The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-09-16

beautiful Park, In the times we refer to fights
were the inevitable result of any large a.
semblage When the Park was first proposed
there were not lacking people who prophesied
that it would become general battle ground,
That the reverse of this ia the fact all are
aware. Rowdies are not TO be seen at the
Park, the effect produced by its quiet and
beautiful aspect is the reverse Of pugnacous,
and those disposed to such pastine feel instinc-
lively that this is not tho place for the indul-
gence Of their vicious propensties.
At the present time there may be seen in the
Park an array Of carriages such az would APP
pear to advantage in Paris or London. Our
carriagemakers are becoming artists, and we
sly expect that ere many years they will put
to the blush the most brilliant efforts Of their
European fellow tradesmen. The Park has also
given an impetus to the taste for dress among
the ladies, who now make display of toilsttes
not to be surpassed anywhere and then, ami
most important, the Park has regenerated our
bellies. Whereas. before the existence Of the
Park they were pale and sallow from the want
of exercise, they are now bright-eyed and red
Park. In the winter they congregate there by
thousands and skate, making the place as
brilliant and as much of q rendezvous az in the
more genial seasons of spring, summer and
autumn. All these things and many more has
the Park accomplished and we may well revel
in its enjoyment, which brings health and
pleasure to all
Harbor Defences or Amerioan Cities.
We have had occasion from time to time to
write of the harbor defences Of our American
cities, and especially of the defences of New
York, at times making such suggestions and
plans Of improvement as the circumstances of
the case seemed to demand. Within short
time we have perceived that our contemporary
journals of Philadelphia, Boston, Portland, &C.,
have made strenuous appeals to the general
government for such aid in the premises as
would assure them Of the defence Of their cities
under any and all emergencies against foreign
invasion. The appeals of those journals, backed
up by the energetic action Of the merchants. have
not been in vain, as we learn that the harbors of
the cities named have been for some time I'M
dergoing such military improvements, in the
way of erecting new Notifications and the re-
juvenating of old ones, that they are now on
tolerably good war footing. In addition to the
facts already stated, we also learn that decided
steps have been taken by the authorities in the
cities enumerated to put their local militia on
"a semiwar footing Governor Andrew, of
Massachusetts, with all his eccentricities of
character and fanatical ideas, seems at least to
comprehend the signs of the times, and has
taken decided steps to place the militia Of his
State on a good footing. The idea, however,
is not original with him; he is merely carrying
out the ideas suggested and practically put
into effect by his immediate predecessor, Gen
Banks.
With all this preparation of our sister cities,
we have yet to learn that any decided step has
been taken In similar matters by the authorities
Of New York except in the instance we shall
hereafter name. The threatening aspect Of
European politics as affecting our interests-the
uncertain state of Mexican affairs in the viola
ton Of the Monroe doctrine by Louis Napoleon,
and in the case Of England in furnishing mate
rial aid to the rebels in the shape of ron-clads-
renders a sundering Of the entente cordiole be.
tween our government and those countries not
only possible, but extremely probable.
With these plain facts staring us broadly in
the face, our duty is plain. We must get ready
to meet any and all anticipated emergencies.
First Of all the mercantile community Of this
city should demand Of the general government
thorough inspection of our forts and har-
Dor defences, their ornaments, garrison, &c
Secondly, they should demand Of the State au-
thorties statement of the organization, strength
and effectiveness OF our State militia. with a
view to its improvement. Since the inception
of the present rebellion such demands have
been made on our local military that it is i'm
possible to know at this time its condi-.
ton. Our State military authorities have
been the recipient Of scores of complaints
in regard to the Encouragement of affairs
of the local military Of this city, and
the probable demands that will be made
on IL in future. They have therefore taken
step which, If properly seconded by the mer-
chants of New York. will rebound to their
benefit and future security. They propose to
raise new and powerful brigade of State
troops, the old and gallant Seventh regiment to
be the nucleus of the organization, to have added
to il such new regiments as may raise its mum
Der TO five thousand effective men, in addition
to the four brigades now under the command
of Major General Sanford. To command
the new brigade has been rendered to Colo
mel Marshall Leiferts the brigsdiers star. The
announcement Of this fact in the HERALD.
few weeks since, was a matter Of public
congratulation, and 1t now rests with the MGR
chants aud business men of this city TO say
whether the measure shall succeed or fail. To
organize such brigade will be attended with
some expense, but nothing compared to the ad-
vantages to be reaped as measure of de-
fence IN case Of foreign invasion. To put