The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-03-26

PUBLIC PARKs.-f there is any one thing
which is wanted to make complete the attrac-
tions and comforts of our city, it is large,
commodious park-one in which the air circu-
lates free and uncontaminated by the dust Of
crowded thoroughfares and turmoil Of city
life
There is now bill before the Legislature in
regard to such park, either in the centre or
on the eastern side of the city, where sites are
offered fitted by nature with all the charms of
a rural retreat for our citizens. The proposed
jones' Wood Park has within it large forest of
trees, it is sufficient in length and BREADTH the
East river rolls on one side of it, and in
the summer time the sea breeze redo
lent with the perfumes of Long Island, fans it
and fingers through its shades. 1t is undula-
ting, its soil is fertile, it has enough of the ro
mantle, in short it would be resort for reverie
and comfort. The only objection we have to
this park is, it is too much on one side of the
city, and not SO well calculated by locality to
benefit all classes as the Central Park. It
would answer very well if no preferable site
were to be had. But the Central Park is
equally as well favored by nature as the Jones'
Wood, and is more desirable because of being
situated in the heart of the city.
This project has had its opposition in the Legis-
lature, and indeed, what good project has not.
Many attempts have been made, an every means
resorted to, to destroy or annul the bill Great
ing this park. This opposition cannot be ac-
counted for, except it be that some private in
terest is to be served, or by the fact that there
are always class to be found ready to oppose
any measure which has not for its direct object
dollars and cents There appears to be some of
this class now at Albany, who seek to kill the
project of this park. They can see no benefit
in a measure that is not connected with money
the main spring of their being and action. They
esteem man for what he passes on Change
they meet him here and there as they would
bank note of good or doubtful currency-they
live and move q sort Of material substance, and
jingle into the grave like specie into the vault.
Talk to such as these till doomsday about pub
lie parks, the wants of the people, the beauties
Of nature, the perfume Of flowers, pure air, and
delightful scenery, and they will answer You
by speaking of houses and lots, rise and fall in
real estate, bills of expense, loss and gain, in
come and outgoes. They have no appreciation
of feelings or tastes above this, and if they
could have their will, they would tear off the
ornaments of our public buildings, turn our
monuments into paving stones, plough up the
grave of Washington for potato patch, and
would have turned the Charter Oak and PENIS
Treaty tree into saw logs and shingles. There
is no use arguing against such natures.
We have only to say in support of this mea
sure, that we are sadly in want of some large
public park, and there is no spots in the city SO
well calculated for the purpose as the proposed
Central Park or Jones' Wood. The largest
cities in Europe have as much pride, and per-
haps more in their fine public squares and
pleasure grounds, as they have in their public
buildings and commercial resources. The
Phoenix Park of Dublin, Hyde and Regents
Parks of London, the Champ de Mars and Ely
sees of Paris, and the other grand parks of
Europe, have been long celebrated in prose and
song. Why should we be behind these cities in
this respect? five compete with them success
fully in all that creates wealth and power, why
not in all that exalts the tastes and promotes
comfort? Our present squares would answer
very well for house yards and private resi-
dences. but none of them are fitted for public
grounds.
The proposed Central Park, without much
expense, could be laid out into walks roads and
avenues-it might be adorned with gardens,
sculpture, and fountains, and then our tired and
pent up citizens need moi be compelled to go
away from New York to Hoboken, Jersey City,
Greenwood, Staten Island, and other places, to
catch breath of pure air. and the sweets of
spring and summer. The rich and pure alike
need this natural retreat, and taste, refinement
and health all demand it. Either the Central
Park or Jones' Wood let us have.