense or liability on tbo part of tho city when money is not in tho treasury previously raised and thus applicable. Not being willing upon a question of such importance to rely entirely upon my own judgment uh to the intent of the law, I consulted the Corporation Counsellor upon the subject, and his opinion in relation therewith I herewith transmit to you. Tho opinions of other eminent legal gentlemen whom 1 have consulted fully accord with that expressed by tho Counsellor. Under these circumstances I feel that my oath of otfico ond the duty imposed on me by tho charter to bo vttri lunt and active in causing tbo laws and ordinances of the city to be duly executed aud enforced," makes it imperative upon me that I should withhold my approval from the resolutions in question.

In view of tlm increased coHt of living I do not regard the increase of the salaries, in most of the instances pi opened, lb improper, and but for my belief of the unlawfulness of the action in creating them, it would hive received ray cheerful approval. I havo, therefore, iu making tho estimate of tho expenses of the city govvn ment for tho ensuing year, included a sum sutficiout to iueet the proposed increase, which will put it in the power of your Hon. body to make such increaHe for next year, should the finaucial condition ot the country continue to warrant it. Yours respectfully. A.

M. Wood, Mayor, opinions. Office of the Attorney and Counsel, 1 City Hall, Buooiu.n, Juic2, 1364. Hon. A.

M. Wood, Mayor, Etc. In relation to tho power of tae Common Council to increase the snlcries of tho employees of tho city, as is (ought to be done by the resolutions passed at zecout meetings of that body, I have to Bay: First. Section of the City Charter empowers tho Common Council "to grant and pay to persons elected or appointed under or in pursuance of that act lexcopt Alderman or Supervisors) stated salaries' such aa it may iVum time to time deem proper." Second. Subdivision 2 of section 33 of that act prescribes that It shall not be lawful for the Common Council to expend, other than forBaJaiies! out of moneys.