The New York herald., 1864-07-28

ehe Upper Part OF MaahaseAA Island.
We have heretofore referred iu commcnds-
tory terms to the project Of continuing
Seventh avenue from i,s extension from the
Park to Harlem river along that stream by .
curved line to Tubby Hook and Spuyten
Duyvil creek to the Hudson river, and along
the left bank Of that stream through the river
| margin Of Washington Heights to Manhattan
| vile, where 1t will join Eleventh avenue,
and re-enter the Park by that pleasant route
1t is proposed to make the Drive one hundred
and fifty feet wide, while it will be 10 length
from the northern part Of the Park, about ten
miles. Its construction, 1t is intended shall be
under the charge Of the Commissioners Of the
Park, gentlemen whose integrity and watcbful
care over the Interests Of the citizens have
been 90 signally exempliied in their successful
and admirable management Of the affairs Of the
Park, Of which the proposed grand Drive will
prove most enchanting feature.
We are rejciced to state that this magnIG cent
project meets not only the appreciation Of citi-
zens residing In tho region through which the
Drive will pass, but that it receives . cordial
response from the taxpayers In the
lower part Of the island. The move
meut is the most popular one that
has been commenced in New York since the
introduction of Croton water. 1t is one IN
| which every citizen feels an interest, and in
! witch every New Yorker will take pride 1t
| is mutual benefit to the millionaire, the mer
chant, the professional man, the student the
scholar, and tbs artisan. AS the Park is
OF itself already the attract on of the me-
| tropols; as every day something new is
added to its alluring beauties by the unceasing
care OF its managers; as before that waving sea
OF roses, which for so long time charmed the
| eye and refreshed the senses, died away, some
thing new in the way of delicious moonlight
| music upon the lakes was introduced by the
Commissioners; as the floral, geological and
other collections are daily extended; as new
| fountains, with sparkling and brilliant jets, are
| being continually added; aud as the approaches
to the magnificent grounds from the lower part
of the city are becoming gradually more
and more improved--so will this incompara-
BILE Drive, rivalling the Corso OF Naples,
become, as the elliptical extension of the
grand Park ITSELF the chief recreative charm Of
the city, the sumptuous Boulevard of New
York.
There is a peculiar fitness in applying the
term boulevard" to the proposed great circu-
! lar Drive. The original word was applied
to bulwark or rampant OF fortilica-
ton or fortified town; but it il now
applied. as in the Partisan capital, to pub
lie avenues or walks occupying the sites
OF demolished Notifications and redoubts, and
land immediately adjacent thereto. No part
OF tie country can show district more redo
lent of remarkable patriotic efforts during the
carly struggles of the Revolution than those
made on the line Of the proposed Drive. From
the point on the Harlem river where ii is to be
Commenced, by extending Seventh avenue,
clear round TO Its terminus at Manhattanville,
the hills aud ravines aud the river banks are
bright with the records of intrepid deeds per-
formed by the brave heroes of the Revolution.
1t was from the banks Of the Harlem that the
English commander, Sir William Howe, with
his merceasries, the Hessians and Waldeuses,
under Knyphausen aud Rohl, made his advance
| upon Fort Washiugton-now Washington
Heights Nearly every foot of his approach
was met By few determined Americans.
From their rude redoubts on the river the
patriots were driven BY the overwhelming
force OF numbers. until finally they were
obliged to seek refuge within the walls Of the
fort. their path Of retreat "marked by the dead
bodies OF Hessians.' The heroic Magraw, with
his handful of men, defended the fort, and In
reply to the summons Of the English com
mander to surrender or that the fort would be
taken by assault replied that he "was
actuated by the most glorious cause
that mankind ever fought 10, and was
determined to defend the post to the
last The fort was taken by assault, and
its brave defenders were ruthlessly cut down
10y the Hessians while begging for quarter-a
bloody deed that was witnessed by Washington
from Fort Lee, on the opposite shore, and "the
Father OF his Country wept as. he saw it."
Therefore, we say, there is singular aptuess
in styling this new Drive the Boulevard of
New York; for all along its route are traces Of
sites Of demolished redoubts and brenstworks.
and crowning all are the bold Heights OF noble
Fort Washington itself.
We repeat that we are glad to see the people
taking hold Of this magnificent project in the
hearty manner they do. But they should not
| con6ne themselves to merely talking upon the
| subject. They should set about the work OF
having men sent to the next Legislature who
will exert themselves in seeing that all needful
legislation on the subject is speedily adopted;
who will exert themselves In sweeping away
whatever may remain Of that notorious COM
bination Of Stiffness and cupdity, the Washing
ton Heights Commission, and in seeing that the
greatest Improvement that can be proposed for
our city may not be defeated by the mercenary
| operations OF selfish and ambitious men.
PEACE AND WAR.--The talk about peace demo.
! Gratis and war democrats is all bosh. We are