The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-07-02
improvements IN New york-Vhnt
Required of tho City Authorities.

and, perhaps, not equallel. Manhattan
Island, with a splendid river on each side
and the finest water front, with magnificent
bay at its southern extremity and few miles
| only from the broad Atlantic Ocean, seems to
have been designed by nature for this destiny.
1t is the outlet Of the trade of vast continent
and the commercial emporium of mighty
nation Nature has done everything possible
to make this city well drained, well supplied
with water, heathful and beautiful. Nor is
there wanting wealth, public spirit and ambi-
ton enough to accomplish sill this. We only
need ability and taste in the men who are in
power. The Legislature has given under the
new Charter ample authority to the city gov
eminent to make New York what it ought to
be. VIII those having control of the matter
understand the work before them and that is
expected from them? That is the question
TAat has TO be seen.
The action of the French government in
negotiating loan to complete the improve
| ments in Paris commenced by Baron Hauss-
mann, has suggested thoughts applicable TO this
city. No doubt an enormous sum Of money
was spent by Baron Haussmann, under the
direction of the Emperor Napoleon, in beauti-
flying Paris. Some complaints were made Of
tbs, too, and there was temporary suspen-
| sion of the grand improvements prof octed in
| consequence. But now, we learn, the work
| OF beautifying the great capital is to be con-
| timed. The Parisians have learned, no doubt,
| that every dollar spent in this way brings five
| or more to their pockets. The more attractive
Paris is made the more will people from all
parts of the world be drawn to that city. The
| increased business, enhanced value of pro-
| perty and the millions of money spent by visi-
| lors pay over and over again the expenditures
| for improvements So II would be with New
| York if our city government should show
| similar taste and sagacity.
| But, as was said, we must have men Of
| comprehensive views, culture and taste to
accomplish this object Ward and grogshop
politicians are not the men. The curse Of
New York in this respect has been in having
such grovelling and narrow minded men in
power. To be smart politician or pretty
rood stump speaker has been regarded as the
chief or only qualification for Office Now
however we have new RHYME in the city,
and among those in authority many gentlemen
of refinement, large views and taste. The
first step is to lay good foundation for q com
prehensive plan of improvements and to avoid
the jobs Of rings and pretenders, which spoil
everything. Let the ablest scientific men and
men of artistic culture and taste be consulted
and employed. Let not either the plans or the
execution Of public works be left to pretenders
or the ignorant. The people Of this country
have been too careless about this, and the
consequence has been that New York, Wash
ington and many other of our cities have been
detaced by the most wretched abortiOns of art.
Still there is no lack of talent and taste in the
commun ty to plan and execute the finest
works if those in power will employ the men
who possess these qualifications We mean
here public buildings or other architectural
works, the docks and solid elevated railroads,
as well as the ornamentation of the parks, works
Of fine art and opening of streets and avenues.
A great deal depends, too, upon the taste dis
played IN placing works Of art and public
structures and in opening broad avenues from
one point to another. Any one who has Leen
ia Paris knows how tastefuly the monuments
and fine public buildings are placed and how
magniicently they loom up to view from every
point. We have heretofore followed the bad
taste of the English in the location Of works OF
art, monuments and public buildings, by placing
them in some corner or destroying the view by
other structures.
There have been some improvements made
in the streets a9d some are now going on
which indicate more taste and g We us hope in
the future The grand Boulevard, which COM
mences at the corner OF Fifty ninth street and
Eighth avenue, and which is to 90 round the
upper part Of thu island, be gins to assume
shape. Judging from the work already accom-
plisbed, and from the manner in which it is
done Just above Fifty-ninth street, this will be
one of the most magnificent thOroughfares and
drives in the world. 1t will be as smooth
as the roads in the Park, having a
deep and solid foundation and hard
pressed concrete surface 1t has two wide
| carriage ways, with space between
| for promenading, and row of shade trees and
| IL wide sidewalk on each side. There are q
| large number of men at work on different sec
tions, which shows that the city authorities
are doing their duty here. Then, there is the
upper portion of Sixth avenue, as far as Fifty
ninth street, which is credit to this great city.
1t is delightful to ride over the smooth and
clean wood pavement and very many of those
| driving to and from the Central Park 60 round
| some distance for the pleasure Of riding over
this part of Sixth avenue. The improvement
of property on this avenue, as is seen by the
rows of handsome stores and houses built and
going up, pays over and over again the cost of
| naNny We are nassinr out of the cohhle