New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-04-23
FAVORING THE NEW PARKS.
OPPOSITION TO MAYOR GRACYs SCHEME.
THE BILL DISCUSSED IN THE SENATE AND PRO-
GREss REPORTED.

THE BILL DISCUSSED IN THE SENATE AND PRO-
GREss REPORTED.
lPRoM REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUYE.l
ALBANY, April 22.-In pursuance of the
agreement on Monday evening the Senate resumed dis
cussion OF Mayor Graces BILL repeating legislation Of
last year providing for public parks In the Twenty
aud Twentyfourth Wards Mr. Plunktt replied TO Mr.
Days speech in favor Of the BILL aud said that all the
questions and arguments bearing the necessity adj
Visibility, OF acquiring these parks thoroughly dis
cussed and settled in their favor last The law
passed and met with the approval OF the Governor and
OF the people generally in NewYork. and nothing lad
occurred since that time to change the situation to
furnish substantial reason for its repeal
any portion OF It. The pretence that the
stitu;iona amendment, limiting the Indebtedness Of
cities. would prevent the city from acquiring tho
land was unworthy OF serious consideration. No re-
spectacle lawyer would stake his reputation the
maintenance OF any such position Mr.. Plunkitt then
called attention TO the suspicious character Of this repeal
bill as it first appeared here The original b he said,
after providing for the abolition Of Pelham Park created
another park that would be expensive to be called
Edgewator Park. II also created new commission to
lay out the parks and it a doubtful question
whether the bill as 1t now stands did not virtually
abolish the old commission and create that
would be under the control of the Mayor and continue
In power twenty years
The bill now before the Senate he continued, not only
abolished the whole of Pelham Park which would furnish
the most desirable resort for the poor people OF New
York, but 1t also cut off portion of Van Cortland
comprising the land apart for rife range and ap-
proved by the National Guard II also cuts off valua-
bic portion OF Bronze Park In conclusion Mr. Punktt
said that this bill had been condemned by the Real
Estate Exchange which asked by its promoters to
approve 1t, and that meeting called for tho
special purpose OF approving had turned out dismal
failure On the other hand of the largest taxpayers
in NewYork were In favor of the law It passed last
year and had requested the Legislature to make no
change In IL.
NJ. e. Murphy spoke n favor of the bill and tried TO
make point against last years legislation by saying
that he property OF Pelham Park after the pas
sage Of the bill last year. obtained from the land Office
water rights in order compel the city to pay
extra price for their land. This argument ex-
pOded by Mr. Gilbert, who said that from the moment
OF the passage OF last years net the land Included In
Pelham Park condemned and declared TO he taken
for public parks and public uses and no subsequent
enhance its value TO compel the city to pay
price for It, Moreover 1t did rest with the owners
OF these lands 10 exact any price they choose 10 ASK but
IL would have to be left with commissioners to decide
their value. and commissioner would give them
for the water rights than they paid for them.
Mr. Ellsworth opposed the bill and declared that tho
only question to be discussed as TO the enect
OF the constitutional amendment on last years legsia-
ton Unless this could be shown to prevent absolutely
the city from purchasing these parks IL was not COM
petent for the Legislature TO repeal last years act be-
by that act contract had been established be-
tween the city and the of the property taken.
AS the wisdom OF last years legislation IL had been
emphatcay approved by the General Term OF the SUI
preme Court sitting In Newfork in an opinion written
by Judge Daniels.
At the close of Mr. Esworths remarks the Senate re-
ported progress the bill without liking time Tor re-
newing the discussion upon it. Unless stronger argu
be furnished In its favor than have yet been
advanced IL is certain that cannot pass the senate