Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1873-11-20
written for the Herald
A Trip TO New York.
BY REV. JOHN F. AIKEN.

Perhaps some of the readers of the
HERALD might be interested in an ac-
count of a recent visit to New York.
Leaving Rutland at one o'clock in the
afternoon of Oetober..3d, we reached Troy
without any unusual delay. 1t was truly
interesting and suggestive to see, at a
short distance, the capitol of the Empire
State, sitting serene and majestic in the
dusk of evening. There is something
solemn in thus passing great city
which you know is thronged with hui
man beings, all of whom are invisible to
you. Waiting near Albany the usual
time, we at length commenced our jour
ney down the Hudson Far off upon
our right, for many miles, could be dim
1y seen the majestic forms OF the Cat
skiTls- .s...
Ere long we reached Hudson, which,
from its elevated situation, presented
in the moonlight grand and imposing
appearance, like some fendal city of the
middle ages The river shining beneath
the silvery rays Of the full moon was
constant source of pleasure.
Near Poughkeepsie, we passed an
iron foundry belching forth fire from
its numerous chimneys. There are said
to be four of them on the river. Shops
and sehooners sailed slowly by, some up
and Others down, presenting weird and
fantastic appearance. Some had light
in front Ere long, upon the opposite
bank, we saw numerous lights. 1t was
the city of NeWburgh As we neared the
Highlands the river grew narrow. Soon
we passed Sugar Loaf, then swiftly
rushed by Old Bulls Head.
The beauty of the scene was here en-
HANGED by vessels lying at anchor, calm
Iy sleeping upon the shining water. Ere
long we stopped at Garrisons and upon
the opposite shore could discern West
Point, though bat dimly, as the lights
were few and dull. Soon we passed :he
steamboats, lying at anchor. Now we
are at Peekskill My neighbor in the
seat opposite does not seem to care much
for the Hudson by moonlight. He is
evidently fast asleep, and he has his feet
upon the back of the seat in front of
him. feel disposed to wake him, but
he has probably seen the Hudson many
times, so say nothing. Perhaps it is
well for me that do not attempt to ex-
cite the romance within him.
Ere long we are riding swiftly along
the brink of the Tappan Zee. We soon
come to Sing Sing with its high granite
prison. It's narrow, grated windows are
all lighted, but nevertheless If seems
dark and dismal, the abode of crime and
misery. We stop at Tarrytowh long
enough for d few pensiRe vet happy
thoughts of Irving, the genius of this
enchanting region, then swiftly pass on.
to Yonkers, the largest city since we
left Albany, and evidently one Of much
beauty. We now see opposite the high
wall of the Palisades. Soon we find
ourselves surrounded on either side with
lights. and ere long with buildings and
shanties. and open spaces, and then with
streets and stores. We have reached
New York. 1865
For such of youF readers as may never
have visited New York, / will attempt
short description of some of the OBJ
jects of interest that can be seen there
Madison square is one of the most at
tractive parts of the city. There are no
finer buildings than those which here
adorn Broadway, the Fifth Avenue Ho-
tel and the other hetels in the vicinity.
As we pass down Broadway
we see threng of handsomely dressed
people upon the sidewalk, many of them
who seem to have nothing especial to do
in the world, except to enjoy themselves.
Ere long we come TO Union Square,
which is certainly very imposing, and
rendered more so by the statues of
Washington and Lincoln. The eques-
trian statue of Washington seems to
every one exceedingly grand and ma
jestic, novel conception, splendidly eX-
ecuted. The statue of Lincoln makes
fearless, favorable impression, but i'm
proves upon acquaintance.
At the entrance of Broadway proper,
corner of Fourteenth street, is an unus-
ually high building with cupola upon
the top which can be seen from long
distance; and which is as beautiful as it
is striking. As we proceed down
Broadway we see double stream of
people upon either sidewalk, and a
double stream of omnibuses, carriages
and wagons in the street. The noise, to
ears accustomed to the stiffness of coun-
try highways, seems very great. Let
us look at the stores as we pass them.
Many of them are very attractive. A
cursory glance reveals to us their con-
tents-dry goods, jewelry, pictures,
gloves. photographs, segars, mourning,
music, millinery and fancy goods, toys,
carpets. sewing machines, etc, inter-
spersed with hotels, telegraph offices,
pistol galleries, concert saloons and thea
tiers.
The most noticeable objects which at
tract the attention in a ride or walk on
Broadway, are the churches, Grace and
Trinity, which are splendid architecture
al gems: the hotels, Grand Central,
st. Nicholas, and Metropolitan; and the
old and new City Hall, post Office and
Herald building. In the lower part of
Broadway, below Canal street, the gran
tie and marble buildings belonging to
the great wholesale establishments and
to the fire and life insurance companies,
excite the warmest admiration. Truly
Broadway is sight of exceeding inter
est. TO compare entirely dissimilar OBJ
| jects, it is as wonderful In its way, and
as well worth seeing as Niagara Falls.
| Fifth Avenue, with its miles of pala-
tial residences indicative of the immense
wealth of.New York, is also well worth
seeing. Some of the most attractive fea-