The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-05-19

Our RhunaeAphan Correspondence.
PHnADsLPHIA, May IL. 1854.
The Local Politics in tie Neg City-G,sat Eecreass
of Knosr. Nothingism-Too mwch of a Good
7hiwg-The Tslra Side Of Life.
The present local political excitement in Phila'
delphia presents some curious and puzzng features
The approaching election, on the 9Th Of June, for
municipal officers, is the first that takes place under
the new or consolidated charter and the excite
ment among the politicians of the old city proper,
and the districts is intense, as the old local land
marks are destroyed, and everything thrown into
confusion. One thing, however, is considered GER
tan-that the wing party in the whole consolidated
city is not in the majority without the assistance Of
the native Americans, or know-nothings. The
latter organization is very strong, and from the
mystery and secrecy which surround it, its power
is indefinitely magnied 80 that it doubtless holds
controlling influence in city affairs.
The present condition Of parties is this: The Ma
tive Americans early put in nomination Judge Con-
rad for Mayor, and William d. Baker for City Soil
citor. The wing convention then met and nominated
Judge Conrad for Mayor, and Isaac Hazlehurst for
Solicitor. The democrats had previously nominated
Robt.yau for Mayor, and wm L. Hirst for Solicitor.
Since the nominations, the know-nothings have
ton Cat least it is said) nearly all the other
didates Of both parties 1t is even whispered that
Mr.. vaux, the democratic candidate for Mayor, has
turned know-nothing at the eleventh hour, as to
lie even with his opponent-Judge Conrad-who is
an early know nothing and an old native American.
1t see likely, therefore, that the Judge will get
the hest of the know-nothing influence. As to the
other candidates, the natives refuse 10 give up
Ia n w VI pr
to sacrifice HaZlehurst, run the risk of losing
their whole ticket The fact is, that knOw-nothing
ism is in great danger Of swelling up and bursting
There is evidently too much of good thing.
The daily movement, the external aspect, Of COM
mercial life and business in Philadelphia is so en-
tIey different from that of New York, that it is
trcmely difficult for strangers to form any just esti
mate Of the wealth and trade Of the two citi IS.
All casual judgments end first impressions are in
finitely to the disadvantage of Philadelphia. To
leave New York by the morning train, extricating
yourself from the stunning noise and crash OF Broad
way and from the hustle and papable activity created
by miles and miles Of shipping, by which the whole
city is surroundedto the steamships, with their
smoke pipes, looking like gigantic red-topped seven
league boots, careering up and down the bay amidst
a panorama Of white-winged vessels, extending up
the river and out to far the sight reach
and in few hours to step on to the platform at
Camden, crowd yourself into mean old fashioned
ferry boat get padded through muddy canal, with
fshcrman's hut by way Of lighthouse, aud finally
land at Walnut street wharf, with two ships and
schooner lying at the docks-such is the contrast
presented to the traveller by the two most impor-
tant cities of the United States. Nor is the Illusion
at all dspelled as you enter cab and go in search
of hotel. With lively "reminiscences OF the palace
like St. Nicholas with its gorgeous corridors filled
with magnifcently dressed women, pacing up and
down with all the voluptuous and dazzling db0nd0n
of the Court of Louis Quatorxe, the impression
made upon the sight by the United States, Jones',
the Girard &C., &C., is undeniably unfavorable.
But you have probably been recommended to
are fairly ensconced and seated at table, begins
the other side Of the picture, giving You the first
glimpse Of the real advantages Of Philadelphia lfe
With the exception OF few OF the most expensive
establishments in New York such as the ST. Nicho-
las, Metropolitan, Clarendon &C., which purchase
great portion of their daily supplies from the Phila
depha market, there is no comparison in your city
with the excellence of the fowls, eggs butter, milk
and vegetables always served in Philadelphia.
The streets, too, are cleaner and queter-the
shopkeepers more polite and attentive, as general
thing and the general process OF daily nio INFINITELY
S;tv it's Do mt from san s Nv si is ag
disparagingly Of the business of Phadelphia-for
that would be simply ridiculous. " manufactures
and transportation, brief investigation will show
that Philadelphia occupies leading position among
the cities of the New World An unacconntablc
timidity and supineness seem to have for many
years tound down the energies OF her business men
and capitalists. In fact, the destruction Of the Uni
ted States Bank terrible blow to Philadelphia,
in the morale, more than the actual results OF the
measure She is now, however recovering; and,
without condescending to mingle in the absurd
squabbes which silly editors in want of readers
are perpetuallv getting up between the two
cities, ] am proud, as New Yorker
to recognise and understand the advantages
and greatness of Philadelphia. I fully believe
that The late act of consolidation was the
commencement Of y new epoch in her career, and
that both cities destined side by side to reach
point OF power and grandeur rarely witnessed in the
history Of civilization.
Society and amusements in Philadelphia are at
least OH par with those of New York. We have
now three theatres in full and successful operation
besides succession Of concerts and entertainments
the same principle as Wallack's, and has now very
fair company. Mrs. John Drew is one OF the best
actresses in comedy now on the stage; and Wheat
ley, the leading light comedian, and Drew, the low
comedian, are admirable artists. The Walnut is the
counterpart Of the Broadway, and presents the same
energetic succession OF novelties. The Chestnut
street. which has been for so many years the Old
Drury Of Philadelphia, still keeps IT. hold upon the
aristocratic classes At present, the great Spanish
danscUse, Mdle. Soto, is playing engagement
there. She is as beautiful as the spring, and as
warm ard yoluptuous as this glorious sunny weather.
Her style, emnently Spanish was not at first fully
appreciated by the Philadelphia d:ltfant but it IS
now, and she is received with enthusiasm. hope,
Of course. to see her at Niblos during the summer,
in which perfect establishment she can alone be
properly supported. ] learn that we are going to
have some English operas at the Chestnut street
shortly and that the Roussets are engaged to ap-
pear I'D interim. QUEvEDo
Our Virginia Correspondence.
a., pz.