The Sun.
London, England, 1830-04-16 00:00:00

METROPOLITAN IMPROVEMENTS.

Petitions are now signing for Government to
form a New Street from Waterloo-bridge to the
British Museum, similar to the one proposed in
the following Prospectus, in the year 1825 :
Amongst the many splendours of the present age,
none will bestow a more lasting memorial of its
fame than the magnificent improvements which
adorn the metropolis.

The reflection which has so long existed, and
upon which strangers with so much just satire des-
cant, that the many noble structures which do
honour to our national architecture and taste are
obscured, to be observed only by diligent and inten-
tional research, is daily losing its application and
truth, and piles, which the inhabitants themselves
have scarcely seen, are bursting on the view as they
pursue their occupation, which make them pride
themselves that the capital of the British empire is
not inferior in stately edifices to the most distinguished
cities in Europe; and these objects, so truly grand and
national; have led to results not less conducive to
health and convelience than to the honour of the
British name. In the west, one superb street of
palaces reaches from south to north ; and the proud
Thames, whose tributes are the envy of all other
Stales, which was passable but in two, and in later
years three places, has now seven bridges uniting
its opposite banks in commercial intercourse.
Although much has been achieved, much is left
to be performed; and amongst those which more
particularly invite the attention of the capitalist and
the patriot, none is more commanding than forming
a grand thoroughfare from that magnificent pile,
which Canova himself termed the chef d'wuvre of
art, Waterloo Bridge, to the northern roads, avoiding
a circuitous route which is inconvenient and disgrace-
ful, and secluding that proud specimen of public
spirit and British skill, until you are immediately at
its commencement. It is hence proposed to form
an entire new street in a direct line from Waterloo
Bridge to the British Museum, and this line is par-
ticularly selected, that that depository of the arts,
which has no equal in the collection of other coun-
tries, may be rescued frem the obscurity of its pre-
sent enclosed site, aTal that the grand design from
which its front is to be decorated, may be seen from
one to the other end of such approach.
Great as will be the embellishment of the under-
taking, its usefulness is not of minor import; it will
communicate with the principal streets leading east
and west, avoiding the now frequent interruptions
and danger which arise in passing the Strand, or in
crossing from that thoroughfare to the other great
passage (Holborn) from west to east; and, if plea-
sure form any additional incitement, it will throw
open the two great national Theatres, and render
the access to them at all times commodious and safe.

As a measure of investment, although not offering
those splendid profits which commercial enterprizes
often• promise, what it lacks in excessive gain it
atones for in the security it presents; and as it is
confidertly expected Government will grant some
assistance to an undertaking of such general utility,
and that the Company to which Waterloo Bridge
belongs will consider it to their advantage to afferd
some pecuniary aid, there cannot exist a doubt but
that the enhanced value of the property on its im-
proved site will amply compensate in not only estate
but rental, those who become shareholders.
Measures have been adopted to obtain a survey
and estimate of the probable expenses, which will
be furnished to the public; but it is concluded, ab-
stracted from the consideration of profitable invest-
ment, which places this undertaking on more favour-
able circumstances than any of those now in pro-
gress or in contemplation, that there is enough of
public spirit in this great metropolis to carry it into
effect, from the laudable zeal of contributing towards
an improvement, which in convenience, safety, and
beauty, is secondary to none of those which reflect
such lasting honour on their patrons.

Yesterday a Court of Directors was held at
the East India-house, when the Directors elected on Wed-
last, V]Z., JOAN BA ILLIE, Esq., JAMES R IVETT
JAMES LAW LIJSIIINGTON, Esq., Jon);
pCrieE:TT;)-AAcinEss:lit'Arr, Esq., WILLIAM WIG RAM, Esq., and
GEORGE LYALL, Esq., took the oath and their seats.
WILLIAM ASTELL, Esq., was chosen Chairman, and
ROBERT CAMPBELL, Esq., Deputy Chairman, for the
year ensuing,