iiiiiiiiiit liiiMiiiii 9- ^^ 1 '-^.0^' ^V^^'^ ^-ov^^ Z^'.^^o^' = ^ 4 o , .. « i< << I'.M. aDDnnn innnnnn DDDDnn nnnnnn ggnnan rjiHHBiaa nDHDnn HDnn DDnn DDDDnn nana ana nn □□ DC DC ID Id 68TH nnnn ODcnn neon nani En \Gr^md\^ent, Depot J 1st J P^FL\^ I nn □ ! 1 1! ( ^ ) / ^ J ^ V J = cq MANHA TTAN; 47 children who reside in the building-, are care- fully trained in common school branches, special attention being given to the study of the physiological effects of alcohol. A daily bath also exercises its salutary influence upon the pupils. A children's song-service, com- posed of classical selections astonishingly well rendered, — and demonstrating the practicabil- ity of utilizing the best music as a means of re- fining the ignorant, — is held Sunday afternoons at half-past three o'clock, after which visitors are permitted to inspect the building. The officers of the institution, who keep themselves informed concerning the welfare of the chil- dren that have been under their care, assert that so far only two have been known to lead criminal lives. Women also are here shel- tered, and employment is found for them. " The Five Points Mission" is opposite, and in the small space between is a band-stand, where open-air evening concerts are given to audiences composed of tramps and drunkards of both sexes, whose faces expose their hard- ened characters, making the name of the place, Paradise Park, an awful misnomer. The Tombs. — In Centre Street, one block toward the west, stands an imposing granite pile, ominously called "The Tombs," and used as the city prison. This edifice, which covers 48 MANHA TTAN an entire block, was erected in 1838 on ground made by filling Collect Pond. Although the foundations of the building were laid much deeper than usual, the walls settled and ap- peared to be in peril, but as they have stood for over half a century, they are now^ consid- ered safe. The site chosen w^as unfortunate, because the hollow ground does not show the really fine building, — which is said to be the purest specimen of Egyptian architecture out of Egypt, — to advantage, and also because the necessarily damp and unwholesome condition of the soil renders the place a very poor one MANHA TTAN. 49 for the confinement of human beings. To further add to the pestilential condition of this swamp-land, some tanners, who previously oc- cupied the locality, left their vats open when they removed their tanneries, and for a long- time these plague-spots remained unrectified. In the portico massive and sombre pillars, well calculated to induce a hopeless state of mind, lead to the Court of Special Sessions and the Police Court, both of which may be visited without permits from 9.30 a.m. until 4 P.M. The prison entrance is in Franklin Street. Here criminals wait to be tried and convicts were executed. Permits are required in order to visit the dark and gloomy cells be- tween the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. These may be secured from the Commissioners of Pub- lic Charities and Correction, at their bureau, corner of Third Avenue and i ith Street. A new building for the accommodation of the criminal courts is in process of construction at the north of the prison. MOTT Street. — ^Returning to Chatham Square by Worth Street a few moments should be devoted to Mott Street, which swarms with representatives of the Chinese nation, usually very well-behaved persons. The Joss houses are easily discoverable because of their oriental decorations, but they are not open to the pub- 4 5o MANHA TTAN. lie. The exeltisively foreign aspect of the place inspires one Avith the feeling of the child who, when taken to visit the pano- rama of Gettysburg, asked, "Why, where is New York?" The Bowery. — From Chatham Square the up-town train on the elevated road passes through a street which bears the most unique of reputations. " The Bowery " from begin- ning to end is a queer conglomeration of cheap stores, concert-saloons, variety theatres, and dime museums, while venders of all sorts of small wares impede the sidewalks. The character of this locality also has changed with time. The "Bowery Boy," who terrorized the police, and made his face good for an entrance-fee to the theatre, has disappeared ; and even the "young fellow" of the period finds his paste diamonds too little appreciated by the Germans, who are rapidly taking pos- session of his old "stamping ground." The name of this street was derived from the fact that it originally was a lane passing by Dutch farms or "booweries." The Old Bowery Theatre, the history of which is closely interwoven with traditions of the American stage, still stands below Canal Street. Malibran, Hackett, Forrest, the elder Booth, Charlotte Cushman, and many other MANHATTAN. 51 great stars, have made this place luminous with their presence. Since their day the rougher class has made it a home for hetero- geneous melodrama. Three savings banks in this street have greatly aided to promote frugal habits among residents of the vicinity. A branch of the Young Men's Christian Association is also lo- cated here. The shopping centre for country people and the smaller trades-people is east, in Grand Street, where goods are much cheaper than in the fashionable quarter. A totally different aspect characterizes this locality from that which appears about the up-town stores. At East 3d Street it will again be necessary to become a pedestrian. Lafayette Place, which extends at right angles with East 3d, or Great Jones Street, one block west of the Bowery, is a quarter in which the antiquated style of the old resi- dences, — now mostly appropriated by publish- ing houses, religious newspapers, hotels, and restaurants, — has given them an air of great respectability. The Astor Library Building, at the east side of the street, covering the site of the old Vauxhall Garden, is of brown-stone and brick, Romanesque in design, and in pattern similar to the royal palaces of Florence. This edifice 53 MANHA TTAN, was erected in 1853, — according to the will of John Jacob Astor, — who left four hundred thousand dollars for this purpose; and ap- pointed the most able scholars, with Wash- ington Irving as their president, to act as trustees. There are now about three hundred thousand books on the shelves, mainly books of reference, and the fact that annually there are about sixty thousand persons who seek exact knowledge in this classic library demon- strates the intelligence of the age. There is still capacity for about two hundred thousand volumes. In the collection are records of the effective work of the United States Sani- tary Commission during the war, rare Greek and Latin manuscripts, an illuminated manu- script volume of chants used at the coronation of French kings, and some black-letter tomes that include a copy of the first printed Bible, and a fair amount of Shakesperiana. These will be shown on application. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is accessible to any person by simply registering name and address. Since the original endowment, Wil- liam B. Astor has contributed five hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and John Jacob Astor, — the grandson of the founder, — three hundred thousand dollars. On its departure for Washington in 1861, 54 MANHA TTAN. the Seventh Regiment National Guard formed in line along this street, amid great excitement and a profuse display of banners and bunting. This corps was composed of the youth and flower of the city. CHAPTER IV. THE SECOND AFTERNOON. The Mercantile Library. — Astor Place, which diagonally crosses Lafayette Place at the north, is a quarter mostly occupied by publishing houses. A new Clinton Hall stands at the triangle formed by the junction of Astor Place and 8th Street, the old one which stood on the same site having recently been pulled down because it was too small to accommodate the Mercantile Library, for which it had long been a home. This library, founded in 1821 for merchants' clerks, occupied a hall (called Clinton Hall because De Witt Clinton pre- sented the first book) at the corner of Beekman and Nassau Streets. Columbia College granted two free scholarships to the organization, and members secured many privileges in the way of lecture courses and class instruction. Noth- ing is more interesting than a history of the institutions founded in this city during the first half-century of our Republic, at which time the energy and insight of a few public- spirited men, — among whom none were more 55 56 MANHATTAN. conspicuous than De Witt Clinton, — laid the foundation for broad and far-reaching educa- tional systems that are proving of incalculable benefit to the whole nation. The library was moved to its present site in 1854, and now again has required more commodious quarters. Two hundred thousand volumes, besides news- papers and periodicals, occupy its shelves, and new books are constantly being purchased. Branch libraries are at No. 62 Liberty Street, and at No. 43 1 Fifth Avenue. The charges for yearly membership are four dollars for clerks, and five dollars for other persons. The Clinton Hall, which recently has been demolished, originally was the Astor Place Opera House, where in 1849, the Forrest- Macready riot occurred, — an outbreak which was occasioned by the unpopularity of Mac- ready, who was supposed to have prejudiced English opinion against Forrest, the American favorite. A poorly modelled bronze statue of Samuel S. Cox recently has been placed in the triangular space east of Clinton Hall. Cooper Union. — The massive brown-stone building at the right, the old portion of which is classic, and the additions of which are Gothic in design, is a monument of far-sighted phi- lanthropy, built in 1857 by the late Peter Cooper, at a cost of six hundred and thirty MANHA TTAN. 57 thousand dollars, and endowed by him with three hundred thousand dollars for the support of the library, free reading-room, and schools COOPER UNION. of art and science. The library, which is open between the hours of 8 a.m and lo p.m. on week days, and on Sundays, from October to May, from 12 M. to 9 p.m., contains a complete set of Patent-Office reports, about twenty thoUvSand books, and the periodicals and news- papers of the day. An average of seventeen hundred persons daily patronize the reading- room, and the annual attendance at the even- ing schools is thirty-five hundred. Free pop- ular lectures are given Saturday evenings. 58 MANHATTAN. A special art school is provided for women during the day, as well as classes in telegraphy, phonography, and typewriting. The large hall of this establishment, which is used for mass meetings, has been identified with almost every public movement since the erection of the building. Its walls have echoed to the clarion voices of Garrison, Beecher, Phillips, Sumner, Anna Dickinson, Lucretia Mott, and Abraham Lincoln, — on the occasion of his pres- idential campaign against Douglas, the " Little Giant of Illinois." The Bible House, just north of Cooper Union, contains the offices of the American Bible Society, an organization whose presses have printed the Bible in eighty languages. The Sixty-ninth Regiment Armory is over Tompkins Market, east of Cooper L^nion. The mention of this regiment still recalls to many minds one of the most harrowing sights of the Civil War, when after the battle of Bull Run, only three hundred members returned from that wholesale massacre, and these came hatless, coatless, and stockingless. The dis- tress of the women who discovered that their loved ones were missing, and the frantic eagerness with which the soldiers grasped their wives and children, is spoken of as a scene affecting in the extreme. MANHATTAN. 59 Tompkins Square. — From this point St. Mark's Place, or East 8tli Street, leads to a pretty park which invites occupants of the tenement houses near by to enjoy the fresh air. Whatever may be the shortcomings of our mu- nicipal government no complaint can be made with regard to the floral display, for beautiful little patches of color, arranged with really artistic skill, adorn the public grounds in all parts of the city. In the pail^ just mentioned a fine fountain and ample pond sustain such rare water-exotics as the lotus of Egypt and India, the Egyptian papyrus. South American pond-lilies, and many other varieties of water plants, all of which are catalogued on a sign- board. A band-stand, confectionery-booths, and plenty of benches, further indicate the com- fort given to the tired working people summer evenings. The Wilson Industrial School for Girls, which faces the park at the 8th Street corner, is an institution in which the Kitchen Garden System (little girls cooking and arrang- ing tables to a song accompaniment) is in practical operation. The matron of this estab- lishment, Miss Emily Huntington, is the founder of the system. St. Mark's Church. — From Cooper Union Stuyvesant Street leads the traveller past a 6o MANHA TTAN. quaint church edifice which was erected in 1/93 t)y Trinity Corporation, the ground and four thousand dollars in money having been a gift from a great-grandson of Peter Stuyvesant. The remains of the Dutch governor are in- terred in a vault within the church, having been removed from the chapel w^hich he had previously built upon the site of the present edifice. The original tablet on the outside of the eastern wall indicates his place of sepul- cher. A graveyard surrounds St. Mark's, in which only flat stones mark the resting-place of the dead. From this place the remains of A. T. Stewart were stolen. Second Avenue. — The broad thoroughfare which cuts off Stuyvesant Street at this point is a portion of Second Avenue that was another fashionable quarter of the olden time, but is now largely occupied by medical and benevo- lent institutions. The New York Historical Society Building at the southeastern corner of iith Street and Second Avenue, is the receptacle of a large and valuable collection of historical curiosities. This society was organized in 1804 by prominent citizens; "For the collect- ing and preserving of whatever might relate to the natural, civil and ecclesiastical history MANHATTAN. 6i of the United States in general, and the great and sovereign State of New York in particular." Material with which to form a " Museum of American Antiquities" was so rapidly secured as to necessitate several removals, until the present building was erected with accommoda- tions so spacious that the society enlarged the scope of its work and purchased valuable col- lections of foreign art, literature, and antiquity. These are now so numerous as to render the present building inadequate for their accom- modation, and it is discreditable to the city that so many old treasures should be hidden from the public for want of space, of cases to protect, custodians to exhibit, or catalogues to assist the investigator. The museum contains a large collection of rare pamphlets and manu- scripts relating to American history, news- papers, maps, autograph letters, coins, medals, a library of over two thousand volumes, the original portraits of fourteen Inca monarchs, with their names and the order of their succession, and some portraits of celebrated Indian chiefs. The original water-color pict- ures made by Audubon for his work on natural history are here ; also the efforts of the early American artists. West, Allston, Stuart, Peale, Jarvis, Cole and others ; and some specimens from the old masters, Raphael, Van Dyke, 62 MANHA TTAN. Titian, Rembrandt, Del Sarto, Paul Veronese, and Murillo. The Egyptian collection contains a fac-simile of the Rosetta Stone, mummies of the sacred bulls, with portions of the chariot and rope-harness found buried with them in the tombs at Dashour, vases, agricultural and sacrificial implements, and a great number of other equally interesting relics from that an- cient civilization. There are besides some specimens of the sculpture of ancient Ni- neveh, as well as several pieces of modern times. The society includes over two thousand members, through whose courtesy alone ad- mittance to the building is obtained. As the organization is unincumbered by debt, it is confidently hoped that a new building soon will be erected which can be utilized for the benefit of the public. Stuyvesant Square, through which Second Avenue passes on its wa}^ northward, is one of the most attractive of our city parks, the land for which was deeded to the '' Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the City of New York" (this is our legal title) by Peter G. Stuyvesant in 1836. The donor intended that the park should be called Holland Square, but its title was changed by request of the recipients. As according to the terms of the MANHA TTAN. d^ deed, businCwSS houses are not permitted to en- croach upon this locality, it still remains a desirable down-town place of residence. These grounds once formed the northern portion of the Stuyvesant farm, which extended south- ward to 3rd Street, and from Third Avenue eastward to the river. On a spot within this farm, now identified by a plate at the corner of I ith Street and Third Avenue, there flour- ished for nearly two hundred years a pear tree which was brought from Holland by the orig- inal Peter Stuyvesant, and planted by him to preserve the memory of his name. The Friends' Meeting House and Sem- inary are at the left of Stuyvesant Square. The Quakers, who suffered much persecution at the hands of Dutch governors, as well as from Puritan authorities, could not firmly es- tablish themselves in this city until the begin- ning of the eighteenth century, when they erected their first meeting-house near Maiden Lane. Since that time they have successively put up a number of buildings, but at present these just referred to, belonging to the Hicks- ite branch, and one other, belonging to the orthodox sect, are the only meeting-houses that remain standino^. Throuofh all the vicis- situdes of the city's growth the Quaker element ever has been bold, peaceful, prudent, and 64 MANHATTAN. practical, and our present prosperity owes much to their discreet activity. Saint George's Church, (Episcopalian) at the 1 6th Street corner, is in its architectural style a transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic. Two spires of such beautiful pro- portions that they challenged general admira- tion, recently have been taken down because they were considered unsafe. Fortunately they are to be rebuilt. This church originally was one of three chapels belonging to Trinity Corporation, but it became a distinct charge in 1811. Its first edifice was erected, in 1752, on ground near Beekman Street, called " Chapel Hill." The present structure was built in 1849. For many years this parish was pre- sided over by the celebrated Dr. Stephen H. Tyng, whose remarkable insight and energy organized a work which is now ably continued and enlarged by the present rector, Dr. W. S. Rainsford. The presence of thirty women in the vested choir is an innovation and improve- ment in the service. The building at the rear is a sort of church club-house, where members have the advantages of reception and class rooms and a fine gymnasium. Sixteenth Street extends westward from Saint George's to Irving Place, and Irving Place leads southward to East 14th Street. MANHA TTAN. 65 A picturesque little theatre called the "Am- berg," — formerly Irving Hall, — at the corner of Irving Place and 15th Street, is appropriated to German plays. The Academy of Music, at the 14th Street corner, was built in 1854 and rebuilt in 1866. Although the exterior of this edifice is very plain, the interior is renowned for its perfect appointments. Italian opera long found a home in this building, during which time its walls echoed to the world's most perfect voices. Great dramatic stars, among them Rachel, Ristori, Booth, Salvini, and Janauschek, also have appeared upon its stage. Until the erec- tion of the Metropolitan Opera House the Acad- emy was the popular place for balls and pub- lic meetings, but it is now entirely used for dramatic presentations. Tammany Hall, which is situated east of the Academy in 14th Street, is headquarters for the Tammany Society, or Columbian Order, — an organization founded in 1789 for the pur- pose of perpetuating a true love of country. In order to propitiate the Indians the society adopted aboriginal forms and christened itself with the name of an Indian chieftain. At first a national society, based upon general princi- ples of patriotism and benevolence, it became partisan when the administration proclaimed 5 66 MANHA TTAN. neutrality during the French Revolution. It is now the most thoroughly organized political body in the country, polling about half of the entire city vote. Every district has its com- mittee, which is under the direction of a gen- eral committee of eleven hundred members, who are in turn controlled by a " Grand Sa- chem," or "boss." It was this order which inaugurated the perpetual commemoration of Washington's birthday. The first Tammany Hall, or "Wigwam," stood on the site now occupied by the Sun Building. The present edifice was built in 1867. Steinway Hall, once made classical by the best concert music, but now converted into piano warerooms, was in the Steinway Build- ing, at the west of the Academy in 14th Street. Union Square. — A few^ steps eastward and an open park is reached, which affords a breathing space to the public in the very heart of the city. Business has so engrossed this locality that but very few of the old resi- dences remain. A flag-stone in the sidewalk at the east side, upon the surface of which is cut, "Union Square, founded in 1832," identi- fies the former home of the person who was most active in securing the early improvements for this place, Mr. Samuel Ruggles. 68 MANHA TTAN. The College of Social Economics, which occupies the southeastern corner of i6th Street and Union Square, represents a new departure in educational lines, its object being to found a School of Economics that shall be distinctly American, thus giving to students a broader basis upon which to form a judgment of new social conditions than is made possible by ap- plication of the doctrines of the Manchester School. A business college forms a part of the institution, and free lectures on themes of popular interest are delivered Wednesday evenings. The Bronze Equestrian Statue of Wash- ington, of heroic size, which stands near 14th Street, was the first public work of art ever set up out-of-doors in this city. It was erected in 1856 by enterprising merchants. H. K. Brown was the sculptor. The great War Meeting of 1861, called in response to Lincoln's appeal for troops "to sustain the Federal Government in the present crisis," was held under this fac-simile of the benign face of our first President. The park contains about three and one-half acres of ground that are kept in excellent order. The fountain pond is filled with exot- ics similar to those already observed in other parks, and bordered with brilliant foliage MANHATTAN. 69 plants. From the balcony of the cottage north of the fountain officials review the parades that frequently take place on the 1 7th Street Plaza, banners and a row of gas-jets making the place brilliant on special occasions. A drinking fountain stands at the western edge. The bronze statue of Lincoln, erected by popular subscription shortly after his assassination, and modeled by H. K. Brown, is at the southwest- ern corner. A statue of Lafayette, facing toward the south, was modelled by Bartholdi, and erected in 1876 by French residents in token of gratitude for the sympathy for France shown by America during the Franco-Prussian war. Union Square Theatre faces the park at the 14th Street side. The pavement in front of this theatre is popularly known as the " Slave Market," from the fact that actors make this their lounging place while waiting for engage- ments. West Fourteenth Street, which well may be called "Vanity Fair," is the great shopping centre of New York, as the perpetual crowd, the bargain announcements in the shop windows, and the street venders of every description of goods, from choice roses to stove-blacking, will testify. Macy's, at the corner of 14th Street and 70 MANHA TTAN. Sixth Avenue, represents a small world of traf- fic in itself. At first but an insignificant shop in an out-of-the-way quarter, it afterward suc- ceeded in forcing trade to its own locality and became the nucleus of the present business of the street. Within this great mart may be found every variety of dry-goods and notions ; also confectionery, drugs, books, magazines, stationery, toys, shoes; a fine restaurant, a glove department, a saddlery-hardware depart- ment, and a department of ceramics, bronzes, silverware, etc. In short, nearly everything, down to the simplest of household utensils, and all at moderate prices. Like Whitely of London, Macy has aimed to be an "uni- versal provider," and it will be seen that he has practically succeeded. It is a curious sight to watch the purchasers who often stand three and four deep around the counters. Women of wealth and simply- dfessed country dames jostle each other in their efforts to secure the attention of the ever busy clerks. Children clap their hands at sight of a beneficent Santa Claus dispensing beautiful toys, or wail from the nervous fatigue of so much excitement, while cash girls in bright red aprons run hither and thither with their package baskets, endeavoring with all their might to expedite matters for the crowd MANHATTAN. 7 1 that seems never to diminish and never to cease buying. It was Macy who originated prices in odd numbers, and also the Christmas window, — a moving panorama which annually proves so attractive that during the holiday season it becomes necessary to stretch a canvas across the stairway at the elevated-railway sta- tion in order to prevent spectators from using the stairs as a platform from which to view the windows. The Salvation Army Quarters are in 14th Street, west of Sixth Avenue. The New York Hospital, which now oc- cupies a building in 15th Street, between Sixth and Fifth Avenues, was chartered by George the Third in 1771, and was the second organization of its kind in this city. The original edifice in Duane Street, was destroyed by fire before patients could be admitted, and having been rebuilt, was occupied by American and British soldiers until the close of the war; so that it was 1791 before the real work of the institution could begin. Since that time, how- ever, the hospital has been almost unrivalled as a School of Medicine and Surgery. The present building, which is modern French Renaissance in design, was opened in 1887 with very perfect appointments, the upper Story having been converted into a glass-roofed 72 MANHATTAN. hall where patients may have the advantage of a sun bath. The first hospital on the Island, etablished by the Dutch near the old fort, was demolished by the British. The Young Women's Christian Associ- ation Building, between Fifth Avenue and Union Square, was founded in 1870 for the purpose of assisting young women who are dependent on their own exertions. Classes are here instructed in sewing, book-keeping, etc. ; and an employment bureau assists women to find positions. The system also includes a circulating library and reading-room, supplied with current periodicals; a gymnasium, a board directory, an exchange for woman's work, concerts, lectures, and Sunday Bible instruction. An addition, called the Margaret Louisa Home, which accommodates working women with lodging and board, recently has been erected in i6th Street. The building was the gift of Mrs. E.F.Shepard; the Asso- ciation is supported by voluntary contribu- tions. Tiffany's. — The great building at the cor- ner of 15 th Street and Union Square is the far-famed jewelry store of Tiffany and Com- pany, an establishment which stands alone in the world because it is so great of its kind. Of course, as changes constantly are taking MANHATTAN. 73 place, a description of what is displayed at any one time only will serve to convey an idea of the general characteristics of this institu- tion. Upon the first floor there is a bewildering as- sortment of diamonds and other jewels, silver- ware, fans, etc. In the northwestern corner, devoted to Russian manufactures, a silver vase testifies to the remarkable degree of excellence arrived at by Russian artificers. The second floor displays a varied and most interesting collection of artistic work. Among the marble and bronze statuary placed in a little room near the elevator, is Edward Thax- ter's "First Dream of Love," — a life-size marble figure which challenges criticism as to the conception, — for a maiden asleep in an up- right position, her limbs bound with a net, her feet unsupported by the ground, and trailing through bushes, is a confusing thought. The work, however, is good, and the infant "Love," who whispers in the maiden's ear, is skilfully modelled. A much more effective piece of work by the same artist is the bust of "Meg Merrilies," which occupies a pedestal in the same room. Specimens of agatized wood from Arizona and Dakota, in which startlingly beautiful mineral colors have been produced by the 74 MANHA TTAN. wash of waters containing quartz in large quantities, are next shown. Near these curi- osities are antiques in wrought brass, armor, etc. ; while everywhere are clocks that make the air musical with the chimes of Grace, Trinity, or Old World cathedrals. Under a canopy in an apartment at the north side of the building, stands a time- stained statuette of Diana, which was found in a sarcophagus near Athens, and is supposed to be two thousand five hundred years old. This figure is rather sturdy for the modern ideal of beauty, but its pose is calm and digni- fied. A bas-relief of a woman's head and shoulders, in which the workmanship is so delicate and the elevation so slight as to sug- gest the possibility of a sketch in marble, occupies a place on the wall near by. William Cooper is the creator of this last mentioned thing of beauty. The collection in this apartment also con- tains an electrotype copy of the Bryant Vase, manufactured by Tiffany, and exhibited by him at Philadelphia in 1876. A group of Russian bronzes at the left of the elevator should not be overlooked, as the quality of the material, the detail of the work, and above all, the consummate skill with which spirited action is portrayed in every object, MANHATTAN. 75 make this exhibit a special feature of the establishment. On the floor above ceramics from all the great factories of the world are displayed. CHAPTER V. THE THIRD MORNING. "Milton's Visit to Galileo" is the sub- ject of a painting by Professor Gatti, of Flor- ence, which is exhibited in the art room of J.H.Johnston an,d Company's jewelry store, No. 17 Union Square. The poet, who is gaz- ing at the stars through a telescope, and the astronomer, who stands near him surrounded by his family, form a most interesting group, especially so when it is understood that each face is said to be an authentic portrait. The light from a candle in the hands of the maid, the rays from a lamp which is burning on the table, and the moonlight seen through the archway from which astronomical observations are being taken, form three luminous centres in which the proportionate relationships are maintained with a fidelity which attests great skill on the part of the artist. Extreme deli- cacy of drawing also is displayed in a chart of the heavens which stands on the table. This art room also contains several excellent 76 MANHATTAN'. 77 Specimens of the French and Spanish schools, and American art is well represented. An admirable likeness of Thomas Paine, said to be the only portrait of that celebrated individ- ual which was painted from life, is one of the most noticeable features of this collection. An Old Majolica Inkstand. — Among the ceramics exhibited in this establishment is a curious old inkstand which bears the signifi- cant date of 1492. Extremely clumsy in form, it is agreeable to look upon because of its har- monious coloring. The inscription on the cartouche, " I. H. S. ," with cross and nails, and the device of the Medici family, — the six pills, — on a shield in the lower division, testify to the correctness of the supposition that this relic was manufactured in the Caffagiolo factory near Florence, for use in a monastery, thus relegating the formation of the quaint struc- ture to a time only twenty-six years later than the Heraldic Shield which was exhibited with the Castellani collection at Philadelphia, in 1876. The Cluny Museum in Paris, and the Museum at Sevres, possess other pieces of the same school. From Union Square to Twenty-third Street, Broadway is occupied by large retail dry-goods houses, and carpet and jewelry es- tablishments; as well as by florists, caterers, 78 MANHA TTAN. dealers in ceramics, etc., all of whom draw their patronage from among the wealthy class. "Choosing the Bride," by Makoffsky. — This elaborate painting, which is a companion piece to the "Russian Wedding Feast," is ex- hibited in Schumann's uptown jewelry store, at the corner of Broadway and 22d Street. The critical moment when a Russian prince selects his consort from a group of radiant beauties is the subject here portrayed. The dramatic action is not so fine in this as in the first-named picture, but the costumes and jewels of the noble damsels are quite as elabo- rate, and the scheme of color is harmonious and brilliant. An admission fee of twenty- five cents, which is appropriated to charity, is charged. The Residence Built for Samuel J. TiLDEN is in Gramercy Park, two blocks east of Broadway, at Nos. 14 and 15 East 20th Street. The stone carvings on the exterior of this edifice are of great artistic excellence, the entire fa9ade being enriched with divisional bands of beautifully sculptured foliage, and bas-relief figures cut in sunken disks, while the delicately chiselled heads of Shakespeare, Milton, Franklin, Goethe, and Dante, appear on a panel near the eastern entrance. The Players' Club House, at No. 16 East MAMHATTAKK 79 20th Street, is a gift to actors from the founder and president of the chib, Edwin Booth. The building contains the libraries of Mr. Booth and Lawrence Barrett, and also the play bills collected by Augustin Daly. A general rendezvous of players takes place in these apartments every Saturday night. Gramercy Park is open to residents in the immediate neighborhood only, Cyrus W. Field, David Dudley Field, John Bigelow, and other well-known persons, occupy houses in this attractive locality. Lexington Avenue, which extends north- ward from Gramercy Park, contains the former home of Peter Cooper. The residence of the philanthropist was at No. 9. The College of the City of New York stands at the southeastern corner of Lexington Avenue and 23d Street. Each year nearly one thousand young men here receive tuition in a classical, scientific, or mechanical course. A post-graduate course in engineering occu- pies two additional years. The college con- tains a fine library, a cabinet of natural history, and apparatus for the use of the scientific department. The institution is maintained at an annual cost to the city of about one hundred and fifty-three thousand dollars. Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and 8o MANHA TTAN. Training School for Nurses are at the foot of East 26th Street. This hospital was founded in 1826, and is under the control of the city government; but the college, an independent institution, was not organized until 1861. The Associated Artists occupy premises at No. 115 West 23d Street. This is a stock- company of women, who are placing a com- mercial value on the talents of women, and who expect eventually to make of their or- ganization a School of Design which shall be distinctly American. Embroidering and dec- orative drawing and designing for wall paper, tapestries, and fabrics, are taught to the pupils of this establishment, w^ho become a part of the institution after a three years' course. To those persons who are investigating the prog- ress of decorative art nothing can be more delightful than a few moments spent in exam- ining the products of this fairy workshop. Silks, soft and fine as any woven in Oriental looms, and with colors so perfectly combined that artists frequently suppose the material to have been treated with the brush, delight the eye, while the patriotic sense is gratified with the knowledge that only American flora and fauna form the basis of the designs for these exquisite fabrics. Many color studies in textiles and tapestries are displayed, in which MANHATTAN. 8i the workmanship seems little short of marvel- lous. A characteristic feature of the tapes- try-work is the poetic thought woven in with the threads. At the present time deft fingers are producing a series of curtains that portray the heroines of Hawthorne's novels with such unmistakable originality of design that the artist, Dora Wheeler, is immediately recognized. Visitors are welcome at the show- rooms of this establishment throughout the day. The National Academy of Design. — The beautiful structure of artistically blended gray and white marble and blue stone, stand- ing at the northwestern corner of Fourth Avenue and 23d Street is in part a copy of the Palace of the Doges in Venice, its architectural design being the Italian Gothic. The vesti- bule floor is of variegated marbles, and a mas- sive marble stairway leads to the galleries above. Here every spring and autumn, an exhibition of new paintings takes place, and prizes are awarded. Other organizations sometimes rent these galleries for the display of their art work among them the American Water Color Society holds an annual exhibition during the month of January, which is ex- tremely popular. Free art schools and lecture rooms, open to both sexes from October until 6 82 MANHATTAN. June of every year, occupy the first and wsecond floors of the building. The inception of the Academy, now the foremost art institution in the country, was due to Professor S. B. Morse, who was himself an artist of no mean ability. About the year 1 8 1 5 he founded a society of artists of which he became president, and before which he THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN. delivered the first course of lectures on the fine arts ever given in this part of the world. Although this organization thrived, its exist- ence was nomadic until 1863, when the present building was erected, and dedicated w^ith im- posing ceremonies. MANHA TTAN. 83 The members of the institution consist of academicians (N.A.), and associates (A.N. A.), who acquire either rank of professional dis- tinction by merit. The Young Men's Christian Association Building is opposite the Academy, at the southwestern corner of 23d Street and Fourth Avenue. This edifice, which is French Re- naissance in design, contains a reception and reading room; a concert hall, seating four thousand, a lecture room, library, gymnasium, and bowling-alley ; besides parlors, class-rooms and baths. The building is open every day in the year, including holidays, and many opportunities for instruction and entertainment are afforded the members. The association has six branch organizations in different parts of the city. CHAPTER VI. THE THIRD AFTERNOON. The American Art Association. — The beautiful galleries of this institution at No. 6 East 23d Street, usually are occupied with interesting- collections of paintings. The as- sociation holds two exhibitions yearly, at which prizes valued at two thousand dollars are awarded for the best paintings, while gold medals worth one hundred dollars are bestowed for works of secondary merit. Madison Square, which is bounded at the south and north by 23d and 26th streets, and at the east and west by Madison Avenue and the intersection of Broadway with Fifth Ave- nue, contains about six acres of ground, made beautiful with shade trees, flowers, and a fountain. Until the year 1847 this part of the Island was rather unsightly, and previous to the time of its improvement, was occupied only by Cor- poral Thompson's little yellow tavern, and an old arsenal which was utilized as a house of refuge. At present this park is the centre of 86 MANHATTAN, a world of fashion and amusement. The Madison Avenue side is occupied by the Metro- politan Life Insurance Company Building, — an example of the Italian Renaissance style of architecture, very rich in its material and de- tail, — a Presbyterian church, and the building which formerly belonged to the Jockey Club, and later to the Union League, but is now the home of the University Club. In this organi- zation membership is restricted to men who have graduated from some college, university, or professional school, from the United States ^lilitary Academy at West Point, or the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Madison Square Garden. — The most con- spicuous building in this vicinity is situated in Madison Avenue, between 26th and 27th vStreets. Its ornate style attracts immediate attention. The architectural design, partly Moorish, and partly Spanish Renaissance, is novel to us, and the arrangement of electric lights, fantastically grouped about the minaret domes and the tower, until they terminate in a brilliant crescent under the feet of the bronze Diana at the apex, is an exceedingly pleasant vision, suggesting unlimited delights for sum- mer evenings in the garden on the roof. The auditorium has a seating capacity of fifteen thousand. Boxes and galleries surround its MAN HA TTAN. 87 walls, and tables as well as chairs, are placed on the main floor for the benefit of those who desire refreshment during the performances. Concerts, spectacular displays, horse, bench, and flower shows, that require commodious accommodations, usually form the attractions MADISON SQUARE GARDEN. at this place. The northern portion of the building contains a small theatre and a beauti- ful concert hall. An elevator carries visitors to the tower for twenty-five cents. The old Madison Square Garden, which for- merly occupied this site, had previously been known as Gilmore's Garden; earlier, it was 88 MANHATTAN. Barnum's Hippodrome, and for many years before that time it was a passenger station of the Harlem Railway. Madison Avenue extends northward from this point to Harlem. The Monument to Admiral Farragut, which stands at the northwestern corner of Madison Square, is much admired. It was erected by the Farragut Memorial Association, and the statue was made by Augustus St. Gaudens. The Worth Monument, at the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue, is the most prominent object in Madison Square. It is a granite obelisk, erected by the corporation of the city in memory of Major-General Worth ; who first achieved distinction at Chippewa, under General Scott in 1841, and afterw^ard participated in the war with Florida Indians, — 1840 to 1842, — and in the Mexican struggle of 1846 to 1848. The name of Anthony Street was changed to Worth Street in honor of this soldier. The Statue of William H. Seward, by Randolph Rogers, which is placed at the south- western corner of the park, represents that statesman in a sitting posture, surrounded by huge tomes. It was unveiled in 1876. The white marble building at the north- MANIJA TTAiV. 89 western corner of Fifth Avenue and 23d Street, is the Fifth Avenue Hotel, which at the time of its completion in 1859, caused the residents of the city to wonder how so costly an edifice could obtain sufficient patronage at this then remote locality. Goupil's Art Gallery, at the corner of 2 2d Street and Fifth Avenue, always contains a choice assortment of paintings. The other standard galleries are: Wunderlich's, No. 868 Broadway, Schaus's, No. 204 Fifth Avenue, Reichard's, No. 226 Fifth Avenue, Avery's, No. 368 Fifth Avenue, and Keppel's, No. 20 East 1 6th Street. Twenty-third Street. — West of Madison Square, 23d Street for one or two blocks, is a modified reproduction of 14th Street, although it is somewhat less democratic in character. The business buildiuQf at the southeastern cor- ner of 23d Street and Sixth Avenue was for- merly Edwin Booth's elegant theatre, built and made famous by Booth himself. The Masonic Temple, which is headquarters for the ]\Iasonic order throughout the State, occupies the northeastern corner of the same thoroughfares. This building was erected in 1 867. For several blocks north and south from this point Sixth Avenue vies in importance with Broadway as a retail business street. 90 MANHA TTAN. Eden Musee. — This attractive museum is situated on the northern side of 23d Street, between vSixth Avenue and Madison Square. The exhibition mainly consists of life-like wax figures of noted persons grouped in historical tableaux, and musical performances are given. Madison Square Theatre. — This is a beautiful little house, just west of Madison Square, in 24th Street. The decorations are exceedingly artistic. The drop-curtain is a marvel of embroidery, worked by the skilled hands of the Associated Artists. A novel feature of this house is its double stage, one part of which can be lifted and arranged while the performance is being conducted upon the other. The orchestra occupies a gallery above the stage. Nymphs and Satyr, by William Bougue- reau. — This great painting which is exhibited in the Hoffman House Cafe, in 24th Street, opposite the Madison Square Theatre, is con- sidered by the eminent artist himself to be one of his most important works. The trees seem to balance in the wind, and the flesh tints are superb; the attitudes of the nymphs, — who pose in every variety of position as they play with a satyr whom they are endeavoring to force into the water, — are such wonderful MAh'HATTAN. 9 1 studies in anatomical structure as to announce the master whose art almost conceals the evi- dence of art. Narcissus, by Correggio, another of the choice paintings in this remarkable collec- tion, delights the eye with its deep color-tones. A Piece of Gobelin Tapestry, -^made for Napoleon the Third, — representing the port of Marseilles, wnll challenge extreme admiration for the delicacy of its tints and the perfection of its design. A Piece of Flemish Tapestry, taken from Constantinople during the Russo-Turkish War, represents a scene at the wedding feast of Queen Hester. Other fine paintings decorate the walls, and statues, placques, vases, rare plants, and curious old clocks, adorn this most palatial of bar- rooms. Ladies visit the cafe, even without the attendance of gentlemen, during any hour of the day. The Hoffman House. — Many beautiful examples of decorative art are displayed in this hotel. The gorgeous banquet hall sug- gests "Aladdin's cave," and the private din- ing rooms, modelled from French, Turkish, Moorish, and other foreign apartments, and filled with curiosities from the civilizations of the old world, are most interesting. A collec- 92 MANHATTAN. tion of fine paintings hangs on the walls of the parlors and corridors. North Broadway. — Several of the most popular theatres occupy prominent positions in Broadway between Madison Square and 34th Street. Among them may be mentioned Daly's, Palmer's (formerly Wallack's), The Fifth Avenue, Hermann's, etc. The Broadway Tabernacle, a Congregational church of which Dr. Taylor is the pastor, stands at the corner of 34th Street, where Broadway crosses Sixth Avenue. The bronze statue of William E. Dodge standing in the triangular space near by, was erected by the merchants of New York, in 1885. The Park Theatre is conspicuous at the left. The Casino, a Moorish structure at the southeastern corner of Broadway and 39th Street, is devoted to the presentation of comic opera. The architectural design of this edifice is an adaptation of the Palace of the Alhambra in Spain, excellently carried out in detail. The interior contains a bewildering variety of arches, galleries, and foyers, so pleasing as frequently to divert attention from the stage. A lantern-lighted garden on the roof offers a delightful resort for summer evenings. The Metropolitan Opera House. — The edifice occupying an entire block between 40th MANHA TTAN. 93 and 41st Streets, is an example of a very simple treatment of Italian Renaissance. The audi- torium, which is enormous, contains one hun- dred and twenty-two boxes, each of which is connected with a salon in which refreshments may be served or visits received. Smaller rooms for concerts and lectures also are pro- vided, and are constantly patronized. The building was opened in 1883, under the man- agement of Henry Abbey. Since that time it has been principally devoted to splendid pre- sentations of the German and Italian opera, although great balls and mass meetings are held here during the season. The Working-Men's School. — This insti- tution is situated east of Seventh Avenue (into which the car enters at 43d Street), at 109 East 54th Street. Educators and philanthropists from all parts of the world visit this place in order to study the methods that have been successfully conducted by the Society for Eth- ical Culture. Music Hall. — The close of the musical season of 1890-91 was made memorable by the opening of the edifice at the southeastern cor- ner of Seventh Avenue and 57th Street, an event made possible through the munificence of Andrew Carnegie. This stately structure, a very good example of the Italian Renaissance 94 MANHA TTAN. style of architecture, will change the centre of musical life from the vicinity of Union Square to the Central Park region, — close to the spot at the corner of Seventh Avenue and 59th Street, where Theodore Thomas, in his sum- mer garden concerts, may be said to have in- augurated his career as a musical conductor. The building contains a series of halls adapted to every variety of musical assem- blage. Main Hall has a seating capacity of about three thousand, and is very perfect in its ventilation and acoustic properties. Recital Hall, Chamber Music Hall, and Chapter Room, comprise the other apartments, all of which are provided with the requirements necessary for the purpose indicated by their names, and decorated with tasteful elegance. The Broadway Line terminates at 59th Street and Seventh Avenue, where the Na- varro Flats, called the "Madrid," "Cordova," "Lisbon," and "Granada," are situated. The cost of these sumptuous apartment houses was more than seven millions of dollars. CHAPTER VII. THE FOURTH MORNING. Fourth and Madison Avenues. — The up- town portion of Fourth Avenue extends north- ward from Union Square to 32d Street. All Souls' Unitarian Church, formerly presided over by the celebrated Dr. Bellows, stands at the southeastern corner of Fourth Avenue and 20th Street. The New York Flower Mission receives its supplies in the basement of this building. The American Society for the Preven- tion OF Cruelty to Animals, — made effect- ive by the herculean efforts of the late Henry Bergh, — formerly occupied the building at the 22d Street corner, but is now temporarily dom- iciled at No. 10 East 22d Street. The old Boston Post Road turned eastward at this point, passing along the outskirts of Rose Hill Farm, the home of General Gates. The Lyceum Theatre is directly north of the Academy of Design. This play-house is renowned for the moral character of its pres- 95 96 MANHATTAN. entations. The Fourth Avenue Studio Build- ing is at the corner of 25 th Street. Besides this, and the one already mentioned in loth Street, the other buildings devoted exclusively to artists are: "The Sherwood," in West 57th Street near Sixth Avenue, " The Rembrandt," near Seventh Avenue in West 57th Street, "The Holbein," 139 to 145 West 55th Street, Nos. 140 to 146, at the opposite side of the same street, and No. 106 West 55th Street. There are also a number of studios in the Young Men's Christian Association Building, and in the old Manhattan Club Building, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 15th Street. To some of these studios visitors are admitted at any time, while a special reception day is appointed for others. The janitors usually can tell what studios are open. Murray Hill rises at 32d Street, where the ground is tunnelled for the passage of the horse cars. Above the tunnel a series of openings surrounded with flowers, gives the street the appropriate name of Park Avenue. At the corner of 32d Street stands a building which was erected by the late A. T. Stewart for a working-women's home. The experi- ment proved a failure because of the strin- gent rules, and the structure was converted into a hotel called "The Park Avenue." MANHA TTAN. 97 Considerable bric-a-brac from the Stewart Mansion now decorates the interior of this building. The Church of the Messiah, of which the Rev. Robert CoHyer is the pastor, is at the cor- ner of Park Avenue and 34th Street. This rise of ground once formed the estate of Robert Murray, the " Quaker Merchant of the Revolu- tion," and the father of Lindley Murray, the grammarian. The place was known as " Inclen- berg," and became historic through the adroit diplomacy of Mrs. Murray, who, by her hospi- tality and grace, detained the British officers, Howe, Clinton, and Cornwallis; while Putnam and his column, guided by Aaron Burr, passed within half a mile of her house, at the time of their retreat to Harlem. The Grand Central Railway Station, facing the tunnel at 42 d Street, is the ter- mini for the New York Central, the New York and New Haven, and the New York and Harlem railways, each of which has offices in the building, as well as passenger rooms. The space for trains is covered with a glass roof, having a single arch of a span of two hundred feet, and an altitude of one hun- dred and ten feet. The length of the building is six hundred and ninety-five feet. About one hundred and twenty-five trains arrive and 7 98 MANHA TTAN. depart daily, but confusion or crowding is almost unknown. The site on which the station stands was once a cornfield belonging to the Murrays, into which the American soldiers plunged in their precipitate retreat from Kip's Bay. On a cross-road at about 43d Street, they were met by Washington, who is said to have been extremely severe in his condemnation of their panic. Madison Avenue. — At 44th Street the horse-car tracks turn into Madison Avenue, whence they extend northward to Harlem. St. Bartholomew's Church, a good speci- men of the Romanesque style of architecture, stands at the 44th Street corner. The Manhattan Athletic Club House at the southeastern corner of 45th Street, is an attempt at the Romanesque, with Byzantine ornamentation. The Railroad Branch of the Young Men's Christian Association occupies the building at the northeastern corner of 45 th Street, This edifice, which also is Roman- esque in design, was a liberal contribution from Cornelius Vanderbilt. Columbia College, which now occupies the buildings that cover the entire block between 49th and 50th Streets, was incorporated in 1754 MANHA TTAN. 99 as "Kings College," the necessary funds hav- ing been obtained from England. Recitations were first heard in the vestry-room of Trinity Church, but when a grant of land was obtained from the "Church Farm" (in Park Place, near the North River), college buildings were erected, and occupied by the students until the outbreak of the Revolution. After the war it became necessary to re-create the institution, as the library was found to be scattered and the buildings demolished. It was therefore re-incorporated in 1784 under its present name, and its management was vested in a self-per- petuating body of twenty-four trustees. Among the many historical personages who acquired their scholastic abilities in this insti- tution appear the names of Robert R. Living- ston, Gouverneur Morris, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and De Witt Clinton. The present buildings were mostly erected in 1857, when the Legislature granted twenty acres of ground to the college. Since that time its income chiefly has been derived from rentals of its real estate. In the near future the college probably will be removed to a site further uptown. The five collegiate depart- ments are: the Schools of Art, Mines, Law, Political Science, and Medicine. The corps of instructors numbers about sixty, and the aver- I oo MA NHA TTA N: age attendance of students is about eighteen hundred. The college library, containing one hundred thousand volumes, is free to re- spectable strangers, as well as to students. Barnard College for women, at No. 343 Madi- son Avenue, is under the Columbia College instructors. The same regimen is required as for the male students. The Medical Depart- ment occupies a building in 60th Street, be- tween Ninth and Tenth Avenues, which was a gift from William H. Vanderbilt. Connected with this is the Sloan Maternity Hospital, a gift from Mr. Vanderbilt's daughter, Mrs. Sloan. These magnificent donations, together with the Vanderbilt Free Clinic and Dispen- sary, — for which funds were contributed by Mr. Vanderbilt's four sons, — place the Colum- bia College of Physicians and Surgeons in the first rank for facilities as well as for instruction. The Woman's Hospital of the State of New York is one block eastward, in Fourth Avenue. This organization, in which only wom- en are treated, was founded by Dr. J.Marion Sims, and incorporated in 1857, by seven phil- anthropic ladies. The ground upon which the building stands formerly contained the re- mains of paupers and strangers, that several times had been transferred as the city grew northward. From here they were removed MA NHA TTAN, i o T to Hart's Island, their present place of se- pulchre. A Florentine Palace in Madison Avenue at 50th Street, of brown sandstone, with an open court leading to three separate en- trances, was built, but is not occupied, by Henry Villard. Climbing vines add greatly to the picturesque effect of this peculiar resi- dence. The Palace of the Archbishop, at No. 452, and the rectory, at No. 460, correspond architecturally with the cathedral, which, with them, forms a group of majestic proportions. A Roman Catholic orphan asylum occupies the eastern side of the block betw^een 51st and 5 2d Streets. The elegant Beekman Mansion, where the brave spy, Nathan Hale, was tried, condemned, and executed, — expressing in his last moments regret that he had but one life to lose for his country, — was in 51st Street, near the East River. Lenox Lyceum, a popular concert hall, is between 58th and 59th Streets. B'nai Jeshuron, a beautiful Jewish synagogue of Moorish design, is near 65th Street. All Souls' Church (Episcopalian), of which the Rev. R. Heber Newton is pastor, is at the northeastern corner of 66th Street. The Seventh Regiment Armory. — At 66th Street it will be necessary to leave the cars 102 MANHATTAN. and walk eastward for a short distance. The armory, in Fourth Avenue, between 66th and 67th Streets, is a massive edifice of red brick, with granite facings, constructed without re- gard to any particular style of architecture, but very perfect in its interior appointments. The main drill-room is very spacious, the dimensions being two hundred by three hun- dred feet. Visitors are admitted on applica tion to the janitor. Many interesting buildings are situated in this vicinity. Mt. Sinai Hospital is at the corner of 66th Street and Lexington Avenue, one block east of Fourth Avenue. The Chapin Home for the Aged and Infirm is in East 66th Street, at No. 151. The American Institute Hall, — in which industrial exhibitions are held every autumn, — is still further east, in Third Avenue at 63d Street. The Central Turn- verein Building is in 67th Street, east of Third Avenue. A Moorish structure in 67th Street, west of Third Avenue, betrays the Jewish tabernacle. The Headquarters of the Fire Department are at Nos. 157 and 159 East 67th Street. Seventy-four companies are located in different parts of the city, and over one thousand alarm-boxes are placed at the street corners. The maintenance of the department, — in which about two thousand men are em- MA Nil A TTAN. 1 03 ployed, — costs the city nearly two millions of dollars annually. A Deaf Mute Asylum is in Lexington Avenue, between 67tli and 68tli Streets. A Foundling Asylum (Roman Cath- olic) is in 68th Street, near Third Avenue. The Baptist Home for the Aged and Infirm is in 68th Street, near Fourth Avenue, and Hahne- mann Hospital occupies a block in Fourth Avenue, between 67th and 68th Streets. The Normal College for Women, at the northeastern corner of 68th Street and Fourth Avenue, is under the control of the Board of Education, it being a part of the common school system. About one thousand and six hundred students annually are registered in this institution, seventy-five per cent of whom become teachei's in the public schools. The college curriculum includes Latin, physics, chemistry, and natural science, German, French, drawing, and music; and the cost of maintenance is about one hundred thousand dollars a year. This edifice, which is in the secular Gothic style, with a lofty Victoria tower, is unsurpassed by any similar structure in the country. The Union Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian Church occupies the group of handsome buildings at the western side of Fourth Avenue, between 69th and 70th Streets. 1 04 MA NHA T TA N. This property is valued at two million-s of dollars. The Presbyterian Hospital covers the block between 70th and 71st Streets, and Madison and Fourth Avenues. The Freundschaft Club House is in 72 d Street, east of Fourth Avenue, and the Flemish mansion, built for Mr. Tiffany, but until re- cently the elegant home of Mr. Henry Villard, is in 72 d Street, at the northwestern corner of Madison Avenue. After inspecting the exterior of this unique, but palatial residence, the visitor will be pleased to begin the tour of the principal residence street of the city, — far-famed FIFTH AVENUE. The Lenox Library Building, which stands in Fifth Avenue, between 71 stand 70th Streets, was erected by James Lenox, at a cost of over one million dollars, and endowed by him with a permanent fund of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. An example of the French classical Renaissance style of archi- tecture this imposing structure is made most pleasing to the eye because of the extreme purity of its design. A fagade of ninety-two feet faces Fifth Avenue, which, with the wings that support it on either side, forms a court that is completed by a high stone wall with Io6 MANHA TTAN. massive iron gates. The material used in the construction of this building resembles light granite, but is in reality Lockport limestone. The library, which occupies the wings, con- tains about thirty thousand volumes, in- cluding: Shakesperiana, Americana, many first editions of the Bible, a perfect copy of the " Mazarin Bible," (the first complete printed book known, supposed to be the product of Gutenberg and Faust, at Mainz, in 1450) ; a large folio Latin Bible printed by Koberger, at Nuremberg, 1477, — which is densely inter- lined in the handwriting of Melancthon, — some "block books," that represent the stage of printing before movable types superseded the Chinese fashion of cutting the page on a wooden block, and many rare books from the early presses of Europe, the United States, and Mexico. There is also a valuable collec- tion of manuscripts, to which recently has been added a twelve-thousand-dollar treasure superbly illustrated by Giulio Clovio. The picture gallery, occupying the main por- tion of the second floor, contains many fine paintings, chiefly modern. Among them are several Wilkies, Verboeckhovens, Stuarts, Reynolds's, and Leslies; also two Turners and two Copleys ; besides an Andrea del Sarto, a Delaroche, a Gainsborough, and a Horace MANHATTAN. 107 Vernet. Munkacsy's " Blind Milton Dictating 'Paradise Lost' to his Daughters," — which was considered to be the gem of the Paris Exposi- tion in 1878, — is one of the most attractive paintings in the gallery. The collection also embraces a large number of portraits, includ- ing one of Bunyan, — which is believed to be an original, — and five of Washington, three hav- ing been painted by Rembrandt Peale, one by James Peale, and one full-length by Stuart. This gallery recently has been further en- riched by the late Mrs. Robert L. Stewart, who bequeathed to it her valuable paintings. The library is open every week-day, except Monday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. No admis- sion fee is charged. Between the Lenox Library Building and 59th Street many stately mansions with broad porches and richly decorated vestibules, sug- gest a most inviting hospitality. This por- tion of Fifth Avenue, and the streets that lead eastward from it, quite recently have become a fashionable residence quarter. The Progress Club, an organization of He- brew gentlemen, occupies the handsome building at the northeastern corner of 63d Street. This edifice is Italian Renaissance in design. The approach to the park entrance in 59th Io8 MANHATTAN. Street, called the plaza, is surrounded by three elaborately constructed hotels. The elegant residence of Mrs. E. B. Alexander is at No. 4 West 58th Street. The home of Cornelius Vanderbilt, at the northwestern corner of 57th Street, is a beautiful specimen of the modern French Renaissance style of architecture. The English Gothic house at the southwestern cor- ner of the same street, is the residence of Ex-Secretary William C. A¥hitney. C. P. Hunt- ington is erecting a handsome mansion oppo- site, at the southeastern corner. The elabo- rate edifice in the early Gothic style, at the corner of 55th Street, is the Presbyterian church over which Dr. John Hall presides. St. Luke's Hospital occupies the northwestern corner of 54th Street. The Gothic structure at the corner of 53d Street, is St. Thomas' Episcopal Church. The interior of this build- ing, which is particularly pleasing both in color and in architectural design, contains paintings by John La Farge. The Vanderbilt Residences. — The re- markably beautiful home of W. K. Vanderbilt, at the northwestern corner of 5 2d Street, is a very fine example of French Renaissance (just emerging from the Gothic) of the time of Fran- 9ois the First. The connected brown-stone houses between 5 2d and 51st Streets, are MA NHA TTAN. 109 occupied by the widow of William H, Vander- bilt, and her daughter, Mrs, Sloan. Mrs. Van- derbilt possesses a very choice collection of paintings, and her gallery has been very freely opened to the public in the past ; but the abuse of this privilege, having necessitated much more rigid rules, it is now quite difficult to obtain admission. The Roman Catholic Male Orphan Asylum is opposite. No. 634 is the residence of D. O. Mills. The Cathedral of St. Patrick. — Be- tween 51st and 50th Streets stands a white marble edifice, which is the finest church building in the United States. Its elaborate architecture is of the decorated Gothic, or geo- metric style, similar to that of the cathedrals of Rheims, Cologne, and Amiens, on the con- tinent, and the naves of York Minster, Exeter, and Westminster, in England. Its length is three hundred and six feet, its width is one hundred and twenty feet, and its towers are three hundred and thirty-five feet, and nine inches in height. The Fifth Avenue entrance is at present very imposing, but its effective- ness will be greatly enhanced by the statues of the twelve apostles that eventually are to be placed within the grand portal. The same architectural style is preserved throughout the interior of the cathedral. ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL. MANHATTAN. Ill Massive columns of white marble, elaborately sculptured, support springing arches of exqui- site proportions. The ceiling is groined with richly moulded ribs and foliage bosses. The high altar is of marble, inlaid with semi-precious stones, with the divine passion carved in bas- relief on its panels. The tabernacle over the altar is decorated with Roman mosaics, pre- cious stones, and a door of fine gilt bronze. The throne of the cardinal, which is Gothic in design, is at the right of the sanctuary. Among the beautiful stained-glass Avindows there are thirty-seven memorials. Many paintings adorn the walls, the most admirable of which, by Costazzini, hangs over the altar of the Holy Family. When the Chapel of Our Lady, which is included in the design, is completed, the entire cost of construction will be about two million, and five hundred thousand dollars. The cathedral was projected by Archbishop Hughes in 1850, and dedicated by Cardinal McCloskey in 1879. ^^ i^ open every day in the week. The home of the Democratic Club is at No. 617. The church edifice at the corner of 48th Street, is one of three belonging to the Colle- giate Dutch Reformed Society, next to Trin- 112 MANHATTAN. ity, the oldest and wealthiest ecclesiastical corporation in the country. This organization, chartered by William the Third in 1696, vests the title and management of its large property in a legislative body, called the consistory, in which each of the three churches is repre- sented. The one just mentioned, the third of the series, is a fine specimen of ornamental Gothic architecture in brown stone. The residence of Jay Gould is at No. 579. The rooms of the American Yacht Club are in No. 574. No. 562 is the residence of J.W. Harper, Jr. The Windsor Hotel is opposite, between 46th and 47th streets. The Church of the Heavenly Rest (Episcopalian) is just above 45th Street. The residence of Chaun- cey M. Depew is around the corner, at No. 22 East 45th Street. The Church of the Divine Paternity (Universalist) , long known as Dr. Chapin's church, is at the southwestern corner of 45th Street. The interior decoration of this edifice is quite a departure from orthodox ecclesias- tical styles. Musical services are held here Sunday evenings that offer a rare treat to visi- tors. Rev. Charles Eaton is the present pastor. Temple Emanuel. — The attractive edifice with minaret towers, at the northeastern corner MANHATTAN. I13 of 43d vStreet, is the finest vSpecimen of Sara- cenic architecture in the city. The interior also is very elaborate, being profusely deco- rated Avith rich oriental colors. Rabbi Gott- heil, who preaches in this synagogue, is popu- lar with both Jew and Gentile. The Century Club House, at No. 7 West 43d Street, is occupied by a society of the most influential literary, artistic, and profes- sional celebrities. This association, founded in 1847, has but recently erected its present home, the ornate style of which represents the school of Italian Renaissance. The Reservoir. — The distributing reser- voir of the Croton water- works, between 42 d and 41st Streets, is one hundred and fifteen feet above tide-water, and has a capacity of twenty millions of gallons. Its sombre stone walls covered with vines, are rather pictur- esque than otherwise. Bryant Park. — At the rear of the reservoir is another restful shady spot in the midst of the city's busy life. This plot of ground was covered in 1853, by the Crystal Palace, a build- ing constructed of iron and glass, and erected for the purposes of an international exhibition. As a novelty it created great enthusiasm, and the display of sculpture and painting gave a special impetus to the patronage and culture 114 MANHATTAN. of the fine arts. An attempt was made to maintain a perpetual art exhibition in the pal- ace, bnt the worthy effort failed. The " House of Glass" was also the scene of a magnificent ovation to Cyrus W. Field, when, in 1858, the Atlantic cable had abolished the ocean as a barrier of intercourse. Shortly after this memorable event the beautiful building, with its glittering dome and lofty galleries, was destroyed by fire. A colossal bronze bust of Washington Irving, which stands near the 40th Street entrance to the park, was executed by Beer, a European sculptor, and presented to the city by a private citizen, in 1866. The Republican Club occupies commodious quarters at No. 450 Fifth Avenue. The Union League Club House. — The elaborate building of red brick and brown stone, at the northeastern corner of 39th Street, is Italian Renaissance in design, and occupies a site which displays its architectural features to very fine advantage. The interior decora- tions are extremely tasteful, and the arrange- ment of the halls, galleries, and various rooms is well suited to the requirements of cultured gentlemen. The library contains over three thousand volumes, besides rare collections of engravings and etchings. A magnificent A/ A NHA TTAN. 115 fresco by La Farge adorns the ceiling of the dining-room. Landscape paintings, and por- traits that are owned by the club, hang on the walls of the different apartments, but the gal- leries are reserved for monthly exhibitions of loan paintings. To these, ladies are admitted if provided with cards from members. The annual reception given by this club, is always one of the most brilliant of the New York season. The Union League, really the child of the United States Sanitary Commission, was or- ganized in 1 863 , as a league of men of " absolute and unqualified loyalty to the United States," who were unwavering in their efforts to sup- press the Rebellion. The club is still the stronghold of the Republican party, but since the war it has been more social than political in its character. The home of Austin Corbin is at No. 425. The rooms of the St. Nicholas Club are at No. 415. This society is composed exclusively of gentlemen of the Knickerbocker stock, the families of whom resided in New York State prior to 1785. The Brick Church (Presbyte- rian) is at the 37th Street corner. A former edifice belonging to this society once was a conspicuous feature of City Hall Park. No. 400 is the home of Robert G. Ingersoll. Pierre ii6 MANHATTAN. Lorillard lives near by, at No. 389. One of the oldest and most fashionable of clubs, the New York, occupies the Queen Anne mansion at the 35th Street corner. The Stewart Mansion. — The former resi- dence of the late A. T. Stewart, at the north- western corner of 34th Street, was built about 1866, at a cost of two millions of dollars. It is constructed of pure white marble, and arch- itecturally is a good exemplification of the classical Italian Renaissance. The rare paint- ings and statuary that Mr. Stewart collected, have been scattered in many directions, and the house having been unoccupied for several years has had the appearance of a stately mausoleum. It is now the home of the Man- hattan Club, — an organization intended to ad- vance democratic principles, and promote so- cial intercourse. The residence of William Astor is opposite the Manhattan Club House, at No. 350 Fifth Avenue. A former residence of the Astors recently has been replaced by the hotel at the 33d Street corner. The Knickerbocker Club House is at the northeastern corner of 32d Street. The members of this organization belong to exclusive social circles. Several coaching and polo teams form a part of the club institution. A new and elaborate hotel MANHATTAN. I17 at the southwestern corner of 30th vStreet, is called the Holland House. Holland Church, the second of the Collegiate Dutch Reformed Soci- ety series, stands at the 29th Street corner. It is built of Vermont marble, in the Roman- esque style of architecture, and in front of it is placed the "silver-toned bell," to which refer- ence has been made. A silver baptismal basin, — procured in 1694, and engraved with a sen- tence composed by Dominie Selyns, — is an- other relic of the past, still in use in the Dutch Reformed Church recently erected at the corner of Second Avenue and 7th Street. The Little Church Around the Cor- ner. — Just east from Fifth Avenue, in 29th Street, stands the Church of the Transfigura- tion, made famous because an actor was per- mitted burial rites at its altar. The Reform Club (Democratic), organized for the purpose of promoting ballot and tariff reform, has its home at the northeastern corner of 27th vStreet. The Hotel Brunswick is between 27th and 26th Streets, and Delmonico's is opposite, at the 26th Street corner. The historical house for- merly the home of Professor S. B. Morse, is at No. 5 West 22d Street. The Union Club House, at the northwestern corner of 21st Street, is the home of a non-political institution ranking very high socially. The Lotos Club, ii8 MANHATTAN, which occupies the house at the northeastern corner of the same street, is composed of art- ists, actors, literary and professional men. This organization gives a series of receptions to ladies every year, when artist members ex- hibit their new paintings. No. 109 was the home of the late August Belmont, who pos- sessed one of the finest collections of paintings in the country. Chickering Hall, at the i8th Street corner, is used for concerts, lectures, etc. The Society for Ethical Culture meets in this building every Sunday morning to lis- ten to the eloquent discourses of Felix Adler. Mrs. Marshall O. Roberts lives at No. 107. Edwards Pierrepont resided at No. 103, and the home of Vice-President Levi P. Morton is at No. 85. The First Presbyterian Church is at the corner of nth Street, and the Church of the Ascension is at the loth Street corner. The Ascension of Christ, by John La Farge. — This great painting, which occupies an area forty feet square, above the altar in the last mentioned church edifice, is considered to be, by many good critics, the most important work of its kind yet produced in the United States It is crowded with a multitude of life- size figures, ranged in ascending vaults on either side of the central Christ. The painting is very powerful both in color and sentiment, MA NHA TTAN. 119 and may be viewed any afternoon, as the church is open daily at that time. General Daniel E. Sickles lives at No. 31, .and John Taylor Johnston at No. 8, after which residence Fifth Avenue emerges into Washington Square. — This inviting park occupies about nine acres of ground. In the early New York days it was a potter's field, surrounded by wretched shanties, and called Union Place. When in 1832, the city con- verted it into the Washington Parade Ground, and expended large sums of money for its improvement, fashionable residents were at- tracted to the locality, who gave to it the aristocratic features that have characterized it to the present time. Washington Square has been the scene of several brilliant pageants, one of the most elaborate of which occurred November 1830, as a public demonstration of the sympathetic joy which America felt for the French people, who had dethroned their faithless and tyran- nical monarch, Charles the Tenth. This cele- bration was participated in by members of every profession, officers of the army and navy, and a vast number of persons who rep- resented the trades. Several individuals were present who had borne an active part in our own Revolution ; among them were Ex-Presi- 1 2 o MANHA TTAJV. dent Monroe (who died soon afterward) , and two persons who had hoisted the American flag at the Battery after the departure of the British troops in 1783. In 1889, during the centennial celebration of Washington's inauguration, the Square w^as one of the prominent places of interest in the city, the military and civic parade both passing through it. A wooden arch, erected for this occasion at the Fifth Avenue entrance, has been reconstructed in stone, as a memo- rial of the event. The corner-stone of this arch was laid May 1890, the Bible used during the ceremony having been the one on which Washington took the oath of office as first President of the United States. A music-pavilion, a fountain, and a statue of Garibaldi, are placed in this park; the latter ornament, which was a gift to the city from Italian residents, is the work of Giovanni Turini. An unsuccessful attempt has been made to secure ground in the Square for an entrance to the Hudson River tunnel, which probably will come to the surface in an adjacent street. This herculean enterprise is expected shortly to be complete. Two other equally great attempts to connect our Island with the shores east and west of us are being made, work hav- MANHA TTAN. 121 ing- been egun on both. One project is to tunnel the East River from Long Island to our city, and the other is to bridge the Hud- son River in order to make New York, instead of the towns on the New Jersey side, the ter- mini of western railroads. The Judson Memorial at Washington Square South. — A shining cross, at a height of one hundred and sixty-five feet, attracts at- tention every evening to a new and peculiar religious institution, which has just erected a series of buildings including, a church, apart- ment house, kindergarten, gymnasium, chil- dren's nursery, and young men's club. These together form a monument to the memory of Adoniram Judson, the first American for- eign missionary. The incredible hardships and practical Christianity of this hero sug- gested a tribute that should be in keeping with his useful life. The church, which is free and within easy access of the poorer classes, and the institutions connected with it, are to be supported by the receipts of the apartment house. Rev. Edward Judson, a son of the missionary, is the present pastor of the church. It was he who projected the work, and secured by subscription, the funds necessary to mate- realize the project. The cost of construction, four hundred thousand dollars, was covered 122 MANHATTAN. by the contributions of wealthy individuals from all parts of the country. The University of the City of New York. — The Gothic structure with four octan- gular towers, which stands at the eastern side ^-''^'st'-'-'m^"-' of Washington Square, was erected in 1835, the University having been established in 183 1, by public-spirited merchants and professional men. Professor Samuel F. B. Morse, who was one of the first professors of this institution, invented the recording telegraph in a room within this building ; and in another apartment nearby, Professor John W. Draper first applied photography to the reproduction of the human countenance. Portraits of the chancellors, and MANHATTAN, 123 of many distinguislied members of tlie council and faculties, are on the walls of the council- room. Henry M. MacCracken, D.D., LL.D. , is the present Chancellor. The departments consist of the Schools of Art, Science, Medicine, and Law, the latter recently having been opened to women . There is a graduate and an undergraduate division, the latter having been successfully carried on since 1832, the former only since 1886. Another building belonging to this corpora- tion, is in 26th Street, near the East River. It was erected in 1879, ^^^ is appropriated to the Department of Medicine. Much of the instruction is given to students in Bellevue Hospital, which is close by. At No. 9 University Place, — a street extend- ing northAvard from the University to Union Square, — the New York College for the Train- ing of Teachers instructs students Avho already have acquired the elements of a secondary education, the degree conferred being that of Bachelor of Pedagogy. The departments in- clude the history, philosophy, and principles of education ; the science and art of teaching psychology, and manual training. The col- lege also provides, by an extension system, free classes for teachers, mothers, and chil- dren, and a free lecture-course for the public. CHAPTER VIII. THE FOURTH AFTERNOON. — THE DRIVE. "The Circle," at Eighth Avenue and 59th Street, is the point at which Broadway termi- nates and the Boulevard begins. The Twelfth Regiment Armory is situ- ated at the corner of 62 d Street and Ninth Avenue, and a similar structure, belonging to the Twenty-second Regiment, stands in the Boulevard, at 67th Street. The Dakota Flats occupy the corner of Eighth Avenue and 72d Street. The Somerindyke House, which once stood in Ninth Avenue, near 75th Street, was the home of royalty during its exile. Here Louis Philippe and his brothers, the Due de Montpensier and the Comte de Beaujolais, taught school for their living; and here they were visited by Queen Victoria's father, the Duke of Kent. The Apthorpe Mansion, another residence of historic interest, was where Washington remained during the evacuation of New York, only retiring to Washington Heights with his 124 NEAV YORK CITY UPPER SECTION SCALE OF MILES MANHATTAN. I25 staff, one hour before the British officers took possession of the premises. This house stood at the corner of Ninth Avenue and 91st Street, and only recently has been demolished. MORNINGSIDE Park, lately appropriated for its present purpose, is now being improved by the park commissioners. A retaining- wall rests on the western ledge, which forms the roadway called Morningside Avenue. Hang- ing terraces and a terrace walk greatly enhance the beauty of these grounds. The East River, the suburban region of Long Island, and the wooded hills beyond, are visible from that por- tion of the park which soon is to be converted into a mall, and embellished with shade trees. At I nth Street, where now stands the Leake and Watts Orphan Asylum, an elaborate and costly Episcopal cathedral is to be erected. The Bloomingdale Insane Asylum, — a department of the New York Hospital, — is in Tenth Avenue, between 114th and 120th Streets. This institution received its title from one of the many villages that were situated on the northern part of the Island before the city absorbed them all. The names of some of these little towns, — Manhattan ville, Carmans- ville, and Harlem, — still remain to designate their old localities. The Sheltering ARxMS, at Tenth Avenue 126 MANHATTAN. and 129th Street, takes charge of homeless children for whom no provision is made in other institutions. The Convent of the Sacred Heart is situated in beautiful grounds above 130th Street and east of Tenth Avenue. The Hebrew Orphan Asylum is at 136th Street. The Grange, the former home of Alexan- der Hamilton, still stands in Convent Avenue, between i42d and 143d Streets. The house, which was named from Hamilton's ancestral home in Scotland, is well preserved, as is also the grove of thirteen trees that the proprietor set out as symbols of the thirteen original States. This planting was done with much pomp and ceremony in 1802, after a banquet given for the occasion, and with the speech- making, and solemnity of prayer, customary to the olden-time festivities. Each tree is named for a State, and what is most peculiar, each tree has kept pace in its growth with the State which it represents. New York is the most majestic of the group, Pennsylvania is the next, and Rhode Island is a mere sapling as compared with the larger trees. The "crooked tree," South Carolina, at one time turned abruptly out of the grove, and then just as abruptly returned and grew 128 MANHATTAN. straight The State for which it was named, — the first to secede from the Union, — has been one of the most thrifty and flourishing since the restoration of peace. " The Grange" was the residence of the statesman, at the time of his duel with Aaron Burr in Weehawken. Trinity Cemetery. — The burial-ground for Trinity Church parishioners, since suburban interments were demanded, has been on either side of the Boulevard, above 153d Street. A wooden bridge over the roadway connects the eastern with the western portion. The Astor and the Audubon vaults are in this cemetery, also the vault of Madame Jumel. The death of Colonel Thomas Knowlton is said to have occurred in this vicinity, in 1776, when, having been sent by Washington, (who was in the Morris House at i6ist Street), to learn the position of the enemy, he met the advance guard and fell in the battle which fol- lowed. To the right is "' Breakneck Hill," so named by Thomas Jones, — the " fighting Quaker" of Lafayette's army, — who had helped to drive the British down its declivity. The former home of Audubon, the great ornithologist, was directly north of Trinity Cemetery. Handsome residences are now at- MANHA TTAN. 129 tached to the original mansion, but the grounds are not divided by fences, and the place is very properly named Audubon Park. The Morris House. — This is one of the very few colonial residences extant. It is frame, painted white, and with the traditional pillars of its time adding dignity to its ripe old age. Overlooking the city and the quiet wa- ters of the Harlem, it stands on a bluff at the corner of St. Nicholas Avenue and i6ist Street. THE ROGER MORRIS MANSION. At first the property of Colonel Roger Morris, whose wife in her maiden days had been Wash- ington's sweetheart, it afterward became the 9 130 MANHATTAN. home of Madame Jumel, who was married to x\aron Burr in its drawing-room after the downfall of that distinguished individual. The most interesting memoirs connected with the history of this mansion are of course the events that occurred during the time when Washington made it his headquarters, while Howe occupied the Apthorpe residence, three and a half miles distant. Washington Bridge was opened for travel in 1889. This magnificent structure, in which sections of steel are combined and keyed into the central arches instead of stone, is two thousand and four hundred feet in length, eighty feet in width, and one hundred and thirty-five feet in height. Its cost of con- struction was about two million, and seven hundred thousand dollars. From the bridge a beautiful view of the valley of the Har- lem is obtained. Elegant residences and terraced grounds border the shores of the river, which is but a tidal channel connected with the Hudson by Spuyten Duyvil Creek, at the north of Manhattan Island. Through this section of the country legends innumerable abound, many of them having been immortal- ized by Irving. The queer name of the little creek recalls one of these, when Antony Cor- lear, on a stormy night, attempted to swim MANHA TTAN. 13 through the water from the island to the main- land, declaring that he would cross the current "in spyt den Duyvil" (in spite of the devil.) Improvements are eventually to be made at this point, in order to connect the East River with the Hudson by a ship-canal. High Bridge, which crosses the Harlem a little further south, supports an aqueduct for HIGH URIDGE. the waters of the Croton River. This stone structure is built with thirteen arches that rest on solid granite piers. The length of the bridge is one thousand four hundred and sixty feet, and the crown of the highest arch is one hundred and sixteen feet above the river's surface. Pedestrians only can cross the bridge. McComb's Dam, or Central Bridge, is located near the plain where the last general 132 MAN HA TTA N. tion of turfmen were accustomed to speed their horses. Riverside Park consists mainly of a three- mile drive following the brow of the Hudson River bluff, from the meadows at 127th Street, formerly known as '' Matje Davits* Fly," to 72 d Street. Elegant residences adorn the eastern side of Riverside Avenue, and a good deal already has been done to beautify the park. At the right of the drive, where the ground slopes gently to the water's edge, grassplots and groves of shade-trees afford pleasant opportunities for a ramble. A mas- sive retaining-wall supports the bank, whereon thousands of chattering birds build their nests, undismayed by the screaming locomotives that fly past them, bearing trains of cars over the New York Central Road. But the glory of this pleasure-ground consists in its extended vista of the Hudson. At the west repose in grand- eur the Palisades, — a massive perpendicular wall of rock extending far toward the north ; — at the north the wooded shores of the promon- tory, Fort Washington ; at the south the towns of New Jersey ; and in all of these directions the majestic river, with its sailing crafts and steamers, its endless combinations of light and 3hade, and its ever-changing hues of color. Claremont, — At the beginning of River- MA Nil A T TA iV. 133 side Drive, a restaurant now stands on the height which once was crowned by a stately private residence known as Claremont, and occupied successively by Lord Churchill, Vis- count Courtenay, (afterward Earl of Devon), and Joseph Bonaparte, known as Comte de Survilliers. The Tomb of General Grant. — In the midst of this daily pageant of Nature, lie the remains of the great commander, General Ulysses S. Grant. After impressive ceremo- nies, and amidst a vast concourse of people, the body of this hero was laid to rest, August 8th, 1885, in the unpretentious vault which is placed at the east of the drive, in that portion of the park called Claremont Heights. A stately monumental structure soon is to be completed, which will add a dignity to this spot in keeping with its national and historical interest. The Statue of Washington, a copy of Houdon's work, — the one ornament of the kind yet placed in the park, — was a gift from the children of the public schools. The residence of the late General Sherman was in West 73d Street, at No. 6y, CHAPTER IX. THE FIFTH MORNING. Central Park, now the pride of the city, was a region of rock and swamp, but a compar- atively short time ago, over which roamed at pleasure, the pigs, goats, and chickens, that belonged to the "squatters," whose shanties OLD SQUATTER SETTLEMENT ON THE CENTRAL PARK SITE. were perched on the hillsides, or clustered in the hollows. The establishment of the park, which was effected in 1855, was greatly due to the untir- 134 Jl/A Nil A T TA N, 135 ing efforts of the Honorable De Witt C. Little- john, then speaker at Albany, now living in Oswego. This gentleman says, when the park is mentioned ; *' Yes, I fought hard for it, and thought the day we passed the bill the bright- est in my life ; but as I pass through it now, the trees that I planted thirty-five years ago do not know me, nor do the thousands of peo- ple who jostle me aside as they throng the beautiful roadways, heed me." The value of the land appropriated to this purpose was estimated by the commissioners to be about five million, and two hundred thousand dollars ; this amount to be paid partly by assessments on adjoining property bene- fited, and partly by the creation of a city-stock, called "The Central Park Fund," for the pay- ment of which stock, the lands of the park should be pledged. The cost of improving the grounds was pro- vided for in the year 1857, by placing the management and control of the property under a Board of Commissioners, and requiring the corporation to create a public stock to be denominated " The Central Park Improvement Fund," in such sums as should be required by the commissioners, — the interest on the stock to be paid by a general tax, which was not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars annually. 1 3 6 MA NHA T TA N. The park, which now comprises about nine hundred acres, is situated very nearly in the. geographical centre of the Island, and is in all respects well adapted to the recreative wants of both the rich and the poor. Pedestrians roam at pleasure over thirty miles of walks, — some fashionable and much frequented, others retired and quiet. Riders on horseback join the throng on the carriage roads, or con- fine their peregrinations to bridle-paths, on which no vehicle will be admitted. For car- riages there are over nine miles of broad, well-made roadway, affording in its course a view of nearly every object of interest, but no- where crossing on the same level, a footpath of importance, or any portion of the bridle-road. In the improvement of the grounds the di- rections of the Board of Commissioners found expression through their executive officer, Mr. Frederic Law Olmsted, who made the designs, on which the arrangements were based, thus transforming the barren waste into a field of natural and artistic beauty, that rivals any sim- ilar pleasure-ground in the world. Incessant vigilance now maintains the park in perfect order, while the addition of trees, shrubs, and vines, continually increases the picturesque effect, and justifies the following of the wise counsel of the Laird of Dumbiedikes, whom MANIfATJ'AN. 137 Mrs. Lamb quotes: "When ye hae naethin;^ else to do ye may aye be stieking in a tree ; it will be growing- when ye are sleeping." The Main Entrance to the park is at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street. The Zoological Gardens. — In and about the old arsenal, a castellated gray brick build- ing, situated at the 64th Street and Fifth Ave- nue entrance, is located the menagerie, or by many now called the Zoological Garden. During the summer months, the collection of birds and animals is small as compared with it when augmented by the travelling shows, that go into winter quarters here. The Mon- key House, a building filled with tropical specimens of the monkey race, usually is the most attractive feature of the menagerie to the children. Here, of late, Mr. Garner, with the assistance of a phonograph, has pur- sued his scientific investigations concerning the speech of lower animals. In the meteoro- logical observatory, also located in the arsenal, the self-recording instruments may be in- spected. The Statues of Thomas Moore anij Alexander von Humboldt are on the banks of the pond, not far from the main entrance. The former was modelled by Dennis B. Shee- han, and given to the city by the Moore 138 MANHATTAN. Memorial Committee ; the latter was modelled by Gustave Blaeser, and presented to the city by German residents, on the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the distinguished savant, September 14th, 1869. At the unveil- ing of this statue, Professor Louis Agassiz made a memorable address. The Children's Shelter, with a dairy, and an abundance of benches, seats, tables, and swings, is passed on the way to The Mall. — This prominent feature of the park is reached from the Zoological Garden by passing under the marble archway, a structure noted for the beauty of its architect- ural design. The mall itself is a broad prom- enade, one-third of a mile in length, ornament- ed on either side by rows of stately American elms, and terminating at the north in a richly decorated water-terrace and fountain. The two exceedingly fine pieces of statuary, — Shakespeare, and the "Indian Hunter," — that stand on the vestibule lawn at the southern approach to the mall, were executed by J. Q. A. Ward. A bronze casting of " Eagles and Goat," by Fratin,stands a little to the east. The other pieces, placed at either side of the prom- enade, are; Sir Walter Scott, — a copy of the original statue in Edinburgh, ^ — by John Steele, Robert Burns, by the same artist, Fitz-Greene 140 AlAiVIIA TTAiV. Halleck, by Wilson MacDonald, and a bust of Beethoven on a granite pedestal near the music stand. Concerts, that are listened to by vast numbers of people, are here provided for Saturday afternoons in the summer. The Terrace and Esplanade, that border the lake at the north of the mall, form the principal architectural feature of the park. Three stairways lead to the esplanade, the central one being under the road, and termi- nating in an arched hall decorated with tiles. The railing and stairways are constructed of light brown sandstone, with panels elaborately sculptured in great variety of intricate design. Especially rich, in pattern and execution, are the carvings of birds and animals, flowers and fruit, with which the noble ramps of the side stairways are decorated. Bethesda Fountain. — Hovering above the upper basin, with wings outstretched, as if just alighting on the massive rock at her feet, the figure of an angel appears to be in the act of blessing the waters of the fountain, which stands in the esplanade between the terrace and the lake. Four smaller figures, emble- matic of the blessings of temperance, purity, health, and peace, support the upper basin, and are slightly veiled by the water which falls from above into the ample pond at their feet. MANHATTA^r. 14 1 This work of art was designed and executed by Miss Emma vStebbins, of New York. The Lake, a handsome, irregular pond, con- taining nearly twenty acres of water, is seen to the best advantage from the terrace. In the summer time gondolas, and pleasure boats of every description, sail its waters, while the winter months bring to it the gaiety which skating occasions. For a row about the lake the fare is ten cents, but by the hour, the charge is thirty cents for one, and ten cents for each additional person. The Casino. — Close by the carriage con- course, at the northern end of the mall, and east of the terrace, is a pretty stone cottage, containing an excellent restaurant. The Ramble, a rocky hill rising from the northern side of the lake, has been transformed into country freshness and beauty, by trees, of which there are; the ash, the elm, the lime, and the beech, with almost all of the coniferae, — pines, firs, spruces, and hemlocks, — and by common wild flowers that blossom here abun- dantly. Wild birds build and breed freely, while swans, ducks, and cranes swim the streams of this sequestered grove, which bears within its solitudes the charms of wildness and unmolested freedom, Schiller. — On a sandstone pedestal, amid 142 MANHATTAK. all this beauty, stands a bronze bust of the poet, a work of art modelled by C. L. Richter, and presented to the city by German residents, in 1859. The Park Phaeton. — At the terrace, it will be desirable to enter one of the carriages pro- vided by the commissioners for the purpose of conveying passengers over the entire park, for the moderate fee of twenty-five cents each. Three times during the route an opportunity will be given to stop and examine places of special interest; the Museum of Natural His- tory, McGowan's Pass Tavern, and the Metro- politan Museum of Art. By retaining the tickets provided at starting, passengers may remain at their leisure in any of these places, as the phaetons are passing and will stop on signal. ''The Tigress and Young." — At the right of the road, just west of the terrace, stands this fine group in bronze, modelled by Augustus Caine, "The Falconer," a figure of exquisite grace, executed by George Simonds, stands on a bluff at the left, near the 72d Street entrance. The Statue of Daniel Webster, by Thomas Ball, stands on a high pedestal at the junction of the west drive and the 72d Street entrance. Handsome hotels and flats line the street at the left of the park Within the last MAN-HAT TAN-. 143 few years, apartment houses have multiplied to such a remarkable extent, that this mode of living seems destined to become as common in New York City, as it is in Paris or Vienna. Tme American Museum of Natural History, which was incorporated by the Leg- islature in 1869, held its first exhibition in the arsenal, when the Verreaux collection of nat- ural history specimens, the Elliot collection of North American birds, and the entire museum of Prince Maximilian of Neuwied, were dis- played. It was not until June, 1874, that the corner- stone of the present building, — situated in Manhattan Square, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, and 77th and 8ist Streets, and con- nected with the park by a bridge, — was laid by General Grant. A new portion recently has been added, which is so rich in material as greatly to strengthen the effect of the archi- tectural design, — a not very pronounced ten- dency to the Romanesque. These buildings form only two of many that are to be erected as the collections require them, and the liberal- ity of the State allows. The current expenses of this institution are paid by the city, the Board of Trustees, and private subscriptions. The Park Department, as the representative of the city and State, 144 MANHA TTAIsr. provides the grounds and buildings and keeps them in repair, the trustees in return furnish- ing the exhibits, and opening the Museum to the public, free of charge, on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, of each week, from 9 A.M. until 5 p.m., and on Wednesday and Saturday evenings until ten o'clock. A bill recently passed by the Legislature, pro- vides that the Museum be opened Sundays also. The Hall of Marbles and Ornamental Building Stones is on the first floor, the approach to which, is under the archway that divides the two flights of circular steps leading to the main entrance. This collection, containing about fifteen hundred blocks, principally four-inch cubes, polished on the face, and variously dressed on the other sides, represents nearly every State in the Union, and includes samples of all grades of granite, limestone, marble, slate, and rocks, used for building or ornamental purposes. Foreign stones also are exhibited in this department, and it is gratifying to dis- cover that the Idaho marble is scarcely second in quality to the best that is found in Italy; and that the State of Washington excels almost any area of similar extent in the world, in its capacity to produce the raw materials necessary MA iVIIA TTAN. 145 to the upbuilding of improvement enterprises. This entire collection was donated by the pres- ident of the institution, Mr. Morris K. Jesup. A Lecture Hall, which opens from the hall of marbles, has a seating capacity of eleven hundred. During the spring and fall seasons, free public lectures are delivered two evenings in each week. A course of lectures also is given to the teachers of the city and State, and another popular course is provided for mem- bers of the institution and their friends. Public holidays also afford an opportunity for this same kind of instruction. For all of these discourses, specially prepared stereopti- con plates illustrate the subjects presented. The Jesup Collection of Woods. — On the same floor with the exhibit just mentioned, another hall displays over five hundred speci- micns of wood, arranged in botanical order, with the diameter of each tree announced by plain figures. The cuttings are transverse, oblique, and longitudinal, — one side of the specimen being polished and varnished, while the remaining portion is left in its natural state. Water-color paintings represent the foliage, flower, and fruit, of the different trees, and their native place is indicated by green spots on the map. Among the more ordinary woods are speci- 146 MA NHA T TA N. mens of spruce, maple, ash, oak, and the red and white cedar. The Alaskan cedar, — a wood much soug-ht for ship-building purposes, as it resists the action of salt water, — also is found in this collection, recalling to mind the coun- try from whence it cam_e, where a tree occa- sionally is hewn down which is worth as much as two hundred acres of the government land on which it grew. " Here are monarchs to whom all worshipful men inevitably lift their hats ; to vSee one fall under the blows of steel, or under the embrace of fire, is to experience a pang of sorrow," said the eloquent Samuel Wilkeson. Two transverse sections of redwood trees, now on their way from California, measure ten and twenty feet in diameter, and will extend from the floor to the ceiling, when mounted on platforms. These will make the collection of American woods complete. The Douglas pine, or red fir, which attains a height of three hun- dred feet, is as straight as an arrow, with trunk often nine feet in diameter. By many ship- builders, this wood is pronounced the very best for masts and spars, as it possesses a remarka- ble flexibility and tenacity of fibre. Of the trees in California, Mr. Julius Starre writes ; " In no place is an artist or artisan more freely rewarded than in California for- MANHATTAN. 147 ests. The grace of foliag-e and the character- istic contour of the trees g-low on many a painter's canvas, but few recognize the fact that the woody fibre of the roots and trunks, when manipulated by a skilful workman, pre- sents as charming lines and lovely colors as the most delicate flower which grows by their side." A specimen of larch, which thrived over five centuries ago, another of hemlock, more than half as old as its predecessor, and a piece of the "Charter Oak," exhibited in a case near the door, are the greatest curiosities in this collection. An economic entomological series, illustrative of the destructive effect of insect life on vegetation, is a recent addition to this department. The Higher Forms of Animal Life are represented by specimens exhibited on the second floor near the main entrance. Here are the skeletons of Jumbo and Sam- son, the former the largest specimen of the African species of elephant ever seen in con- finement, and the latter an importation from India. The essential external differences con- sist in the shape of the head and the size of the ears. The Seal Collection, the best in the country, is provided from the seal islands of 148 MA NHA T TA JV. Alaska, the North Atlantic, and the West Indies. The Buffalo Case contains seven fine specimens surrounded by the pear cactus, the yucca, the old-man weed, and the prairie -grass. Cats, foxes, and bears, also are in this apart- ment, and in the western wing are specimens of the deer, the antelope, and the camel. Students of zoology find their progress greatly facilitated by the skeletons of the ani- mals that are placed by the side of their mounted skins. The Hall of Birds, also on the second floor, is one of the most attractive departments in the building. The collection, which is one of the finest in America, contains twelve thousand mounted specimens, besides forty thousand arranged for study. The Collection of Monkeys is located on the third floor. Here will be found goril- las, baboons, and chimpanzees, arranged in cases containing fac-similes of their native haunts. The chimpanzee, " Mr. Crowley, " once a prominent member of the Central Park menagerie, has a conspicuous position. The porpoise, dolphin, whale, opossum, and kangaroo, are displayed in the wing of this floor. Also a baby hippopotamus, and a rhi- noceros, that were born in the park menagerie. manhattan. 149 The Department of Fishes and Rep- tiles includes casts of American food-fishes received from the Fish Commissioner of the United States. A Collection of Butterflies and Moths is placed in the desk-cases that are ranged about the gallery of the new building. The specimens are numerous, and many of them very brilliant. Through the efforts of Mr. A. M. Palmer, who is securing subscriptions for the purpose, the Edwards entomological col- lection will be donated to the Museum by the citizens of New York. The gallery of the old building is filled with American birds; among them some particu- larly fine groups are placed amid the trees and nests peculiar to their tribes. The Mineralogical Collection, on the fourth floor, is now one of the most valuable in the United States. It contains many fine gems, also specimens of native metallic forms, and exemplifications of the different systems of crystallization, meteorites, etc. Conspicuous in this department is the noted Tiffany collec- tion of gems, the brilliancy and beauty of which is superior to any collection in America. The Geological Collection is rich with material, principally illustrative of this country. The Collection of Shells, which is near, ISO MA NHA T TA N. is composed of a great variety of beautiful and interesting specimens, so arranged as to be studied in connection with The Paleontological Collection, con- taining nearly seven thousand type and fig- ured specimens, which is the richest and most extensive assortment of American invertebrate fossils in the world. The Department of Ethnology and Archeology. — In the upper story of the new building, a large hall contains the tools and implements of prehistoric man, as well as his articles of adornment, and of religious worship. Models and Prints of the Cliff Dwell- ings, and old Pueblo ruins of the Verde Valley in Arizona, from which very many of these specimens were taken, form a part of this val- uable collection. The States of Ohio, Arizona, and Colorado, are rich with examples of these curious structures, those of the latter State being lined with pink gypsum. It is believed that human beings will yet be found inhabit- ing these caverns, but as yet only skulls and other bones have been discovered. These now are exhibited with the various relics from this unknown civilization. Antedating the cliff-dwellings, are the mounds, usually covered with a growth of trees, indicative of at least a thousand years AIA NHA TTAN, 1 5 1 abandonment. Many of the mound-works evidently were designed as citadels of defence, or watch-towers in war, others as places of burial for the dead, or temples of worship. As they usually resemble animals very closely in form, they are regarded as symbolizing the totems, or beasts that bore a religious signifi- cance to the tribes. Totemism appears in every land where tribes have been in exist- ence, as, for instance, the wild ass of Issachar, the lion of Judah, etc. - One of the most remarkable of these works, the " Great Serpent" of Ohio, is situated on a hill in Adams County. The distended jaws, holding an oval one hundred and sixty feet in length, and eighty feet in width, seem to indi- cate that the creature is represented in the act of swallowing an Q%%. The mound terminates in a triple coil at the tail, the whole body extending over about seven hundred feet of ground. The implements and ornaments found in the mounds, usually are composed of stone, and, with the exception of the flint-spears and arrowheads, are wrought with skill and care. Some of the ornaments are of copper, but al- ways in its native state, and w^ith the specks of silver found only in the copper of the Lake Su- perior region. Almost every mound contains 1 5 2 MANHA TTAN. pottery, generally coarse and crude, but some- times graceful in form and highly ornamental. Internal com-merce is indicated by masses of galena, calc-spar, quartz-crystals, mica, marine shells, and other materials brought from dis- tant localities. There is also proof that the lead mines near Lexington, Kentucky, as well as the oil wells in Canada and Pennsylvania, were worked by the inhabitants of these queer dwelling-places. No tablets or inscriptions of any kind having been found, it is supposed that the mound-builders had no written language ; and no bones have been discovered to indicate the domestication of animals. The prehistoric remains, so abundant in Ari- zona, appear to be related to the civilization of Mexico, and the semi-civilized Indian tribes now found there, possibly are descendants of these ancient folk; but the mound-builders and cliff-dwellers were quite different from the nomadic Indians who occupied the coun- try at the time of the advent of Europeans. Among the relics contained in the Museum collection are specimens of stone, shell, pot- tery, pipes (that compelled the smoker to lie on his back in order to prevent the burning material from escaping), bones, materials used in the construction of the dwellings, articles of apparel, cords, weapons, and many other MA Nil A TTAN, 153 novel and highly instructive souvenirs of an almost mystical past. The Library and Reading Room, now containing twenty-three thousand volumes, and with a capacity for fifty thousand more, occupies a portion of the floor just indicated. Study rooms for the use of students also are provided in this part of the building, the aim of the institution being to establish a post- graduate university of natural science, that shall be as complete in all of its appointments as any similar institution in London or Paris. From the cariage-road, the lake, the ramble, and the belvedere, — -a stone look-out tower, erected on the highest knoll in the park, — are the first objects of interest after leaving the Museum. The Receiving-Reservoir of the Cro- TON Water Works next comes into view, at the right of the drive. This receptacle has a capacity of one hundred million gallons. The retaining-reservoir, a little further north, holds one billion and thirty million gallons. The water supply of the city is drawn from the Croton River, a stream in Westchester County, and from a number of lakes in the vicinity of its sources. The Equestrian vStatue of General Simon Bolivar, on an elevation at the left, 1 5 4 MA NHA T TA N. was a gift from the government and people of Venezuela. This work was executed by R. De la Cora. The Drive now leads through the wild beauty of woody hills and rocky slopes at the north of the park, until the second station is reached, — formerly known as Mount St. Vin- cent, but now called McGowan's Pass Tavern. From the porch of this attractive restaurant the eye rests, in the summer season, on bril- liant flower-beds filled with the choicest plants. Far beyond are spread the waters of the East and Harlem Rivers, in which the islands, and the buildings on them, easily may be identified. A more charming spot hardly can be imagined for the nuns who, according to tradition, lived here previous to the Revolution. CHAPTER X. THE FIFTH AFTERNOON. Historical Sites. — McGowan's Pass, for- merly a circuitous portion of the old Boston Road, and now a park-highway in front of the tavern, was the scene of an attack by the British, at the time of the retreat of Putnam's column to Harlem Heights. A successful resistance was made by Silliman, with the aid of Alexander Hamilton, who, with his cannon, had guarded the rear of the column during the whole of its dangerous march from Bleecker Street, the British extending their lines from this point to the Hudson and East Rivers just after the American army had passed. Remains of the extensive breastworks, subsequently erected by the British, are still visible near the elevation on which the tavern stands; and at the north, on a low bluff, once called Fort Fish, an old cannon, a mortar, and a shell, are still preserved as relics of this time. The Block House. — This fortification, to which visitors must be directed by a park- policeman, was built by the Americans, but 155 156 MANHA TTAN. was afterward improved and occupied by the English during Revolutionary times. Another tradition clinofs to the flagf-staff on the summit. It is popularly called "Old Hickory," because THE OLD FORT FISH AT M'GOWAN'S PASS. General Jackson, who bore that soubriquet, is said to have once been its owner. The vista from this point is exceptionally fine. At the north and west the Palisades, the Bloomingdale Asylum, the private man- sions overlooking the Hudson, the lofty and winding elevated railroad, the ornamental stairways and battlements that constitute the first improvements of Morningside Park, Mount Morris Park, and further on Fort Wash- ington, — the strongest breastwork thrown up by the Americans during the Revolution, — are the various objects of interest presented. MANHATTAN. 157 The site of the camp-fires of various regi- ments at different times in possession here, is a little to the left of this fort. After leaving the tavern the phaeton passes over the east drive, which for some distance possesses no objects of special interest, except the entrance to the reservoir, — a sort of gate- house built of granite, — and The Statue of Alexander Hamilton. — This work by Charles Conradts, was presented to the city in 1880, by the son of the illustrious statesman. A monument to Hamilton once was erected in Weehawken, the place where he fought the duel with Burr ; but the locality became the scene of such frequent duels, that the gentleman who raised the tribute caused it to be broken into fragments. Another fine statue of this celebrated individual was placed in the Stock Exchange in Wall Street, but the falling in of the roof, at the time of the great fire of 1835, crushed it to atoms. The Obelisk. — East of the drive and oppo- site the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands a relic that antedates the birth of Christ by fif- teen centuries. This monolith, which was gazed upon by Moses, was one of two erected for the Temple of On by Thutmes the Third, of Egypt, as a thank-offering for his victories. The hieroglyphic inscriptions mostly are com- 158 MA NHA T TA N. memorative of that great monarch, although the names and titles of Ramses the Second, and of Usorkon the First, also appear. The obelisk was presented to the city in 1877, by the late Khedive of Egypt, Ismail Pasha, the expense of its removal, one hundred thousand dollars, having been borne by William H. Vanderbilt. The site from which it eventu- ally was taken was near Alexandria, it having been placed there before the Caesarium, in the time of Augustus Caesar. Its companion now stands in London. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. — In November 1869, at a public meeting held in the Academy of Music, a committee com- posed of fifty gentlemen, was formed to draft a plan of organization, for the purpose of found- ing an institute, the object of which should be the art culture of the people of N.ew York City. In 1870 the Legislature granted this committee, which was then increased to over twice the original number, a charter " for the purpose of establishing a museum and library of art; of encouraging and developing the study of the fine arts ; of the application of art to manufactures and to practical life; of ad- vancing the general knowledge of kindred subjects; and to that end, of furnishing popu- lar instruction and recreation." The Museum MANHA TTAN. 159 is controlled by a Board of Trustees, elected by the members of the corporation, who are such for life. The officers, elected annually by the corporation, are ex-officio members of the Board of Trustees, as are also the president of the Department of Public Parks, the comptrol- ler of the city of New York, and the president of the National Academy of Design. The growth of this institution has no paral- lel, even in countries where such effort is entirely supported by government ; and, as a natural consequence, the current expenses continually increase. The trustees have spared neither their personal means, nor their time, to meet the constantly increasing demand, but it has now become so heavy that they are asking the city to assume the entire financial respon- sibility of the annual outlay, while they in return will open the Museum to the public, free of charge at all times, and devote their means to the enlargement and perfection of the col- lection. As at the present time the Park Department furnishes accommodations for the Museum, and contributes funds for its maintainment, the trustees admit the general public on Wednes- days, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 10 A.M. until one half-hour before sunset; on Sundays, from i p.m. until the same hour, and t6o MANHATTAN. on Tuesday and Saturday evening's, from 8 until 10 o'clock; besides this, art students and public school teachers and scholars are allowed special privileges. On the remaining days an admission fee of twenty-five cents is charged. The technical art schools for designing-, modelling-, carving, free-hand and mechanical drawing, that are established in connection with the work of the Museum, add g-reatly to the earning capacity of this class of American laborers. The Blodgett collection of pictures, the first acquisition of any importance, was exhibited in a rented house in Fifth Avenue, near 53d Street. After the presentation of an archaeo- logical collection, consisting of over thirty thousand objects, gathered from the Island of Cyprus by General Di Cesnola, then United States Consul, the Museum was removed to a more extensive mansion in 14th Street. The present building has been occupied since 1880, at which time it was formally opened by the President of the United States. Like the Museum of Natural History, a series of build- ings is intended, two of which are completed, and a third is in process of construction. These now standing are of red brick with granite facings, but the architectural design is hard to classify, not being quite definitely the MANHATTAN. l6i Gothic or Renaissance that they appear to illustrate. Ancient Sculpture. — The entrance hall is filled with casts of the greatest art productions of Greece and Rome. Here also are fragments of the bronze crabs that supported the obelisk in Alexandria. They are dated the eighteenth year of Augustus Caesar. The Hall of Glass, Laces, Ancient Pottery, and Musical Instruments. — The large apartment at the left contains a varied assortment of rare specimens, in which the history of glass is w^onder fully illustrated. Exquisite laces are displayed in swinging standards, and curious musical instruments invite the attention of those who are interested in the mechanics of sound. The Hall of Modern Sculpture, which is beyond the one just mentioned, contains, in a not very large assortment, the following beautiful pieces of statuary. Near the door is a life-size bronze figure of Napoleon the First, idealized by Canova's graceful touch. The majestic forms of Cleopatra, Semiramis, and Medea, by W. W. Story, are placed in line at the right of the hall, and near them are ; " Cal- ifornia" (represented as a woman of exquisite proportions), by Hiram Powers, and a beauti- ful group, " Latona and her Children, Apollo II 1 62 MANHATTAN. and Diana," by Reinhart. A cast of Antoine Louis Barye's " Lion and Serpent," the original of whicli stands in the Garden of the Tuileries at Paris, is an acquisition which was presented to the United States by the French govern- ment in 1890. Thorwaldsen, Gibson, Lord Ronald Gower, and other equally noted artists, also are represented ; and vases, a great variety of busts, the Poe Memorial (presented by the artists of New York), reproductions, and plas- ter studies, add their attractions to this part of the establishment. The Hall of Architectural Casts, in the interior of the building, is filled with a remarkably valuable collection, including mod- els of ancient temples, modern cathedrals, for- eign structures, and casts of every variety of detail work. A large painting by Hans Makart, called "Diana's Hunting Party," which hangs on the western wall, illustrates the high tones of the Dusseldorf School. On the eastern wall is a painting by Constant, a pupil of Cabanel's, representing "Justinian in Council." The Old Western Galleries, that are approached by a staircase leading from the Hall of Statuary, consist of two apartments in which the paintings of modern masters are dis- played. These are owned by the Museum, the most noticeable treasures among them being; MANHATTAN, 163 "Woodland and Cattle," by Auguste Bonheur, an exquisite picture portraying a quiet phase of animal life. The sunlit land- scape represents the woods of Fontainebleau. "Thusnelda at the Triumphal Entry OF Germanicus into Rome," by Piloty. — Although this picture is defective in its schemes of color, it is a fine piece of stage- grouping, in which barbaric figures, strange animals, trophies, and Italians, make up the glories of a Roman holiday. Baron Alexander von Humboldt. — This interesting portrait of the great savant at the age of eighty-nine, was painted, according to his wish, with Chimborazo for the background, by Julius Schrader. "Friedland, 1807," by Meissonier. — The sentiment expressed iji this painting is partic- ularly fine. Napoleon at the height of his glory, — an inspiration to his soldiers, who are ready to lay down their lives at his feet, — was the intention of the artist. To quote from an eminent critic ; " A painter has perhaps never represented a composition in which the leader reposes in the sympathy of his troops so like a soul in a body." The work is executed with that fidelity to detail which has seemed possible to Meissonier alone, and also with a devotion to the subject which has made 164 MANHATTAN. of this picture the masterpiece of a great master. "A Spanish Lady," by Fortuny, is one of the most important specimens of the work of that artist. "The Horse Fair," by Rosa Bonheur. — This celebrated chef-d'oeuvre of the distin- guished artist, which represents a group of foreign draught horses in precipitate action, was presented to the museum by Cornelius Vanderbilt. It is gratifying to know that this magnificent representation of animal life is permanently placed where it may be seen by multitudes of people. Mile. Bonheur's latest painting, " The Last of the American Indians," will be of special interest to the American public. "The Defence of Champigny," by De- taille, one of the finest works the gallery con- tains, depicts most graphically, the harrowing scenes incident to a siege. The officer in the centre of the picture is General Faron. Memorials of Washington, Lafayette, AND Franklin. — This important collection is displayed in an apartment which is situated at the head of the middle stairway, beyond the galleries just described. The New Western Galleries that open from the room devoted to memorials, contain MANHATTAN. 165 the paintings bequeathed to the Museum by Catharine Lorillard Wolfe. A Portrait of Miss Wolfe, by Cabanel, attracts immediate attention by the grace of posture and air of distinguished elegance that characterized this sensitive, high-bred lady. The subtle power of the artist especially be- trays itself in the modelling and posture of the hands, that express in their cultured gesture the extreme refinement manifested in our se- lect American types. "Repose in Egypt," by Ludwig Knaus. — This painting represents the Holy Family, visited in the night-time by a gambolling bevy of cherubs (who resemble cupids more nearly). Although Joseph appears to be in a state of religious exaltation, nothing in the picture suggests the source of his inspiration. The Virgin is a simple rustic, and the angels all possess the faces belonging to the agreeable low life that the artist usually portrays. An- other specimen of Knaus in this collection is much more characteristic of that original artist. "The Shulamite Woman," by Cabanel, is enlivened with every device of pictorial fancy, and the theme is extremely attractive, but profound thought or spirited manipulation are wanting. 1 66 MANHATTAN. "A Religious Procession in Brittany," by Jules Breton, represents " The Grand Par- don," which is supposed by the simple-hearted Brittany peasants to occur once a year for their benefit. The composition is crowded, but the figures are skilfully generalized. " The Peas- ant Girl," a smaller example of Breton, is a single-figure study which is very successful. "The Night Patrol at Smyrna," by Decamps, one of the best examples of that artist, is magnificent in its expression of light and heat, animal motion, and superb horse- manship. "Crusaders Before Jerusalem," by Kaul- bach, a repetition of a fresco in the Museum at Berlin, is an allegorical pageant, painted with great power. "The Massacre of the Mamelukes," by Bida, "The Storm," by Cot, and "The Last Token," by Max, are noticeable features of this broadly representative collection, which is fur- ther enriched with examples of Bonheur, Bouguereau, Gerome, Meissonier, Diaz, Mun- kacsy, Schreyer, Troy on, Verboeckhoven, Vibert, and many other equally noted artists. Gallery Q, which is next to the Wolfe galleries, is filled with gems, objects wrought in gold and silver, (many of them being Egyp- tian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Greek or Roman), MANHATTAN. 167 miniatures, fans of the most delicate manu- facture, and exceedingly fine tapestries. A Gallery of Drawing, in which an al- cove is devoted to water-color paintings, and another gallery which displays fac-similes of gold and silver plate, are at the left of Gallery Q, and lead directly to The New Eastern Gallery O. — This apartment contains the paintings by the old masters, that were presented to the Museum by Henry G. Marquand, the different schools being represented by the following artists ; The Dutch School. — Rembrandt, the un- rivalled master of chiaroscuro, whose vigor of style and truthful presentation render his works invaluable. The " Portrait of a Man with a Black Hat " is considered to be the most excel- lent of the four examples that the gallery con- tains of this artist. Teniers, the celebrated painter of interiors, Leyden, whose engravings on copper gave him rank with Durer, and Marc Antonio, Jan Van Eyck, Franz Hals, Hoogstraaten, and Jensen, are among the other names that appear on the catalogue. The Spanish School. — Velazquez, the head of this school, of whom Ruskin has said; " Everything Velazquez does may be taken as absolutely right by the student." Among the specimens executed by this artist is one of the 1 68 MA NHA TTAN. celebrated Don Baltasar portraits. Zurbaran, a court painter for Philip the Fourth, is the only compatriot of Velazquez here represented. Spanish art, which was an outgrowth of the Italian, achieved its greatest triumphs in the seventeenth century. The Italian School, — always dominantly ideal in method, and generally in subject. — Leonardo da Vinci, who in drawing from life gained a freedom unknown to other draughts- men, and who was the first painter to recog- nize light and shade as equally important with the elements of color and line, Masaccio, who rendered the Brancacci Chapel famous almost beyond rivalry, and Moroni, who was second only to Titian as a portrait painter. The Flemish School. — Peter Paul Rubens, whose brush produced more paintings than any other artist, Antony Van Dyck, a pupil of Rubens, and afterward " Painter to his Maj- esty," Charles the First of England. The famous portrait of the Duke of Richmond and Lenox is in this collection. The French School. — In this Prud'hon, who was instructor to Empress Marie Louise, only is represented. The English School. — Turner, whose " Saltash" is here exhibited, John Constable, whose works are landscapes chiefly, Sir Joshua MA NHA TTAN. 169 Reynolds, the greatest portrait painter of Eng- land, Thomas Gainsborough, the competitor of Sir Joshua, William Hogarth, whose power to satirize found expression through grotesque forms and pictorially-displayed incidents, and. Hans Holbein, the Austrian-English painter, who stands by the side of the greatest art masters of the world. Gallery P, which opens from the new eastern galleries, displays an assortment of American antiquities. The Ruins of Paestum. — This remarkable mosaic, by Rinaldi, Avhich faces the eastern middle stairway, is extremely beautiful, both in design and coloring. "Saint Christopher and the Infant Christ." — This painting faces the mosaic at a landing of the staircase. It is by Antonio Pollajuolo, and was cut from the walls of the Chapel of Michelozzi Villa in Florence. The Old Eastern Galleries contain pict- ures of the old masters, owned by the Museum, and examples of modern masters, some of which are loaned, while others are recent gifts. "Return of the Holy Family from Egypt." — This valuable picture was painted for the Church of the Jesuits at Antwerp, after the completion of the "Crucifixion," and 1 7 o MA NHA TTA N. before the " Descent from the Cross" had been executed. Grandeur of style, power of color- ing, and decision, are among the expressions of praise bestowed upon it by the catalogues. Portraits of the Honorable Henry Fane and his Guardians, Inigo Jones and Charles Blair, by Sir Joshua Reynolds. — This picture is one of the best examples of the famous painter, and one of the most valuable acquisitions to a collection which includes specimens from Correggio, the school of Fra Bartholommeo, Diirer, Del Sarto, Velazquez, Van Dyck, Teniers, Maas, Lely, Jordaens, Greuze, and many others. "CoLUiMBUs before Ferdinand and Isa- bella," by Brozick, "Reading Homer," by Alma Tadema, — that careful painter who has attained such perfection in the historical de- tails of dress and architecture, — "Wallen- stein's Lager," by Messerschmitt, which was awarded the highest prize at the Royal Acad- emy in Munich in 1887, "Joan of Arc," by Bastien LePage, a pupil of Cabanel's, por- traits of Washington and John Jay, by Stuart, Alexander Hamilton, by Trumbull, Bayard Taylor, by Eastman Johnson, and Walt Whit- man, by Alexander, constitute the most impor- tant paintings in the second department. Two balconies that connect the eastern with MANHATTAN. 171 the western galleries exhibit specimens of Ori- ental porcelain and Japanese art. " Lions Chasing Deer," by Rubens, " Alex- ander and Diog-enes," by Gaspard de Grayer, "Returning from the Hunt," by Josef Hore- mans, are three of the paintings that occupy the hallway which leads from the old eastern galleries to the floor below. The success of the Museum, and the superior quality of paintings which it exhibits, demon- strates the remarkable progress that our coun- try has made in its patronage and appreciation of art during the past quarter of a century. This institution, and the private galleries from which paintings constantly are being loaned by their generous owners, possess examples of the greatest artists of ancient and modern times, and these are, many of them, the very best examples. As the general public is per- mitted frequent access to these potent agents of civilization, the stimulus necessarily must permanently increase, and it is to be hoped that the day is not far distant when our im- portation of this class of foreign work may not be impeded by a tariff. The corridors at the eastern side of the lower floor are filled with a great variety of relics from Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, and other foreign countries. Many of these are mortu- 172 MANHATTAN. ary, and include mummies and mummy-cases, sarcophagi, etc. A part of the Cesnola collec- tion is placed with these curios^ities, the remaining portion being divided and scattered about the building. The Phaeton to Fifth Avenue En- trance. — The first object to attract atten- tion after leaving the Museum will be the new Jewish syngaogue in Fifth Avenue, at 76th Street. The beauty of this edifice, which is classical Renaissance in its design, is much impaired by the gilded frame and black panels of its dome. ''The Pilgrim," by J. Q.A.Ward, is a bronze statue, well placed on a rise of ground at the left of the drive, but not seen to advan- tage, because the phaeton turns to the right just before it is reached. This attractive rep- resentation of our forefathers was a gift from the New England Society. A Statue of S. B. Morse, by Byron Picket, stands east of the 72d Street entrance. It was erected by telegraphers, in 1871. The other statues in the park, not seen from the phaeton are; "Commerce" by Guion, Maz- zini, the Italian agitator, by Turini, and the Seventh Regiment Monument, by Ward. The latter is a bronze figure of a private soldier in the Seventh Regiment, erected in commemora- MA NHA TTAN. 173 tion of the comrades who fell during the Civil War. A statue of Columbus, presented by- Italian r^idents, is to be placed on the plaza, at I loth Street and Fifth Avenue, and a statue of Thorwaldsen is another addition which is proposed as a present from Danish residents. CHAPTER XL THE SIXTH MORNING. — THE ISLANDS. Liberty, or Bedloe's Island, on which stands Bartholdi's great statue, " Liberty En- lightening the World," is situated in New York Bay, about two miles southwest of the Battery. From 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. boats leave hourly for this destination from the Barge Of- fice pier. During the later days of the colonial epoch these thirteen acres of island property belonged to Captain Archibald Kennedy, then Collector of the Port, whose summer residence was sit- uated in this delightful spot; but after the Revolution a series of transformations took place, the State first utilizing it as a quaran- tine station, and Government afterward con- verting it into a military fortification, which in turn yielded its possession to the imperial goddess who keeps watch over our destinies at the present time. The star-shaped, granite walls of Fort Wood still remain, forming a rather ornamental inclosure for the pedestal. As a military post this island only has been 174 MANIIATTAk. 175 put to practical service, when, during the Re- bellion, a number of buildings were erected and used as hospitals. When, many years ago, Bartholdi, the THE BARTHOLDI STATUE OF LIBERTY. French sculptor, entered the port of New York, he was so greatly impressed with the eagerness of the emigrants, who crowded on 176 MANHA TTAN. deck to obtain a first glimpse of the land of freedom and opportunity, that he conceived the idea of symbolizing by a statue of Liberty, the welcome that foreigners received. It was not until after the close of the Civil War, at a social meeting of prominent Frenchmen in Paris, — on which occasion Bar- tholdi was present, — that the idea of pre- senting the statue to America was first advanced, and received with an amount of enthusiasm which insured the completion of the project. Subscriptions subsequently were received to the extent of over a million of francs, and the work was finished and con- veyed to our shores in the month of June, 1885. As the sympathy of France for this country demonstrated itself by the assistance of a valiant contingent, in our time of great struggle for independence, so that bond of interest again found expression by a gift com- memorative of our success, and suggestive of the possibilities of our future. Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars having been obtained for a pedestal (through the efforts of the New York World) the statue was unveiled on the 28th of October 1886, in the presence of the President and many distinguished guests, with imposing ceremonies, elaborate decorations, and the booming of cannon. MANHATTAN. 177 This largest statue of modern times is one hundred and fifty-one feet in height. In one hand the figure holds a tablet, while with the other she uplifts a torch. The body is grace- fully draped, and the head is surmounted by a diadem. The material is hammered copper. A spiral stairway within the statue, leads to the head, where forty persons can stand together without material inconvenience. An- other stairway in the arm leads to the torch- chamber. No elevators are provided, and the climb is very trying, but the view afforded from the top is magnificent. At night the torch is lighted by electricity, and the base and pedestal also are illuminated. The fore- finger of the right hand of the goddess is seven feet in length, and at the second joint, four feet in circumference. The nose is over three feet long, and the statue weighs over twenty- five tons. The extreme height above low- water mark is nearly three hundred and six feet. The pedestal, constructed of granite and concrete, is one hundred and fifty-five feet in height. This colossus can be seen from a distance of many miles. Ellis Island, once known as Bucking Isl- and, contained, until 1827, a small circular fort, called Fort Gibson. The five acres that constitute this plot of ground belong to the 1 78 MANHATTAN. United States, and have been used as a place of storage for explosives. At the present time government officials here receive immigrants in the landing depot, which was formally opened on New Year's Day, 1892. The wooden structure erected for this purpose, nearly covers the island, is three stories in height, and has a tower at each corner. The cost of construction was almost half a million dollars. The first floor is devoted to baggage- transfer and local express offices, as well as to the private offices of the government express. At the landing of a ship the newcomers are received on the second floor, the crowd pouring over the gang-plank in a compact mass, push- ing, jabbering, gesticulating. Officers calmly direct the bewildered strangers to desks, where name, place of birth, age, occupation, and destination, are registered. Everything here is so perfectly systematized that from twelve to fifteen thousand immigrants easily can be handled at one time, twelve lines being formed, with a registry clerk in attendance at each line. From a gallery in this room the public may view the motley procession. On this floor there are also rooms for the detention of pau- pers, lunatics, criminals, and persons suspected of being contract laborers. Women and children are provided with separate apart- MANHATTAN. 179 ments, and a telegraph station, money ex- change, postal station, information bureau, and railroad and steamship office are in convenient arrangement. The third floor contains sleep- ing rooms for the accommodation of immi- grants who are detained over night. None of the officials reside on the island except the surgeon. A ferryboat continually plies between Ellis Island and the Barge Office, and visitors are permitted at any time. The greatest number of immigrants landed in New York in one year, was four hundred and fifty-five thousand, four hundred and fifty. This was in 1883. The greatest num- ber landed in one day was on May nth, 1887, when nearly sixteen thousand were registered. Of late years the immigration from Italy has far exceeded that of any other country. Governor's Island. — This egg-shaped plot of ground, containing nearly sixty-five acres, is situated about one thousand yards south of the Battery. It was first purchased from the Indians by Wouter Van Twiller, the second Dutch governor of New York, and that worthy personage whom Irving describes as having weighed the books of disputing merchants to discover if their accounts would not balance. The Indian name of the island was "Pag- I So MANHA TTAN. ganck," or Nut Island, for some time called Nutten Island, but after it became the Van Twiller residence it was known as Governor's Island, and has retained that appellative. Since the War of 1 8 12, at which time the batteries now found on it were erected, this property has been exclusively under the con- trol of the United States War Department. It is now headquarters for the Military Depart- ment of the Atlantic, and the Major-General and his staff are residents. The northern por- tion of the island is occupied by the Ordnance Department as the New York Arsenal. Can- non balls are ranged about it in pyramids, and on the little wharf is one of the largest guns owned by the Government. The parade- ground is adorned with fine old shade-trees, and the residences of officers. A chapel erected by the widow of General Hancock, the library and picture gallery of the Military Service Institution, and the Military Museum, which contains battle-flags and other war relics, are interesting social features of the present occu- pation. A footpath leads to Fort Columbus, the stone fortification in the centre of the island, now utilized as quarters for the soldiers. Castle William, an old-fashioned stone work, with three tiers of casemates, is located on the northwestern shore. In the haste incident to MANHATTAN. i8i the War of 1812, even the professors and stu- dents from college and school were called upon to assist in the completion of this prominent fortress. A small triangular battery and two magazines are situated on the southern point of the island, and everything is in preparation for the rapid throwing up of earthworks and the mounting of heavy guns, Castle William being considered entirely too old-fashioned to withstand the fire from modern ships-of-w^ar. CHAPTER XII. THE SIXTH AFTERNOON. — A SAIL ON THE EAST RIVER. The Jersey City Ferry at the foot of Cort- landt Street, where also is the dock for the Glen Island boat, was the one for which Rob- ert Fulton built the two boats, the " York" and the "Jersey," in 1812. After leaving its pier the steamer must first round the Battery, the southern terminus of Manhattan Island. At the west and south lie the Ellis and Bedloe Islands, and the shores of New Jersey, whereon the Jersey City docks are more conspicuous than pleasing. Robin's Reef Lighthouse is below these, on a reef of rocks that once was a resort for seals. Staten Island, at the south, is a richly wooded and hilly tract of country, containing about sixty square miles of land that are occu- pied chiefly by the villas of New York business men. A point of the eastern shore forms, with the western coast of Long Island, the Narrows, or entrance to New York Harbor, — a passage protected by Fort Wadsworth and a 183 MA NHA TTAN. 183 line of water batteries on the Staten Island vside, and by the two forts, Hamilton and Lafayette, on the opposite shore. Staten Island was purchased from the In- dians in 1657, for ten shirts, thirty pairs of stockings, ten guns, thirty bars of lead, thirty pounds of powder, twelve coats, twelve pieces of duffel, thirty hatchets, twenty hoes, and a case of knives. New York Harbor is a body of water about nine miles in length and three miles in width. From the ocean at Sandy Hook to the metrop- olis at the head of the bay it is about twenty- eight miles. No city in the world has a more majestic approach or a more agreeable situa- tion. The waters of its harbor are deep enough to float the largest vessels, and from their contiguity to the ocean, are never frozen in the winter. The wide expanse of the lower and upper bays, the wooded slopes that format once a shelter and a picture of rare beauty, the islands, and the rivers that, like encircling arms, hold in their caress the fairest city of the freest country on the earth, and the proud, city itself, — uplifting spires and domes on stately buildings that tell of prosperous times and un- exampled greatness of achievement, — enthuse and melt the heart of the returning patriot, or inspire with new sense of possibility the mind 184 A/A Nil A TTA N. of the foreigner who watches from the deck of an incoming steamer this panorama of nature and display of human progress. Quarantine Station is on the eastern coast of Staten Island. Governor's Island, which will be remembeied, is separated from Long Island by Buttermilk Channel, east of which are located the docks and piers of South Brooklyn. The New York shore, for a con- siderable distance along the East River, is crowded with merchant ships from every country, river and sound steamers, and ferry- boats loaded with passengers, plying between two of the busiest of cities. The Wharfage Facilities of New York excel those of any city in the world, and the cost of handling the cargoes is much less than in Liverpool or London. Over one hundred steamers, belonging to the trans- Atlantic fleet, ply between New York and European ports. Twenty distinct lines, exclusive of the local, are in operation between this and the coast and Gulf ports. The yearly average of foreign vessels entered during the last five years is eight thousand. The number of vessels re- ceived and despatched annually aggregates about thirty-four thousand. The imports of merchandise in 163 1 amounted to about twenty-three thousand dollars ; the exports in MA NHA TTAN. 185 the same year, twenty-seven thousand dollars. In the year 1891 nearly six million dollars' worth of merchandise was received, and near- ly four million dollars' worth of material was exported. The first wharf was constructed in 1648, when the population of New York num- bered less than one thousand. In 1687 the total shipping amounted to but three ships and fifteen sloops and barks. In 1807 Fulton's steamboat, the "Clermont," made its first trip to Albany, in thirty-two hours. The first steamship, the " Savannah," crossed the Atlan- tic in 1 8 19, taking twenty-five days, the usual time for fast clipper-ships having been from sixteen to twenty-one days. J E ANNETTE Park is a Small space between Pearl Street and the river, above Broad Street, — formerly designated " Coenties Slip," in honor of an influential Dutch shoemaker whose shop once occupied a corner in this locality. Here stood the clumsy stone tavern, or city hall, of the Dutch administration. A corporation pier, erected at this point in 175 i, was the first public improvement for which money w^as borrowed, the bond given having borne an interest of six per cent. The water front, from the Battery to Fulton Street, is artificially-made ground, the natural riverside having been at Pearl Street, along i86 MANHATTAN. which the little village of New Amsterdam first extended itself. This was a favorite local- ity for markets, the old " Fly Market " having THE OLD STADTHUYS. been the most celebrated. The Dutch word vly, meaning valley, was the original appella- tion. Near Fulton Street the first ferr}^ to Long Island was established in 1638, a small skiff having been used to convey the passen- gers, who sometimes had to wait an entire day before crossing. Brooklyn Bridge, the history and propor- tions of which already have been described, spans the East River as it bends eastward, and is seen to crreat advantagfe from the boat. A little distance beyond, at the Brooklyn side, the steamer passes the United States Navy Yard, situated in Wallabout Bay, the name of which is a corruption of *' Waale MA Nil A TTAN, 187 Boght." The United States. Naval Lyceum and the United States Marine Hospital are located at this point. Preparations for ship- building are conducted within the enormous sheds near the river; the cob-dock occupies the bay. Corlear's Hook. — This point of land, be- low Grand Street and opposite the Navy Yard, has been called Corlear's Hook since Stuyve- sant granted the property to one sturdy Van Corlear, for faithful services rendered. In 1643 3- number of Indians having encamped at this place, awakened the fear of the white settlers, who surprised the red men at mid- THE FIRST FERRY FROM NEW YORK TO LONG ISLAND. night, killing over thirty and inflicting atro- cious barbarities. This action was the direct cause of the revolt of eleven tribes of previ- l88 MANHATTAN. ously peaceful Indians. The locality now is headquarters for the most daring river thieves. Bellevue Hospital, at 26th Street, is easily discerned from the river. The Morgue, where dead bodies are left for identification, is near the water's edge. Kip's Bay. — According to Washington Irv- ing, this indentation at the foot of 36th Street received its name from the following advent- ure; " ... At the bow of the commodore's boat was stationed a very valiant man named Hendrick Kip. . . . No sooner did he behold these varlet heathens" (Indians) " then he trembled with excessive valor, and although a good half mile distant, he seized a musketoon that lay at hand and, turning away his head, fired it most intrepidly in the face of the blessed sun. The blundering weapon re- coiled and gave the valiant Kip an ignominious kick, which laid him prostrate with uplifted heels in the bottom of the boat. But such was the effect of this tremendous fire that the wild men of the woods, struck with consternation, seized hastily upon their paddles and shot away into one of the deep inlets of the Long Island shore. " This signal victory gave new spirits to the voyagers; and in honor of the achievement MANHATTAN. 189 they gave the name of the valiant Kip to the surrounding bay." It was here that the British landed when, in September 1776, they made their first attack on Washington's army, and caused the precip- itate retreat of American soldiers stationed at this point. Long Island City, which begins directly opposite Kip's Bay, and extends northward for a considerable distance, comprises the formerly separated districts of Ravens wood, Astoria, and Hunter's Point, — a locality occupied by oil-refineries and factories. The former sec- tions, however, contain country villas and handsome residences, and do not in reality fuse with their hardworking sister. Blackwell's Island. — This long and narrow strip of land, the next point of in- terest on the route, was once the country seat of John Manning, the captain in charge of the fort at the time of its capture by the Dutch in 1673. A more delightful place of residence scarcely can be imagined. Graceful in form, with moss-covered rocks, swaying trees, flowers, and abundance of greensward, this charming island was a home of which its owner might well be proud. It was not until 1828 that the city purchased the property for its charitable and correctional institutions. 19° MANHATTAN. These now include the charity hospital, pen- itentiary, almshouse, hospital for incurables, female lunatic asylum, convalescent hospital, workhouse, and blind asylum. The buildings all have been constructed of stone quarried from the island by convict labor; the general style of architecture is somewhat feudal in its character. Residences occupied by the officials in charge are surrounded with lawns and gardens, that are kept in perfect order by the inmates of the prison, almshouse, etc. These individuals also farm certain portions of this fertile land, row the officials and their families to and from the city, and have built and kept in repair the heavy granite sea-wall that protects the shores of the entire one hun- dred and twenty acres of land. Hell Gate. — This celebrated strait is en- tered shortly after leaving Blackwell's Island. By reason of numerous rocks, shelves, and whirlpools, — known under the various appella- tions of "Flood Rock," "Negrohead," "Grid- iron," " Hogsback" (on which his satanic maj- esty often was seen astride), "Fryingpan," (in which the same well-known individual always cooked his fish before a storm), "Pot Rock," etc., — this narrow passage was very dangerous to shipping, and only could be entered with skilful pilots. Since 1876, however, the ATA NHA TTAN. 1 9 1 channel has been opened, the United States Government having expended nearly two millions of dollars to render it safe. The final explosion of this great work occurred at Flood Rock in 1885, at which time over fifty-two thousand pounds of dynamite were used. Ward's Island, at the left of Hell Gate, contains about two hundred acres of ground owned by the city, the Commissioners of Emi- gration, and private individuals. Under the care of the city are the insane asylums for males, and the homoeopathic hospital here lo- cated. A lunatic asylum, houses of refuge, and a hospital and nursery for children, constitute the buildings in which sick and destitute aliens are cared for. There is also a home for inva- lid soldiers who served in the regiments raised by the city during the late war. These build- ings are all substantial, and some of them are highly ornamental. Groves of fine old shade trees cover portions of these structures, adding greatly to the appearance of the island. A sea-wall, which was constructed by convicts from Blackwell's Island, also girts this prop- erty. The grading and general improvements have been done by this same class of labor. Randall's Island, which lies between Ward's Island and the mainland, consists of 192 MAN HA TTAN. one hundred acres of city property, hand- somely laid out and ornamented with sh-ade trees. An idiot asylum, nursery, hospital, and schools, are placed here by the city, in order to provide for the wants of its destitute children. A house of refuge, under the charge of the Society for the Reformation of Juvenile Delin- quents, is at the southern end of the island. In this institution children who have been RANDALL S ISLAND. sentenced by the city magistrates aie taught to work, as well as instructed in all the com- mon-school branches. Passes must be obtained from the Commissioners of Public Charities and Correction, in their building at the corner of Third Avenue and nth Street, in order to visit any of the institutions on these last-men- tioned islands. A special permit is required for the lunatic asylum on Ward's Island. A MA NHA TTAN. 193 ferry conveys passengers to these localities from the foot of East 26th Street. The Channel at the south of Randall's Island, is called Little Hell Gate, the one at the north is the Bronx Kills. Several islands lie clustered within the embrace of the West- chester and Long Island shores, where the waters of the Sound begin. A fort at Throgg's Neck, and another one at Willet's Point, command this entrance to New York. Along the northern shore is Pelham Bay Park, a tract of land containing seventeen hundred acres of beautifully wooded territory, recently pur- chased by the city. City Island is noted as the place where American oyster culture first began. Hart's Island belongs to New York City, and is occu- pied by the Potter's Field, a branch workhouse, and a lunatic asylum. David's Island was purchased by the Government in 1869, but was used as a hospital-station during the War of the Rebellion. It is now a receiving-station for recruits. Glen Island. — At this picturesque resort it will be fitting to terminate the labors and pleasures of the week. Rest and refreshment will be found in cool groves filled with choice varieties of rare exotics; and the return to 13 194 MA NHA T TA N. busier haunts will be at the close of the day, when the weary traveller, having learned the history of its events and the institutions of its present time, can be content to view in the half-light, the city which promises such stores of wealth for the sightseer of the future. •A- ii Fold-out Place This fold-out is being digitized, and at a future date. old-out Placeholder 5 fold-out is being digitized, and will be inserted at a future date. CHRONOLOGICAL SKETCHES OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. 1524. — The Island of Manhattan was discovered by John De Verrazzani, a Florentine. 1609. — Hendrik (or Henry) Hudson, a navigator in the service of the States General of Holland, and the second discoverer of Manhattan Island, sailed up the Hudson River to a point a little below Albany. 161 1. — ^The first ships that carried merchandise from the North River, the "Little Fox," and the " Little Crane, " were sent from Holland on a voyage of speculation. Three more vessels were at this time fitted out for the purpose of establishing trading posts on the Hudson River, where furs might be collected, thus saving time for the ships that crossed the ocean. One of these was called "The Tiger," the other two bore the name of "The Fortune." The first vessel built on the shores of New York Harbor, and the first to pass through Hell-Gate, was called the " Restless," and may be considered as peculiarly entitled to hon- orable mention, because it was the means of filling many important blanks in the geogra- phy of the world. 16 1 3. — Captain Adrien built four small houses and established a fur agency at what is now No. 41 Broadway. 195 1 96 MANHA TTAN. 1 6 14. — An expedition from South Virginia, dis- patched by Sir Thomas Dale, took possession of the infant colony. Later in the year, Holland, having regained possession of the Island, sent an expedition of five vessels, that explored the whole length of Long Island, passed np the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, and were given the exclu- sive right to trade between the Delaware and Connecticut Rivers for three years. 1623. — A charter, under the title of the West India Company, went into operation. This is considered to have been the era of the permanent settlement of New Netherlands. 1624. — Peter Minuit arrived at Manhattan, in the capacity of Director-General of New Nether- lands, and organized a provisional govern- ment. 1625. — Three ships and a yacht from Holland, brought a number of settlers and one hundred head of cattle. 1626. — Manhattan Island was purchased from the Indians, for trinkets worth twenty-four dollars. 1633. — The first schoolmaster arrived from Hol- land. The first ship-of-war, " De Soutberg" (the Salt Mountain), brought a company of soldiers to garrison the stronghold that had just been completed on the southern point of the Island. 1638. — The first ferry crossed the East River to Long Island. 1642. — A church, built of rock stone, which cost about one thousand dollars, was erected Avithin the walls of the fort. The first tavern, " Staadt Herberg," was built by the Dutch West India Company at Coenties Slip. MA NHA TTAN. 197 1643. — The first deed recorded was for a lot thirty by one hundred feet, that was sold for nine dollars and fifty cents. The wreck of the ship " Princess" occurred in Bristol Channel. This was one of the most notable maritime events in connection with the early history of the city, eighty passengers, including the Director-General Kieft, and Dominie Bogardus,the first clergyman estab- lished in this city, having been drowned. Lots were freely given to whoever would build in the town. 1648. — The first wharf was constructed. The first ordinance for the prevention of fire was passed, after which four fire-wardens, or chimney-inspectors, were appointed. The settlement contained twelve retail dealers. 1650. — The first lawyer, Dick Van Schelluyne, commenced practice. 165 1. — All persons who were absent from the city four months lost their burgher rights. 1652. — The city of New Amsterdam was incorpor- ated. The first public school was established in the "Stadthuys." 1654. — Burgomasters received one hundred and forty dollars, and the Schepens one himdred dollars per annum, for their services. 1655. — Negroes were purchased from slave-ships and taken to Virginia. 1656. — New Amsterdam contained one thousand inhabitants, one hundred and twenty houses, and seventeen streets. The first survey of the city was confirmed by law, 1 98 MANHA TTAN. 1657. — The English lang-uage was first recognized in New Amsterdam. 1658. — Stone pavements were laid. The street first paved still retains its former name of Stone Street. The first fire-company, which consisted of eight men, was organized. Whipping with a rod, and banishment from the city, was at this time the punishment for theft. Hogs running at large, were required to have rings in their noses. 1659. — The first shipwreck on this coast, of which there is any account, occurred near Fire Island. The name of the ship was " Prince Maurice." Poor-boxes were customarily introduced at weddings. Houses were rented for twenty-seven dollars per annum. The first public auctioneer was appointed. One dollar and ten cents was the fee paid for the disposal of a lot. J 660. — The establishment of a brick-yard was a notable event in connection with the archi- tectural progress of the city. Before this time bricks had been imported from Holland, and were considered too expensive to be used, except in the construction of chimneys and ovens. A man living near the Bowery, offered to give away his property, for the reason that he disliked to ride through two miles of dense forest to reach his work. It was punishable to call magistrates block- heads, on account of an adverse decision. MA NHA TTAN. 199 1663. — The first suicide recorded in the town was that of a blacksmith, who hung himself from a tree near Collect Pond. 1664. — New Amsterdam was captured by the Eng- lish, and its name was changed to New York. Notice was given of a re-organization of the municipal government under the direction of Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriff. 1665. — The first Court of Admiralty, organized by Governor Nichols, was convened and held in the Stadthuys. 1670. — A seal of the city was presented by the Duke of York. Staten Island was purchased for a few trinkets. The first New York Exchange was estab- lished, the members arranging to meet every Friday morning, between eleven and twelve o'clock, at the bridge which crossed the ditch at Broad Street, a locality now known as Ex- change Place. 1673. — A Dutch fleet recaptured the city, in the name of the States General of Holland, and changed its name to New Orange. The first mail between Boston and New York was established, " for a more speedy intelligence and despatch of affairs." The letters were carried by a messenger who made the round trip once a month. At this time the main portion of the town extended from the high ridge of ground at Broadway, to the East River, then called Salt River. A great dock for vessels, and three crescent-shaped forts, were placed along the shore. Almost all of the houses presented gable ends to the street, 2 oo A/ A NHA T TA N. 1674. — A treaty of peace having- been signed by- England and Holland, New York was again restored to the English. Only one Jew and one vSpaniard held prop- erty in the city at this period. 1677. — New York contained three hundred and forty-three houses. 1679. — A bear was killed in an orchard near Maiden Lane. The first classis was formed, at the sugges- tion of the governor, for the purpose of exam- ining and ordaining a young Bachelor in Divinity, who had been called to the church at Newcastle. 1683. — The city was divided into six wards. The " Court of General Sessions of the Peace of the city of New York," first called the " Court of General Quarter Sessions, " was insti- tuted under royal government. 1686. — The " Dongan Charter," the basis of all later charters obtained for this city, was granted by James the Second. This declared that New York City thenceforth should com- prise the entire Island of Manhattan. The best house in the city was sold for three thousand and five hundred dollars. 1689. — Information of the accession of William and Mary, to the throne was received in New York with great satisfaction. The garrison was seized by about fifty inhabitants, who formed themselves into a committee of safety to hold the province in rule until a government could be established by the new sovereigns. This movement inaugurated a bitter strife between factions of the citizens, who con- tended for the temporary control, and resulted in the ascendency of Leisler, MANHATTAN. 201 1 69 1. — The first Assembly met April 9th. Leisler was tried and executed. 1692. — The first Post Office was established. A whipping-post, pillory, and ducking-stool, were placed near the City Hall. 1693. — The first printing press was put in opera- tion. 1696. — Trinity Church Corporation erected its first edifice. The city contained five hundred and ninety- four houses and six thousand inhabitants. The Reformed Protestant Dutch Church received a charter of incorporation. 1697. — The first almanac was published. 1700. — The second City Hall was erected at the corner of Nassau and Wall Streets. 1703. — The " King's Farm," a region of country extending northward from Cortlandt Street, was granted to Trinity Church Corporation by Queen Anne. This gift laid the founda- tion for the revenues of that society. 1709. — A slave market was established at the foot of AVall Street. 1 7 10. — The total annual income of the city was two hundred and ninety-four pounds sterling. The total expenses were two hundred and seventy-four pounds. A post-office establishment for the colonies in America was created by an Act of Parlia- ment, the chief office of which was in New York. 17 12. — The negro inhabitants formed a plot to set fire to the city, and in its execution killed several white persons. Nineteen of the incen- diaries were convicted and executed. 1 7 19. — The first Presbyterian Church was erected in Wall Street. 2 o 2 MA NHA T TA N. 1720. — Clocks were first introduced, time having previously been recorded by hour-glasses. 1725. — The first newspaper, called XhQ New York Gazette^ was published. 1729 — ^A City Library was founded. 1730- — The charter upon which the city's present system of government is based, was granted by Governor Montgomery. A line of stages, that made bi-monthly trips, was established between New York and Philadelphia. The first fire-engines used in the city arrived from London. A fire-department was at once organized. 1732. — The first stage from New York to Boston made the round trip once a month. 1734. — K Poor- House, and a Calaboose for unruly slaves, were erected on the Commons, now City-Hall Park. 1740. — The New York Society-Library was or- ganized. 1 74 1. — The famous delusion, known as the " Negro Plot, " in which a large number of negroes, and a Catholic priest, were executed without cause, occasioned much excitement. 1750. — The first theatre was opened in Nassau Street. 1754. — King's College obtained a charter of in- corporation. 1756. — The first ferry plied between New York and Staten Island. 1757. — The city contained about twelve thousand inhabitants. 1 76 1. — A second theatre was opened in Beekman Street. 1763- — Light first gleamed from the Sandy Hook lighthouse. MA NIIA TTA M. 203 A ferry was established between New York and Paulus Hook, — now Jersey City. 1765. — The famous wStamp-Act Congress convened in this city. Delegates were present from all the colonies, and a bold declaration of rights and grievances was adopted. An agreement not to import goods from Great Britain, tmtil the Stamp Act was repealed, was signed by a large concourse of merchants, and a society of individuals, who called themselves the "Sons of Liberty," was organized, with affili- ations throughout the country. Great excite- ment prevailed, and a riot occurred, in which the governor was burned in effigy, and the citizens threatened to storm the fort. 1766. — News of the repeal of the Stamp Act reached the city May 20th. The Methodist Episcopal vSociety of the United States was founded by Philip Embury, in his own house in this city. 1768. — A Chamber of Commerce was organized at Queen's Head Tavern, the building afterward known as "Fraunce's Tavern." 1770. — The New York Chamber of Commerce was incorporated by the Legislature. A statue of William Pitt was erected in William Street. 1772. — Umbrellas were imported from India. They were at first scouted as an effeminacy. 1774. — A vessel called the "Nancy" was not per- mitted to land her cargo of tea, nor to make entry at the Custom- House. A Committee of Correspondence was organ- ized, and a " Congress of Colonies" was insist- ed upon by the merchants. Resolutions of resistance were adopted by 204 MANHA TTAN. a great meeting on the Commons, now City- Hall Park. 1775. — The Colonial Assembly adjourned. Delegates were elected to the Continental Congress. The first New York water-works were established. 1776. — The militia was called into service in Jan- uary. In the spring following, the city was in the possession of the American Army. The leaden statue of George the Third was pulled down July 9th. The Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony of the old City Hall, July i8th. The king's coat-of-arms was taken from the court-room and burned on the same day. The city was captured by the British, August 26th, after the battle of Long Island. A great fire destroyed Trinity Church and nearly five hundred houses, September 21st. Nathan Hale was executed as a spy, by command of General Howe. 1777. — Congress directed the Board of War to write to the government of New York, urging that the lead mines in that State be worked, and promising to supply prisoners of war for the purpose; the scarcity of lead making it necessary to use gutters and roofs, and the leaden statue of King George the Third, for bullets. 1778. — The British evacuated Philadelphia, and an army of twelve thousand men marched from that city to New York. The baggage and stores, with some three thousand non- combatants who held to their British alle- giance, were sent to New York by water. MANHATTAN 205 1779. — While the city was in the possession of the British, counterfeiting- Continental bills was a regular business ; flags of truce were made use of to put it in circulation, and the newspapers openly advertised it. On the 19th of May, at eleven in the morn- ing, a darkness, which continued for several hours, necessitating candles at noon-day, fell over the city. The cause of this remarkable phenomenon has been assigned to prodigious fires, that had been raging in the States of Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. 1780. — A great scarcity of fuel and fresh provisions caused general consternation. Fruit trees were cut down, wood was twenty dollars a cord, corn was four dollars, and potatoes were two dollars a bushel. As the ice in the Hud- son River offered an opportunity for the Americans to cross it, an attack upon the city was feared, and all the inhabitants were put under arms. Four newspapers were published during the time of the British occupation, the pro- prietors arranging their issues so that one paper was provided for each day. 1783. — The British evacuated the city November 25th, and General Washington entered at the head of the American Army. 1785. — Congress moved from Philadelphia to New York, and convened in the City Hall, which then stood at the corner of Wall and Nassau Streets, now occupied by the United States Sub-Treasury Building. The Bank of New York and a manumission society were established. The first daily paper was published under the name of the New York Daily Advertiser. 206 MANHA TTAN. 1786. — The first city directory was issued. It contained eight hundred and forty-six names. 1787.— King's College was re-incorporated as Co- lumbia College. 1788. — The Constitution of the United States was adopted by New York State. A great parade celebrated that event in this city 1789. — The first Congress under the Constitution of the United States, assembled in Federal Hall on the 4th of March, at which time George Washington was unanimously elected President. The inauguration of Washington, as Presi- dent of the United States, took place April 30th, on the gallery of the old City Hall. Martha Washington held her first reception May 29th. Tammany Society, or the Columbian Order, was founded. 1790. — The first sidewalks were laid. 1795. — Park Theatre was erected. 1797. — The "Medical Repository," the first scien- tific periodical printed in this country, was published. 1799. — The Manhattan Company, organized for the purpose of supplying the city with water, obtained its charter. The Bronx River, proposed as the source of supply, was surveyed. The second bank, the Manhattan Company, was established at No. 23 Wall Street. 1800. — Collect Pond was filled in. This body of fresh water, situated on the present site of the Tombs, was of such great depth that several contractors, who engaged to fill it, were said to have become bankrupt in their efforts to do so. Many times earth rose above its level in the evening, but the next morning's MA A' 11 A TTAN, 207 sun shone again on sparkling waters, the debris having disappeared beneath its surface. On its western borders, surrounded by groves of trees and blackberry wilds, once was situated an Indian village, no doubt the home of the Manhattans. Fish were abundant in the pond for more than one hundred years after the Christian settlement of the Island, and one of its promontories was so abundantly strewn with a deposit of shells that the Dutch named it " Kalchook," or " Lime Shell Point." The water w^as of unusual purity, the cele- brated Tea-water Spring having been one of its many fountains, and a number of brooks that flowed to both rivers, formed picturesque outlets for its seemingly inexhaustible supply. Doubtless the stoppage of these springs had much to do with the subsequent epidemics of yellow fever that occasioned so much mourn- ing throughout the city. 1 80 1. — The real and personal property of the city and county was valued at $21,964,037, and a tax was laid of one mill on the dollar. The Evening Post issued its first number. 1804. — Alexander Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr. Sunday-schools were established. Hackney coaches were licensed. The first recorder of New York City was appointed. Some alterations in the franchise having opened elections to the participation of a large number, whom property restrictions had previously prevented from having a voice in the choice of the city magistrates, this year, for the first time, witnessed a Republican majority in the Board. 2 o8 MA NHA T TA N. 1805. — Fort Clinton was erected. The New York Free School was incorpor- ated. 1806. — Steam navigation was successfully demon- strated by Robert Fulton. The New York Orphan Asylum Society was founded. Mrs. Sarah Hoffman and Mrs. Alexander Hamilton were the first and second directresses. 1807. — The city was surveyed and laid out, by a commission appointed by the Legislature, in which Gouverneur Morris, DeWitt Clinton, and other prominent persons were active members. The city contained thirty-one benevolent institutions. A College of Physicians and Surgeons was chartered. Washington Irving, distinguished as a heed- less law-student, was admitted to the bar. 1808. — The American Academy of Fine Arts was incorporated. 181 1. — The first ferry carried passengers to Hoboken. 181 2. — War was declared against Great Britain. Steam was utilized on the Jersey City ferry- boats. The manufacture of i^ins was inaugurated in the city by English workmen, who procured one dollar a paper for their product. 1 814. — Brooklyn ferry-boats adopted steam. Specie payments were suspended for nearly three years. 181 5. — New York received with enthusiasm, the news of a treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain. Thirteen Insurance Companies were located in Wall Street. MA NHA TTAJV. 209 18 16. — The Common Council of New York pro- hibited chimney-sweepers from crying their trade in the streets. Enormous importations of merchandise from Europe rendered this year a memorable one among commercial men. 181 7. — The first regular packet-ships, called the Black Ball Line, sailed between New York and Liverpool. An Asylum for the deaf and dumb was in- corporated. 1818. — Shoe pegs were introduced. 1 81 9. — The first ocean steamship, the " Savannah," crossed the Atlantic from New York to Liver- pool. The first Savings Bank was opened, 1820. — The population of New York was one hun- dred and twenty-three thousand, seven hun- dred and six. New York and New Orleans were connected by a line of steamships. The N'e^u York Observer was published. Fire-proof safes, constructed of iron and wood, were imported from France. Daily mails were established between New York, and Brooklyn and Jamaica, Long Island. The Old Park Theatre was burned. 182 1. — In January, the North River from Cortlandt Street to Jersey City, was crossed on the ice by loaded sleighs. 1822. — New York, with other counties, had a sepa- rate District Attorney. A steamship line carried passengers and freight between New York and Norfolk. 1823.— The first steam-power printing press in the United States was put in operation. An 14 2IO AIANHATTAN. abridgement of Murray's English Grammai was the first work done by this machine. The New York G^is-Light Company was incorporated. 1824. — A House of Refuge for the reformation of juvenile delinquents was erected by private subscription. This was the beginning of a new system for the correction of the vices of the young. General Lafayette was welcomed with great rejoicing as the guest of the city and nation. 1825. — October 26th, the sound of cannon, first heard at Buffalo, and then repeated from point to point, announced the completion of the Erie Canal, and the union of the Great Lakes with the Atlantic. The arrival in New York City of the first canal-boat was the occasion of a grand aquatic and civil pageant, in which the " commingling of the waters, " was typical- • ly illustrated by Governor De Witt Clinton, the *' Father of the Canal, " who, amidst impres- sive ceremonies, poured from a keg the water of Lake Erie, into the ocean at the Narrows. The first Sunday newspaper published in this city was issued under the name of the Sunday Courier. It was soon discontinued for want of patronage. The first performance of Italian Opera was given at the Park Theatre. Homoeopathy was introduced by a physi- cian from Denmark. The tinder-box,, which had been the imple- ment used for lighting fires, was superseded by a bottle filled with acid and cotton, and surmounted by phosphorized pine sticks. The quintal of one hundred, instead of one hundred and twelve pounds, was adopted by MA Nil A TTAJV. 2 1 1 the merchantvS as the new measure for purchase and sale. Gas mains were laid in Broadway. 1827. — The Journal of Co??wierce and the Morning Inquirer were started. These two papers, in their efforts to rival each other, established swift schooners and pony-expresses for the purpose of obtaining- the commercial news. 1828. — The Law Institute was organized. Webster's Dictionary was published. Varnish was first manufactured. 1829. — The American Institute was incorporated, and held its first fair. Bricks were manufactured by machinery. Galvanized iron was invented. 1830. — 'A railroad locomotive, the first one con- structed in America, was built in New York for a railroad in South Carolina. Omnibuses were introduced. The word "omnibus," painted in large letters on both sides of the vehicle, was generally supposed to be that of the owner. The Christian Intelligencer^ an organ of the Dutch Reformed Church, published its first number. 1 83 1. — A street railroad was completed, and opened for travel, between the City Hall and 14th Street. The first sporting paper, called The Spirit of the Times, was issued. The New York and Harlem Railroad Com- pany was incorporated. 1832. — Peter Cooper, the philanthropist, demon- strated to the stockholders of the Albany and Schenectady Railroad, that cars could be drawn around short curves. 2 1 2 MA NHA T TA N. Five thousand persons died from Asiatic cholera. 1S33. — The New York Sun, a penny paper, was published. 1834. — A meeting of the American Anti-Slavery Society was broken up by a mob In conformity with an amendment of the Constitution, a mayor of New York was elected, for the first time by the votes of the people. 1835. — The Neiu York I/era/d was founded. Pins were manufactured by machinery. A disastrous conflagration, destroying prop- erty to the extent of twenty millions of dol- lars, was checked only by blowing up several houses. 1836. — Work on the aqueduct was begun. The Common Council ordered pipes to be laid, preparatory to the introduction of water into the city. Commercial distress and financial panic spread over the whole country, and swept numerous firms out of existence. 1840. — A manufactory of gold pens was estab- lished. The New York Tribune, edited by Horace Greely, was published. The receipts of this paper for the first week, were ninety-two dollars; the expenses amounted to five hun- dred and twenty-five dollars. 1841. — The *' Princeton," a ship-of-war, w^as con- structed by John Ericsson. This was the first ship in which the propelling machinery was placed under water, and secured from shot. 1842. — Abolitionists declared a separate nom- ination, held a State Convention, and ran a candidate for the mayoralty of New York. June 27th, water was received through the MA NHA TTAN. 213 aqueduct into the reservoir at 86th Street, July 4th, it was introduced into the distribut- ing-reservoir on Murray Hill; while waving flags, clanging bells, floral canopies, and songs, proclaimed the great interest which this event awakened. The fountain in the park, opposite the Astor House, consisted of a central pipe with eighteen subordinate jets, in a basin one hundred feet broad. By shifting the plate of the conduit pipe, the water assumed such shapes as the " Maid of the Mist, " the " Croton Plume," the "Vase," the "Dome," the "Bou- quet,"' the " vSheaf of Wheat," and the " Weep- ing Willow. ' A similar display in Union Square, then called Union Park, was a weeping willow of crystal drops illuminated with fireworks that kindled the cloud of mist until it resem- bled showers of many colored gems. 1843. — A submarine telegraph connected New York with Fire Island and Coney Island. A patent for a sewing machine that made a lasting stitch, was granted to a resident of the city. 1844. — An enormous immigration poured in from Ireland and other European countries, in con- sequence of famine and political disturbances. 1845. —A disastrous fire occurred, which destroyed a large amount of property. 1846. — The first granite- block pavement was laid. 1847. — The first sucessful type-revolving press was made by a resident of the city. The Board of Education took action in reference to the establishment of a Free Academy. This was the first institution, maintained at the public expense, by which the pupils of the New York schools could 2 1 4 Jl/J XHA T TA N. secure the advantages of those higher depart- ments of learning, usually obtained at great expense in the colleges. 1848. — The first Electric Telegraph Service was inaugurated. 1849. — The " Astor Place Riot" occurred. The New York Press Association was formed. The phenomenon of spirit-rapping caused much excitement. 1850. — P. T. Barnum introduced Jenny Lind to an enraptured audience. An Arctic expedition sailed from New York in search of Franklin. The American Bible Union was organized. 1 85 1. — Kossuth, the Hungarian patriot, visited the city and received an enthusiastic welcome. The New York Times appeared. 1853. — An International World's Fair was held in the Crystal Palace. The New York Clearing House was organ- ized by fifty-two of the city banks 1854. — The Astor Library was opened to the pub- lic. 1855. — Castle Garden was utilized as a receiving- depot for emigrants. The ground for Central Park was selected by commissioners appointed by the Supreme Court. 1857. — An unsuccessful attempt to lay the Atlan- tic Cable was made, the wire parting when but three hundred and thirty-four miles had been paid out. 1858. — The successful laying of the Atlantic Cable was announced, and celebrated by public dem- onstration. Crystal Palace was burned, MANHATTAN. 215 The voice of Adelina Patti was heard for the first time in public. The cantatrice had not then attained her seventeenth year. i860. — The secession of South Carolina caused much consternation in business circles. The Prince of Wales and his suite were wel- comed with elaborate ceremony. The Japanese Embassy visited the city. 1 86 1. — Central Park was opened to the public. The banks, having loaned enormous sums of money to the Government, suspended specie payments, after the attack upon Fort Sumter. 1863. — A draft in progress in the Ninth District, caused a riot among foreign laborers, who attacked the recruiting office, destroyed the wheel, scattered the lists, and set the building on fire. As the militia had been sent to Phil- adelphia to resist a Confederate invasion, the police were unaided, and could not suppress the demonstration for several days. One hundred persons were killed, and a large amount of property was destroyed. 1865. — News of the surrender of General Lee and the Confederate Army caused great rejoicing. Banners streamed in the wind, the national colors were displayed in great profusion, sweet bells chimed the airs of peace, the sound of cannon rolled over the water of the rivers and the bay, and the atmosphere was filled with the general gladness and mirth of the people. One week from the time when peace was restored to the country, the body of President Lincoln was laid in state in the City Hall, the "Saviour of his Country" having been shot by an assassin, while in his box at the theatre in Washington. The tri-colored decorations 2i6 MANHATTAN. of the city were at once exchanged for the sombre hues of woe. 1867. — In January, five thousand persons crossed over a bridge of ice that had formed in the East River between New York and Brooklyn. A short experimental section of the Ninth Avenue Elevated Railroad was opened for travel. 1869. — .The American Museum of Natural History was incorporated. The Telegraph Messenger Service was or- ganized. 1870. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art received its charter. 1872. — A committee of seventy was appointed to investigate the extent of the depredations made by Tweed and his *' Ring," and to bring those criminals to justice. 1873. — The business interests of the city were paralyzed by a panic of unusual severity. Morrisania, West Farms and Kingsbridge, three villages that covered an area nearly doubling that of the city, were annexed. The city charter was amended, and many important modifications were made on prev- ious enactments. 1875. — 'Fourth Avenue was improved at a cost of six millions of dollars, an expense shared equally by the city and the New York Central Railroad Company. 1876. — The one hundredth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, celebrated by a World's Fair at Philadelphia, brought many visitors to the city. Exhi- bitions of loaned paintings, held in the Acad- emy of Design and the Metropolitan Museum of Art 4iU'ing the summer season, made the MANHA TTAN. 217 year a memorable one to the lovers of fine art. Hell Gate channel was opened. 1878. — The streets were lighted by electric arc- lamps. 1879. — The Central-Station Telephone service was put in operation. 1880. — Four elevated railroad lines were com- pleted, and in operation. 1 88 1. — The city, with the nation, was called to mourn the death of President Garfield, who was assassinated in Washington by an insane person. The current was first turned on for the In- candescent Lamp Service. Four hundred and forty-four newspapers and periodicals were published. 1883. — East River Bridge was opened to the pub- lic. The statue of Washington, now standing upon the steps of the Sub-Treasury Building in Wall Street, was presented to the United States Government by the New York Chamber of Commerce, on the occasion of the one hun- dredth anniversary of the British evacuation of New York. 1888. — The city was visited by a storm of wind and snow that for several days shut off almost all communication with the surrounding country, and resulted in much suffering and many deaths. 1889. — An elaborate pageant, commemorating the first inauguration of a President of the United States, arrayed New York in holiday attire, and provided for its citizens three days of patriotic display and memorable pleasure. The programme included civil and relig- 2i8 MANHATTAN. ious ceremonies, a naval, a military, and a civil parade, and terminated with a great ball at the Metropolitan Opera House. It is estimated that three million strangers visited the city during the time of this celebration. 1890. — The population of the city, as reported in the United States census, has been as follows : 1790 zz.-^z^ 1800 60,489 1810 96,373 1820 123,706 1830 197,112 1840 312,710 1850 515,547 i860 813,669 1870 942,292 1880. 1,206,299 1890 1,515,301 An enumeration made by the police, under the unanimous resolution of the Common Council, showed the population of 1890 to have been 1,710,715. The credit obtained by the city was illus- trated by an achievement never before reached in the history of municipal finance, bonds bearing interest at two and one-half per cent, having been sold in the open market at a premium of one and one-eighth per cent. A " strike" by the engineers of the New York Central Railroad closed transportation over that route for several days. 1 89 1. — A Cable Railroad was laid from the Bat- tery to Central Park. GENERAL HISTORY OF THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. The appearance, customs, and manners, of the people who occupied Manhattan Island before the coming of the white settlers, were so distinct from those of other nations known to the civilized world, and their individual character had so little in common with the more restrained and law-abid- ing Europeans, that they were classed among those wild and lawless races who, it was supposed, had few of the affections and higher emotions of humanity. Later experience, however, has shown that under the advantages of education and moral culture, the American Indian is capable of high attainments in all that distinguishes the best traits of human character. The huts or wigwams of these Aborigines w^ere made of two rows of upright saplings, with the branches brought together at the top. Upon this frame- work a lathing of boughs was fastened, and the inside was nicely covered by strips of bark that afforded a good protection from wind and rain. The ground was the only flooring these habitations contained, and on this fires were kindled, the smoke escaping through an aperture in the roof. The width of the wigwams was al- ways twenty feet, the length varied according to the number of persons that they were designed to accommodate. Sometimes twenty or thirty fam. ilies occupied the same apartment, each retain. 219 2 20 MANHATTAN. ing an allotted space. In time of war a fence or stockade, from ten to fifteen feet in height, pro- tected the villages. The Manhattan Indians are described as having been tall, small at the waist, with black or dark- brown eyes, snow-white teeth and cinnamon- colored skins. They were active and sprightly, though probably of less average strength than Europeans of the same size. While eating they sat upon the ground, taking the food with their fingers. In their dress they were fond of display, both sexes indulging in this taste to an extrava- gant degree. Some of the highly ornamented petticoats of the women were sold to the early settlers for eighty dollars. The men wore upon their shoulders a mantle of deer-skin, with the fur next to their bodies, the outside of the garment ex- hibiting a variety of painted designs. Sometimes these queer people decorated themselves with many colors and patterns. In "full paint" they were both grotesque and frightful. The procurement of food, which consisted of nuts, fruit, fish, and game, was the usual employment in time of peace. The bow and arrow were the implements used in hunting. It is said that the Indian boys attained great skill with these weapons, being able to hit a shilling at a distance of fifty feet. This singular expertness was a wonder to the white settlers, who sometimes excited emulation among them by toss- ing up a purse of money to be claimed by whoever could hit it in the air. After death the Indians were placed sitting, in graves lined with boughs, and covered with stones and earth. By their side were deposited cooking utensils, money, and food, in order that the spirit might want for nothing on its journey to the " Happ5^ Hunting Grounds." MANHATTAN, 221 The original name for the Island was Monaton, a word descriptive of the whirlpool at Hell Gate, — the most striking geographical feature of the re- gion, — and the appellation by which the earliest inhabitants designated themselves was " Mon-a- tuns, " or " People of the Whirlpool." Manhattan is the Anglicized term. FROM 1613 TO 1664. Some of the early settlers adopted the bark cab- ins of the savages, while others dwelt tempor- arily in roofed cellars. After a saw-mill was built near a stream that emptied into the East River op- posite Blackwell's Island, these pioneers construct- ed one-story log dwellings, the roofs of which were thatched with straw, and the chimneys made DUTCH DWELLINGS IN NEW AMSTERDAM. of wood. The windows admitted light through oiled paper. As the little town of New Amsterdam increased in size, its habitations assumed a more substantial and comfortable aspect, tiles, shingles, and even brick, having been used for the most elaborate res- 2 2 2 MA NHA T TA N. idences. The houses were built in the Low Dutch style, with the gable ends toward the street, the tops indented like stairs, the roofs surmounted by a weathercock, and the walls clamped with iron designed in the form of letters, (usually the in- itials of the proprietor's name), and in figures in- dicating the year when the building was erected. Every house was surrounded with a garden in which both flowers and vegetables were cultivated. Cows and swine were abundant, but horses were very rare. Inside, the floors were strewn with clean sand. Cupboards and chests that held the pewter plate, or household linen, were the main orna- ments of the best room, and as wealth increased, some of these displayed china tea-sets, and pieces of solid silver. According to Lossing: "Clocks and watches were almost unknown, and time was measured by sun-dials and hour-glasses. The habits of the people were so regular that they did not need clocks and watches. At nine o'clock they all said their prayers and went to bed. They arose at cock-crowing, and breakfasted before sunrise. Dinner-parties were unknown, but tea-parties were frequent. These ended, the participants went home in time to attend to the milking of the cows. In every house were spinning-wheels, and it was the pride of every family to have an ample supply of home-made linen and woollen cloth. The women spun and wove, and were steadily em- ployed. Nobody was idle. Nobody was anxious to get rich, while all practised thrift and frugality. Books were rare luxuries, and in most houses the bible and prayer-book constituted the stock of lit- erature. The weekly discourses of the clergyman satisfied their intellectual wants, while their own hands, industriously employed, furnished all their I I MANHATTAN. 223 physical necessities. Knitting and spinning- held the place of whist and music in these " degenerate days/' and utility was as plainly stamped upon all their labors and pleasures as is the maker's name on our silver spoons. These were the " good old days" of simplicity, comparative innocence, and positive ignorance, when the "commonalty" no more suspected the earth of the caper of turning over like a ball of yarn every day than Stuyvesant did the Puritans of candor and honesty." Most of the streets were paved to the width of ten feet from the fronts of the houses, the middle space containing pablic wells, and being left with- out pavement, for the more easy absorption of water. Brick pathways, called "strookes," were laid in place of sidewalks. Public markets were quite numerous, the supply having been received from the fertile section of country on the northern portion of the Island, where the farmers located a village called New Harlem. The road to this settlement was little more than an Indian trail leading through the woods, and becoming impass- able in many seasons. As to the character of these founders of the city of New York, they were deliberate, but deter- mined. Much time was spent in examining every project before it was ventured upon, but when once undertaken it was carried out with a spirit of force and persistence to which later generations are deeply indebted. With regard to the people of Holland, Mrs. Martha Lamb, in her " History of New York," as- serts : " In no country were the domestic and social ties of life discharged with greater precision. It matters not that chroniclers have made the Dutch subjects of unmerited depreciation. It has been stated that they were characterized only by slow- 2 24 MANHATTAN. ness ; and that the land was barren of invention, progress or ideas. The seeds of error and pre- judice thus sown bear little fruit after the read- ing- of a few chapters of genuine contemporar}^ personal description. As a rule the Hollanders were not inclined to take the initiative in trade or politics, and were distinguished for solidity rather than brilliancy ; but it is absurd to say they were unequal to the origination of any new thing. We find among them many of the most illustrious men of modern Europe, — politicians, warriors, scholars, artists, and divines. Wealth was widely diffused ; learning was held in high respect ; and eloquence, courage and public spirit were characteristic of the race. For nearly a century after the Dutch Re- public took its place among independent nations, it swayed the balance of European politics ; and the acumen and culture of the leading statesmen elicited universal deference and admiration. For an index to the private life of the upper classes, we need to take a peep into the richly furnished apartments of their stately mansions, or walk through their summer-houses and choice conserva- tories and famous picture galleries. As for the peasantry, they were neat to a fault and indus- trious, as well as frugal." It will not be amiss in this connection to quote from the historian Broadhead, who says about the women of Holland ; " The purity of morals and de- corum of manners for which the Dutch have ever been conspicuous, may be most justly ascribed to the happy influence of their women, who mingled in all the active affairs of life, and were consulted with deferential respect. They loved their homes and their firesides, but they loved their country more. Through all their toils and struggles, the calm fortitude of the men of Holland was nobly MANHATTAN. 225 encouraged and sustained by the earnest and un- daunted spirit of their mothers and wives. And the empire which the female sex obtained was no greater than that which their beauty, good sense, virtue, and devotion entitled them to hold." FROM 1664 TO 1776. The advent of the British brought about many beneficial changes in the social life of the Island. Not only were English habits incorporated into the less ambitious character of the Dutch inhabitants, but the settlement of many Huguenot families of distinction aided materially to produce an atmos- phere of culture. Irrepressible social, political, and religious, forces were sweeping over the great nations of Europe and imbuing the immigrants who sought our shores, with a spirit which was to work out undreamed of results. Founded upon Dutch stubbornness, integrity, and practicality, — supple- mented by English inflexibility, sagacity, and commercial prosperity, and adorned by French refinement and vivacity, — it is no wonder that later generations arose to prominence, acquired the independence of character that could success- fully resist oppression, and developed the ability to aid in founding and maintaining a new and marvellously prosperous nation. As early as 1668 a social club composed of the best Dutch, English, and French families, was es- tablished. Meetings were held twice every week at the different houses, the members coming to- gether about six, and separating at nine o'clock in the evening. The English governors and their suites held elaborate court, observing on all occa- sions the strictest etiquette sanctioned by foreign custom. Chroniclers love to dwell on this period 15 226 MANHATTAN. of colonial history, in which the grand dames and lordly gentlemen appear in bold relief, not only because they were so few, but also for the reason that they were of the brightest and best that the earth afforded. Quite a number of these personages brought with them considerable wealth, so that their resi dences became somewhat palatial, and adorned with furniture and works of art imported from Europe. Silver and gold plate, elaborate table service, and profuse entertainment, made New York hospitality famous even in European circles. Many families retired to country homes, where they lived in quiet but elegant simplicity, cultiva- ting their farms, and entertaining with delightful courtesy their visitors from the city or from Euro- pean countries. The manners and customs of the less favored class of citizens were marked by industry, sobri- ety, and economy. At their festivals children and negroes were permitted the enjoyment of unre- strained mirth. Sunday gowns were removed as soon as their owners returned from church, and consequently were kept in a state of preservation which made it possible to hand them down as heirlooms. Cocked hats were treated with the same deferential regard. To illustrate the ex- treme simplicity of habit which prevailed among the people of this generation, it is only necessary to add that the Rev. Dr. Laidlie preached "right lustily against the luxurious abominations of sup- pers of chocolate and bread that kept the families till nine o'clock at night." This same preacher was the first divine who introduced the " outland- ish practice of delivering his sermon in English." The laws at this period were few, but rigorously enforced. A ride on a great wooden horse was MANHA TTAN. 227 ^^^'*•^<^X^ lJ--,f7^,'^::iCyiy iZ-^t-^^ /J'cyfTU^ .e^ ^ <^ (>*^^ Qk Ita V" "IM 2 2 8 MA NHA T TA N. the most common punishment. Every man pleaded his own cause, or what w^as more com- mon, said little and let it take its own course. The only long speech on record is that of a certain pettifogger, who in pleading for the right of geese to swim in the pond at the head of " Nieuw " Street, did " incontinently cause his client to be non-suited, by tiring his worship's patience to such a degree that he fell into a deep sleep and slept out the remainder of the term." The customs and dress of the period immedi- ately preceding the Revolution are best described by Mrs. Lamb, as follows: "Show and glitter marked the distinctions in societ}^ Dress was one of the signs and symbols of a gentleman; classical lore and ruffled shirts were inseparable. It was the habit of the community to take off its hat to the gentry; and there was no mistaking them wherever they moved. Servants were al- ways in livery, which in many instances was gor- geous in the extreme. Gentlemen appeared in the streets in velvet or satin coats, with white embroidered vests of rare beauty, small clothes and gorgeously resplendent buckles, their heads crowned with powdered wigs and cocked hats. A lady's toilet was equally astounding; the court hoop was in vogue, brocaded silks of brilliant col- ors, and a mountain of powdered hair surmounted with flowers or feathers. Although it is a fact worthy of remembrance that servants were ser- vants in those days, and never assumed to copy or excel their mistresses in the style and costliness of their attire, the democratic hammer already sus- pended over the doomed city was to subdue the taste and change the whole aspfect of the empire of fashion," At the time of the war, "Washington's guard A/ A NHA TTAN. 229 wore blue coats faced with buff, red waistcoats, buckskin breeches, black felt hats bound with white tape, and bayonet and body belts of white. . Hunting shirts — "the martial aversion of the red- coat" — with breeches of same, with cloth gaiter- fashion about the legs, were seen on every side, and being convenient garments for a campaign- ing country, were soon adopted by the British themselves. This was the origin of the modern trouser or pantaloon. " FROM 1783 TO THE PRESENT TIME. After the evacuation of the British and the restor- ation of peace, the city occupied itself incessantly with the work of reconstruction. During the resi- dence of the chief executive the same punctilious ceremony was observed that had marked the Eng- lish occupancy. The staid Knickerbocker element also dominated sufficiently to-hold in check many tendencies that grew with marvellous rapidity under the stimulus of newly acquired independ- ence, and the friction of a cosmopolitan life. There is little to relate of special mannerism from this time. The increase of population dif- ferentiated social life into circles, each of which preserved its special code, and this tendency has of course increased until the present time, when innumerable cliques separate society, or draw to- gether those whose temperaments and occupations make them congenial to each other. The commercial development of the metropolis during the present century is a subject upon which volumes might be written and the half not told; indeed, the history of this period contains little else, although educational institutions have kept pace with the phenomenal prosperity. Efforts to 230 MANHATTAN. encourage scholarship have been many and well founded, and the patronage of art has been liberal, advances steadily, and tends permanently to ele- vate the public taste. At the present time the city extends from the Battery to Yonkers, including an area of forty and one-third square miles within its corporate limits. This territory is divided into twenty-four wards, designated by numbers, and into nearly one hundred and fifty thousand lots. Thirty-nine public parks, exclusive of triangles and small spaces, occupy a combined area of four thousand, eight hundred and forty-one acres. Pelham Bay Park, a tract consisting of seventeen hundred acres of forest land, with nine miles of water front along the Sound, has but recently been acquired. The annual appropriation for the maintenance of these pleasure resorts exceeds one million dollars. The main configuration of the leading thorough- fares from the ancient " Copsie " or Battery, northward to the park, and thence to Harlem, Bloomingdale, and onward, were the old post-roads over which travellers passed to Boston and Al- bany. These highways followed the primary In- dian trails. There are now in New York from fifty to sixty thousand business firms, nearly one hundred and twenty thousand buildings, forty-five first-class theatres, two hundred first-class hotels, three thousand apartment-houses, five thousand clubs, societies, etc., six hundred and forty-nine news- papers and periodicals, fifty-three public libraries, very nearly five hundred churches, three hundred and thirty-seven thousand, three hundred and six- teen tenement houses, and forty-three cemeteries. As to the future of the city, who can estimate its gigantic possibilities? Already the population MA NHA TTAN. 231 is SO dense as to render the present facilities for transportation quite inadequate. At the present moment there are no less than ten projects under discussion, or in process of construction, for con- veying passengers and freight to and from New York and Long Island, or Jersey City, by way of vast bridges over the intervening rivers, or by tunnels under them. Rapid transit in every case is to be a certain result if these efforts achieve successful issues, and the constant pressure of ne- cessity will doubtless insure a speedy completion for some of them. The creation of a so-called " Greater New York, " by the consolidation into one municipality of New York, Brooklyn, Staten Island, a portion of West- chester County, and a large area on Long Island, is a plan which awakens general interest at the present moment. The area of the consolidation would be three hundred and eighteen square miles, — a territory roughly estimated to include a radius of sixteen miles from the City Hall, (with the ex- ception of that portion which lies within the State of New Jersey). The community would then be composed of three millions of people controlled by a central government. Great educational institutions also contemplate the combination of their forces. New and beauti- ful edifices that will accommodate the growing demand for scholastic opportunities, soon are to be erected upon favorable sites uptown. Public buildings are to be discarded for more commodi- ous quarters, and as many of these are required to be located in central parts of the city, familiar landmarks again must disappear, and nothing be left to the decay of age. The march of progress brings w^ith it as well, active individuals eager to promote the public 232 MAXHATTAX. good. Reformatory measures are inaugurated, — men and women both investigating deeply in order to better understand the methods whereby their wise ends may be gained, — and best of all, the voice of an ever-increasing multitude making itself heard in affairs, assures us that a diffused and widespread interest exists. This it is which surely promises in the time to come, a city the like of which has never yet been seen. WESTOVER & SON COLLECTORS OF Mineral and Geological SPECIMENS Shells, Corals and Mosses FROM THE PACIFIC COAST ORDERS PROMPTLY FILLED. ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO Santa Monica, Los Angeles Co., California. FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR THE HOUSEHOLD BY Mrs. E. G. COOK, M. D. ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS PLATES, EXPLANATORY OF THE TEXT. One volume, ismo, cloth, gilt, price, $1.50. There is now no doubt in the minds of intelligent persons that the great prevalence of disease and want of health found among the women of this and all civilized countries, is due almost . entirely, if not absolutely to a want of knowledge of the laws of life and health. So prevalent is this condition that it is fast becoming what might be called a "fad" for women among the better class to submit to surgical operations for the removal of diseased conditions, in spite of the fact, that in the administration of anaesthetics, lives are always risked, and a record of the cases that are rendered worse, if not fatal, as the result of the "cutting," " scraping," and "removing" that is done would be appalling. Let the women of our land study the laws of health as laid down in Dr. Cook's work, and learn to obey them, and a great change for the better would soon be made. Bishop John H. Vincent, of Chatauqua fame, in speaking of this work says : "The volume by Mrs, Dr. Cook is the result of native insight, profound study and prolonged experience. It is the work of a woman who knows woman. She has been a girl, wife, mother, student, and medical practitioner, and has given her best years and many of them to the momentous problems which per- tain to her sex, and which sustain such an intimate relation to the other sex. It is my deliberate judgment that this book should be read carefully by every woman in the land." Sent postpaid on receipt of price by addressmg the author at 917 917 BroaclwaQ,New York, ,<}> , . . . , "^-^ t§. ,V' .-^• :^^' <^. >h: v^^ «.**"* '^ •h* ^r^s^^^. OOBBS BROS. '^l^ LIBRARY BINOINa "'^ ST.^UGUSTINE^'^"' '^^ FLA. /^4^% LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ill 014 221 641 3 # Ml K ^ \