The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-02-23
LEAGUE ISLAND.

An Important Messnge of the Mayor to Ooau-
cIIs-The Federal Authorities Dereiict "A Nc
spectful Protest.
This afternoon Mayor Fox sent the following
message to Councils:-
Impressed with deep sense OF public duty, ad
dress yen this communication asking your serious
attention to what seems to me to be a marked over
sight by the Federal authorities OF the object and
purposes so recognized and approved by them, OF
the muni1cent gilt made 10y the city Of Philadelphia
acting, too as IL did from high patriotic motiye)
to the General Government for a large navy yard
and naval manufacturing establishment This do
main, when rendered was carefully examined aud
tested by competent aud skilled engineers aud scien-
tihc men, appointed by the United States Govern
ment for this purpose, and it vas recommended by
them as one OF the best sites not only for navy
yard and naval depot, but also emineDtly well To-
Gated for a safe harbor and anchorage for almost
any number or vessels OF war as could be found any
where, which reeOmme ndatOn was approved by the
Hon. the Secretary Of the Navy.
This very large property was purchased by the
city of Philadelphia at cost of over 100000 for the
purpose, and presented as gift to the Federal
Government and promptly accepted by them,
with the distinct understanding whether expressed
or implied, still so mutually understoodl that steps
should be taken at an early day to have the old Navy
Yard at Front and Federal streets, covering several
acres OF ground for many years barrier to the eX-
city, disposed OF, and the establishment removed to
League Island, where there should be created a
navy yard and Daval manufacturing depot of such a
character and magnitude as, in view OF its prOXhn
ty TO the immense coal and iron deposits of our
State its facilities for obtaining not only all other
material, but also any number Of skilled workmen
In any department OF labor and mechanic art from
the largest manufacturing community on the CONT
nent, as our city is justly acknowledged to be, as
would be consistent with the wants and dignity of
the Government; and yet, with the exception of
the Federal authority entering into the possession
of League Island and storing there year after year,
a considerable number Of vessels of war; not single
step has been taken to carry out the understanding
entered into by them at the time OF their acceptance
OF this gift.
League Island, at this time, remains in precisely
the same unimproved condlon it was in before the
ownership was vested in the General Government;
and with this additional serious disadvantage TO u.s.
that jurisdiction over the same having passed out
of the State and city authorities, we are debarred
from the collection OF any taxes therefrOm aud
also from making any improvements through this
place-such as the extension of that magnificent
thoroughfare Broad street, down to the river, the
establishment Of public ferry its water front,
and the construction of wharves for mercantile pur-
poses and the like. Besides the old Navy Yard at
Front and Federal streets continues in operation
tnere TO the great disadvantage Of the public inte-
rests by of inability TO open streets through
the same; and this, too Notwithstanding repeated
efforts on the part OF the representatives in Con-
gress from this city and State to procure the neces-
sary appropriations, and have the agreement that
was made carried out In good faith.
1t therefore seems to me that to allow this condi-
ton OF affairs to continue without making at least
some respectful protest on the part of the City ar-
thOrties, would be to offer those who are charged
with the direction of its affairs to the just reflection
OF their fellow citizens andI accordingly suggest to
your honorable bodies the propriety OF considering
what steps to be taken the part OF the
city of Philadelphia, through its constituted author
ties to procure at the hands Of Congress that recog
milton which, IL Justice and right belong to existing
obligations on the part OF the Federal authorities In
connection with the acceptance OF the gift OF League
Island for said purposes of navy yard and naval
manufacturing depot, will be granted, and the con.
current removal thereto OF the old navy yard al
Front and Federal streets. Very respectfully,
DANIEL nj. Fox, MayOr.