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who will properly, and without prejudice, carefully examine the subject, the least possible objection to such as these; at least, so far as the health or comfort of its nearest neighbors may be concerned; but I believe there may be an improvement made, in some respects, in their construction, so that bodies may be preserved from decomposition a much greater length of time, and the moisture (or juices) of the bodies so completely absorbed by the peculiar properties of the limestone or marble, as to become perfectly dried and hard like an Egyptian Mummy." But far otherwise would be my views upon this subject, were this soil of clay, hard bottom, and naturally springy and wet, and had brick been used instead of limestone, as most vaults are in and about this city.

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Vaults constructed of brick, or used in any situation near the ground, we all know are very damp and wet, from their absorbing the moisture from the earth, and whatever is within their influence, will very soon moulder and decay; and bodies placed in a vault of this description most rapidly putrify and decompose; and without the peculiar absorbent properties of limestone or marble, the effluvia in those vaults is truly very great and deleterious. In the vaults we entered were bodies that had been deposited there from two days to as many weeks, months, and as many and more years. We opened several of the coffins in which the bodies were drying away, and to my astonishment I found no unpleasant effluvia to arise from any of them, it having been so completely absorbed by the limestone of the vault; and I have lived now going on the third year in the immediate vicinity, as near as any one; and truly I know of no objection that can justly or reasonably be urged against a Cemetery constructed as this is, and in a sandy soil. It certainly can have nothing to do with the health or comfort of any, however near its vicinity.

JOHN O. FAY, M. D.

STATEMENT

BY SUNDRY INHABITANTS.

We, the subscribers, owners or occupants of houses situated on Second and Third streets, the Second avenue and the Bowery, and backing in upon the New York Marble Cemetery, and in view of the spot contemplated to erect an addition to said Cemetery, hereby certify—

That the neat and handsome manner in which the grounds are laid out, together with the still, quiet, judicious and hand, some arrangement of the affairs of the Cemetery, render it more pleasant and useful to the health and comfort of our families, than to be occupied for almost any other purpose, and should, of choice, prefer it.

NATHANIEL I. WEEKS,
JOHN O. FAY, M. D.

HENRY H. DIXTMAN,

A. NOYES,

EDWARD MARTIN,

WM. SUMNER JOHNSON,

A. O. WILLCOX.

THOMAS MASON,

T. D. WILCOX.

New York, Sept. 4, 1838.

DOCUMENT NO. 16.

BOARD OF ALDERMEN,

SEPTEMBER 24, 1838.

The following report was presented by the Commissioners of School Money, which was ordered to be printed and placed on file.

THOMAS BOLTON, Clerk.

THE COMMISSIONERS OF SCHOOL MONEY FOR THE CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK,

In compliance with the requirements of the Law, would respecfully

REPORT:

That the balance in the Mechanics' Bank at the date of their last report, was eleven dollars and seventy-eight cents, which on the seventh of July last was transferred to the Bank of the State of New York. And on the first day of June last, there

was deposited to their credit, in the Bank of the State of New York, by the City Chamberlain, thirteen thousand six hundred and sixty-eight dollars and ninety-nine cents, as the quota of State School Monies.

And on the second day of June last, was deposited in the same bank, by the Corporation of the City of New York, thirteen thousand six hundred and sixty-eight dollars and ninety-nine cents, the equivalent to the state quota. Also, seventy-two thousand six hundred and fifty-one dollars, the amount raised by special tax, less five hundred dollars, retained to meet the expenses of the Commissioners.

Making a grand total for distribution of one hundred thousand dollars and seventy-six cents, which has been paid in conformity with the Ordinances of the Corporation, designating the various societies and schools entitled to participate in the distribution as follows:

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The Commissioners would beg leave to note to the Superintendent and Common Council, the great improvement of the scholars in the schools of the Public School Society, as well in their appearance as in their several studies.

And that the Trustees and Teachers deserve every commendation which au unremitting attention to their several duties should ensure them.

The appearance of the scholars in the New York Orphan Asylum, at Bloomingdale, is highly creditable to the arrangement of their new building.

The same praise may be extended to the Roman Catholic Orphan Asylum, whose building and conveniences have been materially and judiciously enlarged.

The Trustees and Teachers of the Half Orphan Asylum deserve great credit for the appearance of their infant institutution, which bids fair to rival in honorable competition its sister charities.

The Institution for the Blind evinces a progressive improvement of the pupils and care of the Teachers.

The Mechanics' School retains its high character in the ability of the Teachers, attention of the Trustees and advancement of the scholars.

The Harlaem School continues its improved character and the improvement of its scholars; but the Trustees complain of the want of necessary means, as the monies allotted to them, with their little fund in hand, is not sufficient to Teachers' salaries and the necessary incidental expenses.

The Trustees of the Manhattanville School, a most excellent establishment, complain also of want of means, having been obliged to discharge the Female Teacher, as they could not pay her salary. The Yorkville School, in a more populous neighborhood, is advancing in character as well as increasing in numbers.

The Hamilton School, though small in numbers, is very useful in its district, complains of deficiency of means.

In conclusion, the Board would respectfully renew their suggestion: Whether it would not be more in accordance with the usages and practice of the Corporation to require of each Society and School entitled to participate in the distribution, an annual estimate of the amount necessary for the support of their

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