The New York herald., 1873-02-16

mere has been . good deal Of discussion In
Brooklyn In regard to the proposed consohdaton
sf New York and Brooklyn The action OF the CON-
nnattee which met at Mr.. s. b. Chttehden' 'shouse
70 consider this important project ana tne views
sf Mr. j. &. T. Stranahan, as published IN last sun
Aav,s HERALD have been much cauvassed by cltl-
xens OF Brooklyn. Yesterday HERALD reporter
called on some OF the most prominent residents OF
phe City of Churches to ascertain their views on
she subject. Mr.. Cyrus p. Smith, ex-Mayor OF
BROOKLYN and present managing director OF the
FULTON ferry was first called upon and asked If he
we're in favor OF the project.
Mr. SMIrH-I have always been in favor OF 1t. /
proposed to consolidate the two cities when was
In the Legislature some years ago. have written
for the bill ana should be glad to have you read it,
Some people seem to think that the debt of New
York 10 too great. but the debt Of Brooklyn quite
o. great in proportion to Its property.
REPORTER-Would the consolidation have
favorable eject the purity OF our local govern
mentf
Mr. sNITH-wen, we should have but one Com
mon Council and should be for giving it none but
Legislative powers. think the Aldermen ought to
have no salaries. As 1t is now men get $1,000
year who never could have earned $780, You can
get good and honest for the office If it is not
paid one.
regard to the consultations
Mr.. SMITH-Of late have not conversed much
about it, but, as far as can judge, think the
feeling is decidedly
IN FAVOR OF ANNEXATION.
People can plainly that it would add to the
value OF real estate in Brooklyn. There are good
many men OF wealth who don't want 20 be known
rs living '.out OF New York;" and these men in
many instances sell out and go to New York.
REPoRTER-WOuld the ferries still remain private
property
Mr.. SMITH-No, think that as soon as the two
cities are united the ferries should be run Free at
public expense. The ferries should be owned and
run by the two cities AS to the bridge, 1t will
have to be tree bridge il it shall ever be finished
built and owned by the two cities. There can be
individual enterprise about it; 1t will never be
made TO pay the interest on the capital.
REPORTER-Would the shore property OF Brook
1yn become more vauableY
Mr.. SMITH, suppose, if there would be any
tual benefit in this respect, 1t would be IN regard
10 the shore property. You see, every vessel that
comes here is consigned to New York, and If they
come here they come by permission after having
gone to New York. l have seen it stated that the
progress of Williamsburg has been retarded by its
consolidation with Brooklyn. That's a funny idea.
think that is the only thing which has given
LIFE AND ENERGY
70 Williamsburg. Brooklyn never gained anything
bylt.
REroRrER-Doy you anticipate any increase in the
Mr. SMiTH-Yes / think the population OF Brook
lyn would be very much increased If the project
should be carried out. Make the bridges and fer
ries free, and my opinion IL there would hardly be
room on Long Island ior the population. ! think II
New York retains its present limits and II the bridge
and ferries Free Brookyn's population will, in
time, become greater than that OF New York. The
increase would come rom ALI parts OF the world
y would be the natural increase OF Brooklyn
i'm
government
Mr. sMITH-oh, OF course it would be much
cheaper We need not have two Mayors and two
Boards OF Aldermen, one would be enough nor
would there be different sets OF stealings, one
would, undoubtedly make this the greatest city in
the world is to ill up the East River from the
Navy Yard to Governors Island The land gained
by filing 1t up would pay for
TBB EXPENSE
ten times over. They would build on 1t as they do
RBpoRTER-would the name Brooklyn sink into
oblivion If the two cities were to be unitedS
Mr. SMTH-No; not necessarily. There would
still be Brooklyn Just as there is still Harlem.
You would speak Of "Brookyn" just as you do OF
more of O metropolitan air. This . small
place OF n, 600 inhabitants when | came here. Had
the two cities been united long ago Brooklyn
would now be larger place than IL Is. Its future
increase depends greatly on cheap, safe and quick
tntercommunication
REPORTER--Apd In regard TO the Register office,
Surr0gate's ONCE, &c.S
Mr.. SMITH-They would have to be retained
mere, as proposed In the Dill tnat submitted 10
the Legislature. 1t would be to all ntents
federal government.
REyoRrER-How soon win the consolidation be
Mr.. sMIrH-Oh, | don't know. l think it will be
accomplished within
TIE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
don't think there would be much difficulty in get
ting the bill through at Albany. There Is feeling
all over the State to make New York the largest
The reporter thanked Mr. Smith, and left to call
on Mr. Abiel A. Low, one OF the wealthiest resi-
.tAVt nf n M hl nfftaA q
Burning slip, and received the reporter with cor
diality He spoke with the reserve Of diplomat.
Mr.. Low-I shall be happy 10 converse with you:
nothing definite yet be said. | don't think
the people OF BROOKLYN have formed decided
ment The project has, doubtless, some advan-
tages; but think the persons who urge 1t most
REPoRrER-You do not favor the projects
Mr. Low-Wel, am rather an inquirer than one
whose view should be sought. But do not feel
assured that the consolidation of the two cities
would be
DESIRABLE OBJECT.
REPORTER-What are your obectionsY
Mr. Low with smilel-I should not like to 60
into particulars but one point is clear that the
tfe river. BROOKLYN is much New York as any
other part OF New York.
REPORTER-What Is the general sentiment of the
Brooklyn peopleY
Mr.. Low-I think that it is very much divided
generally can't tell you what the sentiments is.
I'll tell YOU what I'll do. III interview YOU " hat
ts the sentiment OF the Brooklyn peopleS
REPORTER-I don't know
Mr.. Low (seriously)--I myself don't think that
there are many advantages to be derived by such
a consolidation. OF course, IL the bridge were to
be built 1t would be better for Brooklyn-better
than II IL had taken an equal share In the expense
The Indebtedness Of New York Is no objection be-
cause our debt is not a small one or course, my
judgment is not at all matured; would not know
whether to vote
FOR OR AGAINST 1T.
All | have done so far was to sign petition asking
the Legislature to appoint a commission to con-
slider the matter.
The reporter left Mr.. A. A. Low to converse with
another member of the firm, Mr. Josiah Low, who
Is also prominent citizen OF Brooklyn. Mr.. Low
was very busy, but he stopped TO converse with
the HERALD representative Tor a few minutes.
MI. JOSIAH LOW think that the two cities will
eventually be united-their interests are so identi-
car that they win become one city by natural
gravltation am not so very sure that under one
government we should be so well cared ior as we
are now. | conldnf ton vnn nrhat Iha r,r.uaiiin.r