HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 249

CHAPTER IV.

THE CITY FROM 1834-1855.

The charter, under which the new city of Brooklyn commenced its existence, divided the municipality into nine wards, the first five of which corresponded to and were identical with the five districts of the former village, and retained the same limits and numbers as said districts. The legislative power was vested in a mayor and a board of aldermen. This board, constituting and denominated the common council, was composed of two aldermen, elected annually from each ward, and a provision was made whereby no member of the common council could bold office as mayor and alderman at the same time. The mayor was to see that the ordinances of the common council were complied with, and offenders against the same prosecuted; and he was to be assisted in his duties by an inspector or inspectors who should report all such .breaches of law to him, or to the attorney of the board, as the common council might direct. He was to have no vote in the common council, although he possessed a qualified veto power. The common council were to have the management and control of the finances and of all property, real and personal, belonging to the said corporation; and, within the said city, they could make, establish, publish, alter, modify, amend and repeal all ordinances, rules, regulations and by-laws, usual and necessary for the regulation, protection, etc., etc., of the various city interests, including the powers of a board of health, of police and of excise.

1836. January. A perfect survey and plan of the city being very desirable, the corporation resolved to apply to the legislature for the appointment of commissioners for that purpose; and a committee of the corporation reported in favor of purchasing the low grounds at the Wallabout for a city park.