The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-02-06
CITIES.
Lecture by Richard O'Gorman ut Steinway
Hall.

Lecture by Richard O'Gorman ut Steinway
Hall.
Last evening Mr.. Richard O'Gorman delivered
lecture Steinway Hall in aid OF the Catholic
day School Union OF this city, the subject being
''Cities.u Mr.. Charles Nugent presided, and on the
platform were several distinguished clergymen.
The attendance was very large. and throughout
much interest was manifested in the lecture which
was repeatedly interrupted with applause.
Mr.. 0'Gorman SAID he had heard some people speak
with apprehension lest the example OF reticency set
by the future first executive oficer OF the United
States might have some effect upon the character
and manners Of the American people. Considering
all that spoken In lecture halls and In all the va.
rious places where the human voice could be heard,
one was sometimes inclined to ask whether little
might not be left unspoken and unwritten without
any great damage 70 society. He felt it was
In point OF fact, he had nothing very
special to say. he had no pet theory no patent plan
for social or moral regeneration. He believed there
was more real reformation to be expected from the
exercise Of quiet, unassumng Christian charity than
from all the brazen tongued philanthropny or phi
losophy In the word. lie had intended 70 have
spoken about clties-about the good and the evils
within them; about their friends and their enemies
A. he thought Of the subject it ' seemed ' 70
widen aud spread before him. lie thought
OF all the cities he had seen and read OF,
many OF which played great parts In the history OF
mankind. Old cities seemed 70 rice before hIm he
thought Of Carthage the great centre OF It's day.
restless, gloomy and dl3satSned. lie thought he
saw the crowds pass through the streets OF Pompei
and the street boys writing on the walls derisive
commentaries OF the new worship. They laughed
at the idea that there vas anything TO fear
from the neighboring mountain, that was soon to
oyerwhem In lava and ashes, that future ages
70 come might forget the existence OF their city.
to be. He thought he heard coming from the Coli
scum the shouts OF eighty thousand cruel voices
booming TO death and torrue In the arena the reb-
| els against pagan worship. He saw Leo the Pope
who slencedsthe mighty Atta, at whose frown kings
.haf ss INTO awe and reyerense He thought
4 world supported not by arms, but defended by the
might and sagacity OF Its intellect II now ruled in
the hearts and affections Of four hundred
| millions OF men. But OF all the cities
that presented themselves to his mind
he came 70 the conclusion that he could not select
appropriate 70 speak upon than the city OF
New YORK, city In which they all had the deepest
interest y had history Of which Its citizens might
wei be proud. The lecturer then proceeded 10 give
graphic statement OF the early settlements An New
YORK lie gave succinct account OF the early growth
city upon the quarrels between the Dutchrnen ana
the Puritans, contending that the former were
me s1q purcsssas 1 Sor Manhattan having
| for twenty-four dollars. He alluded 70 the outburgt
OF the Reformation in England and Of the Intentions
wholesale measures adopted by Charles H.; OF the
weak efforts OF James H., and referred sarcas.
tically TO the Governors sent out here during
the old ordinances which prevailed and were
strictly observed In the early settlements
one
fourth part Of the city OF New Amsterdam wa
divided into brandy tobacco and beer houses. Thes,
were the good old times, and It was now plea
SAINT reflection that New York had beef
steadily advancing in morality, for one could say
that now. uaughter.l when there was fear 0
Cromwel's invasion the citizens turned out and be
gan TO build deep ditch the site Of which is nov
occupied by Wall street. After enumerating man
pleasing "reminiscences In connection with the earl
history OF the city, the lecturer proceeded to stat
that New York was great In commerce. great II
population great In vice, but stu greater in virtue
Nor chose virtues OF an 0stentatious character
but they were quiet and Christian like. They wer
characterized BY . patience that never tired fat
that never atered charity that never closed It's hand
IApplausel The condition OF society In New York wa
| becoming dangerous. The wealthy were becoming
Weather still and the poor were becoming poorer
Political economy would not stop this, for Chart
| alone could do so. The true Specification OF civixs
ton meant charity How many sad pictures .
want and penury were In this city while other
enjoyed magnificent palaces. There were man
evils to be remedied In this great city {
New York. When philanthropy. could cure thos
eviis, then, and then only, would he believe In u
| Charity did more than theoretical philanthropy, an
ne thanked the religion that taught them 70 Deepen
| on Christian charity. Charity was the only thin
| that could save New York. fhe lecturer conclude
an eloquent address amid loud applause.