The New York Herald Newspaper, May 26, 1872, Page 10

gata ai tamara RY NO 1 PALAGES AND HOTELS. A Forest of Marble, Brick and Granite Growing on Manhattan Island. The Storied Splendor of the Fu- ture New York City. ‘A MANIMOTH HOTEL ON FIFTH AVENUE. Railroad Depots, Parochial Schools and a National Post Office To Be Added to the Architectural Beau- ties of the Island City. Thirty Millions To Be Expended. The building season is now fully opened, and ‘there is consequently great activity in the various branches of business connected with this import- ant interest. Mechanics and laborers are in con- stant demand, and itis expected that by the com- Ang fall a considerable number of structures com- menced last year will be finished. Notices are ap- pended of several edifices now in progress in sev- eral parts of the city. The New Post Office. Work on the new Post Office, necessarily sus- pended during the winter months, was resumed on the ist of April. It is now completed to the second floor, and itis expected that by November next the entire building will be covered in. There are at present no difficulties in the way of prose- euting the work with vigor, and the only possibil- {ty of delay is the failure, which is not appre- hended, in the prompt delivery of material. The structure, which will undoubtedly be a magnificent architectural ornament to the city, now rises above the unsightly fence that so long concealed it from Public view, and a good idea can be ob- tained of its massive construction and beauty of design. In a few days work will be in full opera- tion for the season, when a force consisting of be- tween two and three hundred mechanics and as many more laborers will be actively employed. There are four engines, working seven derricks, on the ground, and nearly every description of labor, from placing blocks of granite twenty tons in weight in their proper places to supplying brick and mor- tar to the mechanics, is performed by steam. There are, besides, several blacksmiths’ and carpenters’ shops within the enclosure, and to a visitor the sBoene now presented to view is one giving evidenee of considerable rapidity in the progress of the build- ing. The material used is granite, iron, brick, glass and marble, the latter for Noor tiling alone. The ranite 1s brought from the coast of Maine, a local- {ty noted for the excellence of its stone, and is of the same description as was used in the extension of the Treasury Department buliding at the national capital. The Superintendent is of opinion that the building will be ready for occupation in the spring ef 1875, and when finished will be the cheapest, con- sidering the thorough character of its conrtruction and the magnitude of its proportions, owned by the government. EARLY DIFFICULTIES AND DELAYS. Jn the erection of the building numerous difieul- fies had to be met and overcome. Delays also oc- curred when the most dificult portion of the work, faying the foundations, was in progress, The nature Of the soil required that the excavation should be carried to the depth of thirty-three feet below the level of the sidewalk. An immense quantity of Yoose sand had to be removed, and from the crowded condition of the streetsin front of the ity Hall during the day work had to be carried on by night. Five hundred men were employed, and @ large number of carts used for conveying the sand tothe Battery, then filling in, and there deposited itin the bay. Powerful Drummond lghts were used for illuminating the dark and deep excavation while the men labored at night, and itis said the Jatter effected more, in propation to their numbers, ‘than those who labored by day. Sheet piling has been used to the entire depth. However, rapid headway was made in piling,’ &c., preliminary to laying the foundation walls. The supply of funds being now fully sufficient, and all differences with the city authorities long since settled, there is every prospect of the work on the building being prosecuted with energy, skill and discretion, STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE, ‘The plan of the building conforms to the shape of the ground, and the irregular angles of the lot are masked by pavilions. The style of architecture is olassical Italian, with some modifications to har- monize it with the treatment of the roof, which is French, as best suited to street architecture on a Jarge scale. There are to be three stories, with Mansard roof, basement and sub-basement. Each story is to be carried up in distinct order, in the Doric style, increasing in richness as the top is reached. The exterior walls are supported on piers of granite masonry, resting on a broad base of solid concrete, The north front is 290 feet in length; the Broadway, which will of. course present the most imposing appearance, 340 feet, and the Park row of name length, The height of the sub-basement is 12 Seet; basement, 17 feet; first or principal floor, 30 feet; second floor, 26 feet; third, 24 feet, and Man- gard or attic, 19 feet. The general arrangement has been heretofore described, and we can only, in the present instance. give the briefest summary. In a @eneral way it may be remarked that the site has been most happily selected, in the most prominent part of the commerctal capital of the republic, and that there will be raised an edifice not unworthy of Sts Jocation or the government which it represents. BASEMENT AND SUB-BASEMENT. The sub-basement and basement include the whole area of the building and that portion of sidewalks bounded by retaining walls. Large iron girders and columns and piers of granite or arcaded brick support this portion, and light is to be ad- mitted through the illuminated glass floor on prin- cipal story and by means of patent Hyatt tile or panes inserted in the sidewalks. The entire base- ment is to be used by the Post Ofice Department; 4m the sub-basement is to be located furnaces, ma- chinery, coal bins, 4c. OPEN COURT AND MEZZANINE. In the centre of the principal floor, the entire ot which is to be occupied by the Post Omice, will be a large, open court, going up clear to the roof. This ‘will be covered with patent glass. The distin- guishing feature, however, will be a mez- wanine or half story above the public corridor. This mezzanine will be simply a gallery open to the interior of the Post OMce Department, eo that while the public corridor occupies the whole of the exterior on three fronts the windows of the mezzanine admit air and light directly to the post office within, The principal floor, as stated above, will be covered with glass. There will be no partition walls. The official and public spaces will De separated by screens, formed by letter boxes, the whole of the walls above being carried by iron columns, There is to be a central drive-way or street in the rear twenty-five feet wide, reserved by the government to serve as an approach, and While it secures entire isolation of the building al- lows still further access of light and air from the Park side, as well as from the others, Over this Grive-way is to be thrown a roof, constructed of fron and glass, for protection of the mails while being received or despatched, OFFICRS AND COURT ROOMS. In the second story will be the oMces of the Post- Master (looking into Broadway), the cashier, the Secretary, the money order office and the Regis- tered Letter Department, The north end of this @oor and the third hoor have been set aside for the United States Courts, Chambers, libraries and eMices for the judges, oMces for the United States District Attorney, clerks, Commissioners and Mar- shal, Besides these there are tobe Grand apd NEW YORK HER!/ D. “SUNDAY, MAY 26, 1872—QUADRUPLE SHER, Petit Jury and private examination rooms. The attic will be occupied by janitors and watchmen. FLOORS AND STAIRWAYS. The floors are to be formed of rolled iron beams, carrying brick arches to be filled with concrete, on which is to be laid the marble tiling or board floor- ing. The stairways will be large and handsome. Five are to go directly to the Mansard story, and two, spiral, are to ascend Pe perry ne from the cellar to the third story. On the two upper floors corridors, fourteen feet wide, make circuit on all sides, with openings to the roomson either hand towards the street and interior court. Heating a have been made subjects of careful study. ROOF, WINDOWS AND DOMES, ‘The roof is to be boldly carried up from the main cornice and crowned with a highly ornate iron rail- ing. The front is to be relieved by a large frontis- piece or Lucerne ornamented with columns. Iron, sliting and copper will constitute the covering. There are to be two main domes—one on the west front and one on the park front. Smaller domes are to be built on the other fronts. The windows Meongnioas are to be semi-circular headed; the archivbits, ornamented by keystones, are to be carried up on projecting plilast will be continued across piers. ENTRANOES, There are to be seven entrances on Broadway and alike number on Park row. These will be of classic design, with severe and massive treatment. It is unnecessary to state that no attempt at meri- tricious display willbe attempted, The openings are tobe spacious. On each side of the Broadwa: and Park row fronts there is a projecting angle di- zeetly in front of the HERALD office, the side of which going back some distance affords an oppor- tunity of creating an imposing entrance, looking towards the Battery, which has been taken full ad - vantage of by the architect. The Harlem Court House. The building of the Fifth Police and Ninth Judi- clal Court House was commenced in September, 1870, It was intended to be a structure elegant an imposing in appearance, of substantial construc- toin and fitted up with every convenience. The designs were well conceived and carefully prepared, and if no untoward circumstances had interfered the building would, when completed, have been really a credit to the metropolis and a fine architec- tural ornament to Harlem. After one year’s work and an extraordinary outlay of money further ope- rations were stopped by injunction, leaving the Tear part built up to the first story floor and the front only as far as the basement beams. ‘THE SITE. The Court House was to be built of granite and brick, and was to have three stories, with basement in front. ‘The rear, intended for a prison and house of detention, was to consist of four stories. The site fronts 150 feet on 128th street and is 86 feet deep, All this large space was to be covered, and tt was supposed that the necessities growing ont of the filling up of the island would cause the extra offices, &c., In the building to be turned to good and economical account. Py the city govern- ment. According to the plans of the architect THE FRONT ELEVATION was to be divided into five sections. The centre tower, 34 feet wide, was to project 4 feet and to be of cut stone. Two wings at either end, 24 feet wide, and covered with Mansard roofs 16 feet high, were to project two feet, and the two recesses at each side of the tower were to be each 34 feet wide. The centre tower was to be 131 feet high, including cupola, 4 feet high, and the whole surmounted by a statue of Justice, 9 feet high, There was to be large double dormer window in the base of the dome, with a clock front, and underneath a bronze casting of the city coat of arms. The building was to be in the Renaissance style, and all ornamenta- tion suitable to its character was to be introduced, E story was to be separated by a cornice course and pilasters, and the other parts of the facade were intended for dressings of granite and brick. The front roofs of recesses were to have ornamental iron railings, and there were to be three spacious entrances inthe centre tower, with handsome pil- lars and arches, Altogether the front elevation reflects great credit on the architect. INTERIOR DISTRIBUTION. The rooms in front were all intended for offices, and to be spacious and well lighted. The court rooms, 43 feet by 65 feet, were to be In the rear southeast corner, the Police Justices on first floor, and the Civil Justices on second. In the northeast cor’ ‘ere to be placed the offices for justices and clerks. The portion of the building in the rear al- lotted for the detention of witnesses was, as stated, to be four stories high, with three rooms on each floor. Special care was to be taken to make these apartments as comfortable as circumstances would permit. They were to be separated by walls from THE PRISON IN THE BASEMENT, and to be entered by a door on the first Moor. The two entrances to the basement were to be from the front—one for the police, and one leading to the janitor’s apartments. The prison in the rear was to be 44 feet by 130 feet, and 19 feet high. There were to be forty cells, in two tiers, the whole to be well lighted and ventilated. The police office or station and the janitor’s rooms were to occupy the remainder of this part of the edifice, Staircases were to communicate with the prison and court rooms, and there were also to be passage ways connecting the former with the police oMce. Ample provision was to be made for cooking food for persons sentenced to brief periods of confinement, as well as for those detained as wit- ness, Surrounding the entire bullding is an open court ten feet wide for the purpose of giving light. All the floors were to be fireproof. PROSPECTS OF WORK BEING RESUMED. Tt is dificult to say whether or not the building is to be finished according to the original plans and intention. No work has been performed on it since last September, but it is hardly possible that the rs whose imposts | large amount of money already expended, even with the small results to show for it, will be allowed to go for nothing. All the detailed drawings of the architect are complete, and there is considerable stone already cut and ere the ground, re: to be ut in position. The feeling of the people i larilem is divided on the subject. The necessity for suit- able court houses is admitted, but taxpayers very decidedly object to payin four or five prices for work, although it is done for the city, At any rate the building, if ever finished, will prove very com- plete for all municipal purposes in the upper part of the city. The usual or ordinary rules for estimating cost would be here entirely out of place, in view of the extravagance, to say the least, that has marked the year’s work performed on the Fifth Police and Ninth Judicial Court House. The Chapin Home for the Aged and In- | firm. The ladies belonging to Rev. Dr. E. H. Chapin’s church some time since formed the resolution of testifying in some subs tial and*durable manner their respect and affection for that gentleman asa Christian minister, Having this object in view they determined to raise a sufficient fund to build a home, to be called after Dr. Chapin, where aged and infirm men and women might find a retreat to pass in peace and comfort their declining years, It took some time to persuade the reverend gentleman to consent to the use of his name in the manner stated, but he finally yielded, it being understood that the institution would be open to deserving eprcne irrespective of sect, country, color or con- ition. The ladies and their friends held that, as it has been common at all time, by various erections, to give perpetuity to the names of eminent and good men—to write their record so that it shall live after them—it was a duty with them to follow the example in the case of their pastor. When to the memorial structure utility is added it becomes more impressive and is | more fitting, so the building of a home was decided | upou. The ladies, though belonging to the Uni- | versalist denomination, did not confine their ap- peals to their own coreligionists. They met en- couraging success, and at a@ fair held last spring they realized $15,000 towards the erection of the proposed building. In short, the requisite funds were raised, and to the charity, energy and perse- verance of the ladies of Dr. Chapin’s church New York wil soon have another benevolent institution added to its present long list. TE OCTETY INCORPORATED, Before proceeding with the erection of the Home an application was made to the Legislature for an | act of incorporation. On the Ist May, 1869, a bill was passed constituting Mrs. Edwin H. ‘Chapin, Mrs. D. D. T. Marshall, Mrs. Emily A. Wall, Mrs. M. Mrs. John M, Cochrane, Mrs, per plien, Mrs. Rich | ph A. J. ion, Mrs. George G. | Strickney, Mrs. Adolph Rusch, | jr.; Mrs. Mary Ferris, Mra. | Cl P. Huntington, Mrs. ‘oline M. Sawyer, . Groot, Mrs. William M. Whitney, Mrs. Lemuel Smith and Mra, Sarah Phillips a body corporate, by; the name of the orge Hoffman. “Chapin Home for the Aged and Infirm.” The corporation was allowed to acquire real estate not to exceed in value $100,000, and, for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the inmates of the institution, $500,000 additional. ‘ DIMENSIONS, The ladies acquired fourteen lots on Sixty- sixth street, between Lexington and Third | avenues, and having, a8 stated, funds on hand, commenced last y of a suitable building on this ground. It is three stories high, with Mansard roof and basement. It is now covered in, and will be finished about the middle of October. The front is eighty-eight feet in length and the depth sixty feet. The exterior has a very handsome appearance, and ts fully in boned with the character of the building. The Material used is Philadelphia brick, with brown stone trimmings. On the roof are two domes, nes feet high. The interior has been fitted up wit! every regard to the comfort and health of the beneficiaries, The rooms are to be tastefully furnished; there isto be a library, reading rooms and pleasant grounds In which to take exercise. The entire internal economy is to be arranged con- veniently, as treatment of inmates ts to be such as to banish, as far as possible, from their minds the idea that they are in any sense the recepients of ey In fact, the Chapin Home is to be con- ducted for the benefit of the deserving, irrespective of nationality, religious belief or race. The present building will cost $100,000, and can accommodate between sixty and seventy persons; but it is the intention of the trustees to add to its extent in course of time. Anderson's Hotel. ‘The imprevements in progress in the vicinity of the Grand Central Depot are on an extensive scale. Atall hours the locality wears a stirring appear- ance and the concourse of passengers, workmen and vehic particularly at the time of the arrival of trains, is very great. The necessity for first class hotel ackommosstions close by has been recognized, and we find several large and costly structures now the necessary ar the erection built in the ice style, and is five stories high, with an observatory tower rising thirty feet above the roof. Brick and tron, inlaid with encaustic tile, are the chief materials used. It contains about one hun- dred*rooms, all of which are weil ventilated and lighted. On the first floor are the refectory and dining room, offices and a large billiard room. There are spacious parlors for ladies and gentlemen on the second floor, The house is handsomely furnished throughout and all the modern improvements have been introduced. The architect, Mr. Cornelius O'Reilly, has displayed considerable judgment in combining elegance of design and construction with convenience in all the departments. 'The costof the building is avout one hundred and seventy-five thou- sand dollars, ‘Windsor Ho tel. The construction of this large establishment was commenced in June, 1871, It fronts 200 feet on Fifth avenue, and has a depth of 160 fect, running from Forty-sixth to Forty-seventh street nd is within a few blocks of the Grand Central Depot, The front is broken into centre, which slightly projects, and two win The latter are each seventy-five feet in length and have seven stories; the centre is fifty feet in length and has eight stories. There will | be four towers, one on each corner, to relieve the long, level line of the roof, first class hotel in every respect, and not to be e) celled in general arrangements, size of rooms, at- tendance and completeness by any establishment of the kind. The material used is brick. Itis to be ready for occupation in January next, and will cost about three-quarters of a million doilars. There are over five hundred rooms in the hotel each being lighted with a window, opening out either on the street or courts, and provided with a fireplace and grate. On eaciy floor are wire halls, extending all around the bullding. In the base- ment are the servants’ dining rooms, billiard rooms and wine rooms; the cellar is to ve occupied by bakery, laundry and store rooma GARDEN IN THE REAR, ‘There are two blocks of first class dwellings, well advanced, running at either side of the Windsor Hotel. They are arranged so that if it be deemed desirable the three structures can be connected by interior openings. In the rear is an open garden, extending 300 feet to Madison avenue, which will afford light to the dining and supper rooms and other portions of the establishment. This garden has a frontage of elghty feet, and it is intended to have it laid outin pleasant walks, with abundance of choice trees, flowers and shrubbery. It will be enclosed by a handsome tron fence, and it is certain to afford @ very agreeable place for pastime for the families of guests, Knickerbocker Hotel, The first story of this large building has been completed. It is located on Fifth avenue opposite the grand plaza in Central Park, It fronts 201 fect on the avenue and runs 150 feet from Fifty-eighth to Fifty-ninth street. The style of architecture is Italian with French treatment. Itis to have eight stories with Mansard roof; it will be entirely of iron, The front will be divided into centre Davilion with flanking towers, the latter to be each 125 feet in height from sidewalk to finials. The roof is to be covered with a dome, which will make the build- ing an attractive, as it will be, when finished, a splendid architectural ornament to the vicinity of Central Park. There are to be 400 rooms; the dining room on second story is to be 100 feet long, 67 feet wide and 38 feet high. Two large courts in the interior will give light to the interior. The parlors, drawing rooms and sleeping apartments are to be first class in all their appointments, and, it is stated, no expense will be spared to make the Knickerbocker one of the most complete and elegant hotels in the coun- try. The first story will be occupied for business purposes. The estimated cost of the building is gap ioas It will be finished about September, Addition to Academy of Sacred Heart. Another large wing 18 about to be added to the Academy of the Sacred Heart, on 129th street, Man- hattanville. This institution is under the direction of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, a society which dates its origin in France from the commencement of the present century. The object of the institu- tion is especially to impart to young ladies a lib- eral education, including all the finer accomplish- ments, with strict attention to the cultivation of elegant manners. This, however, does not prevent the Sisters conducting a free school for the children of the surrounding district. FIRST COLONY OF THE ORDER. Tho first colony of the Order arrived in the United States in 1818, and settled in St. Louis, Mo. Other foundations have been subsequentiy estab- lished in the South and West. Madame the Princess de Galitzine, haying been sent from France to visit the houses in America, soon after her arrival in May, 1841, conducted a colony to New York, where, in September of that year, a school was opened in Houston street, under the direction of Madame Hardey. In 1844 the school was removed to Astoria, L. 1, The rapid increase of the Academy, the difl- culty of access and other disadvantages, rendered it desirable to seek a more eligible location. In 1847 the ladies urOhadeg their peas magnificent site, known as the property of Jacob Lorillard, ST. JOSEPH’S (GERMAN) FREE SCHOOL. The new wing is to be placed on the south end, and will be 60 feet front and 110 feet deep. The whole will be of brick with brown stone trimmings, and finished with a Mansard root. The first and second stories are to be used for girls; the third story exclusively by the ladies of the Order; the fourth story as a school for the boys of St. Joseph's parish, and the attic as a dormitory for the con- vent. The building is to be so arranged with en- trances and staircases that each division will be kept separate and distinct in itself, The structure is to be plain but very substantial, and it is ex- pected will be completed next fall. The boys of St. Joseph’s (German) parish now attend school in the basement of the church on 125th street, The cost of the building will be about forty thousand dollars, and it will be erected under the superiutendence of the architect, Mr. Henry Englebert. Church of St. Paul the Apostle. Plans have been prepared and estimates made for additions to the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, on Fifty-ninth street, near Ninth avenue. The principal addition will front 135 feet on Sixtieth Street, and, running back a depth of 64 feet, is to connect with the present edifice, thus forming a building stretching from street to street, witn capacity to seat more than double the number that now find accommodation, The general style of the church (Romanesque) will be carried out, and uni- formity preserved in height and general arrange- ments. There is to be a gable end, over which will rise a bell turret, in the chamber of which will be three openings on each side. From the curb stone to the ridge of the peaked roof, which is to be covered with tin, will be 50 feet. The bell turret is to be 50 feet high, surmounted »v & large cross, The projection on Fifty- ninth street of 15 feet and 64 feet in length is also to be built upon. This second ad- dition is intended for the sanctuary and choir, in which is to be the high altar. The entrances from Sixtieth street are to be three in number, fur- nished with double doors and leading to the vesti- bule 14 feet wide and extending the entire front of the church. There are to be three rows of pews and four aisles, making it necessary to remove the pears pewing, 80 as to conform with the changed location of the pon gt A Queen trussed roof, with one span, will be introduced, thus avolding the use of columns, leaving the high altar in full view from all parts of the interior. The basement, covering the entire area of the lot, is to be used for school purposes, It will be lighted and ventilated by forty-eight large windows, more than half of the height of each being above the sidewalk. The cost of additions, when carried out, will be $55,000, Assumption Parochial Schools. The premises now occupied as a school for the children of Assumption (German Catholic) School on Forty-ninth street, having been found insum- cient in extent and accommodation, the pastor, Rey. Father Stroehle, aided by his flock, has com- menced the erection of a new and larger building. T ite is on Fiftieth eet, between Ninth and nth avenues, The edifice is to have three stories, with Mansard roof and basement. It is to be built in the Romanesque style of Philadelphia brick, trimmed with granite. The school will be thirty- five fect front and seventy-five feet deep. The front is to be divided into a tower, projecting five feet, and two wings. The main entrance isto be through a handsome door into the vestibule, which is to hold @ staircase on each side. The tower, which is to rise fifteen feet over the roof, will have inthe third story a large window, with a rosette above and a cross surmounting it, In the second story of the building there are to be three large double windows. CLASS ROOMS. The vestibule leads to a large room, the whole length and width of the school. This is intended to be used for exhibitions, lectures, &c., and when not 80 engaged ia to be occupied for the Instruction of pupils. Sliding panels are provided s0 a to divide the hall into suitable apartments. The sec- ond and third floors will each contain two class rooms—one for boys and one for girls. These two floors are to b parated by brick walls. Besides the main entrance there is to be one on the east side and one on the west. The class rooms are to be spacious and well ventilated, They will accom- modate about three hundred and fifty children, The girls will be in charge of the Sisters of Charity. The school will be ready for occupation next October, and will cost $25,000, Belt Ratlroad Depot. The North and East River and Central Park Rail- road Company have just about completed a new depot on Tenth avenue, running through from Fifty-third to Fifty-fourth street. 1b is three stories high, without basement, and is substantially built of brick, with the exception of the front of first story, which {8 of iron. The depot is of very large dimen- sions, having a frontage of 200 feet and a depth of 425 feet, ere are no ineide walis, the upper stories being supported by strong girders and posts, The firat floor is paved, and the numerous tracks running through the building are nearly all laid down. Here the numerous cars, when not in ser- vice, are stored. In the rear of first story also are workshops for repairing cars and harness and for nompentensing and an engine of fifty horse power. 6 Seat, purchases all the grain and other feed they require, which {8 one by the engine, The latter is also used for wlsting purposes, In the second story, connected with the first by three large, inclined planes, are the stall¢, constructed on @ new and improved rinciple, and which have accommodation for 1,500 jorees. The third story ja used for the storage of hay and grain, The arrangements for ventilation fre abundant, A large wooden ventilator is raised oing up to meet this want, Anderson’s Hotel, on Forty-teuren street, near Lexington avenne, now about ready for occupation, 18 100 feet by 90 teet and isto be conducted on the European plan It 16 above the roof, and there are four openings sixteen feet by fifty tet in third story floor, ‘above the stalla, In each of the three stories are thirty-three windows each side and fifteen in front and rear. There te 8 vacant space in the rear, ten feet wide, The Windsor is to be a | | for offices of the company. ‘80 a8 to allow cars to pass from street to street and to convey away manure and refuse matter. OFFICES AND WAITING ROOMS. In the centre of the main building, on Tenth ave- nue, there 1s an office building fifty Teet square and four stories high, with basement. The first floor is divided into passenger rooms, accommodation rooms for conductors and drivers and office for re- ceiver of moneys from conductors alter completing their trips. The seegnd story is to be occupied for the general business of the company, including treasurer and directors’ rooms, Extra harness, blankets and other articles used in winter, and not needed tn summer are to be stored on this floor, Work on the depot was commenced last September, but owing to the character of the ground some de- lay was occasioned in blasting rock and filing in swampy places. The entire cost of the building is 200,000, Second Avenue Railroad Depot, Harlem. A two story brick building, with basement, in- tended as a depot for the Harlem service of the Second Avenue Railroad Company, is now in pro- cess of construction at the corner of 127th street. It fronts 100 feet on the avenue, and is 230 feet in depth. The first story is to be divided by a parti- tion, On one side are to be stalls for 250 horses, on the other rails for the reception of cars, The second floor is to be used for storage purposes and In the basement are to be workshops and an elevator for transferring cars from that part of the building to the upper stories, The depot is to be provided with al! the necessaries to preserve the health of the horses and facilities for ae in good order the furniture of the road. It will cost, when finished, $30,000, The Drexel Building. at the southeast corner of Wall and Broad streets has been purchased by Drexel, Mor- gan & Co., bankers, and the Leather Manufac- turers’ National Bank, for the purpose of erectin; upon it a magnificent building, in which their busi- ness is to be conducted after May 1, 1873, when it will be ready for occupation. ‘he work of re- moving the old buildings, seven in number, that stood upon the ground is about completed. The erection of the new edifice is to be prosecuted both night andday, The Drexel Building is to be 102 feet by 75 feet within the walls, and the Leather Manufacturers’ Bank will front 27 feet on Wall street, with a depth of 68 feet. The two are to be entirely distinct, but will be under the same roof and on the same pees plan. The site is one of the most favorable in Wall street, and the edifice promises to be an architectural ornament that will stand out prominently in the midst of that great flinancial locality. it is to be in the French Renaisance style, of Vermont marble, and the esti- mated cost is $700,000, The designs were prepared by Mr. Arthur Gilman, architect. EXTERIOR APPEARANCE. The truncated angle to be formed at the corner of Wall and Broad streets will give the building three fronts. This angle will be fourteen feet wide and its base nine feet from the point where the streets now meet. There are to be five sto- nies, with Mansard roof, basement and cel- lar, The basement on Broad street will be level with the sidewalk, and on Wall street reached by a descent of a few steps. At the corner, in which is to be the main entrance, will rise a tower covered by a pavilion roof of octagon form. At each of the other corners 1s to be a square pavilion roof of lesser dimensions, The height from the curb to the cor- nice will be eighty-five feet; the octagon roof is to be thirty feet above the cornice, and the square roofs about twenty feet. Besides the main corner entrance, which is to be ornamented by massive pillars and approached by steps, there are to be Wo on Broad street and one on Wall street. The latter will lead to a spacious hailway, ten feet wide, communicating with the banking offices and upper portions of the building. There are tobe eleven windows in each story fronting Wall and Broad streets on the second floor, the three centre on each front having balconies, In the angle there are to be six openings, and in the Mansard nine- teen dormer windows, including those in the towers, which are to be ornamented with capitals and treated in accordance with the general design of the structure, The name of the building will be. cut into the marble on two sides over the third story, “Drexel Building.” Should it be found neces- sary, piles are to be driven so as to strengthen the foundation, and blocks of bine stone laid over them so as to form a solid and enduring support. THE THREE BANKS. . The first floor is to be occupied by the banking offices of the two purchasers of the property and by Morton, Bliss & Co., now at Broadway and Ex- change place. The entrance to the latter will be on Broad street. The upper floors are to be aivided into offices and rented to brokers, lawyers, &c. The cellar will be 8 feet high, basement 10 feet, first story 16 feet, second si ON 18 feet, third stor; feet a Mansord 16 feet, e building is to be proof. GREELEY AND THE DEMOCRATS. + Opinions of Prominent Men in the In- terior of this State. * C. H. Winfield, a prominent democrat, of Goshen, Orange county, writes a letter to the Newburg Telegraph, in which, speaking to democrats as a party, he says:— ‘There was no condition that the selection (at Cin- cinnati) should be according to our choice, It was fairly understood that, barring the condition that the candidates should be honest men, we have nothing to dictate; and now the choice has been made, and although there has been no covenant signed and sealed between us, I assert that we have made overtures and given assurances to the anti- Grant republicans which are binding in the courts of honor and conscience that we would not fail to support any movement which they might inaugu- rate, contemplating a ticket which we and they aa in common, and thus insure Grant’s efeat. Judge T. A. Osborne, of Mayville, Chautauqua county (and his views are said to be fully supported by Judge Peacock, of the same village, both being distinguished democrats), publishes in the Mayville Sentinel an address to the democrats of Chautauqua county, in which he says:— It 1s self-evident that there is no democrat put what desires the elevation of his country from its present depressed and ruinous state. Let him, then, candidly consider whether it can be effected through any other agencies than those presented at Cincin- nati. If, in considering every contingency, he con- cludes, as I think he must, that there is no other way of assured success, the question returns—Can it be through those? The answer must be in the aifirmative, if the democracy will it, and thus consolidate their strength with the libe- ral republicans. And why should they not? The candidates are not democratic. Very well; are we to look at candidates or principles? Bui the honor of the democracy would be sulliea by supporting candidates once strongly arrayed against them. Democrats, look closely at the motives of those now so sensitive of your honor. It is to per- Vad Vosssllpta present state of things and continue in power our present rulers, which is the end if not the aim of those who would drive you from a united ticket, to protect your honor. They know as well as you that no middle course, no third arty, can succeed. Defeat Greeley and you elect rant. Reject the Cincinnati platform and you atirm that of the ruling dynasty. * * * And now with honest and capable candidates to faith- bling a out this truly democratic platform, what is there that should repel a single democrat from their support? If endorsed by the Democratic Na- tional Convention they will have my vote, 1 hope they may have yours. General Brinkerhoff, of Ohio, Out for Grecley—He Thinks “Half a Loaf is Better Than None.” The following letter from General Brinkerhoff, the champion of free trade in the West, is publishe MANSFIELD, Ohio, Log f 18, 1872, My Dear Str—Yours of the 16th inst. is received. No one can feel more keenly than I do the failure of the Cincinnati Convention to come squarely up to the great doctrine of freedom of trade. It ought to have been the corner stone of our new political ed- ifice. Still, in a republic where statute law is of no account except it be a reflex of public opinion, pa- tience is often the wisest statesmanship. The pru- dent legislator has ideas, doubtless, but he soon learns that he can seldom reach it except by grad- ual steps, and therefore, instead of insisting upon full fruition all at once, he takes what he can get. So the true reformer never refuses a part because he cannot get the whole. Such in my judgment is our present position. We did not get all we wanted at Cincinnati, but we certainly did get a good deal which it does seem to me we cannot afford to throw away. The acceptance of Cincinnatl and its results by all the elements of opposition to Grant incurs his overthrow and secures the certain triumph of many needed reforms, So far as the tariff is concerned we certainly can be no worse off under Greeley than we should be under Grant. Grant would veto a revenue reform tariff bill, while Greeley would sign it. Grant advocates a high tariff in his messages and makes it a test of party fealty. Greeley would say nothing about in his messages, and would accord to all absolute freedom of thought and opinion, It seems to me, therefore, that we have much to gain and nothing to lose by supporting Mr. Greeley as against General Grant. Of course, if the democrats put up another man and the reform reformers still another, 80 as to make @ chance for choice among half a dozen candidates, it may be policy to vote our principles wher- ever we can do 80 most fully, and wait for victory in the uncertain years of ‘th e future. Per- sonally, however, I am hungry enough to prefer the half loaf of reform which Mr. Greeley can surely give through the present campaign rather than to wait for the whole loaf which floats like a will-’o- Alas a in the uncertain possibilities of the fu- ture. f therefore counsel a union of all the ele- ments of opposition upon the basis of the Cincin- natt platform and its candidates, Any other course simply means defeat, Very truly, R. BRINKERHOFP, Not for Greeley—Sharp Letter from Jadge William Johnson, of Ohio, Judge William Johnson, of Cincinnati, has written aletter to General E. R. Eckley, of Carrollton, in which he tells the General all he knows about the Cincinnatt “diversion.” In the course of his com- munication, which is rather spicy, he says:— Ido not hold Mr. Greeley responsible for his eo- centricities. Such men by long usage acquire a license to do queer things; but the love of pang which i# his waster weakness, often Jeads hun in| | 27 for Greeley, 9 for Grant. ep rehenaible ton such, for instance, as travelling the way to ‘Richmond to go ball for Jeff Davis. Such freaks are not wicked, but they make @ public man ridiculous, and bring ‘the public service into The of this Convention have made two things inevitable. First, that Grant will be the nominee of the Philadelphia Convention. Second, that the democrats will have @ candidate of their own. The greater part of the republicans here who de- ‘ir minds on Charles sired a” had fixed t! Adam: will support Grant Francis and in perference to Greeley, For myself I desired no change at the present, nor am I influenced by any personal consideration, What the democrats will do is a matter which neither they nor I know. But they will have a candidate of their own. This much T feel sure of. If they have the sense to nom- Inate William 8. Groesbeck it will @ us trouble in this ae Notwithstanding his democracy, he sustained President Lincoln earnestly in putting down the rebellion, and is fully committed to the amended constitution, and many honest men who desired a change, but cannot support Greeley, would vote for him. But all Ican promise for the democrats 1s that they will not adopt Greeley. MISCELLANEOUS POLITICAL NOTES. ' Jeff Davis contradicts tne statement which has been going the rounds of the press, that he had written Greeley and pledged him his support. Davis expressed no opinion whatever on the subject of the philosophet’s nomination. George H. Pendleton and Jeremiah Black agree upon having a Democratic National Convention and abiding its decision. “If, says Pendleton, ‘at any time it appears, as now, that we ought to make no nomination, I shall favor such action or non-action. On the contrary, should it be clear that we can suc- ceed with our own nominations, why make them." General Logan says, with just such a ticket as has been nominated by the Illinois Republican State Convention, the State will be carried by such a majority ‘‘as will fill every true republican heart with joy.” The Albany Journal (administration) utters the following warning :— How many republicans in this State are prepared to aid in electing a democratic Governor, a demo- cratic Legislature, a democratic United States Se: ator and a majority of democratic members of Con- gress? That is the programme as a return for the endorsement of Greeley. The republican who fol- lows must be prepared to become a democrat, The “straw which showed the way the wind blew” in Petersburg, Va., the other day, in the election of the anti-Greeley candidate for Mayor, also Indicated a little Raine fall, which immediately followed. The Chicago Post suggests that the enthusiastic rural democrats who want to ‘smoke the pipe of peace witn Horace Greeley” are advised to do thelr smoking at long range if they don’t want to take home their peace pipes in pieces, and to hear in addition a specimen of the Sage’s powerfal profan- ity. Ifthere’s anything Horace hates worse than a free trader it is a smoking democrat. AState Convention of the democrats and con* servatives of Alabama is called to meet at Mont” gomery on the 19th June. The Negro Gazette is the title of a campaign paper just started in New Orleans, flying the names of Grant for President and Henry Wilson for Vice; for Congressman at large, Dr. R. I. Cromwell (editor of the paper). The Lincoln (Nebraska) Statesman says the liberal ticket will sweep the field at the State election next fall against any ticket that may be brought out. Breckinridge, like Jeff Davis, denies having ex- pressed a preference for Greeley for the Presidency. Reports like these are only ‘‘weak inventions of the enemy.” ‘The Cincinnat! Enquérer says Thomas L. Young is stripping for the Congressional race. AS a specimen of Western wit, the following from the Louisville Courter Journal is rather ingenious :— The Louisville Commercial intimates that Greeley is a humbug, because: H—umbu—G. On the same rinciple the Commerctal could say Grant is a hog, Because: U—knowahogbyhi—S G—run—T. Holding back for a heavy bet—Carl Schurz. There are two Brinkerhoffs—one a Judge, the other aGeneral. The Judge thinks the Cincinnati nomi- nations a farce, the General goes for Greeley on the principle that half a loaf is better tnan none, The Greeneville (dem)—the home of Andy John- son—Sentinel goes for Greeley and Gratz. The Richmond Znquirer says the radicals in that city will vote for “independents” in the local elec- tion, provided the latter will vote for the Grant ticket in November and give the district over to a radical Congressman. A.M. Keiley is the conservative candidate for Mayor of Richmond, and will be elected unless the independents and radicals get up a coalition, and 80 defeat him, But perhaps not even then. The old political question—“Is he not a man and. a brother ?” is now changed to—‘“Is he not a man with only one brother-in-law ?”” On a vote in a railroad car lately the count was Is it to be judged from this that Grant is really in the “nine hole # It seems to be (g) really so; but “honors” in cases like his always count. POLITICAL EVENTS TO OCCUR, May 30—Pennsylvania Democratic State Conven- tion in eg June 3—New Hampshire Legislature meets in Con- cord, June 4—Louisiana Reform State Convention in New Orleans. fe June 5—National Union Republican Convention in Philadelphia. June 10—Mississippi Democratic State Convention in Meridian (probably). June 11—Iowa Democratic State Convention at Des Moines. June 1i—Sonth Carolina Democratic State Con- vention in Columbia. June 12—Indiana Democratic State Convention in Indianapolis. June 12—Michigan Prohibitory State Convention in Lansing. June 17—Texas Democratic State Convention in Corsicana. June 18—Maine Democratic State Convention at jangor. ‘ June 18—Arkansas Liberal Republican State Con- vention in Little Rock. June 19—Arkansas Democratic State Convention in Little Rock. June 26—New Jersey Democratic State Conven- tion at Trenton. June 26—Mtnols Liberal Republican Mass State Convention at Springfeld. June 26—Illinols Democratic State Convention at Springfield. June 27—Virginia Conservative State Convention at Richmond, July 8—National Reunion and Reform Convention in Baltimore (not in sympathy with the Cincinnati nominations). July 9—Democratic National Convention in Balti- more, for the nomination of candidates for the Pres- idency and Vice Presidenc; THE WATER FAMINE. Self-Closing Faucets the Best Remedy. To THE Eprror oF THE HERALD :— Now that there is danger of a water famine there is a decided expression of opinion against waste, and every one is urging remedies. This uneasiness teaches us how great a unifler of sentiment distress is. There cannot be a citizen of New York that does not sanction immediate steps toward prevention of waste, or, what is to better purpose, making our water supply more abundant. Let this impression hold, for even after the present excitement has passed away the apathy of reaction is as much to be feared as the Consequences of a short water sup- ply. The H&RALD not only warns the authorities and citizens against inaction, but in addition desig- nates the best agent to mitigate, if not entirely abolish, the present wicked and wanton waste now indulged in, by inviting “American ingenuity to in- vent & self-closing faucet, which will be useful and yet economical.” This wise recommendation would seem to be the nearest approach toward the solu- tion of the diMcult problem of how to economize water without limiting its beneficent uses, which has for so long a time been a puzzle to the best men of the age all over the world. Self-closing faucets, while proving a most ef- fectual safeguard against waste, will, at the same time, insure every member of the community an adliditum supply of water, prevent damage to houses and merchandise by overflow through carlessness in leaving faucets open; maintain & better supply on the mains even when on draught for every requirement; answer to 4 certain extent the storage properties of dams and reser- voirs, and, besides, so restore @ portion of the Brat reduced pressure as to insure @ free 6u) ly floors which it at present does not reach. cM apartments, now almost valueless from wan Wa water, would at once findjoccupants, while the ad- vantages in case of fire of havi an. Cn * supply on every story of every materially faciiitate the exti ent fires. While tt is imposst! to Keattieh of water, ft in certain that, self-closing faucets will attain ens mh median th ee hee out the Gordian kuot. une HERALD Dé PHO BONO PUBLIOO, « ~~ CRAWFORD'S CRIM ——-—__— The Shooting Affray by Commodore Vanderbilt’s Brother-in-Law. OUTRAGE ON THE HIGHWAY. The Assaults Upon the Officer and the Detective. HUNTING THE FUGITIVE Robert L. Crawford, the brother-in-law of Commoe dore Vanderbilt, who shot Officer Henderson, of the Fifteenth precinct, was arraigned at the Jefe Market Police Court yesterday and refused tl privilege of bail by the presiding magistrate. Late: in the day Crawford was brought up into the Su: preme Court Chambers on a writ of habeas corp! and admitted to bail by Judge Leonard in the su Of $25,000. The shooting took place on night, and it appears that James Ames, colored man employed by Commodore Vanderbilt as @coachman, was the original cause of the di turbance. Ashort time before twelve o'clock 01 that evening a number of women living in Four street saw Ames go out of the stables belonging the Commodore and stop a tailoress named Carri Love, living at No. 92 Varick street, who happene: to be passing at the time, and was somewhat intox. icated. The woman, not suspecting what w: wanted of her, remained for a moment to talk the coachman, who, seeing she was in a defenceles condition, seized her violently around the shouldersy dragged her into the stable and slaiifnéd the door, ‘The poor woman was so terrified by THE INFLAMED AND INFURIATED FACE of Ames that her muddled senses suddenly shoo} off all traces of the liquor, and she became fall, alive to her terrible situation, Ames is a powel negro and Carrie Love a rather diminutive whit woman; but, though small in stature, she has great nerve, and when she fully realized the brut nest of Ames she struggled with all the might of desperation. Her shrieks and erie: attracted the attention of a number of persons 01 the opposite side of the street, but before the; could render her any assistance Ames had pulle her inside the door and fastened the gateway on th inside; still from the interior of the building th wild and terrific yells of the woman were @istinct, heard, and the ladies in the street were & horror-stricken with the danger of the poo woman that they stood paralyzed in th street for a moment, incapable of a tion. At length one woman, more resolute than the rest, rushed into the Fifteenth precincé station house and informed the Sergeant tn chargé of what was going on. That oficer tnmediatel, despatched a policeman to the stable to endeavor t effect the liberation of THE UNHAPPY WOMAN} } but the policeman found the stable door locked, and, on Knocking, was refused admission by Amesa The policeman then tried to force open the sid but he discovered that was impossible, a8 Ames hat secured it in some manner that was proo' against force. The policeman then went to Comy modore Vanderbtit's house, in Washington place, and reported to that gentleman the conduct oj hiscoachman, The old Commodore was highly end Taged, and, desiring the policeman to watt, he dressed and took him back to the stable and got at the rear. As scon as the policeman made his a] pearance Ames, who was evidently waiting tor him. rushed from behind one of the carriages an him a powerful blow on | th body. The policeman, although staggered for moment, drew his club and knocked the negra down. Ames then seized a bottle that was lying om the ground near his hand and FLUNG IT AT THE POLICEMAN, who in turn knocked him down a second tim The policeman then caught and dragged him out o! the stable. On the way to the station house th negro fought desperately, and, were it not fo) the resolute and determined conduct of the policeman, he would most cer. tainly have escaped. While Officer was fighting his way to the station house with hit prisoner, Commodore Vanderbilt was kindly doin; ‘all in his power to assist the poor woman, who wi almost crazy with fear, He was assisted in the work by a number of ladies who had been brought to the place by the disturbance, and who were ter. ribly incensed when they heard an account of th affair, AS soon as Mrs. Love was in a condition walk she was carried to the Fifteenth precinct st tion house, where Captain Byrne provided ever comfort for her that her condition demande Otticer Grogan had no sooner got his desperate pris soner into the station house than Ames pulled a ack knife ont and endeavered to stab him. Grogan, jowever, was too quick for him, and caught the negro’s hand just in time to save his own life. Thi conduct in the front of the tadstsd desk compelle: the sergeant to call other rolmen, and the poet: listic negro was soon lodged inacell. The fig! however, was not over, for the black bru was scarcely locked in the cell whe Mr. Orawford dashed into the _statio! house, and in a wild and frantic manner demand to know why the Commodore’s coachman wag. iocked up. Sergeant Holborn very quietly informed the gentlemen that the negro had attempted TO OUTRAGE A WOMAN, and had, in addition, assaulted @ macrwean 2 Whether it wasthe quiet demeanor of the sergean' or the nature of the offences committed by thd negro that most enraged Mr. Crawford it is impos- sible to say, but his former boisterousness waa ylides | to the wild storm of passion he flung himself into when Sergeant had finished speaking. He threatened the police with the vengeance of the Commodore in were to his own, and listening to his threats one woul suppose the entire force was soon to be swept from! the face of the city. The sergeant turned to De- tective Henderson, who was standing in the station! house, outside the railing, and desired hing to put the flery Alabamian out. OMicer Henders son quickly obeyed the order, He took Crawfora by the back of the neck and Pea him’ head foremost out of the place. ‘he ignominy of his exit only served to make MrJ Crawford's blood boi! to a whiter heat, and ha strutted along the street swearing vows of ven- geance against Henderson, ‘The detective was obliged to go out into the street soon after, and hi saw Crawford there, That gentleman tarne¢ towards the officer and said, “I am waiting for you TO KILL You.” Hearing this the detective did not dare to turm his back upon Crawford, but kept on facing hum and working him back towards Fourth street. When he got to the corner Crawford shouted toa Veen tl citizen to look and watch him shoot the detective. This put Henderson on his mettle, and, being a de- termined man and @ brave otticer, he at once grap- led Crawford and endeavored to wrest the pistob ‘om him. In the struggle that ensued both fell, Henderson on top, and Crawford, who was much larger man, managed to get his arm above the officer's back and fired the pistol. The ball took effect in the detective’s thigh and hurt him severely. The gen- tleman who was paesing, and to whom Crawford spoke, was Mr. Albert Guerin, of No. 4 Clinton place. le endeavored to prevent Crawford from firing a second time, but uniortunately the pistol went off, and lodged’ a ball in one of Mr. Guerin’s legs. The would-be murderer then ran away, and tt is supposed he ot into the Commodore's stable and! from there made good his escape to the residence of that gentleman. The detective and Mr. Guerin were then removed to the station house, where Captain Byrne had their wants attended to and Mr, Guerin was afterwards removed to his home, Ames and Carrie Love were oe up at Jef. ferson Market esterday = anc committed to answer if default of $900 bail. Be- fore taking these people to court Captain Byrno surrounded the house of Commodore Vanderbilt and, after a thorough search of it, found Crawfor concealed in @ room up stairs, He was taken to Jeiferson Market with the other prisoners, and bailed out by Mr. Schell later in the day. A BACKBONE ENGLISHMAN, To THE Epiror oF THE HERALD:— Aslam aregular reader of your worthy paper f hope you will excuse the liberty lam about to take in asking you a simple question. Some few months. ago, when the Alabama claims were in the height ot discussion, you published a number of letters fronr different parties, who were all going to force that powerful little speck called “Great Britain’® to pay all that they demanded, or if she would not hf were going to land in freland, and invade England, &c. Now, the question I am about to ask you is, now that England has deter- mined not to pay the indirect damages, “Where are all these fellows with their gas; why do they not force her to?’ My opinion of the patient is that America dare not go to war with Engiand; for if, she did she would make a greater mistake than whon she fought the South. Besides England's navy is far too strong for any single Power in tho world to cope with. You Americans must not think because the ‘Lion’ has laid dormant that ha has forgotten his oid iy at war; for if you do and arouse Its ire you will be sadly mistaken, to your disadvantage, Any sensible nan will own ‘that England ts still the leading Power of the world, She is the great pawnbroker of the world, and, as you have re wed een shown, your statemen cannot for an instant cope with the English; for Granville was the teacher and Fish the achoolboy, In conclusion: I will say that England will do what is right and fair, and that only; but what Is not correct you Americans or the whole world could not force hor to oo. Pr bea! this in your valuable paper you will greatly o! ‘ourn, bru Sy ENGLUEIMaN to Te backbone,