Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/243

 1868.] New York Notes. 199 glance at the neighboring Dominion of Canada, whose ancient cities, Quebec and Montreal, in vain seek to emulate our youthful Chicago ! Whence springs this wondrous stimu- lant to progress which, in every depart- ment of human affairs, is ever urging our nation ahead in the world's career, it is no difficult matter for thinking men to discern. A healthy state of action, acquired from the principle of indepen- dence, the latter begot of natural liberty, accelerates the brain and muscle of the nation, and pushes destiny forward with a force which no opposing power save that of the ALMIGHTY can retard. The monarchies of the Old World have changed their bearing towards us, from coolness to acknowledgment, from conteinptuousness to respect, not alto- gether free from envy and jealousy. Still, we advance, rapidly, yet steadily advance, until each and every path to the Temple of Fame is foreshadowed by our progress. In this march of destiny, every part of our vast nation has its rank, and all go forth as one ! No jealous cavils may disturb the unity of determination which leads us onward. Yet the honorable ri- valry of confraternity claims its right to stimulate our energies, and exercises a salutary influence over our whole system. Villages aspire to be cities ; and not satisfied with the attainment of that ob- ject, when become cities, they seek to lead in their newly acquired rank, until the very efforts called forth in the glo- rious struggle, unite to vitalize the dif- ferent sections, and give them national strength and character. New York justly claims a proud share in this struggle for national fame ; and while she is not unmindful of the merits of her compeers, her efforts are directed to the front, let who will compete ! Abstaining from any allusion to her position in other departments, we confine our present thoughts to her efforts in Architecture ; and these we propose to review from time to time, keeping watch- ful step with her onward march. The year we are passing through is one of great importance in the progress of our art on this continent, and espe- cially in New York. Out of over one hundred architects in this city, not one can be said to be idle ; although the more favored few are ever ready to enter on still more commissions. The fact is, the love for novelty has so far taken possession of the well-to-do citizens, that tearing down and improv- ing seems to be the grand idea. It is a grateful sight to every lover of his coun- try, and raises up natural feelings of triumphant pride, to see the cities of the Union putting forth such claims to the admiration of the tasteful visitor fresh from the art circles of Old Europe. New York is the principal entrance for visitors to our Nation ; and, as the first appearance, either prepossesses the eye, or creates a doubtful impression, it is highly desirable that the best profes- sional talent should be here displayed. Should, then, so important a considera- tion be left to the special ideas of any one man, whose taste is his own ; for, however conscientious in displaying it, may he not be far from reflecting the taste of the community he, in his de- signs, seeks to represent ? No ! There is something radically wrong in this state of things, and it would be well to consider it. However gifted the architect may be, he yet can afford to seek and to accept a hint from another ; and, in fact, as his work is to please the eye of the million, the advice of many might afford him some desirable light tending to the perfecting of his de- sign, and possibly to the ultimate popu- larization of it. But here, alas, the inherent vanity of man obtrudes itself, and forbids this communion^ The architect is prepos- sessed in favor of his own idea, and concludes : " Populo me sibilat ac mihi plaudo." Yes, this is too often the case. The