New-York tribune., 1879-03-15
TENEMENT-HoUsE REFORMATION.

LETTER FROM JOHN Y. CULYER, sUPERINIEND'
ENT OF THE BROOKLYN PARK COMMISSION
TWO LINES OF IMPROVEMENT POSSIBLE.
To The EditOr or the Trt6HHG
SIR: Some one has said in n depreCatory
way regarding the moral stature OF the average
enlisted soldier that cannot expect ali the cardinal
virtues for S13 a month, aud So similarly 1t may be
said Of teuemcnthouse plans whose failure to meek
the purposes indicated IL easy to forecast IN view
OF the conditions that not wisely attached to the
competition. Given these two conditions, first io'
2 feet by 100 the demand for such an Lcome
will be satisfactory to the speculaor OF the ordinary
tenemen BOuse variety, aud you will get house, tne
plan OF bic the will have insisted upon, shall
provide for the utilization of every square foot possible
for the use Of tenants without any great regard for the
comfort OF the tenants themselves The quantity OF
light the provisions for ventilation and the ordinary
requirements closets, etc., nearly liked ana
known quantities. instance with another as can Oe
relief 1t is practicable to secure viii be tat
which shall from legislative prescription as to tho
space square feet, cubic measure, TO he Absolutely
provided TOR person. the basis OF the latest sell
eunc authorities This may be supplemented, with 10
little advantage, by stringent supery in the matter
of cleanly habits OF the dweers, and cleanliness To DC
maintained in the building itself by the sanitary au'
thoritles OF city, which supervision should Oe lnte
gent, honest and frequent.
Now az understand the question and the trend OF the
recent there have been offers Of mark ID ph
anthropic and practical cooperation In the movement
which notably had object the ameoration OF the
poorer classes, ignorance and misforunes COM
bined make them the victims OF the evils OF which
there is much just cause for COMPLAINT lhese goo"
intentions take practical shape ana venture 10
suggest two lines upon which some movement may Dc
instituted.
My propositions must admit, would probably meet
their best development through the munlc ance OF soo
a
Iate A f. stewart, of all men in America, might nave
Deen reasonably looked to to make some sign beloe 10
died In this direction but OF the several anlDU'us
scnem.s lusugurated by him. what one has developed
into practical utility work of philanthropy
The first proposition is for building for tenement
Use The plan is adapted to piece OF prop 'ry Oh
amost any size from 100 feet square 10 that covering
an ordinary CITY block the form OF the building to DO
ou,drau,niar lnclosing court, the more liberal 'ho
better IN. object aud effect ~ which, OF course WI" O'
to secur direct light aud air 10 the suites ot rooms U"
tine inner face OF the building. and thus TO every room
IN the house. central hallway separates
slmilar suite OF rooms on the outer flcs ot the
building, even better provided for In these eS'eu'''
The court may be used, under proper res""'
uous for a playground for children or iou",
tain may be placed within the court and snrf0unu''
with seats, to be used by the tonah'S !" '
weather or some Mr. Crook may be induced 10 P'o'NO
one or two free concerts week during inc "a'
weather of Summer. On the iuncr face OF the Duu"S
piazzas or balconies may be provided with when wiz
communicate the ire-escapcs fron each story the
| Arc.s.copes may b. reached by means ol u'F
way. through the bGilding connecting Ni'a o va
piazz, balcony at frequent intervals 30 u"t ~ All
irr escape should be ob,tructed, Others WOu!d o.
y ayaiiaDlr. IL Is unnecessary 10 10 nIo u,."i uo,
,snsemrnt ,f such buildings; II Il entlrey pIa'tos
liz ~ mnnnge them aud the details can be Woiked o"'
o"e word as 20 the location To add 10 the pracl1ai
er of tAs sort OF philanthropy such buldlnG' suo
bn Ulac,d in the worst most popuous nclS
=, liz city renlacIng the vicious and ramshacklca ~
Ui % s., hcusga Inat now ex st, ANA purifying tV
| de rec the neghborhOOd by the lnnuehcr tH"' SUI"
HUs,idny may be reasonably expected 10 exert -, o,
second propagation involves h Tue pserr iI is teap
snd lLsfy 10 remain So Lay IL out Simply VAIN p'"i