New-York tribune., 1879-04-10
LOCAL MISCELLANY.
CENTRAL PARK AS A PARADE GROUND.

CENIRAL BAkh AS a Ah{ADb Ni'O'-'D'
GENERAL sHALER's OPINION OF THE PLAN-HE
THINKS IT COMES TOO LATE.
General Alexander Sbaler, Commander of the First
Division of the National Guard. was asked Jast
evening for his views on the bill introduced into
the Assembly by Mr.. LanRbein, authorizing por-
tion of the Central Park to be set apart as mill
tary parade-grouud.
Il don't kcow anything about the BILL replleu
The General. Ihaye read in the newspapers tha'
such bill waS before the Assembly and bad oeen
ordered 10 a third reading. Those interested
In the matter have not done me the
honor even 10 send nc copy. As i
have not been consulted or advised abont
the bill. and as do not know what the provisions
are. can't speak inteligently on the subject"
How do you regard a scheme 10 take portion
of the Park fors parade ground y
"When the first bill to establish Central Park
was drafted, i. was intended to set aside portion
Of the land for a military parade ground think
that such plan would have been wise one Be
fore any improvements were made the p
rode ground could have been laid out.
l do nos see that 1t would have worked
any dc,riment 10 the Park. IL we had large lawn
in the Park we could have our drills and parades,
and even cavalry movements there, and we wou'd
not have injured the beauty of the place III the
least But now large sums of money have been
spent in making handsome roads and lawns.
! am not IN favor Of destroying what
tlis money has accomplished IN order
~ have pqrade ground. And don't see any way
Of having perfect military ground in the IaIh
uniess YOU cut up the roads. There IS no place
large enough. Ihaye uvcna great deal of atten-
ZION TO this matter and l have studied the
rlan Of the Park very thoroughly. The
only spot that approaches the proper size necessary
for division parade ground IS the sheep pasture.
II is situated on the west side near Sixty
ffth.st. Bat there is not sufficient ground
In the sheep pasture for division dIlI'
A small organization could execute the
necessary military manGuyTes there, but we
don't desire a parsdc-grcund that Is only large
enough for a small detachm, Mt of the militia.
"Tbe question Of having a military ground
in Central Park has been agitated before.
About six or seven years ago there was
n tract of land selected which comprised the
six block nortA If the Central Park. II was
very desirable property indeed, and would nave
made an excellent pdrade-gIOund. felSohs OWL
ing property IN that vicinity had ueaIu lIaI tAo
ground was wanted and Immediately its value in
creased. Too much money was demanded, and the
plau was abandoned. About three OF four years ago
was appointed TO at with tine Palk Commission
ers and 10 select any desrabie uuOccQped property
within the Gy Hills. We az aEI1rI nion on
estate near KluFsbudge. bill authorizing tho
purchase o; tbs property was passed by tle Les.s,
oven 70 tine matter | think killed 1t.
and the bill was repealed. When we want
TO have d division drill now, We have
10 crawl on our knees and ask permission OF the
authorities Of some neighhoImg city. have taken
my command over to Brooklyn, and used s the
paradc-grouud over there. 1t Is contemplated
/ believe, to establish o parade-gTound in
Westchester County. / have received the
text of bill which has been introduced in the Leg
islature or al least il will be introduced during the
present session. in regard 10 the Westchester prop
crty have not examined that bill yet with care"