The New York herald., 1879-03-10

80 long be en- a desideratum with us. There are
number of cities in the United States that far in
advance of New York in this respect, where the resi-
dences of the leading citizens marked by aesthetic
surroundings and an individuality that not seen
divided up by the broad boulevard through
the centre, the open space of Central Park on the
interminable vstas Of brown stone that charaerize
the rest of the city are impossible. while unex-
ampled facilities are supplied for the erection of
elegant homes that will do credit to their owners
and will be ornaments to the city. Instead of ex-
pending from $4,000 to $4,000 for corner lot on
Fifth avenue from four to six lots here be now
purchased for that sum. and the indications
that men Of foresight and good judgment are
availing themselves of the chances that are thus
offered. Steam transit has accomplished in year
what q decade would have failed to do without it,
The admirable service on the elevated roads has
shown with what comfort and facility home in this
vicinity be reached. and as these roads will be
running through the west end this spring decided
movement has already begun. and building opera
tions ON an extensive scale have been COM
menced. the most marked of which Is that
at Seventy-second street and Eighth avenue
where there is to be erected an edifce that
will be equal to anything of the kind in this any
other city Some ne private residences Will also be
erected this spring the unrivaed Riverside
rue This splendid avenue is to be fully completed
and opened during the coming Visitors to
the Worlds Exhibition in the Central Park in
1888. will probably find the entire region westward
to the river. built up in manner consistent with
the surrounding public improvements.
there appears to be the least exaggeration in this
statement let us reflect for moment on the strik-
ing fact that with the exceptions of the immediate
vicinity or the General Post once ana that or
Madison square. Twenty-tbird street. there is
spot in the city where larger number of people can
be concentrated in the shortest space Of tme with
the readiest means of locomotion. than Thc Circle
at the Eighth avenue and ftyninth street entrance
Of the Central Park, and yet in ignorance of this
fact. this point is probably regarded by nne-tenths
Of our citizens comparatively isolated The ele
waited railways, which i'll this immediate vicinity
come together and meet eight lines OF surface rail-
ways, have accomplished this result. While the
triangle between st. Pauls and the Post Office will
be for many years to come what it now is
OF the city. 'The Circle" has been made.
by the facilities for locomotion afforded at
that point. the chief centre of social life
Here will be erected i'll q shorter period OF time than
most people imagine the great Palace Hotel. COM
bining the elegance Of the Windsor with the comfort
of the Fifth Avenue and the convenience of the
Astor. In close proximity will be the Conservatory
of Music which will be the permanent home of both
English and Italian opera with adjoining
tions that can afford ample space for social entertain
ments. both in winter and summer, on scale that
the increasing size of the city demands. The other
leading places OF amusement will also congregate in
the vicinity account of the facility with which
they be reached from all other parts of the city,
The Metropolitan Elevated Railroad has. in point
of fact by its Fifythrd street reach, converted the
upper portion OF Ninth avenue into the northerly
extension Of the Sixth. and the Park front OF Eighth
avenue has by the same process OF transformation
been brought into line with that part of the Fifth below
the Park. This is of the rapid transit revolu
tons which it is impossible to ignore. The owners
OF property on the west end plateau need to recog
nZe this fact and act 1t at Let them eradi
cate the shantes and squatter population along
the whole line and make every foot OF
the territory salubrious and pure Let the
example set by few right-minded proprietors. in
neatly fencing in the blocks that are temporarily
vacant, be followed by all Where the ground is
suitable let young trees by the thousand be out.
to mpart an air Of neatness to correspond with the
well arranged avenues by which they bounded.
All this would be comparatively inexpensive and
would enhance the saaDle value of every lot in
very large measure. concerted movement
should be made in this respect, and without
delay. Finally. let citizens of taste and
wealth here make selections OF ample space for the
erection of homes consistent with the fortunes they
have accumulated in city so favorably situated tor
successful aud well directed enterprise and industry.
They something to that city well to them
selves and the exhibition of public spirit the least
tribute that a man can pay to the metropolis that
has been to him q OF wealth and happiness.