The New York herald., 1879-03-10
NEW Y0RK'S FUTURE
How It Compares with the Great
Capitals Of Europe.
THE WEST END PLATEAU.
The Growing Development
Of the Metropolis.
The Future Centre Of Its OpuIence
and Civic SpIendor

Certain statements with regard to the possible
future Of New York that have recently been made
public are based on what seem to be such
data that they perhaps lead to false conceptions
on . subject which. at the present moment is OF
much Importance to all those who have desire to
have homes within the limits OF the city. On the
one hand 1t is asserted, with great deal of
confidence. that the direction of what is termed
the fashionable growth of the city is toward
the east side. On the other hand it is
positively asserted that the invariable develop
ment of the better built up portions large cities
toward the west Again inquirer asks ii there is.
In iact general rule governing this subject Tho
truth is. there two great natural that
doubtedly have had their influence in the develop
ment Of many largo cities. The sites OF most cities
have been tho result OF accident and their growth
due to unforeseen. and general
rule unprovided for. Nevertheless. close
examination reveals tho fact that the great
agencies that have been at work in past ages in
moulding tho Typographical confguration of the
earth-viz.. ice and water--have operated from the
northwest to tho southeast, tho consequence OF
which has been aluvia deposits to the eastward and
rounded hills toward the west and cities, whose
foundations. rule. laid the banks
OF streams. naturally rise in their growth
from the unwholesome alluvium toward tho
higher and healthy ground in tho west. Again,
the prevailing winds of summer being from the south
west. the residents the east side of crowded city
would Of course. receive all the bad air coming from
the other side at . when health and life
depends entirely the purity of tho air. These
are two great causes that wouI appear to have
influence. but the main element that enters into
this question: and the that will always decide it,
Is the salubrity OF the SOIL depending chiefly the
absence Of moisture.
EUROPEAN cAPirAIs-LoSDoN AND PARIS.
Before entering into detailed examination o. the
situation it is presented to this moment in
this city let us glance at OF the leading centres
Of population in Europe. While the circumstances
which have governed their growth and improve
ment are radically different in every instance
theless there are elements which arc possessed
in common by all large aggregations of hu-
nanity that make comparison between our
selves and tho other great centres of popu-
lation not only interesting. but especially
the large capitals of Central and Western Europe.
with which wo have moro constan. intercourse
such. for instance as London Paris. Berlin. Vienna
and Naples. Compared with cities like these New
York is q creation Of yesterday and yet 1t ranks
third ON the list in population The foundations Of
London were laid nearly two thousand years ago.
and to-day 1t IL tho largest of the worlds great cap
tals numbering population of about four million
souls. The metropolitan limits embrace an area of
7l.O00 acres. nearly hundred and sixteen
square miles. The older portion of the city
Is for the most part made up Of narrow, crooked
streets. that In past have been the scene of
squalor. pcstilence and conhsgration on q terrific
scale. 1t is situated In alluvia basin. through
which tho Thames no wider at the city than our
Harlem River. winds its way toward the sea. Along
Inc shore Of the aud its side the surface
b low and malarious. Toward tho north aud west
the ground risos is better drained and healthy.
Fortunately for its dense population there few
places in the British Kingdom where less rain falls
than In tho city OF London To this fact may bo
ascribed in great tho comparative health
suness Of that city. The prevailing winds from
ehc southwest. and this taken in connection with
shc fAvorbls topography has made the West End OF
London tho most attractive and desirable place of
residence In that metropolis. The largo number OF
public parks and squares that tho city contains
for tho most part situated in that section aud this
combined with high styio of architectural adorn-
mont. hes given to this quarter an air of
elegance and refinement unrivalled by any other
city In the world Hyde Park Is the largest and
most fashionable. containing 400 acres about one
half tho area OF Central Park Regents Park is
nearly the same sizc. has circutous drive OF about
two mes and contains tho Geological and Botanical
Gardens. There arc many smaller squares sur
rounded by palaai residences: but were IL not for
tho display of private adorninent this great city
would possess little that is attractive or agreeable
Paris Is the gaycst. brightest and most attrac-
tive Of all tho cities OF the world. Its
foundations also date back two thousand years.
and IL has now q population OF 100000 souls.
Favored BY bright skies and genial climate adorned
by tho lavish hands of prodigal rulers. embelished
with all that taste anG skill could conceive and cx-
ecutc Il IN at the time the homo tho arts and
scienccs and tho paradise of fashion and frvolity.
Its strcots. avenues and places of amusement have
boon ma<o attractive that tho entire community