Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/57

 1868.] Improvement in the River View of Philadelphia. 37 IMPROVEMENT IN THE RIVER VIEW OF PHILADELPHIA. IN Philadelphia, as viewed from Cam- den, there was, during the elder years, an unbroken uniformity, — relieved only by the two shot-towers, the square one of Paul Beck, in the southwest, long since torn down, and the round one, near the Delaware front of South- wark, owned by Thomas Sparks, 3-et remaining, Christ Church steeple, and another spire or two, — very soothing to the lover of the substantial things of the world, but distressingly monotonous. Since, more particularly within the last fifteen years, spire after spire has shot up, until a commendable variety obtains, which every clay extends and beautifies. Still the view is better from almost any other commanding point, than across the Delaware ; and owners and archi- tects would do well to bear this in mind. The Delaware side, being the main ap- proach, should not, of course, present the worst prospect. How gloriously, in this regard, the spectacle would be im- proved had Penn's intention, of having no houses or stores between the west side of Front street and the river, been carried out. Then Philadelphia could have stood proudly upon a bold bank, averaging forty feet high, throughout most of her extent, while commerce would have retained from six to eight hundred feet channel-width more of deep water. Although there is this consoling- reflection : it is only where spaces are narrow, and crowds must create bustle and inconvenience, that crowds come. Had Market street been originally of its present width, without the old mar- ket-houses, its heavy business would not have been there, but somewhere else in straitened quarters. Broad street was laid out magnificently for business ; but business would not go there, because space was provided for it. It is only where there is apparently no space, that business goes. And it is as the palatial grand-drive and promenade that Broad street will soon become great. A few lofty structures, within a square or two of the river front, would much enliven and diversify the prospect, while producing true effect. This would be enhanced by so designing cornices, doors and windows, as to have deep shades, and to throw heavy shadows. A memorial shaft or two, absolutely on the Delaware, would not be amiss. Should the corner- stone of the Washington Monument, in Washington square, ever germinate in a column truly exalted, say three hundred and seventy feet high, there would in- deed be something worthy of the city. The fund must be well farmed by this time. But occasional great organized public efforts should lie made to increase it, so as to carry the size and beauty of the pillar far beyond the original design. That which was very well, for a city of two hundred thousand inhabitants, is not commensurate with its enhanced dignity, represented by four-fifths of a million. Therefore, the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati should be encouraged, by further subscriptions to them intrusted, to foster the fund, as they have faithfully hitherto ; and, what thejr have not done, constantly to ask the great public for more. One great object for frequent and considerable contributions is the augmentation of what is already in hand, by safe investment. At five per cent, per annum, and only compounded yearly, it requires but fourteen years in round numbers to double any principal. The foundation, even, should not be laid with less in hand than seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Philadelphia has waited long for her Washington Monu- ment ; and she may as well erect a magnificent testimonial when she at- tempts it. The height named above, with the natural elevation of the ground, would place the observatory at least