!!9.5 A A 9 SOL JTHERNREGIi 3 1 3 ONAL LIBRAR' 1 4 9 y FACILITY [ Lll LIBRARY ^ I UNIVe,NS,TY Of I ' CALIPORNIA I - SAN DIESO ^ IHE UNIVbKSIIY Llbr;Mr\. WWERSITT OF CALIFOFNIA, SAN ^^W LA JOLLA. CALIfOKNIA ADDRESSES OK JOHN ROMEYN BRODHEAD, ESQ., AND His Excellency, Gov. HORATIO SEYMOUR, DELIVERED BEFORE THE CLINTON HALL ASSOCIATION, AND MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, AT THEIR CELEBRATION, COMMEMORATIVE OF THE REMOVAL OF THE LIBRARY TO ASTOR PLACE, HELD IN THE CnUKCII OF THE PUrjTANS, UNION SQUARE, ON THE EVENING OF 8tii JUNE, 1854. WITH REPORTS THEN SUBMITTED. NEW-YORK : GEO. F. NESBITT & CO., PRINTERS, COR. WALL AND WATER-STS. 1854. y^ F BOARD OF TRUSTEES g— i CLINTON HALL ASSOCIATION. 1854. WILSON G. HUNT, President. CHAS. E. MILNOE, Secretary. \ EDMUND COFFIN, Treasurer THOMAS H. FAILE, I ROBERT KELLY, GEORGE S. ROBBINS, I FREDERICK SHELDON. OFFICERS OF THE MERCANTI1.E EIBRARV ASSOCIATION. D. REYNOLDS BUDD, President. DOUGLASS LEFFINGWELL, Cor. Secy, GEORGE C. WOOD, Vice-Pres'L WM. H. GILDER, Pec. Secy. WILLIAM H. TAYLOR. Treas'r DIRECTORS. GEORGE M. SIMONSON, FRANK W. BALLARD, CHARLES D. STURGES, JOSEPH C. MORTON, JOHN CRERAR, JOSEPH M. PRICE, HENRY A. THOMAS. S. HASTINGS GRANT, Librarian. | AUG. D. WHITE, Ass't Librarian Clinton Hall, 22d May, 1854. John Romeyn Broduead, Esq., Naval Officer of the Port. Siu : The Clinton Hall and Mercantile Library Association of this city, being about to conimemorate the removal of their Library, to its new quarters, in Astor Place, by some literary ceremonies to take place on the evening of the 8th prox., are very desirous of obtaining yonr services, in the delivery of an address before them, on that occasion. 'i'ho Governor of our State has kindly consented to be present, and as he will treat of the general aim and influence of our Institutions, it is our earnest wish that their past history may receive from your able hand a lasting shape. Feeling that your literary position in our State, and official connection with the commercial interests of our city, clearly point them to you, as the one, from whom to seek such a service, they will indulge the hope that the pressure of your engagements may not prevent a compliance with their request. With great respect, I remain your ob't serv't CHAS. E. MILNOR, % Secretary C. H. Association. New- York, 23f/ May, ISSt. Sir: I have received your note of yesterday, conveying the desire of the Clinton Hall and Mercantile Library Associations, that I should take a part in the ceremonies, at the inauguration of their new building, on the evening of the of 8th June. Feeling a very deep interest in your noble institutions, I cannot decline their flattering invitation ; and begging you to accept my acknowledgment of the handsome terras in which you have made your wishes known, 1 remain, sincerely yours, JOHN ROMEYN BRODHEAD. Chas. E. Milnor. Esq., ) Sec'y C. H. Association. ) Clinton Hai.l, Uth June. 1854. John RojIeyn Brodhead. Esq., Nev:-York. Sir: In conformity with resolutions passed at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Clinton Hall Association, held this day, I beg to tender you their sincere thanks, for the very valuable and disinterested service rendered this institution by you, in the delivery of the interesting paper, prepared by you, for the inaugural ceremonies, had at the Church of the Puritans, on the evening of the 8th June. I desire, further, to present their earnest request, that you will fur- nish them with a copy of the same, as it is their wish to publish it, in connection with the remarks of Gov. Seymour, on that occasion, in pamphlet form. With respect, I remain, your ob't serv't, CHAS. E. MILNOR, Secreiarij C. II. Association. New-York, 15^// June. 1854, Sir: I acknowledge, with great pleasure, your communication of the 12th instant, in behalf of the Trustees of the Clinton Hall Association, and place the manuscript of my address, herewith sent, at your disposal. I remain, sir, with great regard, sincerely yours, JOHN ROMEYN BRODHEAD. Chas. E. Milnor, Esq., I Scc'y Clinton H. Association. \ ADDRESS 3Dl}n Uomcijn i3robl)eab, €b(\„ NAVAL OFFICER OF THE POET. " Promote commerce, * * * * whereby the Manhattans " must prosper — ^her population increase — her trade and " navigation flourish. For when these once become per- " manently established — when the ships of New Netherland " ride on every part of the ocean — then numbers now look- " ing to that coast with eager eyes will be allured to em- " bark for your island." Such was the advice and prophesy which the mercantile directors of the Dutch "West India Company addressed from Amsterdam to their Provincial officers here, in the Avinter of 1652. At that time, — now a little over two centuries ago — New Amsterdam was about to become an incorporated city. Its population was, perhaps, eight hundred souls. For more than forty years the island of Manhattan had been the point to which the sagacity of Holland merchants had directed their trans-atlantic enterprise. Their country had always been commercial. The legend on their earliest coins pre- dicted their way to be " on the sea, and their paths in many waters." The " Great River of the Mountains,^^ Avhich Hud- son had explored for them in 1609, was soon awakened from the lethargy of uncivilized nature, and its flir-flowing stream 8 became the channel of peaceful trade. At the head of navigation, a stockaded fort, built in 1614, near the present site of Albany, was the depositor}^ where cargoes of furs, bought from Iroquois hunters, were collected for shipment atthe rivers mouth to Holland markets. The same year witnessed the launch of the first vessel constructed^ by Eu- ropeans at New- York. It was a yacht of sixteen tons bur- then, built by Adriaen Block, to replace his Amsterdam ship which had been destroyed by fire. For many years afterwards, this little vessel — most appropriately named "The Restless," as if to typify the activity which was to make Manhattan the proud emporium she now is — was employed in exploring Long Island Sound and the Delaware Bay, and in trading with the native savages. All honor to that brave bark and her constructor ! The annals of commercial New- York will ever gratefully record " The Restless " as the pioneer vessel launched by white men on her waters, and as her first shipbuilder, Adriaen Block. As time rolled on, the importance of Manhattan grew ; and in 1626 the island was purchased from its Indian owners by the Dutch West . India Company for sixty guilders, or about twenty-four dollars of our present currency. This in- cident is one of the most interesting in our early annals, and well does it deserve commemoration. " Not as the conqueror comes " came the founders of New-York. They came from a land of honest traders, Avhcre mercantile faith Avas the guiding star. They brought with them hither maxims and habits wliich had made Amsterdam great — which were to make New Amsterdam greater. Almost their first act was to superadd to the original Dutch title, by discovery and oc- cupation, the higher right of title by purchase. It was an honest sale: — let mc add, it was an lionest hargnin. For, however, some may now be inclined to carp at the inade- 9 quacy of consideration ^vdlen estimating tiie present value of corner lots, your skill as accountants will readily suggest tliat twenty-four dollars, with compound interest from 1626, would make a very respectable figure upon the plethoric books of our Tax Commissioners. If ever E«.ropeans ac- quired an honest title to American territorj^, the Batavian settlers of New- York surely had it. Not long afterwards, another incident occurred here, which it is very fitting to relate in this assembly of com- mercial men. In the year 1631, a merchant frigate of eight hundred tons burthen, and mounting thirt}^ gi^iis, was built and launched at Manhattan, and dispatched to Holland. This great ship Avas not only by for the largest that had ever been attempted in America, but it was probably one of the most capacious merchantmen at that time afloat. Its size and con- struction attracted attention in England at tha1> early day to the skill of our naval architects; and it was nearly two centuries before the shipwrights of New-York again began to build trading vessels which surpassed the mammoth pro- portions of the pioneer ship " New Netherland." The admirable position of this island early indicated it as the centre of a far-reachino; commerce. And it is a signifi- cant fact that New- York was always a city of the world. Venerating the liberal example of their Fatherland, its first occupants looked upon commerce as the " solvent of na- tional anti]3athies." They made residence and loyalty the only conditions of citizenship. And so, AValloons, Wal- denses, Huguenots, Swedes, Anabaptists, Roman Catholics, German Lutherans, English Puritans and English Quakers, all came to seat themselves quietly doAvn beside the Calvinis- tic natives of Holland. In the year 1643, Father Isaac Jogues — one of the most illustrious of those Jesuit missionaries, whose self-denying zeal in bearing the cross to the heathen has left so briglit a record on the book of time, and so worthy an example for 10 imitation — visited tlie island of Manhattan, where he was courteously received and entertained by the Dutch Gover- nor. He describes it as then containing about four or five hundred men of different sects and nations, and speaking " eighteen different languages."' The Calvinistic faith was predominant ; but the Jesuit father found Catholics and Puritans, and Lutherans, all enjoying the advantages of a tolerant and inviting home. Indeed, it may be truly said, that, in the cordial welcome which its earliest Dutch burghers gave to all strangers of every race and creed who desired to settle among them, may be observed the origin of that large and comprehensive spirit Avhich has made our city "the at- tractive metropolis of the Columbian world." Ten years after this visit of Father Jogues, the first muni- cipal government was organized here, and New Amsterdam became, in fact, a city on the second day of February, 1653. This was followed in 1657 by the establishment of the sys- tem of Burghership, bv which all residents who kept " light and fire " within the city walls, and who contributed a cer- tain sum to its treasury, were invested with peculiar civic privileges. The next year its merchants, availing themselves of a favorable opj)ortunity, dispatched a l)ark to Quebec with a cargo of sugar and tobacco, upon which all duties were remitted in consideration of its being the " first vo}'- age " from Manhattan to Canada. In 1659, the AVest India Company, adopting a more liberal jjolicy, allowed their pro- vince a foreign commerce with France, Spain, Ital}^, the West Indies and elsewhere, upon condition that the return cargoes should be brought either to New Netherland or to Holland, l^arly in the following year an inter-colonial treaty was arranged for a "free; trade and commerce" be- tween New Netherland and Virginia. The inhabitants of each province were promised reciprocal rights and privi- leges, and tlic roloiiiiil nntlioi-itics, on both sides, vied with each other in cniiils to <>\vi- i'wW cllect, to the tn-afv. The LI home government in Holland pr( )inptly approved tlie negotia- tions with Virginia, and wrote back to their officers here, that "a free and unshackled commerce with that nation mnst be conducive to the prosperity of your city and its inhabitants." But the growing greatness of the Dutch province pro- voked the jealousy of England. In 1662, the Virginian government was ordered to enforce the British act of navi- gation, Avhich excludad all foreigners from trade or com- merce with the English colonies. This was followed by a still more decisive step. Disregarding the peaceful occupa- tion, for half a century, of New Netherland by the Holland- ers, Charles II conveyed by a patent to his brother James, the Duke of York, the whole of the Dutch pi'ovince, Avliich then contained full ten thousand inhabitants, and sejit an overpowering force to seize it as a prize. New Amsterdam, with a population of fifteen hundred — ^but in no condition to resist — was surrendered to the Eoyal expedition on the eighth of September, 1664, and its name was at once changed to " New- York." The English flag was displayed on that beautiful spot " where the commerce of the world may now be watched from shady walks;" and Nicolls, the Royal Governor, foreseeing the destiny of the metropolis, soon wrote home, " within five years the staple of America will be drawn hither — of which the brethren of Boston are very sensible." Such were the early days of our city. It is profitable to remember the years of old, and call to mind our " rude be- ginnings." While we contemplate the cradling of the State, and then think of its maturing grandeur, we thank God, and take corn-age. Grateful for the rich inheritance with which Providence has endowed us here, and looking hopefully forward into the future, we shall best show our veneration for those who founded our prosperity by remembering their maxims, emulating their virtues, and surpassing their zeal. . The next century was full of occurrences peculiarly af- 12 fecting the fortunes of ISTew-York. The colonial policy of England, of -which it had now become a dependency, was jealous and hurtful. The Navigation Laws were meant and were used for the beneht of the mother country alone. They pressed with especial weight upon the commerce of our city. Yet, in spite of the incubus of a foreign administration, New- York held her OAvn, and advanced. Her geographical position, midway between the North and the South, made her the Pivot Province^ and the theatre of awfully dramatic war. The burning of Schenectady in 1690 — the campaign of Dieskau in 1755 — the attacks of Oswego in 1756, and Wil- liam Henry in 1757 — the defeat of Abercrombie at Ticon- deroga in 1758, Avhich all occurred Avithin our borders, were but a few of the events of that long struggle between France and England for ultimate dominion in North America, which ended only with the surrender of Canada to Great Britain in 1763. It is not surprising that New- York, always commercial, and so happily placed, should have exercised a commanding influence upon the destinies of this country. It is not less gratifying to know that her merchants Avere always among the foremost to maintain the cause of popular rights, and promote the progress of humanity. When Great Britain, in 1765, opened the ball of the revo- lution by passing the Stamp Act without our consent, New- York took the lead in resistance. On the seventh of Octo- l)er in that year, the first Congress of tlie 7\merican colonies — the ovum reipuhliae^ " the egg of the rcj.iublic," as it has been aptly termed — met- in this city, "in o}iposition to the tyrannical acts of the British Parliament." The five dele- gates from the pi'ovince of New-York wisrc Robert E. Liv- ingston, John Crugcr, Philip Livingston, William Bayard and Leonard Lispenard. Of these the first Avas an able lawyer, whose distinguished son subsequently became Chan, ccllor of the State. The i^ther four wove eminent morcliants, 13 who soon afterwards assistsd in founding and sustaining our " Chamber of Commerce." The first step taken by the Congress was to adopt a " Declaration of the rights and grievances of the Colonics." '^J'his was drawn up by John Cruger, then Mayor of the city of New-York, and Speaker of the Provincial Assembl}^ While the Congress was sitting, our merchants held a meeting on the thirty-first of October, and unanimously resolved not to import any goods from Eng- land unless the Stamp Act should be repealed. Thus, the chosen home of commerce voluntarily renounced it ; and the example of New- York swayed the other colonies. " The whole city rose up as one man in opposition to the Stamp Act." Colden, the lioyal Lieutenant Governor, Avas obliged to yield to the demand of the Common Council, which re- presented the people. The obnoxious stamps were delivered to Cruger, the Mayor, and deposited in the Cit}^ Hall : — and so the people triumj)hed. Two months afterwards ten boxes of stamps were taken from on board a brig lying at Burling Slip, which had just arrived from London, and carried up the East Kiver to near Rutgers' Place, where they were con- sumed in a bonfire. The news reached England while Par- liament was in session; and, on the eighteenth day of March, 1766, the reluctant king went in state to Westmins- ter, and gave his royal assent to the bill which that Parlia- ment had passed for the repeal of their Stamp Act. Two 3' ears after the repeal of the Stamp Act, on the fifth day of April, 1768, some twenty of the leading merchants of this city met and formed themselves into a society by the name of the "New-York Chamber of Commerce." John Cruger — the same who had drafted the "Declaration of rights " and taken possession of the obnoxious stamps — was chosen President ; Hugh AVallace, Vice-President ; Elias Desbrosses, Treasurer ; and Anthony Van Dam, Secretar}'. Of this society, thus organized eighty -six years ago, the official records to the present day have been preserved un- 14 broken and unmutilatecl. It received a royal charter on the thirteenth of March, 1770. After the revolution, the Legisla- ture of this State passed an act on the thirteenth of April, 1784, confirming the royal patent, and establishing as a body corpo- rate and politic, " The corporation of the Chamber of Com- merce of the State of ]S^e^^'-York." What has been the in- fluence of this venerable institution? — who were its eminent members ? — how well they fulfilled their trusts — have all been ably developed by one of their own number, the pre- sent accomplished President of Columbia College, Chas. King. Passing rapidly on, Avitli only a bare allusion to the in- auguration of Washington as the first President of the United States, on the thirtieth day of April, 1789, (which interesting event took place on the balcony of the old City Hall at the head of Broad street, now replaced by the Custom House,) we come to tlic beginning of this century. Since then, al- though the seat of government has gone soutliAvard, the seat of the metropolis has become only more stably fixed. Great events happened, as if to mark her progress in greatness. On the seventh of August, 1807, our own Fulton reached Al- bany in his steamboat "Clermont," in thirty-two hours from her wharf at New- York — the first successful experiment in the world in steam navigation. The next year Robert L. Ste- vens navigated his steamer, the " Phenix," from this port to Philadelphia, and thus earned beyond dispute, the honor of having first triumphantly encountered the ocean with a ves- sel driven by steam. Ten years afterwards, in 1818, "the Savannah," a New- York built ship, with side wheels, and propelled by steam and sails, ci'ossed the Atlantic, reached Liverpool and Saint Petersburg, and returned safely hithci'. A year aTtcrwards, the "Kobert Fulton," built by Henry Eck- fbrd, began to ])ly as a steam packet between this city and New Orleans. It Avas not until the s])ring of 1837 that the first Engli.sli steamer, " The Smius," anchored in our harbor. The grand Eric canal, which connects Now- York with 15 the mediterranean seas of our continent, was completed in 1825 ; on the fourth of November in Avhich year, Governor Clinton, with imposing ceremony, consummated the union of Lake Erie with the Atlantic. Vast lines of railways were soon projected, under the encouragement afforded by the success of the first road of the kind constructed in this country-7-that between Albany and Schenectady, which was finished in 1831. And now, tlie Erie, Central and Hudson River roads arc inadequate to their increasing business. Nor should our majestic Croton Aqueduct, nor our institutions of charity and benevolence, our Ten Governors and our Commissioners of Emigration, our colleges of learning, our libraries, our literary and historical societies, our managers of capital at home and on the sea, be omitted from the ne- cessarily brief and imperfect catalogue. As most satisfactory and appropriate to this occasion, however, I ask your j^ermission to exhibit the progress of our city by some statistics which have been carefully com- piled from official sources. At the beginning of this cen- tury, the population of the city of New- York was about 61,000. The ofiicial returns of the census of the United States, in 1850, show ns that we had then groAvn to 515,39-1 — 'an increase in 50 years of 815 per cent. In the year 1800, the value of goods exported from the district of NeAV-York was $13,978,123 ; in 1853, the value was 93,828,526, ex- hibiting an increase of 671 per cent. From 1821 to 1853, the value of goods imported into the district had arisen from $26,020,012 to $195,962,401— being an increase of 753 per cent. The gross amount of duties collected in the district of New- York in the year 1800, Avas $3,611 588. In the 3^ear 1853, there were collected $12,4:10,594— showing an increase since the beginning of the centmy of 1174 per cent. And it is a significant fact, that the largest increase of revenue occurred under a falling tariff, and the development of the benign and liberalizing principle of free trade. 16 In the year 1846, the Independent Treasury was success- fully established. The receipts in the office of the Assistant Treasurer at New- York, from the sixteenth day of October, 1846, to the thirty-first of December, 1847, were $24,620,601, and the payments $23,639,691. During the year 1853, the Assistant Treasurer received $47,353,615, and paid out $47,306,869 — showing an increase of receipts and payments since 1846 of about 95 per cent. During that period, the whole amount of money received b}^ the Assistant Trea- surer was $233,577,235, and the whole amount paid out $231,395,190. In the 3'ear 1821. the whole amount of tonnage entered in the district of New- York was 171,963 tons. During the year 1853, there were 1,813,255 tons entered — showing an in- crease of tonnage in thirty-two years of 1054 per cent. On the first day of January, 1800, the whole amount of registered, enrolled and licensed tonnage in the district of New- York, was 155,859 tons. On the first day of January, 1854, there were 1,063,079 tons — showing an increase from 1800 to 1854 of 682 per cent. I will only add, that during the year end- ing on the thirtieth of June, 1853, tliere were built in this dis- trict, eighteen ships, five brigs, sixty-six schooners, ninety- seven sloops and canal boats, and fifty-eight steamers — in all, two hundred and forty-four vessels, witli an aggregate of 08,454 tons.* These figures tell their own story. We have seen the past and the present of our city. But who can adequately estimate the future, when the Isthmian and continental lines of communication shall connect us directly with our sister city on the Pacific — we, inviting and receiving the wealth and the abundance of eastern Europe — she, opening her " golden gate " to still more eastern Japan ? The rivalry * In tho Appendix will be found statistical tables giving more full details. 17 nevertheless shall be amiable ; the more intelligent our mer- chants become, the more fully will they appreciate their high position as well as their great responsibilities. And while on this subject, I take great pride and pleasure in referring to the fact, that one of the best — if it is not the very best — of the commercial magazines of the day in the world, Hunt's Merchants Magazinp], is edited and published — where it ought to be — in this city. And yet, though the material prosperity of New- York had been thus growing great, and her majestic future rising in certain view, she remained in some respects, for a long time, far behind Boston and Philadelphia. Learning, and science, and literature, it is true, were not neglected here. But, it is er[ually true, that these great interests were too little thought of among the body of those merchants who owed so much to the genial mother who had dealt with them so kindly. Still, there were not wanting those who looked out with hope for the coming time when the servants of commerce should be just to their own class, in elevating themselves and those who were to follow them to a con- dition which should be in every respect worthy of the city of their habitation. At length, the time came. About thirty -four years ago, in the autumn of 1820, a number of young men, chiefly clerks, who were boarding m a house in the central part of Pearl- street, formed themselves into a debating societ}^, for mutual improvement. They soon found the want of a proper sup- ply of books, and often discussed the means of obtaining them. At the suggestion of one of their number, Lucius Bull, they determined to attempt the establishment of a library ; and a few volumes were collected, generally dona tions by themselves. Other preliminary measures were in progress, when a notice appeared in the newspapers, calling a meeting of merchants' clerks, to consider and adopt steps to establish a library and reading-room for their own benefit. 3 18 The original notice (whicli is preserved in a frame in the library) bears the initial •' AV." It was written bj Wil- liam Wood, then temporarily residing in this city, and now, or lately, in Ontario county in this State. A meeting was accordingl}- held at the Tontine Coffee-House, at the north- west corner of Wall and Water streets, on the ninth of November, 1820, of which Churchill C. Cambreleng, then a prominent merchant of this city, was chairman. It was then resolved to form an association for the purpose of estab- lishing a librar}^ At a subsequent meeting, on the twenty- seventh of the same month, the association was organized by the adoption of a constitution and the election of officers. Sixty-four of our first merchants were at the same time made honorary members. The first Board of Officers of the Mercantile Library Association were : — Lucius Bull, President : George S. RoBBixs, Vice-President; Allen" Kobbixs, Secretary ; Ste- phen S. Steele, Treasurer ; Daniel Le Roy, Samuel L. Mitchell, Jr., William Wood, James E. Smith, John L. Gardiner, Alexander Main, Jeremiah II. Taylor, William Antiion, Allen C. Lee, Directors. The next step was to hire a room in the second story of No. 49 Fulton-street, and engage a Librarian. Committees were then appointed to wait upon the merchants and solicit money and books, and upon the clerks to invite them to be- come members. In most cases these committees were cour- teously received, and aid was liberally furnished. In a few instances only, the committees were met with refusals, and threats to discharge from employment such clerks as might exhibit inconvenicntlitcrary propensities while in the count- ing-room. The library, however, was opened on the twelfth of February, 1821, Avilh about seven liuiidrrd volumes of valuable books, chielly contributed by merchants. The first book presented to tlie association was Hume's History of Kngland, the gift of De Witt Clinton, then Governor of the 19 State. Among tlie most earnest of its early benefactors were John R. Hurd, Isaac Carow, John Pintard, Churchill C. Cambreleng, and William W. Woolsey, of this city. "When the library was opened, the number of members was one hundred and seventy-five. But it was soon found that their expenses rapidly increased, while new associates were added but slowly. A meeting was called, and the state of their affairs considered. It was resolved to raise among themselves enough to pay their debts ; and a suffi- cient sum was contributed, in amounts from six cents up- wards, to relieve embarrassment, and even purchase a few more books. The Chamber of Commerce was also appealed to — and not in vain. In February, 1823, a report was made to that body, setting forth the merits of the Mercantile Li- brary Association, commending it to the special regard of the Chamber, and recommending an appropriation of $250 in aid of its objects. This was granted; and a standing com- mittee was ordered to be annually appointed to visit and report on the condition of the association. In the same year proper measures were taken to incorporate " The Mer- cantile Library Association,'''' under the general law of 1796. With increase of means, members and books, it was found necessary to provide more ample accommodations. A room was accordingly procured in the house of the Brothers Harper, in Cliff-street, whither the library was removed in 1826. It contained at that time 2,200 volumes, and the number of its members was 438. A system of lectures was also adopted about the same period ; and its adoption was the fol-erunner of rapidly in- creasing prosperity. The association had now so completely fulfilled the hopes and expectations of its friends, that it was determined to place it at once on a basis worthy of the dignity of its object and the importance of the metropolis. A meeting of prominent merchants was accordingly held at the library, on the twenty-second of February, 1828, at which 20 it was agreed to raise sufficient f Linds to erect a building for its accommodation. Between thirty and forty thousand dollars were subscribed, and an edihce was soon commenced on the ground at the corner of Beekman and Nassau streets, which, at the suggestion of Mr. Philip Hone, was named Clixtox Hall, in memory and in honor of the illustrious statesman who had died the week before, on the eleventh of February, 1828. The subscribers of this money having formed themselves into a society, obtained an act of the Legislature, on the twen- ty-third of February, 1830, incorporating them by the name of " The Clinton Hall Association in the City of New-York^''' for the cultivation and promotion of literature, science, and the arts. Of this corporation, William W. Woolsey, Philip Hone, Arthur Tappan, John Haggerty, Francis Olmstead, John W. Leavitt and John A. Stevens, were declared to be the lirst Trustees. On the 2d of November following, articles of agreement were signed between the Clinton Hall Associa- tion and the Mercantile Library Association, by which it was covenanted that the library should occujjy, Iree of rent, two rooms and other accommodations in Clinton Hall ; and, like- wise, that the whole surplus income of the library should be annually invested in books, the use of which should be equal- 1}' free to the stockholders and members of both associations. Under this liberal agreement, the Mercantile Library As- sociation, the same evening, entered into j)ossession of its commodious apartments in Clinton Hall. Tlic number of its members at that time was 1,200, and its library contained about 6,000 volumes. The same year the corporation of Columbia College made provision for tlie gi'atuitous educa- tion of two scholars, to Ije named by the Association. This was followed, in 1845, by equal liberality on the part of the New- York University. It is very gratifying to know that several of the scholars uj'jon these foundations have gradu- ated with high distinction. 21 Classes were also established by the Association, in the year 1838, for the study of chemistry, drawing, penmanship, and the French, German and Spanish languages. Under the supervision of able professors, these classes, and others of a kindred character, which were subsequently added, have been eminently beneficial. A museum and a cabinet were also founded, chiefly by the exertions of Henr}^ P. Marshall, who deserves to be espe- cially mentioned as one of the most earnest and useful mem- bers of the Association. A galaxy of equally worthy names might readily be exhibited here. But we are constrained to pass them by, with the single remark, that an appropriate monument in the librar}^, erected by the Association, marks the gTateful regard in which the memory of John W. Steb- BINS is held by those in whose service he labored so earn- estly and so well. Twenty years make great changes in the city of New- York. In 1830, the neighborhood of the Park was thought to be the best site for Clinton Hall. But, in 1850, it was found that the city had "gone up town," and Clinton Hall, which had become inadequate to its purposes, must follow. So, after much deliberation, it was determined to procure a new building, which should be convenient, accessible, and well adapted to the growing wants of the association. The charter of the Clinton Hall Association was accordingly amended by the Legislature, on the third of March, 1853, and the spacious edifice, recently known as the Astor Place Opera House, was purchased. The old building in Beekman- street was sold for $100,000 ; and a new subscription of stock was made, to the amount of $60,000, which the Trus- tees confidently expect to increase to $100,000. This sum will amply cover every necessary expense, and, in the end, form a large endowment for the increase of the library. Eminent architectural skill has rendered the new Clinton Hall one of the most elegant and commodious buildings for 22 its purposes in the country. Ttie basement contains a led ture-room, easy of access, well ventilated, and capable of seating 1,100 persons. On tbe second floor is the reading- room, sixty feet wide, and ninety feet long. Above this, oc- cupying the third and fourth stories, is the librar}' — an ellip- tical room, surrounded by Corinthian columns, and sur- mounted by a dome. It is admirably arranged, and capable of accommodating 120,000 volumes. The remainder of the building is devoted to class-rooms, committee-rooms, and other apartments connected with the service of the Associa- tion, or to be rented in aid of its revenue. Happy omens attend this day. The Mercantile Library Association enters its new Clinton Hall with Herculean vigor. It has -1,483 members ; its annual income is $9,165. It has 40,386 books in its library ; and the annual circulation of volumes among its readers is 130,000. Since 1834, the progress of the Mercantile Library Asso- ciation has been satisfactorily exhibited in its several an- nual reports, the thirteenth of which was first published in that year. The steady increase in the number of members — the faithfal application of funds to judicious purchases of books — the regularly enlarged opportunities for class in- struction — the system of lectures, maintained for twenty-six years without interruption — the growing dignity of the In- stitution, which these records set forth — give gratifying evi- dences of the past, and the fairest hopes of the future. A new era is now dawning upon the Association. Its new home is happily placed. Looking around, one sees from its doors the noble repositories which learning, and science, and philanthropy, andrehgious faitli, have prepared, to garner up their treasures, and benefit mankind. Hard by is the AsTOR Library, which a New-York mercliant, recog- nizing the debt he owed the city where lie had prospered almost without a parallel, bequeathed a part of his vast abun- dance to endow, for the free use of all. And as near at hand, 23 is the rising mouument wliicli another of our own most es- teemed citizens, Peter Cooper, in his own lifetime prefers to dedicate to the beneficent purposes which his active bene- volence conceived. These, and other kindred institutions, which cluster around, will soon render New- York the "Athens of America," as she is now confessed to be its metropolis. Your own noble Association — suggested, and founded, and fostered by the clerks and merchants of New- York, to assist in moulding and enlarging the characters of those who are chiefly en- trusted with the duty of sustaining the honor and maintain- ing the pre-eminence of their city— is to contribute, in no inconsiderable degree, to this result. This vast assembly, honored as it is by the presence, and cheered by the sympa- thy, of the Governor of our State, is an earnest that the pledge which tlie representatives of our commercial classes have solemnly given, shall be faithfully and characteristically fulfilled. To this institution, then — more, perhaps, than to any other in our land — ^may we look for the creation of a large, gene- ral, and growing librarj^, commensurate with the necessities and the progress of our metropolis. How can it fail of a splendid success, when the merchants and the clerks of New- York endow it, and bid it go on ? Already it can count forty thousand volumes, accumulated almost entirely by youths yet in the counting-room, and selected with a judg- ment which does them the highest credit. Few but those who have had specific experience can estimate the difficulty of executing the delicate task of selection. A glance at the catalogue of the Mercantile Library Avill abundantly show how Avell this duty has been done by the young servants of commerce in New- York. It may, indeed, be called well- nigh a literary tvonder. ■■ And, doubtless, under the impulse given by its " hegira" to that commodious edifice which we have met to inaugu- 24 rate, fhe Mercantile Library Association in tlie city of New- York Avill be made more practically useful than heretofore. With the past to teach them, its managers will be but the heralds of " manifest destiny," Soon may we hope to see a faculty of professors regularly maintained, by whom the lec- ture and the class departments shall be welded into a Com- mercial UiSriVERSiTY, worthy of the dignit}'- of its objects, worthy of its founders and its supporters, and worthy of their imperial home. But the limits which have been assigned to me have been overpassed, and I must stop, I end as I began. Two cen- turies ago, the prophecy came far across the sea, from Father- land — " When the ships of New Netherland ride on every 'part of the ocean ^ then numbers^ now looking to that coast loitli eager eyes^ luill he allured to emharhfor your island.'''' Merchants and clerks of ISTew-York — ^you have seen that prophecy fulfilled ! Here, upon your own rocky island — where Dutch sagacity, liberality, integrity and perseverance laid the foundations — Saxon and Celt, German and French- man, Northerner and Southerner — men of all races, and tono"ues, and climes — types of our Union's blended masses — have worked together to build up " the golden throne of commerce." Eemembcr the teachings of your history ! In your hands is left a mighty trust. Be ye faithful stewards. ADDRESS HIS EXCELLENCY, GOV. HORATIO SEYMOUR Mr. Chairman : — I deemed it an ofiicial duty to accept an invitation to be present on tliis occasion, to manifest mj admiration of the liberality of tlie merchants of New-York towards this insti- tution, and my respect for its numerous members, who have associated themselves together for the purposes of self-im- provement. I have had placed in my hands the Constitution of this As- sociation, which states its objects to be "to facilitate mutual intercourse, extend information on subjects of mercantile and general utility, promote a spirit of useful inquiry, and qualify ourselves to discharge properl}^ the duties of our profession and the social offices of life." I know of no object that can more commend itself to our sympathy and approval than the efforts of young men who are about to enter upon the grave duties of life, to store their minds with useful knowledge, not only for the purpose of rendering themselves successful in their honorable pursuits, but to make themselves educated and respected citizens. They do not intend to sink them- selves into subordination to their business afiairs, but to ren- der these subservient to their advancement as men. If this institution is to Ije regarded only with reference to its indi- vidual members, it would deserve all the sympathy and sup- port which it now receives in this intelligent and enterpris- ing community. But I desire to consider it, on this occa- 26 sion, in anotlier light — not merely of individual or local, but of State and national interest. In order to estimate its im- portance to our wliole country — to its commerce, to its pros- perity, and to its affairs — it is necessary to regard the rela- tionship which this great city bears to the rest of our com- mon country. But, before I proceed upon that topic, let me for a moment advert to one of its objects — ^to facilitate mu- tual intercourse among its members — by which I understand it is their design to promote that honorable pride of their profession which will induce them to elevate it to its best estate — to render it subservient, not only to their individual interests, but also to the honor and welfare of this great com- mercial metropolis. This community has heretofore evinced a want of pride in its numerous institutions, and of that local attachment which has characterized some of its commercial rivals. The gen- tleman who has preceded mc has clearly and succinctly nar- rated some of the striking events of its past history. He might have added many more of an equally honorable cha- racter. And permit me here to sa}', that this public is under very great obligations to that gentleman for the ability which he has displayed in laying before them the early history of New- York. Far be it from me to advocate a spirit of local or sectional prejudice ; but I honor that feeling which re- verences the memory of their forefathers, displayed by the sons of New England, when, in erecting 'this edifice for the worship of our God, they designated it " The Church of the Puritans," to perpetuate the. memory of those who established, upon the shores of Plymouth Bay, institutions founded upon principles of civil and religious liberty. The citizens of this great State, I trust, will also hereafter properly estimate the virtues of those Dutch ancestors who first established here the beat principles of civil and religious liberty, and who poured out freely their blood and treasure in assertion of those great principles which our government is designed to perpetuate. 27 As I stated before, in order that we should appreciate the importance of this Association, it is necessary that we should dwell for a moment upon the present and prospective com- merce of this city. Commencing where the beacon-lights upon Long Island welcome the commerce of the world into your harbor, we must pass up the noble Hudson, which was appropriately named by its first discoverers the " River of the Mountains," and contemplate that great physical phenomenon presented by its passage through the mountain chain, and note, where every analogy of nature would teach us to ex- pect its current to be broken by rocky barriers, the deep and sullen flow of the ocean tide, bearing the commerce of this city through the mountain barrier, which elsewhere, through the length of our country, interposes formidable obstructions between the fertile valleys of the West, and the Atlantic coast and maritime worlds. Pass up the fertile Valley of the Mohawk, and traverse the plains of Western New-York, to where you find Niagara thundering on our western limits. Enterprise and skill have created methods by which this ob- stacle has been overcome. A portion of its torrent has been diverted into artificial channels, and made subservient to the use of man. At this point, which would seem to be nature's own stronghold, where she had most firmly entrenched her- self, you will find the deep and awful chasm has been spanned by an almost gossamer bridge, while the iron track of the railroad traverses the face of its rocky cliffs, and the loco- motive shrieks defiance to the roar of the cataract. We must then pass over our vast inland lakes, and traverse the extended plains of the West, till we reach the Mississippi, with its numerous tributaries, whose united length would span the Avorld, before we can form an adequate idea of the sources of the commerce of our country. While our State has the advantage of an easy and natu- ral communication between the Atlantic Ocean and the Val- ley of the Mississippi, and while the channel that nature has 28 made for tlie path of commerce between the bay of New- York and that great river, is so free from obstructions, that, at certain seasons of the year, even without the aid of artifi- cial navigation, they are linked together by a continuous connection of river, lake and flood — ^yet, in striking contrast with this, it is also true, that the harbors upon which most of the great commercial cities of our country are situated, are supplied with waters which flow from our territory. I have glanced briefly at some of the commercial advan- tages which this city enjoys, to show that its harbor is not to be regarded merel}'' as the mouth of the Hudson, but as the point where the productions of vast regions of our coun- try are to be exchanged for those of other climes. The in- habitants of our own State, and of the fertile valleys of the West, must in a few years entrust the products of their labor and their skill to the care of those who now constitute the members of this Association. Their intelligence and fidelity will be considerations of national importance. The extent to which the productions of our soil will be sent into the dif- ferent markets of the world, will depend, in a great degree, upon their skill and enterprise as merchants. The profes- sion in which they are about to engage has been regarded as one of great dignity and interest in all periods of the world's history. Heathen mythology exalted the early navigators to the ranks of heroes and demigods. Commerce furnishes many of the most striking figures in the history of the Old Testament, and for the sublime verse of Milton. But at no period since the wisest and Avcalthiest monarch sent ships to the isles of the sea to bring back myrrh, and gems, and gold, has commerce exerted a greater influence than at present upon the condition of the world and the progress of events. At this time the mightiest nations of Europe are exerting all their energies to send out disciplined armies and naval forces to maintain what they deem to be their national rights and liberties; and yet these mighty efforts will fall far 29 short of the influences which tlie merchants of this city are exerting in the ordinary course of their pursuits, in bringing annually to this port three hundred thousand persons who are seeking the protection of our laws, the advantages of our institutions, and the benefits of our fertile and productive soil. Whatever may be the result of the present European war, it will fall far short of the influences which immigra- tion to this country will exert upon the relative strength and power of nations. While the ranks of European armies will merely serve to whiten with their bleached bones some bat- tle-field, those whom commerce brings to our shores will build up flourishing cities and States, and constitute an en- during source of national wealth and greatness. I have glanced briefly and imperfectly upon the great re- sponsibilities soon to^devolve upon the members of this Asso- ciation. If they shall possess the requisite intelligence, liber- ality and enterprise, they may render this city not only the emporium of our own land, but it may be hereafter said of her, as of commercial Venice — " Herjdaugbtcrs had their dowers From spoils of nations, and the exhausted East Pour'd in her lap all gems in sparkling showers ; In purple was she robed, and of her feast Monarchs partook, and deemed their dignity increased." APPENDIX. REPOET BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CLINTON HALL ASSOCIATION. The trustees of the Clinton Halt Associatiou, at this important epoch in its history, desire to present to the Stockholders, in a brief forin, a review of its past financial course, and a statement of its position at this period. The organization of this Association, you are aware, sprung from a desire, on ihe part of the merchants of oar city, to countenance and aid the efforts of their clerks, in the creation and permanent establishment of a library and reading-room for their own use. This Association, in fur- therance of this object, assumed the duty of providing tiiem with premises adapted to their purpose, free of charge. In the year 1828 their stock was issued, and taken to the extent of thirty-two thousand dollars ; and the lot at the corner of Beekman and Nassau streets was purchased, and the Ijuilding erected thereon, hitherto known as Clinton Hall, at a total cost of fifty-three thousand dollars. Such apartments as were required by the Mercantile Library Association, were appropriated to them ; and from the rental acquired from the remainder of tlie building, the debt incurred, which existed in a mortgage upon the property, of twenty-one thousand dollars, was gradually liquidated — the last payment thtTCon having been made in the year ISa'i. Finding ourselves, at this jioint, pressed by a necessity for enlarged accommodations, it was determined by your Board to disjjose of this property, and seek a new location, wherein the requisite room could be had to meet the rapid growth of the lii)rary. 'J'he search for such aplace resulted in the jjurchase of the Italian Opera House, -Astor Place, at a cost of one hundred and forty thousand dollars, in the month of January, 1853, which was arranged by a payment of forty thousand dollars in cash, with a mortgage ol' one hundred thousand dol- lars. 'J'he property in Jieekman-street was at this time sold by your Trustees, for one hundred thousand d(jilars, tf) tin; Nassau Bank. The new building, upon careful examination, was found to be substan- tial, and susceptible of alteration, to suit our jiurposes entirely. Your Board, therefore, in tiie (|uestion of its demolition and the erection of a wholly new slructurt;, or the alteration of the interior, and the improvc- mcnt of its exterior, dt'cidcMJ, from motives of (economy, upon the latter course. The cost of the alterations, with the entire furniture of the build- 31 ing, has amounted to one hundred and six thousand dollars. To meet this large expenditure, beyond the means of the Association, it was determined to issue new stock, and to i-olicit its acceptance at the hands of our mer- chants, in the confident expectation that we should thus be promptly placed in a position of financial ea^e. Tlius far, the amount subscribed is fifty-seven thousand dollars, leaving, at this point, a deficiency of cightj-- eight thousand dollars, which your Board confidently hope will be much further reduced by the continued sale of stock. The income from rents thus far arranged, is six thousand dollars ; though the estimate to be at present formed, is, that when all the apartments at our disposal shall be tenanted, a total annual receipt of ton thousand dollars may be safely counted upon. Your Trustees would, in conclusion, ask your especial attention to the fact, that the aim of this Association is no other than to fulfill, at the earliest possible period, the requirement of its charter, which necessitates the application of the entire income of the property held by us, to the purchase of books, scientific apparatus, etc., to be placed in the building for the use and l^enefit of the members of the Mercantile Library, as soon as your property is free from debt. The conveyance of the 'perpetual enjoyment of all the literary privileges of the Library, to which the possession of a phare of one hundred dollar.* entitles the holder, without annual charge, (Ihe fame being transferable.) renders your stock of high value to those who properly appreciate such advantages ; and as in the issue of their shares the only means of hasten- ing the auspicious moment above referred to. is found, your Trustees would, in closing their Report, respectfully solicit the support of your in- fluence, and, asfar as practicable, your active co-operation, in the increase of the number of our subscribers. Respectfully submitted, CHAS. E. MILNOR, Secuetaky. June 8th, 1854. REPORT DIRECTORS OF THE MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. Mr. Chairman : — I beg leave to submit, on behalf of the Board of Direction of the Mercantile Library Association, a brief statement of the condition and affairs of the library at the present moment. The total amount of mem- bers entitled to the use of the library upon the 1st of June last, was 5,408, as follows : — Annual members 4-,412 Honorary members 103 Life members t) Subscribers to the stock of old Clinton Hall 283 " of new Clinton Hall 600 Total ..5,408 Of that number, a little exceeding one-half are composed of those for whose Ijenefit the institution was more especially founded — the merchants' clerks. The removal of the library to a more convenient location, it is supposed, will lead to a great increase of membership from the up-town residents of that class. Among the members of the Association there are also a number of fe- male subscribers. Our rooms in the old building were little calculated, during the last few years, to attract an acquisition of female subscribers ; nevertheless, we have succeeded, under disa(lvanlag(;s, in retaining a few ; but now, with our choice collection of literature deposited in rooms of the most commodious and inviting nature, our location in the quiet midst of domestic residences, and our rules and regulations of such a nature as to protect the most modest instincts, we have every confidence in our ability to cause a large and valuable augmentation of our membership from that source. The whole number of volumes placed in the library since its foundation in 1820, is 4y,823, a large luuuber of which have been donated; 8,701 volumes hav(! been erased from the catalogues, as lost, worn out. &c.; making the actual number of volumes now on the shelves, 41,122. For the same period, (thirty-four years,) there has been c.vpended for books $72,381 79. The annual circulation of books is estimated at 120,000 volumes. The Association also possesses a fine collectiDii of geographical works, maps, marine charts, globes, A'c; a large cabinet of specimens in geology, mineralogy, coins, curiosities, with a uuml^er of valuable j)ainlings, and other works of art, mostly reaching us through the generosity of the public. 33 The reading room is farnisiied with two Imndrod and fourteen periodicals, magazines, newspapers, &c., representing all the principal cities of the United States, Great Hritain, and the European continent. Of these two hundred and fourteen publications — AMERICAN. BRITISH. FRENCH. GERMAN. 37 are daily journals 31 2 3 1 47 weeklies 26 12 4 5 84 monthlies 39 37 5 3 46 quarterlies 22 22—2 Making in all 118 73 12 11 Classes are formed during each winter, under the instruction of expe- rienced teachers, of high character, in the languages and other branches of a useful and ornamental nature. Classes w^re arranged during the past winter, in the French, Spanish, German, and Italian languages, and in book-keeping, penmanship, elocu- tion, phonography and vocal music. Arrangements are also made, by which members can, throughout the year, avail themselves of Disbrow's riding school, Ottignon's Gymnasium, and the principal salt water baths, at but a slight expense. The class system originated in the board of 1838, and has been in active operation since. The whole number of pupils taught in the principal branches, np to the present time, was, in French, 825 ; Spanish, 253 ; German, 131 ; book- keeping, 195; penmanship, 138; elocution, 91. The lectures of this Association have" been, for the last few years, of growing importance and benefit. The unprecedented success attendant upon the lectures of Mr. Thackeray, has nerved the board to the utility of procuring the highest talent, even at what might be deemed by some an extravagant cost. The present Board of Direction are exerting them- selves to sustain the high character which this branch of instruction and entertainment has obtained, and are now in treaty with some of the most distinguished native talent, as well as in daily expectation of an accept- ance of an offer made to one of England's most popular and learned men. Among the most valuable donations ever made to this institution, we estimate the four free scholarships now in our possession, two of which were donated by Columbia College in 1830, and two by the University of this city, in 1848. These benefices are constantly filled from the ranks of the members, thereby bestowing the invaluable privilege of a liberal edu- cation without expense to the incumbent. Our institution will long have cause to cherish the memory of Miss Elizabeth Demilt, for the liberality and kind-heartedness which prompted the bequest of .'jrSjOOO, which we i-eceived during 1849. This is the only donation of muney that the Association has received since 1826 ; it is se- curely invested in a bond and mortgage at seven per cent, the interest of which is applied to the purchase of historical and illustrated work's, which collection ;s endorsed and known in the library as " Demilt Fund " books, and consists of seventy-seven volumes, bound uniform in full Russia binding. Our institution is frequently indebted to the prominent men of our coun- try for valuable contributions of books and public documents, and often to the b3nevolent attention of private individuals for the gift of rare works, &c., which could not otherwise be ol)tained without great difficulty. Among the most valuable of the present year's donations is Canina's cele- brated work on Homan, Grecian, and Egyptian architecture, bestowed on 5 84 us through the muuificence of C. M. Parker, Esq., of this city, and an ele.i^ant portrait of Lucius Bull, Esq., first President of the Mercantile Library Association, presented by our predecessors, the Board of 185o. Repeated solicitations from prominent members of the Library, and the conviction of the iioard of Direction, that some measure should be adopted to preserve among us after our removal, such members as, on account of a residence in the lower part of the city, or in the adjacent cities, would find it inconvenient to procure or return their books at Astor Place, induced the Board, on the eve of the removal, to establish an office in the lower and business portion of the city. Various plans were considered by the committee to whom the subject was referred, such as connecting it with a down-town reading room, or with a geographical and commercial room for reference to the mercantile community ; but the idea of establishing it un- connected with any other purpose, seeming, under every consideration the best, it was finally so arranged. An office was procured at No. 2 Nassau street, opposite the Custom House, and opened for the delivery and recep- tion of books, on Wednesday, May 17, 1854. The experiment (for such we must call it) offers evidence, thus far, of its success and consequent permanency. Although the withdrawals on account of the removal of the library have been small comparatively with the predictions of the oppo- nents of the removal, yet we are desirous and sanguine of reclaiming, through the aid of this down-town agency, many, if not all, of those who have withdrawn for that cause. I have thus, with great brevity, shown, as much for the information of the public as for the satisfaction of members present, the most important features of the Association as they exist at the present time, as well as the method by which we aim to advance the interests of the institution, and to carry out the spirit of the constitution, which represents the pur- poses of the Association to be the facilitating of mutual intercourse, the extension of informati(jn upon mercantile and other subjects of general utility, the promotion of a spirit of useful inquiry, and the qualification of ourselves to discharge properly the duties of our profession and the social offices of life. Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM H. GILDER, Secretary. JcNB 8th, 1854. ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT BETWEEX THK CLINTON HALL ASSOCIATION OF THE CITY OF NEW-YORK, AND THE MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF NEW-YORK. This agreement between the " Clinton Hall Association of the City of New- York," of the first piwt, and the " Mercantile Library Association of the City of New-York," of the second part, Witnesseth, That irhcrcas the Clinton Hall Association, in view of their original jolan and articles of subscription, for the better attainment of the objects for which said Association was established, have sold the building called Clinton Hall, at the southw( st corner of Nassau and Beekman streets, and have purchased the premises known as the Opera House, situated at the intersection of Astor-place and Eighth-street, and are altering, arranging, and fitting- up the same, accoi'ding to their plans now adopted ; — they do herel^y stipulate and agree with the Mercantile Library Association as follows : 1. That the party of the second part may occupy, free of rent, two rooms in said building, designated on said plans as the Library and Read- . ing Room, for those purposes ; also, four apartments to b^ set apart here- after, by the party of the first part, for class-rooms (if required) and other purposes, in accordance with the objects of the Mercantile Library Asso- ciation ; and may also use the lecture-hall for the general meetings of the association, and for lectures to be delivered to its memljers, as often as twice in each week ; which privileges shall be enjoyed under such terms and conditions as are hereinafter expressed, and for as long a time as they are fulfilled to the satisfaction of the party of the first part. Additional room for the library and reading-room, and additional nights for the use of the lecture-hall, shall be set apart, if necessary, upon the same con- ditions. 2. Xliiit when the cost of altering, arranging, and fitting up said pre- mises, at the intersection of Astor-place and Eighth-street, and the cost of the site, with the accruing interest, shall have been paid, either by new subscriptions, by the rents of the building, or from any other source, the surplus funds arising from rents shall be laid out in such books, cabinets, or scientific apparatus, as the party of the first part may deem proper ; the said party reserving to itself the right to make earlier appropriations for these purposes. All such books, cabinets, or apparatus, shall con- tinue to belong to the party of the first part, and shall be deposited in the building, and be used by the members of the Clinton Hall and Mercantile Library Associations, under such regulations as may be made by the party of the first part for that purpose. 36 And the party of the second part doth hereby stipulate and agre?, with the party of the first part, as follows : 1. That its Library shall be deposited in the room or rooms of said building" appropriated to receive it ; that the room or rooms set apart as reading- rooms shall be used by its members for 1hat purpose, and that the lecture-hall shall be used for the general meetings of the Association and for the lectures which are delivered to its members. 2. That during the continuance of this agreement it will pay the taxes on said building, if any are imposed ; and will, at its own cost, keep the rooms it occupies in full and complete rej air, and defray such proportion of the expenses of lighting and warming the house as may be fair and equitable. 3. That the whole income of the party of the second part, after defray- ing the necessary charges of the establishment, (not including the expense of lectures,) shall be annually invested in books, which shall be deposited in the Library with its other books ; and the shareholders of the Clinton Hall Association shall have access to the Library free of charge, under the same regulations as the members of the Mercantile Library Associa- tion are subjected to, without giving to such shareholders a right to vote in the elections of that Association. 4. That in ca?e the trustees of the Clinton Hall Association shall be of opinion that the parly of the second part s^'all convert the rooms it occu- pies in the said building to any purpose not intended by the i:»arty of the first part, or that the character of the Mercantile Library Asscciation shall have become so changed that its u-eiulness shall have ceased, or that it shall have deposited immoral or irreligious books in itslibiary, and not removed them within twenty days after being advised to do so by the Trustees of the Clinlon Hall Association, or that they shall have wilfully neglected or violated any of the stipulations contained in this agreement — then the said Trustees may call a meeting of the shareholders of the Clin- ton Hall Association and the Directors of the Mercantile Library Associa- tion, and lay before the meeting the facts to show that cither of those conlingencits has occurred ; and the shareholders of the Clinton Hall Association, after a full cons^ideratiou, may determine to resume the use and occupation of the rooms so appropriated, and the Ijooks, cabinets, and appaiatus purchased by the party of the first part ; and such deterniina- tion shall be final and conclusive on the party of the second ])art, who shall thereupon surrender and give up the premises and the said books, cabinets, and apparatus to the party of the first ))art, and shall remove from sad builiinig after thirty days' notice of such ddermii.alion. 5. Thut the shareholders of the Clinton Hall Association may attend the course of lectuies which may be delivered to the Mercantile Library Association, on the same terms as are enjoyed by its members. Id witi ess whereof, tlie said jiartics have n.'sjiectively caused their cor- porate seals to be hereunto afii.xed, and these presents to be signed by their respective Presidents, the third day of A'ovembcr, one thousand eight liundred and tifty-three. TJnO CLINTON HALL ASSOCIATION, By Wilson G. Hint, Presidcnl. [i,. s.] THE MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION OF THE CITY OF NEW- YORK, By WiiXARD L. Fki.t, rresnlcuf. [i,. s.] STATISTICAL TABLES PREPARED BT MR. BRODIIEAD, IX CONNECTION WITH HIS ADDRESS. STATEMENT OF THE POPULATION OF THE CITY OF NEW-YORK, AT VARIOUS PERIODS. 1C56, 1,000 1664, 1,500 1673, 2,500 1696, 4,302 1731, 8,628 1756, 10,381 1773, 21,876 1786, 23,614 1790, 33,131 1800, 60,489 1810, 96,373 1820, 123,706 1825, 166,089 1830, 202,589 1835, 270.086 1840, 312,852 1845, 371,223 1850, 515,394 B VALUE OF GOODS EXPORTED, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC, FROM THE DISTRICT OF NEW-YORK, FOR THE YEARS 1800, $13,978,123 00 1825, 34,032,279 00 1847, 53,072,163 00 1850, 60,744,946 00 1851, 87,966,488 00 1852, 72,076,435 00 1853, 93,828,526 00 Increase from 1800 to 1853, 671 2-10 per cent. 38 VALUE OF GOODS IMPORTED INTO THE DISTRICT OF NEW-TORK, FOR THE YEARS 1821, $26,020,012 00 1830, 37,291,727 00 1841, 75,208,015 00 1851, 139,607,540 00 1853, 195,962,404 00 Increase from 1821 to 1853, 753 1-10 per cent. D AMOUNT OF DUTIES COLLECTED ON GOODS IMPORTED INTO THE DISTRICT OF NEW-YORK, FOR THE YEARS 1800, $3,611,588 15 1810, 5,223,696 45 1820, 5,487,974 60 1830, 15,012,553 29 1840, 7,557,441 36 1850, 27,820,058 11 1851, 30,554,064 90 1852, 30,697,825 50 1853, 42,410,594 57 - Increase from 1800 to 1853, 1174 3-10 per cent. E STATEMENT OF THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS AT THE OFFICE OF THE ASSIST- ANT TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES, AT NEW-YORK, FROM OCTOBER 16, 1846, TO DECEMBER 31, 1853. PERIOD. RECEIPTS. PAYMENTS. From Oct. 16, '46, to Dec 31, '47, 14 mos, 17 days, $24,620,601 73 $23,639,691 25 For year ending Dec. 31 .1848, 27,252,001 08 26,428,355 37 " " " 1849. :54,(i52,002 04 33,411,421 16 " " " 1850, 29.949,060 31 26,932,559 00 II II II 1851, 34,530,685 14 34,920,866 91 II II II 1852, 35,818,269 52 38,755,427 55 II II ■. 1853, 47,354,615 74 47,306,869 37 $233,577,235 56 $231,395,190 61 Increase, about 95 per cent. ; and, if brought down to the present time it wonld be 1 00 per cent. 30 F ABSTRACT OF TONNAGE ENTERED IN THE DISTRICT OF NEW-YORK, IN THE FOLLOWING YEARS. YEAR. U. S. TONNAGE. FOREIGN TON'gE. TOTAL. 1821, 1831, 1841, 155,723 16,240 ' 171,963 274,23714 62,772 1 337,009i< 423,952 '4 125,0731^ 549.0253^ 1851, 1,144,485' 479,5671^ 1,321,674)4 491,5803X 1,624,0521^ 1,813,255 1853, 3,320,0713^' 1,175,2331^ 4,495,3051^ Rate of increase of U. S. tonnage from 1821 to 1853, inclusive, 848% pei" cent. " " foreign tonnage, 3,027 " " " total tonnage, 1,054)^ " AMOUNT OF TONNAGE REGISTERED, ENROLLED AND LICENSED WITHIN THE DISTRICT AND PORT OP NEW-YORK, OUTSTANDING ON TONNAGE. January 1st, 1800, 155,859 85-95 " 1810, 218,894 52-95 " 1820, 292,406 58-95 " 1830 315,613 40-95 " 1840, 409,649 73-95 " 1850, 720,303 35-95 " 1854, 1,063,079 58-95 Increase from 1800 to 1854, 682 per cent. 40 H STATEMENT OF NAME, SIZE, AND DATE OF REGISTER OF THE LARGEST VESSEL BUILT AT NEW-YORK IN EACH YEAR SINCE 1808. 1 1 DATE OP YEAR. NAME. CLASS. TONNAGE. REG'':TER. 1808 Manhattan. Ship. 666.78 Jan. 28th. 1809 Hercules, " 554.03 June 22d. 1810 General Gates. « 576.42 Sept. 7th. 1811 Hannibal. u 522.93 Feb. 15th. 1812 Ontario. " 527.73 Auir. 12th. 1813 Bra^anza. (1 469.82 April 10th. 1814 Vixen. Schooner. 230.71 Nov. 7th. 1815 General Brown. Ship. 899 20 Oct. 18th. 1816 William and John. (1 371.48 June 1st. 1817 James Munroe. 424.41 July 12th. 1818 Jiegulus. 1 877.17 Aug. loth. 1819 China. 1 533.24 Jan. 30th. 1820 Robert Fulton, Steamer. 702.39 Nov. 3d. 1821 James Cropper. i Ship. 495.43 June 4th. 1822 Superior. " 575.56 Aug 3d. 1823 Splendid. 642.48 Dec. 19th. 1824 Pacific. 586.86 Feb. 10th. 1825 Washington. 741.60 April 19th. 1826 j Hope. 1 Labrador. 1,778.51 April Pith. 1,765.07 April 13th. 1827 John Jay. 502,85 Oct. 22d. l«2a Caledonia, 647.61 June 14th. 1829 De llham. 492.03 Sept. 19 th. 1830 Hibernia. 551.04 June 11th. 1831 United States, 984.74 June 1st. 1832 Constitution. 626.85 Dec. 28tli. 1833 Yazoo. 677.L'1 Oct. 25th. 1834 Independence. 732.70 Aug. 7th. 1835 Shakspcare. 747.49 Jan. 27th. 1836 Garrick. ! " 895.56 Oct. 29th. 1837 Sheridan. " 895.56 Jan. 28th. 1838 Roscius. " 1,030.85 Nov. 24th 1839 Patrick Henry. ; " 881.88 Nov. 6th. 1840 Russell Glover. 1 " 795.30 Sept. 24th 1841 Cornelia. " 1,064^89 May 4th. 1842 St. Nicholas. 797.44 Jan. 31st. 1843 Queen of the West, i 1,160.73 Sept. 15th 1844 Yorkshire. (1 996.81 Jan. 15th. 1845 Henry Clay. it 1,207.37 May (ith. 1846 Columbia. i< 1,050.75 April 30th. 1847 Constitution. " 1,327.22 Feb. 22d. 1848 Andrew Poster. " 1,286.91 IMarcli 28th. 1849 Washiiipton. \ " 1,655.42 Nov. 22d. 18.50 Isaac Webb. 11 1,359.74 March (Uh. 1851 Challenge. " 2,006.51 July nth. 1852 Tornado. •1 1,801.56 Fob. 17th. 1853 Calhoun. « 1,749.72 Aug. 9 th.