Mid-nineteenth century New York City, as described by George Templeton Strong in his diary, is comparable in complexity to the city today. Persisting through the centuries was the everyday struggle between right and wrong, clash between the social classes, religious tension, and a surprising tenacity for life when all odds were against it. Regardless of how timeless Strong’s account of the city may be, there are qualities about New York that have drastically changed.
New York strives for perfection, yet it is especially difficult to find a common goal amongst such a diverse group of people as those that inhabit it. Perhaps a predecessor in thought to E.B. White, Strong points out that the city struggles to exist every day. He states, “Can a community maintain itself long without revolution, being so utterly wanting in perception of the difference between night and morning?” (213). The writer documents numerous calamities that plague the city, such as fires, disease, murders, riots, and economic hardship. Nobody is safe and even the wealthy can become desolate. Though life is unpredictable, it somehow thrives in this volatile environment. In describing the rapidly growing households in southern Brooklyn, Strong writes, “each is an epitome of human life within each shabby domicile” (209). Supporting life, vigor, innovation, and progress has always been the job of this great city. With ample opportunities, it continues to attract millions of people from around the world.
Also evident in George Templeton Strong’s diary is his rebellious spirit. Reminiscent of colonial times, his writing shows his utter distrust in the government and high regard for the strict observance of law. Though he initially respects Mayor Wood, he later writes, “He becomes the more popular for his courage in taking the responsibility of action unsupported by precedent and statute. So rise dictators in degenerate commonwealths” (199). He is fearful that the empowered mayor may abuse his authority and look beyond the laws, as he did when dealing with prostitution. Many New Yorkers have had a cynical outlook on their government officials throughout the centuries. We aren’t a group of people that can easily look the other way when something strange is happening before our noses. We always question the ethics of new laws and predict the consequences. But have we, as a city, lost our ability to ask if the actions of our representatives are constitutional? Do we uphold the law above all else or have we developed blind faith in our favorite officials?
