The New York herald., 1876-09-10
REBUILDING CASTLE GARDEN.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM TO PER-
FORM TIE WORK "A SUBJECT OF INQUIRY
FOR THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE SINKING
FUND.
1t seems that the Commissioners of Emigration
before any dene conclusion has been reached by the
proper city authorities their being permitted to
continue at the Battery have commenced to rebuild
that portion Of Castle Garden burned down few
months since. 1t is understood that contracts have
been awarded for this purpose, and may therefore,
expect short time the appearance of unsightly
structure composed OF materials liable AT any moment
TO be again destroyed by fire. II may be matter that
requires explanation as to how means have been found
to carry out the design in question, for it is not likely
that any parties would be willing perform work for
utterly bankrupt corporation. When the United
States Supreme Court decided tnat the collection of
head enigrants by individual States was uncon
stitutonal tho expenses OF the Board were largely in
excess of it's income In getting every day
deeper into debt, and its only hope Of relief
was in the passage o! bill to increase
the commutation from 81 so to 81 30 Tor each alien
passenger arriving at this port The enactment of
that measure of course became useless and without
financial aid from some quarter the Commissioners
would be obliged to suspend operations. Ihey sue
ceeded however, in obtaining an appropriation OF
5000 600 from The Legislature TO be paid IN twelve
monthly instalments, but 1t was prov1ed that IN the
United assuming control oil
affairs before the year expired these payments
were to cease. 1t may be stated that the sum men,
toned is inadequate 10 support the Refuge and other
Institutions on Wards IsiaGd and tho landing depot,
ana certainly leaves no margin Tor expenditures tor
rebuilding at Castle Garden. The only money at the
DISPOSAL of the Commissioners OF Emigration is that
coming out OF the state treasury, which has been col
ieccd taxation on the people OF the State at large
The law reou res that shall not be used Tor
auy other purpose whatever than 10 meet the actual
requirements oil the current" business Of the Board
Putting up editices the Battery cannot be
nulo ~ n.1 ~
case justice the sck and ndigsnt emigrants
entitled to caro- aud maintenance by law would re-
Quire n different course
There Is only one source from which means could be
obtained that ght he employ ed Tor building purposes
The burned premises were insured but as the property
desroye owned by the city ana not by the Coui-
mssoners the amounts paid on the policies, though
coming into the hands OF the latter, cannot be re-
garded AS properly belonging TO them Ii IL was con-
siuee ed necessary to restore the old structures the
matter Tor the Sinking Fund Commissioners TO
determine not Tor tenants largely IN arrears for
rent, ana who have not the barest prospect OF ever
being able to nay either what is now due or rents
that may accrue in the future. In tins view OF the
affair the course OF the Commissioners oil Emigration
presents strange aspect The public interests further
require the removal OF the landing depot from Castle
Garden One oi the brightest, most attractive and
neatnest rks IN the city rendered almost value
less Tor the purposes IL was ntcndcd by beng made
the o runners and unscrupuous characters OF
all kinds, while AZ the same time many other eligible
places can be readily found for the sale
OF passengers falling under the care OF the State author
tiles The resolutions offered by Recorder Hackett at
IA late meeting OF the Sinking Fund Commissioners,
urging action the promises ON behalf o the public,
anu the movement n the Board of Aldermen requiring
Mr. REILLY another member, to cooperate with
HIM, is TO be hoped Will have the effect
OF putting stop 10 the proposed work on
the Battery and Lead inquiry
to the disposition OF any moneys received from insur
ance companies ON account of the late tire. IL would
appear clear that compensation Is due the or
buildings Tor damage to or destruction OF them, and
not tenants. under such circumstances Among tho
heaviest liabilities of the Commissioners Of Emigration
is the due the counties OF the State for
the support OF sick and indigeut aliens. They
bound by statute to pay out OF the commutaton fund
these debts as they became due, but this duty
neg when their affairs in prosperous
condition. A member of the Board has been to
the Conference o Charities, now in session at sara
.oga, with tho object. no doubt, OF demonstrating
that he existence the former necessary for the
good of emgrauis, aud that tho elccnosynary nsttu.
The interior should become Resigned TO the loss
OF their Just share OF the head tax The New York
Com issioners OF Charities ana Correction not o
this way OF thinking. They have commenced action
against the Board of Emigration Tor $35, 0Ou These
facts mentioned additional evidence OF the
piee insolvency of the present occupants OF Castle
Garden and the entire absence OF right their part
persist in maintaining an cyesorc ON Battery PARK.