The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-08-04
A Now Emigrant Depot.

A Now Emigrant Depot.
The destruction Of Castle Garden occurred
at time when a change in the location OF
the emigrant landing depot can be effected
without difficulty. The only drawback to
the Battery being, after Central Park, the
most delightful and healthful place OF resort
ip the city was the existence. of the depot
The State authorities, as is known, have
practically ceased to have the control and
care of aliens Immediately after disembark-
ing from foreign ports in New York. Sooner
or later that duty must be assumed by the
general government Castle Garden would,
therefore, in any event have to be abandoned
and surrendered to the city, from which it
is rented by the Commissioners of Emigra-
ton, and the United States will be at no
loss to find q suitable place for landing
depot fully as convenient and advantageous.
1t is not many years since the HERALD
advocated transfer from the Battery to
Bedloe's Island. Since then the recon-
mendation has met with much favor. 1t is
also contemplated the establishment of
landing depot at that point, and as it would
in nowise interfere with its value for harbor
defence in case of necessity there seems to
be no serious obstacle in the way of making
the change. If the change is made the emf
grants will be completely removed from oil
contact with the runners and agents, who
are always on the watch to plumber them,
and thus emigrants would be rendered en-
tirely secure from all outside imposition
until such time as they left for their destina-
tions. The situation is healthy, there is
abundant space for necessary accommoda-
tons and exercise, and the island is easy Of
communication with all the railroad depots
and steamboat landings. A large saving in
rent would be made, and in n general sense,
while the emigrants would in every way be
better cared for, the expenses of carrying on
the management and control Of this highly
important department of the public service
would be greatly reduced. At all events, as
the United States has hereafter to assume
the responsibility of guarding the interests
of emigrants Immediately after arriving, it
would seem only reasonable that as far as
possible the work be carried out on ground
such as Bedloe's Island, owned and exclu-
sively under the control of the federal gov
eminent. No objection could be urged
except on the part of those who would be
deprived Of opportunities for plundering, in
one shape or another, the inexperienced and
easily deceived strangers who pass from
Castle Garden into the city.
IA 10 hot - 81,
grants the transfer from Castle Garden
would be productive of substantial benefit.
While this would result on the one hand
the city would be great gamer on the other
in having restored beautiful park which
has been warmly praised by every distin-
guished stranger who has visited New York,
and it is not at all improbable that the Bat
terry would once more become favorite re-
sort for thousands who now hesitate to take
advantage of the fresh and invigorating
breezes that sweep over the Bay. The
grounds are very handsomely laid out
Trees, shrubbery and flowers abound, and
the long rows of benches, commanding a
view of the expanse of water dotted with
islands and shipping are certainly attrac-
tions of q rare kind. Castle Garden is not
held under lease, and it is to be hoped that
the city authorities, taking correct stand
on the question, will decline to permit.
continuance of the landing depot for any
period longer than is absolutely necessary.
Bedloe's Island is no doubt available. Bat
terry Park, without emigrant runners and
others of that class would be welcomed by
thousands of New York citizens.