Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1869-04-16
The New York Clubs.
TH1IR cohgonT, STYLE, LUXURY AND
RxCLUsIvKNAss.

The Now York correspondent Of the
Boston Evening G's-fte ssys:
A few years ago it looked al if New
York was to become a. noted for its
clubs rs London is. The supposed
American indispoHtion to this form OF
social intercourse seemed to have been
overcome. The old clubs, largely re-
inforced, moved into new and spacious
buildings. New clubs sprung up al.
most every woek. In Fifth Avenue,
around Union and Madison Squares,
and in other eligible situations, almost
every large or unusual spacious private
residence Was sought AZ clubhouse,
and, in many instances, became con-
verted to this purpose.
But now there ia . change. Seve-
raj clubs that started off brilliantly
have tailed, and others still holding on
have but u precarious existence. The
Atheneum was among the first to 20
down. This club first occupied u large
building in Union Square, and seemed
to be doing we'll. But nearly two
years ago it removed to splendid
building in Madison Avenue, q de-
scription of which I gave tho readers
OF the Gdzette ut the time. 1t was
very elegantly domiciled, but members
dropped of, debts began to accumu-
late, and in few months it closed in a
state Of bankruptcy. The Eclectic, .
fast young mems club, to which it was
quite "the thing" to be nember Of
has ALSO conc to grief and closed it's
doors. The City, tho Now York, tho
Traveller, arc still holding ou, but arc
said to be threaten with speedy disso-
luton.
OF all tho young clubs only two are
in prosperous condition, and these are
the Republican Union League Club,
and the Democratic Manhattan Club.
The latter is the youngest Of the
clubs, but it is the wcaIthiest, the
most sought after, and with one ex-
ccption, the most aristocratic. The
exception is the Union Club. The
Union (not to be contounded with the
Union Lcague), although. composed
of some Of our most wealthy men, il
within itself not free from debt
indeed, is continually accumulating
debt; but the wealth Of it's members
will prevent it from going to the wall
The Manhattan, on the contrary, al
though organized only a few years
ago, has accumulated large surplus,
and seemed to be more prosperous than
any Of it's rivals. 1t is the only club
that is not run in debt by its restau-
rant.
The Union League is in perfectly
sound condition has probably the
largest list Of members Of any club
in town, but is most exclusively q
political organization than the Man.
haitian. The latter has far higher
social rank, and the best DIM ers Civ
en- in America, not excepting Dslmo-
nico's are served at this club. To
dine at tho Manhattan indeed,
is nm event. The hospitality of its
members is as noted NJ the splendor
of its cuisine, and not o few famous
Republicans have stretched their legs
beneath it's copperhcad mahogany.
l must not pass over the clubs with
out brief reference to the Century, ut
tho rooms of which assemble all our
poets, planters and writers.
This club has no restaurant, is con-
Quoted inexpcnsively, and is COM
plete success. Its complement of
members is always full, with long
list Of candidates whiting for vacan.
cies. Here on Saturday night dish
Of oysters and biscuit are served up
to visitors and members, and on these
occasions We may fnd nearly all our
literary and art celebrities assembled
for all hours "fow Of soul" The
Century would suit Boston exactly.
The Manhattan IL more truly to Man
haitian born it is gorgeous, lavish
feeds and tenders itself sumptuously
Is learned in wines and woodcock-
and dos'nt care a fig for the best
poem ever written, or the best pic.
ture ever painted.
At the "Csntury" you'll fnd Mr.
Bryant, Mr.. Church, Mr.. Stoddard
Mr.. Kensett, Mr.. Stedman, Mr.. Bay.
ard Taylor. At the aManhattaD'
you'd find Mr.. Vanderbilt, Mr.. Bel
mont, Mr.. scheil, Mr.. Marole, Mr.
Hoffman. And who, you may ask il
ct the "Union LeagneW Why eve
ry officeholder. All tho Government
contractors. Every politician: will
! an axe 70 grind. And, the name o
these u legion. Particularly we ma,
name: Mr.. Jay, Mr, Greely. Mr.. W eed
rpts ~ = 80 *