The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-05-07

proceedings which are attended with a certain
degree Of unpopularity amongst an influential
class of voters, and il the police authorities
throw a dsmper upon them, it is evident that
the efforts of no single individual, no matter
how well intentioned, can succeed in extirpating
nuisances thus carefully fostered
The TROUBLE ABOUT WASHINGTON MARKET
Another beautiful example of the mischief
accruing from Albany interference with the
government of this city is to be seen in the late
action of the State authorities in leasing to
two individuals that portion of Washington
market lying between Dey and Vesey streets,
West street and the North river which is now
causing so much trouble among the market
men, and will no doubt involve the city in
heavy law expenses. This land was filled in by
the city at a great expense, some years ago. and
has since then been rented out by the City In
spector, and the rents regularly collected by
bis clerk. The income from the property
which is leased for docks and piers as we'll as
for market purposes-has not been far short of
100000 year, yet the State has leased the
whole of it for the ensuing year to these two
parties for $4,000.
Our Albany correspondent gives the
view of the question entertained at the
State capital. 1t is suggested that the
Corporation should not contest their claim,
hut should wait patiently until the next
session of the Legislature, when, it is said, the
title will certainly be granted to them, as this
new lease was made merely to test the question
of title as between the State and the city. Mean
time the lessees would of course pocket the
difference between $1,000 and $60,000-s nice
sum to make out of one job No matter in which
party the title properly vests this is corrupt
arrangement, and we hope the Corporation will
not acquiesce in it, but will defend their alleged
rights stoutly, and test the question in that way.
1t is a serious inconvenience to the dealers in
the market to be circumstanced as they are now
between the claims Of the new lessees, who insist
op making them take out leases from themselves,
and those of the City Inspector, who demands
bis weekly rents. The market men have, how
ever, resolved to consider the Corporation title
good, and to pay their rents as formerly until
The dispute is settled by the courts. 1t appears
that the Mayor and Corporation Counsel
promise to defend the title Of the city, and we
hope they will do so promptly, and let us have
an understanding as to how the matter lies
The property is worth million dollars at least
covering as it does ninety-two city lots; and
after all the money which has been expended
upon it by our taxpayers it should not be
allowed to pas out Of the hands Of the city if
legal title can be established.
The mode in which this lease was granted to
two parties by the State confirms the suspicion
that there is corruption at the bottom of it.
Why was the property not advertised to be let
by contract, either in lots or in bulk, so that
every one would have chance to compete for
it? Instead Of that. no one heard word about
it until the market men got notice all at once
to take out new leases from these two gentle
men. 1t looks bad.