New-York tribune., 1900-04-01

brought amaZement and Indignation to the breasts
of not only those who dwelt therein, but those
who were accustomed to walk and drive and
pilot their out of friends through this
scene of unparalleled magnifcence. But soon it
found that these shops and their successors
brought something than Indignation to the
avenue. They brought rapid appreciation in real
estate values and, although the holders were slow
TO realize profits. being in rather more than easy
circumstances yet they experienced that comforta-
bic sensation that invariably accompanies success
But the natural advantages of Fifth Avenue as n
centre for the best class OF custom to be
denied, were the advances of commerciaism
seryatism. For several blocks in either direction
both sides of the avenue, the cross streets
the homes of wealthy citizens. large share of
whose exclusive trade naturally came to those
tions and the financial backing to establish them
selves in this fashionable promenade.
One by the spacious old mansions fell into
the clutches of the yandals of trade whose fnan-
farther uptown. Dignifed brownstone fronts were
ripped out and gold lettered plate glass substi-
early comers; the great piano houses grasped the
opportunity; the merchant taors realized the value
who could and would pay liberal rates for fash
exclusive miners noted that the proper place to
cater to an exclusive and exacuns trade was on
the thoroughfare where their dainty creations Were
Presently great gaps appeared here and there in
the freestone blocks; crowds of workmen arrived
carts and great. high wheeled vehicles rumbled up
with Giankng beams and girders of iron; buildings
the publishing houses moved into the lower part of
on the spot where one old, affuent family had
cherished their household gods; the great modern
hotels. sheltering their armies of residents and
visitors, preempted some OF the choicest locations
All these trades and many others are now in
virtual possession of the great street almost up to
the gates of the Central Park
the former as the butterfly to the grub In the
hold their ground and bid fair maintain their
footing for long time. but 1t is hardly to be
doubted that Canute will have to away before
the advancing tide. The two finest examples of
purely decorative architecture in the country are
IN marble. in Washington Square. and the magnii-
cent Dewey Arch and Colonnade. 24th street
Comment criticism either of these would be
thrown away. They the Nations finest efforts
and lose nothing by comparison with the works of
older civilizations.
The other shopping districts of the city, Broad
way. Sixth Avenue and Twenty-thrd street, have
enormous volumes of business and retain many Of
the leading houses in various lines, but the trade
is of varied grades. There are bargain
counters in the Fifth Avenue shops Everything
sold is of the best. and Is charged for at fair
price-indeed. the guarantee of superexcellence is
sometimes charged for quite generously. is no
more than just. Each district in its way brings
grist to the mill of its negh5or. The shopper who
fails to find prices suitable to slender purse in
Fifth Avenue wanders off TO Its neghboring ave-
nue.. while the critical purchaser. who cannot OBJ
tain elsewhere the exclusive quality Of goods de-
sirc5. may rely with supreme confidence upon the
select stocks to be found in the less obtrusve
magaSs-s Of Fifth Avenue.