Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/452

 368 Sloan's Architectural Review aid Builders' Journal. [Dec, and that fact must be duly witnessed, by a suitable architectural monument, in the form of a palatial store, the chief object of which is the very laudable one of attracting custom : for, be it distinctly understood, that our simple Republic is very much inclined towards trad rug in the grandest places. But, to return to the subject of Twin Dwellings, we would urge their advan- tage over the single form, as an archi- tectural one. Forms, which can be easi- ly composed by thus spreading a design, could not possibly be attempted in the single mode. This can be at once seen, by reference to the accompanj-ing plate. The same style of porch there shown, if executed in half the breadth, would have a very different effect ; and the same ma}- be said of the Oriels, and the cou- pled windows. But, there is no use in dwelling longer on a subject, which must be evident to every one. We hope to see our profes- sional brethren perfectly untrammeled, by the sensitive objections adverted to, and left to the guidance of their taste, in the skilful arrangement of those compositions, which, taken collec- tively form the Street Architecture of those sections of our cities, devoted to the private residence of our wealthier people. Reference. — A. Foundation of Porch. B. Balusters to Steps, with saddled caps. C. Octagon Pillars. D. Paneled Door-Jambs. B. Floor of House, continued out over Porch; with glass-door, or window, opening on it. F. Gothic paneled balustrade. Gr. Plan of one of the Windows. H. Elevation of ditto. COTTAGES FOE THE LABORING CLASS. IT is the first duty of society, for its own sake, to entertain every practi- cal proposition for the amelioration of that great section of the community whose necessity it is to live in large cities. It will be found always, that the want of an orderly and comfortable house is among the chief evils of the poor. Among the unhappy influences exert- ed on this class, is their living in the sight and midst of innumerable com- forts and luxuries, which are far above their reach. The same thirst for enjoy- ment and excitement, which drives the rich and prosperous from their pleasant homes to scenes of novelty and stirring amusement, drives the poor to where they can forget, for a time, the wearing realities of life ; for in every poor man's neighborhood there flows a Lethean stream, which first affords him pleasura- ble excitement, and then buries him for a while in oblivion of all his humiliations and sorrows. No country in the world has clone more for the advancement of intellectual cultivation than ours ; as may be seen in the number and surpassing excellence of the public school buildings in our cities and villages But there is a want, which must be met, before we can hope to carry out the intention of educating the masses — and that is the providing them with comfortable homes. A perma- nent home for themselves, and one in which to bring up their children, is the greatest physical want of the poor. Those of the laboring class- residing in small villages have also a claim on the attention of philanthropy in this matter, so that not alone cities, but in fact, the entire face of the county pre- sents opportunities innumerable for im- proving the social condition of our fel- low-beings. And now is the time to take hold of the great question ; for, even now our country is learning the absolute necessity for some provision being made for the enormously increas-