The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1892-12-30

worth, If the owners won't sell it for a
reasonable aud just price, then take 1t by
condemnation, aud then go to the Legis-
lature and wait until they give sufficient
money TO erect a suitable building.
Alderman Hoos was In favor OF keep
ing the present City Hall until suf-
ficlent money can be obtained to build n
respectable Hall. MIR. Warren endorsed
the remarks of Mr. Carscsllen excepting
those charging bad manaRement on the
part of the Commissioners and compli-
mented the Commissioners upon their
action aud the low price at which they
purchased the present site, claiming they
should receive the thanks of the citizens.
THE COMMISSIONERS PRAISED.
Corporation Counsel Edwards said that
he appeared at the request of the Com
missionefs who desired to get the views
of the people. In order to obtain the ad-
ditional appropriation they would have to
convince The Legislature that no more
would be asked for. The owners of the
property purchased asked fabulous prices
for 1t, but the prices of all except two
pieces were agreed upon without giving
notice of condemnation. He acted for
and economical in the expenditure.
1t was not intended to build
the City Hall in the manner
Government Postoffices were built. get
ting a continual increase of apDropria-
tioD, but for the amount already appro.
priated. 1t is all very we'll to talk about
an increase, but it should be remem bered
that an appropriation OF 800, 600 means
the payment OF 5000 year. Ii un in
crease is obtained for purchasing the bal
aDce of the property they would have to
pay the owners the increase of val
uation caused by the erection
there of a City Hall. and in
cur an additional expense of at least
500, 900 to put four fronts to the building.
The Commissioners would do all they
could to satisfy the people, but they did
not feel like going TO the Legislature to
ask for more money, but if an extra ap-
preparation was secured the people mig ht
be sure it would be spent with cheese
pairing economy.
In answer to DR.. Gordon's question as
to what change in the act of 1892 would
be necessary to secure the additional
appropriation, Counsellor Edwards said
all that would be required would he to
alter the words mot over 100000" to
read mot over $700,000." Mr.. Edwards
further said that the Commissioners did
not propose to pay any such prices for the
property as the owners will demand;
every parcel would be condemned.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.
The motion Of Mr.. Ringle was then
adopted, and Messrs. Ringle. Gordon and
Hall were appointed a committee to draft
resolutions more fully expressing the
sense of the meeting. The committee
reported the following
Whereas, The Commissioners OF the new City
Hall have bought in the name of the city about
one half of the block bounded by Henderson,
Mercer, Montgomery and Grove streets for the
purpose of making it the proposed City Hall
site. and
whereas, We believe that this property is
totally inadequate for the wants of, and not in
keeping with the size, population and impor-
tance OF the city, and we further believe that
Jersey City at this time can afford and should
have site and building which would be a credit
to the city; therefore be it
Resolved That we recommend to the Mayor
and City Hall Commissioners the purchase of
the whole or balance of the block bounded by
Grove, Mercer, Henderson and Montgomery
streets, for the purpose of erecting the propose ed
new City Hall thereon.
Resolved. That the Chairman of this meeting
appoint committee to consult with the Mayor
aud city officials on this subject and to secure
such legislation as may be necessary for the
carrying out of these propositions, at an ad-
ditional expense not to exceed $3.50, 900,
Resolved, That copy of these preambles and
resolutions be forwarded to the Governor-elect.
this County; the Mayor, Board Of Finance and
City Hall Commissioners.
Mr.. Cieary wanted the amount fixed at
$400, 900, and Mr.. Condict spoke against
the adoption of the resolutions. He be-
lteved that the present site was adequate
for the purpose, and there was no reason
in providing City Hall for forty or fifty
years hence, as our grandchildren will
then, no matter how large or Ornamental
1t is, build another on some other site.
The present state of the city's finances
would not admit it. He advocated being
economical and no. wasting money Just
because the city could obtain the money
on credit, the city should get white ele-
phanJ on its hands.
Mr.. Joan W. Heck said the whole ex.
pense would would be met in the increase
of the valuation of the surrounding prop
erty, and without such increase no
presentable front could be erected on the
fece of the building nearest to Grove
street. DIR. Gordon said that the impe-
cunious policy pursued by this city for
the past forty years had always kept 1t
back and accounted for its lack of pro-
gress. 1t had always stood in its own
light and opposed every scheme for
improvement. He referred to several
matters wherein the city had been the
loser by not taking advantage OF the
opportunity.
DR.. Quimby also spoke in favor OF the
resolutions, and they were unanimously
adopted. The Chair appointed Messrs
Ringle. Gordon, Carscallen. Kenny and
Cleary the committee provided for in the
resolution.