The New York herald., 1872-11-24

In February OF 1871 the foundations OF a new and
immense structure were laid at the foot OF West
Thirty fourth street. on the bank of the North
River, of which ominous predictions made by
all staid Old time personages, who naver yet
in this nineteenth century, dreamed oil such q
thing as enterprise.
For many years the tumble down, rotten and
ugly mass OF sianties Vesey street, called the
Washington Market, had been one OF the nuisances
and eyesorcs OF the city, ut the time that it
was the only place approaching TO the adequacy OF
meeting the necessities OF the families who, after the
honored old fashion, always go marketing Tor the
good things Of the hospiJablc household board,
instead OF depending upon the tender merces OF
the grOcers. The efforts OF publc-sprited persons
to the abolition OF such use of this quarter
oil the city were met by too stronga counter none
tary and political influence TO attain any fair sue
cess until the 2sth OF March, 1870, the first plau-
slbe promise of real accomplishment Of the long
cherished object given in the form of special
act OF the Legislature incorporating the "Manhat-
tan Market Company of the city Of New York."
The directors of this organization are Messrs Paul
j. Armour (PresidenU, william M. Johnson
(Treasurer), Courtlandt Palmer, william ID.
Bowerman, ]. +. Navarro and Courtandt
Palmer, Jr. The beginning of the execution
OF its design Of establishing market
midway between the upper and lower portions OF
the metropolis and OF an architectural character
and magnitude that would make IL an object OF
wonder and interest greater than that felt in the
like institutions OF Paris, none Of which on so
grand scale, the laying Of the first stones OFT
the vast foundation upon which to-day stands thet
finest and nOblest structure Of its kind in the
whole world Its completion occurred several
months ago. Its proportions OF size far exceed
those OF the great depot at FOrty-sccond street,
upon which SO many CALCULATIONS OF wOnderment
and admiration have been lavished. In its design
it is much more picturesque and graceful, and its
exterior as seen from the bosom Of the broad river
that rolls at Its foot, Is the most Impressive
object that greets the strangers eye az he goes up
and down the mighty watery highway, and is more
appropriately suggestive OF the true progressive
character Of our people than any other monument
of the time yet erected in New York.
As the wide portals are entered there breaks
upon the view most stupend0us and astounding
vista OF long, graceful colonades. which support the
ancful but stout roof of handsome arches that are
ornamented In proper taste and simplicity, and Of
light, pleasant windows, through which the
warm clear light falls upon Mosaic
pavement,. Sahsse esolidity and hrmness is
ike that OF granite rock. II is traced in varied
colors and square figures. The tremendous stretch
OF distance IL something so unusual in our prosalc
modern cities, which have no great cathedrals to
cherish the grandest type OF artistic taste which
appreciates and approprlates the sublime, that
eject OF pleasure and amazement. But the exalted
height or the central arch, perfects the sense
of art, and you do not put much stress upon By
rons cynical lines on the great houses that men
build to depart from and the % narrow m W. ones taas
OF civilization. and that is satisfaction enough in
the triumph OF intellect and OF genius: -.
The Manhattan Market yesterday was, for the
Early in the morning-it being saturday-the
streets leading to it were crowded by throng OF
women with red shawls and with huge baskets on
their arms drifting toward the huge portals OF the
and chickens and turkeys were observed to peep
out--though dead-frOm under the willow lids and to
wripgle their denuded and inanimate legs at other
passers, as II to excite their envy Of the coming
| feast. II the place had been thrown open on .
Friday morning all the persons with basxets .al
with defunct denizens OF the vastly deep.
Within the limits Of the mighty roof the scene
i was very striking and peculiar one. The frse
sounds that met ones ear were the shouts Of
about two hundred children of the neighborhood,
Meqe Hea naaeng n IN ali sorts Of wild
| tricks, as II let loose suddenly from state OF
ethargy into one Of eager e inc @ ecsoes o. Iao %
their last dying notes like the lingering cadence oi
mass when the professional and the tapers and
! the ceebrant have turned and marched out, leav-
ing the congregation and the great space IN
silence. This impression was, however, dissipated
by the sight OF the stands OF a few dealers VINO
had set up their business near the entrance. and
were doing wonderful trade In the midst OF
were there IN greatest number: The stands are all
very neat and handsome. The propretors arc
cheerful and confident OF success In their new 10.
cation. The Long Island Farmers Club are lend
ing them all the aid in their power, and the prest-
Mr Robert r. Wets one me- Of I'm the good1y 9d 3S
| market yesterday, and said that the country wag-
| ons from that section will In future make their
| rendezvous there instead OF at Vesey street.
Last night despite the fact that only seventy fve
out OF the several hundred stalls that are rented are
| vet occupied, the market was more than ever
/ tnronged with purchasers and presented an ex'
| tremely lively and picturesque appearance.