out of which sum there have been expended in various ways, for about one hundred tons of coal, eight hundred pairs of shoes, and for widows' pensions and special donations, and for funeral expenses, &c., &c., the sum of ten thousand dollars and twenty-four cents, leaving a balance deposited in Bank, of two thousand eighty-seven dollars and eighty-five cents. The whole amount of the Permanent Fund of the Department, with the exception of two hundred and fifty dollars in Bank Stock, is vested in bonds and mortgages on good productive real estate in this city, and bears interest at seven per cent. per annum. The Permanent Fund is now thirty-nine thousand two hundred and fifteen dollars and twenty-five cents, which is invested as follows, viz.: Loaned on bond and mortgage, thirty-eight thousand nine hundred and sixty-five dollars and twenty-five cents, and two hundred and fifty dollars in Manhattan Bank Stock. In the Permanent Fund are invested, for the benefit of the widow and orphans of David Raymer, six hundred and thirty-five dollars, for the widow and orphans of James S. Wells, one thousand dollars, and for the widow and orphans of George Kerr, two thousand dollars, which amounts have been subscribed by benevolent individuals, associations, and the Common Council of this city, for their exclusive benefit during their widowhood and minority of the children, but eventually reverts to the Permanent Fund of the Department. At present the Trustees pay to them the interest at the rate of seven per cent. per annum, which amounts deducted, leaves the actual Fund of the Department thirty-five thousand five hundred and eighty dollars and twenty-five cents. During the past year the Trustees have had the most urgent demands made upon them for assistance; the prevalence of that awful scourge which ravaged our city, increased the number of applications for relief, which induced heavy expenditures during the entire summer. The sick required attention the dead to be buried, and the widow and the orphan to be provided for. Yet the Trustees, although surrounded by the sick and the dying, gave their personal attention to the wants of the needy and the distressed, besides decently interring the remains of the unfortunate victims of the destroyer. The expenditures for the past year, therefore, have been very heavy, and no addition could be made to the Permanent Fund, the whole income of the Depart ment being required to meet its current expenses. The Trustees congratulate the Department upon the successful termination of the duties of the Committee appointed by the Representatives at their meeting in September, 1848, to apply to the Legislature for the passage of a law requiring the Foreign Insurance Companies, having agencies in this city, to pay a certain per centage of their profits to the Department to sustain its charity. The gentlemen composing that Committee proceeded to Albany during the last Session of the Legislature, and succeeded in securing the passage of the Law. It was a just and proper measure, and its establishment secures to the Department a sure and permanent revenue, which will most effectually aid the Trus tees in extending the usefulness of their Institution. The sick fireman, his widow and orphan children, will be the more surely provided for. By the provisions of the law the Insurance Companies upon whom the tax is levied, are required to deposit with the Treasurer of the Department satisfactory bonds for its faithful payment: this has been done in nearly every instance, the Companies having promptly complied with the requirements of the Statute. Another good law passed by the Legislature, is that constituting the Assistant Engineers a Board of Fire Wardens, to guard and protect the City against the erection of dangerous buildings. The adoption of this wise law, while it affords adequate protection to the lives of the members of the Fire Department when in the performance of their dangerous duties, at the same time gives more perfect security to our citizens in the protection of life and property. It has now been in force since the first of June last, and has thus far worked admirably, and promises the most excellent results. A measure so well calculated to inspire confidence had been long needed, and by taking the performance of the duty of Fire Wardens from the Star Police, and transferring it to those so closely con. nected with the Fire Department as the Assistant Engineers, affords a sufficient guaranty that the duty will be faithfully and rigidly discharged. The new Wardens have already accomplished a good deal-many unsafe buildings, in course of erection, have been checked, and the owners compelled to make them conform to the law; other parties persisting in the violation have been prosecuted;-gunpowder has been seized while being clandestinely brought into the city, and other equally dangerous practices, of which the Wardens have cognizance, have been prevented, and those engaged in such practices promptly reported to the Board of Trustees. The Trustees take occasion also to refer to the liberal expression of regard evinced to the Firemen of the city by their distinguished fellow-citizen, Myndert Van Schaick, Esq., in presenting to the Department two free scholarships in the New-York University. A more appropriate selection of an institution of learning for the students, or a more enlightened and liberal expression of regard, could not have been given; and the Trustees do not doubt that the students who are to enjoy the privilege secured to them, will not only reflect credit upon themselves, but upon the Department they will represent. The suit of Jeremiah B. Taylor has not been decided. At the Annual Meeting it will be necessary to elect three Trustees for three years each, and one Trus tee to serve during the unexpired term for which Mr. Dodge was elected. The Trustees whose terms expire are Messrs. John B. Peck, James Kelly, and Samuel Barstow. All of which is respectfully submitted. By order of the Board of Trustees. JAMES KELLY, Secretary. JOHN COGER, JR., President. |