From this, those who have paid attention to the fluctuations of our paper currency, will perceive that the bank expansion which began in 1843 continues to advance. The amount of bank paper money now afloat is greater than it was at any previous period, although, even now, it is not so great, perhaps, considering the circumstances of the country, as to give cause for immediate alarm.

The increase in the bank note circulation, between January 1, 1850, and January 1, 1851, was about twenty-two millions, or at a rate of about 18 per cent; while, at the same time, the increase in the specie was but little more than three millions, or at a rate little exceeding 7 per cent.

This small increase of specie in the vaults of the banks is well worthy of note, when considered in connection with the great influx of gold from California. There was, to be sure, an increase, in addition, of between three or four millions in the item of "specie funds," but there is every reason to believe that a very small amount of the precious metals is included under this very indifferent heading. "Specie funds" consist, for the most part, of notes and checks on other banks, and other obligations payable on demand, which the bank officers have not time properly to report at the moment of making up the accounts.

THE DEBT AND FINANCES OF BOSTON.

The following table, compiled from reliable sources, furnishes a comprehensive view of the resources and liabilities of the City of Boston:

CONDITION OF THE NEW YORK CITY BANKS.

Our banks have made their quarterly returns up to March 29th, in obedience to the requisition of the Controller. As the official summary of these statements will not appear for some time, we have compiled a summary presenting the principal items, which will be found of much present interest, and valuable for future reference. Under the head of "cash items," we have included the bills of solvent banks on hand. We have also annexed at the foot the total of a similar statement for the last two quarters for the sake of more convenient comparison. The capital, loans and discounts, and circulation, exhibit a very steady and corresponding increase, while the specie and deposits show a marked decrease. The falling off in the specie is owing, not so much to the exports of coin, as to heavy payments into the Sub-Treasury for duties, which have increased very considerably over the corresponding period of the previous year. Of the sum thus paid, in addition to the present balance in the Sub-Treasury, about seven millions of dollars have been loaned by the Government to the Philadelphia Mint. Besides the banks here noted, seven more, namely, the Irving, People's, Hanover, Empire City, Stuyvesant, Metropolis, and Metropolitan, are just going into operation.

STATEMENT OF THE CONDITION OF THE BANKS IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK ON THE 29TH MARCH, 1850.

TREASURER'S STATEMENT, SHOWING THE AMOUNT AT HIS CREDIT IN THE TREASURY, WITH ASSISTANT TREASURERS AND DESIGNATED DEPOSITARIES, AND IN THE MINT AND BRANCHES, BY RETURNS RECEIVED TO MONDAY, 24TH MARCH, 1851, THE Amount for WHICH DRAFTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED BUT WERE THEN UNPAID, AND THE AMOUNT THEN REMAINING SUBJECT TO DRAFT. SHOWING, ALSO, THE AMOUNT OF FUTURE TRANSFERS TO AND FROM DEPOSITARIES, AS ORDERED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.

Net amount subject to draft......

Transfers ordered to Assistant Treasurer, New Orleans, La
Transfers ordered to Depositary at Norfolk, Va

$14,814,506 78

$300,000 00 120,000 00