The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-05-05

cattle! These are questions TO be answered
by the people at the ballot box next No
vember.
OPENING OF THE VERNAL SEAs0N-THE CEN-
TRIAL PARK.-The metropolis put on its gayest
attire yesterday, when the spring season, or
rather the summer-for we have no spring
worth mentioning fairly set in. After what
they call in New England spell OF bad wes-
ther-cold, wet, and suggestive Of rheumatics
10 every breeze from that favorite quarter with
invalids, the East-we had most delightful
day-clear, bright, beautiful and warm as
the middle of June. Inthe country the birds
sang their morning lays with melting sweet
ness the trees put forth new buds; the flowers
bloomed afresh; Nature assumed her gayest al
tire. In town the fashionable promenade pre-
scented most interesting spectacle. Broadway
was In its best aspect. From morning till
night the trottoir, between Canal and Fourteenth
streets, was crowded with all sorts and condi-
lions Of men and women, from all ranks of
society, and all parts of the civilized world.
The ladies, Of course, attracted the larger part
Of observation from the opposite as well as
their own sex, although for totally different
reasons. New York ladies dress more,
we do not say better, than any other
crinolinities In the world; and II they do not
produce . stunning effect upon the spec
tator, II Is not because their clothes
are inexpensive. II IL is question Of erinoline,
that Of the New York lady Is the most expan-
sive; If long dresses are the rage, Broadway
can show trains equal To those Of Queen Eliza
beth; II II is . question Of little bonnets, the
bellies of Manhattan are content with wafer
on the backs Of their heads; II the coal scuttle
hat comes In we can show fashionable lady
who has retired to q seclusion - profound as
that of Charles the Fifth Of Spain. In every
department the metropolis must be above and
beyond all rivalry. Chestnut and Baltimore
and Beacon streets may, II they please; follow
but only at respectful distance. Their hoops
murt be smaller, their bonnets not 90 cavern
GUS, their Hounces not 30 voluminous, a. those
Of the metropolitan belle. They are satellites
revolving around the. goddssses Of Manhattan,
and must be contented to initiate rather than
TO lead the fashions.
II In q fact however, that In these latter days
the glory Of Broadway has, In measure, de-
parted. Where are the stylish fellows who can
remember when the promenade extended ~ far
as Trinity, or even 10 Saint Psul's-yes, verify,
TO Chambers street? Nowadays very few
ladies walk In lower Broadway. 1t Is given up
70 trade and the sightseers from the provinces.
The Central Park IL now the great rendezvous
of the polite world. The grand promenade Is
now In the best order. A sufficient amount Of
road has now been opened TO make continu-
GUS and Heightened drive, quite sufficient for q
couple of hours' enjoyment, either before or
after dinner The main drive leads directly 10
the Observatory, on Bunker Hill, which is the
present rendezvous for pedestrians, equestrians
and carriage people. Here one may survey,
not only the whole area Of the Park, but the
great city, extending far away six miles,
70 where the Hudson and East rivers
mingle their currents In the noble bay, or on the
other hand, the princely residences and rural
villas which dot the upper part of the island
from Elm Park to Harlem Bridge, with the
wooded heights Of Washington, backed py the
frowning palisades, to give strength to pic
ture which might otherwise be thought too soft
and over sweet
With each revolving year the metropolis Of
the Western World grows In extent increases
in material wealth, and progresses In all the
arts and re6nemcnts of life. No better PROOF OF
this could be had than that which was Afforded
BY the scene nj the Central Park yesterday. IL
was HYDE Park and the Bots de Boulogne over
again, 90 far a. the gay equipages were con-
cerned; but the London and Paris promenades
cannot approximate our Park In the beauty and
variety Of lie natural scenery and surroundings
The roads, walks, grounds, &C., are
IN the best order, and the administra.
ton of the Park, viewed externally, seems
10 merit all praise, and We believe that the
CITY Of New York, in this public promenade, 90
delightful and 20 popular with all classes, from
the millionaire TO the beggar, has done work
which was not only required to plaos tse city
fairly upon . metropolitan basis ~ compared
10 the European capitals, but what h Of more
covequcnce, II hes comnsacsd he cens<uc