New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-09-16
SAFE THE CITY HALL PARK.

Dcspite assertions to the contrary, it is still
an open question whether the new mnnlclpal
building. as to the need Of which there appears
to be no difference Of opinion, shall be placed in
CITY Hall Park. II is Of course, true that the
law passed last winter provides for the erection
of a building in the northeast corner Of the
park: but this decision was reluctantly con-
sented to. and as soon rs the people of the city
learned what sort Of building the commission
ers proposed to put up. the entire plan was
frowned upon. In fact, the Legislature itself
showed strong symptoms of changing its mind,
and probably would have done so if it had not
been for the opposition of the Democratic
members of the Assembly. which was believed
to have been inspired by certain officials in
this city 1t is far from clear that there
is any public opinion worth speaking Of that
favors the surrender Of the whole eastern side
of this little park as a site for the contemplated
building In fact. we are firmly convinced that
public sentiment is all in the other direction,
and that if there could be direct vote of the
people on this scheme it would be effectually
buried.
It is not true, as "The Times" asserted yes
terday. that the building must be erected in
the City Hall Park" This very fact is con
coded by the commissioners in their policy
of giving public hearings on the question at
issue There was no compulSiOn on them to
do this. The hearing a fortnight ago and the
one to be held on Wednesday afternoon of this
week are simply the product of the belief that
the people are opposed to the plan under con-
sideration. The plan for which the commits
soners have invited estimates, etc, provides
for the erection of a building as large as the
Postoflice on the eastern side Of the City Hall
and covering the whole space there except mar
now fringes along Centre-St and Park Row.
That, in our opinion, would be an outrage d
large dimensions, and one which we do not be-
lieve the sober minded citizens Of this town
will ever consent TO if they understand it..
Nevertheless. this is the scheme which will
probably be carried into effect unless the op-
portunity now afforded for denouncing it is
awaited Of to the fullest extent.
The hearing on the 4th inst. vas complete
failure. Not a word was said in condemnation
of the plot to ruin the park, except in an in
direct way, and the only encouragement to be
drawn from the meeting was that nothing was
said in approval Of the commissioners project.
But the burden Of proof is on the other side.
! There must be a large gathering Of influential
citizens in the Mayors office day after to- NOR
row if they mean to carry their point, and they
should be prepared to set forth their sentiments
with gfeat pllnness of speech. Otherwise the
case will 60 by default. There need be n:
hesitation about opposing the use Of the City
Hall Park for this purpose because Of the
| difficulty or expense of getting site else
where A suitable site can readily be found ir
the vicinity Of the City Hall and the city can
well AFT ord to save the park even at the outlay
cf a considerable sum. Now is the time tC
speak, and to speak with emphasis. The meet
ing on Wednesday will probably be decisive
Shall the City Hall Park be saved or destroyed