The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1894-05-26
NBV BRA, NOW
The Corner Stone of Jer-
sey City's Future
Greatness Laid
Today.
IN THE NEW CITY HALL
Mayor Wanser With Silver
TroWel Performs an I'm
ostentatious Ceremony
of Vast Purport.
MATERIAL TO BUILD ON.
Present Institutions Out Of
Which New York's Future
Rival is to be Con-
strueted.
THE CITY HALL PROJECT
History and Plans of the Build
ing-Its Progress and
Prospects.
THE CITY HALL PROJECT
History and Plans of the Build
ing-Its Progress and
Prospects.

About one hundred people, most of whom
were city officials. gathered at the north
western corner of the City Hall site at noon
today to witness the laying of the corner
stone There was no ceremony of any
character. such as has marked similar events
in other cities Those present expressed
their regret that such an event should be al
lowed to pass virtually unnoticed
Promptly at noon Mayor Wanser, accom-
panied by his secretary, John Nevin, and
the City Hall Commissioners and their clerk,
G. Fred Farrell proceeded from the old City
Hall TO the scene of the corner stone laying.
The people who were interested enough in
the event to go and see it were crowded
about the stone, examining and commenting
upon its beauty.
A cheer was given as Mayor Wanser ap-
preached He bowed in return and took a
stand to the left of the workmen, who were
busily engaged preparing for the setting of
the stcne.
At fifteen minutes past twelve O'Clock the
sheet lead box which was placed in the
stone was set in place. Clerk Farrell then
deposited in it a copy of THE JERSEY CITY
News and other newpapers q copy of the
laws relating to the City Hail. a legislative
manual, Rarrison's Street Directory, maps
of Jersey City and Hoboken and the names
of all the city officials and contractors, City
Hall reporters of the local papers, the Gus
tomary set of gold and silver coins, and
about 50 in change In addition to this
spectators contributed about So more.
The Ieaden cover was sealed and fastened
down. A granite block cover measuring
two inches in thickness was placed upon
this and then the block which covered the
stone was swung into place. The mortar
was spread by a helper of Il. ]. Langtry,
who conducted the work. When it had
been finally set in place the Mayor was pre-
sented with a solid silver trowel, made by A.
Walter & Son, by President Pearson on be-
half of the City Hall Commissioners
The Mayor did the necessary pointing up.
This completed the ceremony, which, to say
the least, was decidedly uninteresting.
At half past twelve it was all over, and at
the invitation of City Hall Commissioner
Datz the Mayor and all the other officials
present proceeded to the Hotel Washington,
where fine dinner was enjoyed. Prior to
his departure from the scene Mayor Wanser
gave the workmen IS with which to cole
brate the occasion
Among those who witnessed the ceremony
were:-Ex-Co Corporation Counsel William D.
Edwards. Treasurer Dickinson, Comptroller
Hough, Tax Commissioners Clarke, Lahey
and Love and Clerk. Connolly, ex-City
Treasurer j. B. Cleveland, John E. Near
thur, Alderman Dusenbery, Clerk Finck of
tho Board Of Finance, Assistant Philip Nc
Govern ]. E. Bernstein, City Clerk Scott,
n. Furey. John Nolan, Adolpn Walter, R.
q. Irquabart, Robert Davis, Captain Far
rier, F. P Van Saun, Charles Westeryelt
Horace Farrier and ex-Police Commissioner