The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-04-18

generauy.
The New ADDITION TO THE CENTRAL. PARK
The Central Park amendment act which has
just passed the Legislature adds to the park
the whole Of the ground lying between 1O6th
and 10th streets, to the extent of it's la
teral limits. This is a very important &C
cession to the features of natural interest
which will distinguish this magnificent en-
closure The highest ground within the range
of the park or its vicinity is that which is COM
prised in the new addition, and it commands ex-
tensive views in all directions the park itself
lying mapped out beneath it within complete
scope of the eye. AS it is composed for the
most part of immense beds of rock, the excava.
ton Of which for building would lead to an enor-
nous outlay, it would probably have been long
before it would have been turned to account
The Legislature has therefore acted wisely in
appropriating it to purpose which, without en-
failing much additional expense, will contribute
greatly to the natural beauty and attractiveness
Of the park. The heights comprised within the
added limits will offer choice of fine sites for
the new observatory. There is not spot on the
island, with the exception of Washington Heights,
which presents the same extensive range of view.
If, in addition to the scientific requirements of
that building, exterior galleries are provided for
the accommodation Of visiters, the observatory
hill" will become one of the most attractive and
favorite resorts in the park
THE FINAL SETTLEMENT OF THE ANTIRENT
LITIGArIoN-The anti-rent litigation, which has
been pending so many years, is settled at last
settled finally and defnitively by the Court of
Appeals confirming the claims of the PATRONS
This is the last vestige of the old feudalism of
Europe introduced into this State, and for very
many years it has been a constant source of agi-
tation and disturbance, sometimes threatening to
involve portion Of our State in civil war.
Now that the questions at issue are settled
legally, we trust they will also be settled ami
cably, and in conformity with the spirit of the
constitution and the freedom and usages Of
this great republic, whose prosperity lie based
upon the wide distribution of land By
our present laws the system of feudal tenures
is abolished and the allodal tenure is sub
stltuted-that is, tenure held Independent
OF lord paramount. The word "patroon" Is of
Dutch origin, and in this country is confined to
the State Of New York, where it was given to
the first Dutch proprietors of certain tracts of
lands, with feudal or immortal privileges, and
descending with the property to the eldest son.
This is abolished for the future, and with 1t the
law Of primogeniture, which is the greatest Of all
sources of evil to the people in England, Ireland
and other countries of Europe But the consti-
tuition did not touch the existing interests of the
PATRONS
While the cases in controversy we're still pend
ing, the plaintiffs offered 10 compromise them on
liberal terins Now that they have the matter
their own way, we trust they will sell their
interest to the tenants at moderate rate. For
merly the rents Of this property were payable
:" in Kind" or by portion of the crop, as they
are in France. When the anti-renters resisted,
they ceased to pay either In kind or in money.
That the PATRONS would be ultimately sustained
every person acquainted with our laws and in
situations must have foresoen. Vested rights
held by local laws have never been disturbed by
The Revolution; thai would be an admission Of
the unjust principle Of cy post Jacto laws The