The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-06-23

saAap Of Alneanfn.

The Churca street Kxtenslen swindle Begins
20 speak-A ssNice Little Gane'' Spoiled.
This Board was to have assembled yesterday AFTER
noon ct two O'Clock, but at that time there not
more than eight or nine members present, although
the ''third house" was fully represented. BY de-
grees, however, the number OF members was in
creased and by the time the dry work Of calling the
roll and reading the minutes had been concluded
and papers introduced mad been disposed OF there
were members enough present to make appr0priar
tons, and so the work commenced. lengthy petit
ton from one Of the property holders affected by the
Church street extension swindle was handed in
and read. The petition, after great deal Of
circumlocution, prays that the Board may
appropriate the sum of $721so 10 the petitioner as
that amount had been awarded by the commits
siOners OF estimate and assessment to him for hi
property los Liberty street. This matter is, no
doubt, simply the fOrerunner OF many similar petit
lions, and before great while the citizens may be
enabled to perceive how heavily they will be
mulcted by this immense fraud, and those upon
whom the Onus of the tax must fall will, no doubt
bless the gentleman from the Nineteenth ward,
through whose efforts the attempt to kill OF the
sion for the swamping and sweeping tax on down
town property was frustrated by burying the resolu
ton calling for legislative interference in the matter
centre The petition alluded to was referred to the
Committee on Street Openings, with whom any ar
rangements that are needed may be accomplished.
number of resolutions were adopted relating
chiefly to the laying OF cr0sswalks granting perIns-
sion for erecting water tanks and directing the paving
of number OF streets with Belgian pavement among
which is included Maiden ane from Broadway to
East river White street is to be paved according to
resolution, with the Brown Miller wooden pave
ment. resolution directing the purchase of a new
stand OF cOlors for the First brigade OF cavalry
adopted, after which q very neat arrangement by
the gentleman from the uptown "deestreakn was
pushed forward and almost showed through without
notice. The title of the paper only was read and it
purpOrted to be resolution giving to the Comp
troller power to make some necessary arrangement
in regard to certain lands in the Nineteenth ward.
The paper came from the Finance Committee
and the vote was taken, when Alderman Norton
said he would like to know little more
about the NATTER and moved a reconsideration Of
the vote. This acted block before the wheel,
which was gliding along 30 smoothly as to suggest
the idea that there was plenty of "grease' some
where One member suggested that the paper was
q report OF the Finance Committee, but unfortu-
nately there was no report attached; then 1t was
sent up, as the committee wished to be discharged
from further consideration Of the paper;' but there
was nothing to show that the committee had given
it any consideration whatever. Then 1t was stated
that Alderman Norton had voted in favor OF the reso
luton, and he explained that he had just come In as
the title was read and without thinking at all had
voted; but on second thought he deemed 1t best to
know what the resolution meant, and 80 called for q
reconsideration I in order that the paper might be
very dOggedly strOking his beard and pulling his un-
derlip but said nothing. Alderman Norton was stub
born, and pressed his motion TO reconsider, which
was carried The reading was called for, and it
showed-through several pages Of claw cap'' well
stocked with "saids' and "aforesaids" and other
legal blnders-that certain resident OF the Nine
teenth ward wants to get possession Of certain strips
Of land adjoining some property said to belong to
him Seventyttrs street, Fourth avenue, and
the Comptroller was directed to make the arrange
ment. Alderman Norton, still retaining the floor,
moved "tO refer the paper back to the committee,
and let them show why the city should be called
upon to give away any Of its property to parties who
may desire it.. II the city wishes to dispose OF the
land in question, which may be worth some thou
sands Of dollars it should be disposed Of in the usual
wayput up at auction; and If this petitioner wants
1t badly let hun bid for it, and let 1t be Knocked
down to the highest bidder" The Alderman who
offered the resolution knows very well how property
is usually disposed Of and such barefaced attempt
to give away foot OF the vested property OF
the city should and doubtless will receive the hearty
condemnation of all right minded citizens. The up
setting Of this "grindng stOne'' sOmewha dlscon
certed the Board and it shortly after adjourned until
Monday next at two =. NJ. tr q.a