New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-02-20
THJ BOTANICAL GARDEN PROTECT

An unfortunate obstacle has suddenly been
raised in the way Of the project for Botanical
Garden at Bronx Park. This important enter
prise was started under the most favorable aus
pices. No criticism whatsoever would hold
against tho unscliishncss and the public spirit OF
those who undertook it. With comparatively
little difficulty a suitable bill was passed by the
Legislature year ago which would have brought
about the fulfilmcnt Of the desired object within
a reasonable time and in the best way. This
was not an affair which could be expected to
arouse great public interest immediately, but 1t
was felt by the discerning men who had Tie
matter in charge that public appreciation woUd
rapidly develop and amply reward the expendl-
turc OF time and money and effort for the pur-
peso This expectation has been already III
measure realized Liberal citizens have testified
to their interest by promising considerable sums
Of money. and Columbia College had agreed to
contribute $4,000 to the object. 1t was not
supposed that any opposition would appear IN
any quarter but those who have hitherto ielt
the iyeeSt interest in the undertaking ana nave
done most to promote it now find that they arc
destined t. encounter hindlances and discourage
ments of a serious character
An amendment TO the law under which the
Botanical Garden was to be created has been
presented at Albany modifying the organization
in the supposed interest Of the enterprise and OF
the public. We do not now criticiSe the motives
of those who have proposed this change, but 1t
is our conviction that they am making an I'M
fortunate mistake The opposition represents
several educational institutions in this city whose
officers seem to feel that Columbia has been UNI
duly preferred Accordingly, they desire 70 en-
largo tho number Of managers and virtually 10
change the direction if not the character OF the
enterprise II It were true that the original law
was in some respects unwisely drawn, and that
management representing numerous inshtu-
tons and interests would be moro popular and
efficient the fact would still remain that the
time for useful changes has passed. This IS
proved by tho consequences which have already
followed the Introduction OF the amendments
10 is understood that Columbia has Withdrawn
tho Ter Of S25 900, and that other contributors
arc likely TO take the same course. Instead of
a general feeling OF confidence in the establish
mont of this new and mos- desirable means of
instruction and recreation, a sense OF discourage
mont now prevails.
DUU We LllIH INC tu'uiN vi OPlO'iNpH
was a. wrong as its effects are injurious. There
was no aston for jealousy Of Columbia. No
body had ever limited that a selfish impulse
actuacd that institution or any individual. More
over, it is a fact thar Columbia is peculiarly
qualified to carry ont the project which was in
largo measure committed 10 It's care. Column
hia has Mt only taken distinguished place in
the Advancement of botanical science, but it has
an admirable hcrbarum and an excellent b0tan-
ca library, and it would have given intelligent
and liberal direction TO the new enterprise These
are facts which arc not 10 be doubted and which
ought not to be wnderStimated. If it is 4 qucS-
ton of deserts Columbia deserves to lead the
movement We hope that those who have in
PRODUCED this obstacle may come TO see their
error and may be prevailed upon TO withdraw
The amendment which so seriously threatens the
success Of most useful and honorable unddr-
taking.