The New York herald., 1876-02-08
PURCHASING DOCK PROPERTY.

SHALL THE CITY ACQUIRE PER NO. A FOB
TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND Doll
LARS?
The Finance COMMITTEES OF tho Board OF Alderman.
consisting Of hessrS John Reilly, Morris, Coles, Cunt
zer ana Billings, held adjourned session Yesterday
'ernoon 20 take into further consideration the pur
chase OF pier "A North River by the citv for the
sum OF $3.50, ,0Oo resolution of Mr. Gross bad been
previously introduced In the Board OF Aldermen direct
ing the SINKING Fund commissioners to refuse their
sanction to such large expenditure Of nonav
Mr.. George W. Blunt made an address 70 the com.
mittee in opposition the purchase He commanded !,
doubtful to the authority of the Innan steam.
ship Company to give proper title. The State nos,
sesscd the power to build railroad outsids
OF the pier and could not be held liable for
damages TO tho city. Owing to the general
OF steam vessels dock property in this city had
decreased some sixty per cent. steamer OF 1000
tons could accomplish much ten sailing vessels Of
L 900 tons each 1t followed matter OF course that
ten ships would take up more room than one steam
ship. Twenty vacant berths existed between Hamilton
and Cathane ferries on the Brooklyn side OF the East
River. There wore also twenty 1--WE vacant berths on
the New York side between the Battery and Corlears
Hook The gentleman then asserted that the Dock
Department had already wasted So 900 900 and nothing
had been gained by the expenditure but pier at tho
Battery. which would probably be knocked to pieces
on the first collision with vessel When the wind
blew hard vessel could lie the southerly side OF
IL. He suggested the building Of bukheads alone.
Alter that piers might be erected at the request or re-
sponsiblc companies who might lease them at proha-
bic rentals
Alderman John Rcilly-Mr. Blunt, what do you sup
pose would be fair valuation for pier II
Mr. Blunt estimated the value at $10O, 900. pur-
chase by tho city would only consist in the acquisition
Of easement In his opinion, looking at the present
financial condition of the city, he thought bad policy
to make the purchase at any figure. The piers had
been extended too far into the by the Dock Com
missioners. We had Havomeyer aud Van Mort before
the Grand Jury on this point We also had Mayor
WIckham presented
Alderman John Reilly-Would not Mayor wickham
20 before the Grand Jurys
Mr.. Blunt-No He calls me a nuisance, and he may
be right (Laughter.)
Alderman Colos TO the reporterl-Put that down.
Mr. Bunt-Ycs; put that down. | am glad TO be
called a nuisance by such a man as Mayor Wickham.
have lived in this city since 1870 and have never yet
! seen such an Internally managed local government
Mr. II. n. Beers, from the Council OF Political Re
| form, followed Mr. Blunt He said the dock property
of New York city represented about ,647 building
! lots If they should be bought at the same rate
that proposed for pier "A they would cost $ 000 600
Dr. Schultz representing the German Taxpayers AS
socton also spoke the same side as his predeces-
sor
The Chairman OF the committee Alderman John
Reilly then stated il not necessary to hear any
| further arguments. The committee would report
against tho purchase. He had not come TO this con-
clusion any statements he heard during the two
sessions Just held but from what he had read in tho
newspapers. As one Of the Sinking Fund Commission
| he would cast his vote against the purchase.
All the members OF tho committee then agreed to re-
port back the Board in opposition to the scheme,
| when they adjourned The matter will now be taken
| up by the Commissioners Of the Sinking Fund.