VARIOUS ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, &c., PASSED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL RELATIVE то OR AFFECTING THE SAME Published by Order of the Common Council. BY THE CLERK OF THE BOARD OF COUNCILMEN. DOCUMENT No. 13. NEW YORK: EDMUND JONES & CO., PRINTERS TO BOARD OF COUNCILMEN, No. 26 JOHN STREET. PREFACE. In the compiling of this work, under the authority and by. the direction of the Common Council, the undersigned has taken extraordinary pains, and devoted much time and labor for the purpose of furnishing a text-book, in relation to all matters concerning the FERRIES AND RAILROADS around and in the city, that may be depended upon for its accuracy and be complete in its details. The undoubted right of the Corporation of the city of New York to the exclusive power of granting privileges for ferries to be run from the shores of this island to those opposite thereto, seems to be so little understood, that many, even wellinformed persons, have been inclined to doubt it, and some parties have gone so far as to contest it. The various charters of the city have, however, placed that fact beyond dispute, for in that known as the "Montgomerie Charter," of 1730, we find the 15th section containing a very specific and emphatic grant of the power to control all ferries that may be established "from the said Island of Manhattan's to any of the opposite shores all around the same Island," to "the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said City of New York ;" and we further find therein the express declaration, that “ No other person or persons whomsoever, without the consent, grant, or license of the said Common Council of the said City," shall have any control over the Ferries, or possess any power in regard to them. |