The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-02-23
The Nesssslty Of the Yearly Movins-Cons
ceruIng Ranfs.

cernlnG Rents.
With the near approach of the period of
annual fitting. the people of this city are
again engaged in the discussion Of the rent
question. The interest felt In this subject
at the present time furnishes matter for
popular surmise, for at this period the city
is divided into two great classes that may
be said to include the entire population,
both Of which have direct and important
stake in the issues involved. We are each OF
us-"Saxon, Norman or Dane, " Jew or Gen,
tile, German, Irish or American, at other
times-landlord or tenant now. At this time
can be heard on all sides violent denuncia-
tons of the absurd and distressing custom OF
general hegira, from those very persons
who are party to such absurdity, but who
regard themselves as victims, and all others
as responsible for the evil they help to swell.
We have much sympathy with these unfor-
Inmates, and will be glad for their sakes, when
the time comes-on this side Of the grave, we
hope-that the landlord shall cease from
troubling and the tenant be at rest. But
judging from the latest observations we cannot
give them any consoling assurance that such
millennial period Is even near at hand.
We advise them. however, to possess
their souls in patience, with the reflection that
the ills they are called upon to bear in this
connection are inevitable consequences Of
residence in New York city and evidences Of
its increasing prosperity, and in order that
they may acquire the requisite philosophy to
suffer and be strong in the disagreeable cir
cumstances in which they are placed we refer
them to an article on another page, entitled
"a Chapter on Rents"
From this it will be learned that the nomadic
habit imposed upon our people, both in re-
spect to their dwelling houses and places Of
business, is simply condition of that law of
development which rules in all new settle
ments, the more apparent in New York from
its Limitation to one direction. We must not
lose sight of the fact that this city, although
marvellous in its growth, great in its wealth,
grand in its opportunities and imperial in its
influence, is still young city, and
cannot be said to have passed the ado
descent period when change is the natu-
raj condition of its existence Thus the
constant movement of trade are but means to
maturity, when, the possibilities of the citys
expansion having been learned, each branch
of commercial activity will settle itself per-
manently in such location as may be best
suited for its growth and requirements. The
obo IN mil ho
numerous, including further movement up
town Of the wholesale dry goods trade to the
neighborhood of Broome street and the conse-
quent movement behind it of the entire whole
sale trade of the city, diverted wholly from
the east to the west side. The influence of
these changes upon real estate rental value is
readily apparent.
One of the most important results Of the
movement of business across Broadway from
the east side is the opening up of new tene-
ment house district in the overcrowded lower
section of the city. We learn with satisfac-
ton of contemplated alterations in the build
ings on Water and Front streets, which will
give this increased accommodation for poor
fam lilies compelled to reside down town, con-
venient to the docks and shipping. 1t will
be seen Wall street does not offer any
prospects of much movement or change Of
rental values. The agitation for removal Of
the Stock Exchange has quite died out but
there is ample Office room in the vicinity for
all who do business there. There is promise
of saperfueus accommodation of this kind in
the neighborhood Of the City Hall, and the
suggestion is made that many Of the upper
floors of the buildings now cut up into Offices
might be pro6tably altered into apartments,
somewhat similar to the French fats, at o
more reasonable rental.
In the matter of dwelling houses it is too
early to determine the course Of values this
year. Certainly no appreciation is looked for,
siderable abatement Of rent will be necessary
to secure their occupancy.
The outlook favors the anticipation OF
cheaper rents in the future, in proportion as
the movement uptown is continued and the
present waste places of the island are turned to
use. This movement gains increased impetus
each year, and in its completion presents the
only prospect of the abolition of the present
dsagreeable necessity of yearly removals.
PRINCE BISMARCK AND HIS WOULD-BE AS
sAssIN.-Prince Bismarck, as will be seen
from this mornings news, has, to all appear
ances, narrowly escaped from the stroke of the
assassin. A fanatical Pole, it seems, had
made up his mind to make an end Of the Ger
man statesman. 1t is well, we think, that the
Pole was captured in time, and few will be
other than willing to rejoice that Prince Bis
marck still lives. It is lamentable that assas-
sination should find any place in these enlight-
ened times but men, when burdened with
great sorrow or goaded by q grievous wrong,