Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-08-14
COUNCILMBN'S VIEWS
REGARDING THE PROPOSED PURCHASE OF TIE
SWEENEY PROPERTY
For Use as a Public Park-Ihs Prgscs Meets
With Favorable Consideration
From Citizens

NAC RlOJENA W EAA
foundry property on Twenty-seyenth
street, for use as public park, REG
IsTER reporter yesterday interviewed
several members OF that body. All
were favorable to the idea OF public
parks, and while none opposed the pro-
posed purchase, several were
in doubt as TO the
wisdom of such a move at this time.
The financial condition of the city gov
eminent was the only objection urged,
but, on the other hand. those who FAVOR
the Idea, argue that the property may
be secured Cd very reasonable terms, as
to price aud time of payment, and
further, that it is important TO take
prompt action, inasmuch as another
such opportunity TO secure desirable
site NAV never again present Itself.
The views of the Counc!lmen wno
were interviewed are given below:
Dr. George |. Caddle-''l am heartily
In favor OF the project, or any other oil
like nature, and l would take pleasure
in voting for the purchase OF the pro-
posed property. l am informed that II
could be purchased at reasonable tg-
ure, and upon easy payments. Inc
fact that the grass plots about the City
Building are not injured, is an argu-
ment that the cost Of maintaining such
park would be very small. The ad-
vantages cannot be Overestimated.
Wheeling should have many parks. l
look forward to the day when the I'M
slightly Sixteenth street cemetery Will
be converted to such use"
Charles Neutrality-suspicious. ward
in the city should have a public square
"a breathing spot for those who work
hard during the day, and for children
and others. ! have not given the pres
ent project much thought, out II the
property can be purchased without
seriously Gripping the financial condi-
tlou Of the city, am in favor of IL"
81. G. Richards ~ am decidedly In
favor OF public parks. We cannot have
too many of them. AS 10 whether the
city should purchase the Sweeney prop
erty, in the absence of full information
in the matter, l 90 not care TO ex-
press an opinion. The REGISTER has
advocated the Improvement OF Wheeling
hill. That is move in the right
direction. That unSightly pile is
barrier TO the progress or the city.
There can be no doubt that many
visitors, who might become investors,
are prevented from doing so by the idea
that there is no room for the town to
grow. The Improvement OF the hill
side is entirely practicable and it is a
matter which should commend itself to
every public spirited citizen"
Allen Brock ~ do not care to com
nit myself regarding the proposition
which the REGISTER is advocating.
One reason is that have not given the
matter much thought. am heartily
in sympathy with any movement to es'
tabish public parks, however"
James 2. MAXWELL am inclined to
think there is not enough ground IN the
property which it is proposee TO pur-
chase to be OF much practical oeneht.
II we are TO have public park. II
should be located where it will do the
most good to the greatest number"
j. Z. O'Malley-"Council has an op.
portunity now which may never again
present itself, TO furnish breathing
spot in the overcrowded city. The To-
cation is an admirable one, and, IL Coun-
Gil is ever to establish park, 1t should
take advantage Of the present oppor-
tunity. For the people living south OF
the creek more central location could
not be secured. If the property can be
purchased on easy payments, l am
heartily in favor of buylH> IT," Sd
w. w. Irwin-"There ere q great
many matters in connection with toe
proposed purchase, which must be taken
into consideration. As | have not had
time TO think of the matter, do not
like to express an opinion as to the wis
dom of the project. / believe in public
parks, and regret that Wheeling has
not one or more Of such institutions.
They are Of incalculable benefit to the
people Of any city. The Sweeney prop
ertv is a good location, and l understand
it can be secured at cost which is very
reasonable, but whether or not the city
can prudently make such an investment
just now, is another question"
Charles Menkemller-"I do not think
that public money can be more judici-
ously used than lin laying out public
parks. Wheeling is sadly lacking in
that particular, and the fact is frequent
" commented upon by visitors. As 10
the purchase Of the Sweeney property, |
will say that l am strongly in favor OF
il, provided II can be secured without
embarrassing the city iu financial way,
or dispensing with other more necessary
improvements. It's location is splendid
one. 1t would not only be be benefit
to people in that locality, but its proX'
unity TO the school building would be in
Itself q very desirable thing. If Council
does not act promptly, however, the
opportunity may pass, aud then the city
will forever be without public parks"
Several prominent gentlemen, not
members of Council, we're enthusiastic
in their approval OF the project. They
not only favored the purchase of the
Sweeney property, but expressed the
opinion that the old Sixteenth GENE
terry should be once converted into g
park, if the legal difficulties in the way
can be removed. This would give a
breathing spot in two sections OF the
city, and the people would be CORE
spondingly grateful. The suggestion
was made that wealthy citizens might
donate a fountain to each park, or the
fountains might be secured through
popular subscriptions.
AN OLD TIME SESSION
Of the Conncn Committee on Health