The Holland Society of New York - Yearbook (New York, NY)

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Li ,J 1:5 Q 'I I III I If II, IiI I' JCI I ef I I , yi SI, i. II UIII II ' I I I . II w ,I I'1 . I- 'I ., . I :Hg j , 'rjjjv III :jf II' , .I , H 'C IU, If? I , .III lj r,II'l, j I II' 7 , ,III ., ,, I I K. IIT. J., 1III,,I ., I. INR 'II-1' I I III ' II' FII- 4 'Ulu JI Yin, . P'I5I'g' AI .. .I. I5-In l. .1 1, I . tl 5,1 rf- 'I It z , , -.,w.,. i,' Is ,jjj 4. 1 ,'. I- -'ss .. ', .Iv ' ' ,I NI! I I I I I I I I, I I I I I I I 5.4 I ' III IIIII :VMI , II ' I , rl I- II .I . I.-II ' x, ' 1 ,I. 1 II If -1 'fic I III III 1' I gfij . 'I Ilijll II IIIII I glj I I IIII I , II' I I ,'IIII',, HI 'III I YIII I I .IMI I .Z IU j. .I Ii, I1 +I In I,,f new ,Wilt x IZQFZII Q-:J IIII, I F IIIIII I ,.,. , Iihijl I I-IIII il? . 32 York, during the first half of the Uinetffenth CCH' tury, takes high rank among the worlds best ef- forts. Irving, Bryant, Poe, Co0PC13 aH.m-HY be seen in bronze,--they and their comrades con- tributed more to the literary honor of their native land than any group of American authors that can be named. The stimulant to civic pride does not end with tangible objects. Most of us can recall, and when we are gone the records of events will tell, how the grand pageants have moved through our streets with banners flying and bands playing, and over and above the noise of all have been heard the joyful huzzahs of the people in recognition and celebration of some great work accomplished, by which mankind must benefit g or in grateful ac- knowledgment of the services to their country of patriots upon land and sea. Time will not permit me to name even the great events. This general reference must bring to the- minds of most of you grand occasions you will never forget, and as often as you recall them your bosoms will swell with pride, and you will rejoice over your habitation. I should deserve severe censure, if I allowed this occasion to pass without congratulating the Rapid Transit Commissioners and their able ally, the Corporation Counsel, upon reaching the point in their labors where they are able to award to Mr. john B. McDonald the contract to build the Tun- nel Road. The Commissioners have pursued their Work with an industry, ability,,and fixgdnesg of purpose that deserve the highest commendation. Judglng from the increase in valuations and the general prosperity that the Elevated Road brought to the city, we may safely prophesy that the -X K ' V x

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31 in the sacred treasury of national reputation. When the spotless ermine of the judicial robe fell on john jay, it touched nothing less spotless than itself. New York City, from time to time, has recog- nized the service of loyal Americans to their country by the erection to their memory of monuments that may be found upon every hand, as we walk through the thoroughfares of our beloved Metropolis. The equestrian statue of Washington at Union Square is among the first to attract attention, and upon the same site, presenting arms to the Father of our Country, we see the bronze statue of the Marquis de Lafayette, who left home and luxury to share the fate of our Revolutionary Fathers, and ren- dered to America an inestimable service. Alexan- der Hamilton, the Hrst Secretary of the National Treasury, has his statue on the East Drive in Cen- tral Park. In recognition of the sciences, we find Morse, who contributed to the world's progress by the telegraph. In honor of a statesman, we see Seward at Madison Square and Twenty-third Street, who, by reason of his devotion to' his coun- try, barely escaped martyrdom, in company with the man who, among great Americans, is sec- ond only to Washington, - the immortal, Lin- coln. We see, also, in Madison Square, our own digniiedand capable Arthur, President- of the United States, and, near by, to remind us of the valuable acquisition the War with Mexico yielded, stands the beautiful monument to General Worth. Hard by, we see the bronze statue of the gallant Farragut, who fought his war-vessels from the shrouds of his Hagship, that he might better direct their movements. The literature produced in New

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, 33 completion of the Tunnel Road will open up a new era of prosperity in our history. I am sure the best wishes of all our people will be with Mr. McDonald, his associates, and subordinates, in car- rying on the work, and we confidently trust that at an early day he will bring to a successful comple- tion this great public improvement. I am permitted to name but a few of the advan- tages, objects, incidents, and sentiments that appeal to the pride of loyal New Yorkers. Thousands must be left unmentioned. Bearing these things in mind, should not the citizen of our municipality, living under laws that hehas had a voice in mak- ing, when he thinks something has gone wrong, confidently file his complaint with the proper tri- bunal, and seek, without misgivings, those reme- dies the Constitution and laws are ample to give? When, Mr. President and gentleman, has ra charge of corruption 'or an accusation of crime been made, supported by competent evidence, where the guilty went unwhipped of justice? The Grand juries, before entering upon their duties, solemnly swear to present no person from envy, hatred, or malice, nor to leave any one unpresented through fear, favor, affection, or reward, or hope thereof, but to present all things truly, according to the best of their understanding. What does this imply? 'Honest thought and honest action, -the beacon-lights that guide men to prosperity and happiness, and municipalities to wealth, power, and glory. It is with these principles before them that our courts undertake the responsible duties of administering the civil and criminal laws. I-Iow well they have succeeded,.let others tell, who are best calculated to judge. At a recent gathering of