New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-09-28
IS CENTRAL PARK SAVED?
GOOD NEWS FROM CHAIRMAN BoGART.
PLENTY OF PRIVATE LANDS HE SAYS, CAN BE
HAD JUST OUTSIDE THE CITYS FINEST
EXHIBIT AT THE WORLDS FAIR.

PLENTY OF PRIVATE LANDS, HE SAYS, CAN BE
HAD JUST OUTSIDE THE CITYS FINEST
EXHIBIT AT THE WORLDS FAIR.
The powerful opposition to the use of any part OF
Central Park site for the Worlds Fair is already
beginning TO show Its effects. John Bogart, chair
man of the subcommittee buildings, which has
been actively engaged for the last week since the
Committee on site and Buildings adopted site. In
aScerainng from private owneIs Of ground north OF
Central Park the terms upon which their lands could
be obtained for the purposes Of the Exposition said
yesterday that the committee had been greatly en-
couraged In its laboIs by disposition on the part Of
owners generally TO make satisfactory terms Nearly
all Of the had been seen. and all but few Of
them had expressed a willingness TO permit the use
of their lands for reasonable percentage upon their
value rental. Members of the committee had heard
of owners had determined 10 ask eXOrbant prices
for the of theft properties, but none such had bc'n
met as yet. In fact Mr. BOgart said, the committee
had been much surprised at the generous public spirit
ednese shown thus far by those who OWE small or large
of land in the ncighborhood of the northern ex
temity Of Park and that the members were highly
gratled with the progress they had been able 10 dAc
The committee. he said, hoped to be able to make
report TO the full committee early next week. This
report would state in detail the area of private iaus
that could be secured ard the terms.
The progress so far. Mr. Bogart said, warranted him
be obtained from private owners north and west OF
Central Park without encrOachng upon the "PeOpes
Pleasure Ground" at all Those who believed that the
PARK would be ruined by having any part OF the EN-
position within 1t might now rest assured that the
Park was safe. 1t apparent, Mr.. Bogan said,
that public opinion had become crysallized in oppo-
son TO the use of Central Park, and no effort would
be spared to secure the needed beyond its bound
aries. There was no doubt in his mind that with
Riverside and MOrningsdc parks added to the avail
able private lands there would be enough ground for
all the purposes of the Fair.
AS matter OF fact, Mr. Bogart said, while many
of the members of the Committee on site and Build
ings really favored the of small part of Central
Park a majority favored the adoption of the rcsolu-
ton that it should be used only found necessary
bit of diplomacy. II the owners of property
north Of the park felt sure that their land must
be used they would ask eXolbtant rates for It,
but II convinced thar the committee would fall back
upon Central Park in acceptable terms for private
lands could not be arrived at, they would naturally
be inclined to be more reasonable. At any tate.
II never contemplated TO any part of Central
Park excepting a last resort, and he felt sure
that the committee would not be forced to this
extremity. With the Exposition just north Of the
park, thousands of people would find their way 10
1t and from it through Central Park, which would
become a grand and beautiful entrance TO the EX-
position grounds
The Engineering and Building Record" in its issue
today says Whatever differences of opinion there
may be as the relative advantages of various sites,
the great mass of New Workers would be willing to
stand by the committees decision and give to the
Exposition enterprise loyal support; but on the
question of taking Central Park there can be no
compromise. IL is not a question of how much
damage will be done or how long it Will take to
repair the damage 1t is a question OF setting
precedent, that when there IS great temptation
in the future shall be unable TO resist the APP
preparation of park spaces in order to the money
that would be needed to purchase sites elsewhere
"NewYork has chief thing TO exhibit at this
Fair, and that is Central Park This should be on
exhibition. Then If The Park Commissioners could
their way clear to erect some lunching places
some rustic buildings, which should be put up
under their direction and under their CONTROL a
system OF return checks could be adopted by which
visitors TO the Fair could leave the heated buildings
and spend some time in that beautiful rural locality
We want very much to the Fair held in
NewYork We do not believe il VIII be if the
proposition TO any portion of Central Park is in
sisted upon We trust therefore. that the Committee
Sites Will promptly announce TO the public thai
they have abandoned the idea of using any portion |
Of Central Park"