The New York herald., 1845-12-01
The Greatness, Prosperity and Destiny OF
New York.


Canada
The Greatness. Prosperity and Destiny OF
New York.
New York is undoubtedly the most 1ourishiug
city in the Unon-or in the world-and is still
rapidly increasing in size and importance. Nothing
astonshes stranger so much as the continual bus
lie and buslnesslke activity everywhere apparent
In almost every street, magnificent warehouses and
splendid buildings are IN progress of erection, at all
seasons Of the year. The population is enormous.
According TO the late census il amounted to nearly
100000 but with its suburbs, it cannot be less than
halfG mi Hon-of these, 250,OOO were probably born
in the city and State-30,O0O in New England
5000 in the Southern, Western and Middle States,
l75,oo0 in Europe and other foreign countries. A
very curious and singular state of society is here
presented-somewha similar, however, to that OBJ
served IN Paris. The representatives OF New Eng
land, or the " Yankees among us-the natives of
New York-the corners from the great West-the
Southerners, well the Scotch, Irish, English,
French, Germans, Italians, etc. are formed into
separate and distinct coterfes. Individuals COM
prlsed in these various divisions of humanity natu-
rally find themselves attracted towards those whose
birth, nature, and prejudIces are like their own
Thus cliqnes are necessarily formed, and sectional
national feelings kept alive for the promotion OF
peculiar interests. Notwithstanding this, however,
the leading spirits of all parties amagamate and
are united upon all questions OF importance to the
welfare of the city or the nation-allhough each
clique claims the right to Judge and act for itself
great public opinion has been generated, grow
ing out OF the state OF society which here OBJ
talns, and controls the action Of all parties. This
10 tha ,od
wisdom of the coteries, who are finally compelled
10 obey its dictates.
This is the peculiar and distinctive feature of so
possesses such population-celebrated alike for
its wisdom and vrtue-its folly and philosophy
The result of this state of things is apparent
New York has become the grand centre from
which all light adiates If man of genius wishes
celebrity, he comes TO New York Here vocaists
receive their diplomas and artistes of all de scrip
tions must pass the ordeal ofa New York audience
before they can claim position in their respective
professions. Distinguished authors publish their
works here, and religious societies assemble every
spring TO celebrate their anniversaries Politicians
diplomats, and dvines, look TO this great popular
voice for its approval. The President of the
United States-the members of the Cabinet, and
the two houses OF Congress, court its favor. II is
well established truth, that in this country no one
man can carry forward any great movement with
out the aid OF public opinion. II ls the console
dated wisdom Of the whole which produces pros
periy, and crowns the efforts OF genius with sue
cess. The prosperity of this great city is owing
its peculiar population, which, as before remarked,
though divided into many classes united on all
questions of vital Importance The population OF
New York in fact great Congress of nations
There is, however, another important feature in
our society which exerts vast influence. The
newspaper press is highly conservative, and enters
largely into the organization of the various ciiqses
The press has always been celebrated for the ability
with which it is conducted and the extraordinary in
fuence it everywhere exerts The journals of other
cities, though managed with skill, are of very little
importance when compared with the journals OF
New York. Many newspapers here, however, are
the organs of the minor clques, and advocate their
peculiar views. But, though the editors of these
journals seldom meet and in cases are entirely
unacquainted with each other-though they quarrel
and fight about trihes and insist upon the correct
ness OF their own opnons-yet when great move
ment OF importance to the welfare of the city or
the nation Is started by some leading spirits they
unite IN pashing 1t forward in spirit of harmony
and good feeling Occasionally, to be sure, one OF
these gentlemen will get pugnacous, and being filed
with conceit, will deity for time this great public
sentiment; but he soon learns good manners, and
becoming docie, quietly submits to the popular will
This has been clearly illustrated within few
months by the course of the party press in relation
TO many proposed city reforms and new questions
Of national policy.
New York is destined, at distant period to n
val inits commerce. splendor, magnifcence, wealth,
taste and refinement, the proudest and greatest
among the cities of modern Europe. Wonderful
indeed has been its progress-ggantic its strides
and glorious will be its final destiny 1t has not vel
reached lis eliminating point but is fast Fastening
towards it. The improvements which have taken
place in the character and appearance Of this grea
metropolis Of the new world, within the last lew
years, would astonsh and amaze us, were time
allowed for reflection; but change follows change
in such quick and rapid succession-every day
bringing some new Wonderland we cease 10
think of what has been done, in the ever vary
ing excitement incident to our progressive state
We seldom pause to look backward-we never re-
trace our steps-but, with firm reliance! In Provi
dence, and an assured conviction OF success we
look INTO the dim future with confidence, and march
onward to victory There is majesty in the silent
progress OF popular opinion, among free people
that always merits admiration, and commands re-
spect. Everything about us is changing. But the
spirit which fingers around the tombs OF the fathers
Of the revolution, has been transfused into the bo
Of their sons and upon the foundations which
they have laid, magnificent temple is rising, devo
ted TO Liberty and Genius. The morning is break
ing in beauty and splendor.
New York takes the lead in this gorions move
msnt-her great thoroughfares TEEN with life ant
actlvity-the indomtable spirit and energy of FIRE,
people is here manifested-Broadway, Nassau, Ful
ron, Wall, Pine and Pearl streets are thronged witt
countless multltudes, from the rising to the setting
ef the sun-nor does business cease till midnight :
The hum OF voices, engaged in trade and toll. il
unceasIng-the raulng car, Transporting merchan.
"A af Ill dases.-.,-- :.