New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1872-11-13
sy1DoUS or COMING CHANGES.

There are but Few Instances ON IecOra ci
such pluck and energy as that displayed by
the Bostonians under their recent appalling
visitation. Scarcely twenty-four hours had
passed after the flames were under control
before new places Of business were extern
porized, and dealers were i'll New-YoTk re-
plenishing their stocks of goods. The city
authorities were at work removing the debris
from the streets, and while the ruins arc still
smoking under the smoldering fires, new plans
for rebuilding the burned district are under con-
temptation One Of the results of this disaster
which has wiped out, as it were, with great
sponge the former map of the area within
the limits of the fire, viii undoubtedly be
reconstruction Of street lines greatly to the
improvement of the city and to the adyan-
tage and convenience of business men. This
subject already occupies the attention of the
city authorities, and will be heartily seconded
by the real estate owners and merchants.
The streets running nearly parallel with
Washington st.-viz., Devonshire, Congress,
Federal, and Pearl-sts.-might be straight
ened and widened into splendid avenues
connecting with the more regular
streets of the South End and emptying
on the north into Safest; while
Bedford, Summer, High, Franklin, Milk, and
Water-sts., crossing these avenues at nearly
right angles, can also be altered into broad and
straight thoroughlares. These improvements
are greatly needed in Boston, and advantage
will no doubt be taken of this opportunity to
carry them into effect. Devonshire-st. was
reclaimed from a series of alleys, OF which
the famous old "Theatre-alley" was one; but
while it opened to business a street greatly
needed, it has been hcmmed in at one end
by Franklin-st. and on the other by state
st. Federal and COngreSs-Sts.-bOth narrow
and incOnvenient-have been for years ch0lied
I'D by trucks and teams. while the sidewalks,
scarcely wide enough for two persons to
walk abreast, have been obstructed by boxes
and bales of merchandise. Taking as start
ing point the Strengthening and widening of
these avenues which traverse the peninsula
longitudinally, aud the opening perhaps of a
new avenue, by the extension of Morton-place,
into Devonshire near Water-st., and carrying
out in the new lines of the lateral
streets the same rules as to width
and regularity, it would seem as if this
part of Boston could be so rebuilt as to be
made much more elegant and convenient than
it was before the fire. These Improvements
carried out, the streets leading into Safest.
from the north, and especially Exchange-st.,
would probably next engage the attention of
the city authorities; and when substantial and
elegant stores once more cover the burned
district, We expect to see an astonishing and
desirable change in the map of the streets.
1t is an interesting question now as to the
direction which business will take in its tenn
porary location. Hundreds Of dry goods job
bers, shoe and leather dealers, wool and
commission merchants, clothiers, &c, &C.,
must seek with all possible haste accommoda-
tons for their business until the rebuilding of
the burned district To what quarter of the
city will these active, wide-awake business
men migrate Sheds upon the Common have
been suggested, but these would but poorly
accommodate the throng Wherever the nu-
cleus is established thither the current will
flow, and it is not impossible that portions of
Hanover, Elm, North Commercial, and other
streets OF the North End may become import
ant business centers-the new element crowding
out the old to the cheaper lands and buildings
of East Boston and Charlestown. Or possibly
the dwelling houses of LincOln-st Ilarrl-
sOn-ave., and other parts of the South End
near that boundary of the fire. may be con-
vertcd temporarily into stores during the pro-
cess of reconstruction. The shoe and leather
interest might naturally gravitate toward the
North End,-whilc the dry goods business
may tend to the South. Ii will he curious to
note tho changes occasioncd by this calamity,
and it will be interesting aud satisfactory to
witness the recuperative energy of this elastic
and undaunted people. The whole country
will look on with admiring sympathy, ready
To aid in every possible way, and most sincerely
hoping that entire success may attend their
struggles against an overwhelming, but, we
believe, only temporary reverse.
The last number Of The Fifth AreHHe Journal shows
that the close of the campaign has only remanded il