The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-02-21

demand such step from him.
UP Town IMPROvEMENTs-CENTRAI. PARK SPE-
CuIArIoN.-In another column will be found
communication deprecating the extravagant
prices paid for building lots in the vicinity of
the Central Park. 1t states that the region
of ground from the Fourth to the Ninth ave-
nue., and from Fifty fourth street to Harlem,
is at present the most unhealthy part of
Manhattan Island, no unacclimated person being
able to live there three successive months with
out having the fever and ague. To bring the
land within those limits into fit state for peo-
pie to live in will, the writer thinks, take at
least ten years, and then at an expense of thou
sand dollars lot for opening, grading, tagging
and sewering the streets and avenues.
Surprising that there was no exaggeration in
these calculations-whch there Enthusiastically
is-the prospect would not deter people from
investing in the localities referred to.
The neighborhoods Of great parks will
always form exceptions to the conditions which
govern the value of property elsewhere So
many private persons, preferring such neighbor-
hoods, enter the field of competition with specu-
lators, that land there must always fetch higher
prices than in more closely inhabited quarters.
But the vicinity of such an immense space of
open and cultivated ground as the Central Park,
is in itself guarantee against the sanitary OBJ
jections taken by our correspondent to the dis
trict in question. When the works in the
Park are completed, it will probably be found
| that the miasmatic evils of which he COM
| plains will be in great measure removed, and
that comparatively small assessment on the
property owners will complete the drainage
necessary to bring tup to the healthy level of
other neighborhoods.
The conclusions to which our correspondent
would bring us are that the Central Park is both
present and prospective nuisance, and that in
time the sober second thought of our citizens
will induce them to curtail, if not abolish it, But
few, we think, will be inclined to agree with him
in these opinions. Leaving aside the healthy in
fuence which the Park is certain to exercise on
the physical and moral habits of our city popu-
lation, there are other and nearly as important
considerations which may be urged in its favor.
In the first place, it distributes over the whole
surface Of the island the population which would
otherwise be concentrated within its southern
limits. Thus, above the Park itself, and in the
most delightful and healthy part of the island, new
neighborhoods will be created composed
for the most part of the residences of our
wealthy citizens, and of picturesque ham
d. lets and villages-an forming charming
places of suburban resort. The drives from
these elegant country retreats through the Park
to the business portion of the city will be de-
lightfully refreshing. Besides these advan-
tages, it may, with truth, be urged that the Cen
trail Park imparts the most powerful impetus that
can be given to the general improvement of the
city, and advances its progress at ratio which
it otherwise could never attain. By inducing
the expenditure of large amounts Of unemployed
capital, employing vast numbers of the poor,
who would otherwise be charge upon the pub
lie bounty, and giving to New York the dstinc-
tive features Of great metropolis, it will have
done more than the Legislation of half century
to promote the happiness, the we'll being, and the
prosperity of our citizens.
To insure, however, the enjoyment of the
direct benefits which this noble work is intended
to confer, some steps yet remain to be taken, the
urgency of which the last report of the commits
sioners points out We allude to the establish
ment of efficient police regulations for the safe
conservation of the public property and of pub
lie order within its precincts. The Park will
be almost valueless without these precautions.
To be sure, the constant passing through the
Park Of the carriages of those who reside north
of it will greatly tend to keep the grounds free
OF many improprieties but with our present
inadequate police force it is evident that
no rules that can be devised can be proper
ly and fully carried out We therefore
call upon the Legislature to ensure. not only
by the passage Of the most stringent enactments,
but by competent police force, the accomplish
ment OF these objects. The popularity which the
skating ponds have given to the Park during the
present season is a sufficient evidence of the i'm.
mense numbers that will resort there when all
Its other features are completed To keep down
rowdyism, to compel the observance of decency,
and to protect the trees and other property from
destruction, Will require not only the severest
legislation, but sufficient body of policemen to
enforce it. Our representatives would do well
to take these matters at once into their considera
ton so as to be prepared for any of the eventu-
alities that will arise with the growth and pro-
gress OF the Park. A great public benefit like
this must not be neutralized Or damaged in its
character from the absence of the safeguards
with which it is necessary to surround it.
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The ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH ONCE MoRE.-We
learn from St Johns that Mr.. Henley. Chief
Electrician of the Atlantic Cable Company. has
arrived there with batteries and instruments to
commence operations on the cable at this end of
the line. Mr. Henley, it will be re,ne,nherod