New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-03-19
ARGUMENTS on A NEW PARK.
MEETING OF THE COMMISSION


A LARGE GATHERING IN TIE MAYORS OFFICE
REASONS URGED IN FAVOR or THE PROJECT.
The Park Commission, consisting of Mayor Grace,
Commissioner of Public Works Thompson and Pres
idsuts SIucr, of the Board IT Aldermen, and Asten,
OF the Tax Department, held an adjourned meeting
Yesterday m the Mayors Office There was largo
attendance OF those DESTROYS Of having "A park To-
Gated in the annexed district. Among thosn present
were Ii. b. Clafn, Franklin Edison, General smaller.
Luther Il. Marsh John L. Deyeiln, Lewis T.; d9rTls'
Jordan l.. Mott, II. Z. De GRAF, John Mullaly,
Major George W. Mclean, Egoert l.. Nieie' ana
Park Commi, sioncr5 " ales and MacL Lean.
Mayor Grace said that he was glad so many per-
sons were taking an interest IN park Tor the
annexed district. He and hIs colleagues were
anxious to hear opinions concerning 1t before send
ing thor decision to the legislature EX-ASsenIbiy-
man w. W. Niles, representing the New-lo X IaTk
Association the following as its views in part
In 1853 when the state Legislature passed the central
Park bill the number OF inhabitants In this CITY was
about 100000 To-day It IS estimated at 100000, an
increase OF nearly 100000 since the census OF 1851;
Those who are disposed 10 question the accuracy ~
an sliluatc which puts TIE population OF New, YORK
reUras OF past decades which show an large relative
increase But even the population OF tne 'ltG r w,
We shall have an addition OF 100000 IN;
these additional 100000 people go TO llVei 4at por
ton VIII reside south and what part north OF the Harlem
daG ier n, The gresio" 70 one Found in HTapA
transit ana oT rents tl d tS enn fHSre vii S
100000 inhabitants in 1892 In the twenty
uation large that OF Chicago according TO the last
census il 10000 than the commercial port OF
over 600 cr or ucarly Gonbe That Of his metropolis.
II our city extend only IN northery direction ana
il we would make provision IN time Whon iaud can DC
had low rates that uue regard TO economy requires
that 1t should be purchased in that distinct
at the earliest day possible. II has been said that ths
movement is premature and that many years must
clapsc before the population Of the annexed district WI"
Ileairc grounds there. Had such arguments prevailed
oyCr quarter Of century ago inc CITY OF fors
foGY sNo n p,cTs would he few public
squares. anwot G the name Of parks Viewed as
most protlIahlg Investment for the city, which has
netied to tine public treasury over q2l,00O,OoO. we
f,r .tonrin0 the only stc available within the city
lnits and another for sSiOn TO report upon the
dcsirabity Of park upon jhc SOand IT'S LOCATION ana
the best method OF securing IT,
Luther X. Marsh said that the people oOuld not
have too many pleasure grounds and breathing
places IL to the interest of the citizens
at large to have park established above
the Harlem Rivci. The city was gradually e4-
tending northward. Fifty years rom now its
domain would be far beyond its present
limits. Now was the proper time to loca'e park
in the annexed district, when land was cheap, and
there was large area To choose from.
l.. Friedman opposed the project of 2 park He
declared that assessments Tor vast puplc Improve
mcnts had already hankruptcd many property own
ers and ii this project was carried out II would
bankrupt many more. Professor Arthur II. Dundon,
of he Normal College, laud owner IN the annexed
district, OF the opinion mat thec city should hSt
eyp,nd money IN building new aquadnct in order
that il might have more adequate supply OF water
before providing, az great expense, ano her large
park. Only rich property owners. who could pay
assessments and wait until their property was bene-
flied, would fayori It.
Commits iouer Wales said that he was opposed to
the creation Of a commission. The work of laying
out park il tie annexed district could better nave
been left with the Park Department.
1t had ali the appliances necessary for
tho work. Ii would be necessary for the members
OF the commission to visit personally
the site suggested and examine Tor themselves
There was necessity for haste. He favored park
in the annexed district. There should bea parade
ground for the National Guard and ball ground
for players. The Geological Garden should also DC
placed in the proposed pleasure ground. The ami
mails in Central Park were now so near TO Filth
ave- as to be nuisance. 1t grave mistake
10 take Riverside Park. There were three miles OF
river front occupied, and that, too, when commerce
was rapidly extending that way.
President Sauer said that it was impossible TO
make a report the Legislature lii the short time
allowed. The proposed park would cost from
81 600, 900 to Is, 900, 600. He not wiling TO
make any recommendation concerning project
which would involve the outlay of so large sum
OF money in the short time allowed the commission
for an Investigation. President Asten was OF the
Same mind. AZ the same time he heartily favored
a park in the annexed district But he was not
willing to make any recommendation until he had
given the matter Il thorough investigation