USA > New York > New York City > Old New York : a journal relating to the history and antiquities of New York City, Vol. I > Part 39
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A Boy's Reminiscences.
and left, until at length the fire was extinguished. He then descended in safety and quietly mingled among the spectators, who were shouting and cheering. The officers of the church sent a messenger to find him and reward him for his bravery. "Go back and tell them," said the noble tar, "that Jack doesn't risk his life for money, but wherever duty calls," and immediately he was lost in the crowd. This church was built upon the base of a triangular piece of ground, and the session room, as it was then called, was built at the apex. When excavating the ground for the foundation of the latter building they came quite unex- pectedly upon a coffin. the ground having been perfectly level. In order to follow their line they cut off about one foot from the lower end. Curiosity prompted me to look in. but nothing was visible save a straight line of black dust, proving that the body must have been placed there long, long ago. What confirmation was that of the Scripture : " From dust thou art : to dust thou shalt return." OLIVER MORHOUSE.
MINOR PARAGRAPHS.
THE BOWERY THE ATRE DESTROYED, -FOURTH TIME. - Yesterday after- noon at about six o'clock the ill-fated Bowery took fire in the carpenter's shop, and the flames soon communicated to the whole interior. The firemen, with their usual alacrity. were soon on the ground. their hose was laid, and their engines were in full play. Obtaining a position on the roof of a four story building opposite, we had a full view of the imposing serae. To the eye of the spectator, the external wood work was of course alone visible as it yielded to the flames, The facade presented a sublime spectacle as the fire wrapped the entablature and the capitals of the lofty columns. The flag staff's first fell in succession, and the roof next sank into the fiery gulf beneath. The adjoining houses on either side took fire in the dormer windows and on the roofs, and for a time were in great danger. The furniture was thrown out of the windows, and great alarm was manifested by the inmates. The firemen with their n-ual intrepidity mounted the adjacent roofs and maintained their position fearksiy amidst the eddying waves of fame and dense cloud- of smoke. One of these persons stood upon the caves of the building south of the theatre, directing the operations below with perfect fearlessness, and contributed essentially to its preservation. Across the street, at the distance of several hundred feet, the heat was intense.
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About half-past six o'clock last night, a person attached to the theatre ran into one of the adjoining public houses, giving the alarm that the earpeuter's shop was on fire. A number of persons rushed in at the front gates, but were met by a volume of smoke and flame which compelled them to retreat. In the meantime, the earpenter, with Mr. Clark, and a few of the other performers, made an endeavor to reach the dressing rooms, in the real, and to get out their wardrobes by the back cutrance. The earpenter succeeded in getting out a chest of tools, and Mr. Clark got out a portion of his dresses, but the others were unable to rescue anything, such was the rapidity with which the flames spread over the whole interior of the edifice. As the wind blew a strong gale from the northeast at the time, considerable fears were entertained for the safety of the houses in Elizabeth street, opposite the rear of the theatre. The Fire Department were promptly on the spot, and their exertions were seconded with a plentiful supply of Croton, but nothing could save the building, the roof of which fell with a tremendous erash a little after seven o'clock. The firemen then turned their exertions to prevent the flames from spreading to the houses in the Bowery-three of which, above the theatre, were in imminent danger at one time, as the roofs hind caught from the portico of the theatre.
It was noticed, as one of the remarkable coincidences of this calamity, that on Thursday night Major Noah's play of the " Plains of Chippewa" was produced. it not having been performed in this city since the night when the Park Theatre was burnt. In the confusion which prevailed we could gather no estimate of the probable loss, or on whose shoulders the burthen would fall most heavily. We have heard that James R. Whiting and Thomas Snowden owned the prin- eipal part of the stock. they having bought out the original shareholders. There has, however, been considerable litigation, and a receiver was appointed some time since by the Vice Chancellor to protect the interests of some of the shareholders. We presume that there is no insurance on the building in this eity. although it is just possible a policy may have been effected at some of the London offices. The theatre was built by a company with a capital of $80.000. divided into sixty shares. Mr. Simpson, of the Park Theatre, we understand, sail- for England this day in the packet ship Siddons. We hope ere he leaves he will not forget to make arrangements to give a benefit at the Park for the relief of the sufferers by the burning of the Bowery. Mr. Anderson, no doubt, would willingly webintre his valude aid.
LATER. -- It was rumored, as we were going to pres-, that a Mr. Grigg, of the theatre, fractured both arms, and tirit some persons who were in the dressing rooms at the time of the fire have not been heard of. We also understand that the fire originated in the room under the stage, where the paints are usually kept .- True Sun, April 20, 1845.
VAUXHALL GARDEN IN 1807. - Those New Yorkers whose recollections extend so far back recognize in the metropolis, with its half million inhabitants, but few of the distinctive features which characterized the provincial town. llere and there some buildings remain upon which the " droppings of time" have made no impress, though the green fields and fruitful orchard- by which they were surrounded have given place to the spirit of the age, and given place to narrow, dusty streets, lined with light red brick houses. The same love of
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amusement which then obtained among our people still animates them, though the costly gratification of that day is now within the reach of us all. Vanxball Garden, which was then where it is now, at the upper end of the Bowery, par- tially yieldled, a few years since, to the rage for improvements ; and the present residences of Mr. Wm. B. Astor and other wealthy citizens in Lafayette Place stand on a portion of its ancient site. Forty years ago, the garden stood some two and a half miles from the city, and was the resort of all the bloods, beauty and fashion of that day : and excepting that our democracy had made less pro. gress then, the Bowery was travelled by as fast men and as fast horses as the Third avenue. The Bowery, although a good country road, was somewhat heavy. The sleek, fat carriage horses of the gentlemen were slow travelers, and the line progressing slowly up the Bowery on every gala night looked like a funeral procession.
The Gardens were illuminated by thousands of lights hing on the trees, which gave a beautiful effect to the rich foliage and the retired walks. Many a "romance of real life" has had its beginning within the quiet walks of Vauxhall. The theatrical exhibitions which were presented semi-occasionally took place under a covering of boards, which afforded a sufficient protection from the sun or the dew, but was like a sieve in rainy weather. The stage was somewhat similar to the one now at Castle Garden. The dancing was heavy. and consisted more of an exhibition of muscular energy and activity than graceful attudinizing. Fanny Elssler had not yet reformed and refined the tastes of our ladies and gentlemen in this particular. There are few, if any, of the performers then upon the boards now among the living -- at least, we do not now recognize any of their names as those of living actors.
VAUXHALL THEATRE.
On Wednesday evening, July 20th, 1807, will be presented a favorite comedy, calle l
SPEED THE PLOUGH.
Sir Philip Blamford Mr. Mckenzie. Evergreen. Mr. Seymour. Morrington Mr. Francis. Peter Mr. Allen.
Sir Alel Ionity
Mr. Hogy. Lo fillion
Master Harris.
(His first appearance this season
Mis. Blandford Mrs. Wihnot. Bob Hamdly
Mr. Mills. ' Dame Ashfield Mrs. Francis.
Farmer Asktill. Mr. Bray. , Shean Ashfield Mrs. Mills. Gerald. Mr. Wilmot. 1
In Act 2d, a Contre Dance by the characters.
End of the play, a Comic Song, called the " Cosmetic Doctor," by Mr. Wilmot. Sons. "I owe you one," by Mrs. Seymour. A Double Hornpipe by Master Harris and Miss Hunt.
In case the weather should render a postponement unavoidable, notice will be left at the following places, previous to seven o'clock : Messes. Waiter's Lottery Offices : Mr. Shannon's, near the Park ; Mr. Hogg's, Nassau street ; and Mers Porri, Rinaldi & Co.'s. No. He Broadway.
Boxes to, Pit 4s. Places in the boys may be taken every day from 2 to 4 P. M. Doors open at 6, and curtain ris cat 5 o'clock .- Day Book, 1847.
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THE ASTOR LIBRARY .- The First Annual Report of the Trustees of the Astor Library made to the Legislature has been placed before us. We glean from it the subjoined interesting statements. The will of John Jacob Astor bequeath- ing the sum of four hundred thousand dollars for the establishment of this insti- tution was proved on the 12th of April, 1848-Mr. Astor having deceased on the 29th of March preceding. On the 20th of May the Trustees held their first meeting, accepted the trust conferred on them, and appointed Joseph G. Cogs- well Superintendent of the prospective library. The Trustees at this time consisted of the Mayor of the city and the Chancellor of the State, for the time being, and Messrs. Washington Irving, William B. Astor, Daniel Lord, Jr., James G. King, Joseph G. Cogswell, Fitz Greene Halleck, Henry Brevoort, Jr., Samuel Ward, Jr., and Charles A. Bristed. At a second meeting of the Trustees on the 1st of June, it was resolved, in respect to the memory of the founder, that the institution bear the name of the " Astor Library." On the 28th of Sep- tember, 1548, the Trustees made a selection of the site. The grond chosen by them in Lafayette place was valued at $25,000, to be paid for ont of the proceeds of the bequest. On the 28th of October, 1848, Mr. Cogswell, the Superintend- ent, was authorized to go to Europe and purchase, at his discretion, books to the value of $20,000, and the books paid for out of the first moneys received from the executors of Mr. Astor's will. We quote the language of the Trustees on this head :
"The object of sending Mr. Cogswell abroad at that particular time was to avail themselves of the opportunity afforded by the distracted political condi- tion of Europe and the reduction of prices consequent upon it, to purchase books at very low rates ; and they deem it proper to say in this place, in order to avoid the necessity of recurring to the subject, that the trust confided to him has been executed to their perfect satisfaction, that the purchases were made at prices greatly below the ordinary standard, and they consider it due to him to add that his -elections fully confirm the high estimate they had placed on his peculiar fitness for the services he has performed and is performing to the establishment of the Library."
On the 14th of February following the Trustees unanimously appointed Washington Irving President and Samuel B. Ruggles, Secretary. AAt the same meeting John A. Dix was appointed a Trustee, in the place of Henry Brevoort. who died in May. 1945. On the 24th of March, 1849, William B. Astor was ap. pointed Treasurer ; an l on his resignation on the 4th of April succeeding. Daniel Lord, who now holds the office, was appointed to fill the vacancy. On the 29th of August lust the Trustees accepted the resignation of Fitz Greene Halleck, and appointed Thomas House Taylor to fill his place. The Trustees now consist of the Mayor of the City of New York, for the time being, in respect to his office ; Washington Irving, William B. Astor, Daniel Lord, James G. King, Joseph G. Cogswell, Samuel B. Ruggles, Samuel Ward, Charles A. Bristed, John 1. Dix and Thomas House Taylor. On the 25th of April, 1-49, the Trustees received the first installment of Mr. Astor's legacy of $100,000, amounting to $183.706.67, including the sum of $3,554.60, charged in his books against the legacy. A plan for the Library builling was finally concluded with Mr. Alex. Saeltzer, a Berlin architect residing here, on the 10th of December last.
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We have already taken occasion to speak of the commencement of this work, in a chapter on "City Improvements," published some weeks since, and need add nothing on this seore at the present time.
We copy the concluding passage of the report :
" The books belonging to the Library, including those purchased by Mr. Astor in his lifetime, execed 20,000 volumes, and will cost, as will be seen by the Treasurer's report, about $27,000. Although many of the works are very expen- sive, the average cost has been reduced by the judicious measures of the Super- intendent in making purchases to little more than one dollar per volume. Among these works will be found one of great value received from the Lords of the Treasury of Great Britain, through our late Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of St. James, Mr. Bancroft. In concluding their report, the Trustees cannot withhold the expression of their strong desire to execute their trust in striet accordance with the intention of Mr. Astor, to whom they owe the peeu- niary means at their disposal, and of the Legislature, from which they derive the ability, as a corporate body. to carry his design into full effect. They are perfectly aware of the heavy responsibility which rests upon them ; and if they entertain any wish beyond that of sustaining it with proper fidelity and judy. ment, it is that the institution they have been so fortunate as to assist in e-tal. lishing may, at some future day, become, as a depository of the treasures of literature and science, what the city possessing it is rapidly becoming in eom- merce and wealth." -- Times, Feb. 14, 1851.
PROPOSALS for establishing a new daily morning paper in the city of New York, devoted to politics, literature, commerce, and other miscellaneous subjects. to be called the New York State Enquirer, by J. G. Bennett, associate editor of the late New York Enquirer.
To the Public : At the suggestion of numerous members of the Democratic party, and in accordance with the indications of public feeling throughout the City and State, the undersigned begs leave respectfully to place before the public proposal for establishing in the city of New York a new daily morning paper, to be called the New York State Enquirer. He will state his reasons and his views as briefly as possible.
The New York State Enquirer will be a purely Republican journal, in the best sense of the teun. In politie- there is a sense of honor as high and as pure as in private life. On that principle ha- the undersigned ever acted, and on that principle will he ever continue to act. Having exerted bis feeble energies in adding the election of the venerable Hero now at the head of the general govern. ment, he will support his administration in a spirit and manner corresponding with the dignity, the patriotismo, and the energy of its chief, as well as with the talents. industry, and republicanism of its several members. Some of the public measures of the present administration are now developing themselves. Others equally important, growing out of our foreign and domestic relations. will soon be placed before the world. So far as these measures are known, they have commanded the approbation of the wise and virtuous, are sanctioned by the principles of Jefferson's baleyon days, and have been singularly formuate in calling forth the feeble murmurs of the discontented demagogue, who madly attempts to raise the cry of " war on the threshold." Believing that the success
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and permanency of these measures-that the interests of the country at large- the completion of the work of reform -- the final extinguishment of the national debt, and the stability of the Republican party will require the re-election of Andrew Jackson, we shall unite with the people in calling a sceond time to the chief magistracy of this nation a patriot who has never scrupled to forego all private enjoyment when his country required his energy in the field or bis honesty in the cabinet. To all the honest Republican friends of Andrew Jack- son's administration the undersigned therefore looks confidently for a share of their countenance and support ; from its secret and open foes he believes and hopes that his views will meet with decided opposition.
In relation to State politics, the undersigned will act with the same party with which he has acted since his entrance into political life. To the regular nomin- ations made by the Democratic party-to all their principles and usages, he pledges his entire support. On this point his course heretofore has been always straightforward, and no personal views or private feelings can swerve him here- after from the same line of conduct. A distinguished Republican of the west is now at the head of the State government. In the administration of State affairs he is assisted by several eminent members of the same party. Toall appropriate and useful measures emanating from such a source the undersigned will give a full and cordial support, such as the people desire, and the talents and integrity of their public agents deserve.
It is believed by all who are acquainted with the increasing prosperity of New York-with the taste and intelligence of newspaper readers-with public as well as party feeling, that a more favorable opportunity for establishing a sound Democratic journal-a spirited miscellaneous paper-has seldom occurred. Without interfering with any of the present flourishing and talented newspaper establishments, there exists ample room for another. A spot is vacant ; why should it not be occupied ? why not cultivated ? But in this enterprising age no newspaper can attain circulation and influence in New York unless it display a spirited and macy character-an intimate knowledge of the world-sound sen-e and liberal feelings-an accurate acquaintance with the characters of political men and the nature of public measures-in short, a popular journal must possess that quality, undefined and undefinable, which is forcibly and neatly expressed by the single word tret. Engaged for several year- past in the ( lit- orial profession, and throughout the heat of the last presidential canvass acting in the capacity of associate editor of the late New York Enquirer, the under- signed feels confident that he will give the new paper a spirit and tone that will fully satisfy those who may have been accustomed to peruse his writings else- where, without knowing at that time their author or origin.
But in order to comply with every wish of the public, and to give the New York State Enquirer variety as well as force of character, arrangements are now making to connect with the undersigned in the editorial department a gentle- man of standing and talent in the profession who is intimately acquainted with the interior of the state, its interests, resources, polities and men-in short, a Republican of the soundest principles and reputation.
The commercial and shipping department will be conducted by a gentleman who bas had long experience in that pursuit. To men in business, therefore,
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the New York State Enquirer will present a useful channel for advertising. The mechanical execution of the paper will be managed by one whose quali- fications for industry, skill and perseverance are unsurpassed in the trade. It will be printed with new type on a fine imperial sheet, clear and distinct, so as to be read with ease and comfort.
If sufficient encouragement be offered, the first number will be issued next month, or as early thereafter as possible.
Subscriptions, applications, or business connected with the New York State Enquirer will be received or transaeted at No. 20 William street.
J. G. BENNETT,
Associate editor of the late New York Enquirer.
New York, June, 1829.
ASTOR'S HOTEL .- This magnificent building is now open, and we understand already filled with boarders. Its plan and exceution is admirable, and is not less honorable to the spirit of the opulent proprietor than to the city itself which possesses so superb a place of public accommodation. The house has been taken by the Messrs. Boyden from Boston, a name, as connected with the Tre. mout House, which gives earnest of successful management. We extract the following from a spiritel description of the establishment which appeared in the Mercantile Advertiser of Tuesday. This splendid house, which was com- menced two years since, was opened yesterday to the inspection of the editors of the public press, and we had opportunity to pass through this magnificent elifico, and to take a bird's eye view of its internal arrangements. The hotel is situated in Broadway, and occupies the block between Vesey and Barclay streets, opposite the Park. Its front on Broadway is about 200 feet, and is 150 feet on Barclay and Vesey streets. The exterior is of Quincy granite, and, viewed in any direction, makes a plain yet an imposing appearance. It is five stories in height. The wings of this building form a hollow square, the yard being in the centre-so that the rooms on all sides receive light and air from the streets and centre. On the south of the office is the gentlemen's reading room. On the first floor is the dining room, which is on the Barclay street wing, and 100 by drivet, with a ceiling 1915 feet high. On the same floor, on the corner of Broadway and Barclay street, is the poetlemen's drawing or smoking and conversation room-this room commands a fine view of the Park. City Hall and Broadway. On the same floor, corner of Vesey street and Broadway, is the ladies' drawing room, which is richly and elegantly furnished with Brussels carpeting. marble tables, ottomans, sofas and chairs. of splendid workmanship and costly materials. On the Vaney street wing is the ladies' dining room, sufficiently capacious to seat 100 ladies, and is richly furnished. The first floor contains about twenty parlors. The second floor has a hall running the whole length of the building on Broadway, and on Vesey and Barday streets. The rooms which look into the streets are all furnished as parlors, and on the opposite sides of the hall are the bed rooms. On this floor on Broadway is a club room which has been named " the Duke's Room," probably intended as the abode of so important a personage, should one of so high title condescend to visit our wooden country. The upper rooms connand a very extensive view of the city
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and public buildings. Those on the south and western wings overlook the Hudson, the lower and upper bays, the islands, the Jersey shore, and a beauti- ful and interesting view of the shipping at the wharves, and the spreading can- vas of hundreds of vessels arriving and departing from what may truly be termed the commercial emporium of the western world. There are three hundred and cight rooms which will be occupied by the boarders. The whole number of rooms amount to 390 .- Albion, June 4, 1836.
ST. THOMAS'S CHURCH. - The new Gothie edifice at the corner of Broadway and Houston street was consecrated to the worship of Almighty God, on Thurs- day morning, February 23, 1826, by the Right Rev. John Henry Hobart, D. D., bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New York. The day was fine, and the procession to the church, composed of the reverend clergy, the professors and students of the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary, and the gentlemen belonging to the vestries of the different churches and to the congregation of St. Thomas's church, was unusually large. The deed of appropriation was read by the Rev. Mr. Duffie, the rector of the church, and the sentence of consecration by the Rev. Dr. Wainwright, rector of Grace Church. Morning prayer was celebrated by the Rev. Mr. Creighton, rector of St. Mark's, and the Rev. Mr. Upfold, rector of St. Luke's Church, after which an appropriate sermon was preached by the bishop to a very numerous and at- tentive audience. The building is 62 feet in width, and 113 in length .- Old ncispaper.
THE SALE OF NEW YORK CHURCHES, -- A great many churches have been sold in this eity, and in every instance the buyer made a fine thing. Grant Thor- burn. that "cannic Scot," who, from a penniless nailmaker, became a wealthy florist. says that his greatest stroke of luck was purchasing the old meeting house in Liberty street. The Dey Street Church was purchased by a veteran butter merchant, Israel Cook by name, who sold it for mercantile purposes, and thereby made more in a single operation than the profits of hundreds of dairies, The Garden Street (Exchange place) Church gave way to the massive structure of the Bank of the State of New York. The Baptist Church in Nas- sau street passed into the hands of Townsend. the famous sarsaparilla man, who used it as a depot for his quack stuff. after which it went to banking pur- poses. The Murray Street Churches were both sold at anetion, and yielded enormous profits to the purchasers. The Chambers Street Church next passed away, and its site is now devoted to trade. The Duane Street Church, the next in order, was soll at auction for $27,000. In a short time its purchasers sold it for $45,000, and its site is now occupied as an auction house. The Broadway Tabernacle, which stood ready for the next change. soon went into the market, and the lot is now worth $100.000.
The Church of the Messiah and the Amity Street Baptist Church were both of them lately purchased by A. T. Stewart, in whose hands they have advanced enormously. Their present condition reminds ns of Hamlet's pregnant exclam- ation, "To what base nses may we come at last !" The former is a theatre, while the latter is turned into stables for Stewart's horses. The Dutch Church. which is now used as a Post Office, brings $20,000 per annum to the Consistory.
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and, when the new Post Office shall be finished, the lots on which it stands will sell for $300,000. The Brick Church afforded a neat operation. It was put into the market in 1851, and, with its cemetery (three-fourths of an acre), was sold for $175.000. A year afterward the new owners sold it at auction for $350,000, and the plot at present valuation would be worth a million. In the catalogue may also be included the Pearl Street Church, which the bookseller Appleton purchased at a bargain ; and also the Broome Street Church, which the Merchants' Express Company bought for a stable, and were immediately offered $40,000 advance.
To these interesting examples is to be added the recent sale of the Seotch Presbyterian Church (Dr. MeElroy's) on Grand street. The congregation hav- ing moved up town three years ago, the property, 125x100 feet, was sold for $120,000. It was purchased by the Masonie body, with the intention of erect- ing a hall, but their views changed, and it was sold by them at an advance of $10,000. Hardly a your has elapsed when it is again put into the market, and brings a further advance of $30.000. With these precedents we are safe in advising any one who wants to get rich to buy a church. The chances are not exhausted. All churches below Union amare must go into the market, and in a few yours the entire space between that square and the Battery. two miles in extent, will be deunded of all symbols of worship, with perhaps one exception. Mammon will then enjoy an undisturbed reign. - Times, May 28, 1809.
THE FIVE POINTS. - The existence of such a spot as this in the heart of our populous city is a blot upen the authorities in this enlightened age, and the nightly scenes of infamy that take place there surpass, in point of depravity, those of any other chy in this Union. Did such a vile deu as that of the Five Point- exist in some ofveure part of the suburbs of our city, away from the sight of the moral of our community, it might not, from time to time, have called forth the rebuke of every upright woul worthy citizen who feels an inter- est in the common welfare ; but while it stands in our very midst, a monument of corporate indecifity, or becker, or political corruption, it has been loudly complained of-first, as a public scandal, and next, as an impediment to loca! ingroventet . Individual energydie, in the shape of the erection of respect- able building in the varier stres all ting the Five Points, will not effect the slightest good, for respectable and industrious citizens will not tolerate the idea of allowing their family to breathe in the contaminated atmosphere of this place. Scaredly a nicht passes off without some crime of the darker des- cription, while the immordity that is openly practised before the eye of the authorities is truly shameful. A project for widening Anthony street, direct from Broadway to Canthus Square, had been some time since " spoken of," but nothing has been since dont upon the subject. If the Five Points were attacked in this way from four or the particular locations, and if it were made the more direct contaminisation between Broadway and the lower part of the Bowery, Chatham Square -- in fact made one of the leading thoroughfares, it would enhance the value of property in this quarter a good deal, and as a con- sequence the denizens of this "peculiar" sort of city would flow to a more congenial part of our city. We trust that a day may arrive when we shall see
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this subject vigorously agitated and taken in hands by some members, if not the whole of the corporation, as it is time that something should be done abont the matter. There is a growing thirst for local improvements, particularly in the building line, as is evidenced by the vast number of buildings thrown up last season ; and it would considerably enhance the value of property in this vicinity if the " Philistines" were routed in some shape or form .- Herald, 1846.
THE CITY PARKS. - The expense of keeping and improving the public Parks in this City, for the year past, as reported to the Street Commissioner by Mr. Tom Byrnes, the Superintendent, was $27,389, of which amount a little more than half was devoted to Tompkins Square, though the improvements in that Park are not yet quite completed. A tasty stone and iron fence has been crected around it, the flagging has been taken up and replaced where necessary, grass and timothy seed have been sown, privet planted, and young and thrifty trees set out. Gutters and drains are yet to be built, and a railing is to be put around the fountain. Madison Square looks dilapidated. The wooden fence around it is rotten and decaying, continually requiring repairs ; and the Square, in cou- sequence, looks very little like the one which a Flora MeFlim ey might be expected to choose for her melancholy promenades. Lines of flagging and un iron fence are wanted. Union Park Jooks neat and cosy, and the fountain never fails. The Washington Parade Gromad also seems to be in good condi- tion. A number of large trees in this Park were broken down and destroyed by heavy storm- last Summer. The fairy little Gehts facing Dr. Tyng's Church, the East and West Stuyvesant Parks, though almost deserted except on sunny days, maintain as inviting and cheerful an aspect as any other Parks in the city. The City Hall Park in some parts i- muddy, in others dilapidated, and procenta a slabiness of appearance in keeping with the seedy politicians that lounge about in it. The parde gr und in front of the Hall was elevated last Fall by illing in foundry ashes, and mud since then has been less plentiful. The Con prolet and Streut Commissioner have closed up the Beckman street breach with uncomely little wooden posts, and the question is now pending whether Bookman street shall be extended or not. The Bowling Green, down town. ischool. and its fountain frozen up, and none but immigrants now let me dire elny and notsome dumping ground, the once beautiful and muchifrequired Date gy. - Tribune, Jon. 25, 15.0.
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