New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-09-21
THE PARK BOARD AG AIN.

4 number Of intelligent ard publlc-spiriied
citizens we're instrumental in eXtortng several
weeks ago from the president Of the Park Board
through the medium Of Mayor C,ilroy. virtual
proInisc to employ a competent landscape archi-
tcct for the Harlem Speedway lat the proper
fine" and IN acknowledgment that the proper
time hnd in his Judgment. arrived TIL" matter
had since passed ont Of public recollection tenn
porarily. but not out Of the thoughts OF these
citizens Believing that the Park Boards bc-
lated and ungraccful concession should he pun
into practical effect without further delay. they
brought the matter 10 the attention of the Board
ON Wednesday through Commissioner Bell. who
offered resolution requesting McSsrs ~.
Gaulcns. White and Chase to recommend suit
able persons for the place. in order that from
among them a selection might be made.
The mere mention 81 the matter, though intro
duccd in perfectly appropriate manner, AZ once
aroused the resentment Of President tlaus"n
He declared that he had made up his mind
about this landscape gardener business tNh'
he did not propose 10 write any letters TO the
'gcnilcmcn who have been 50 prolific in their
"odvjcc 10 this Board" that he should not ask
them 10 suggest the appointment OF any person
as architect Of the Speedway. that there would
'be no trouble in finding an architect without
"thcir assistance" and that Mr. 81. Gaudrns
and his friends could not run the Park Board.
''Thc woods are full Of landscape gardeners, ne
added with his finest snecr; Il never saw or
heard of 80 many as | have since this contro-
.ycrsy has been on" Mr.. Bell thcrcupon made
a ulipt statement If his understanding of the
situation and Of what The Board had promised
10 do which perfectly agreed with public r"col-
lection but Commissioner Tappan supported the
president, and Mr. Bells proper and sensible
proposition was rejected.
This is merely the latest In a long series "
occurrences which perfectly illustrate tn" total
disregard for public opinion and public utility
of the majority 81 the Park Commission
crs From the inception of the Speedway
project until this hour they have been
obstnatcly resolved 10 manage II In sirct
accordance with their own ignorant con
ccpion II the undertaking. Al one stage in the
controversy with one of their own number Wh"
has since resigned and with Intelligent, citizens
who heartily sustained his views. thcSc public
officials conclusvcly proved that they wor" will
ing not only 10 defy public sentiment but To
break the law. II they could d. 50 without 10"
serious risk ~ punishment. II * shocking
demonstration ~ Tlmmany methods and IN
stincS that men eminent for knOwlc,lg" and SIKH
I'm their high vacations. whose only conce.vabl"
motive Is unsclhshly To- promote The common
welfare should not h" able 10 make n courteous
suggestion I" The head ~ public department
wlihou, being inSullcd. These gentlemen have
no possible interest in hS matter which * not
also The interest of The people. They know. ~
everybody knows. that their opinion In such
case is valuable ana they therefore IN a public
spirited way cndcavorcd 10 make their superior
knowledge aud standing I'm their profession ser
ylccablc 10 the community For this they have
been snuhhcd aud sneercd az by the president
II m" Park Board
Whatever ia. immediate consequences - this
official conduct aS respects the Speedway may
bc. there H. happily. no doubt that the decent
citizens ~ New York are doathly sick Of such
imI,udcnt tyranny: and Their" IS no objection 10
President Clnl>"n's deriving ~ much satiSfac
ton ~ h" can from the consciousness iha, he
In, contributed his full share 10 produc" that
feeling ~ disgust and Indignation with which
the whole scheme and operation Of Tammany
government are now contemplated.