New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-08-21
OPPOSITION no ME BRIDGE.
AN ADVERSE RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE BOARD
OF ALDERMEN-CosT OF THE NEW COURT HOUSE.

AN ADVERSE RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE boAhp
OF ALDERMEN-COsT OF THE NEW COURT HOUSE.
The Aldermen went to work very lelsurey
yesterday after their two weeks vacation; most OF
them relaxed the slight formal restraint
which controls the average Alderman at the
meetings OF the board Alderman Waehner walked
earelessly back and forth across the chamber
stopping now to borrow some tobacco OF Alderman
Gedney, and now to joke with Alderman slevn; Alder
man SaueT left his seat TO talk in corner with pocai
visitors while the general buzz Of talk was louder than
the voice of the Clerk
The members of the board hastened TO show their
agreement with Controller Kelly in his opposition to
further BROOKLYN Bridge appropriations. Alderman
Phillips introduced long preamble and resolution on
this subject.
The preamble asserts that $3,50OO00 has already
been contributed by NewYOrk TO the work. which Is Oh
doubtful utility and which may at any time be ordered
tO be removed by of the United States courts that
the special legislation In regard to 1t has been without
consultation with the people Government OF this city,
which is liable 10 be damaged by Its completion 70
the amount Of millions OF dollars; that the hhit
OF expenditure fixed by the Law OF 1870 mas
been exceeded; that the 100000 contributed by New
York TO the original company has been refunded
although that contributed by private stockholders has
been returned; that the successful operation OF the
bridge will be direct interference with the ferry fran
chise; that it is obstruction to navigation ana
that its safety when completed according to present
plans is gravely questioned Therefore 1t Is
Resovsd That the action OF the Board Of Estimate ana
AppOronment of this city, in declining 10 order the
issue of any bonds for the completes OF the DuE
in OF construction over the East RIVER between
the Cities OF NewYork and Brooklyn, under inc orGl
ance of May g. 1876. is hereby approved ana the Con-
trOler and the Board of AppOrtOnment are hereoy re-
Quested withhold any further appropriations iOr le
structure until the question Of the liability OF the city
has been determined by the courts.
The resolution was adopted without opposition II
was evident both from the and from the talk OF Al
dermen outside Of the chamber that they would be GLAD
to see NewYork released from any further payments Tor
constructing the bridge If this should result IN the
entire abandonment OF the project and the loss OF the
millions already expended upon 1t. -,
Corporation Counsel Whitney sent 10 the DOaId
an opinion to the effect that the Commissioners
Of the Sinking Fund had authority TO convey
strip Of land at the Battery 60 the United states lOr
barge office. Under the law" he says, the power
conferred upon the Mayor and Aldermen, when WOuid
involve the passage of ordinance ny th9
Common Council approved by the Mayor" TINS
matter was left with the Law Committee a
resolution was adopted requesting the Commissioners
Of the new County Court House TO transmit 10 the
Aldermen a statement Of the contracts made Tor me
completion OF the building, the amount paid, ana the
amount remaining unpaid; the whole amount PAID ny tue
city for salaries or fees the commissioners ana ther
employees; the estimated amount required 70 compete
the building, and the probable date OF completloh'