The New York herald., 1868-06-30


It has become an insuferable nuisance, this
encroachment Of the city thoroughfares by
architects and bricklayers and masons-an en-
croachment which is in open defiance of muni-
cipal law, and, it may be added, of common de-
cency. Upon what ground Of right, we demand
to know, does man about to putup or repair q
building appropriate to himself one-half or two
thirds of street, as is not unfrequently the
case, to the discomfort Of those who chance to
reside or transact business in the neighbor-
hood, to the obstruction of commerce, the hurt
of horses, the injury of vehicles and Ghe most
important but least considered of alD the
health of the community?
We have noticed. that builders, as a rule,
make it point to obstruct those avenues most
where the passage of vehicles is greatest as If
they took malicious pleasure in putting every
person they can possibly reach to the utmost
Inconvenience. We do not pretend to say that
the seeming discourtesy is premeditated; but
we do insist that the people would not be 80
outraged in their rights, both public and pri-
vate, if a little forethought were exercised-H
the Street Commissioner sternly forbade, ex-
cept for temporary purposes, any encroach-
ment upon the roadways that were prepared
for the use and enjoyment of all and the mo-
nopoly of none.
There are many places in this city where
the streets are unnecessarily and therefore
inexcusably blocked, to the very great dis
comfort of those who are necessitated to pass
through them. Among the number-and we
here cite it as an example of all-is the obstruc
ton of Fifth avenue near Fiftieth street.
Several buildings are in course of erection in
the neighborhood and the builders, instead Of
causing the mortar to be mixed and the bricks
piled in the capacious cellars of the new
structures, have actually appropriated to their
use about two-thirds of the roadway and the
sidewalk on its westerly side for nearly the
distance of block On this space, and,
indeed, encroachng on the narrow pavement
over which vehicles are compelled to pass, are
piled hillocks of sand and mortar, noun
tains of stones and bricks and debris of every
kind. At almost any hour of a pleasant after
noon liam" may there be witnessed, caused
by carriages going to or returning from the
Park; and while those employed on the build
ings look quietly on and ''enjoy the sport
vehicles are smashed, horses cut and some
times seriously injured, ladies frightened almost
into hysterical fits, while children, not under
standing the cause of the uproar and the vitu-
perative speeches that. are hurled by drivers
and gentlemen at the Instructors, and at each
other, add to the general alarm by their out
cries and their helplessness.
Now, we ask has any man right thus to
monopolize the public ways? II the Street
| Commissioner will not cause the ordinances Of
the city to be duly and rigidly enforced we
ask the Police Commissioners, in the interest of
humanity, to interpose their authority and at
once and for the future decide to whom the
streets belong-whether 20 the people or to the
builders of houses.
PROPOSED TAXATION OF INTEREST ON Gov
ERNMRNT BONDS. "A resolution was offered in
the House yesterday by Mr.. Cobb, of Wiscon-
\ Al. Uo,v COmmittpQ