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

Canada.
The Greatness, Prosperity nnd Destiny OF
New York.
New York is undoubtedly the most fourishiug
city in the Union-or in the world-and is still
rapidly increasing in size and importance. Nothing
astonishes stranger so much as the continual bus.
lie and busness-like activity everywhere apparent
In almost every street, magnificent warehouses and
splendid buildings in progress of erection, at all
seasons of the year. The population is enormous.
According to the late census il amounted to nearly
100000; bat with its suburbs it cannot be less than
hafa mi ition-of these, 25O,OOO were probably born
in the city and State-3O,OO0 in New England,
$1,000 in the Southern, Western and Middle States,
l75,0o0 in Europe and other foreign countries.
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 comers from the great West-the
Southerners, as well as the Scotch, Irish, English
French Germans, Italians, etc, are formed into
separate and distinct eote,tes. Individuals COM
prlsed in these various divisions of humanity, natu
rally find themselves attracted towards those whose
birth nature, and prejudces are like their own.
Thus cliqus are necessarily formed, and sectional,
or national feelings kept alive for the promotion OF
peculiar interests. Notwithstanding this, however,
the leading spirits OF all parties amalgamate, and
are united upon all questions OF Importance to the
welfare of the city or the nation-athough 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
tans, and controls the action of all parties. This
powerful conservative principle is the embodied
wisdom of the coteries, who are finally compelled
TO obey its dictates.
This is the peculiar and distinctive feature of So
ciety in New York. No other city in this country
possesses such a opuation-ceebrated alike for
It's wisdom and virtue-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 a man of genius wishes
celebrity, he comes to New York. Here vocalists
receive their diplomas, and artistes of all scrip
tions must pass the ordeal ola 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 divlnes, 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. 1t is
well established truth, that in this country no one
man can carry forward any great movement with
out the aid oi public opinion 1t is the consoli-
dated wisdom of the whole which produces pros
perty, and crowns the efforts of genius with sue
cess. The prosperity of this great city is owing to
its peculiar population, which, before remarked
though divided into many classes, Is 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 exens vast influence. The
newspaper press is highly conservative, and enters
largely into the organization of the various ciiques
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, of very little
importance when compared with the journals of
New York. Many newspapers here, however, are
the organs Of the minor cl,ques, and advocate their
peculiar views. But, though the editors of these
journals seldom meet, and in most cases are entirely
unacqualnted with each other-though they quarrel
and fight about trhes, and insist upon the correct
ness OF their own oplnions-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 it forward in spirit Of harmony
and good feeling. Occasionally, to be sure one Of
these gentlemen will get pugnacious, and being filed
with conceit, will DEFY tor time this great public
sentiment; but he soon learns good manners, and
becoming docile quietly submits to the popular will
This has been clearly illustrated within a few
months by the Of the party press in relation
10 many proposed city reforms and new questions
Of national policy.
Nau Vorb is Jas,;nad a, a d,,,o.. n.~;ol a. -.
val inits commerce, spendor, magniicence, wealth,
taste and refinement, the proudest and greatest
among the cities of modern Europe Wonderful
indeed has been It's progress-glgantc its strides
and glorious will be its final destiny. 1t has not yet
reached Its 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 few
years, would astonlsh and amaze us, were time
allowed for reflection but change follows change
in such quick and rapid succession-every day
bringing some Wonderland we cease TO
think of what has been done, in the ever vary
ing excitement incident to our progressive state.
We seldom pause 10 look backward--we never re-
trace our steps-bu, 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 transused into the bo-
SONS 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 glorions move.
ment--her great thoroughfares TEEN with life and
actvity-,he indomltabe spirit and energy of free
PEOPLE is here anifested-Broadway, Nassau, Full.
ron, Wall, Pine, and Pearl streets thronged with
countless mutitudes, from the rising to the setting
Of the summon does business cease till midnight
The hum OF voices, engaged in trade and toll, is
unceasIng-the rattling car Transporting mcrchan-