The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-11-03
CITY IMPROVEMENTS.
Meeting Of the Brennan Society-Pro Bono
PubiicS--A Grand Parade Ground Called

Meeting Of the Brennan Society-Pro Bono
PubiicG--A Grand Parade Ground Called
for. ......
The Brennan Society, organized In 1867, with The
obectof increasing the prosperity of New York and
adding 10 the health and wealth OF all It's people,
held II meeting last evening at Lion Park, Ninth
avenue and 1loh street. There were 500 people
present, consisting of merchants property owners
In the vicinity, aud laborers Of the district to the
north Of Contra! Park.
The President, JAMES I. KING. called the meeting
to order, and opened by saying:-rhe object Of this
meeting is to take into consideration the wants OF
the people. AT our last meeting those wants were
presented. Many OF you heard the statement then
made and Will not need TO hear it repeated.
A series OF resolutions ware Introduced by Mr.. J.
w. Pierson, and were referred to the committee for
consideration.
The President then introduced General viele, who
was received with cheers.
General VlELE paid high compliment to the
Board OF Engineers III The departments OF Public
Works and Pubic Docks. He then spoke OF the
Central Park ana Jones' Wood schemes OF years
ago. both OF which he was interested IN because
they offered breathing place to those OF The
1t. tie had been astonisbed by the amount
OF water accumulated upon the island, and
for Conveying away lie naa esen mora asoa
isned at the evidence OF a gray-halred physician,
volunteered when fifteen years ago, he surveyed
the underground water courses OF the city, that he
could trace them by the cases OF lever along their
courses, and, the speaker added .sbud a palace
costly and rich as you may along these water.
courses, and you will have sickness and death for
guests IN your house" Years ago Indians nshcd
in the water cou ses Of the city, and tho
space now occupied by brick was the place
OF luxurious vegetation. The water courses
have been blocked backened by man,
and they now breed pestiience and death.
The vegetation has disappeared and the natural laws
OF the circulation OF organic matter being disturbed,
hurl back the breath or man, so nonrsllng to the
trees IN the form or poison and death 70 hulself.
Letters were read FROM General g. 3. Mcclellan,
Judge Hilton, william b. Astor Horace Greeley and
Others
Captain WILEY said-I have been asked to speak
to you. / have heard the vans OF the people ex-
pressed and ! nave been asked to suggest other
wants. have been long struck with the absolute
want Of public parade ground commensurate with
the needs or the militia and the people We
have found IN bloody times-thank God
gone by--that the militia could save the honor
OF the nation. Yet, last q prominent regi-
ment was compelled To seek Prospect Park, Brock
lyn, for place to parade. think this Is much like
a man borrowing ten cents from his little brother
We must have parade ground III the city OF New
York. which will be big enough to drill our troops
upon, and will not bellttle our greatness.
Mr.. FIELD said am hardly able TO speak 10 you
tonight, coming, as do, from days nard Oic,ai
labor. Yet wish 10 say, in respect TO the speech
General Egbert H. Viele, that am well aware OF the
Justice Of his claim to be te protector OF the plan
which Central Park was laid out, and know how
well he sustained that claim In the courts. / am
also well OF the unceasing efforts he has made
for the Improvement OF the city In every part.
In regard To Captain Wiley's remarks touching a
parade ground, l would say. az candidate for
office, that VIII support project for d parade
ground. no matter how large.
The meeting adjourned AMID great applause.