Space, in this late stage of our work, will not admit of mention of the multitude of useful institutions now existing in the city. The most important is the House of Correction, which is an honor to Detroit.

The Detroit City Hall-an engraving of which is presented here-is one of the finest and most substantial edifices owned by any munici pality of equal population in America.

But Detroit is not alone indebted to artificial and architectural accomplishments for its magnificence. Nature, in her munificence, has bestowed her beauties with a free hand. This is noticeable in the view of Fort street, here presented.

The present condition of the city, in a commercial point as in all others, is most satisfactory. The numerous extensive manufactories attest its steady growth; and the volume of its commerce, which is becoming broader and more profitable year by year, is a safe guarantee of its future greatness.

HON. WILLIAM C. DUNCAN.

WILLIAM CHAMBERLAIN DUNCAN was born in Lyons, New York, on the 18th of May, 1820. His father's family removed from Lyons to Rochester, New York, when he was about five years of age. In the latter city his younger years were spent, and he received there the advantage of an ordinary common school education. At the age of twenty-one, desiring to engage in some employment for himself which might lead him into active business, he accepted the position of steward on one of the passen ger steamers then plying on the lakes, and remained in this employ ment until 1846, when he became engaged in a similar occupation extending up Lake Superior.

Any one familiar with the vast commerce which is now seen upon Lake Superior, and the almost countless craft that course its waters, and who know Mr. Duncan, still a young man, will find it difficult to realize that he was present, and engaged in the enterprise of taking the "Julia Palmer," the first side-wheel steamer that ever floated on Lake Superior, across the portage at the Sault Ste. Marie.

In the year 1849 Mr. Duncan became a permanent resident of Detroit, and engaged in the business of a brewer and malster. Detroit was then a comparatively small city, and Mr. Duncan has "grown with its growth."

He brought into business life great personal activity, strict devotion to his chosen pursuit, prudence and sagacity, and energy which was never relaxed. These qualities secured him success, and enabled him to lay the foundation of what has since become an ample fortune.

Mr Duncan early attracted to himself the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and was pointed out as a suitable candidate for political preferment. He was elected an alderman in the year 1853, and served in that position for five years. He was the first president of the Common Council after that office was created by an amendment of the city charter. Mr. Duncan was always a Democrat, and his personal popularity and his services in the city council led to his nomination in 1861 for the office of mayor. To this post he was triumphantly elected, and served during the years 1862 and 1863. His administration was distinguished for his careful attention to city affairs, his rigid honesty and frugality, and his particular efforts and influence in favor of the war for the Union. In the fall of 1862 he was chosen as a State senator from the second district, and filled that office during the years 1863 and 1864.

In 1865 Mr. Duncan retired from active business, his impaired health requiring that he should enjoy more recreation and rest. Since that time he has given his attention to the management of his large estate, is a director in financial corporations, has visited Europe twice, and is enjoy. ing the fruits of a youth and manhood of business energy and enterprise.

He manifests a deep interest in the welfare and prosperity of Detroit, and his fellow citizens have not ceased to honor him by calling into public employment his intelligence and forecast. In the spring of 1873, upon the organization of the board of estimates, a body which has a large control of the municipal expenditures, he was chosen a member at large. In the fall of 1873 the unanimous voice of his party selected him a second time as its candidate for the mayoralty, but the condition of his health compelled him to decline the nomination.

Mr. Duncan is a notable example of the sound and practica. business qualities which lead to success, and of the personal habits and character which secure and retain public esteem.

His energy, perseverance, integrity, and cordial manners, early gave him a high place in the community in which he has lived. By these qualities and habits he has been able to build up his fortune and establish his position in society.

His popularity is not exhausted, and, as he is still in the prime of life, it is the hope of all who know him that his health may be spared for the higher duties in business and political life, to which his fellow-citizens are sure to summon him.

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